Feral Cats
Happy Tails maintains several feral cat colonies in the Sacramento area. Cats are humanely trapped, tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS, vaccinated, altered, dewormed, flea treated, ear notched, returned and maintained. Cats receive food and water daily from our feral caregivers. Cat health is monitored and animals are removed for veterinary care if they appear unhealthy.
Through our extensive trapping program, we're able to maintain our colonies as sterile, healthy colonies. Dumped friendly cats are picked up and brought into our foster care system for adoption. Because we don't want to encourage the dumping of friendly animals at the colonies, we do not make the location of the colonies public. Please note that it is illegal to abandon animals in feral colonies or at our Adoption Center.
Some Common Misconceptions about Feral Cats
Trapping and euthanasia is not an option in a no-kill society. Trap-neuter-return (TNR) is the most humane and effective way to control feral cat populations. TNR has been used with success nationwide and worldwide. TNR is the preferred method of control for feral cat populations in England, Denmark, and many other forward-thinking countries.
A vaccinated, sterilized colony of feral cats poses no rabies threat to humans and can deter unvaccinated feral cats and wildlife from moving into the area. Raccoons, skunks, and bats are the most common carriers of rabies.
For more information on feral cats
- Sacramento Feral Resources: www.sacferals.com
- Alley Cat Allies https://www.alleycat.org
- Guide to TNR – https://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-to-help-community-cats-a-step-by-step-guide-to-trap-neuter-return/
- A walkthrough of TNR during the COVID 19 Pandemic: https://www.alleycat.org/alley-cat-allies-in-action-a-walk-through-of-tnr-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
- Community Cats – Just the Facts: https://www.alleycat.org/resources/the-truth-about-community-cats/
- Socializing Feral Kittens: https://www.alleycat.org/resources/socializing-feral-kittens
- Coalition for Community Cats: http://www.coalition4cats.org/
- Sacramento SPCA – Feral and Community Cats: https://www.sspca.org/feral-community-cats
- Trap Loan Program: https://www.sspca.org/general-information/trap-loan-program
- Sacramento County Animal Care – Feral Cats Spay & Neuter Resources:
https://animalcare.saccounty.net/SpayNeuter/Pages/FeralCatsandKittens.aspx - Neighborhood Cats: How to TNR: https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/
