Colonies/TNR
Let’s talk ear tipping!
TNR (Trap, Neuter Release) is a huge part of our goal here at Gutter Kitties.
TNR is the method of humanely trapping community cats, having them spayed or neutered, and eartipped, then returning them to the colony where they were found to live out their lives how they are used to and are most settled.
The eartip is a universal identification method which helps people to easily see which cats have been desexed from a distance. It is done under general anaesthetic so doesn't hurt, nor does it affect the cats quality of life.
TNR involves a colony caretaker who provides food, adequate shelter and monitors the cat's health. They will retrap and take to the vet if there are any health issues.
By running TNR programs year round, it helps to reduce the amount of kittens that are born and raised on the streets. Alot of these street kittens usually have some form of illness like cat flu, which leads to alot of suffering and can potentially be fatal. TNR also helps stop a huge amount of males fighting, generally caused by the females on heat.
By desexing, eartipping and returning the cat to the colony where they were found, we prevent new, entire cats arriving at the site which then go on to breed and cause numbers to soar. This in turn prevents suffering and population issues.
TNR is hugely important to us and we need voIunteers to help us! If you would like to become a feeder at an already established colony, or help us TNR new colonies we are constantly being contacted about, please get in touch by filling out the colony enquiries form here: