City of Duncanville

To schedule a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) appointment for a feral cat, please email [email protected] with the following information:

• A brief description of the cat (color, estimated age, and gender if known)
  
  
• A copy of your valid driver’s license or government-issued ID
  
  
• Your preference for post-surgery:
  
  
• Should we release the cat back into its original location?
  
  
• Or will you pick the cat up after surgery?

Surgery Schedule

TNR surgeries are typically performed on Thursdays, with drop-off on Wednesdays.

Please do not trap a cat before confirming appointment availability.

To check availability, call us in advance at (972) 291-5335.

If you have already trapped a cat and do not have an appointment, contact us immediately at (972) 293-7387 for next steps.

Aftercare for TNR Cats

Sterilized feral cats will receive dissolvable sutures, which heal on their own and do not require a return visit.

Staff will provide you with any specific care or release instructions, if needed.

In most cases, once a cat has recovered from surgery, it may be safely returned to the area where it was originally trapped.

You can rent a humane trap from Tri-City Animal Shelter with a $65 deposit (exact cash only). Staff will explain how long you can keep the trap and how to return it. Once the trap is returned in good condition, your deposit will be refunded in full.

You may request more than one trap, but a separate $65 cash deposit is required for each additional trap.

Where and How to Set Up a Trap

When you pick up the trap, staff will show you how to set it up properly.

To attract the cat, use smelly food like canned tuna or whatever your community cat prefers. Set the trap where the cat feels safe—near a bush, under a tree, or close to a familiar resting spot. You can also hide the trap inside a cardboard box or cover it with a blanket for privacy if no natural cover is nearby.

Before you leave the trap unattended, make sure all latches are locked and secure.

I Caught a Feral Cat—What Now?

Once the cat is trapped:

• Cover the trap with a blanket or towel to help keep the cat calm.
  
  
• Place the trap in a dry, quiet area (like a garage or covered porch).
  
  
• If you have an appointment, bring the cat to your scheduled TNR drop-off time.
  
  
• If you do not have an appointment, call us right away at (9720 293-7387.

Here are some safe and humane ways to keep feral cats away from your yard or garden:

Motion-Activated Sprinklers

ScareCrow is a sprinkler that sprays water when it senses movement. It runs on a single 9-volt battery and covers a 45 x 35-foot area. The sudden spray discourages cats from returning.

Preventing Digging

CatScat Mats: Plastic mats with soft spikes that make digging uncomfortable. Lay them spike-side up.

In the Garden: Use chopsticks in small pots or cover the soil with pinecones, lava rocks, pavers, or large stones.

Around Plants: Try poultry fencing, landscape fabric, or other barriers to keep cats out of flower beds.

Scents Cats Dislike

• Cats dislike strong smells. Try using:
• Citrus peels (orange, lemon)
• Vinegar, garlic, or ammonia
• Coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, or mustard
• Citronella or eucalyptus oil
• The herb rue, planted or dried and sprinkled

Note: These scents fade over time, so reapply regularly.

Neutralizing Urine Odor

Use enzyme-based cleaners like OdoBan, Nature’s Miracle, Fizzion, or Simple Solution. These are available at pet stores or online and help remove smells that attract cats.

Blocking Off Access

Cats look for warm, dry places to hide.

• Close off unwanted areas—but first check to be sure no cats are inside.
• Offer an alternative shelter nearby. DIY cat shelters are affordable and easy to make.

Caring for outdoor cats comes with responsibility. Here’s how to keep the peace with your neighbors while supporting the cats:

• Keep the feeding area clean. Pick up trash and leftover food after each feeding to avoid attracting pests.
  
  
• Feed at the same time and place each day. Feed during daylight hours and only provide enough food for one meal. This helps the cats stay on a schedule and reduces visits from wildlife.
  
  
• Create a litter area. A sandy spot that you clean regularly can prevent cats from using gardens or porches as bathrooms.
  
  
• Use catnip as a decoy. Plant catnip in a space where it’s okay for cats to hang out—it may keep them out of flowerbeds.
  
  
• Provide proper shelter. Giving cats a safe, dry place to sleep can stop them from nesting in unwanted areas. Search online for DIY feral cat shelter ideas.
  
  
• Know the laws. Learn local ordinances so you understand your rights and responsibilities as a community cat caregiver.
  
  
• Talk to your neighbors. Keep communication open and make sure any concerns are addressed with humane solutions.
  
  
• Keep records. Track how many cats you care for and when they were spayed or neutered.

By being a thoughtful caretaker, you help the cats—and the community—live together peacefully.