Stray Cat Information

Helpful Links:

Spay/Neuter Resources
10 Tips For Keeping Cats Out of Yards & Gardens
Lost Cat Tips (be sure to visit our Lost a Pet? page too)
Cat Behavior and Training Resources
Barn Cats: Animal Rescue and Care Fund or The Oregon Cat
Kitten Season Information

Facts:

  • Every year, more than 5,000 cats come into MCAS.
  • The majority of these cats come in during the warmer months of the year, also known as ”kitten season.”
  • Lack of space and the high stress of crowded conditions make it more likely that cats will be euthanized during this time of year.
  • In order to reduce euthanasia in cats (which is more than 50%), MCAS is asking the public to help.

How can you help?

  1. If you have a stray cat in your neighborhood, don’t automatically assume it is homeless. Cats are allowed to be “at large” according to the Multnomah County ordinance. However, if a cat is trespassing on your property, there are things you can do to discourage him: see the page, “10 Tips For Keeping Cats Out of Yards & Gardens".
  2. If there are a number of stray cats in your neighborhood, consider a trap/neuter/return (TNR) program. This humane program has proven results nationwide in alleviating many of the problems associated with stray and/or feral cats. For more info on TNR:
  3. Consider keeping stray kittens (and their mothers) until the kittens weigh at least 3 lbs. At this weight, the kittens can be safely spayed/neutered and adopted into new, loving homes. Unweaned kittens without mothers are often called “bottle-fed babies.” A few organizations may be able to accept bottle fed kittens, or give you guidance on how to bottle feed kittens. (See our "Kitten Season" web page for more info.)
  4. Be an advocate! If you bring in a stray, get his/her animal number and call back to check on the cat’s progress in the shelter. Be willing to foster or adopt or market “your” cat if space or stress or health become an issue preventing the cat from being adopted.
  5. Please consider housing your cat indoors. Indoor cats can enjoy the outdoors in an outside enclosure or you can train them to walk on a leash. Not allowing your cat to roam free will prevent it from being exposed to hazards, disease, wildlife predation or becoming lost. It will also help reduce the impacts of cats on local wildlife. More than 40% of the animals treated at the Portland Audubon Wildlife Care Center have cat-related injuries. Keeping cats inside is especially important during spring when young birds are learning to fly and are extremely vulnerable. For more information about cats and wildlife, please visit the Audubon Society of Portland.
  6. Most of all, spay and neuter your own pets and get others to do the same. The Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP) has determined that an additional 10,000 cats per year will need to be spayed/neutered for 5 years to simply get the population under control. Please don’t hesitate! See our spay/neuter resource page!
  7. License your dogs and cats. These fees go to help homeless, stray animals in the community.
  8. Never abandon your cat. If you can no longer care for your cat, please find it a new home or if necessary bring it to the shelter. Abandoning a cat is illegal and inhumane. It is never an acceptable solution. Please don't contribute to the stray cat population.
  9. If you absolutely must bring a stray or feral cat to MCAS, we have a one cat per day limit.