Q&A

RELOCATION vs. RETURNING

1. Can you relocate the feral cats to a barn or farm?
Feral Feline Project (FFP) does not have farms, barns, sanctuaries, or other feral colonies to relocate feral cats. Our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program focuses on returning cats to their original territory after they’ve been spayed or neutered. Relocating a feral cat is extremely difficult and usually unsuccessful, as they are highly territorial and may struggle to adapt to a new area.

2. Can you accept an outdoor/feral cat into the adoption program?
Feral and semi-feral cats are not suitable for adoption. If you're unsure whether an outdoor cat is feral or friendly, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the cat approach you and your family for attention?
• Can you pet it or possibly pick it up and handle it?
• Does the cat stay when you approach it?

If you answered "no" to these questions, the cat is likely not adoptable. Semi-feral cats may become affectionate with their feeders, but they are still not suitable for adoption. These cats typically form bonds only with a specific person and do not thrive in shelter environments or indoors.

Feral and semi-feral cats should never be handed over to animal control or placed in kill or no-kill shelters. The risk of euthanasia is high due to their lack of adoptability and shelter space constraints.

PAYMENT AND COST

1. Why does it cost $100 per cat? These aren’t my cats—why should I have to pay?
FFP is a nonprofit, all-volunteer rescue group. We work with private veterinarians who perform the procedures at their cost, and we pass those costs on to you. The majority of the donations we receive go toward covering veterinary bills for sick and injured kittens, special surgeries, food, litter, and medication.

If you're looking for lower-cost options, there are organizations in Chicago, such as Tree House, Anti-Cruelty Society, and PAWS Chicago, that offer TNR services. While we’re happy to loan you traps, please note that our volunteers all work full time, and it's challenging for us to drive into Chicago for surgeries.

2. Can I spread the cost out in payments?
Yes! Please speak with your FFP representative for details on payment options.

3. When do I pay?
Payment must be received before the scheduled surgery.

4. Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, you can pay through PayPal at FeralFelineProject.org by clicking Pay for TNR. Please note, we cannot process credit card payments in the field. We also accept cash and checks.

TRAPPING PROCESS

1. How can we catch the cats if they are wild and too smart for a trap?
Feral Feline Project (FFP) uses humane traps specifically designed for cats. These traps have doors on both sides, making them safer for handling, cleaning, and transporting feral cats. With the right bait and equipment, even the most cautious feral cats can be safely trapped.

⚠️ For your safety and the cat’s well-being, never attempt to catch a feral cat by hand or use a regular pet carrier. Feral cats can become highly stressed and may injure themselves or you if handled improperly. Only cats in proper TNR traps will be accepted for surgery or veterinary services.

2. How do I schedule a vet appointment?
Your appointment must be scheduled by an FFP volunteer. Only an FFP volunteer can schedule an appointment for you. Cats will not be accepted without an appointment.

3. Where do I take the cat?
Our participating vet is located in Wheeling. The specific location will be provided to you when our FFP volunteer meets with you to give you the traps.

4. What time do I drop off the cat and pick it up?

• Drop off: 8-9 AM
• Same-day pick up: 5-6 PM

5. What if I can't make these times?
If you are unable to make these times, please arrange alternative arrangements with family or friends to accommodate the schedule.

6. Can the vet keep the feral cat overnight?
No, the vet cannot keep the feral cat overnight. Please plan to pick up your cat during the designated pick-up time.

7. What if I don't catch any cats or only catch 1 when I was supposed to bring 3?
Contact your FFP volunteer. Bring the cats you’ve caught to the appointment, even if it’s only one, and we will reschedule the remaining cats at a later date.

8. What if I catch 2 cats in 1 trap?
Bring the trap in as-is. The vets will separate the cats. Do not try to separate them yourself.

9. What if I catch wildlife?
If you catch wildlife, tip the trap upside down, and the door will automatically open, allowing the animal to escape. If you trap a skunk, use a broom or long-handled object to tip the trap over.
Note: You should only trap during daylight hours to avoid capturing nocturnal wildlife. 

KITTENS AND PREGNANT FEMALES

1. What happens if the feral cat I am feeding is pregnant?
If the feral cat is pregnant, the vet will not be able to determine this until she is sedated. It’s not safe for anyone, including our vets, to handle a feral cat without sedation. The amount of sedation is calculated for the mother cat, and if she’s pregnant, her kittens will peacefully go to sleep. This process is not painful for the kittens and is not fatal for the mother. The mother will be spayed, given extra fluids, and provided with pain relief. It is recommended that you keep her in the trap for an extra day after surgery to allow for proper recovery.

2. How old do the kittens need to be for spaying or neutering?
Kittens must be at least 2.5 lbs or 8 weeks of age to be spayed or neutered by our vet. Not all vets can perform the procedure at 8 weeks due to equipment limitations, but our vet has the necessary equipment to perform these surgeries safely. Kittens under 8 weeks of age should be trapped and socialized so they can eventually be spayed or neutered and adopted.

3. What age can FFP take my kittens for adoption?
FFP prefers kittens no older than 7 weeks for our adoption program (space permitting). We will accept orphans of any age up to 8 weeks. Once kittens are 8 weeks or older, they are still small and cute but often very feral and difficult to socialize. The best chance for kittens to find a home is to trap them while they are young, as they do not need to be weaned to be away from their mother. We can care for orphans needing bottle feeding.

4. Why won't FFP take feral kittens past 8 weeks of age for the adoption program?
It can take up to 8 weeks or more to socialize kittens that are 8 weeks or older, and there is no guarantee they will ever become social enough to be adopted. Space is limited and the high demand for our services means we cannot hold kittens for such a long time. We focus on rescuing younger kittens that are more easily socialized and adopted.

5. Can you socialize a feral adult cat for the adoption program?
No, socializing feral adult cats is extremely unsafe, even for the most trained volunteers. All feral cats and kittens over 8 weeks old that we receive will be spayed and returned to their original colony or territory. This is the primary purpose of a successful TNR program.