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14. Recovery & ReturnPeople often say TNR standsfor “trap-neuter-release,” but thebetter and more accurate definitionis “trap-neuter-return.” The cats arenot simply being released randomly.They’re being returned back to theirown territory – their home. Thedifference is important because TNRis not about letting cats go to fendfor themselves or create newcolonies. It’s about improving thelives of cats who are already outthere and making them betterneighbors.photo: Bryan Kortis Length of recovery periodCats should be given time after their surgeries to recuperate before returning them totheir colony. Not only do the cats need time to recover, but also a period of observationis needed to ensure there are no post-surgical complications, such as excessive bleeding,lethargy or infection.Among experienced TNR programs, the normal hold time varies from a minimum of24 hours to a maximum of 72 hours. Anything less than 24 hours falls below anygenerally accepted standard of humane care.At Neighborhood Cats, we recommend 48 hours for males and 48 to 72 hours forfemales, provided they are doing well. For a routine spay, 72 hours is preferred, ifresources permit, because spay surgery is more invasive than a neuter and the additionaltime can ensure they’re making an optimal recovery. When a mid- to late-term abortionhas been performed as part of the spay surgery, we recommend holding the cat four tofive days. Follow these guidelines for recovery times unless a cat is visibly ill or is beingtreated for an injury. In those cases, seek appropriate veterinary care and continue tohold the cat until the condition is resolved.On occasion, a cat will not eat for the first 24 hours after surgery. If this occurs, offera few other tempting food choices such as Fancy Feast, cooked chicken or tuna. If the catis still not eating after another day or so, but otherwise appears fully alert andasymptomatic, he may not be eating simply because of the stress of confinement and itcould be better to let him go rather than continue to hold him. If the cat is symptomatic,consult a veterinarian prior to release.125