CONTACT FCAT: 1+(206) 427-6454
What is FCAT?
FCAT is short for Feral Cat Assistance and Trapping, an orginazation that helps feral cats in western Washington state.
Mainly by practicing TNR or Trap-Neuter-Return.
TNR is a humane and effective method of managing feral cat populations. It involves trapping feral cats, spaying or neutering them, and returning them to their original location. This helps to control the population and prevent the cats from reproducing, while also allowing them to live out their lives in natural habitat.
This site is to help people that just found a feral, or that have a feral colony on their property.
If this a emergency please contact Animal Control or dial 911.
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EQUIPMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO CATCH FERALS
CAGE NETS
A Cage Net is a practical multipurpose net which can be used on a wide variety of animals under 20 lbs. Featuring a deep 30″ long, soft fine-meshed net with a full sized zipper in the bottom, making transfers/release and examinations easier. When the slide is pushed to the open position the net resembles the letter “D” and to close simply slide the handle back and it will snap shut quickly to secure your capture, then roll the net onto the pole to reduce the space in the net. This will calm the animal and reduce movement making it easier to transport.
You cannot use a net in the outdoors for a healthy feral cat.
Using the net outdoors will be dangerous for you and the cat.
I CAUGHT A FERAL CAT: WHAT TO DO NEXT
TRANSFERRING CATS
TO CARRIERS
Transferring feral cats from traps to carriers can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be done safely and efficiently. First, make sure the carrier is nearby and open, then cover the trap with a towel or blanket to calm the cat. Next, carefully lift the trap and gently guide the cat into the carrier. Remember to always prioritize the safety of both yourself and the cat.
FERAL CATS: QUALITY OF LIFE
THE REALITY
I have been doing TNR for 30 years. I have seen a lot of horrible medical issues on feral cats. I have also learned that saving them does mean humane euthanasia. When it comes to medical treatment on feral cats, it is pretty much impossible. One can not specifically medicate one cat in a colony of 20
STOMOTITIS
Feline stomatitis is a painful inflammation and ulceration of a cat's gums, cheeks, and tongue, which can cause open sores that lead to discomfort and pain. When it comes to the mouths of cats, this is how they survive. We all know that animals have a tolerance for pain. Be it severe periodontal disease, gingivitis gums are red and swollen, the feral cat is still suffering.
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This is NOT CURABLE in a feral cat, it only gets worse
www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-is-stomatitis-cats
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PILLOW PAD
this issue is not very well known and even vets don't know what it is or looks like.
The exact cause of pillow foot is unknown. It behaves like an autoimmune condition, so food allergies or environmental allergies could be a trigger. Contributing factors to the development of PCP are viral infections like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
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https://cats.com/pododermatitis-in-cats
This is NOT CURABLE in a feral cat, it only get worse
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BODY CONDITION
Body condition generally one can not examine a cat until it is sedated. This is the only time a feral cat can get a very basic exam. One must remember it is about the quality of life for a feral cat. This should include severe weight loss, enlarged organs, heart murmurs, pale gums. Heart murmurs generally grade 3 and above, that is something tot think about, as the cat will just drop dead and that is not humane.
If humane euthansia is necessary that is ok.
I have seen broken legs on feral cats. I do not agree with any treatment, be it removing the leg and putting it back out there, or dumping it in a sanctuary. Humane euthansia if the humane options but to each his//her own and the money you want to spend.
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ENTROPION
Entropion is an abnormal inward rolling of the upper or lower eyelids, causing abnormal, painful friction with the surface of the eye. Entropion is especially irritating to the cornea, or the curved, clear part of the eye. Lower eyelid entropion is most common, and usually occurs toward the outside edge of the eye. The abnormal rolling of the eyelid may introduce hair directly onto the cornea and conjunctiva, causing scratches, ulcers, inflammation, discharge and pain.
Entropion a very easy fix, this is also very painful in cats, I have a few cases where the feral cats eyes were so beyond destroyed that the feral cats was euthanized
POLYDACTYL
A polydactyl cat is a cat with extra toes, a condition caused by a genetic trait called polydactyly. The word "polydactyl" comes from the Greek words poly, meaning many, and daktylos, meaning digits.
Polydactyly(poly) cats scratch on trees to care for their claws Well as many of you know if you have dealt with polys there are some toes that need to be trimmed by a human. I have personally seen claws grow into the paw pads. That digit should be removed, hopefully the vet will do this, otherwise the feral cats will end back in the same issue.
Then what???
FELV/FIV
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common and important infectious diseases in cats, affecting between 2-3% of all cats in the United States and Canada. Infection rates are significantly higher (up to 30%) in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk (see below). Fortunately, the prevalence of FeLV in cats has decreased significantly in the past 25 years since the development of an effective vaccine and accurate testing procedures.
FELV/FIV, things are changing drastically. Each regional, place, city, county is going to be different. There is a TNR place in Oregon, the place CHOOSES to test on the feral cat