Trap Neuter Return (TNR)
What is TNR?
Trap Neuter Return (TNR) is the humane and effective method for managing community (outdoor) cat populations. Cats are safely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear tipped for identification, and then returned to their outdoor home.
TNR stops the breeding cycle, prevents future litters, reduces nuisance behaviors, and improves the overall health of the cats.
Why TNR Matters
One unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce dozens — even hundreds — of kittens over time.
Without intervention:
• Litters are born outdoors
• Kittens become sick or under socialized
• Shelters become overcrowded
• Rescues are overwhelmed
TNR addresses the root cause: overpopulation.
By preventing births before they happen, we reduce suffering, lower shelter intake, and stabilize colonies long term.
What Happens During TNR?
Each cat receives:
• Spay or neuter surgery
• Rabies vaccination
• Ear tip (the universal sign a cat has been sterilized)
• Basic wellness check
After recovery, cats are returned to their familiar territory where they continue to live — but no longer reproduce.
When Do We Return vs. Rescue?
PurrJoy evaluates each cat individually.
• Friendly, social cats may enter foster care for adoption.
• Truly feral or unsocialized cats are returned through TNR.
Our goal is responsible placement when possible and humane population control when adoption is not appropriate.
Our Vision
We are growing our TNR program so fewer kittens end up homeless and fewer emergency rescues are needed. Every surgery prevents future suffering and reduces the strain on our community.
Our long term goal is simple:
Fewer litters. Fewer emergencies. More stable colonies. More joyful lives.
How You Can Help
• Report unsterilized outdoor cats
• Sponsor a spay or neuter
• Become a colony caretaker
• Volunteer to help trap
• Donate toward our TNR fund
Prevention saves more lives than reaction.
