Operation Catnip, an all volunteer nonprofit organization, seeks to humanely reduce the free-roaming stray and feral cat population. Thanks to a grant from Petsmart Charities, you can help!

The grant funds spays and neuters for cats in Cary and Apex under the TNR model — trap, neuter, return.

All cats must be trapped in humane traps and have an appointment, either at a monthly no-cost clinic, held the third Sunday of the month at SPCA of Wake County, or with a veterinary practice that accepts spay/neuter vouchers. Some traps are available for loan.

The vets who accept the vouchers are listed on the organization’s website, www.operationcatnip.org. They include Parkway Vet in Cary and Harmony Animal Hospital in Apex, plus several Raleigh vets and even some mobile units.

“The surgeries are fully funded and include spay or neuter, rabies and distemper vaccines, ear crop and pain medications,” said Operation Catnip President Lisa Krestalude. “The cats must have a caretaker who is willing to continue feeding them once they are returned to their outdoor homes. To qualify for the grant, the cats must be unowned, free-roaming stray or feral (wild or not socialized to humans) cats from any zip code in Cary and Apex.”

The grant funds will be available through December 16, or until 600 cats have been sterilized, whichever comes first. Participation has no fees, but donations are accepted to cover clinic costs.

Operation Catnip does not relocate or euthanize cats, tame feral cats or adopt any cats or kittens.

Contact info:
Operation Catnip: (919) 793-6632 x7 for Apex/Cary grant
info@operationcatnip.org (general inquiries)
clinic@operationcatnip.org (to request clinic space; appointments will be confirmed by email)
traps@operationcatnip.org (to borrow traps)
Cary Community Cat Helpline: (919) 378-1867
www.operationcatnip.org