Friends of Feral Felines

Do you like helping people and cats? Do you like driving? We need volunteers who can transport humanely trapped community cats to their spay/neuter appointments at local clinics in and around Charlotte, NC.  Drop off times at area clinics are typically between 7AM & 8AM and pick up times at area clinics are typically between 3PM & 4PM.   

KEY NOTES/helpful hints for this role:  We care for the cats and humane treatment and safety are priority!

*Transport can only be done in an enclosed vehicle. No open bed or trunk transports are allowed. 

*Supplies - tarp or contractor garbage bag and puppy pad. These items will ensure your vehicle is protected! First layer a tarp, add a puppy pad, and then place the cat in a covered trap on the puppy pad. 

*Old sheet cut to cover trap (trapper should ALWAYS have the trap covered to help reduce stress for trapped cats).

*The hearing range for cats is much broader than humans (3 times greater). Please use caution with audio during travel. 

Pro Tip: It's a good idea to carry an extra old sheet or larger towel to/from transport, especially if you are only doing the afternoon segment of the transport. Many vet clinics ask that morning transporters take the trap cover with them (vet clinics use their own to cover cats). Prior to leaving the clinic in the afternoon and taking the cat to your car, please ensure trapped cat is covered. (Tip - puppy pads can be used in a pinch).

**Informational only (helpful to know) - Recovery must be done in a climate controlled environment due to 2 factors. First, anesthesia prevents cats from being able to regulate their body temperature, which can prove to be fatal especially in extreme cold or heat. Second, pain medication disables a cats natural reflexes/ability to defend themselves. The recovery period for neutered male cats is 24 hours; female cats who have had a hysterectomy should be recovered for a minimum of 48 hours. There are rare exceptions. 

A trapped cat MUST be covered at ALL times. Ensure the cat is secure/stable during transport in the event a sudden stop is made. Prior to transport (both to and from the Vet) verify both ends of the trap are secure to avoid escape. You can use carabiners or zip/bread ties. 

Pssst: Thank you in advance for your patience if you are not contacted immediately. Our volunteer base is currently very small (we REALLY need you)! Between our day jobs and citizen volunteer efforts, time can get away quickly. Please be purr-sistent. Thank you meowy much >^.^<