1. pets
2. cats

Get Started!
Project TNR Bellmead
To get started with Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR),
contact Bellmead Animal Control Officer
Charles Maskell or Paul Estrada at
254.799.0251 for help with the following:
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Get approval for TNR grant funds
Borrow a TNR loaner trap
Report a feral cat colony in need of TNR
Request Volunteer Assistance with Trapping
Assistance with transportation for trapped cats
EZ Trap Training Classes & Volunteer Orientations*
* Trap Training, TNR Volunteer Orientations & other community cat assistance
provided CommCAT (formerly Heart of Texas Feral Friends) & MARC.
New Volunteers Welcome!
Contact Bellmead Animal Control for dates of the next
New Volunteer Orientation.
Trap-Neuter-Return
A City of Bellmead Project
www.Bellmead.com
Funded by a generous grant from
PetSmart Charities
®
Project TNR Bellmead grant is supervised by the City of
Bellmead, Bellmead Police Department, Bellmead Animal
Control, and the Bellmead Animal Advisory Board.
“Project TNR Bellmead will fast-track the goals of the
City of Bellmead to significantly reduce the number of
free-roaming cats and offspring; decrease the number of
cat complaint calls to Bellmead Animal Control; and
provide caregivers with the financial assistance needed
to assertively implement TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) at
their cat colony for maximum impact.”
~Project TNR Bellmead Grant Proposal
What is TNR?
How to Trap
What is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)?
Trap-Neuter-Return provides a “controlled” group of non-reproducing,
rabies vaccinated community cats. (No more homeless kittens!)
Always remember YOUR SAFETY FIRST!!
What is the TNR process?
Community cats are humanely trapped, spayed (female) or neutered (male),
given a rabies vaccination as required by state law, and
left ear-tipped during surgery for identification. Healthy
eartipped community cats are then returned to their
outside home.
2. Line the bottom of the trap with newspaper.
Why does the spay/neuter help?
Spayed or neutered community cats are healthier and
less of a nuisance because they no longer have the need
to breed. It reduces yowling, fighting and spraying.
TNR also prevents new litters of homeless kittens.
Why are the cats returned? Why can’t you adopt them out?
The “R” in TNR is for “Return.” Community cats must be returned to their
outdoor home after TNR. This is not an option.
Why can’t the cats be relocated?
Just like you, these cats have chosen this place as their home. Cats who are
trapped and dumped often find their way back. To trap then dump a cat in a
different location is cruel and illegal!
Why don’t you just kill them?
When given a choice, most people prefer a humane way to control outside
cats. Besides, even if all the cats are rounded up and killed, more cats will
eventually take their place. It’s called the “vacuum effect.” However, TNR
cats will help keep other cats away. The community is also safer since the
cats also get a rabies vaccination, and no more homeless kittens.
How do we know TNR will work?
TNR has been going on for several years in Central Texas, in cities like
Bellmead and Waco. There have been thousands of TNR surgeries in
McLennan County since 2007. In those areas with TNR, there is proof of a
decrease in the number of kittens born and a decline in complaint calls.
1. Do not feed the cats the day before. (You can do “sprinkles” of food,
if cats are demanding.)
3. Put a little food at the entrance of the trap, then a
little more at the very back.
4. Once trapped, cover immediately with a light sheet
to reduce the stress. (Do not leave traps unattended.)
5. The cat in the trap is then driven to the clinic for TNR.
6. After surgery, the cat will need to be kept in a safe, quiet, cool spot
overnight. The clinic may be able to keep overnight, if space allows.
7. Do not try to give the cat food or water during overnight recovery.
8. The next morning, set the trap at the spot where cat was trapped.
Have a bowl of food and fresh water available for the cat.
9. Pull back the sheet and stand away for about 3 minutes, allowing the
cat to smell the air and remember that this is “home.”
10. Open the release door, and get back! Cat may take a few minutes to
feel it’s safe enough to run out.
Contact Bellmead Animal Control Officer Charles Maskell or
Paul Estrada at 254.799.0251 to learn how to get started!
**SAFETY TIP**
Do NOT open the trap for
any reason until it is time for
the cat to be Returned.
Failure to heed this warning
could result in severe injury!