TNR for Stray & Feral Cats
(TRAP, NEUTER, RETURN)
Information and resources to help you understand, start, or support TNR efforts in Arizona.
I put this page together because, while there’s a lot of great information out there about TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. My goal was to create one place that pulls together the best, most useful resources and explains the process in a way that’s easy to follow, whether you’re totally new to TNR or not. This is something I care deeply about, and I hope this page helps you feel more confident and empowered to make a difference.
– Rachel Perez
About TNR
TNR is widely recognized as the most effective and humane way to manage outdoor cat populations.
What Is TNR?
TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return. This means:
- Stray or feral cats are humanely trapped.
- They’re then spayed or neutered by a veterinarian.
- And finally, they’re returned to their original outdoor home.
And that last part is important. In Arizona, it’s actually a felony to relocate a cat, even if it’s a stray with no owner. They MUST be returned to their original territory.
Benefits of TNR
1.
Population Control
TNR stops the endless cycle of reproduction. One fixed cat today means dozens, if not hundreds, fewer cats in the future.
2.
Better Behavior
Fixed cats fight less, yowl less, and roam less. This leads to fewer complaints and less stress for both cats and people.
3.
It’s Humane
Instead of being trapped and killed in shelters due to lack of adoptability or space, cats are allowed to live out their lives peacefully.
4.
Saves Resources
TNR reduces shelter intake, euthanasia rates, and taxpayer costs associated with animal control.
How TNR Works
Let’s say you’ve found a cat. What next?
STEP 1:
Determine if the cat is a stray.
Start by asking around; talk to your neighbors or anyone who lives or works nearby to see if they recognize the cat. Sometimes cats have regular outdoor routes, and you may discover it belongs to someone.
Post a photo of the cat on apps like Nextdoor, or in local Facebook groups for lost pets. It’s possible the cat is lost and someone is looking for it.
Next, check for an ear tip. Cats who have already been through a TNR program will have a small, straight cut on the tip of one ear, usually the left. This is done under anesthesia and is a universal sign that the cat has been spayed or neutered and does not need to be trapped again.
If the cat appears to be living outdoors, doesn’t have an ear tip, and no one claims it, it’s likely a good candidate for TNR.
STEP 2:
Make a plan.
Find a local spay/neuter clinic that accepts feral cats in your area. Look for a high-quality, high volume spay and neuter clinic that accepts feral cats. These clinics are trained in smaller incisions and techniques that allow cats to heal faster.
You can expect costs around $50–$90, or even free depending on what area of the valley you are in and what programs are available.
Also, make sure to understand any requirements the clinic has for types of traps they can accept.
You can also submit a request for help with trapping from ADLA (Animal Defense League of Arizona).
STEP 3:
Trap the cat.
You’ll need a humane box trap that meets the requirements of the spay/neuter clinic. You can purchase one, borrow one from someone, or possibly rent one from your spay/neuter clinic.
Here’s how it works:
- Place food (like canned cat food or tuna) at the far end of the trap
- Set the trigger plate
- When the cat steps inside to eat, the plate triggers the door to close behind them
Click here for some great tips for successful trapping.
You’ll trap the cat the night before your vet appointment and keep the cat in the trap somewhere safe overnight, like a spare bathroom tub or a quiet garage.
STEP 4:
Get the cat spayed or neutered.
That next morning, you’ll drop the cat off at the spay/neuter clinic for their appointment, and then you’ll pick them up later the same day.
You will need to keep them somewhere safe for about 24 hours for a male, or a little longer if it’s a female, so they can recover before being sent back out into the wild.
You can hold the cat in the trap (or a larger crate if they’re friendlier) in a quiet, temperature-controlled space like a spare bathroom, laundry room, or garage (if it’s not too hot or too cold). Consider lining the floor with a towel or puppy pad to absorb any messes.
Avoid opening the trap unless absolutely necessary. Most feral cats are very scared and may try to escape. Keep them covered with a sheet to help them stay calm throughout recovery.
STEP 5:
Return the cat to its original location.
Once the cat has recovered from surgery, it’s time to return them to their outdoor home.
It’s essential to return the cat to the exact location where they were trapped for their safety and survival. This is their home, where they know the food sources, hiding places, and danger zones.
In Arizona, relocating a cat is not only harmful, it’s illegal. State law classifies cat relocation as abandonment, which is a felony offense. TNR relies on the return part to be both ethical and legal.
If possible, leave a small dish of food and water near the release site for at least the first day or two. This can help them regain strength and confidence post-recovery.
TNR Resources
Helpful tips and resources to make your trapping experience go smoothly.
TNR Information & Resources
Find a low cost spay/neuter clinic in your area:
Request help with TNR for outdoor cats:
ADLA Spay Neuter Hotline:
Frequently asked questions about spay/neuter:
A great resource for community cats and TNR:
Another great resource for TNR:
Additional Information
How to identify an ear-tipped cat who has already been TNR’d:
Community cats are protected under Arizona state law:
Learn the differences between stray and feral cats:
What to do if you found a lost, stray or feral cat:
Social Media Resources
A Facebook group dedicated to protecting and caring for feral cats:
A Facebook group for found cat postings only in Arizona:
A Facebook group for lost cat postings only in Arizona:
A Facebook group for posting lost and found pets in AZ:
A social media platform for connecting with your specific neighborhood:
Tips for a Successful Trapping
- Establish a Feeding Routine: Feed the cat at the same time and place every day for at least 3–5 days before trapping. This builds trust and conditions the cat to show up reliably.
- Withhold Food the Day Before: The cat should be hungry on trap day! Stop feeding 24 hours before you plan to trap so they’re more motivated to enter the trap for food.
- Use Smelly, Irresistible Bait: Canned tuna or wet cat food work well. Place a spoonful at the far end of the trap, behind the trigger plate. A trail of tiny bites leading in can also help guide the cat.
- Set the Trap at Dusk or After Dark: Cats are most active at night. Set the trap right before their usual feeding time and check it frequently. Never leave traps unattended for long.
- Use a Trap Cover: Drape a sheet over the top and sides of the trap, leaving both ends open. This makes the trap feel like a tunnel and helps reduce stress once the cat is caught. Close the ends after the cat is caught to make it feel more secure.
- Stay Quiet and Minimize Human Presence: Avoid standing near the trap or checking it too often in front of the cat. Keep things calm and quiet to not scare them off.
- Place the Trap Where the Cat Feels Safe: Set the trap near where the cat usually eats or hides. Avoid open, exposed areas if possible; cats prefer covered or tucked-away spaces.
- Line the Bottom of the Trap: Place newspaper, cardboard, or a pee pad under the bait area to keep paws comfortable.
- Get the Cat Used to the Trap: Before your trapping day, place the trap near the cat’s usual feeding spot with the door open but not set so it doesn’t close. Put food just inside the entrance and gradually move it farther in over several days. This helps the cat get comfortable entering the trap without fear.
- Be Patient: Some cats walk in right away. Others take time. If the cat doesn’t go in the first night, try again. TNR is a process, not a race.