project purr banner with kitty donation site project purr facebook page

Trap/Neuter/Return:
the new normal

feral kitty with tipped ear TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) programs are nothing new—cat rescue organizations have been using and advocating them for years. But something new is happening in government-run animal shelters—throughout the United States, agencies are moving from incarcerating and killing healthy cats and kittens (shelter kill rates for cats as a group is 70%) to advocating TNR. As shelters everywhere feel the impact of budget cuts, sustainable, economical solutions are winning out over outdated sheltering concepts.

Spartanburg, South Carolina is now home to one of the most radical TNR programs in the U.S. What makes it radical is that Animal Services, through a grant from PetSmart Charities, is spearheading a TNR program. The shelter in Chico, California, no longer accepts healthy cats. The turnaround came after the manager of Chico Animal Services became convinced that cats, unlike dogs, do not benefit from being in a shelter, and that killing feral cats had no impact on reducing their numbers.

Here in the Bay Area, the TNR program at San Jose Animal Serivces, initiated by Deputy Director Jon Cicirelli, has resulted in a 40% drop in euthanasia. The cost is the same as keeping the cats at the shelter through stray holding period, then killing them.

Read more about changes for shelter cats at Maddie’s Fund.

About Project Purr

Project Purr is an all-volunteer, nonprofit rescue organization for feral cats and kittens in Santa Cruz County. We fund a low-cost spay/neuter TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) program, and offer resources for feral cat colony caretakers and those who want to learn more about TNR.

pictures of rescued cats

It’s Rummage Sale season! Save the date! The next “world-famous” rummage sale will be two weekends AFTER Labor Day, Sept. 13–15 at the corner of Thurber Lane and Soquel Drive. Donations accepted all day Friday. Volunteers needed throughout the weekend—show up when you can, and we’ll put you to work!

The Spring 2013 Project Purr Rummage Sale netted over $26,000! Heartfelt thanks to the many animal-loving individuals and businesses who generously donated a wonderful array of useful items, as well as fun and unique treasures for others to discover.

kitty helping count money

Want to donate items for our fundraising sales? Thinking of a unique birthday gift, honoring the memory of a loved one (animal or human)? Check out the Donations page.

Project Purr co-founder Lynne Achterberg has been named a Santa Cruz County Hero by the American Red Cross. The story can be found on our News page.

Looking for natural rodent control? Want to save a few feline lives while you’re at it? Cats are the sustainable solution! Check out our Barn Cats page. In addition to barn kitties, Project Purr fosters rescued cats and kittens for adoption.