How to TNVR: A Simple Guide for Community Cat Caregivers

TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) is the only humane and effective way to manage outdoor cat populations. Use this guide to help you safely prepare, trap, care for, and return community cats.

 

1. Prepare

Do not trap without an appointment and a plan
Always have a confirmed spay/neuter appointment and a clear plan for trapping, transport, recovery, and return. Trapping without a plan puts cats at risk.

Talk to neighbors
Confirm no cats are owned and make sure all feeders agree not to feed before trapping. TNVR only works when everyone participates.

Establish a feeding schedule
Feed at the same time and place each day, removing leftovers after an hour. A predictable routine makes trapping much easier.

Document the cats
Keep track of how many cats you are feeding and note any kittens*.
*Minimum surgery size and age vary by clinic — check your clinic for requirements.

Get traps
Purchase or borrow humane traps.
Never trap without a confirmed appointment.
Where to get traps: baileyshumanrescue.org/where-to-get-traps

Check clinic availability
Find low-cost spay/neuter options using our locator: baileyshumanrescue.org/snlocator

Gather basic supplies
Puppy pads or newspaper, towels or sheets, and strong-smelling bait (sardines, tuna, mackerel, chicken).

Prepare a holding and recovery space
Use a dry, secure, temperature-controlled room such as a bathroom, laundry room, or insulated garage.

 

2. Trap

Withhold food for 24 hours
Hungry cats are easier to trap. Coordinate with all feeders.

Set traps safely
Place traps on level ground. Add a small food trail leading inside and place the main bait at the very back.

Monitor closely
Never leave traps unattended for more than 15 minutes, and never trap overnight.

Cover traps
You may partially cover traps while they are set, or cover them immediately after a cat is trapped. Covered traps reduce stress and help cats stay calm.

 

3. Surgery Day

Spay/Neuter
Neuter every cat in the colony as soon as possible. Cats can become pregnant as early as four months, and pregnant cats can be safely spayed.

Ear tip
All community cats should receive a left ear tip during surgery. This identifies them as neutered and vaccinated.

Vaccinations
All TNVR cats receive Rabies, and many clinics also include FVRCP and basic parasite treatment.

Follow clinic instructions
Each clinic has its own drop-off, pick-up, and post-op guidelines. Follow these closely for the safety of the cats.

 

4. Recovery

Use a safe, quiet space
Keep the covered trap in your prepared recovery area, away from other animals and noise.

Follow clinic instructions
Recovery timelines and recommendations vary — always follow your clinic’s post-op guidance.

Monitor the cat
Most cats can be returned 24–72 hours after surgery, unless your surgery team advises otherwise. Only return cats who are fully awake, steady, and clear-eyed.

Feeding
Once alert, offer a small amount of wet food mixed with water. Slide food in through a small gap at the back of the trap — never put your hand inside.

Lactating females
If a female was lactating, she may be returned the same evening once bright and alert so she can get back to her kittens.

 

5. Return

Return to the exact location
Cats must return to where they were trapped. Relocating cats is unsafe and can be life-threatening.

Choose a safe release spot
Point the trap away from roads or busy areas. Stand behind the trap when releasing.

Release calmly
Open the back door, remove the cover, and step back. Some cats bolt, others pause — both are normal.

 

Additional Resources

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For detailed TNVR instructions and a downloadable PDF guide, visit:
Alley Cat Allies:
https://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-to-help-community-cats-a-step-by-step-guide-to-trap-neuter-return/

 

Helpful trap-setting videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD-Sdl4oB_A
https://youtu.be/bnT-kC6mDIw
https://youtu.be/DtXyrD6w0bk
https://youtu.be/GyQ38HreF9I