Feral-Fix

• Pilot Fix-Em
• Trap, Neuter, Return

Feral-Fix for Caretakers of Feral Cats

Feral cat caretakers that qualify for Feral-Fix are participating in a Trap, Neuter, Return program and caring for a colony larger than five individual cats, providing food and fresh water to their colony daily and are dedicated to ensuring all colony cats are spayed or neutered. In addition to spay/neuter surgery, caretakers can obtain wellness care for their cats through Feral-Fix.

The Maryland SPCA also works in conjunction with the Maryland Feline Society at a once a month TNR spay/neuter event. For more information, please visit www.mdfelinesociety.org.

Feral-Fix Pricing

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. The Maryland SPCA is looking for a maximum of 20 stray/feral cat colonies to participate in the Stray/Feral Cat Caretaker Program. 

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

THE MARYLAND SPCA'S DEFINITION OF A STRAY/FERAL CAT CARETAKER: A person or group of people who provide food and shelter to the cats as well as provide the public with 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 works 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.

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 g eneral 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:

• Periodic large-scale TNR events.
• SPCA support/recognition for TNR events.
• Facility space for approved events.
• Access to Fix-Em program.
• Material donations as available; SPCA to generate supplies as available (e.g., food bank).
• Database management.
• SPCA as a communication resource.
• Trapping equipment loans.

Additional Information and Appointments

For more information about The Maryland SPCA's Feral Cat Caretaker program and Feral-Fix, please e-mail fixem@mdspca.org or call our Spay/Neuter line at 410-235-8826, ext. 140. Our outdoor cat brochure also may be helpful.

To learn more about TNR in the Baltimore community, visit the Alley Cat Allies website and read this article: Herding Cats: City Legalizes Feral Cat Trap-Neuter-Release Programs.