GET SUPPORT
The first step to setting up a TNR program is to try and enlist the support of your neighbourhood. If you live on a compound approach the management, some forward-thinking compounds might even financially back the project. If you are planning to do TNR at your workplace, talk to colleagues, the same goes for doing it in the neighbourhood where you live. It is extremely beneficial to have community support, a big part of a TNR project is educating your fellow residents/work colleagues about the advantages of TNR, this isn't easy but it is a real accomplishment if you get a group of you working as a team.
FUNDING
You will need to be able to cover the vets' bills for the cost of spaying and neutering. Most veterinary clinics offer special rates for TNR cats; please see useful links to find a clinic in your area. To give you an approximate idea, dependent on the clinic you use, it costs from QR 250-350 for a spay (girls) and QR 150 - 200 for a neuter (boys). These rates are only available for street cats, the cat's ear will be tipped (the universal sign to show a cat is fixed and therefore won't be re-trapped).
There might also be the possibility of the government trapping team and clinic assisting you, for more details please click here: Government Vet.
PRE-OP & POST-OP RECOVERY AREA
After you have trapped the cat you will need a quiet place (maybe a bathroom/spare room) where the cat can wait overnight before being taken to the clinic - the cat should fast prior to surgery. They will also need to go back to this area again to recover after their operation. Please note, the cats will be in covered traps during these times, at no point do you need to handle or remove the cat from the trap.
If you do not have such a place at home, the cat could board but this additional cost should be taken into consideration when planning; it can cost between QR 50 - 100 per night to board.
TRAPPING KIT
Below is a guide to what you will require:- TRAPS - some veterinary clinics have traps you can borrow, you just have to pay a deposit and you can keep the trap for a set amount of days, it is worth calling your local clinic to enquire. The best quality traps come from America - Tomahawk traps, they are well worth the investment if you plan to do a lot of trapping.
- BAIT - you need to give cats a reason to enter traps. We have found cans of tuna, mackerel, sardines, or other smelly fish to work well.
- SPOON - to scoop out the bait.
- NEWSPAPER - to line the bottom of the trap.
- TRAP LABEL - with space for the date, cat description, exact location where the cat was trapped, also note down any noticeable injuries.
- TRAP COVERS - that are big enough (i.e. beach-size towels, blankets, or sheets) to fully cover the top and all four sides of each trap.
- CABLE TIES - to secure the closed doors of the traps.
- VEHICLE SURFACE COVERS - such as large plastic trash bags, or puppy pads, in case the cat has an “accident” on route.
Setting up and implementing a TNR program is very satisfying and improves the lives of every cat who you fix. By spaying or neutering a cat, you don't just help control the population but also spaying female cats reduces their risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer. Neutering male cats reduce their risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease.
Before you start please make sure you read our Trapping Guidelines which takes you through every aspect from start to finish. It is important to keep the stress levels of the cat to a minimum by following correct trapping procedures.
