What is Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, & Return (TNR/TNVR)?

TNR/TNVR is the humane and effective approach to curbing stray and feral cat populations. The program involves 3 steps:

Trap

A stray or feral community cat is trapped with a humane box trap.

Neuter and Vaccinate

At a veterinarian clinic, the cat is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped.

Return

The cat is returned to its outdoor home where they were originally trapped.

Tabby cat with green eyes laying on dry leaves and twigs, surrounded by greenery.

What is Ear Tipping?

Ear tipping is a humane way to mark stray/feral cats that have already been trapped, neutered/vaccinated, and returned (TNVR) to their outdoor homes. It involves surgically removing a small portion of the cat’s ear (usually the tip of the left) while the cat is already under anesthesia during spay/neuter surgery.

This is a universally recognized method to help animal control officers, shelter workers, and caregivers easily identify cats that have already been sterilized, preventing unnecessary trapping or further surgery. It’s an important part of TNR programs, which help manage feral cat populations and improve their health and welfare.

Want to talk with someone from FFF about your next steps with a community cat? Please fill out our contact form to get help.

A pet store with covered animal carriers and paperwork, various pet supplies on display shelves, and a person kneeling nearby.

TNVR and Rescue/Fostering

TNVR and Rescue/Fostering both work to help the overall well-being of stray and feral cats, but they serve different purposes. TNVR focuses on stabilizing outdoor cat populations, while rescue and fostering aim to rehabilitate and re-home socialized cats in need.

Friends of Feral Felines is a TNVR organization, not a rescue organization. We do not have a shelter facility or provide fostering services. Our main focus is on educating the public about feral and stray community cats, why Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, & Return (TNVR) of community cats is so important, and providing the necessary tools for community members to succeed in the TNVR process.

If you have a tame cat or kitten who needs to be rescued or fostered, please use PetFinder to find one nearest to you.

Interested in more resources?

  • A great place to start is on our Resource page for Best Practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for Community Cats.

  • Alley Cat Allies describes TNVR as one of the most effective ways to stop the breeding cycle which helps community cats live healthier lives. TNVR also puts a stop to the endless numbers of kittens born outside who ultimately suffer the most. Please see Alley Cat Allies for more information about the TNVR process.

  • We are happy to assist you with helping community/feral cats in and around Charlotte, NC. Please contact us through our online form or call our hotline number.

  • Please visit one of the following websites to find more information on TNVR and low cost spay/neuter clinics in your area — Alley Cat Allies, Fix Finder, and Animal League - Spay USA.