Community Cats

Community cats, sometimes called free-roaming or feral cats, are common in Jacksonville. In order to keep our city no-kill, community cats in Jacksonville are spayed/neutered and returned to the location where they were found. This program is called “Trap Neuter Return” or “TNR” for short. Jacksonville offers the following options for TNR:

First Coast No More Homeless Pets:

Feral cat spay/neuter surgery is available at First Coast No More Homeless Pets. Call 904-425-0005 for info about the Duval Cat Fix.

Jacksonville Humane Society:

Sunday, May 30, 2021, will be our last community cat surgery day through at least summer and fall. We will update you when we are able to offer them again.

Frequently Asked Questions about Community Cats and TNR:

What is the difference between a community cat and a pet cat?

Pet cats are animals who are socialized with humans. They traditionally have an owner and live indoors, outdoors, or a combination of the two. Community cats, or feral cats, are unsocialized cats and are free-roaming outdoor cats. They often live in a colony with other community cats and have one or more caretakers who feed them.

It is important to remember that many cats have homes and are indoor/outdoor cats. The shelter is not the best place for these animals – less than 1% of cats are ever reclaimed by their owner after entering a shelter system nationwide. If you see a cat, please speak to your neighbors. Chances are the cat lives nearby. The best way to help a cat you find outdoors is to get them spayed or neutered.

How can I tell if a cat is a community cat or if it has been spayed/neutered?

Alley Cat Allies Eartip Poster Look for a missing tip on the cat’s ear. The “ear tip” is a universal sign that a cat has been altered. Most commonly the left ear is tipped, but it may be either ear. “Ear tipping” is the humane removal of the tip of a cat’s ear to indicate is has been spayed or neutered.

How can I help community cats?

The best thing you can do for a community cat is get him or her altered via a Trap Neuter Return program, such as the ones provided at First Coast No More Homeless Pets. After the cat is fixed, you can continue feeding on a regular basis if you choose. We strongly recommend speaking to property owners before you begin feeding a community cat.

How do I trap a cat?

First Coast No More Homeless Pets loans traps and provides trapping guidance. Call 904-425-0005 or visit their website for additional info. Also – Alley Cat Allies has great tips for trapping.