​

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) saves lives.
 

TNR is the globally recognized humane approach to help control cat overpopulation. It was our main and only program when we first organized in 2018, but within a few weeks—when we rescued our first kittens—our foster program was born. Since then, we've provided care to over 2,691 cats!

 

Our TNR program provides welcome assistance to owners and colony caretakers who love cats and are happy to care for them, but cannot afford to have them spayed and neutered. We are there to help regardless of a client’s ability to donate, no one is turned away.

​

MAD Cats operates a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program primarily through the services of Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA (CASPCA), and Madison-Green Humane Society (MGHS).  We generally take 12-15 cats per clinic date to CASPCA and 2-4 to MGHS.

​

MAD Cats is part of an alliance of rescues in Culpeper County managed by the Culpeper Humane Society. With the alliance providing transportation and paying 1/2 cost of the S/N, we are able to leverage our resources and help more cats and their owners. In return for transportation and helping with S/N costs, we are committed to trapping at least once/month in Culpeper County. 

 

Individuals who are feeding and sheeting cats on limited incomes contact MAD Cats for assistance.  These "Colony Caretakers" typically have between 5 – 25 cats. Often they will buy food for the cats, before food for themselves. While we are happy to accept donations, we do provide the program for free. In addition, cat owners, who cannot afford to pay the cost of S/N through their local vet, may also apply to our program.

​

Almost every weekend, our volunteer trappers set multiple traps at a scheduled location. They attend those traps for however long it takes; traps need to be monitored and are never left unattended overnight. The cats are held overnight in the traps and then transported to the veterinarian the next day. Volunteers retrieve the “fixed” cats in the afternoon and they are again held overnight for recovery. After a light breakfast, they are returned to their owners/caretakers.

​

In 2022, we spayed/neutered and vaccinated 932 cats and have made big strides from 2019 –our first full year–when our total was 232. After several years of rapid expansion, we are fast approaching the physical limits of clinical appointment availability, transport capacity, and available volunteer trappers. 

​

We are always looking for new volunteers! Contact us to be part of our great team.