Trap~Neuter~Release
For over 50 years CLAWS has been helping rescue, rehabilitate and rehome unwanted or abandoned animals. Another part of our rescue endeavors includes TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release). This is a big part of what we do and what all of us at C.L.A.W.S. believe in.
Benefits
The benefits of TNR include reducing the number of cats entering animal control, which in turn decreases euthanasia rates. It also helps limit the spread of disease and prevents countless litters from being born in harsh outdoor conditions, reducing kitten mortality.
There are numerous feral cat colonies throughout Bergen and Hudson Counties. We regularly receive requests for assistance from community members who feed outdoor cats or discover colonies in neighborhoods, business areas, parking lots, wooded spaces, construction sites, and other locations.
How it Works
Once we are called in, our team of trappers goes to assess the situation and start to build a plan. Sites with multiple cats can take months to complete. Each cat must be carefully trapped, brought to our vet, examined, treated, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, held for recovery, and returned to their colony.
During their surgery, one ear is tipped. This is done so that it is known that this specific cat has already been spayed or neutered. This ensures that this cat does not have to be trapped again unless it's injured and in need of veterinary care.
Once that colony is complete, we help the people caring for the colony with food, shelters, and continued veterinary help if needed.
Our TNR Process in Action
Approximately 90% of the cats we trap from colonies are truly feral and cannot be domesticated or adopted. After being spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and medically treated, they are returned to their original colony where dedicated community caregivers continue to provide food and monitoring.
When we encounter a friendly or socialized cat, we bring them into our foster program, ensure they are fully vetted, and place them up for adoption. We also often trap pregnant cats and bring them into our care so they can give birth in a safe, comfortable environment. Once the kittens are weaned, they are fully vetted and adopted into loving homes. The mother cat is spayed, and if she is social, she is adopted as well.
TNR is a complex and labor-intensive process that requires careful planning, problem-solving, and hands-on dedication. We are always looking to expand our team of volunteer trappers.
If you’re interested in learning more or joining our TNR team, please email us at clawsadopt@yahoo.com. The work is challenging, rewarding, and truly makes a lasting difference in the lives of feral cats.
