Feral Fix

In most cities, there is no care available for feral cats. But since 1993, the SFSPCA has teamed up with feral cat caregivers to control, monitor, feed and provide veterinary care to feral cat populations — and even help adopt some into loving homes.

We provide spay/neuter procedures for San Francisco’s feral cats for free on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — no appointment necessary.

The Leanne Roberts Center dramatically increases our capacity to care for and treat feral cats. See the tips below for how you can help.

How Our Feral Fix Program Works

  • We accept trapped cats Monday, Wednesday and Friday (excluding major holidays). Drop off time is between 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
  • We also accept trapped cats Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Please ring our 220 Florida Street doorbell.
  • Bring a trapped cat to the Leanne Roberts Center Feral Cat Department Entrance at 220 Florida Street. Be sure to cover the trap with a towel or sheet.
  • No need to park your car! We offer a curbside drop-off service. Simply pull up between 7:30 – 8 a.m., and a staff person will assist you.
  • You will be offered the option of purchasing a Feline Leukemia/FIV Test ($25.50) and/or a one-time $8 treatment of Revolution, Advantage or Frontline for fleas. If interested, please be prepared to pay by credit card or check.

Feral Cat Pick-Up Information

  • Feral cats dropped off Monday, Wednesday or Friday must be picked up the same day between 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
  • Feral cats dropped off Thursday evening must be picked up Friday between 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
  • We offer curbside pick-up. Ring the doorbell at the Feral Cat Department Entrance, 220 Florida St.

Recovery Information

  • A recently altered feral cat must remain indoors for recovery for one to three days.
  • If the cat is semi-social, you can use a garage space or bathroom.
  • For cats that cannot be handled, plan on keeping the cat in the trap. Ask us for advice on cage cleaning and feeding during the recovery period. 
  • If you want to borrow a trap from The SF/SPCA, contact us at 415.522.3539.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a feral cat?
A: An unsocialized “community cat” that cannot be safely handled and must be trapped to be transported.

Q: When can a feral cat be spayed/neutered?
A: Feral kittens can be altered at 2 months of age and/or 2 pounds.

Q: What if I have found a feral mother cat and kittens?
A: If possible, trap the mother and kittens and provide in-home care and daily socialization of the kittens until they are eight weeks of age. At that time, the kittens can be surrendered to The SF/SPCA for adoption. The mother cat will be spayed at no charge and returned to you for release.

Q: How can I keep cats out of my backyard?
A: Click here to read our flyer with helpful and humane solutions.

Q: What if I can't trap the cat myself?
A: Call us at 415.522.3539 or email us at feralcats@sfspca.org. We have a relationship with San Francisco Animal Care and Control. Read the Adoption Pact between the SFSPCA and ACC.