Community cats are unowned cats who live outdoors. They're also known as stray cats, or feral cats. Cats have thrived living outdoors alongside humans for over 10,000 years. Community cats are members of our community and live full, contented lives in their outdoor homes. They are generally not socialized or friendly toward people. This means they are not adoptable and don't belong in shelters.
Trap-Neuter-Return is the only humane and effective approach to dealing with community cats. In this process, cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear tipped, and returned to their outdoor homes. Ear tipping is the universal sign that a cat has been part of TNR so people can see it from afar and know not to trap that particular cat again.
Do you need assistance with TNR in your area? We may be able to help. Please inquire about our spay/neuter vouchers for community cats at communitycats@rhspca.org. Our Community Cat Manager will respond to your inquiry in a timely manner and let you know the next steps to take. Once you receive a voucher, they may be redeemed by setting up an appointment at Anicira Veterinary Center in Harrisonburg or the Augusta Regional SPCA in Staunton. Each voucher helps one cat receive a spay/neuter surgery, a rabies & distemper vaccine, and a microchip. By utilizing the voucher, you will agree to have the animal's microchip registered to you. Please note that feral cats must be brought in a trap, or feral den, to their appointment.
Trap Rentals
We have traps available to rent for a $60 deposit. Please note that we have a limited amount of traps available. In order for a trap to be rented:
Trap rentals are only for TNR purposes. Traps will not be lent to individuals wishing to bring stray cats into the SPCA.
You must already have a spay/neuter appointment scheduled (to minimize the amount of time the trap is unavailable to others)
Think the cat that you found may belong to someone? Please fill out a Found Report and then check our Lost Reports to see if someone is looking for them.
Outdoor Kittens
If you find kittens outdoors, there are a few things you should look for before you take action. Check out this flowchart to learn more.
Last year, we took in almost 1,000 kittens! If you'd like to help, please donate to our Community Cat Fund to help spay and neuter outdoor cats to help reduce the overpopulation in our community. If the flowchart says that you should step in and help the kittens that you found, you can also help us by fostering them. Learn more on our Foster page.
