View of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with cats by the Skywheel

TNR Information

What happens on the Boardwalk shouldn’t multiply.

Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) is the most humane and effective method for managing community cat populations. Here’s how it works, and why it matters for the cats of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

TRAP

Humanely trap the cat

Volunteers use humane box traps to safely catch community cats in their outdoor colonies, causing minimal stress to the animal.

NEUTER

Spay, neuter, and vaccinate

A licensed veterinary partner spays or neuters the cat, administers a rabies vaccine, and ear-tips the cat so it’s recognized as already altered.

RETURN

Return to its home colony

Once recovered, the cat is returned to the exact location it was trapped, where it continues its life without adding to the population.

Why not just remove the cats?

Removing cats from an area without addressing the shelter and resources that drew them there creates a vacuum effect — new cats simply move in and the cycle continues, often faster than before. TNR breaks that cycle at the source.

Is TNR safe for the cats?

Spay/neuter surgery and vaccination are performed by veterinary professionals, with cats given appropriate anesthesia and recovery time before being returned to their colony.

How can I help?

Donations fund spay/neuter surgeries and ongoing veterinary care. If you’ve spotted a community cat on or near the Boardwalk that needs attention, reach out and let us know.

Where can I get more information?

The ASPCA recognizes Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as a humane, effective way to manage community cat populations. You can read more in their guide to community cats.

Have we already talked with you about a colony?

If a Cats of the Boardwalk volunteer has spoken with you about trapping near you, the next step is our TNR Request, Authorization and Colony Acknowledgment form. It takes a few minutes on a phone and opens with the phrase we gave you.

At this time it is illegal to feed the cats at the boardwalk. City ordinance 14-315-e

Cats of the Boardwalk is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 42-4280904. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Gifts purchased for us through Amazon are not tax-deductible.