1st TNR

I ;have had a black kitty living in my barn all winter. I can't tell if male or female.

There is a spay/neuter clinic in March. You take them in at 7am and pick them up at 1pm or 4pm...can't remember which.

Is it safe to let the kitty go when I get it home? I would be more concerned if it's a female as the surgery is more extensive. 3 shots are included. I assume rabies, distemper and maybe a covenia shot? I can find that out.

My concern is releasing. Of course, I would not release until they had recovered from the anesthetic. Will he/she be ok to release that soon? What is the protocol?

Thanks guys.

Thank you for TNRing. Shows you really care.
If male, can be released almost immediately; if female, I would keep her confined to the trap overnight. Keep trap covered with a blanket; makes the cat feel safer (and warmer). She/he won't want/need food or water.
If you can't keep in the trap, try to drop her/him off first thing in morning, and pick up as late as possible.
Depending upon where you live and who is doing the S/N, cats will get at a minimum a rabies shot.

Thank you for doing this! first of all, bring a carrier to the vet. They can transfer the cat into the carrier after surgery for you.

If it is male, keep him for five hours in carrier until he is awake fully. It could be sooner, I just keep them for that amount of time before releasing.

If it is female keep her quiet and in carrier overnight and the next day if possible. If you can, bring a larger carrier in case it is female. Then you can slip in one of those store bought tidy cats pre-made litter box. They are small and perfect for this. Most grocery stores carry them. Then you can slip in food and water and keep her for twenty-four hours which is best.

Good luck, this is a great thing you are doing for her.

Thanks for the advice guys. It is cold here now, but I hope it will be milder come March. There is always food out and a heated water bowl. There are insulated kitty houses in the barn up off the floor. So, I am sure he has done ok. Quite a large cat actually.

I just hope I can trap the kitty alright. He visits sporadically, but usually a couple times a day. I guess I will try right around dinner time. I really hope he is a male. Easier on my "worry meter".!

Yes, I will take a large carrier..there's one in the garage.

I will post when I start the process....I will need encouragement!

What a wonderful thing!!!!

You already got great advice, so I won't add anything, other than to say we'll be here for lots of vibes and any questions. !!!!!!