Other Groups and FAQ

We are only one of many groups working to spay/neuter feral cats.  





What is a feral cat?

Feral cats, sometimes called "free-roaming" or "alley" cats, are homeless domestic felines that have reverted to a wild state. This happens when cats are raised entirely without human contact, generally as offspring of lost or abandoned cats. Feral cats are not just shy, lost pets; they are extremely frightened of people and typically cannot be touched or handled.  An abandoned cat, by contrast, is friendly to people but has been abandoned by its caretakers for some reason.  

I know someone who’s feeding cats in my neighborhood, what can I do?

Contact the neighbor and let them know about Alley Cat Project to help them get cats spayed/neutered.  Chances are you neighbor doesn’t know how to get help and will be happy to get the cats spayed and neutered.

What is ear tipping? 
Ear tipping is clipping the tip of one ear (while the cat is under anesthia)  to indicate that the cat has been spayed or neutered.  This particular mark was chosen for feral cats because it can be seen at a distance.  Tame cats are often tattooed on the belly during the surgery.  Both are methods to prevent unnecessary trapping and repeating of the surgery.  

What is the Feral Cat Spay Neuter Project? How is it related to Alley Cat Project?

The Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project (FCSNP) provides free/low cost spay and neuter services for cats.  This service is available to organizations like the Alley Cat Project and to private individuals.  The Alley Cat Project manages the end-to-end process of altering cats, relying entirely on the services provided by FCSNP and is grateful for their contribution to the process. Alley Cat Project could not function without the services provided by The Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project.


What is TNR?

Trap-neuter-return (TNR)  is an alternative for feral cats that many communities are embracing. Because feral cats are so afraid of people and cannot be successfully socialized, they cannot be placed as companions and are euthanized at most shelters.

TNR involves trapping the feral cats in a humane trap, having the cats spayed or neutered, and then re-releasing them back into the area where they were trapped. Spaying and neutering stabilizes the feral population in the neighborhood and helps reduce many of the behaviors that people may find annoying, such as territorial fighting and marking.

Can I adopt a kitten from Alley Cat Project?

Please check our Petfinder site for kittens available for adoption.  Occasionally we place kittens for socialization and adoption at our partner Twice Sold Tales Bookshop on Capitol Hill.  As soon as our kittens are socialized and adoptable, most are transferred to rescue groups and shelters.  This way they are insured good homes and veterinary care.  Please contact us directly if interested in adopting a barn cat.