Grafelman Farms Rescue is dedicated to humanely managing community cat populations through our Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program — giving outdoor cats a healthy, safe future while reducing overpopulation.
We assist with cases as our capacity allows while prioritizing our resources and maintaining quality care for the animals we serve. We offer limited number of slots each month to help spay/neuter, vaccinate, and microchip stray or feral cats.
Program Pricing: Female cats: $100 | Male cats: $80.
Cost includes spay/neuter, FVRCP vaccine, Rabies vaccine (if 3 lbs or over), Flea/Tick Preventative, Microchip with registration and Ear-Tip (the universal sign that a cat is fixed). Additional services such as an antibiotic injection or ear infection ointment are available at extra cost.
We understand that paying the full amount upfront may not be possible for everyone. Payment plans may be available for those who need assistance. We can work with you to determine an affordable payment arrangement, with a portion of the surgery costs potentially offset through sponsorship assistance. The amount you are responsible for paying will be discussed and agreed upon in advance.
Why is there a fee for spaying and neutering?
The fee directly covers the cost charged to our rescue by our partner veterinarian for the surgical procedure. To keep this cost as affordable as possible, our volunteers donate their time to handle veterinary technician duties on surgery days, enabling the clinic to offer us discounted rates.
Additional services—such as vaccinations, deworming, and flea/tick preventatives—are provided at no extra charge thanks to grants and generous donors. While TNR programs are vital to controlling feline overpopulation, they rely on fee coverage to remain operational. We deeply appreciate your partnership in keeping these programs going!
Trapping Cats
Caregivers must be willing to work collaboratively with our volunteers regarding scheduling, trapping, and transportation. We have ‘Tru Catch Live Traps’ that can be loaned to support the trapping process. It is important to do “trap training” so that you are able to trap the cat for the scheduled surgery day.
Here is a video on how to trap train:
Here is an infographic on Trap Training:
Here is a video on how to “set” the traps:
To be added to the surgery schedule, a consent/waiver form must be completed.
Click the button to complete the form.
A volunteer will reach out to you to schedule and to discuss the borrowing of traps and payment.
Post-operative care for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
Post-operative care for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) feral and free-roaming cats focuses on safety, monitoring, and a low-stress environment before returning them to their outdoor territory.
Housing and Environment
- Keep them in the trap: Leave the cats inside their covered humane traps or transfer them safely only if necessary; do not attempt to handle or let them out.
- Cover the traps: Drape a light blanket or sheet over the trap to keep the cats calm and reduce stress, making sure air can still circulate.
- Temperature control: Keep the traps indoors in a quiet, warm, draft-free, and temperature-controlled area (such as a basement, bathroom, shed, or garage), as cats cannot regulate their body temperature well while waking up from anesthesia.
- Quiet space: Keep them away from loud noises, music, children, and other household pets.
Recovery Timeline & Monitoring
- Duration:
- Male cats: Generally need about 24 hours of recovery and can usually be released the day after surgery.
- Female cats: Usually need 48 hours to recover (or longer if they were pregnant or lactating, per veterinary advice).
- Daily checks: Check the cat visually through the bars for alertness, clear eyes, and normal breathing.
- Sutures: Most clinics use internal, dissolvable stitches and/or tissue glue, meaning no follow-up visit or suture removal is required.
Food and Water
- Timing: Offer a small amount of canned (wet) food mixed with a little water the evening after surgery, sliding the food dish in through the trap bars or a cracked-open door without letting the cat escape.
- Nausea: Do not be alarmed if the cat does not eat right away, as residual anesthesia can cause mild nausea.
When to Call the Rescue
Contact the rescue immediately if you notice warning signs. The rescue can be reached via email at cats@gfrpets.org or via text at 779.707.1408.
- Persistent bleeding or discharge/foul odor from the incision site
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Labored, heavy, or abnormal breathing
- Extreme lethargy, coldness, or inability to stand up or wake up
- Straining to urinate or blood in the urine past the first 24 hours
Returning (Release)
- Location: Always release the cat at the exact same location where they were trapped.
- Timing: Release during daylight hours (dawn or dusk) in a low-traffic area.
- Process: Point the front/exit of the trap toward a safe escape path, unlock/remove the rear or front door, and step back to let the cat run out and reorient.
What is Trap Neuter Vaccinate Release (TNR or TNVR)?
Please note: Not all local areas have ordinances to support TNR in their area.
If you are interested in programs for your personal cats, go here.
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