In these uncertain times, pet owners need to know that there is no current evidence that suggests the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted to or from companion animals.
In Beltsville, many neighbors and local businesses are working together to humanly reduce the free-roaming cat population through a process known as Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR). During TNVR, cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped (the universal symbol that feral cats have been neutered and vaccinated) and then returned to their home territories. Once the breeding stops, the population gradually decreases.
You may wonder why neutered cats are returned where they were trapped. Neutered cats hold a territory, preventing new cats from moving in. By contrast, removing cats from their territories frees up new territory that is quickly filled by new cats, requiring constant trapping and removal.
Beltsville Community Cats (BCC) volunteers need your help to identify the people in your neighborhood who are feeding feral cats. Our goal is to work with these individuals to spay/neuter and vaccinate as many of these cats as possible. No cats will be harmed, all cats will be returned, and no authorities will be notified.
While the service is free to the residents, donations are needed and used primarily to cover the cost of veterinary expenses. Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Beltsville Community Cats, P.O. Box 942, Beltsville MD 20704. Follow our work on Instagram at @beltsville_cats where you can view adoptable cats and kittens. To volunteer or report feral cats, call 240.444.8353 or email hello@beltsvillecats.net.