Originally posted by jenluckenbach
I do not know what the feelings are within the TNR programs, is it better to release the cats right away or is it acceptable to release at a later time?

The answer to this would affect my answer to releasing grey in 24 hours. If the grey girl could still adjust to being released AFTER (let's just say) a week, then I would hold on to her to see if there are any signs of starting to calm down......BUT.......if getting them back to her own habitat quickly is important (for reasons I am not sure of because the subject never came up with me) THEN I'd release her quickly.

Please tell me that made sense to someone other than me.
Our TNR programs release back where trapped only if the cat is feral and only if someone is going to feed and provide water in the area. If you try and tame, then you need to have a home ready for placement. If the cat doesn't tame and you've kept it in your area, then it may remain there after release. Always make sure you provide food & water wherever you release.

Here's our 10 commandments of trapping:

The Ten Commandments of Trapping Feral Cats

1. Always have a plan in place before trapping. Do you have surgery appointments set for the following day? Who is funding the surgery? If a rescue organization is funding, has the veterinary clinic received proper authorization from the rescue organization? What will you do with any kittens trapped that are too small for surgery?
2. Never release a cat until you know with absolute certainty that the cat is spayed or neutered. If you are uncertain that the cat is spayed or neutered, take the cat to the vet even if it is not a cat you were trying to catch. If you catch a kitten too small for surgery, find a place to foster the kitten until it can have its surgery.
3. Use only traps or feral carriers for catching, containing, and transporting feral cats. Never put a feral cat in a tame cat carrier (plastic, cardboard, etc.) Never deliver a feral cat to a veterinary clinic unless it is in a trap or feral carrier (no plastic carriers or wire cages). Veterinary clinics may reject feral cats in tame containers.
4. Traps containing cats must be covered at all times. Trapped cats are scared to death. Being covered offers them a bit of security. If a cat pulls the trap cover into the trap, put another cover over the trap.
5. Make sure traps are out of dangerous elements like sun and rain so kitties won’t roast or freeze.
6. Always check to make sure the back door of the trap is securely latched.
7. Never leave a trap unsupervised in an unsecured area. Traps can be stolen and trapped cats can be released or worse. Any unsupervised trapping must be done in a secured area like a fenced back yard.
8. If you leave a trap unsupervised (in a secured area only!) cover it in case it catches a kitty. Tuck the trap cover edges under the trap so the cover won’t blow away.
9. Use wet stinky bait such as tuna or mackerel. Bonita fish flakes (available at Oriental food stores) sprinkled on top of the bait are very enticing to kitties.
10. During bug season, sprinkle a cat-safe bug deterrent on the ground under and around the bait area of the trap so kitty won’t be consumed by ants. The most effective safe powder is Ortho Bug Be Gone Multi-Purpose Garden Dust. Sevin Dust 5% can also be used. Diatomaceous earth (food-grade, please – available from some natural food stores and environmentally conscious pet-care supply companies) can also be used, but there are conflicting reports about its effectiveness.