Note that CATalyst recommends a minimum TNR fee is €50 per cat, with discounts for larger colonies. This is cheaper than the full price of a spay/neuter and more expensive than the reduced fee we get from the vet. But it not only includes vet fees for the spay/neuter, eartipping, parasite control and any other necessary treatments but also hidden costs, such as transport, food, laundry, etc. It seldom covers the costs involved, but we feel it's a good representative figure that caregivers should be willing to pay.

Some caregivers will be less willing and/or able than others to pay for your TNR service. But it's important that some attempt is made on their part to meet the expenses - the colony is their moral responsibility after all (see Legal Responsibility). If, as they often do, they start whining, suggest ways they could fundraise amongst their neighbours, family and friends and refer them to our Fundraising and Colony Care pages.

However, at the end of the day, neutering the colony is more important in the long term than the caregiver's acknowledgement of their responsibility. You must not make a habit of paying for the TNR costs yourself - you'll be bankrupt in no time. Refer to our Fundraising pages for ideas on raising much needed funds.