What can you do to get rid of stray cats?

Can I bring a feral cat to my house?

Bringing a feral cat isn’t generally an option because they aren’t used to human contact and would likely lash out. Instead, The Humane Society of the United States recommends TNR — or trap, neuter and return — as the most effective method for dealing with feral cats.

Where can I take a feral cat to be neutered?

Any new feral cats that enter the colony should be taken to be neutered while any young cat or kitten that is still young enough to be socialized should potentially be adopted. Are there organizations near me that provide TNR? Several nonprofit groups across the country provide TNR to feral cats, including in Central Florida.

Where can I get help with feral cats in Central Florida?

Several nonprofit groups across the country provide TNR to feral cats, including in Central Florida. Click here for a list of organizations across the state that can help assist with feral cat colonies. For other tips the Humane Society offers for helping community cats, click here.

Is it possible to trap a stray cat?

If you need to trap and transport stray cats, read my guide to stray cat trapping. STRAY CAT BEHAVIOR: Stray cats are truly wild animals, and they are very capable. If a cat is born in the wild and lives as a wild animal, there’s pretty much no chance of domesticating it. Many cats form feral colonies.

Where can I get a feral cat spayed or neutered?

The Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project offers FREE spay/neuter services for feral/free-roaming cats in a safe, high quality, humane environment. During our regularly scheduled clinics, cats receive a basic health exam, rabies vaccination and spay/neuter surgery.

Are there feral cats in Florida?

Domestic cats may become feral or free-ranging cats when not kept indoors. Feral and free-ranging cats prey upon both common and rare species of native wildlife in Florida, including rare species listed as threatened or endangered by state and federal governments.

Are cats a threat to Florida’s native animal species?

L. 441 (2003) An enormous and growing population of free-roaming cats exists in Florida, posing a threat to the state’s native animal species, and creating a serious public health concern.

What are the laws for controlling feral cats?

On a national level, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is an ideal candidate for controlling the feral cat population. Unlike earlier laws, which contain a list of species not permitted to be introduced, the ESA effectively prohibits the introduction of a species that will “harm” a threatened or endangered species.

Can I apply for funding for my pet cat?

The application is open to INDIVIDUALS ONLY and is not for animal shelters or other rescue groups. Additionally, this funding is only to be applied to stray, feral, and unowned cats; pet cats are not eligible to receive funding.

How old do kittens have to be to spay or neuter?

Kittens as young as nine weeks can be neutered. Nursing females can be spayed when their kittens are eating solid food. If you trap a pregnant cat it is generally best to spay her anyway. If you trap a nursing female and you are unsure about the kittens, then use your best judgement after talking to your vet.

How many cats are there in Florida?

In Florida The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) estimates that the population of owned cats in Florida is about 9.6 million, and the feral cat population may be 6.3 to 9.6 million.

What is the FWC’s policy on feral cats?

The FWC’s policy on feral cats is “to protect native wildlife from predation, disease and other impacts presented by feral and free-ranging cats.” This policy does not call for the FWC to kill cats, nor does it outlaw the practice of Trap-Neuter-Release.

What do cats eat in Florida?

Cats are known to prey on small mammals, birds, and even sea-turtle hatchlings, frogs and toads, snakes, lizards, and insects. As stated above, there are some 15 million cats, both feral and owned, spending all or part of their time outdoors in Florida. This large number of free-roaming cats takes a devastating toll on native Florida wildlife.

Are feral cats legal in Florida?

It is probably fair to say that feral cats are from time to time shot by hunters in Florida and they get away with it. They’d say it is legal. It is not.

Is there any court guidance for dealing with feral cats?

In most places, courts will have no guidance other than common law for dealing with feral cat issues.

Can a private citizen protect a feral cat colony from animal control?

Further, feral cat caretakers in these jurisdictions may have a difficult time protecting feral cat colonies from animal control agencies and the actions of private citizens (because caretakers are not owners, they would likely not have the right to prevent other people from relocating feral cat colonies or impounding the feral cats).

What is the Animal Welfare Act for cats?

The Act applies to both domestic and feral cats. In addition to cruelty offences, the Act now places an obligation on owners – as well as those in charge of or responsible for cats – to ensure that their welfare needs are met, emphasising the need:

Is it legal to trap-neuter-return a feral cat?

Feral cat laws can be confusing and convoluted, especially when considering that there are no federal laws regarding Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). Only 14 states and the District of Columbia have laws that even use the phrase “feral cat.”

How many animals are killed by cats in Florida?

This large number of free-roaming cats takes a devastating toll on native Florida wildlife. Based on extrapolated data from a Wisconsin study, the FWCC has estimated that free-roaming cats in Florida may kill as many as 271 million small mammals and 68 million birds each year.

What kind of wildlife do feral cats eat in Florida?

Feral and free-ranging cats prey upon both common and rare species of native wildlife in Florida, including rare species listed as threatened or endangered by state and federal governments.

How do cats affect Florida Wildlife?

Cats are known to prey on small mammals, birds, and even sea-turtle hatchlings, frogs and toads, snakes, lizards, and insects. As stated above, there are some 15 million cats, both feral and owned, spending all or part of their time outdoors in Florida. This large number of free-roaming cats takes a devastating toll on native Florida wildlife.

Are there too many cats in Florida?

An enormous and growing population of free-roaming cats exists in Florida, posing a threat to the state’s native animal species, and creating a serious public health concern.

How many feral cats are in Florida?

In Florida The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) estimates that the population of owned cats in Florida is about 9.6 million, and the feral cat population may be 6.3 to 9.6 million.

Is it possible to control a feral cat?

At the same time, the level of control exercised by feral cat keepers and caretakers is often significantly less than the control exercised by an owner of a domestic housecat. Someone who cares for a feral cat is likely to limit her activity to feeding, watering, and in some cases spaying or neutering the animal.

What is the driving force behind feral cat legislation?

Concern for animal welfare is typically the driving force behind feral cat legislation, but it is important that animal welfare advocates adequately address the concerns of property owners who may be adversely affected by feral cat colonies.

What is the Pet Fund and how do I apply?

The Pet Fund provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need vet care. They also provide information about preventive care, pet insurance programs, and financial services to help prevent future emergencies. Note: All applicants are required to contact the Pet Fund by phone at 916-443-6007 before applying for funding.

Where can I get financial aid for my dog or cat?

Helps dogs and cats with injuries and illnesses, grants tend to be small and do not exceed $500. Helps long-time pet owners with financial aid for urgent or life-threatening emergencies only. A resource center for pet food assistance, wellness clinics, and emergency veterinary care. For emergency vet care, call 775-841-7463 to see if you qualify.