Trap, Neuter & Return

Trap, Neuter & Return

has been recognized as the most efficient and compassionate method of managing free-roaming cats.  Cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and returned to the location where they were trapped/living.

Why Trap?

Free-roaming cats are either cats there were born to free-roaming mothers or strays who have never found their way home, or were dumped.  Regardless, they have developed a general fear of humans.  Trapping them is the only way to catch them.

Why Neuter?

Neutering and spaying are the only ways to end the cycle of too many kittens.  Every year in shelters across the country, millions of kittens are euthanized as there are just too many of them and not enough room to keep them, or people wanting to adopt them.

Why Return?

Cats who have lived in a particular area live there because there is food and shelter.  As long as there is a food source, either someone caring for them or a large rodent population, cats will come.  By returning the spayed/neutered cats, they will keep other unsterilized cats out. It also keeps the current social structure in place.  As they’re not socialized with humans, they’re not suitable as pets.

With no Animal Control Officer in Johnson County anymore, it’s up to the citizenry to help control the free-roaming cat population.  We can provide humane traps ($20 security deposit required which is refunded when the trap is returned).

St. Francis Animal Shelter recognizes that sometimes, for a variety of reasons, a cat can’t be returned to where it was trapped.  This should be the exception, not the rule.  If a cat can’t be returned, we may choose to make the cat available as a barn cat.  If you’re interested in adopting a barn cat, please complete the application below:

If we receive a cat, or kitten, we believe would make a good barn cat, people who have an approved barn cat application on file will be notified via email.  It is a first come, first serve program and the adoption fee is $20.

Questions about the process?

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