Living with Community Cats
A HOPE was integral for the establishment of responsible cat management programs in Santa Rosa County, which has effectively reduced the cat population throughout our community.
Such programs include Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR), as well as Return to Field (RTF)—both nationally recognized cat management programs.
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The information below explains these programs as well as easy solutions to common cat problems.
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We strongly encourage you to review local ordinances in relation to feral/stray cats. These cats are best suited for getting fixed, vaccinated against rabies, and ear-tipped in order to become a "community cat" and live their life, where you found them, which is their HOME. Community cats should never be relocated unless they are in danger. Cats will travel MILES to return and will likely get hit by cars or suffer other tragedies on their way HOME.
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Santa Rosa County, Florida Community Cat Ordinance
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What is a Feral Cat/Community Cat?
Feral cats are members of the domestic cat species just like pet cats; however, they were never socialized by humans or they have lived outdoors for so long that they have reverted to a wild state. Adult feral cats typically cannot be handled and are not suitable for adoption into homes. The kittens of feral cats may be able to be handled and socialized if efforts begin when they are less than eight weeks of age.
**Free-roaming cat populations, sometimes referred to as “community cats,” generally consist of a mixture of truly feral cats, semi-socialized cats and lost and abandoned pets.
Community/feral cats multiply rapidly. Two unneutered/unsterilized stray or feral cats can reproduce at an alarming rate. From as early as six months old, each new female born into the expanding colony can give birth to two or more litters of kittens each year. Each litter can have as many as 3 to 5 kittens, so the number of cats can quickly add up!
TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN
Trap-Neuter-Return is an effective and humane way to stabilize community cat populations. Cats are humanely trapped and taken to a veterinarian, where they are spayed or neutered (sterilized), vaccinated and ear-tipped.
Kittens and socialized cats are placed into adoption programs. Healthy, adult feral cats are returned to their territory.
RETURN-TO-FIELD
In a Return-to-Field program, healthy, un-owned cats that are brought into the shelter are sterilized, ear-tipped, vaccinated, and put back where they were found.
Upon determination that the cat is healthy and capable of living independently or in a managed colony, the cat shall be returned and released to the original point of pick-up or another suitable location.