Feral Cat Caretakers

THE MARYLAND SPCA'S DEFINITION OF A STRAY/FERAL CAT CARETAKER: A person or group of people who provide food and shelter to stray/feral cats and increase public awareness of the plight of stray/feral or un-owned cats. A stray/feral cat caretaker also provides statistical information to the Maryland SPCA with regards to colony numbers and general colony progression. A stray/feral cat caretaker acts to reduce colony numbers by working to spay and neuter the animals within their specific colony(ies) as well as providing and participating in stray/feral kitten litter socialization and adoption.

Helping the Feral Cats: Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR)

PURPOSE: To help the stray/feral cat population by trapping, neutering and returning and by offering supportive care to stray/feral cat caretakers.

REASON: Traditional methods of stray/feral cat sheltering and care in the community have failed to address stray/feral cat overpopulation problems adequately. Findings show that TNR can address the free-roaming stray/feral cat colony overpopulation problems if the animals are properly vetted and altered.

THE MARYLAND SPCA'S EXPECTATIONS OF A STRAY/FERAL CAT CARETAKER:

Track colony numbers.
Manage colony site (shelter, cleanliness, etc.)
Make plan of succession ensuring someone is responsible for the care of the colony if the registered caretaker no longer can/will perform his/her duties (e.g., caretaker moves, leaves, etc.).
Check colony 1-2 times per week and ensure the colony's zone is clearly defined as such.
Submit general reports to the Maryland SPCA as requested.
Provide and maintain minimum acceptable colony care requirements (e.g., food, sanitation, shelter and water).
If the caretaker is in the process of trapping for spay/neuter surgery, adhere to all federal trapping guidelines.

INCENTIVES PROVIDED BY THE MARYLAND SPCA FOR STRAY/FERAL CAT CARETAKERS:

Large-scale TNR events held twice per month.
MD SPCA support/recognition for TNR events.
Trapping equipment loans.

TNR Workshop

The Maryland SPCA highly recommends that all stray/feral cat caretakers attend the workshop presented by Community Cats of Maryland. The workshop is held at the BARCS animal shelter the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. The Maryland SPCA will give Community Cats of Maryland a free feral spay/neuter certificate for each workshop attendee. The certificate is good for one time only for one cat only in the Maryland SPCA's Spay and Neuter Clinic. An appointment is required.

Additional Information and Appointments

The Maryland SPCA believes that feral cats can survive outside with a little human support and compassion. We do not accept feral cats at our shelter for euthanasia. We promote and support the work of feral cat caretakers by offering low-cost spay/neuter and by coordinating Trap, Neuter, Return clinics twice a month. The TNR clinic cost is $20 per cat, which includes spay/neuter, rabies vaccine, FVRCP vaccine, Revolution flea treatment & de-wormer and ear tip. To qualify for the TNR clinic, all cats must be brought in humane traps and must receive an ear tip. Appointments are required.

For more information about how the Maryland SPCA can help feral cats, please e-mail feralhelp@mdspca.org or call our spay/neuter line at 410-889-SPAY.

The Maryland SPCA is unable to relocate feral cats and/or remove feral cats from any premises.

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