Feral Cat Program

Book a TNVR Appointment for a Feral Cat

The OHS offers spay/neuter and preventive veterinary services for feral cats who are being cared for by colony caretakers. The Feral Cat program is a part of our strategy to prevent pet homelessness and secure more second chances for animals in need.

Appointments are available between April and November. Service availability is dependent on shelter resources.

Eligibility:

Cats must be feral
The colony must be in the City of Ottawa;
The colony must be in good general health;
Colony caretakers must be able to provide adequate food, water and shelter for the cats;
Caretakers must be able to humanely trap the cat(s), transport them to the OHS, and ensure they can safely recover from sterilization surgery; and,
Colony caretakers must commit to making best efforts to prevent the colony from growing or disturbing neighbours.

The OHS offers feral cats:

Sterilization;
Microchips;
Vaccinations for rabies and FVRCP;
Deworming and parasite treatment;
Select testing for FeLV/FIV; and,
Ear tipping by colony caretaker request.

There is no cost for the program. The OHS will triage friendly cats for adoption. For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact felineservices@ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166 ext. 224.

What is a feral cat?

A feral cat is a cat who lives independently outdoors. Feral cats typically avoid people and rely on their instincts to hunt and survive. They often form groups or colonies around food sources and can be found in both urban and rural settings. Most feral cats have a lifespan of two to five years due to the elements, illness, or injury from predators or traffic.

What is TNVR?

Trapping humanly, neutering, vaccinating and returning (TNVR) is a humane method for supporting feral cat populations and preventing pet homelessness. Feral cats are humanly captured, spayed or neutered and vaccinated, then released in their original location. This process helps to humanely manage the population of feral cats long-term.