Feral / Unsocialized Cats

Feral Cats (PDF) - if you have feral cats on your property or in your community, please consider the following alternatives:

• There is an attractant on your property whether a food source, landscaping, or shelter. As long as that attractant is there, the cats will continue to visit. If the current cats are removed and the attractant is not, others will begin to come around. Remove what is attracting the animals and the issue will be resolved.
• If the attraction is food, remove all food. If you feed your pets outside, schedule their feeding times and only put out enough food for them. Immediately remove food bowls after eating so that leftovers or the scent of food will not attract ferals/strays.
• Consider purchasing a deterrent, such as a motion detection sprinkler. There are several items that work well and can be researched online to find what suits your needs best. These items are effective, safe for the animal and very reasonably priced. They can be purchased at stores or online such as Amazon.
• If it is shelter the cats are drawn to (i.e. under the house, shed, etc.), seal up openings that they may enter through or under.
• Consider purchasing or borrowing a cat trap and having the cat spayed or neutered then returned to the area. Gaston Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic has a Feral program. On occasion, Animal Care and Enforcement receives funding for vouchers to have feral felines spayed/neutered, vaccinated and ear-tipped. This will eliminate any unwanted litters.
• Have outside pets spayed or neutered to avoid having unwanted litters and contributing to your problem. Any animal in heat should be kept inside; dogs in heat are required to be kept inside for the duration.

As a last resort, Animal Care and Enforcement will accept admissions of feral cats. Visit our Surrendering page for details.