What is a feral cat?

A "feral" cat is a cat who is unsocialized and originated from a domestic cat who was born in the wild, lost, or abandoned and has since learned to live outdoors. Most feral cats have very little to no human contact.

What is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and How Does it Work?

TNR is the process of humanely trapping feral cats, sterilizing, and vaccinating them. They are also “ear-tipped,” to signify that they have been part of a TNR project, then returned to the same location in which they were living.

TNR is known to:

• Stabilize the population of feral cats
• Reduce shelter euthanasia rates
• Improve the overall health of feral cat colonies
• End undesirable behaviors displayed by unaltered cats

TNR Procedures

ANIMAL ORDINANCES (see Chapter 12)

In an effort to ensure accurate, complete information is provided to all citizens, the following is a step by step outline of the procedures followed when assisting persons wishing to participate in TNR:

• Each person or group wishing to participate in TNR must register by completing a short application. The application can be obtained by clicking HERE or in person. It is to be completed and submitted to APS.

• Notification must be provided to all owners of property abutting the location where TNR will occur. Signatures of owners will be obtained by APS officers upon submission of your application. If no owner can be contacted, a door hanger will be placed at the adjacent property by APS officers with instructions to contact APS for further information.

• Upon return of the application, you must receive TNR training from Animal Protective Services. The training consists of:

1. A review of the TNR Ordinance (City Code 12-2-37)
2. A review of TNR handouts and the viewing of a video demonstrating acceptable TNR practices.
3. Receive and review a copy of a TNR tracking form (tool) on which you will record the demographic information of the cats served through your TNR efforts. Copies of this form may be made if needed. All sheets should be submitted to APS upon completion or at a maximum of every three (3) months for statistical purposes. The TNR Tracking Tool can be found HERE.

• If you use a trap provided by APS, it may be used for a maximum of two weeks. At that time, a request must be made to Animal Protective Services for an extension. If an extension is allowed, notification must be provided to abutting property owners in the manner described above.

• If you choose to use your own humane animal trap, it may be used indefinitely upon inspection and approval by Animal Protective Services. Notification is required in the manner described above.

• You should ensure all cats captured are photographed and those photos sent electronically to APS for filing.

More Information

ANIMAL TRAP FORM

TNR TRACKING TOOL 

WHAT IS TNR?

MANAGING A FERAL CAT COLONY

Greenville Animal Protective Services

Phone: 252.329.4387

Emergency Phone: 252.329.4300

Email: jbreece@greenvillenc.gov

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