Yucaipa / Calimesa CA

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Right Fit Rescue TNR logo with cats and paw prints and the words “Trap Neuter and Return.”

TNR Program (Trap-Neuter-Return)

We humanely reduce community cat populations by trapping, spaying/neutering, vaccinating, and returning healthy cats to their outdoor home—while improving their quality of life.

Request TNR Help
Volunteer for TNR
Donate to Sponsor a Fix

Is this for you?

I found outdoor cats / kittens What to do now Get guidance → I want to help trap Volunteer + training Join the team → I want to fund TNR Sponsor + impact See impact →

What TNR Is

Trap-Neuter-Return is a humane, proven approach to stabilizing and reducing community cat populations while improving their health and quality of life.

  1. 1

    Trap

    Cats are humanely trapped using safe equipment during a short, planned window.

  2. 2

    Fix

    Cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, and ear-tipped while under care.

  3. 3

    Recover

    Cats recover in a quiet space for 24–48 hours to ensure they’re stable and comfortable.

  4. 4

    Return

    Healthy cats are returned to their outdoor home where they were originally found.

When TNR is the right choice

Use this quick guide to decide whether TNR is the best next step—or if a different type of help is needed.

Good fit for TNR

  • Outdoor adult cats that are not socialized
  • Community cats living in a consistent location
  • Managed colonies where cats are regularly seen/fed
  • Neutering/spaying to prevent future litters
Request TNR help →

Not a fit / needs different help

  • Friendly cats that may be lost or abandoned pets
  • Sick or injured cats needing urgent care
  • Very young kittens (they often need a kitten plan first)
  • Situations where trapping is unsafe (extreme heat, active hazards)
Found a friendly cat? → Found kittens? →

Found outdoor cats or kittens? Start here.

Most situations go smoother when there’s a simple plan. Use this checklist to prepare, then submit a request so we can guide the next steps.

Quick checklist

Do not feed the day of trapping (12–24 hours before)
Trapping works best when cats are motivated by food. Keep water available at all times.
Set a consistent feeding schedule for 3 days
Feed at the same time and location so cats reliably show up when a trap is set.
Count cats and note locations
Estimate adults vs kittens and where they usually gather. Photos help but aren’t required.
Plan a quiet recovery space (24–48 hours)
A garage, bathroom, or covered patio area works well—protected from weather and noise.
Submit a request for help
We respond within 24 hours and will confirm next steps based on your situation.

Request TNR Help

Tell us what you’re seeing and where. We respond within 24 hours and will guide next steps.

Start a TNR request

Submit your TNR request through our Shelterluv form. Include your contact information, location, and details about the cats so our team can review your request.

  • Your name and contact info
  • Location (address or nearest cross streets)
  • Number of adult cats and kittens
  • Any notes about behavior, feeding times, or concerns
Open TNR Request Form

Service area: Yucaipa, Calimesa
If a cat is injured or in distress, seek urgent help from local animal services or a veterinarian.

Sponsor a Fix

Your support funds spay/neuter services, rabies vaccination, and ear-tipping—directly reducing future litters and improving the health of community cats in Yucaipa and Calimesa

Volunteer + Training

New to TNR? No problem. We’ll walk you through the basics, pair you with support, and help you build confidence with safe, humane trapping and recovery.

How to get started

  1. 1
    Orientation (30 minutes)
    Learn safety basics, what to expect, and how we coordinate local traps.
  2. 2
    Shadow a trapper (first shift)
    Hands-on learning with a trained volunteer—no pressure, just support.
  3. 3
    Choose your role
    Pick what fits your schedule and comfort level. Many roles are behind the scenes.
Volunteer for TNR Need help instead?

TNR FAQ

Quick answers to the most common questions. If you still need help, reach out through our Shelterluv TNR form.

What is ear-tipping?
Ear-tipping is a small, humane trim of the tip of one ear while the cat is under anesthesia. It’s the universal indicator that a community cat has already been fixed and vaccinated.
Will the cats be vaccinated?
Yes—TNR typically includes a rabies vaccine at the time of spay/neuter, depending on clinic availability and the cat’s condition.
How long is recovery?
Most cats recover in a quiet, covered space for 24–48 hours. We’ll share guidance based on the procedure and the cat’s behavior.
What about kittens?
Kittens may need a different plan depending on age. If they’re very young, the priority may be keeping them warm, safe, and with mom when possible—then scheduling spay/neuter when appropriate.
What if I can’t hold a cat overnight?
Tell us in your message. Options may include adjusting timing, pairing you with a recovery volunteer, or planning a smaller trap window.
What if neighbors complain?
TNR reduces nuisance behaviors over time (fighting, roaming, spraying). We can share basic communication tips and focus on safety, humane care, and visible results.
Does TNR attract more cats?
TNR doesn’t “attract” cats—food sources do. When a colony is stabilized and managed, it reduces new litters and can prevent a vacuum effect from unsterilized cats moving in.

Still have questions?

Message us through the Shelterluv TNR form and include your location (Yucaipa or Calimesa) and what you’re seeing. We respond within 24 hours.

Request TNR Help

Ready to help a colony?

Whether you’re seeing outdoor cats, want to volunteer, or want to sponsor TNR, we’re here to help. We serve Yucaipa and Calimesa and respond within 24 hours.

Contact Us Volunteer for TNR Sponsor a Fix