What is a feral cat?

A feral cat is a cat who lives outdoor year-round and is not socialized to be handled by people. They often have multiple sources of food, and may have formed relationships with many people in your community.

The word “feral” is often used to describe a community cat – a feral cat is a cat that has not been socialized to human contact. They will run and hide when approached, and hiss/growl when cornered. They will sometimes have a tipped left (usually) or right tipped ear. This means that they have been spayed/neutered, and vaccinated.

What do I do if there are feral cats in my area?

If there are cats in your area with ear tips, great! These cats have been spayed or neutered, and are unlikely to perform nuisance behaviors (spraying, having kittens, fighting, etc). If there are feral cats in your area that do not have ear tips, we recommend having them altered ASAP to prevent nuisance behaviors and the production of kittens. Please see below for a list of low cost spay/neuter resources for these cats.

What if a feral cat appears injured or in distress?

If a feral cat appears to be injured or in distress, please call Animal Services to dispatch an officer to collect the animal. If you feel safe handling the cat, you can also bring it in to the shelter.

Feral Cat Resources

Veterinary Hospitals/Clinics Offering Low-Cost Spay/Neuter

Abbey Pet Hospital, El Cerrito, 510-529-0777

Animal Care Clinic, El Sobrante, 510-222-9966

El Cerrito Pet Hospital, El Cerrito, 510-234-4582

Evergreen Pet Clinic, San Pablo, 510-215-9980

Animal Fix Clinic, Richmond, 510-215-9300 (ALL cats accepted)

Spay the Bay, Berkeley Humane, 510-845-7735 x 203 (pets only)

Tail Wag Inn Veterinary Hospital, Oakley, 925-684-2862

Well-Pet Vet Clinic, Pittsburg, 925-427-4300

ACT Spay/Neuter Clinic, Stockton, 209-462-7729

Pet Resources of Tracy, 209-834-5420 (ALL cats accepted)

Alpine Veterinary Hospital, Concord, 925-825-8464 (Free-roaming cats accepted if handleable)

Contra Costa County Spay/Neuter Clinic, Martinez, 925-335-8320 (Free-roaming cats accepted if handleable)

ARF Spay/Neuter Clinic, Walnut Creek, 925-296-3125 (Free-roaming cats accepted if handleable)

East Bay SPCA Spay & Neuter Centers, Dublin, 925-479-9674 & Oakland, 510-639-7387

(Additional discount for qualified low-income caregivers)

East Bay Feral Fix, Dublin & Oakland (a program of East Bay SPCA), 510-563-4635

(NON-handleable free-roaming cats only)

Organizations Offering Spay/Neuter Financial Aid, If Available, For Qualifying Cats/Guardians:

Cat Support Network – 925-252-5445 (east county)

Community Concern for Cats – 925-938-2287

Contra Costa Humane Society – 925-279-2247 ext. 305 (pets only)

Homeless Animals’ Lifeline Organization (HALO) – 925-473-4642 (east county)

Homeless Animals Response Program (HARP) – 925-431-8546 (east county)

Furry Friends Pet Relief https://www.furryfriendspetrelief.com/

Traps:

Cat Support Network – 925-252-5445 (east county, refundable deposit required)

Homeless Animals’ Lifeline Organization (HALO) – 925-473-4642 (east county, refundable deposit required)

Homeless Animals Response Program (HARP) – 925-431-8546 (east county; refundable deposit required)

Community Concern for Cats – 925-938-2287 (central county, refundable deposit required)

Animal Fix Clinic, Richmond, 510-215-9300 (ALL cats accepted)

Harbor Freight Tools, Pleasant Hill – 925-689-7235 & Pittsburg – 925-757-8435 (traps for sale)

Tractor Supply Company, Brentwood – 925-516-6610 (traps for sale)

Cat Food Donations for Qualifying Guardians:

Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) FoodShare program – 925-256-1273

Furry Friends Food Relief Program, 925-240-3178 (pets only)

For other helpful information and tips, visit these websites:

Alley Cat Allies: www.alleycat.org