Categories
Community MEOW Blog

TNR in Calgary: How Trap Neuter Return Helps Save Feral Cats

A group of TNR cats at an outdoor shelter

Cat overpopulation is a significant issue in many communities across Canada, and it’s one that MEOW Foundation is actively addressing through our Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program. This initiative is designed to tackle the growing number of feral cats—cats that live outside, are often wary of human contact, and wouldn’t thrive in a traditional home environment. The goal of TNR is to manage feral cat populations humanely, while providing these cats with the support they need to live safe, healthy lives outdoors. 

What is TNR? 

TNR stands for Trap Neuter Return and it’s exactly what it sounds like. First, the cats are humanely trapped, then they are spayed or neutered to prevent future litters. After the cats recover, they are returned to their community caregivers, where they are familiar with the territory and where their instinctive survival skills are strongest. 

TNR is recognized as the most effective and humane way to control the feral cat population. Without intervention, a single pair of cats and their offspring can produce thousands of kittens in just a few years. By neutering or spaying cats, MEOW Foundation helps stop this cycle, preventing more kittens from being born into a life of hardship on the streets. But the program doesn’t stop there. We understand that even after neutering, feral cats still face significant challenges living outdoors, which is why our TNR program includes additional care and support to ensure these cats can thrive. 

Why TNR Matters 

Feral cats aren’t stray cats. Stray cats are typically cats that have been socialized with humans and may have lived indoors before becoming lost or abandoned. Feral cats, on the other hand, are generally born outdoors and have had little or no interaction with humans. They are self-sufficient, fear humans or are very shy, and rarely adapt well to life indoors. This is why adoption isn’t always the best solution for them. 

Through the TNR program, we not only prevent overpopulation, but also give feral cats the chance to continue living in the environment they know. These cats aren’t suited for the average home, and forcing them into an indoor setting can cause them immense stress. For many, their true “home” is the outdoor community where they were born and raised. They know how to survive in this environment, and MEOW Foundation’s role is to support them in doing so safely and healthily. 

Working with Communities 

One of the strengths of MEOW Foundation’s TNR program is our close collaboration with local communities. Feral cat colonies often form in areas where food and shelter are readily available, such as alleys, and backyards. By working with community members—whether they’re residents, business owners, or concerned animal lovers—we can identify colonies that need intervention. 

MEOW Foundation provides humane traps to community members, who then trap the feral cat(s) and bring them in for spaying or neutering at one of our partner vet clinics. But we don’t just focus on the immediate problem of population control. Through education and outreach, we empower people to become part of the long-term solution. Many residents are eager to help, whether by providing food for the colonies, monitoring the cats for health issues, or even helping with future trapping efforts. This community involvement is critical to the success of TNR and ensures that feral cats continue to receive care long after they’ve been returned to their colonies. 

Two MEOW TNR cats eating outside

Providing Shelter for Feral Cats 

While neutering and returning feral cats is a crucial part of TNR, we also recognize the importance of providing these cats with safe, comfortable places to live. Living outdoors can be tough, especially during the harsh Canadian winters. 

To address this, MEOW Foundation constructs in-house shelters designed specifically for feral cats. These shelters offer a warm, dry place for the cats to rest, safe from the elements. Built with durability and comfort in mind, the shelters are placed on the property of our TNR caregivers, giving the cats a stable environment where they can seek refuge. 

These shelters are an essential aspect of our TNR program, ensuring that cats who aren’t suited for adoption still have their basic needs met. By providing a place where they can sleep safely, we’re helping improve the quality of life for feral cats, allowing them to remain healthy and strong in their natural environments. 

How You Can Help 

MEOW Foundation’s TNR program relies on the support of our donors. It requires substantial funds to provide life-saving healthcare, food, and shelter to Calgary’s feral cat population. When you donate to MEOW, you are not only supporting local cat rescue and adoption, but also our other essential programs like TNR.  

If you know of feral cats in your area or a colony that needs assistance, please reach out to us. Together, we can ensure these cats are cared for, healthy, and able to live safely in the environments they call home.