Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about TNR, community cats, and how we can help.
What is TNR?
TNR stands for Trap, Neuter, Return. It is the most humane and effective method for managing feral and stray cat populations. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered by a veterinarian, vaccinated against rabies, and then returned to their outdoor home. TNR stops the breeding cycle and gradually reduces the colony size over time.
Why is TNR better than removing cats?
When cats are removed from an area, other cats quickly move in to take advantage of the available food and shelter — this is known as the "vacuum effect." TNR stabilizes the colony, eliminates nuisance behaviors associated with mating (yowling, fighting, spraying), and is far more cost-effective than repeated trapping and euthanasia programs.
I found a stray or feral cat colony. How can you help?
Contact us! We serve Baldwin and Mobile Counties and can help you get the cats in your area spayed or neutered. While we may not be able to cover the full cost of fixing an entire colony at once, we may be able to provide financial assistance. Fill out the contact form on our homepage and we'll be in touch.
What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?
A stray cat is a pet that has been lost or abandoned and is used to human contact. Strays can often be re-socialized and adopted into homes. A feral cat is a cat that was born outdoors and has had little to no human contact — they are essentially wild animals and are not suitable for indoor living. Both benefit from TNR.
How do I know if a cat has already been TNR'd?
Cats that have been through a TNR program are given an "ear tip" — the very tip of the left ear is surgically removed while the cat is under anesthesia. This is the universal symbol that a cat has been spayed or neutered and is part of a managed colony. It is painless and permanent.
Can I adopt a cat through Azalea City Cats?
Yes! We have adoption events at both Mobile and Baldwin County PetSmart locations every month. Check our Facebook page for upcoming event dates and times. All cats available for adoption have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and health-checked.
How can I volunteer?
We are always looking for compassionate volunteers to help feed and care for community cats, assist at adoption events, help with trapping, and more. Use the contact form on our homepage to reach out and we'll get you started!
Is Azalea City Cat Coalition a nonprofit?
Yes. Azalea City Cat Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 100% of donations go directly to assist the cats in our care. Donations may be tax-deductible — please consult your tax advisor.
How do I donate?
Use the Donate with PayPal button on our homepage to donate online. The donation page offers PayPal and debit or credit card options. Every dollar helps us provide spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and care for community cats in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. To donate supplies or host a fundraiser, contact us using the form on our homepage.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Baldwin County and Mobile County in Alabama. If you are outside these areas and need help, contact us anyway — we may be able to point you toward resources in your region.
Quick facts about spay & neuter
One unspayed female and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in 7 years.
Spayed females have a near-zero risk of uterine infections and greatly reduced breast cancer risk.
Neutered males are far less likely to roam, fight, or spray.
TNR colonies shrink naturally over time — no roundups needed.
Spay/neuter surgeries are safe, routine, and performed under anesthesia.
Low-cost and free programs exist across Mobile and Baldwin Counties — we can help you find them.
Still have questions?
Reach out — we're happy to help.
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