What is Trap-Neuter-Return?

Cats can get pregnant as early as 5 months of age, have a litter size of 3-5 kittens, have 1-3 litters a year, and live up to 10 years outdoors. Free-roaming cats produce approximately 80% of cats born each year. By TNR’ing one cat, you’re saving the lives of dozens of cats that will not have to endure hardship or be homeless.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) refers to the process where community cats are humanely trapped, spayed and neutered, and returned to the exact location where they were found. With a conservative estimate of 100,000 free roaming cats in Austin, we need your help to TNR your neighborhood community cats.

The Community Cats program is a partnership between Austin Animal Center and Austin Humane Society. Our dedicated network of volunteer trappers work hard to help their neighbors TNR community cats. Our trappers assist the community to trap, spay, neuter, and return cats throughout Austin. We meet cats in place; cats are trapped and returned to the exact location they were found, allowing them to lead an easier life. Once trapped, that cat will happily be back in its home territory in a matter of days. Cats TNR’d through Community Cats will receive free spay/neuter, an ear tip (the universal sign that a cat has been fixed), antibiotics, a rabies vaccine, and flea treatment.

To request volunteer trapping assistance, please email communitycats@austintexas.gov.

Outside of our jurisdiction? Austin Humane Society can help!