Community cats are outdoor cats, ranging from socialized strays to feral cats who have had little to no human contact.

Trap Neuter Return (TNR) is a humane method of managing community cat populations. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped for identification, and then returned to their outdoor homes.

An ear tip is a universal sign that a community cat has been sterilized and vaccinated. It is the surgical removal of a small portion of the left ear while the cat is under anesthesia.

Coexistence is possible through simple conversations about the benefits of TNR, such as reduced yowling and fighting. 

Relocating cats often creates a "vacuum effect" where new, unsterilized cats move into the territory to take advantage of available food and shelter. TNR stabilizes the population so the colony size naturally decreases over time.

Assess the situation first; if the mother is nearby, it is often best to keep them together until you have a plan for TNR and socialization. If the kitten appears sick or alone, contact a local rescue immediately.

Truly feral adult cats are often much happier living outdoors in their established territories. Attempting to force them into a domestic home can cause significant stress for the cat.

Yes, Trap Neuter Return is legal in Virginia. State law specifically excludes the return of a community cat by a TNR volunteer from the definition of "abandonment," allowing local shelters and private organizations to humanely manage cat populations.

Important note:
Local ordinances (such as feeding rules or specific animal control policies) can vary by city or county, so it’s always wise to check local regulations before beginning a TNR project.

TNR is considered necessary because it is the only humane and evidence-based method that successfully stabilizes and reduces community cat populations over time.

TNRVA stands for Trap Neuter Return Virginia, with a special focus on Richmond. We serve Richmond and the surrounding Greater Richmond communities.

TNRVA is being developed as a centralized hub where trappers can connect with homeowners, caregivers, and residents who need help with community cats. Our mission is to provide one shared space where information, resources, and support are easily accessible.

Through the website, trappers will be able to see which areas are already being maintained. This helps avoid overlap and allows trappers to identify locations where another trapper may already be working, as well as areas that have been flagged as needing assistance but currently have no trapper assigned.

For those seeking help, TNRVA will make it easy to find nearby trappers, locate the closest clinics, and learn about upcoming spay/neuter events and vaccine clinics in their area.

You can support our mission by volunteering as a trapper or transporter, or by making a tax-deductible donation to cover the cost of veterinary care or by purchasing items on our wish list and supporting our cause.