Community Cats

Chemung County SPCA's Community Cat Program works to improve the lives of free-roaming and feral cats in our community and reduce the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy cats that are not suitable for adoption.


By providing free spay/neuter services for community cats, we intend to reduce the region’s free-roaming cat population, reduce the number of cats and kittens entering area animal shelters, and reduce the unnecessary suffering caused by unchecked reproduction in the free-roaming cat population.


PLEASE NOTE: Due to the potential trapping hazards and post-surgical challenges faced by free-roaming cats during winter months, this program runs from the beginning of April through the end of October. We do not offer S/N services through this program from the beginning of November through the end of March. 

 






I FOUND SOME KITTENS,

WHAT DO I DO?

Find out what to do here

Why is it Necessary to Help Community Cats?

There are thousands of free-roaming, outdoor cats in our region; some are pets allowed outside by their owners, but the majority of outdoor cats are "community cats" - cats who are un-owned and that live outdoors in the community. They may be feral or friendly, may have been born into the wild, or may have been abandoned.

 

Community cats are the most significant source of cat overpopulation in our region and the Chemung County SPCA supports a nonlethal strategy known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to reduce community cat overpopulation.

 

Without TNR, community cats will continue to reproduce. Although up to 75 percent of their kittens may die (needless suffering we'd like to prevent), the number of community cats will continue to overwhelm animal shelters and rescue groups that are already trying to care for large numbers of cats.

What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?

A feral cat is primarily wild-raised or has adapted to feral life, while a stray cat is a domesticated pet who is lost or abandoned.


Stray pet cats are usually tame and accustomed to contact with people. They will frequently seek out human contact and exhibit behaviors such as meowing or purring.


In contrast, feral cats are notably quiet and keep their distance from people.


Stray cats will also often try to make a home near humans — in car garages, front porches, or backyards.



General differences in appearance and behavior include:


Stray cat:


• May approach you

• May approach food right away

• May be vocal

• May look disheveled

• May be seen at all hours of the day


Feral cat:


• Will not approach you

• Will wait until you move away before approaching food

• Will be silent

• Will appear groomed

• Usually nocturnal

If there are feral cats in your neighborhood that need sterilization surgery, you can participate in our community cat program FREE OF CHARGE*.



*for the spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations. You may be charged for any additional treatments/procedures.


Community Cat FAQs

Have some questions about our  Community Cat Program? Find the answers below. 

  • Why return feral cats to the community?

    Removing these cats from the community doesn't eliminate the nuisances they create and actually encourages cat populations to continue growing. When you return cats that have been sterilized, they continue to use resources, and defend their territory but are unable to reproduce, decreasing the free-roaming cat population over time. Sterilization also reduces problematic behaviors like fighting and spraying. Euthanizing healthy, feral cats is unnecessary and not an option.


  • Will community cats suffer if we return them?

    Under this program, all cats that are thriving are returned to their environment. If the cat is healthy, we know it has found a food source and shelter, just as other wild animals have.

  • What about our cold winters?

    While it’s hard to imagine living outdoors during our winters, we know cats have adapted and successfully survive year-round. Similar programs have been successfully implemented in all types of climates across the U.S. and Canada.

  • Don't outdoor cats kill birds and wildlife?

    Although community cats often hunt to survive, this program will reduce the impact on birds and wildlife by gradually decreasing the cat population over time.

  • I found a friendly stray cat, what do I do?

    Please contact your local animal control provider for assistance.

  • I found a feral cat, what do I do?

    First, look to see if the cat already has an eartip. Feral cats who have been through a Trap- Neuter-Return (TNR) program will usually have an eartip, which is a universal symbol used to identify neutered free-roaming cats. The most common type of eartip is a flat quarter-inch taken from the top of the left ear, which is painlessly performed surgically while the cat is sedated for spay/neuter. Other TNR programs may use ear notches or use the right ear instead of the left. Ear-tipped cats have already been sterilized and rabies vaccinated and can be left where they are found.


    If no eartip is present, this cat is most likely not sterilized, and you can help by participating in our Community Cats program to get the cat spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies. 


    You can request an appointment here


  • What should I do if I find a cat with a tipped ear?

    A tipped ear indicates that the cat has already been sterilized and vaccinated, so you can simply leave that cat alone. Ear-tipped cats that are surrendered will be returned to the community.

  • What services do community cats receive at the Chemung County SPCA?

    A community cat is anesthetized, spayed or neutered, given a rabies vaccine and an ear tip to help identify him or her as a sterilized cat. The cat is allowed to rest in shelter overnight to ensure full recovery from anesthesia. Staff will then call the finder to pick up and return the cat to the trapping location.

  • How much will this cost?

    The Chemung County SPCA provides these services for feral cats free of charge.


  • Is this just for Chemung County residents?

    We are currently offering this program for Chemung County. Depending on demand and need we may expand to surrounding areas.


PLEASE NOTE: Due to the potential trapping hazards and post-surgical challenges faced by free-roaming cats during winter months, this program runs from the beginning of April through the end of October. We do not offer S/N services through this program from the beginning of November through the end of March.