If you've had experience with Trap-Neuter-Return programs could you please share it?

Question

There are entirely too many strays and ferals in my area and it's pretty urban so it's crowded and dangerous for these cats with little decent food. I've been feeding them, which has lead to me acquiring 4 new pets this year. Obviously I can't take in any more and they need to stop breeding at the very least. I met one tonight who I assumed was feral since he ran before but I said "kitty" and he came back and rubbed on me. He's a pretty orange tabby with an extra toe. Very cute. It makes me so upset that someone didn't bother to take care of him.

The problem is that even if I trap these cats, where do I keep them until it's time to take them in? They're only out when it's dark. I have a really open floor plan so I can't bring one in otherwise it would come in contact with my pets and I can't really leave it outside because I assume it would cry and the neighbors would complain. This is the problem that's bothered me the most. If there are any suggestions I'd love to hear them.

Any information you all can share would help a lot. I think I need to do something. I have read up some online but I'd like to hear some actual experiences before I start calling.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The TNR program where I live at set traps at night and picks the kitties up in the morning and there is no charge for their services. They make a notation of where the animal was caught and release them in the same spot. I feed about 8 to 10 feral cats daily and even though most have known me from the time they were tiny they won't get any closer than 3 feet from me. I'm not sure about all feral cats? But the ones around me seem to be too smart for traps they are using and are lucky if they catch 1 in 10 cats. I've had better luck feeding them on my porch and while they are eating snatch them up fast and tossing them in the house LOL Only problem with this is if they arrive in a pet carrier instead of a trap I have to pay $25 because they assume it's my pet and not feral. Hum I guess they have put their hand in the cage when they are awake? They would learn fast the cat isn't a sweet little house cat that I'm bring in to get fixed. For more info on Feral cats check this site: http://feralcat.com/  

Answer 2

The TNR program in Houston is really easy and accomodating. They only require that you bring in the animal in the trap before 10AM and they will have it ready to go back home by 4PM--no charge.

I have used it on two occasions. One was a big, mean tomcat who had come to trust me for food and water and was camping near my home, and then I caught his lady friend on a different day. I brought him home pretty well doped up and was told to keep him in the garage with the cage door open that night until he got his bearings again. By the next morning he was out of the cage and waiting as usual by my front door for his feed.

Pretty much the same for his spouse ;-))

The good part is that these two cats had 2 litters of 4 cats each in the preceeding 9 months and now they are not making any more unwanted, unadoptable strays.

TNR is a great program and many local SPCA's are using it. It is a real boon to the community because it doesn't get the cats killed and their colony will decrease as the older cats die off naturally.

***EDIT***

BTW when the cats are returned the top of one ear is cropped off so no one will return it for a second not-so-much-fun-for-cats experience.

Answer 3

I actually don't have much experience with trap neuter release, but I do know that there is a national organization called "Alley Cats" that does nothing but promote trap neuter release.  It also keeps a list of local and state organizations that will help you set up a game plan.  The website is www.alleycat.org.

But generally, start with your local humane societies, rescue groups, and even animal control.  If none of these are willing or unavailable, find like minded people and a good vet who is willing to do low cost spay and neuter.  

Hope this helps!

I

Answer 4

Try setting traps and Taking them in next morning. And why would you return if your tryin to help yur area? That is just returning rabid kitties out again. Neautering costs a great deal of money. And it seems your talking a lot of cats.

Answer 5

contact information below for Alley Cat Allies.  perhaps Elena can help you with a feral cat s/n clinic in your area so that it will be free to you. She may also be able to help in getting volunteers to help you.  Good luck!!  Thank you for helping the kitties that others threw away.  

[e-mail]

Elena Johnson

Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator

7920 Norfolk Ave. Suite 600

Bethesda, MD 20814-2525

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

  

Answer 6

Miranda-  if you trap them the night before and cover the cage so that its dark- make sure that they have air - they don't make any noise at all-  I did six TRN at once, all you have to do is cover the cage- it calms them down . Most of them can't resist tuna- so two nights before they are scheduled, reduce the amount of food you give them so that they are hungry the night before the surgery- then use tuna in the trap cage- they go for it every time-  Also you keep up the good work- TNR program works to reduce the number of unwanted strays and ferals- research discovered that when cats are removed from colonies- the colony stresses out and they breed- so its  best to put them back- if you can continue to feed them, try a remote area away from your house-  many feline diseases are air born and/or can be brought in the house on your shoes.  

Answer 7

yes, get in touch with alley cat allies and see if they have a person in your area. They usually have several members and helpers in most urban areas. check their site and find the contact person near you. call them and explain your situation. they have people that can come help trap, temporarily "house" the animals before and after surgery - for post op watching and care. they may also be able to transport, set up appointments with a vet that will do them, and help pay for at least part of the surgery. When the cat is on it's feet again it will be released back to it's original colony.

Answer 8

Thank you for doing something!

I have a large kennel set up in my garage if I have to keep them for more than 24 hours before thier appt. If it's less than 24 hours, I leave them in the have-a-heart trap. I know it sounds hard... but 24 hours is nothing compared to the rest of thier lives. Ya know.

Can you try something like that? Do you have a porch? Remember... these cats are used to the elements and staying in a garage or porch won't hurt them. It's hurts you more than them.