MEOW Now: Community Cat Program

Self-trapping intake will be closed Thursday, July 25, and Sunday, July 28. Please do not trap cats for intake on these days. Intake will resume Monday, July 29.

MEOW Now is a free program for community cats and their caregivers!

Community cats are unowned, free-roaming outdoor cats. Some are unsocialized to people and others are friendly. Our MEOW Now program’s goal is to humanely reduce the outdoor cat population through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, or TNVR. Cats are trapped by either our staff, volunteers, or the public, brought to the shelter to be spayed/neutered, vaccinated for rabies and other feline diseases, and ear tipped before they are returned to their outdoor home to live their life.

Why is this program so important to help humanely reduce the community cat population? A cat can get pregnant at 4 months old; could have 3-4 litters in a year; and can average 3-5 kittens per litter. That means just one pair of mating cats can produce 20 more cats! In addition, spaying/neutering free-roaming cats can help reduce behaviors like vocalization during breeding season, fighting, spraying and more. Without the urge to reproduce, community cats can live healthier lives outside. 

Assisted Trapping: best for colonies with a regular caregiver

• Submit TNVR Assistance Request form
• MEOW Now staff/volunteers set up an appointment for trapping
• MEOW Now handles transport/return
• Appointment required
• Cost: no cost but donations appreciated
• Questions? Call 727-522-6566 ext 116

Self-Trapping: best for 1-2 community cats

• Trap cats individually on your own. Traps available for refundable deposit at Friends of Strays.
• Bring cats in traps to Friends of Strays Sunday-Thursday (be sure to check this page for intake closures).
• Cats must be at least 4 months old. Maximum of 2 cats per person per day.
• You pick up to return outside or we will return to the provided address
• No appointment required
• Cost: $75 deposit to rent the trap, which will be refunded to you when the trap is returned. Donations appreciated.
• Questions? Call 727-522-6566 ext 107
• Self Trapping intake is impacted by holiday closures.Please check this page or call to inquire about intake closures prior to most federal holidays.

 

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

If helping community cats is your passion, we have volunteer opportunities from community cat care to trapping and transporting! If you want to get involved, send us an email at [email protected].

How To Trap A Cat

1. Line the bottom of the trap with newspaper and place food in the trap as far back as possible. Use potent, tasty food like tuna or wet food as bait and put it on a paper plate. Do not put a can in the trap. You can also dribble food juices leading up to the trap for enticement.
2. Cover the trap with a blanket, towel, or brush to entice the cat into the trap. This will also keep the cat calmer while in the trap.
3. If you feed the cat regularly, do NOT feed the cat for 24 to 48 hours prior to setting the trap. The cat is more likely to enter if they are very hungry.
4. If you catch the wrong cat, or another animal, just let it go. Be sure to stand behind the trap and use a stick to open the trap.
5. Set the trap the night before surgery, no earlier. Cats are more likely to enter traps at night. Don’t leave the trap unattended and watch from a distance.
6. Cover the trap completely with a blanket, sheet, or towel as soon as the cat is trapped. Cats can panic and injure themselves, so the cover helps them remain calm.
7. Once the cat is trapped, move the trap to a safe, climate-controlled location overnight. Do not leave the cat out in the elements, especially if it is overly hot, cold, or wet.

I Found Kittens!

Community Cat Resources

Seven Ways to Help Community Cats Thrive

Community Cat Intake Form

Pinellas Cats Alive! FAQ
Trapping Instructions
Solutions to Common Community Cat Issues
Tips for Trapping Tough Cats
Resources for Community Cat Caregivers
RTF Impact Study
Instrucciones para "Pinellas Cats Alive" en Español