Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs are a vital part of managing feral cat populations, alleviating the burden on shelters and improving the quality of life for these cats. To gain deeper insights into the importance of this topic, Dog O'Day spoke with Dr. Sarabeth Barlas, DVM.
Dr. Barlas is the founder and owner of Home Care Veterinary Services in Southeast Michigan. She is actively involved in TNR work. Here's what she had to say:
Dr. Sarabeth Barlas explains the importance of TNR programs
Dog O'Day: What role do TNR programs play in reducing the overall strain on animal shelters and rescues?
Dr. Barlas: Aside from the obvious overpopulation problem caused by endless kitten births, one of the hardest things to see is a feral cat captured and forced into a shelter situation. These cats, which have no interest or mannerisms to become pet cats, endure turmoil for months to years in shelters because humans "felt bad" for them. They receive no comfort from human touch, have no interest in play, and are scared of what they do not understand about the human world. Because of their personalities—becoming either shutdown and hidden or outright intolerant and aggressive—they are overlooked for adoption repeatedly. When they are adopted, many are brought back to the shelter for not adjusting to home life, either from endless hiding or "inappropriate behaviors" that are perfectly normal for them, such as scratching and urine marking.
Dog O'Day: How do you feel TNR has changed over the years, either in terms of public perception or veterinary practices?
Dr. Barlas: TNR is slowly becoming more well known, so people understand there are options to manage these populations beyond eradicating them.
Dog O'Day: What are some common misconceptions people have about feral cats and TNR programs?
Dr. Barlas: Every single cat seen receives a physical exam, just like any other cat coming in for surgery. Anything concerning found during exams is addressed with the caregiver. The cats also receive complete, general anesthesia and a multi-modal approach to pain relief. They are never treated as "lesser" just because they do not share their homes with a human.
Dog O'Day: How does spaying or neutering feral cats influence their behavior and life expectancy?
Dr. Barlas: It improves it drastically! Life-altering escalation of fighting decreases among cats for territory and mates. The incidence of cancer and infection also drops significantly! Neutered (spayed or castrated) cats are less likely to roam and thus find themselves in fewer dangerous situations such as inclement weather, traffic, and becoming prey.
Dog O'Day: Are there specific health issues you frequently encounter in feral cats that come in for TNR, and how do you address them?
Dr. Barlas: Every cat receives a physical exam. External parasites like fleas and internal parasites like tapeworms are common, and caregivers can elect for antiparasitics to be given while a cat is still sedate from surgery. Any major illnesses or injuries are immediately reported to caregivers to discuss care options. This could include injectable long-acting pain and antibiotic medications, additional surgery services, or euthanasia for those not realistically curable and causing suffering. If symptoms of major communicable diseases like FIV or FeLV are suspected, testing can be done, and options for any positive results are discussed, considering both the cat patient and others in the feral population.
Dog O'Day: How do you ensure the cats are as stress-free as possible during the TNR process?
Dr. Barlas: Caregivers can bring cats in for surgery however is best for them. Usually cats are in traps, but we also see small cages and carriers. They are kept in a quiet, cat-only room right at the entrance to our surgery suite, most covered by sheets or towels to maintain privacy. Each cat receives total injectable anesthesia ("a quick poke in the booty"), so they do not have to be moved, handled, poked, or prodded multiple times prior to surgery. All surgeries are done under general anesthesia that includes multimodal pain relief. Then, cats are returned to their original trap, cage, or carrier. Each cat goes home with its caregiver that afternoon, and caregivers are encouraged to give these cats the time and space to heal quietly and safely prior to 100% re-release.
Dog O'Day: What would you say to people who feel that feral cats should simply be removed or euthanized rather than neutered and returned?
Dr. Barlas: Extensive studies have shown euthanizing feral cat populations is not feasible. Feral cats are in these places for a reason, usually due to accessible food sources and shelter. Taking away the cats inhabiting an area will only open the space for others to move in. Unless the food and shelter are removed, cats will continue to come to these places. One of the biggest issues with the feral cat population is the vast numbers of cats and their ability to reproduce very quickly! If we maintain a neutered feral colony of cats, the present cats will protect the territory from new cats moving in without exponentially growing the current colony population.
Feral cats are not pets. Many have no interest in living among us in our homes nor are they adjusted to our lifestyles and mannerisms. For example, it is "normal" and natural for a cat to mark its territory with urine, but most people would never want cat urine sprayed up the walls in their homes. Plus, cats are a prey species, so the loud noises of our cooking and entertainment devices, coming and going of various other humans and animals, and the need of people to touch and pet their cats can be absolutely terrifying for any feral animal! Even if we get these feral cats into our homes and can co-exist with their lifestyles, we are unlikely to be able to care for them in the way we would like, such as regular veterinary care for disease prevention and medicating against ailments—things many of our pet cats do not love but can at least tolerate without the overwhelming fear of becoming prey.
Dog O'Day: In your opinion, how can the general public better support TNR efforts?
Dr. Barlas: A caregiver may have 20 or more cats to have TNR'ed in a season, and it can become very expensive! Donations of cat food, shelter supplies (such as plastic totes, Styrofoam coolers, and straw), and finances can help these caregivers substantially!
Do not move cats around, whether it is dumping unwanted pet cats or moving a "random feral" to "the country." Not only can this spread disease, but doing so also causes undue stress on the existing population and its resources. Every fight is an opportunity for cats to suffer injury, and mixing populations can instigate such events.
Neuter (spay and castrate) all cats not actively being used for breeding. This stops roaming (and thus fights) in addition to stopping population explosions of kittens—not to mention the numerous health benefits!
Share the posts of local cat-trappers, TNR supporters, and fund organizations on your own social media. Just be sure to investigate these groups for legitimacy before sharing, as many use "animal support" platforms as scam starters.
Dog O'Day: How do you see the future of TNR evolving, particularly with advances in veterinary technology or shifts in public policy?
Dr. Barlas: Veterinarian-specific groups on social media have grown the colleague support from a doctor or two into the tens of thousands! Many veterinarians are constantly talking to each other in these groups—doctors that would never otherwise have had contact with each other. It means we all learn and grow fast—getting quicker, safer, cheaper, and more effective as we share ideas. Similarly, TNR support groups can now more easily reach the general public, too! So, the people of a community can more easily communicate options to help feral cats.
Conclusion
TNR programs play a crucial role in improving the health and safety of feral cat populations, and promoting humane treatment for animals that cannot thrive in traditional homes. With dedicated professionals like Dr. Barlas leading the charge, the future of TNR looks promising as technology advances and public awareness continues to grow. Supporting these efforts through donations, advocacy, and education ensures healthier communities for both humans and cats alike.