Feral, Stray and Free Roaming Cat Resource Library

*Please note that our program and recommendations are based on the leading feral cat organization, Alley Cat Allies, the National Feral Cat Resource; and, Neighborhood Cats, a leading feral cat organization in New York City. Please visit their websites for great tips and information as not all are listed below.

If you are seeking assistance and are out of the area, please visit Pets 911 at http://www.pets911.com or phone their toll-free, bilingual hotline 1-888-PETS-911.

 

GENERAL LINKS including introduction, resources, research

Cats in the News
http://www.catsinthenews.blogspot.com/

Cat Management in Communities from the Feral Cat Blog includes: Community Cat Management, Cat Lifestyles/Definitions, Cat Laws, Codes, Ordinances/Cat Regulation/Cat Legislation, Pet Limit Laws, Spay/Neuter Model Programs, and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) at: http://catmanagement.blogspot.com/

Check out the local Yahoo! group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/

Colony Care Guide
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=293&srcid=221

Animal Help from Best Friends – includes feral/stray cats
http://network.bestfriends.org/Library/Default.aspx?g=1055dd2029fa45baa1c133fba8f5a11b

An introduction to feral cats and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display?PageID=154

 

ADVOCATING FOR THE CATS

How to write a letter to the editor
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=372

 

CAT FENCING SYSTEMS

Affordable Cat Fencing
http://www.catfence.com

Alley Cat Allies Do It Yourself Fence
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=100

Cat Fence-In™
The Cat Containment System
http://www.catfencein.com/

CD Pets cat enclosure kit
http://www.cdpets.com/

Do it yourself cat fence
http://www.feralcat.com/fence.html

Just 4 Cats
SafeCat© Outdoor Enclosure
http://www.just4cats.com/

Kitty Klips© The Cat Containment System
http://www.kittyklips.com/

Purr…fect Fence
http://www.purrfectfence.com/

Neighborhood Cats cat containment recommendations
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_CAT_CONTAINMENT_SYSTEMS

 

COMMUNITY RELATIONS: CATS AND PEOPLE

Keeping Cats Out of Gardens and Yards from Neighborhood Cats
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_KEEPING_CATS_OUT_OF_GARDENS_AND_YARDS

Keeping cats out of gardens, Drop Trap sources, Storage Tub Shelters, food/water tips
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/files/Colony%20Management/

Drop Trap Design Bank
http://droptrapdesign.blogspot.com/

Summer Weather Tips, Keeping Cats off property
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display?PageID=174

Dealing with Threats
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/files/

Dealing with Poison Threats
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=336

Helping Cats and People Co-exist
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=298

Humane Deterrents
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=375

Vacuum Effect
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=488

Why do cats do that?
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=451

Nuisance Prevention Tips
http://www.pawsofpa.org/new/lib/uploaded_files/file/Nuisance%20Prevention%20Tips.pdf

 

EARTIPPING

Neighborhood Cats, New York City, explains the importance of ear tipping
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/info/eartipping.htm

 

 

FEEDING STATIONS AND FOOD/WATER TIPS

Preventing Water from Freezing
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_PREVENTING_WATER_FROM_FREEZING

Feral Cat Nutrition
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_NUTRITION

Feeding Stations and Deterring Insects
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=295#3

Providing Food and Water
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=295

Food/water tips, Keeping cats out of gardens, Drop Trap sources, Storage Tub Shelters
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/files/Colony%20Management/

 

 

FELV/FIV

FIV - Catching a bad case of rumors
http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/cats_fiv.cfm

Guidelines on Feline Retrovirus Testing and Management
http://www.catvets.com/professionals/guidelines/publications/index.aspx?ID=323

FIV Chart
http://www.felineleukemia.org/fiv2.html

FeLV Chart
http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html

Support group
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org

The Truth about Cats and FIV by Veterinarian Richard Allen
http://www.kittenrescue.org/pages.php?pageid=25#fiv

In response to inquiries regarding Fel-O-Vax FIV
http://www.catvets.com/professionals/guidelines/feline_friendly/index.aspx?ID=287

Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Stomatitis, Fiv, FeLV, Feline Herpes, Auto Immune Diseases and Interferon
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/9352/stomatitis.html

Info on feline herpes and more
http://www.thensome.com/felineherpes.htm

Holistic Treatments for FeLV and FIV Positive Cats
http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/holistic.html

Felv and FIV by Beth Mersten, Best Friends and Anita Frullani, Castaway Critters
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display?PageID=157

Cats who test positive: It's not the end of the world
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display?PageID=150

Placing Positive Cats from the Best Friends NMHP Forum Post
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display?PageID=1293

Dr. Belfield and Mega Vitamin C
http://www.belfield.com/

 

FINANCIAL CRISIS OR FORECLOSURE  please see also FINANCIAL CRISIS and MEDICAL ASSISTANCE under the Pet Resource Library

Animal Help from Best Friends – includes what you can do
http://network.bestfriends.org/Library/Default.aspx?g=1055dd2029fa45baa1c133fba8f5a11b

 

FOOD

Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition
http://www.catinfo.org

Cat Nutrition
http://www.catnutrition.org/

If you care for a large number of animals and do not have enough funds to provide food for your dogs and cats, try contacting area shelters and rescues to see if they have a food bank. Also try talking to your local grocer or pet store and ask if you could have the broken bags, etc.

Hold a a yard or garage sale.

 

 

GOVERNMENT

Find your state Representatives and Senators
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm
 
Find your Federal legislators in the US House
http://www.house.gov/writerep/
and US Senate
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm

 

 

KITTENS

Kitten Care Handbook
All about kittens from KittenRescue.org
http://www.kittenrescue.org/pages.php?pageid=15

 

 

LAWS, POLICIES, ORDINANCES, and RESOLUTIONS

Against Cat Licensing from Animal People
http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/AgainstCat-lic.html

Cat Licensing: A Clear and Present Danger
http://www.pawsofpa.org/new/save_a_life.php?p=97

Cat Laws, Regulations, Codes and more
http://catmanagement.blogspot.com/#laws

Cat Advocacy Licensing, mandatory spay/neuter, pet limit ordinances, etc.
http://www.sfspca.org/gifs/pdf_factsheets/advocacy.pdf

 

Pet limit ordinance from Castaway Critters The Scoop
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display?PageID=345

Mandatory Spay/Neuter
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=240

TNR and OrdinancesSome great info on cat licensing
http://www.naiaonline.org/body/articles/archives/catsdogs.htm

Cats: There outghta be a law
http://www.naiaonline.org/body/articles/archives/catsthere.htm

Pet Limit Laws
http://catmanagement.blogspot.com/#petlimits

National Feral Cat Day Resolution 2002, HR 657, PA House of Representatives
National Feral Cat Day Resolution 2003, HR 413, PA House of Representatives
National Feral Cat Day Resolution 2004, HR 885, PA House of Representatives
National Feral Cat Day Resolution 2005, HR 366, PA House of Representatives
National Feral Cat Day Resolution 2006, HR 830, PA House of Representatives
National Feral Cat Day Resolution 2007, HR 402, PA House of Representatives
National Feral Cat Day Resolution 2008, HR 900, PA House of Representatives

Find information on local ordinances
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=486

Learn about your legal options if faced with a citation
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=484

 

 

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE please see also FINANCIAL CRISIS and MEDICAL ASSISTANCE under the Pet Resource Library

 

FERAL CAT ORGANIZATIONS

Feral Cat Organizations
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display?PageID=158

 

RELOCATION see also CAT FENCING

Note: We only recommend relocation as a last resort. Removing cats creates a "vacuum effect" in which new cats will simply move into the vacated area to take advantage of the food source. Relocation is difficult and usually does not work.

Relocation
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/files/Relocation/

Alley Cat Allies
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=334

IndyFeral
http://indyferal.org/index.php?page=relocation 

Options in Placing Feral Cats
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display.php?PageID=175

Neighborhood Cats
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_RELOCATION

 

SHELTER AND WEATHER TIPS

Providing Shelter
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=295

Feral Cat Winter Shelter and links to more
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_FERAL_CAT_WINTER_SHELTER

Coming in from the cold (helping feral cats survive winter)
http://www.petfinder.com/journal/index.cgi?article=472

FeralVilla
http://www.feralvilla.com/

Maryland Feline Society's tips including photos
http://www.mdfelinesociety.org/cat-shelters.php

Shelter Links
http://indyferal.org/index.php?page=shelters

Spay and Stay Shelter
http://www.spayandstay.org/wintershelter.htm

Storage Tub Shelters, Drop Trap sources, keeping cats out of gardens
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/files/Colony%20Management/

Urban Cat League's Shelter Ideas
http://www.urbancatleague.org/Shelters.html

Winter Tips - click on Shelter link for info on solar pool covers - from Pact Humane Society
http://www.pacthumanesociety.org/core/WinterTips.htm

Humane Management of Cats Living Outdoors
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display.php?PageID=165

Summer Weather Tips, Keeping Cats off property
http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display?PageID=174

 

 

STUDIES/STATISTICS

TNR Position Paper (2003 paper in opposition to Pennsylvania Game Commission proposal to outlaw TNR)
http://www.pawsofpa.org/new/lib/uploaded_files/file/TNR Position Paper.pdf

Hobe Sound Animal Protection League Position Paper
http://hobesoundanimalprotectionleague.giving.officelive.com/PositionStatement.aspx

 

 

TRAPS AND TRAPPING

Humane Trapping Instructions
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/files/Trapping/

Drop Trap sources, Storage Tub Shelters, keeping cats out of gardens, food/water tips
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/files/Colony%20Management/

Trapping in winter
http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/wildrun/wintertrap.html

How to build and use a box trap
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_BUILD_AND_USE_YOUR_OWN_DROP_TRAP

Drop Trap Design Bank
http://www.droptrapdesign.blogspot.com/

Drop Trap Designs
http://www.catinfo.org/Remotecontrol-droptrap.htm

Silent Wooden Trap
From PetRescue.com
http://www.petrescue.com/library/wooden-trap.pdf

Folding Drop Trap Available for purchase
http://droptrapdesign.blogspot.com/2005/10/new-folding-drop-trap-from-hubcats.html

Trap Loan Agreement - generic
http://www.castawaycritters.org/Trap_Loan_Agreement_KS.doc

Traps and Humane Animal Equipment
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=338

Mass Trapping
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=aspcaprosl_feral_neighborhood

Trapping Permission Form and Trap Loan Agreement - generic
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/files/Trapping/

Neighborhood Cats Trap Equipment Recommendations
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_RECOMMENDED_TRAPS_AND_EQUIPMENT

 

 

VETERINARY RESOURCES

Alley Cat Allies Veterinary Resource Center
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=454

Early Age Spay/Neuter

The American Veterinary Medical Association Policy
http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/animal_welfare/spay_neuter.asp

A Winn Feline Foundation Report On...EARLY SPAY/NEUTER IN THE CAT
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/reports/early-neuter.html

A Vet's Perspective
http://www.king.igs.net/~brica/esp.htm

Early-Age (Pediatric) Spay/Neuter
Dr. Tracy Land, DVM
4630 Martin Drive
Cumming, GA  30041
Fax: (771) 781-4237
email: tracylanddvm@bellsouth.net
Web: www.projectspayneuter.com and www.petorphans.com/earlyneut.html

Dr. Land has successfully performed hundreds of early-age spay/neuters. She is happy to talk to any veterinarian who has questions about this procedure.

Early-Age Neutering: A Practical Guide for Veterinarians
This is a brand new, 19-minute instructional videotape for veterinarians. It can be ordered (for a total of $20 for U.S. residents; $23 for non-U.S. residents) or borrowed (for up to two weeks with a $20 deposit, $15 of which is refundable upon return of the video) from:

AVAR
P. O. Box 208
Davis, CA 95617-0208

Make checks or money orders out to "AVAR."
For more information, call Teri Barnato at (530) 759-8106, or visit http://www.avar.org/resources_sterilization.asp
 
Early-Age Neutering of Puppies and Kittens
Produced by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals'
Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, this 32-minute videotape demonstrates the surgical and anesthetic protocols for spaying and neutering puppies and kittens as young as six to eight weeks of age. A related journal article is included. In honor of Spay Day USA, the MSPCA fee for this tape is $8.00. Write to:

MSPCA
Public Affairs Dept.
350 S. Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02130

Feral Cats

The Feral Cat Coalition's Clinic Procedures
Offers helpful information, including anesthesia and ear-tipping procedures.
http://www.feralcat.com/pindex.html

Notes from the Cat Management Forum 2008 featuring Alley Cat Allies
http://www.pawsofpa.org/new/join_the_team.php?p=72
*includes references to Dr. Julie Levy's published scientific studies and more

Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project – high volume spay/neuter clinic
http://www.feralcatproject.org

Veterinarian information on feral cats
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feralcatsinsouthcentralpa/files/Veterinarian%20information/

FELV/FIV Testing

AAFP's Testing Guidelines
The AAFP says that cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for years. Testing a cat for Felv/Fiv was never meant to be used as a tool for diagnosis, rather as a tool for screening cats in order to provide better care. A cat testing positive simply means it has tested positive for the retrovirus infection, not that the animal has tested positive for the disease, thus a decision for euthanasia should never be made solely on the basis of whether or not a cat is infected. Diseases in cats infected with FeLV or FIV may not necessarily be a result of retrovirus infection.
http://www.catvets.com/professionals/guidelines/publications/index.aspx?ID=323

Spay/Neuter - High Volume

A Veterinarian speaks about speeding up spay/neuter operations safely
http://www.feralcat.com/mackie.html

Veterinarian Testimonials on High Volume Spay and Neuter
Alley Cat Allies, the Maryland SPCA, and the Humane Alliance held a full day hands on laboratory session for spay and neuter procedures for cats
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLFfiHHIeFI

Veterinarian Resources from The Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project's Veterinarians
Scroll down to paragraphs headed INFORMATION FOR VETERINARIANS and INFORMATION
http://www.feralcatproject.org/ocm/ocm.aspx

Humane Alliance
http://www.humanealliance.org

Spay USA's links to information on High Volume Spay and Neuter Clinics
http://www.spayusa.org/main_directory/03-programs_and_clinics/stationary_highvol/index.asp