Tame Stray Cats

If you have found a tame stray cat (one that you can approach and possibly pick up and transport), providing the cat with veterinary care can increase the likelihood that it will be accepted into a shelter and then adopted. This includes having it spayed/neutered before you surrender it to a shelter or try to find it a home. SCFAW can help you obtain these services at reduced cost. CatSnip Clinics provide spay/neuter services for tame strays and pet cats. Scratch's Patch Up Program provides access to medical care for illness and injury.

To request an appointment for these services, please submit a Veterinary Service Request form, phone us at 978-779-8287 or email us.

Feral Cats

Cats that were born in the wild and are feral or semiferal (having had little or no human contact) are typically not candidates for surrendering to shelters. Because they are not easily tamed, most shelters will not accept them. Sadly, shelters or pounds that do accept feral cats will often euthanize them. Feral cats are best managed in colonies where they are currently living, using an approach called “Trap-Neuter-Return” (TNR). Semi-feral cats may also be placed as barn cats.

In order to receive spay/neuter services, medical care, and possible relocation or return to their current neighborhoods, feral and semiferal cats typically must be captured using humane traps.

We at Second Chance Fund for Animal Welfare do not trap cats, but we can offer you:

• Information and coaching on how to trap cats yourself.
• Traps you can borrow. Simply email us.
• Help with locating trapping assistance. Email us.
• Advice on dealing with homeless cat situations.
• Access to feral cat spay and neuter services.

Surrender Assistance

Although SCFAW is not a shelter and therefore cannot take in any animals, we can:

• Assist you to locate resources that may be able to place your animal. Click here for our Shelter and Rescue Group List.
• Offer information and advice regarding possible alternatives to surrendering. Click here to for our Online Resource Directory that may provide guidance and insight on pet behaviors, medical issues and more.