Trap-neuter-return (TNR) is a program in which unsocialized outdoor cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped and returned to the location where they were found.

Colony caretakers provide food, water and shelter as necessary.​ TNR is the most humane and effective method for stabilizing and eventually reducing outdoor cat populations.

Left unsterilized, the cats and their offspring would continue to reproduce, potentially introducing thousands of unwanted cats into the community.

Why can't these cats be adopted?
If a kitten is young enough to be socialized, or if the cat was previously socialized (as is often the case of owned cats who have been abandoned), they can absolutely be adopted into loving families!

​However, many of these outdoor cats have not had positive exposure to humans and will never feel comfortable around them. Forcing these cats to live in an unfamiliar location with scary people is inhumane. Instead, returning them to the area where they are comfortable, while ensuring their basic needs are met and they are no longer able to reproduce, is the best option for these cats.
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Credit: SPCA of Wake County
If you have a cat colony in your neighborhood, you can schedule a spay/neuter appointment through HSMC. Ideally, all feral cats will be scheduled as female cats (even if they're male) to allow for enough time to properly provide care.
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For more information on Trap-Neuter-Return, including step by step trapping guides, please read How You Can Help Community Cats: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trap-Neuter Return by Alley Cat Allies.

Other options for TNR support in our area:​