Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR)

RMACA is the only organization in the Denver metro area dedicated to providing non-lethal population control for feral cats, utilizing a method known as trap, neuter, and return (TNR). TNR was designed as a humane means to stop feral cat colonies from continuing to reproduce by humanely trapping feral cats, spaying/ neutering them, and releasing them back to their home territories. Many TNR programs (RMACA included) also test feral cats for FIV and FeLV, as well as vaccinate the cats against diseases such as distemper and rabies.

Since RMACA is alone in our focus (in Denver), we get anywhere from 10 to 30 calls every day from concerned citizens asking us for help with stray and feral cats. While this may not seem overwhelming, it can take anywhere from several hours to several months to trap and neuter a single feral cat colony, depending on the environment and number of cats. Because we have very few volunteer trappers compared to the enormous amount of calls we get, we cannot send a volunteer out to TNR every feral cat colony. However, we are happy to provide you with the detailed resources necessary for resolving most feral cat issues. Most importantly, to prevent more unwanted litters, we strongly urge you to begin implementing TNR for your feral cat colony, as soon as possible. Please dont delay taking action, as every week that goes by results in complications.

RMACA will send you a TNR information packet that will provide resources you need to help feral cats at no cost to you (though we do appreciate donations!). Our TNR information packet includes: a list of places in the metro Denver area to rent or borrow humane traps; instructions on how to trap feral cats correctly and humanely; directions to the vet clinics we use in Denver and procedures to follow when working with these facilities; and finally, a reusable voucher that will allow you to take as many feral cats to the clinics as you like. When you present the voucher, the clinics will test all cats (8 weeks of age and up, or 2 pounds and over) for FIV/FeLV, spay or neuter, and vaccinate at no charge to you. The cats must be returned to the same location they were trapped. If you are currently feeding a feral cat colony, and are interested in receiving this packet, please call 303-202-3516 and leave a complete name and mailing address (spelling anything if necessary) or e-mail your name and address to our rescue coordinator at rescue@rmaca.org.

We try to reserve our trained trapping volunteers for very large colonies (10 + cats), or colonies whose caretakers are physically unable to trap themselves. If you are feeding a colony of 10 or more cats, please visit our "Divine Feline--Mobile Spay/Neuter Services" page. If you are physically unable to trap due to age or disability, please call 303-202-3516 and leave a message, or e-mail us at rescue@rmaca.org, to request assistance. If we have a volunteer available, we will do our best to accommodate you. In order for our volunteers to TNR a feral colony, the cats should already be on a daily feeding schedule, have some sort of reasonable shelter, and we must speak to the owner of the premises to obtain permission to trap on their property and to schedule an access time. It may take several days to trap a cat, or longer if more than one cat is involved.

Thinking about Trapping?

Please visit our FAQ section for answers to commonly asked questions you might have if you're thinking about trapping feral cats.

What to expect if you are going to trap cats:

Trapping feral cats for TNR for the first time can be an emotional and daunting undertaking. You might feel as though you are not up to the challenge. We understand that, at first, it's hard work! Its important to maintain your focus on keeping things from getting worse, and you will be exceedingly rewarded when your efforts have provided a group of feral cats with the best life that they could possibly hope for.

Sometimes people question whether it is inhumane to simply fix a cat and "put it back out." As Cole McFarland with the Labatt County Humane Society said once:

Well intentioned people argue that it is our responsibility to kill ferals kindly, rather than let them face the rigors and perils of an uncertain future. When I observe a recently caught feral cat cringing in terror in the corner of its cage, I see a being not unlike myself. If I were that feral, facing an immediate, albeit painless death, or a chance at lifereplete with all the perilous uncertainties it holds I would choose life. And so for these ferals, I can choose no less.

Feral cats have the mind of a wild animal (such as a fox or raccoon). They are not pining away, wishing they could be sleeping at the foot of your bed. They are wild animals that want nothing more than to be right where they are, in a familiar and comforting environment. TNR has proven itself as the most effective and humane way of stabilizing feral cat populations. Thousands of kittens are spared from life on the street, and the sterilization and proper management of feral colonies gives the cats a much more comfortable life. In the end, everyone benefits. If you have any questions or concerns about TNR, or just need a shoulder to lean on, never hesitate to contact us via phone or e-mail.

Why you should TNR your colony:

Numerous studies have shown that trap/neuter/return programs are the most reliable method of stabilizing and reducing feral cat populations, with the lowest cost to local governments and residents. Cats that are spayed and neutered enjoy a safer and more comfortable existence, free of the mating behaviors that annoy neighbors and threaten their lives (roaming, fighting, spraying, yowling, and giving birth over and over again.) By sterilizing and managing feral cats, you also prevent countless unwanted kittens from being born on the streets.

Preparations:

If you have decided that you would like to help a feral cat colony, chances are you have already begun to educate yourself on the proper way to do this. It is imperative that you follow correct TNR guidelines to help minimize stress for both you and the cats. Before you start trapping, please read our FAQ section and humane trapping instructions carefully. Be sure you also read our Trapping Do's and Donts section below. It is also a good idea to visit other feral cat websites, such as www.alleycat.org and www.feralcat.com, to further educate yourself on correct TNR procedures.

Trapping Do's and Don'ts:

  • DO learn as much as you can about TNR and feral cat trapping BEFORE you start.
  • DO scout out the colony you are planning to TNR BEFORE you start trapping (to determine how many cats there are and whether there are kittens, etc.).
  • DO try and recruit help from cat-friendly family, friends, and neighbors to lessen your work load.
  • DO make sure that you keep all traps with cats inside covered at all times.
  • DO make sure you have a veterinarian lined up BEFORE you start trapping.
  • DO have a quiet, weather-proof place (spare room, insulated garage, basement, etc.) where you can keep cats overnight (in their traps) before and after they go to the vet clinic.
  • DO hold all cats (in a weather-protected place, inside a trap or carrier) an absolute minimum of 12 hours after surgery (24 hours is strongly recommended).
  • DO keep feral cats and your own cats well separated, especially before the feral cats are tested.
  • DO make sure you are in a closed room if you try to transfer a cat or to feed a trapped cat after surgery.
  • DO follow basic safety precautions while trapping cats.
  • DO seek the advice of a medical professional immediately if you are bitten by a cat.
  • DO contact RMACA if you have ANY trapping questions.
  • DON'T ever leave a set trap unattended (a trapped cat is extremely vulnerable to predators, people, and weather).
  • DON'T ever let a cat out of a trap without it being fixed first! (Many cats will not go in a trap a second time and you will be stuck with an untrappable breeding machine.)
  • DON'T try and transfer a cat from a trap to another holding device or feed a trapped cat outside (many people have accidentally lost a cat this way before the cat was fixed).
  • DON'T trap if the vet clinic is going to be closed the following day.
  • DON'T hold a cat longer than 48 hours in a trap or carrier for recovery (unless specified by a veterinarian or another qualified professional).
  • DON'T stick your finger through the trap to pet the cat (a cat can bite through the tip of a wooden spoon).
  • DON'T ever release a cat into an unfamiliar location without following our relocation guidelines.
More About Feral Cats

Learn more about feral cats and their care.

Success Story

"Hi my name is Melissa, about 19 yrs ago someone dropped off a litter of kittens, one female moved into our barn she had 3 litters of kittens before we could trap her and most of her kids, her first litter had 3 kittens, the next had four, and the last had six." more >


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303-202-3516
2600 West 2nd Avenue
Unit 8
Denver, CO 80219
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