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We do not take cats in from the
public (our mission is the trapping, sterilizing
and releasing of free-roaming cats) we can give
you information and resources to help you find a
solution.
Your neighbors and homeowners
association may need to be educated on the role
of free-roaming cats. A free-roaming cat that
has been sterilized and given basic veterinary
care is not a threat to children or any human.
An unsocialized cat (which is what feral cats in
reality are) is more likely to avoid people than
some of the "owned pets" you and your family are
likely to come into contact with. The role of
free-roaming cats in the community is being
documented and reveals that where such colonies
exist, pests that do present a real possibility
of disease transmission to humans (such as
cockroaches and rats) are greatly reduced in
number. The best option is for this cat to
remain in place after being trapped, sterilized,
and given routine care. Removing these cats only
makes a space for other cats to move into.
If you decide these cats can stay
with you and you are willing to act as their
guardian, we may be able to connect you to a
volunteer trapper in your area, or you can trap
the cat yourself.
There are local programs
available through the
Austin Humane Society and
Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter
for free spays and neuters for feral and
homeless cats in Austin and surrounding areas.
Rabies vaccines are also included. Contact the
Austin Feral Cat Coordinator at (512)
968-7131 or the
Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter
Coordinator at (512) 943-3322.
There are no charges for these services. Clinics
are held every Wednesday and Thursday. Loaner
traps are available. At the clinic, the cat will
be sterilized, ear tipped, given a health exam,
and routine vaccinations. Additional
vaccinations and combo testing are available for
a small fee. After a recovery period the cat can
be released.
The sad truth is that there are not enough homes
for all the cats we come across. The best option
is for these cat(s) is to remain in place
after sterilization.
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