About the Street Cat Coalition

The Street Cat Coalition uses a method called Trap Neuter Return (TNR) to address the feral cat problem. TNR involves the humane trapping of these cats, having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated and then returning them to their original habitat.

How Trap Neuter Return Works

To carry out the TNR process, volunteer caretakers and/or property owners are enlisted to monitor the feral cat colonies, trapping any new "unaltered" members and providing regular food, water, and shelter for healthy maintenance of the colony. Then, when placements become available, friendly stray cats and kittens are fostered and offered for adoption as loving house pets.

Ear Tipping

In order for other animal welfare workers, vets, and other members of the community to accurately identify all the feral cats that we have previously spayed or neutered, the Street Cat Coalition uses ear-tipping on all cats we trap. This procedure is done while the animal is under anesthethia for spay/neuter surgery and involves clipping about the top 1/8 of one ear. This is common practice with TNR efforts across the United States.

Endorsements for TNR

The TNR method has proven to be the most humane and effective method of assisting and reducing the feral cat population throughout the world. TNR is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the ASPCA, Alley Cat Allies of Washington, D.C. and Best Friends Animal Society, to name a few.