TNVR stands for Trap–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return. Cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, treated for fleas, ear tipped, and returned safely to their outdoor home.

Healthy outdoor cats are often thriving in their environment with caregivers and routines. Returning them prevents future litters, stabilizes populations, and is usually the safest, most compassionate option.

Friendliness doesn’t always mean a cat is better off indoors. Removing a cat from a familiar outdoor home can be stressful. TNVR allows friendly cats to live peacefully while preventing reproduction.

No two shelters or cats are the same. How to manage a shelter’s most vulnerable population varies by community. While the main superhighways take kittens into adoptive homes and thriving adults back to their neighborhoods, there are lots of offramps to accommodate the needs of every cat. CLICK HERE to download the complete cat superhighway roadmap!

Cats are evaluated individually based on health, quality of life, and ability to thrive outdoors. Decisions follow research-backed best practices from UF Shelter Medicine and national experts like Best Friends Animal Society.

• Stabilizes populations and reduces births
• Eliminates nuisance behaviors like yowling, fighting, and spraying
• Improves cat health and quality of life
• Reduces shelter overcrowding 
• Protects cats from euthanasia in overcrowded shelters
• Improves community relations and morale

CLICK HERE to read more on community cat's scientific studies and data.

• Healthy cats: wait and observe; many will return home.
• Cat without an ear tip: bring to shelter for microchip & spay/neuter check if remaining at your property for 3 or more days. Please call us at 772-223-8822 to make an appointment.
• Ear-tipped cat: already sterilized, can safely stay outdoors, if healthy.
• Sick or injured: contact HSTC at 772-223-8822 or Martin County Animal Services at         772 463-2817.
   

If you choose to feed an outdoor cat, be aware that it will likely continue returning to your property. Cats are very good at cataloging reliable food sources, and once food is provided, your home becomes a known resource to them. If you do not want the cat to keep coming back, it’s best not to feed it. In most cases, the cat will move on and find resources in another area.