Community Cat Program

Trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) is the internationally accepted, effective and humane method of controlling free-roaming cat populations. It is a non-lethal alternative to the trap-and-kill method of attempting to manage cat populations. TNVR is a management technique in which community cats (aka stray or outdoor cats) are humanely trapped for the purpose of transporting them to a spay/neuter clinic, where they are evaluated and sterilized by a licensed veterinarian, vaccinated against rabies, microchipped, and ear-tipped for identification. Following recovery, the cats are returned to the location where they were humanely trapped so they can live out their lives.

TNVR has been practiced for decades in the U.S. and is successfully practiced in hundreds of communities and in every landscape and setting. There is overwhelming evidence gathered from successful programs throughout our state and country that the most effective way for communities to handle the population of free-roaming cats is to implement TNVR.

This life saving program helps the entire community reach a solution that benefits everyone. Public support of TNVR is critical in our efforts to control the free-roaming cat population in Port St. Lucie.

• TNVR stabilizes free-roaming cat populations by ending reproduction. The population will eventually decline.
• Nuisance behavior often associated with free-roaming cats is dramatically reduced. This includes yowling and fighting during mating activity and the odor of unneutered males spraying to mark their territory. Eventually the noise of cats fighting over mating rights is and male urine spray smells are eliminated.
• Calls to authorities regarding stray cats decrease significantly and community morale improves.
• TNVR improves their lives; cats live healthier, more peaceful lives after TNVR.
• TNVR protects their lives. Nearly 100% of free-roaming cats entering shelters are euthanized because they cannot be adopted due to behavior issues.
• TNVR stops wasteful spending. Catching and euthanizing cats has not produced results for decades. Continuing that approach is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

The City of Port St. Lucie has partnered with Operation Catsnip, a local non-profit organization, and several rescue and veterinary organizations to provide assistance and surgical services to residents needing TNVR.

To begin your TNVR journey, call Animal Control at 772-871-5042 and tell the representative about your situation. Please have the location, number of cats, and any issues you are having available so we can guide you toward the correct partner.

Once the best TNVR path for your situation is determined, here is what to expect:

Set a surgery date

Our TNVR rescue and veterinary partners perform all surgeries and do so on set schedules. You will be provided contact information to set up a surgery date with a provider.

Set the trap the night before your surgery date

All cats going through TNVR are required to be in traps when they reach their surgery provider. Traps can be obtained through Animal Control, Operation Catsnip or the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. Instructions on how to set the trap and capture the cats will be provided to you once a surgery date is scheduled.

Transport the cat for surgery

When transporting the cat in a car, place a trash bag or tarp under the cage. Keep the cage covered. Do not transport the cat in the closed trunk of the car or in the back of an open pick-up truck.

Surgery is performed

The veterinarian will perform the spay/neuter surgery, vaccinate the cat, ear notch the cat and microchip it for future identification. All costs associated with the surgery are covered by the City.

Return the cat

Cats must be returned to the location they were trapped. The cat is already familiar with the area and understands where shelter, water, and food can be found. Releasing the cat in another location is against the law as it is deemed to be abandonment. Cats that are not returned create a space for another cat to come into the area. That cat will likely not be spay/neutered and will increase the cat population once again.

Animal Control loans out humane traps for free. We require a $75 deposit that will be refunded once the trap is returned.

Humane traps are also available from the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast with a $75 refundable deposit.

When utilizing Operation Catsnip for TNVR, humane traps will be provided with no deposit required however there may be a waiting list to obtain one.

Tips on trapping community cats

• You may have more success trapping if you withhold food 24-36 hours prior to trapping and then trap at the usual feeding times.
• Place a thin layer of paper in the trap if the wind is not too strong to move the paper around.
• Place the bait, usually canned cat food or tuna fish, into the far back of the cage and secure the door with the clip.
• Place the cage in an area where stray cats are often observed.
• Place the cage on a level surface. If placing on grass and soil, make sure the door will close completely.
• After setting the cage, it may be helpful to place a sheet or pillowcase over the cage. Cats often venture into enclosed areas.
• Remove yourself from the immediate area.
• Check the cage as often as possible. It is not recommended to leave the traps unobserved for any length of time during daylight hours.
• After the cat has been caught, completely cover the cage with a sheet or a large pillowcase. This helps to calm the cat.
• Please do not allow children or pets near the cage.
• Place the cat in a protected area where the elements will not harm the cat.

Feeding habits are critical to the safety of these cats. It is important not to overfeed, leaving food behind to attract rats, ants, and wildlife. Feed only enough that it can be consumed by the cats in about 45 minutes then remove any remaining food. Leaving food out at night attracts wildlife that can carry rabies and puts the cats, other pets, and people at risk.

Cats need to be fed at the same location around the same time to create consistency. The cats will learn quickly when feeding time is. Do not trespass to feed cats. If the property on which you are feeding cats does not belong to you, you must have the consent of the property owner to feed. (get this in writing if possible). Otherwise, you may be trespassing.

Feeders can make areas where cats are being fed more attractive by creating feeding stations, planting cat nip, providing toys, etc. This is especially helpful in areas where cats tend to roam the neighborhood. Making feeding areas attractive combined with the use of deterrents can greatly reduce cat problems in the area.

Cats are yowling, fighting, spraying, roaming and having kittens.

• Reason: These are all mating behaviors displayed by cats who have not been spayed or neutered. Cats will breed prolifically if they aren't sterilized.
• Solution: Practice TNVR. Male cats are less likely to compete, fight, spray, and roam. Females are less likely to yowl and will stop producing kittens. Typically, once a cat is spayed/neutered, within three weeks the sex-drive hormones will leave the cat’s system and such behavior usually stops. To combat urine smell, spray the area thoroughly with white vinegar or other products that use natural enzymes to combat the smell.

Cats are climbing on my car.

• Reason: Cats like to perch on high places.
• Solution: Putting cat shelter and food in a secluded place discourages them from climbing on your car. Purchase a car cover.

Feeding cats attracts insects and wildlife.

• Reason: Food is left out too long and at inappropriate times of the day.
• Solution: Keep the cat feeding area neat to avoid insects. Feed cats daily at the same designated time, during daylight hours. They should be given only enough food for them to finish in one sitting. All remaining food should be removed within 30 minutes.

Cats are digging in my garden.

• Reason: It is a cat’s natural instinct to dig and deposit their waste in soft or loose soil, mulch or sand.
• Solution: Scatter fresh orange and lemon peels or spay citrus-scented fragrances. Add coffee grounds or pipe tobacco as natural deterrents.

Cats are sleeping under my porch, shed, etc.

• Reason: They are looking for dry, warm shelter.
• Solution: Block open areas with lattice or chicken wire but be sure to search for anyone hiding first! Provide a shelter like a small doghouse hidden away.

Cats are getting into my trash.

• Reason: Cats are scavengers and are looking for food.
• Solution: Place a tight lid on your trash can. You or your neighbors can feed the cats. Cats that are not hungry will not scavenge. Feed during daylight hours at a consistent time in an out-of-the-way place.

Cats are lounging in my yard.

• Reason: Cats are territorial and will remain close to their food source.
• Solution: Apply cat repellent fragrances around the edges of your yard. Install a motion-activated water sprinkler.

Do you love cats? Do you want to make a positive impact on our community?

Operation CatSnip of the Treasure Coast -- the designated partner in St. Lucie County Animal Control Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return programs -- could use your help!

If you would like to volunteer for Operation CatSnip, visit www.operationcatsniptc.com, call 772-293-4621 or email info@operationcatsniptc.com.

The City of Port Saint Lucie would like to thank the following organizations for assisting us in our TNVR program:

• Operation Catsnip of the Treasure Coast
• Dr. Julie Kittams, Operation SOS (Sterilization Outreach Services)
• Dr. Lynly Miller, Animal Medical Hospital
• Humane Society of the Treasure Coast
• Brevard Spay/Neuter Clinic