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 (FCNMHP). Call 904-425-0005 for info about the Duval Cat Fix.

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.