Feral Cat Services
Feral Cat Package
PHS/SPCA offers this package to San Mateo County residents only in order to make using our services easy and to continue offering discounted services to residents who need assistance with feral cats. The feral cat package consists of vaccinations, ear tipping, FIV/FeLV test, microchip, and spay/neuter surgery for just $50 (or free with a county voucher).
Please read all of the following before inquiring for a feral cat appointment:
Feral Cat vs. Stray Cat; What's the Difference?
Feral cats – A feral cat/street cat is a cat that cannot be handled and is not social with people; the cat may try to bite or scratch if s/he feels threatened. A feral cat must be trapped in order to be transported and safely handled by staff.
Domesticated stray cats – A stray cat is a cat that can be handled; the cat may not bite or scratch as they are more social with humans (purring, rubbing against legs, allowing you to pet them, etc.) These cats can also be indoor/outdoor pets and so are most likely social with people.
We cannot accept a stray cat through our feral cat program. For a domesticated stray cat appointment, please click here.
Socialized feral kittens – If feral kittens cannot yet be picked up and handled, they need to be treated as feral cats in order for Spay and Neuter staff to handle safely.
Feral Cat Appointments
We alter feral cats on weekdays by appointment only. Appointment requests are made on Mondays after 3pm. Please call 650-340-7022 ext. 679 on Mondays after 3pm, leaving your name and number. A member of our staff will return your call the next day, Tuesday, to schedule an appointment for the following week.
Feral Cat/Kitten Spay & Neuter Information
For more information about spaying or neutering feral cats at PHS/SPCA, please click here. PHS/SPCA will also be asking caretakers of feral cats to agree to provide certain basic care to cats they bring to us for spay/neuter. Click here to view our required Feral Cat Sterilization Agreement.
Trap Rentals
We encourage TTVAR (trap, test, vaccinate, alter, return) where caretakers are willing and able to provide ongoing care for ferals. We offer trap rentals ($50 deposit and $1/day rental fee) through our Coyote Point Shelter. Trap rentals are on a “first come, first serve” basis and are only available to rent in-person. Please visit during normal open hours or call 650-340-7022 ext. 339 for information on renting a trap. Please note that traps are not always available and therefore not guaranteed to be rented at the time of arrival.
Underage Kittens
If you found an underage kitten or kittens (underage is defined as “still nursing and less than 8 weeks old”) and plan to care for the kitten/s on your own, please use our Fostering Kittens: Getting Started Guide to help you on this journey. We provide starter kits at our 12 Airport Blvd location, and they are also available at most pet supply stores. This is guidance only for individuals who have found a stray kitten and want to keep the kitten and provide care on their own; it is not guidance for PHS/SPCA foster volunteers.