cat-with-light-brown-striped-fur-front-white-wall_edited_edited.jpg

I See a Cat on 30A ...

Whether it's a tiny kitten or a grown cat, beautifully fluffy or pitifully thin, hearts melt at the sight of wispy whiskers and the sound of a pleading meow.

What to do?

A clipped ear tip is the universally recognized sign that a community cat has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated. The ear is tipped while the cat is under anesthesia when it is spayed or neutered. 30Acats volunteers are able to see that the cat does not need to be trapped again from a distance. This also allows anyone interested (animal control, vets) to know that this cat which may not be socialized, is not contributing to overpopulation and lives here. Hopefully he or she will not be taken to a shelter and killed.

THE 30A CAT HAS KITTENS ...

Under 5 Weeks Old: If a kitten's eyes are unopened, if an umbilical cord is still attached, or if it weighs less than a pound, the best chance of survival is for the kitten to be taken back to the nest by its mother (the queen). A mother cat rarely abandons kittens. She may have been scared away, she may be moving her nest, she may be still in labor or she may just be gone to seek food or water, see this information: The best thing to do is LEAVE THEM BE and complete a 30ACATS TNR AGREEMENT.

Nursing and Eating: Daily socialization is important but it's still best to leave them with their mother. Give the mother and kittens food and water, and stay near while they eat so they identify people as providers. Mrs. Kitten needs to be TNRed as soon as possible before she goes back in heat. Waiting will make it a more difficult surgery for her as she will be in heat or pregnant. Complete a 30ACATS TNR AGREEMENT as soon as possible so that she can be trapped and transported. The kittens will be fine for a day while she takes her trip to the spa at spaybay. She will still be able to nurse after her surgery.

In Danger of Vehicles, Weather, or a Predator: Contact the property manager or owner and send a message to 30ACats by Facebook or email 30ACATS@gmail.com with the location, picture, phone number and describe dangerous conditions.

THE 30A CAT IS FRIENDLY OR BEGS FOR FOOD ...

DO NOT FEED A 30A CAT YOUR DOGGY BAG - 30A has some of the best restaurants in the world but your leftovers can be very dangerous to 30A cats. ONIONS, GARLIC, SALT, LIVER, ALCOHOL, AND even MILK, CAN MAKE A CAT VERY SICK. Cool fresh water is always appreciated since it can be scarce by the gulf.

Ask your property manager if they have a plan to feed and Trap Neuter Release the community cats. Some 30A communities like Seacrest have feeding stations and ask that you do not feed the cats so they can be kept in safer areas away from vehicles and tourists. If you own property around 30A, contact 30ACats and ask what is available in your neighborhood and how you can help with your community cats.

THE 30A CAT APPEARS SICK OR HURT ...

30A Cats will try to assist a hurt cat in South Walton County. Do not try to capture the cat without the proper equipment as you may get bit. 30A Cats has traps, gloves, nets, and experienced volunteers. For missing fur, limping without an open wound, or cats that just appear poorly, please complete a TNR agreement. If the cat appears to be bleeding or close to death, please send a Facebook message to @30Acats or contact us here with a complete description, phone number, and address. Emergency Medical bills are costly for 30A Cats and we appreciate any donations! You can give by Venmo at @ILOVE30ACats or Donate in other ways.

MY 30A CAT IS TOO SKITTISH TO CATCH ...

If you live in South Walton county, along the 30A corridor, (Santa Rosa Beach Donut Hole to Inlet Beach Donut Hole) 30ACats will assist you in trapping and neutering, and returning your community cats. Please complete a TNR agreement. The cost per community cat is between $95-$130 which includes spay/neuter, ear tip, rabies, and distemper vaccination. Some communities like Seacrest and WaterSound pay these costs through their Home Owners Association. If you are able to help with this cost, we appreciate it greatly - 30ACats main mission is to reduce the population of community cats through TNR, education, and adoption. 30A Cats does not relocate cats and does not have a physical shelter at this time.
If you live in the larger neighboring counties, (Bay County or Okaloosa County) please contact your local rescue organizations.