Established in 2021, the city’s Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program stabilizes the feral cat population by humanely and compassionately trapping, sterilizing, and vaccinating cats before they are returned to their outdoor habitat. This comprehensive process involves setting up cat feeding stations and specific feeding times. Cats then receive a health assessment by a licensed veterinarian who spays/neuters, vaccinates, and ear-nips or micro-chips the animals. Cats are released into their outdoor habitat and adopted, if possible. This program runs annually from April-October.

In 2024, the city hired a part-time public safety employee, who is TNR certified, to administer the program. This commitment resulted in a total of 100 cats receiving aid, with 47 of those cats being adopted.

Per city ordinance, animals are not allowed to be euthanized except when determined by a licensed veterinarian. Out of the 233 cats only one has been euthanized after (3) days of hospitalization.

Community Cat Program Worker Susan Sanderson shared, “I am proud and thankful to be involved with the City of Mt. Pleasant’s effort in controlling the community cat population. Considering the number of cats involved in the TNR program, and the number who have been adopted, this was a successful season, for both the community cats, and our city.”

Residents are reminded not to feed stray cats and get their cats spayed and neutered.

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