The unneutered community cat population serves as a constant source of new cats and kittens. Many of these cats find their way into local shelters, taking up badly needed space, and increasing the already exorbitant cost of euthanizing homeless cats and dogs.
Substantial cost savings from TNR occurs in two ways. First, volunteers are used to get cats spayed and neutered, preventing cat reproduction. Second, lowered euthanasia and reduced workload for the shelter staff offer significant cost savings. It generally costs over $100 per cat to house and euthanize a cat. That's about twice the cost of sterilization and vaccination when cats are TNR'ed.
These savings multiply over time as the cat population gradually decreases, requiring less animal control calls and less illness due to overcrowding in the shelter.
For more information about TNR visit the website of Alley Cat Allies, www.alleycat.org