(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) posted on Saturday, Nov. 16, that the 9th Mass Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) Day recently wrapped up, in which 40 cats from three different cat colonies were treated. Happy Cats Haven assisted in bringing the cats into the TNR program, bringing the year’s total to 1,335—200 more than the previous year. The TNR program helps manage community cat populations while keeping the animals healthy. In addition to spaying and neutering, the program provides vaccinations for rabies and other diseases and offers ongoing support to colony managers. Courtesy: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak RegionCourtesy: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak RegionCourtesy: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak RegionCourtesy: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak RegionCourtesy: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region Though HSPPR finds homes for thousands of homeless cats, some prefer to live outdoors in colonies with other cats in the neighborhood. HSPPR works to humanely reduce cat overpopulation and improve their quality of life, relying on dedicated colony managers to provide food, water, and health monitoring. Spaying and neutering can reduce behaviors such as yowling, fighting, and spraying. Returning sterilized cats to their home territory helps stop the breeding cycle and prevents new cats from moving into the area. Colony cats are identified by ear tipping, a humane and safe procedure performed while the cat is under anesthesia for spay/neuter. This mark allows future identification, ensuring HSPPR has already treated the cat. For those who are interested in becoming a cat colony manager, head to the HSPPR website for more information, or click the link above.