Forgotten Felines

Promoting compassion and humane care for Jackson County’s feral cat population

To help prevent overpopulation of feral (or wild) cats, Cascades Humane Society offers our Forgotten Feline program to Jackson County residents. The Forgotten Felines Program is a management plan in which feral cats in Jackson County are humanely trapped, evaluated, vaccinated against rabies, and sterilized by a veterinarian. The cats are then returned to their familiar habitats under the lifelong care of a caretaker.

**Please note: The Forgotten Feline Program is currently undergoing some changes. The Veterinarian who performs the surgeries is retiring. We have always offered the surgeries and rabies vaccine at an extremely low price to the public, at a fraction of the actual cost. We have relied on the generosity of the public and their donations, as well as the sale of the cat nip pillows, to help off-set the expenses. Unfortunately, we find that the donations are considerably less than what would cover the costs and the program is at a deficit. With that said, we do want to continue to offer this service, as it is extremely important to us to help care for the free-roaming cats of Jackson. This just gives us a chance to re-imagine the program. Please keep checking back here and our facebook page to see how the program moves forward in the new year!**

Program Details

• CHS charges a $25.00 fee per cat to help offset the cost of each surgery. This includes a rabies vaccine.
• Feral cats are wild, live outside and will not allow people to touch them.
• Feral kittens must be at least three-months-old.
• Only residents of Jackson County may participate in this program.
• People wishing to participate in the Forgotten Feline Program can come to CHS to fill out the application and pay the fee prior to scheduling an appointment.
• Feral cats must be brought to CHS in a live trap and will be returned in a cat carrier.
  • Please be sure to bring a cat carrier for the cat to be returned in at the time of drop-off.
• Participants can rent traps from CHS for a $70 credit card deposit that will be returned to them once the equipment is returned. Cat carriers are also available to rent for $30.
  • A card is preferred for trap and carrier rental charges, however, if you do pay with cash, please be advised that you will not receive a cash refund the day of returns. A cashier’s check will be promptly mailed to you within one to two weeks. (Cash or card ARE accepted for appointment fees. No checks will be accepted.)
• Participants will be given information on how to trap the cats safely, care for them, and then release them.

Additional Services Available

We are now offering:

• FVRCP+C vaccine for $10
• Felv/FIV test for $20
• A frontline application for $5
  (rabies is included in the spay or neuter surgery)

How to Schedule a Forgotten Feline Appointment

Forgotten Feline appointments can only be made in-person at CHS. CHS is open 12-6 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. A staff member will be happy to assist you!

• Fill out our Forgotten Feline Program form, schedule your appointment, and pay for the services. Traps and carriers can be rented one week prior to your appointment date.
• A staff member will help you schedule for the next soonest appointment dates. Appointments can be made on the Wednesdays and Thursdays that the medical team is performing surgeries.
  • If you have multiple cats that need an appointment, please note that only you can only schedule one cat per appointment date.
• Payment is required upon scheduling. Once scheduled, a green appointment card will be given to you. Please be sure to bring this card with you when you drop off the cat for your appointment as it is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I cannot trap the cat in time for my scheduled appointment?
A: If you cannot trap the cat in time for your appointment, please let a CHS representative know. They will be happy to reschedule you for the next soonest available appointment date.

Q: Where do I drop off and pick up and what time?
A: Drop-offs and pick-up for the Forgotten Feline Program will happen at the back entrance of the building unless stated otherwise. Drop-off is at 8 AM and pick-up is at 2 PM.

Q: Does the cat HAVE to come in a live trap?
A: Yes, cats must arrive in a live trap for the Forgotten Feline Program regardless of their temperament. This is per the program policy and for the safety of the medical team.

Q: Do you have to tip the ear of the cat?
A: Yes, the ear tip is harmless and the universal sign the cat has been spayed or neutered through a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program. Learn more about ear-tipping here: More About Ear-Tipping Cats

Program Funding

• The Forgotten Felines program is supported by donations. Click here to make a gift online. Contributions can also be mailed to CHS at 1515 Carmen Drive, Jackson, MI 49202.
• You can purchase a catnip pillow for $2 to help spay and neuter feral cats. See below to learn which locations sell them.
• You can visit our Etsy page to make a purchase and support the Forgotten Feline Program by clicking here.

Help Feral Cats — Buy a Catnip Pillow!!