TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is widely recognized as the most humane and effective strategy for reducing feral cat populations. TNR involves humanely trapping feral cats and transporting them to a veterinary clinic where they are spayed or neutered and may receive vaccinations and treatment for routine medical conditions. After surgery, the cat recuperates and is then released back to its colony habitat where it will live out its natural life.

Since the cats are no longer reproducing, the colony will gradually diminish in size, which also reduces or eliminates their natural tendencies of mating, fighting and wandering. TNR makes the colony more stable, impacts the influx of newcomers and improves the overall health of the cats.

Feral and free-roaming cats can be dropped off for surgery Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Pick up is the following morning at 7:30 a.m.

Great Plains SPCA offers two feral cat packages. The preliminary package includes spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccines, pain medication, an antibiotic injection and an eartip. The secondary package includes the additional services of FVRCP (distemper) vaccine, flea treatment and dewormer. Contact the Great Plains SPCA Veterinary Care Center at (913) 831-SPCA (7722) for complete package details.

Please note that special feral pricing requires that cats are in traps or a $5 safe-handing fee will be added. Live, humane traps can be borrowed at no charge, but require a $70 check deposit for one trap or $140 for two or more traps. Traps can be borrowed from the Veterinary Care Center at 5428 Antioch Drive Merriam, Kansas 66202 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

One Sunday a month, Great Plains SPCA offers high-quality but affordable spay/neuter surgeries for feral and free roaming cats. Appointments are required. To schedule, call (913) 831-SPCA (7722).