A community cat is an unowned, outdoor, free-roaming cat. Community cats are also known as stray or feral cats (or kittens), whose temperaments vary from friendly to feral. These cats are not candidates for adoption as they are typically unsocialized and can thrive in the outdoors that they have grown accustomed to.  

TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is the most humane and effective method for managing the community cat population. Cats that go through HSSV’s TNR program are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, tattooed, and ear-tipped. After surgery, the cats are then returned to the home territories they were trapped from.  

TNR breaks the breeding cycle while allowing cats to live out their lives in their home territory without triggering the vacuum effect. The vacuum effect happens when a cat is trapped but not returned, which leaves an “empty space” in the colony for another breeding cat to enter and occupy. 

HSSV defines a managed colony as a group of 3+ cats that are taken care of by humans, also known as “caretakers” or “feeders.” Responsible caretakers or feeders ensure that their colonies are altered and vaccinated so cats stay healthy and the colony size doesn’t increase. 

TNR improves cats’ lives, stops the breeding cycle, prevents new litters, and reduces nuisance behaviors such as spraying, yowling, and fighting in our neighborhoods.   

Research shows that by focusing on high-impact TNR, population stabilization and even decline can be seen for that colony on a year-over-year basis

No, we are expanding our program to focus on altering entire colonies up to at least 80%. In fact, last year, we trialed a Targeted TNR program with 1 local partner and a handful of dedicated volunteer trappers. In 7 months, we altered 62 colonies, which accounted for more than 500 cats.  That means our team of volunteers, staff and partners helped prevent more than 6,000 cats from unnecessarily entering shelters. 

While we no longer offer the ability to self-schedule, we are focusing on providing people who want to help the cats in their community with the resources to do so.  If you’re willing to work with us to TNR colonies to 80%+ in our target cities, we’ll connect you with a TNR Partner and help you get the necessary surgery appointments.  We also have limited appointments for people who need TNR appointments outside of our target areas but in Santa Clara County. 

HSSV will be launching our trap rental program soon. In the meantime, here are some other resources for borrowing a trap in Santa Clara County: 

Bay Area Cats: Fill out this form 

Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority: Call dispatch 

San Jose Animal Care Center: Walk into their main lobby to ask 

13th Street Cat Rescue: 408-566-3637 • info@13thstcats.org 

Cat Resource Center: (408) 335-4357 • admin@catcenter.org 

Homeless Cat Network: info@homelesscatnetwork.com 

Yes! HSSV will be launching trapping workshops shortly. Please email tnr@hssv.org to learn more about TNR and sign up for a hands-on trapping workshop.