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What do studies say about TNR?

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Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs can reduce the size of feral cat colonies and improve the lives of cats: 

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  • Colony size

    TNR programs can reduce the number of cats in a colony over time. For example, a study at the University of Florida found that the number of cats on campus decreased by 66% after 11 years of TNR. 

  • Shelter intake

    TNR programs can reduce the number of cats taken to shelters. For example, a study of six cities found a median reduction of 32% in feline intake over three years. 

  • Shelter euthanasia

    TNR programs can reduce the number of cats euthanized in shelters. For example, a study of six cities found a median reduction of 83% in shelter euthanasia over three years. 

  • Kitten intake

    TNR programs can reduce the number of kittens entering shelters. For example, a study of six shelters found a median reduction of 40% in the number of kittens entering the shelters. 

  • Community cat colonies

    TNR programs can reduce the number of cats in community cat colonies. For example, a TNR program in Cook County, Illinois reduced the size of community cat colonies by 41% in five years. 

Glossary

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  • TNR  -  Trap, Neuter, Release (sometimes TNVR; Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release)

  • Community Cat  -  Any cat living exclusively outdoors, with or without a caretaker

  • Feral Cat  -  Feral cats are not socialized to humans. Not all community cats are feral, and not all feral cats are unowned. Feral refers only to the cat's behavior.

  • Friendly Cat  -  Friendly cats are fully socialized to humans. Most cats living outdoors fall somewhere between friendly and feral.

  • Colony  -  A group of cats living together who share a social bond. A colony of cats may become insular and fight off other groups of cats or individual outsiders.

  • Cluster  -  An area with a high number of community cats that do not necessarily share a social colony bond.

  • Companion Cat  -  An cat that is socialized and adopted as a companion to humans

  • Working Cat  -  A cat with a caretaker in a barn, warehouse, or similar indoor/outdoor habitat whose job is to be a mouser. These cats are often as least semi-feral and are unsuited for adoption as companion cats, but make great employees!

  • Caretaker  -  A person who routinely cares for one or more community cats. They are the best possible ally for a TNR group!

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