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.

​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

​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. Your first step is to call us at (607)732-1827 ext. 210 for more information on how to get involved.

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 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 vetting this program in Chemung County. Depending on demand and need we may
expand to surrounding areas.

Questions?
​
Call us at (607)732-1827 ext. 213 or email spayneuter@chemungspca.org for more information on how to get involved.  ​

The Chemung County SPCA’s Community Cats program is supported in part by a grant from the Tioga Downs Community Foundation.