Think you found a community cat?

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Let's be honest, cats are everywhere! So what should you do if you see a cat that might fall into the category of "community cat?" Short answer - leave them be! These guys know their way around the neighborhood and most likely already have a caretaker or two in the area. 

As long as you see an ear-tip, it is safe to assume that feline has been spayed or neutered. Community cats from RGVHS are microchipped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and receive an overall health assessment. Different areas may provide different services.

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Are there benefits to community cats?

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Now that you know what to look out for, let's talk about the overall benefits to community cats! Felines are capable of reproducing at incredibly fast rates. Their heat cycles can occur every 14-21 days. This alone is shocking and when you add in the year round warm climate in the Rio Grande Valley, there's practically nothing stopping the overpopulation of stray/community cats. 

This is where the community cat program steps in. By sterilizing and releasing community cats, this allows the population to be controlled and ensure a live outcome for the animal. Thanks to this program, cats are not only saved but the environment they are picked up from now has stability on the the cat population. What's even better? These cats already have caretakers! They roam their neighborhood and have a family or two that keeps an eye on them. 

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Key Benefits of Community Cat Programs

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• Sterilization of felines is an immediate and permanent reduction of the population.

• Community cats are vaccinated upon arrival. This reduces the spread of diseases and increases the overall health of cats in their area. 

• Euthanasia is NOT the solution. These lives are saves! They are able to live their natural life in their environment without having to worry about unwanted litters. 

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Not a fan of cats in your area?

We understand not everyone enjoys seeing cats in their area. The reality is cats are everywhere! They are natural hunters, adapt incredibly well and are a part of our natural ecosystem. Cats do not stay in one spot. They are natural roamers and tend to have a wide radius of territory. This can be as far as 1500 feet to up to 150 acres! Chances are you have a handful of community cats in your area you haven't even seen yet!

Now we know cats can get into places where they aren't welcome. Here are a few humane and effective steps that can be taken to deter cats from your area.

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Cats getting in your trash?

• Chances are they are hungry and looking for their next meal! If you are unable to provide a few scraps, ensure your trash cans are secure and placed in an area where they cannot be tipped over.

Cats reorganizing your garden?

• Our feline friends sure love to add a little spice to gardens! It is a natural instinct for cats to kneed their paws on the soft soil, moss, mulch, sand or whatever material you use for your yard. They love a good patch of soft flowers and grass too! So what can you do?

  • Scatter fresh orange/lemon peels, wet coffee grounds or vinegar.​

  • Create a boarder around your garden with chicken wire, branches/sticks, wooden/plastic fencing, etc.

  • Use motion activated sprinklers! Many cats are not a fan of water and will be easily deterred when surprised by a few droplets of water. 

  • Cover your exposed ground in your garden with decor, such as river rocks to prevent digging. 

Cats lounging at your house?

• Felines love a good nap and won't shy away from getting comfortable in a strangers yard. It may not be ideal for every household, here's what you can do! 

  • If you are a caretaker, try relocating where you are doing feedings. Cats are quick learners and will adjust to a new feeding area in no time!​

  • Apply cat deterring fragrances to the areas where cats linger. These may be purchased at local feed, garden supply and pet stores.

  • Use an ultrasonic deterrent. Humane products are available online or at local shops.

Cats keeping you up at night?

• Do you get interrupted by random hissing and yowling sounds that you didn't even know a cat could make? Chances are those felines are fighting or in the middle of a baby making dance. Either way, there are solutions! 

  • Take a glimpse and see if there's an ear tip on those guys! If there is none, consider getting them spayed/neutered and released back into the community. ​

  • Male cats tend to be territorial and will wake up a whole neighborhood at 3am without hesitation. Neutered (male) cats tend to show a decrease in aggression and roaming for mates. Try getting them in to get fixed at a local clinic as soon as possible! 

  • Leave no trace of food in your area. Cats will visit at night and are not afraid to yowl at any animals they meet on their way there. 

  • Make sure your area has natural, humane deterrents.

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Please conduct your own research when it comes to deterring felines. There are many articles available with more information on humane ways to avoid having cats in your area. Don't forget that they are free-roaming animals and are simply living their natural life around you.

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How Can You Help?

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If you have a caretaker(s) in your neighborhood, please kindly thank them for all that they do. It isn't easy! Community cats have a fighting chance thanks to the spay/neuter program and the amazing people that ensure they have food in their bellies and a safe place to rest. 

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Consider donating food, volunteering your time or simply stopping by to say thank you to your local cat caretakers. It is a joy to see many cats thriving outside of shelters that can now live their natural lives outside of steel walls. 

Inspired to do more? Contact us! The RGV Humane Society welcomes advocates with open arms and is happy to help in any way we can! Below is a list of vaccinations and services we provide on a monthly basis at our Low-Cost Community Clinics.

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We encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know of any upcoming clinics!