Arlington Animal Services Offering Free Spay and Neuter Clinic for Feral Cats
By Office of Communication
Posted on October 16, 2019, October 16, 2019

Feral catOct. 16 is National Feral Cat Day, and the City of Arlington is working to control the feral cat population with a free spay and neuter clinic Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019.

Participants are asked to drop off feral cats at Arlington Animal Services (1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd.) between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. The offer is available for the first 20 cats, and each cat must arrive in a trap. The cats will also be vaccinated for rabies and can be picked up at 4 p.m.

The program is made possible thanks to a grant from Maddie's Fund, an organization dedicated to saving the lives of shelter dogs, cats and other animals.

“I wish for the day when all feral cats are sterilized, vaccinated, ear tipped and the community is educated about the success of a TNR [trap, neuter, return] program," said Arlington Animal Services Manager Chris Huff.

If you're unable to attend Sunday's event, the offer will be available on select Sundays in November and December. Click here for a printable flyer with more information.

Feral Cat FAQ

What's the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?

Pet and stray cats are socialized to people. A feral cat is not socialized and may never have had any contact with humans. Feral cats thrive outdoors rather than living indoors as pets.

How can I tell the difference?

If a cat you do not know approaches you, it is most likely not feral. Each individual cat will act differently in a variety of situations. The body language to look for in a feral cat include staying low to the ground, crawling and crouching. A feral cat is unlikely to make eye contact and is typically nocturnal.

What is Trap, Neuter, Return?

Trap, Neuter, Return is the only humane and effective way to stabilize community cat populations. The objective of this program is to humanely trap, spay or neuter, vaccinate, ear tip which helps identification purposes and return each feral cat to its original habitat or colony in its designated area. An ear tip helps identify the cat as being a part of the TNR program allowing the community to help Arlington Animal Services by checking for an ear tip prior to contacting the shelter about outdoor cats. Evidence collected over the last two decades has proven that the euthanasia of feral cats is ineffective in controlling community cat populations. TNR remains successful in increasing lifesaving efforts because of the compassionate residents of Arlington and the partnership with organizations such as The Best Friends Animal Society, Maddie’s Fund and Alley Cat Allies.

What are the benefits of TNR?

  • Fewer cats entering the shelter
  • Reduction in the outdoor cat population
  • Public health protection through cat vaccinations
  • Safe and humane communities for the animals and people

Click here to learn more about Arlington Animal Services' TNR program.

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