Pasado's Safe Haven has limited facilities for feral cats. We are full as of this writing. If you are aware of a feral cat colony being "eradicated" by poisoning, shooting, or other means, please click here.

The standard recommendation for assisting a feral cat colony is "trap/neuter/release" which means:

-Humanely trap the cats
-Sterilize them (vaccinate and treat for parasites)
-Re-release in the area where they were found (where they "know" the territory, where to find cover, etc.)

How to Trap Feral Cats

1. You can rent large, humane traps from AA Rentals or from NOAH, see above.
Some local shelters have them to rent, too.

2. Set them up where the animals are normally seen.

3. Use pop-top, canned cat food. Pop the lid, place it in the far, back end
of the cage (so they must walk over the "trip" mechanism to get to it.

4. Place a cover over the trap that leaves the end that they'd enter in, exposed. The cover serves two purposes: in case it rains, it'll keep
them dry. AND, feral cats can get scared out very quickly. They've
been known to kill themselves inside a trap.

VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
YOU MUST VISIT THE TRAPS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY!!!! AND USE A CHAIN AND
LOCK TO LOCK THEM TO SOMETHING HEAVY. We've had traps stolen. Also, you do NOT want someone else (who might not be as kind and gentle as you) finding the trap with a cat inside.

5. You might catch unwanted animals i.e. opossums, a raccoon, etc.
It's no problem. Simply lift the gate opener and they'll run like the
wind. Re-set, put another can of food in there, and you're set.

6. When you check the traps, simply lift a corner of the covering up.
If you see you've got a cat, be VERY quiet. Cover him back up.
Quietly place them inside your car (on something to catch urine)
and then take them to be spayed/neutered at your vet INSIDE the same cage.

If you find the animal at night and need to house them overnight,
once again, be VERY quiet. Place them inside a bathroom or a garage.
DO NOT try and feed them. If you open the cage, they may get out.
Transport them, covered, the next day to your vet.

Feral Cat Resources in Washington State:
N.O.A.H.: Every Monday, N.O.A.H., located in North Snohomish County, offers FREE spay/neuters for feral cats. Humane cat traps are available on loan ($50 refundable cash deposit required) for transporting the cats to and from N.O.A.H. Please call us at 360.629.7055 for complete information and directions.

The Feral Cat Project: This non-profit program offers a once-a-month FREE spay/neuter clinic for feral cats. Go to

Other states: Alley Cat Allies