Guidelines

The New York City Feral Cat Council recommends the following guidelines for the practice of TNR, taking considerations of economy, safety and the cats' well-being into account:

(a) Post-surgery recovery time
The recommended minimum post-surgery recovery time is 48 hours for males and females. Only if circumstances require, 24 hours is acceptable for males, but 48 hours is preferred. All cats should be checked prior to release to make sure they are alert and that there are no medical conditions requiring further veterinary treatment, such as severe upper respiratory infection, bleeding or excessive lethargy.

(b) Holding/recovery space
The space in which the cats are held during the trapping and for post-surgery recovery should be warm, dry and secure. "Warm" meaning at least 65 to 70 degrees (especially post-surgery when the cats' body temperatures may be lower than normal), "dry" meaning protected from the elements, and "secure" meaning the cats are not accessible to other animals or anyone not associated with the project.

(c) FIV/FeLV testing
FIV/FeLV testing is not recommended except when test results would be useful in diagnosing the condition of a symptomatic cat, or when a cat is being considered for adoption.

(d) Vaccinations
It is strongly recommended that rabies vaccinations be administered.  It is also recommended that other vaccinations, including FVRCP, not be administered because of cost, inability to followup with necessary boosters, and stress on the immune system from multiple vaccinations being administered at the time of neutering.

(e) Eartipping
Returned cats should be eartipped in accordance with the universal symbol of a neutered feral cat - 1/4 inch off the tip of the left ear in a straight line cut.

(f) Long-term colony care
Cats and their colonies who are TNR'ed should be provided with long-term care, including the provision of adequate food and shelter and consistent monitoring by a designated caretaker.

(g) Training
Before working directly with feral cats, all persons should receive adequate training on safe trapping and handling techniques.