These FAQs are a follow-up to our earlier communication about our Community Cats Program published on our blog and shared via email to our trapper community. It aims to provide clarity, context, and reassurance about what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why these refinements matter. We’re grateful for the thoughtful questions and ongoing dialogue that help strengthen this work for cats and the communities they call home.
General questions about our Community Cat Program
Are “community cats” defined as (a) unowned, (b) free-roaming, (c) feral or friendly, and (d) older than 3 months?
Community cats are unowned, free-roaming cats that live outdoors and are typically not socialized to humans. Because they do not generally adapt well to indoor life, they are not candidates for adoption.
Cats under three months of age are still considered community cats and may participate in the Community Cats Program if they weigh at least two pounds. If a trapper would like kittens evaluated for potential adoption, they should contact San Francisco Animal Care and Control (SFACC) for assessment and intake options.
The email uses the terms “feral kittens” and “feral fix.” Is “feral cats” an acceptable term in addition to “community cats”?
In our communications, we aim to use the term “community cats” to refer to unowned, free-roaming cats that live outdoors and are typically not socialized to humans. This term is more inclusive and reflects the range of behaviors these cats may display.
“Feral” is a commonly used, colloquial term and may still appear occasionally in conversation or legacy program names (such as “Feral Fix”). However, “community cats” is our preferred terminology.
How do the recent changes support San Francisco residents who discover community cats and want to help, but are not familiar with TNR? What guidance is available to them?
Our goal with these changes is to make the program more accessible and clearer for all community members, not just experienced trappers.
If a San Francisco resident discovers community cats and wants to help, they can:
- Visit the FAQs section on our Community Cats page.
- Review our Community Cat Trapping 101 resource, which explains how to trap safely, transport cats, and schedule a spay/neuter appointment.
- Review additional information on SFACC’s website, especially if they are unsure whether intervention is needed.
We also encourage residents to connect with established community-led trapping networks through local forums, such as NextDoor or neighborhood Facebook groups. Many colonies are already known to local caregivers, and experienced trappers may already be working in the area.
As part of these changes, we are focusing our direct efforts on providing accessible, high-volume spay/neuter services and clear guidance. By improving efficiency at our Spay/Neuter Clinic and clarifying roles between the San Francisco SPCA and SFACC, we aim to make it easier for any resident to understand what to do and how to help. If you have any questions about TNR and how to access our services, please email communitycats@sfspca.org.
How many of the cats spayed/neutered this year were community cats in San Francisco?
For Calendar Year 2025* (January-December 2025), 2,755 community cats were spayed or neutered. Of those cats, 1,382 were trapped in San Francisco, 1,199 were trapped outside San Francisco, and 174 additional cats were spayed/neutered during our inaugural Champions for Pet Health event.
With our updated structure, we are working to prioritize access for San Francisco–trapped cats while continuing to host larger, high-volume Community Cat Days that are open to both local and out-of-county trappers.
*We are clarifying that these figures reflect Calendar Year 2025, not Fiscal Year 2025, as calendar year totals may differ from what appears in our annual report.
Could the increase in spay/neuter surgeries to about 2,700 cats last year be due to expanding the definition of “community cats” to include all unowned stray cats, including friendly stray cats?
Community cats are defined as unowned, free-roaming cats who live outdoors and are not typically socialized to humans. This definition has not changed.
The increase in surgeries reflects improved access, streamlined scheduling, and a focus on high-volume spay/neuter for unowned community cats. It does not include unowned shelter cats or impact our adoption pathways for adoptable cats.
Did increases in community cat spay/neuter surgeries coincide with a decrease in other cat surgeries or adoptions?
No. In fact, we’ve seen quite the opposite. We have seen steady growth in both areas. For example, 2,734 cats were adopted from our shelter in 2024-2025, compared to 2,571 cats in 2023-2024.
I’ve been helping trap cats owned by unhoused people for TNR. Is this part of the SF SPCA’s Community Cat Program?
We appreciate the compassion involved in supporting both people and cats in these situations.
The Community Cats Program is designed to serve unowned, free-roaming cats. Cats who have an identified guardian, even if that person is unhoused, are considered owned and are not eligible for services through the Community Cats Program.
However, we offer subsidized and, in some cases, free spay/neuter services for owned animals belonging to San Francisco residents. Connecting caregivers with these services is often the most appropriate pathway for cats with an identified guardian. In addition, financial assistance for other veterinary care may be available through our hospital on a case-by-case basis.
We encourage caregivers or advocates to text our team at (415) 554-3084 so we can explore available options and referrals. Our goal is to support the well-being of cats while working within the structure of our programs and available resources.
Volunteering
Now that trapping is no longer a volunteer opportunity, are there other ways I can volunteer with the Community Cats Program?
There are many ways to support community cats beyond trapping. Volunteers can:
- Assist at TNR clinic days
- Help with cat and kitten socialization at the SF SPCA Adoption Center through our Volunteer Program
- Contribute to education and community outreach
Please email volunteers@sfspca.org for more information about our volunteering opportunities.
Are trappers not able to use the SF SPCA volunteer badge anymore?
Your SF SPCA volunteer badge is still valid and can be used for official SF SPCA volunteer shifts on campus. For community cat trapping in the field, individuals must coordinate independently and should not represent themselves as acting on behalf of the SF SPCA. However, independent trappers can state that cats will receive care at the SF SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic as part of our Community Cats Program.
What are some ways to connect and build trust with my community so that we can work together to trap cats?
Building trust starts with transparency, consistency, and respect for neighbors’ concerns. Community members and trappers can share that cats will receive medical care through the SF SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic. While independent trappers are no longer acting as representatives of the SF SPCA when coordinating fieldwork, they can explain the medical services the cats will receive.
In practice, most community-led trapping in San Francisco is built on neighborhood relationships, referrals, and word of mouth. Introducing yourself clearly, explaining the TNR process step by step, and offering follow-up communication after the cats are returned can help build trust within your local community.
Listening to neighbors’ concerns about noise, odor, or wildlife impact and explaining how spaying and neutering help reduce population growth and stabilize colonies can also increase trust. The SF SPCA’s role is to provide accessible medical services and resources to support this work. We remain committed to supporting safe, respectful community engagement.
Community cat appointments and care
How can I sign up for the Community Cat Days and what is the schedule for these high volume spay/neuter events?
Community Cat Days (formerly known as Feral Fix Days) are large, high-volume spay/neuter events designed to accommodate trappers bringing in multiple cats at once.
These events are open to all community members, both San Francisco–based and out-of-county participants. Out-of-county trappers often prefer these larger events due to travel logistics, while local trappers may also schedule individual appointments as needed.
To be added to our notification list and receive scheduling information, please text our team at (415) 554-3084. We will share event dates and participation details as they are scheduled.
Is the $75.00 feral fit-in fee still available?
Yes. The $75 fit-in fee will still be available on a limited basis. Availability varies based on daily capacity, and fit-in appointments are not guaranteed. When available, these appointments allow us to help more community cats while maintaining the program’s sustainability. These appointments fall outside our regular capacity, so the $75 fee helps offset the cost of surgery and care.
You mentioned that you had a daily limit of spay/neuter appointments before you would charge $75. Could you let us know what that limit is?
Daily availability varies based on overall case load, scheduled appointments, and surgical capacity. For that reason, there is not a fixed daily number. Our team informs clients directly when those fit-in appointments are available.
We also factor in daily availability to support larger Community Cat Days. Surgical capacity is distributed across standard appointment days and high-volume event days to create a predictable and sustainable flow of services.
Can we still bring in sick or injured cats? Do we need an appointment, or can feeders and caregivers just show up if they have a sick cat?
The SF SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic does not accept community cats brought in specifically for sick or injured care, and caregivers should not arrive without prior guidance from our clinic.
If you encounter a sick or injured community cat in San Francisco, please contact SFACC for support. You may also text our team at (415) 554-3084 for help determining appropriate next steps and available options.
Community cats who are already scheduled for a TNR spay/neuter appointment may receive treatment for minor injuries or conditions that can be safely addressed at the time of surgery. Humane euthanasia is available when medically necessary. Please contact us for guidance in those situations.
Cats requiring ongoing or advanced medical treatment will need to be seen as regular patients at our hospital or another veterinary clinic. Our team can provide direction on available options.
Are there going to be Saturday appointments for people who cannot trap during the week?
At this time, Saturday appointments are not available. Community members who are unable to trap during the week are encouraged to connect with established local trapping networks to coordinate transportation or trapping assistance. Many experienced trappers collaborate within neighborhood networks and may be able to help coordinate scheduling.
What medical information can I expect to receive after bringing in community cats to be spayed or neutered?
Community cats receive a standard care package through the program, which includes:
- Spay or neuter surgery
- FVRCP vaccination
- Rabies vaccination
- Flea treatment
- Microchipping
- Ear tip to indicate sterilization and vaccination through TNR
If any treatment or testing is provided outside of this standard package, including special aftercare instructions or additional medical findings, our team will communicate that information directly to the trapper.
Coordination between the SF SPCA and SFACC
What information or assistance is available to the public with questions about cats in their community?
Community members who contact the SF SPCA will be guided toward the appropriate pathway based on the situation:
- For unowned, free-roaming community cats, they will receive information about Trap-Neuter-Return, how to request a TNR surgery appointment, how to access trap rentals, and where to find educational resources on safe trapping.
- For friendly cats or kittens within San Francisco, they will be directed to SFACC, which is the appropriate agency for intake and next steps.
- For feral kittens, SFACC remains the primary point of contact, and both organizations work closely together to ensure kittens receive prompt evaluation and positive outcomes.
SFACC has also clarified that there is no leash law for cats in San Francisco, and healthy-looking cats are allowed to free-roam. If a cat appears healthy, the recommendation is to leave the cat where it is and, if concerned, file a found pet report on SFACC’s website.
Has the SF SPCA informed SFACC of these new policies?
The SF SPCA and SFACC work in close partnership and communicate regularly about community cats, kittens, intake, and outcomes. These program updates do not change SFACC’s role or responsibilities, and there is a shared commitment between our organizations to prioritize health, welfare, and timely intervention.
Has the policy around leaving kittens under a certain number of weeks changed? Your January 2 email says they should now go to SFACC.
No, there has not been a change to our approach to kitten care.
For kittens found within San Francisco city limits, SFACC is the appropriate first point of contact. The SF SPCA and SFACC work together to ensure kittens receive prompt medical and behavioral evaluations and are supported toward safe outcomes.
If very young kittens are found, they should first be observed from a safe distance for several hours to determine whether their mother returns, unless they are in immediate danger. Removing nursing kittens too quickly can reduce their chances of survival. If kittens are sick, injured, or in a hazardous location, contact SFACC right away.
More guidance is available here: https://www.sfanimalcare.org/found-kittens/
How will kittens encountered during community cat trapping be handled, and which specific care pathways will be available through the SF SPCA or SFACC?
For kittens found within San Francisco, SFACC is the correct and intended pathway, and this process has not changed.
The health and welfare of kittens is a shared priority between SFACC and the SF SPCA. Both organizations work closely together through daily coordination. Kittens receive prompt medical and behavioral evaluations, and the length of stay for kittens at both organizations is generally very short due to high adoption demand.
We recognize that kitten situations are often emotional and urgent, especially when encountered during trapping efforts. There is an active, collaborative system in place to support kittens toward safe, positive outcomes.
Process for changes
Did the SF SPCA consult on-the-ground volunteers with lived experience before making these changes?
Yes. These program updates are the result of more than a year of observation, training, and direct engagement with community cat trappers and TNR participants.
During that time, the SF SPCA worked closely with registered and non-registered volunteer trappers through our systems, tracked how trapping assignments functioned in practice, and evaluated program efficiency and outcomes.
We consistently observed that the formal liaison model through the SF SPCA was not the primary way trapping coordination was actually happening in San Francisco. Most coordination already occurred through neighborhood networks, word of mouth, and community forums, like Facebook and NextDoor, rather than through SF SPCA-managed assignment channels.
These changes reflect what we learned from how people were already working on the ground, and where systems were unintentionally creating friction rather than support.
Is the SF SPCA open to modifying these policy changes based on volunteer feedback, or are these decisions final?
The SF SPCA regularly evaluates its programs and uses ongoing feedback, outcomes, and data to guide improvements. These changes were made to increase effectiveness and access, not to close the door on community input.
At the same time, the shift away from acting as a liaison for trapping assignments is intentional and grounded in program sustainability. Our focus is on removing barriers, engaging through communication pathways that already work for the community, and ensuring that our limited resources are directed toward high-volume medical care, education, and support.
We remain committed to learning and refining how we support community cat care, while maintaining a structure that allows us to help as many cats as possible.
Did the SF SPCA consider potential negative impacts to community-led trapping efforts?
Yes. Program changes were evaluated carefully with both positive and negative impacts in mind.
Our evidence showed that the liaison model through the SF SPCA did not increase access or efficiency. In practice, it added another layer of coordination that few people used and often delayed connections between trappers and caregivers. In some cases, it also created confusion about where to go for help and led to communication bottlenecks that were difficult to sustain over time.
By stepping back from managing trapping assignments, we are aligning the program with how community-led trapping already functions and supporting it through education, medical services, and resources rather than duplicating community systems.
What data or information led the SF SPCA to determine that removing itself as a liaison would improve timely, high-quality care?
We routinely assess program performance using internal tracking and program statistics, which inform decisions about access, efficiency, and impact. One key finding was that only a small portion of the trappers we served were actually registered volunteers with the SF SPCA. In fact, only about one in ten trappers accessing services were participating through our volunteer system, while the vast majority were operating independently in their communities.
This information told us that the liaison model was not reaching most of the people doing the work and was not the most effective way to ensure cats received timely care. By focusing on direct appointment scheduling and medical capacity, we are able to serve more community cats and reduce delays caused by intermediary systems.
Program data and outcomes are reviewed regularly and are shared publicly through the SF SPCA’s annual Impact Report.
Thank you for your thoughtful questions about our Community Cat Program. Our team did its best to consolidate questions to provide clear and organized responses. If you feel your question has not been answered, please contact us directly by emailing communitycats@sfspca.org.