Trap-Neuter-Return Resources
Community Cats and Trap-Neuter-Return Resources
Community cats are free-roaming cats living outside with or without an owner. In most cases, community cats should be left where they are.
Chicagoland Humane Coalition encourages and supports Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR as the best care solution for outdoor cats. TNR is an alternative solution to shelter impoundment, where often outdoor cats face an increased risk of stress and can lead to illness and euthanasia.
Community cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped, then returned to their original location where they can live normal, healthy lives outdoors. This helps shelters to focus on animals that need urgent medical attention.
Call your local Chicagoland Humane Coalition-affiliated shelter for more resources if an outdoor cat is sick or injured or if you find kittens outdoors.
Click below for applications and resources to help you provide for cats in your community.
Cook County Feral Cats Ordinance
2022 Colony Caretaker Application PDF
TNR Project & Colony Management Info Sheet
FAQ
If you find a friendly free-roaming cat, it is probably someone’s pet!. Cats can be brought to veterinary offices or shelters to be scanned for a microchip to help with owner identification and reunification. However, a cat has less than a 2% chance of being reunited with its owner once they are surrendered to a shelter. More than 75% of free-roaming cats return to their home on their own!
If you want to help a healthy cat find their way home, snap a photo and post it on lost pet sites or social media neighborhood groups. Talk with your neighbors and post flyers.
Yes! Cats are excellent at finding resources. They seek shelter when needed and they can grow winter coats to help keep them warm. Registered colony caretakers provide food, water, shelter, and, when necessary, medical intervention for outdoor cats.
TNR will help keep the colony managed and healthy while also providing excellent rodent control. Some shelters provide or rent traps for those willing to trap outdoor cats and bring them to your local Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic for surgery.
Human intervention is essential when a cat appears unwell, injured, or unthrifty (not strong or healthy). These cats, regardless of their socialization, are likely in urgent need of medical care. They should be prioritized for removal from their outdoor environment to obtain necessary medical attention.