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Trap Neuter Release

Our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program is part of Clinton’s animal ordinance, approved in April 2019. This humane initiative is key to reducing the feral cat population, and we need your help. Spot a feral cat colony? Let us know—it’s how we make a difference together!

Four Cats on the Sidewalk

A Humane Approach to Feral Cats

In April 2019, Midwest Pets For Life (MPFL) received approval from the city council to include our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in Clinton’s animal ordinance. We’re thrilled to lead the charge in reducing Clinton’s feral cat population in the most compassionate and effective way possible.
 

What Does TNR Involve?

The TNR process is simple yet impactful:

  • Trap: Feral cats are humanely captured.

  • Neuter: Cats are spayed or neutered to prevent reproduction.

  • Vaccinate: Each cat receives vaccinations for health and safety.

  • Identify: Cats are ear-notched and either microchipped or tattooed for identification.

  • Return: Cats are returned to their original colonies.
     

If a TNR cat ends up at a shelter, its microchip or tattoo ensures it’s returned to its home colony rather than being held or euthanized.
 

How You Can Get Involved

Know of a feral cat colony in Clinton? Please fill out the Community Cats of Clinton (CCC) Location form and send it to MPFL. This helps us track and prioritize colonies for TNR.

  • How to get the form:

    • Call us at 563.249.2206 to request one.

    • Download it directly from our website.
      Your input is essential to the program’s success!
       

Funding the Program

The TNR program operates without city funding. All costs are covered through:

  • Grants

  • Donations

  • Fundraisers

  • Support from private citizens

A special thank you to Clinton’s Wal-Mart for their recent $1,000 grant, which keeps this effort going strong.
 

Why TNR Matters

TNR is a win-win: it’s humane for the cats and beneficial for our community. By preventing overpopulation, we’re creating a healthier, more balanced Clinton—together.

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More Information

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What Is A Feral Cat?

A feral cat is one that has little or no human contact, is a stray or has been abandoned and has reverted to the wild. Feral cats avoid human contact. Adult feral cats usually cannot be socialized and are most content living outside. Feral kittens up to ten weeks of age, can often be tamed. 

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What is TNR? Why TNR? 

Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) is an effective way to control feral colonies.
Feral cats are found in every community. When cats are not sterilized they reproduce. Cats and their offspring bond together in groups called colonies. The colonies stay where there is a food source. People care for colonies and provide food, water, and shelter. To manage colonies, Trap/Neuter/Return is the only solution. TNR is humane and painless. Cats will no longer reproduce and the colony is manageable. TNR is the only chance that feral cats have to live a safe and healthy life. TNR requires commitment. For assistance in TNR, please contact us at : 563.219.8024

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Why We TNR

The average life of a feral cat is 18 months. Cats can reproduce as young as 5 months of age. The gestation period of a cat is 56-65 days. Cat can go into heat every 14-21 days. An unaltered cat and their offspring can produce over 400,000 cats in 7 years.

Early spay/neuter is beneficial to cats because : 

  • it produces less scar tissue 

  • it is less stressful on the cat 

  • there is a shorter recovery period when the cat is very young 

  • There is a lower risk of complications from surgery

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