The Józsefváros Local Government, in cooperation with the Macskavilág Foundation, is launching a TNR (Trap–Neuter–Return) program for apartment buildings in order to reduce the number of stray cats living in the district in an animal-friendly way.

The overpopulation of stray cats is a problem in many apartment buildings. The aim of the TNR method is to control the cat population in a humane, animal-friendly way.

The cats are taken into the care of the Macskavilág Foundation, which provides them with appropriate care and, after other veterinary examinations, also neuters the animals. After the procedure, the animals – if suitable – can be put up for adoption or returned to the place where they were caught.

Neutered cats no longer reproduce, so the size of the colonies decreases over time, while the quality of life of the animals improves.

Important to know

During the implementation of the TNR program, it is particularly important that farmers do not let their cats out of their enclosure without supervision, because 

their cat may be caught and transported away, and if the animal is not individually marked (microchipped), it may be very difficult to return the animal to its owner,

the costs of capture and treatment must be borne by the owner,

proceedings may be brought against the owner for violating animal welfare laws, and they may be subject to sanctions.

Application for apartment buildings

Apartment buildings in Józsefváros where stray cats are causing problems can apply for the program. When applying, please provide:

• a brief description of the extent of the problem in the building,
• the approximate number of cats living in the area,
• the condition of the animals,
• the name and contact details of a contact person (e.g., resident, caretaker, representative, or cleaner).

The program can only work if there is someone in the condominium who can cooperate with the foundation’s staff during the captures and help with the on-site organization.

Please send applications by email to Ádám Balogh, animal welfare officer.

Applications should be sent to the following email address: balogha@jozsefvaros.hu 

The deadline for applications is April 30, 2026.

Selection of apartment buildings

Based on the applications received, the local government will select the condominiums with which it can work within the framework of the program, taking into account the severity of the problem and the possibility of on-site cooperation. Therefore, we may not be able to cooperate with all applicants immediately.

According to the plans, the program will be completed this year.