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Before Trapping

First make surgery reservations.

Do not trap the cats any earlier than a day before your scheduled appointment.

Skip one to two meals before you trap but continue to provide water. Cats will need to be hungry to go into the trap.

Trapping

Set the trap and use bait that is fragrant such as sardines, mackerel, and tuna - the type soaked in water is preferable to oil.

Do not leave traps unattended, traps need to be checked once every hour.  Trapped cats will be defenseless against predators such as dogs, people, raccoons and skunks (which are rabies carriers and are attracted to the bait in the trap). Leaving cats outside exposed when in traps can result in the cats injuring themselves due to fear or injury from other animals or weather elements. 

After Trapping

Once cats are trapped cover the traps with a sheet or towel. Use ones that you do not mind losing or getting stained. Cats will be frantic once trapped but will calm after a few minutes when covered.

Do not leave cats outside in traps. Once trapped move the cats into a safe location that is temperature-controlled where wildlife and other people/animals cannot harm the cat. Many people use bathrooms, extra rooms, kitchens, air-conditioned/heated garages and sheds. We recommend putting newspaper, towels, tarps, old shower curtain liners under the traps. Be aware of the temperature in your safe location. Garages often can get to extreme temperatures that could harm the cats.

Transport

Use twist ties to secure the front and back doors of the trap closed. Many traps can open if they fall to the side.

During transport to the surgery clinic, we recommend putting newspaper, towels, tarps, old shower curtain liners under the traps to protect car seats. Do not put traps in the bed of a truck. Do not transport traps in a trunk that is not open to the inside of the car.

After Surgery

Please read the post-op instructions carefully.

Cats will need to be held in the safe location a minimum of 24-48 hours after surgery. Though we send the cats home fully awake, they will still have drugs in their systems, making them incoherent and impairing judgment. Also the drugs make it hard for the cats to regulate their body temperature so it is important to keep them at room temperature in the safe place for at least 24 hours.

After surgery you can place a can of wet food mixed with water into the trap. Do not put a separate water bowl as the bowl may spill and dissolve the cat's surgical suture, which is water soluble. Feed again in the morning before releasing.

Releasing

They must be released to the same place they were trapped. Relocation if not done properly is inhumane.

Before releasing check the incision sites by lifting the trap or check for any fresh blood on the newspaper provided for the bottom of the trap. If a re-check is needed you can call to schedule an appointment at CAP for no cost as long as the surgery was performed here. If it is an emergency or one of our vets is not on staff it will be your responsibility to seek out vet care at your own cost.

Feral cats are members of the domestic cat species, but are not socialized to humans and are therefore not adoptable. Because feral cats are not socialized and not adoptable, they will most likely be euthanized at a shelter or pound.

Trap-Neuter-Return is the only proven method for reducing the feral cat population. Feral cats have been living outdoors near humans for more than 10,000 years. We understand that not everyone enjoys having cats in their yards, and these simple tips will help you discourage feral cats from taking up residence on your property.

Easy Solutions to Cat Behaviors

Cats are getting into my trash cans.

Cats are scavengers and are looking for food.

Solutions:

• Place a tight lid on your trash can. Exposed trash bags will attract wildlife as well.
• See if neighbors are feeding the cats. If they are, make sure they are doing it on a regular schedule.
• Start feeding the cats yourself but remember to keep them on a regular feeding schedule, don't leave food out for more than 30 minutes, and place feeders off the ground and in location that will not disturb neighbors. Feeding cats regularly and in reasonable quantities, will help ensure they don't get hungry and turn to the trash.

There are cat paw prints and/or scratches on my car.

Cats like to perch on high ground.

Solutions:

• Move cats' feeding stations away from neighbors' properties to discourage cats from climbing on cars or other private property.
• Purchase a car cover. Or place plastic carpet runners spike side up on cars. This will not hurt the cat but will make the cat uncomfortable and it will not want to sit on the car

Cats are digging in my garden

It is a cat's natural instinct to dig and use the restroom in soft or loose soil, moss, mulch, or sand.

Solutions:

• Scatter fresh grounded orange and lemon peels or spray the area with citrus-scented fragrances. Coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, oil of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, and eucalyptus also deter cats.
• Cats will only go the restroom where they can dig. By placing chicken wire with the sharp side facing down, lattice fencing, or river rocks over the soil will keep feral cats from using your garden as a litter box. You can disguise these by planting flowers and seeds in the openings. You can also try embedding wooden chopsticks, pinecones, or sticks with dull points deep into the soil with the tops exposed eight inches apart, this will act as an obstacle and deter cats from this area.
• Establish a litter box by tilling the soil or placing sand in an out-of-the-way spot in your yard. Make sure to keep it clean and free of deposits.

Cats are lounging in my yard or on my porch.

Cats are territorial and will remain close to their food source. Ensuring that cats are neutered will dramatically reduce their tendency to roam and keep them from unwanted areas.

Solutions:

• Apply cat repellent liberally around the edges of the yard, on the tops of fences, and on any favorite digging areas or plants. This can be bought at most animal supply companies.
• Install and a motion-activated water sprinklers, this will not only keep cats from hanging out in your yard but it will also help to maintain your lawn.
• Make sure your not unintentionally providing a food source or shelter for the cats. Keep your yard clean, make sure there is a tight lid on your garbage, and do not feed household pets outdoors.

Cats are sleeping under my porch or in my shed.

The cats are looking for dry, warm shelter away from the elements.

Solution:

• Once you have located the area in which the cats are making entry make sure to look for any remaining cats or kittens before sealing off the area.
• Use lights and a radio to make the cat uncomfortable to they will move out on their own.
• Also use scents such as coffee grounds, citrus peels, and ammonia to deter any cats from making new homes on your property.

Cats are killing birds.

Being predatory animals, feral cats may occasionally kill birds. However, the real cause for the decline in the bird population is the loss of habitat, urbanization, pollution and environmental degradation. Researchers estimate that in the U.S. alone, nearly 100 million birds die from collisions with windows and buildings every year, eighty million birds die from collisions with automobiles, and another 67 million from exposure to pesticides on crops. These figures do not even take into account the millions that perish due to pesticides used on golf courses, lawns, and gardens.

Solution:

Place all bird feeds high off the ground in areas where cats cannot climb to reach it or hide around it. Try limiting the amount of seeds that fall on the ground by using liquid bird food, putting smaller amount of seeds in feeders, or by purchasing cat resistant bird feeders.

Cats are yowling, fighting, spraying, roaming, and having kittens.

These are all mating behaviors displayed by cats that have not been spayed or neutered.

Solution:

The most effective way to eliminate these behaviors is by having the feral cat spayed or neutered. These behaviors are driven by the cats' sexual hormones once the cat is sterilized usually within three weeks these behaviors are eliminated.

Citizens for Animal Protection’s mission is:  Caring for pets in need through sheltering, adoption, humane education, spay/neuter services, low-cost wellness and community outreach.

Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) completely supports that no healthy, adoptable animal should be euthanized.  CAP will not allow any animal surrendered to us to suffer, nor will CAP risk the health or safety of shelter animals by exposing them to contagious diseases or unsafe conditions.  Humane euthanasia is a decision which may be made to prevent suffering or the spread of disease to healthy animals. It also may be deemed necessary to humanely euthanize an animal who displays behavior that poses a threat to humans and/or animals.  Humane euthanasia, when necessary,  is performed by compassionate, experienced personnel and is a decision that is not taken lightly.

CAP will, at all times, act in the best interest of each and every animal in our care.  

Please do not pick up kittens. It will be your responsibility to foster kittens that you pick up. Mother cats may be out for several hours at a time, so wait somewhere unobserved to see if she returns. Allow the mother to continue caring for the kittens where you found them. As great as fosters are they are no substitute for the care a mother cat can provide. Kittens can be trapped, neutered, and returned when they are 8 weeks old and 2 lbs. FCAP is not responsible for the placement, fostering, adoption, socialization, and wellness of feral kittens.

Taking in Feral Kittens

Kittens with Mother 

Allow the mother to continue caring for the kittens where you found them. As great as fosters are they are no substitute for the care a mother cat can provide. Unfortunately, she may move the kittens so try to make the location as comfortable and attractive as possible. To help deter her from moving them provide her with a comfortable shelter and food and water.

Orphaned Kittens

Bring them into your home to establish an age, medical, and feeding needs. At this point you must act quickly because neonate kittens are very fragile. Kittens should be alert and warm to the touch. If they feel cold or appear listless warm them up immediately. Chilling is a major cause of death in many neonate kittens, this can happen in just a few hours. Do not attempt to feed a chilled kitten. Place the kitten in a box or pet carrier if you have a heating pad wrap it in a towel and set it on low. Only place it on one side of the box, this will allow the kittens to move away from it if it becomes too hot.

Determining Age

• Under One Week: Eyes are shut, ears are flat to the head, and skin looks pinkish. Part of the umbilical cord may still be attached.
• 1 week to 10 days: Eyes are beginning to open, ears are still flat. A kitten at this age is smaller than your hand.
• 3 weeks: Eyes are fully open, ears are erect, and teeth are visible. Kittens at this age are just starting to walk and they will appear wobbly.
• 4-5 weeks: Eyes have changed from blue to another color and/or kittens are beginning to pounce and leap. Kittens at this age will not need its mother milk anymore. They can begin to eat regular cat food.
• 8 weeks: Kittens at this age will weigh approximately two pounds. This will make them of age and weight to be neutered/spayed and to be adopted into a home as long as they are socialized and friendly.

Feeding

Under 4 Weeks

Kittens cannot be feed until they are warmed, feeding a chilled kitten can be dangerous. Do not feed kittens cows' milk it will cause diarrhea which can lead to dehydration. You will need to purchase KMR which is a milk replacement sold at local pet stores along with a special bottle for feeding. Milk replacement will need to be slightly warmed; test on your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot or too cold. Some people find that the premixed liquid formula is easier to use than the powder form. Depending on the kittens age they will need to be feed every two to four hours and will need 1 to 2 mls at each feeding per cat. If the cat is not gaining weight than you will want to increase the amount the cat is fed and if the cat has diarrhea it may be getting to much so decrease the amount. Remember to treat the feeding utensils just like you would for a human baby. Bacteria can cause gastrointestinal upset and other complications. To prepare the bottle, pierce a hole in the nipple with a pin or make a tiny slit with a razor blade. Make sure the flow is just right by tipping the bottle upside down. Milk should slowly drip out if light pressure is applied. If the milk flows out with little to no pressure added than the hole is too big and will cause the kitten to aspirate fluid into his lungs. This can cause pneumonia or even drowning. If you have to apply a fair amount of pressure to get the milk to drip out than the hole is too small. You can add an extra hole by using the needle and continue until it is just right.

You can also use a dropper or a needless syringe to feed, but remember newborns do not have a well developed gag reflux so go
extremely slow to prevent fluids from entering the lungs. Never feed kittens on their backs always feed them on their bellies without raising the kittens head place the nipple in its mouth. It should start nursing right away but it could take a few tries so be patient. Just like a human baby the kitten will need to be burped in the same manner. Place the kitten over your shoulder and gently pat the kitten on its back.

3 Weeks

At 3 weeks some kittens will be able to lap up milk out of a bowl, but they will still require bottle feeding. The weaning process will be messy you can start this by placing formula in a shallow bowl or plastic lid. Once they have started showing interest you can start to add a little canned wet food until it thickens a bit. You can gradually increase until its only canned wet food.

4 Weeks and Older

At 4 weeks of age kittens should be able to eat completely on their own and you can gradually switch them to eating dry food.  As messy as your fosters can get the best way to remove food is with a warm damp wash cloth. If you decide to bathe a kitten only use dawn dish soap. Cat and dog shampoos contain chemicals that can cause death or illness to a kitten less than 8 weeks of age. Bathing to often can lead to dry irritated skin and may chill the kitten. Please try to keep them warm and dry.

Toileting

You will have to stimulate kittens 2 weeks and under to use the restroom. Kittens older than 2 weeks will be able to urinate and defecate on their own. Their mother would normally lick the genital area; you can mimic this by using a warm moist wash cloth or cotton ball. Do this before and after every feeding. Don’t worry if the kitten does not defecate right away it could take a couple feedings. Remember to dry the kittens after so they will not become chilled. If you notice a kitten trying to nurse on another kitten they will need to be separate immediately this can cause bruising, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.The color of the urine should be a pale amber color if it is dark yellow this could be a sign that the kitten is dehydrated. Kittens older than 2 weeks will be able to urinate and defecate on their own.

Socializing

Kittens that are not exposed to humans at an early age will only learn from their mothers and will become feral. However, if caught and handled at a young age feral kittens can be rehabilitated and placed into loving homes.

How to Get Started

Adult feral cats are not socialized to people. Never attempt to handle an adult feral. If kittens are caught at an early age they can be socialized and placed into a loving home. Depending on the kittens age it could take anywhere from a few days to even weeks to socialize them. Kittens that are four weeks of age that have finished weaning can be taken away from their mothers. At this age it is pretty easy to socialize a feral kitten. Kittens that are left with the colony after four weeks will take longer to socialize and you will not be able to socialize kittens if they are still with their colony.

Housing Kittens 

You may need to confine the kittens in a crate, carrier, or cage. You can also use a small room that does not have carpeting or rugs. Make sure you remove anything the kittens may crawl under, destroy, or could get potentially injured by. Do not let feral kittens run loose in your home. They can hide in small spaces. Large rooms can be frightening and its best to separate them
from any household pets in case the kittens are harboring any diseases.

Make time to spend with each kitten individually. By separating them you can see who needs more socialization. Make sure you include a small litter box and food and water. Place something in the carrier or room that will help keep the kittens warm, like a blanket or stuffed animals. Just remember kittens are messy so don’t use anything that you don’t want ruined. 

Encouraging Play

Food is the key to taming kittens. Allow kittens to free feed on dry food if they are old enough. Please refer to the Feeding section of this article to determine the kittens feeding needs. Give the kittens tasty wet food twice a day and wait patiently for them to eat in front of you. They may hesitate at first but eventually they will associate your presence with food.

Older kittens will need more time to establish trust so go slow. One way to gain the trust of older kittens is by feeding them wet food from a spoon. Don’t make any attempts to pet the kittens let the kittens approach you for affection. Always take caution when handling kittens. Use low voices and approach kittens in a non-threatening manner. Once the kitten gains some trust you can start to incorporate toys into your socialization process. Never let the kittens to scratch, bite, or play with your hands.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the Feral Cat Assistance Program coordinator, Daiva at:     This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you in advance for your understanding. We appreciate all you do in the community!  Stay well!"

Before You Arrive

Make a Reservation

CAP can only provide a limited number of feral cat surgeries per day. Surgery times are by appointment only. Please make a surgery appointment online on the available day of your choice.

Check the Cats

• Do not bring in cats that have their left ear tipped.
• Do not bring in pets or owned cats
• Kittens must weigh a minimum of 2 lbs to receive services.

Prepare the Trap

If you trap two cats in the same trap you must bring an extra carrier (fabric carriers will not be accepted) or trap. All cats need to recover separately after surgery.

Please make sure there are no sharp edges or points inside the trap that can injure the cat during recovery.

Cover the trap with a large towel or blanket to keep the cats warm and calm during transport. This helps preserve body temperature and minimizes stress and reduces self-inflicted trauma. Please do not use good towels or sheets.

Complete the Cat Surgery Intake Form

One fully completed surgery intake form for each cat is required - download the New FCAP Surgery Form online, print, and complete.

FeLV/FIV testing is available; the $20 fee can be paid in cash or credit card and done at check-in. If the cat tests positive for Feline Leukemia/Feline Aids, please mark if you would like the cat to be euthanized or not.

Please have all surgery forms filled out prior to check-in.

The Day of Surgery

Transport

Keep all cats covered and warm throughout all stages of transport, before and after surgery. Cats can't regulate their body temperature for 24 hours after surgery. Do not transfer cats in the trunk of your vehicle, unless it is open to the rest of your vehicle.

Traps

Cats must be in covered humane traps. We cannot safely sedate and accept cats in carriers, boxes, and crates. We will not transfer cats into humane traps prior to surgery. You can bring an extra carrier (fabric carriers will not be accepted) to transfer the cat into after surgery.

After Surgery

You will be provided with a copy of the medical record. You will also be provided with Post-Op instructions. Please review them carefully.

General Clinic Policies

Sick/Unhealthy Cats

If our veterinarian believes a feral cat is too ill to undergo anesthesia/surgery and is in too poor of health to live outdoors, surgery will not be performed and the caretaker will be contacted. The cat can either be euthanized at the caretakers request or be released back to the caretaker to take to a full service vet clinic. If the caretaker chooses to take the cat to a full service vet clinic all charges will be the caretaker's responsibility.

Feral cats that test positive for FeLV/FIV will only be euthanized at the request of the caretaker. It is not recommended to release FeLV/FIV positive cats back outdoors.

Pregnant or Lactating Queens

All pregnant queens will be spayed and the fetuses will be euthanized. All lactating queens will also be spayed. It is the responsibility of the caretaker to determine if the cat is caring for kittens previous to bringing them in for surgery.

All pregnant and lactating females will be given subcutaneous fluids at the time of surgery.

Kittens

Mothers often leave their kittens for a few hours while they search for food. Before you pick up kittens read the article “How and When to Care for and Socialize Feral Kittens” at alleycat.org. It will be your responsibility to foster kittens that you pick up. Kittens can be trap, neutered, and returned when they are 8 weeks old and 2 lbs. FCAP is not responsible for the placement, fostering, adoption, socialization, and wellness of feral kittens.

Post-Surgical Care

Please follow all post-surgical instructions. If a complication arises due to the surgery please contact CAP at 281-600-8503 for a recheck. We will not be responsible for charges incurred if the cats are taken elsewhere for treatment. It is the responsibility of the caretaker to seek medical care in the event of illness or injury.

Right to Refuse Service

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who engages in inappropriate treatment of staff, volunteers, property, or animals. We may also refuse service to anyone who repeatedly fails to follow CAP clinic policies.

FREE Services Provided during Surgery

Spay or neuter with dissolvable sutures

Ear Tip (mandatory)

Rabies vaccination (mandatory)

Flea Preventative

Treatment for ear mites

Pain Medication

Fluids, if needed

Recovery

Keep cats in their traps during recovery. Do not attempt to touch or transfer a cat when it is awake. Cats need to be held for 24-48 hours. Choose a dry, temperature-controlled (about 75 degrees), and safe overnight holding/recovery area for use before and after the cats' surgeries. Some examples of acceptable locations include bathrooms, basements, garages, storage sheds. Make sure it is quiet and inaccessible to other animals.

Releasing

If cats are fully awake the next day, they can be released to the same location they were trapped. Release the cat in a direction that does not encourage the cats to run into danger zones, such as a busy street.

DO NOT RELOCATE a feral cat. Relocation is rarely successful. This should only be done in emergency situations and following proper relocation methods. Proper relocation methods can be found on alleycat.org.

It is recommended to try deterrence techniques to encourage cats to leave before choosing relocation.

Thank you for your interest in the community service program at Citizens for Animal Protection. This program provides individuals the opportunity to serve their court-mandated hours while helping to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals.

Program Requirements

• Must be age 18+
• Must attend scheduled Community Service Orientation (no walk-ins).
• Must be comfortable walking multiple sized dogs with different temperments.
• Must be comfortable working in a shelter environment (loud barking, pungent odors, etc.).
• Must be able to bend, kneel and lift up to 25lbs.
• Must have valid government ID (paper/digital copies not accepted).
• Must provide agency documents showing offense, level and service hours needed.
• Must pass a mandatory background screening. Individuals with current, pending or prior charges of Felonies, assault, animal cruelty, controlled substance, sex offender or offenses involving children are ineligible (other offenses may be denied at our discretion). WE MAKE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY.

If you meet the above qualifications, please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..