Help Wild Cats

WHS Helps Community Cat Caregivers

Carlita and members of her colony are fed and cared for by the compassionate Community Cat Caregivers in a Sherman Park neighborhood.

The goal of this program is to prevent suffering and overpopulation of feral (wild) cats in Milwaukee County. It is a comprehensive management program that works with community caregivers to sterilize and provide medical treatment to entire feral cat colonies.

What is a feral cat?

Feral cats cannot be picked up or handled by humans. They are the offspring of outdoor cats that roam free and are not sterilized. These wild cats are often many generations removed from human ownership and cannot be placed into a typical home situation.

How many feral cats are there?

Experts estimate that there are 190,000 stray and feral cats in Milwaukee County. Life on the streets is very hard for these animals and an overabundance of feral cats can pose other problems as well. Since it began in the fall of 2001, the WHS Community Cat Caregiver Program has treated more than 850 feral cats and prevented the births of thousands of offspring.

The WHS Commitment

To help feral cats in our area, the Wisconsin Humane Society works with caregivers in the community to humanely trap feral cats and bring them to WHS for medical examination, temperament testing, vaccinations, microchipping and sterilization surgery. Adult feral cats that are healthy and don't have FIV or Feline Leukemia are returned to the caregivers and restored to their territory. Cats that appear to be sociable will be considered adoption candidates and will not be released as feral under the supervision of a caregiver. 

Carlita, Googlie and Kevin rest in a secluded spot behind a work shed.

The Caregiver Commitment

Caregivers provide long-term care for feral cats in their neighborhood. They monitor the size and health of the feral cat colony, provide food and shelter and continue to trap and bring unsterilized cats to WHS for treatment.

If you would like additional information about the Wisconsin Humane Society's Community Cat Caregiver Program email WHS or call (414) 431-6228.

Saving Cats

In order for the Community Caregivers to have the opportunity to do their dedicated work, the City of Milwaukee needs to adopt a formal policy regarding feral cats in the community. To learn more about Carlita, her colony and Trap-Neuter-Return, click here.