At Friends of the Animals Community Spay & Neuter Clinic, we care deeply about the safety and well-being of community cats. This policy outlines how we provide safe and effective sterilization services for feral and community cats. Feral/community cat appointments are intended for unowned cats living outdoors. They are not intended for family pets or owned cats.

All feral/community cats must be returned to the same location where they were trapped. Relocation is not permitted. Following surgery, cats should remain confined in their trap until the effects of anesthesia have worn off and they are alert and able to safely navigate their environment. Once recovered, cats should be released at the location where they were trapped as soon as possible. We recommend releasing community cats the same day whenever possible and do not recommend routinely holding community cats overnight in traps.

1. What We Mean by “Feral / Community Cat

Community cats are unowned cats living outdoors in a community setting, such as neighborhood colonies, barn colonies, trailer parks, industrial areas, or other outdoor environments. Some are truly feral and cannot be handled. Others may be friendly or partially socialized but still live outdoors without a permanent owner. For everyone’s safety, all community cats must arrive in a humane live trap, regardless of how friendly they may appear.

To qualify for the feral/community cat program:
• The cat must be unowned and living outdoors.
• The cat must arrive in a humane live trap.
• The cat must be returned to the same location following recovery.
• The caregiver must understand that ear tipping is required.
• Kittens must weigh at least 2 pounds.

2. Trap Guidelines

To keep the cat safe and reduce stress during transport and recovery:
• The trap must be fully covered with a clean sheet, towel, blanket, or trap cover.
• The trap must be in good working condition and securely latched.
Cats arriving in carriers, crates, or other containers cannot be accepted as community cat appointments.

3. Community Cat Package

The feral/community cat package is offered at the same subsidized pricing as our regular cat surgeries: $120 for male cats and $175 for female cats. In addition to surgery, the package includes the required ear tip, FVRCP vaccination, and flea/ear mite treatment if indicated.

Optional Add-On Services

• Flea/ear mite treatment upon request (if not medically indicated) – $10
• Tapeworm treatment – $20

Ear tipping is required for all cats participating in the community cat program. Ear tipping is performed while the cat is under anesthesia and serves as the universal sign that a community cat has already been sterilized.

The goal of ear tipping is to prevent unnecessary trapping, repeat surgeries, and additional stress for both cats and caregivers.

4. Scheduling

Community cats may be scheduled on most available surgery days. Appointments can be requested through our website or by emailing: scheduling@fotas.org

If you need financial assistance for a community cat, please contact scheduling@fotas.org for additional information.

5. Recovery and Release

After surgery, cats should remain in their covered trap until they are fully awake and alert. Once the cat is able to sit upright, move normally, and safely navigate its surroundings, it should be returned to the location where it was trapped and released. We recommend same-day release whenever possible. Community cats should not be relocated to a different property, neighborhood, or colony.