From Farm to Trap and Back: A Photo Essay Exploring How TNR Saved a Feline Herd in Vermont

Article and photos contributed by Kristen Petrie, Technical Tabby, for the Community Cats Podcast (and one heck of a trapper.) 

As the sun rose over picturesque mountains and farmhands led the cows to their stalls to be milked, a herd of cats scampered down from the hayloft and through the trough windows of a dairy barn in rural Vermont. The cats had been drawn out to search for breakfast (and spilled milk) by farm store manager Dave, who, with a loud clatter, removed the cover of an antique-syle metal crock, took out a scoop of crunchies, and called, “Here, kitties,” as he shook the food in the container, and spread it on the ground. Feeding the cats was part of a morning ritual he had been performing daily since he connected with our very own Stacy LeBaron through a chain of contacts, seeking a solution to the ever-growing “cat problem” on the farm.

In a relatively short time, a couple of unfixed mousers had turned into a clowder of more than 20. The small farm’s inviting environment—cozy hay bales for hiding, plenty of rodents to chase, and sunny spots for lounging—provided an ideal habitat for the growing population. But as the cats multiplied, the population was set to test the limits of how many the barn could support. In 2023, Dave had placed over 30 kittens from the barn with local families but without support, that pace would be impossible to maintain. The challenges of a burgeoning cat colony soon became impossible to ignore: the pungent smell of unneutered tomcats and the yowling of queens in heat disrupted the once-peaceful farm routine. 

For  farmers of yesteryear, the common remedy for such a nuisance might have been a harsh culling, leaving just a few cats behind to manage pests. But times have changed. Today, the agricultural community is increasingly conscious of its responsibility to care for animals humanely and manage ecosystems sustainably. After some determined Googling, countless phone calls, and discussions with shelters, veterinary clinics, and advocates, Dave received Stacy’s email and reached out. In little time,  planning for a mass TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) project began.

The goal was clear: to trap, neuter, and return the cats in a single, well-coordinated event to prevent further population growth. With Stacy’s guidance, Dave, the farm’s owners, and the staff began preparations for trapping day. The first step was to estimate how many cats would need surgery and take note of their favorite hangouts and travel routes. The team established a feeding routine to ensure the cats reliably arrived for breakfast on trapping day. They also tracked breeding patterns to ensure that newborn kittens were found and cared for, reducing the risk of leaving helpless litters behind while their mothers were spayed.

While Dave embraced these tasks with enthusiasm, Stacy rallied local organizations to provide resources, coordinated trappers and equipment, found a clinic capable of handling the necessary surgeries, and arranged transportation to and from the site.

I was one of the trappers who joined the effort. Arriving at the picturesque dairy farm, I had the opportunity to document the process as it unfolded. Through the accompanying photos, I hoped to capture the intricacies of this mass-trapping event, highlight the dedication of everyone who made it possible, and showcase the journey the cats made to become healthy, beloved residents of the barns and fields they call home.

The kitty in the picture on the right watched me as I walked around, cleaning up stray cat food cans and making sure we’d properly collected and stored all the traps that had been lent to us. The picture on the left was sent to me a few months later. That’s Cauliflower, and I’m happy to report he’s still keeping the mice to a minimum and remains a hard-working, very photogenic member of the farm’s crew.

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Organizations involved in this project included:

• Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society provided spay/neuter services, foster care, and fundraising assistance. 
• MSPCA provided transport resources and foster care.
• Rutland Humane Society provided trapper mentoring and trapping equipment.
• Homeward Bound Humane Society provided trapping equipment.
• Habitat for Cats donated a drop trap.
• Charles River Alley Cats donated a drop trap.
• VT-Can connected Dave and Stacy. 
• Community Cats Podcast provided trappers and trapping equipment, transportation, mentoring, and strategic planning.  

Initially, we expected to TNR 23 cats. In the end, we trapped and spayed/neutered 27, returned 17 cats to their home, placed six kittens in foster homes to prepare them for adoption, and placed two working cats at another local farm. This incredible outcome would not have been possible without the help of these organizations, and we deeply appreciate their invaluable contributions.

This article was contributed by Kristen Petrie • Kristen Petrie is the Tech Tabby and Correspondent for the Community Cats Podcast and a longtime feline welfare advocate. Since 2005, she has undertaken a variety of roles in animal welfare, including adoption counselor, trapper, litter-scooper, lecture coordinator, and marketing consultant. Kristen served on the board of directors for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society for nearly a decade and recently joined the board of Community Cat Champions.

A storyteller at heart, Kristen uses her graphic design, photography, and writing skills to educate and promote animal welfare initiatives and feline-friendly culture. She is Fear Free™ certified and, in her spare time, fosters quirky cats who need a little extra patience to thrive. Always ready for adventure, Kristen loves road trips, rollercoasters, and discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations.