Skip to main content Skip to footer

Trap Neuter Return Manage Program

Two black and white cats

What is Trap Neuter Return Manage Program (T.N.R.M.)


T.N.R.M. program is a volunteer program monitored by Oshawa Animal Services and Oshawa Municipal Law Enforcement. Trap, neuter, return and manage is a program for feral cats in the community.

Under a cat colony management program, volunteers would:

  • Spay/neuter and vaccinate free roaming cats returning them to where they were from
  • Provide basic food/shelter
  • Keep accurate records of treated/released feral cats
  • Maintain community relations
  • Remove social kittens/cats for adoption

Feral cats are always spayed or neutered to:

  • Improve the quality of life
  • Reduce the number of feral cats euthanized
  • Reduce or end feral cat colonies through attrition

Benefits of becoming a certified colony caretaker

To participate, Oshawa caretakers must attend a colony caretaker workshop to make you eligible for the T.N.R.M. program. The program includes city paid spay/neuter surgery, trap loans, and a food bank. Straw bedding may also be an option but is subject to donations.

Feral cat caretakers are exempt from:

These are all in the Responsible Pet Owner's By-law

What is a feral cat?

Location Traits

Outdoors

  • Will not approach and will likely seek hiding places to avoid people
  • It may belong to a colony
  • Unlikely to make eye contact
  • Will not beg or purr
  • It is more likely to be nocturnal
  • May have a clean, well-kept coat with scars from fighting

In a trap

  • Cannot touch, even by a caregiver
  • Will likely stay in the back of the cage and retreat as far back as possible
  • If frightened, the cat may shake, rattle or climb the cage and could become injured
  • Will remain tense and unsocial
  • Will likely ignore all people and toys, and even food
  • Will not show any familiarity or interest in household sounds
  • Will be aggressive and lash out if threatened or cornered

What is a stray cat?

Location Traits

Outdoors

  • May approach people, houses, porches or cars
  • Will likely live alone and not be part of a group
  • Might walk and move like a house cat, such as walking with tail up - a sign of friendliness
  • Will look at you, blink or make eye contact
  • May be vocal, meow or "answer" your voice
  • Will be visible during the daytime
  • May be dirty or disheveled

In a trap

  • May let you touch it or tolerate a small about of touching with an object
  • May come to the front of the cage
  • May rub against the cage in a friendly way
  • May relax over time
  • May investigate toys or food placed near the edge of the cage
  • May respond to household sounds like cat food cans or food bags
  • May hiss or growl to show anxiety

Contact Us

Service Oshawa
Oshawa City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7
Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: service@oshawa.ca

Get information from the source

Subscribe to City News and get the latest updates delivered to your inbox.

This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.