TNR stands for Trap-Neuter/Spay-Return, a humane approach to managing community cat populations by spaying or neutering cats, providing vaccinations, and returning them to their familiar outdoor homes. While TNR may sound like a simple, straightforward process, it often requires extensive planning, coordination, and ongoing commitment from volunteers. Before trapping begins, volunteers monitor colonies to identify cats, establish feeding schedules, trap-train when necessary, and coordinate veterinary appointments. Once trapping begins, volunteers may spend hours or even multiple days working to safely capture cats. Traps must be continuously monitored to ensure the cats’ safety. Once captured, cats are transported to veterinary appointments where they are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped. Ear-tipping involves removing a small portion of one ear and serves as a universally recognized indicator that a cat has been through a TNR program. After recovering from surgery, cats are returned to their familiar outdoor homes, where they can continue living in their established territories. Returning cats to their original colonies is essential because community cats are strongly attached to their familiar surroundings, food sources, shelters, and social structures. Relocating them can cause significant stress and disorientation, and cats may attempt to return to their original territory, putting themselves at risk of injury or serious harm. However, the work doesn’t end when a cat returns to their colony. Volunteers continue monitoring and caring for colonies, providing food, watching for new or previously unidentified cats, and ensuring those cats can receive TNR services as well. TNR is a long-term effort that requires patience, dedication, and continued commitment to the well-being of community cats.

We are currently developing opportunities for the community to support our TNR efforts. Please be patient as we work to establish these programs and determine how community members can best contribute and assist our current volunteers. Thank you for your understanding and for supporting our mission to help community cats!

Mission Meow Cat Rescue Merced County Division does not intake cats or kittens. Our focus in the region is exclusively on Trap-Neuter/Spay-Return (TNR). If you find a cat or kitten, the first step is to determine whether they are a feral or stray community cat, or a pet who may be lost, abandoned, or in need of a new home. Feral or community cat: If the cat is feral and living outdoors, TNR may be an appropriate option. Lost, stray, or abandoned pet: Please contact your local animal shelter for intake assistance or reach out to local rescue organizations that accept cats and kittens. If you are unable to find assistance nearby, consider contacting rescues outside of Merced County, as their available space and resources may differ. If a cat or kitten is in distress or requires immediate medical attention, please contact your local animal control agency or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

Support Our TNR Efforts Your generous donations help sustain our TNR efforts when current funding and resources have been exhausted. Contributions also help cover essential trapping equipment, fuel and transportation costs, unexpected veterinary expenses, and food for community cats. Every donation helps us continue our mission of preventing unwanted litters and improving the lives of community cats. If you would like to donate food to help feed community cats, please contact us at MissionMeowMerced@gmail.com. A member of our team will reach out with drop-off instructions. We also welcome monetary donations through our Givebutter campaign.