Guthrie’s New TNR Ordinance: What it Means for Community Cats and How is Meow & Mocha Cat Cafe is Helping
The City of Guthrie has taken a big step forward for animal welfare. At the most recent City Council meeting, members voted to approve a new Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) ordinance for community cats. This program will help reduce overpopulation in a humane and effective way, while also balancing the needs of residents and businesses.
What Is TNR?
Trap-Neuter-Return is a proven method used in communities across the country to humanely manage free-roaming cats. Cats are safely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped (a small universal sign that they’ve been fixed). After recovery, they’re returned to the location where they were found. The result? Fewer kittens, healthier cats, and less strain on animal shelters.
Why Guthrie Needs This
For years, Guthrie has seen the same challenge faced by many small towns: large populations of unowned, free-roaming cats. Without intervention, these cats continue to breed, leading to more litters of kittens that often go without proper care. This cycle creates stress on local rescues, animal control, and even everyday residents who encounter these cats in their neighborhoods and businesses.
The new ordinance gives Guthrie a clear, humane plan:
For residents, it means fewer unplanned litters showing up in backyards or under porches.
For property owners, it ensures coordination and consent before cats are returned to private property.
For rescues and caregivers, it provides structure and support for the work many have been doing on their own.
For the cats, it offers a healthier, safer life without the constant cycle of breeding.
Key Features of Guthrie’s Ordinance
Private Property Consent: Coordination with property owners is required before trapping or returning cats on private property.
Two-Strike Rule in Neighborhoods: If a cat is reported once at a residence, it will be removed. If a second report is made within 60 days, TNR will then be applied.
Commercial Areas: For businesses, the TNR process applies right away — cats will be trapped, neutered, and returned to their area.
Community Cat Caregivers: The ordinance recognizes individuals and organizations who provide food, shelter, or vet care for these cats.
How Meow & Mocha Cat Café Fits In
Here at Meow & Mocha Cat Café in downtown Guthrie, we already see the positive impact of spay and neuter programs every day. Every cat in our lounge — whether it’s playful kittens or long-time residents — has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and cared for through our rescue partners.
This ordinance reflects what we stand behind: a commitment to responsible, humane treatment of Guthrie’s community cats. By providing a safe, welcoming space for adoptable cats, we hope to show how TNR programs work in practice and why they are essential for a healthier community.
Moving Forward
The passing of Guthrie’s TNR ordinance is more than just a policy change — it’s a promise to both the people and the animals of this city. It means cleaner neighborhoods, fewer litters struggling to survive, and stronger partnerships between the community, caregivers, and rescues.
Like many local groups, Meow & Mocha Cat Café is here to support this process. The ordinance is a step toward making Guthrie a model city for humane animal care, and we are proud to play a part in that movement.
