Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane and effective method to help control feral cat populations and reduce nuisance behaviors including fighting, spraying, destructive behavior, and predation. With TNR, cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, ear-clipped, and returned to their environment.
Trap: A feral cat is humanely trapped.
Neuter: The cat is spayed or neutered by a veterinarian. An ear is “tipped” or “notched” to identify the cat has been altered. This is a universal identifier of a sterilized feral cat.
Return: The cat is returned to its original location where it was previously living when trapped. Returning the cat stabilizes the colony and prevents a vacuum effect which causes other feral cats to take over the voided territory. This effect is a phenomenon that is scientifically known across all types of animal species.
Are you a Mesa Resident and interested in TNR?
Send an email with your name and phone number, along with a note stating your interest, to TNR@mesaaz.gov.