TNVR Changes the Course of Yami's Young Life
Yami was just a tiny kitten when he and his littermates were discovered in a family’s backyard. Lost and alone, with no mother in sight, the vulnerable litter of community cats was in desperate need of help. Fortunately, the mysterious workings of the “cat distribution system” brought them to exactly the right place.
The family didn’t hesitate – they gently scooped up the kittens, brought them inside, and poured love and care into each little life.
Among the group, Yami quickly formed a special bond with the family’s young son. The two became inseparable, sharing naps, playtime, and endless cuddles. But as Yami grew, that cherished bond was threatened when he began showing signs of a troubling medical condition. The family was heartbroken and unsure where to turn.
Desperate to help their beloved companion, they reached out to Cat Depot.
Thanks to our dedicated team, Cat Depot was able to step in and provide the medical care Yami urgently needed. Today, he’s back to full health and thriving in the loving arms of his best friend.
Yami’s story is a powerful reminder of the lifesaving impact of Cat Depot’s Community Cat and Safety Net Programs. Our Community Cat Program has become a cornerstone of our mission to protect and care for Sarasota’s feline population.
Cat Depot proudly offers TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) services at no cost to the community. Each month, we perform at least 50 TNVR surgeries, and so far this year, we’ve spayed or neutered more than 500 community cats and kittens.
Together, we’re building a safer, healthier future for cats like Yami and the people who love them.
TNVR Explained
Community cats are unowned, free-roaming felines that often live in outdoor colonies. The most humane and effective way to manage these populations is through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR).
This approach, practiced and supported by Cat Depot, ensures cats live healthier lives while preventing the birth of countless litters.
Why TNVR Works
By returning sterilized, vaccinated cats to their colonies, TNVR:
- Prevents overpopulation by stopping the breeding cycle
- Reduces nuisance behaviors like yowling, spraying, and fighting
- Lowers shelter intake, keeping more space available for adoptable cats and kittens
The TNVR Process: Step by Step
- Trap: Cats are safely and humanely captured using covered traps that reduce stress.
- Neuter/Spay: Sterilization prevents future litters and improves overall health.
- Vaccinate: Cats receive rabies and FVRCP vaccines to protect them and the community.
- Ear-Tip: A small notch is clipped from the cat’s ear, the universal sign the cat has been TNVR’d.
- Return: Once fully recovered, the cat is returned to its familiar outdoor home, now healthier, safer, and unable to reproduce.
At Cat Depot, we believe TNVR is not just a program, it’s a long-term, compassionate solution to feline overpopulation. Together, we’re creating safer communities for cats and people.
Florida Animal Friend Supports TNVR
Florida Animal Friend recently awarded Cat Depot a $15,000 grant that we will put to use providing much-need TNVR services for community cats from Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.
When you purchase a Florida Animal Friend license plate, you’re not just purchasing a cute plate. You are helping organizations like Cat Depot get much needed grant support. All sales from the Florida Animal Friend license plate support organizations across Florida that offer low or no-cost spay and neuter services. Orders yours today at Florida Animal Friend.
