Let’s save the cats together!

The Straygency’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program begins with obtaining permission from the property owner or caretaker where community cat colonies are located to feed, humanely trap, and return the cats.

Once a cat has been trapped, the trap must be immediately covered with a breathable towel or sheet to reduce stress, and both trap doors must be secured using zip ties to prevent escape or injury. Under no circumstances should a trapped cat be released from or removed from the trap.

Trapped cats are then transported to pre-scheduled veterinary appointments where they receive spay/neuter surgery, FVRCP and 1-year rabies vaccinations, microchipping, and ear tipping for identification. Following recovery, cats are returned to the exact location where they were trapped.

In some cases, trapping must occur the night prior to the scheduled veterinary appointment. This requires that the cat be transported to a safe, secure indoor location (such as a garage, bathroom, or similar space) for overnight confinement. Confinement prior to surgery should never exceed 12 hours. During this time, traps must remain fully closed, covered, and secured with zip ties at all times.

Cats transported to Iowa Humane Alliance (IHA) will be held overnight at the clinic following surgery to allow adequate time to recover from anesthesia. These cats will be picked up the following morning and returned to their original trapping location for release.

Cats receiving services through partner veterinary clinics will be transported back to their designated secure indoor holding location following surgery, where they will be allowed time to recover from anesthesia. These cats will be released the following morning at the exact location where they were trapped.

Under no circumstances should a trapped cat be released from or removed from the trap while in confinement or during recovery.

The Straygency never leaves traps unattended. EVER!