All About Stray and Feral Cats
A stray cat is familiar with humans. Strays are usually socialized and may seek human interaction, making them easier to re-home.
A feral cat has little to no contact with humans and avoids them. Feral cats are typically not socialized and are best suited for life outdoors, often thriving in managed colonies.
The Dos and Don'ts of Community Cat Care
DO Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)
DO Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)
DO Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)
TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) is the most effective way to reduce the community cat population. By preventing breeding, the population will naturally decrease over time.
WOASH does not offer trapping services or accept feral cats in our shelter, but we can help you find low-cost spay/neuter options. We also partner with mobile spay/neuter clinics to serve the community.
We have a trap available for "rent" with a refundable deposit. Always have a plan in place before trapping.
DO Provide Food, Water, & Shelter
DO Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)
DO Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)
Outdoor shelters can be purchased or easily made at home. When creating one, always use straw, not hay or blankets. Remember, straw is for strays, hay is for horses!
Only feed feral cats if you plan to have them spayed or neutered. Feeding without fixing encourages reproduction and makes your property a breeding ground.
Provide fresh water daily, as it can be hard for feral cats to find.
DON'T Relocate or Kill Feral Cats
DO Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)
DON'T Relocate or Kill Feral Cats
Feral cats did not choose this life; humans failed them. The problem was caused by humans, and it’s up to us to help solve it. Relocating cats is ineffective for population control, and trap-and-kill methods are inhumane. These approaches don't work, as new cats will move in to take advantage of available resources.