For many years, the Humane Society of Catawba County has recognized that Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the most humane and effective way to manage and reduce the population of feral and stray cats — the cats we call "Community Cats."

Caring for a community cat colony in Catawba County? Our grant-funded Catawba Cats Count program covers spay or neuter surgery, a rabies vaccination, and an ear-tip for $25.00 per cat (up to four cats per application). Learn more and apply online →

A feral cat is unsocialized and tends to be fearful of people, keeping its distance. Community Cats most often live outdoors near a food source, in groups called colonies. Most colonies originate from unsterilized stray and roaming owned cats — which is exactly why spay/neuter is the key to managing them humanely.

The Feral Cat Package

Our Feral Cat Package is $50 and includes spay/neuter surgery, a rabies vaccine, and an ear-tip. (Pricing does not include pregnancy or cryptorchid surgeries.)

An ear-tip is the universal sign of an altered feral cat: under anesthesia, about one centimeter is removed from the tip of the left ear in a straight line. It's readily visible from a distance, making it easy for caretakers and animal control to identify a cat that has already been fixed.

Scheduling & Protocol

• By appointment
  Feral cat package appointments must be scheduled by calling the shelter at (828) 464-8878. These appointments cannot be booked online. We perform a limited number of feral surgeries per day, so please call ahead.
  
  
• Prepaid
  All feral surgeries, including the package, must be paid in full before the day of surgery. Surgery will not be performed if payment has not been made.
  
  
• In a humane trap
  Feral cats must be brought in a humane trap — one cat per trap — and will be returned to the trap after surgery. Our staff cannot accept a feral cat for surgery in a regular carrier. You must provide your own humane live trap — these can be purchased at most farm-supply and hardware stores or from online retailers.
  
  
• Check-in & recovery
  Arrive at Humane Society of Catawba County at 7:30 a.m. for check-in.
  After surgery, keep your feral cat in a secure, warm, dry location for at least 48 hours so the incision can start to heal.

Thank you for making a difference for the Community Cats of our area.