It’s Kitten Season

In Springtime, we are always overloaded with kittens in the shelter. Through one of our awesome new grants, we will be able will make a lasting difference for both our community and our local cat population with our ongoing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program.

What Is TNR?

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane and effective approach to managing stray and feral cat populations. Through this program:

Cats are humanely trapped.
They are transported to a veterinary clinic where they are spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
After recovery, they are safely returned to the area where they were originally found.

These cats are not adoptable house pets, but they are part of our community. TNR allows them to live out their lives without continuing to reproduce.

Why TNR Matters

Stray and feral cats can reproduce quickly. Without intervention, colonies can grow large in a short amount of time. TNR stabilizes and gradually reduces these populations in a compassionate way.

Benefits to the Community

Reduces the number of unwanted kittens born each year
Decreases nuisance behaviors such as spraying, fighting, and yowling
Lowers the number of animal control complaints
Helps prevent overcrowding in shelters
Improves public health through rabies vaccinations

Benefits to the Cats

Prevents repeated litters and overpopulation
Reduces stress and aggression caused by mating behaviors
Helps cats live longer, healthier lives
Allows them to remain in the territory they know

TNR is widely supported by animal welfare organizations across the country, including groups like Alley Cat Allies and ASPCA, because it is proven to be the most humane and effective way to address community cat populations.

We are proud to say that Friends of the Holbrook Animal Shelter is able to continue this program thanks to a generous grant that makes these services possible at no cost to our residents.

If you are aware of cat colonies in your neighborhood or area, please contact Holbrook Animal Control, as through the 2026 TNR grant we can prioritize treatment. Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact for both our community and our cats.