So you have a stray cat in your area.  What can you do?

Can you pick him/her up??

Yes…

If you can pick him/her up, then the first step is taking him/her to a vet to scan for a microchip. Make sure the vet scans all over as microchips can migrate.  (Vets shouldn’t be charging for this service)

I f there is no microchip then you should get him/her fixed and vaccinated.  Follow the options in the “Spay/Neuter/Vaccinate” section

(Note: If the cat is very friendly, then s/he may be lost so take a picture and post on helpinglostpets.com to help find the owner.)

No…

If you can’t pick him/her up, then you will need to trap him/her. You have a few options in this regard:

1. Take the TNR (trap, neuter, release) workshop offered by Toronto Feral Cat Project. It is only 3 hours on a Saturday and $20 and in return you get free spay/neuter, food and access to humane traps. And you will also meet many people that you can network with.  Check www.feraltoronto.com for the next workshop.  If your cat is friendly enough to be adopted then you do not have to release him/her.  (Don’t wait until you find a stray cat to take this course. )
2. Contact and register your cat(s) with the Toronto Feral Cat Coalition at www.feraltoronto.com/survey and request assistance with trapping. (There is a good chance that they will tell you to take the workshop because they are so busy but you may be able to find someone who can assist.)
3. Contact a local cat rescue that promotes TNR.  Some rescues, like Annex Cat Rescue or Action Volunteer for Animals, may be able to assist with trapping but don’t be surprised if they are unable because their resources are low.  Never describe a cat as “feral” when contacting a rescue. Always refer to the cat as a “stray”.  There is a difference that will determine the fate of this cat.  Most strays are scared but not feral so please don’t give them a negative label or a rescue may not have the resources to deal with your situation.

Spay/Neuter/Vaccinate

There are several options for spay/neuter/vaccination.  If you took the TNR workshop mentioned above, then you can book a free spay/neuter with the Feral Recovery Program.  The other options are:

1. The Toronto Street Cats also have a free spay/neuter clinic twice a month so check out the next available one at www.torontostreetcats.com/spayclinics.
2. Check out the Toronto Humane Society for upcoming specials. They are a low cost spay/neuter clinic but often have $20 dollar neuter or $35 spay offerings during certain months. However, those appointments get booked very quickly so don’t wait once you hear about these specials.
3. Request if a rescue is willing to get you a rescue rate at their vet.
4. See the list of the low cost spay/neuter clinics below.  Keep in mind that there is usually a waiting list for these clinics but call them all as sometimes they have openings from cancellations.