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Programs for Community Cats

About Community Cats

Community Cats are unowned cats that live outdoors in the community. They may be feral or friendly, may have been born into the wild, or may be lost or abandoned pets.

Cat Depot’s Community Cats Program assists both animals and people around our community by providing a variety of services to improve the lives of free-roaming and feral cats.

Our community cats program provides assistance for free-roaming and feral cats, as well as aid for community members seeking help caring for both community and personal cats. ​

Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate & Return Services

TNVR is the internationally proven practice of humanely trapping, spaying/neutering, vaccinating, then returning (to their colonies) feral or free-roaming (outside) community cats. Successful TNVR involves a volunteer colony caretaker who provides food and adequate shelter and monitors the cats’ health. TNVR has been shown to be the least costly, most efficient, and most humane way to stabilize cat populations.

Thanks to grant funding from Florida Animal Friend, TNVR Services are currently being offered at NO COST to caretakers that are feeding and caring for outdoor, community cats in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Pricing is subject to change based on availability of grant funds.

TNVR service includes:

  • Spay/Neuter Surgery
  • Rabies Vaccination
  • FVRCP Vaccination
  • Ear Tipping (international symbol that a cat has been sterilized and vaccinated)
  • Optional services available at additional cost.
  • Donations are always appreciated.

 

TNVR Surgery Dates

Cat Depot's 2026 TNVR Surgery Dates

  • Sunday, January 25
  • Sunday, February 8 and 22
  • Sunday, March 8 and 22
  • Sunday, April 19 and 26
  • Sunday, May 3, 17 and 31
  • Sunday, June 14 and 28

Check page often for more dates to be announced.

How to Schedule a TNVR Appointment

An appointment is required for Cat Depot’s TNVR surgeries. To request an appointment, please submit the TNVR Application.  You will be contacted by a staff member for further details and to confirm your appointment.  Submitting the application does not guarantee service as appointments are first-come, first-serve.

TNVR Application

How to Rent a Humane Trap

Cat Depot offers humane trap rentals for $10/week. To apply to rent a humane trap, complete the Humane Trap Rental Application.

If you need further assistance with renting a humane trap, please contact our Adoption department. Call 941-366-2404 ext 311 or email adoptions@catdepot.org.

Trap Rental Application

Instructions for the Day of Surgery

Drop Off Location: Cat Depot’s Cat Care Clinic, located at  2542 17th St, Sarasota, FL  34234 (located behind the main shelter, entry is in the back parking lot)

Cats Must Be in Humane Traps: Cats CANNOT BE ACCEPTED in crates, carriers, boxes, etc. Humane traps can be rented from Cat Depot for $10. Cats arriving in anything other than a humane trap will have a Safe Handling Fee added of $50 to the invoice.

Drop Off Time: 7:30 am. An Appointment is Required.  

Pick Up Time:  Generally around 4:00 pm, but exact time will vary based on the surgery schedule. You will be called with a pick up time. 

Bring Paperwork: Prior to arrival, download and complete the TNVR Medical Release Form and bring with you on the day of surgery.

Prepare for Release: Read the TNVR Take Home Instructions.

General Tips for Humane Trapping

  • Withhold food 24 hours before setting traps, but do not withhold water.
  • Trap early in the morning or late at night.
  • Never leave traps unattended.
  • Bait the trap with stinky food (sardines in oil, wet cat food, tuna) to lure them into the traps.
  • Line the bottom of the trap with newspaper (making sure not to cover the trigger plate).
  • Cover the trap with a sheet or towel, leaving the opening uncovered. As soon as cat is trapped, cover completely with a sheet or towel.
  • Do not trap more than two days prior to surgery.
  • Protect the floor of your vehicle with a tarp.

About the Food Bank Program

Cat Depot provides free cat food, litter and other supplies to community cat caregivers at our monthly Food Bank.

Learn More

Adopt a Working Cat

Traditional home adoptions aren’t for every cat. Our Working Cat Program works to find outdoor homes for cats and kittens.

Benefits of Working Cats

  • A Working Cat for your barn, outbuilding, stable, warehouse or other structure at no charge (adoption fee waived).

  • Free Rodent Control – Our working barn cats are ready to work by helping with rodent patrol. 

  • A Healthy Companion – Our working cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and treated for fleas and other parasites.

  • Assistance and Advice – Cat Depot will provide all the information you need for acclimating your working cat to its new home. 

Adopt a Working Cat

Contact Cat Depot's TNVR Team

Email: communitycats@catdepot.org

 Phone: 941-366-2404 ext. 325