SPAY-USA

Introduction to Feral Cats

In 1990, few people knew the term "feral cat", much less how to deal with feral cats. Much has changed since then... In this section you will find materials on our policy on feral cats, how to humanely reduce their numbers, how to safely help these cats, finding funding for fixing feral felines, Q&A on Feral Cats for veterinarians, and other articles.

We feel that the feral cat problem will best be solved at a grassroots level, with each city, town or county developing its own Cat Project. Many models exist already. These Cat Action Teams need to

Find veterinarians interested in helping solve the problem and willing to learn the techniques of safely spaying/neutering these wild creatures! Check out the video, Working with Feral Cats in Veterinary Practice, available from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn (AL) University. Dr. Larry Moore is the contact there for copies of the video.

Recruit and train volunteers to trap cats (see Alley Cat Allies' Humane Solution video)
Establish guidelines and procedures for aftercare and long term maintenance
Educate local officials about the problem and the solution

Initially the funding for these efforts will probably be private (tag sales, craft shows, donations and community grants) but can and should grow at least partially to public funding, including animal control and public health departments. The feral cat issue is connected with public health and we urge feline friends to contact their public health officials with information about humane feral cat colony management - if the department is not already aware of these solutions. It is best to work with these officials to develop a local plan rather than wait for problems to develop.