The mission of Shadow Cat Advocates, Inc. is first and foremost to provide assistance to all the abandoned and forgotten (feral) cats throughout the greater Stafford/Fredericksburg, Virginia area.

 

Since feral cats are wild and generally not able to be socialized, these animals are not adoptable and will be euthanized if taken to a shelter. These cats do not have to be put to death.  Stopping the cat’s breeding cycle is the humane and effective way to manage a feral population.

 

Studies have proven that Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the single most successful method of stabilizing and maintaining healthy feral cat colonies with the least possible cost to local governments and residents, while providing the best life for the animals themselves.

 

During the course of this work, there are times when, despite our best efforts, new kittens arrive. These kittens are removed and taken to the vet for checkups. They are tested for Feline Leukemia/FIV and parasites. They are given medical treatment as needed, and placed in a foster home. The kittens are then socialized and taken care of. The result is a disease/parasite free kitten who is well adjusted and ready to go to a new, permanent home.

 

Shadow Cat Advocates is a community resource, not a rescue. We will not remove feral cats from your property or take owner-surrendered cats. We will provide you the tools and support you need, in order to effectively, and humanely, manage feral cats.  We can assist in safely trapping and fixing feral cats, as well as providing for their basic medical needs (including vaccinations), as long as you agree to keep feeding the cats upon their return.
 

Come Visit!
We do not have a “store front” as all fostering is done in a home environment. To schedule an appointment to visit the kittens, or if you'd like more information on volunteering, please give us a call at (571) 408-9626 or you can also E-Mail us at:  shadowcatadvocates@comcast.net

 

Our Mission Statement

• Promote and implement Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)

• Gain and maintain the support of local governments and the communities they serve for TNR as the only proven method of regional feral cat population management.

• Raise public awareness of and involvement with, the issues surrounding feral cat colonies through community education.

• Form a cooperative partnership with local Animal Control agencies and shelters in order to facilitate the referral of feral cat complaints, questions, concerns and problems from Animal Control to a coordinated group of volunteer individuals and organizations with the motivation, resources and manpower to address them effectively, efficiently and humanely, primarily through the use of TNR, and when necessary, relocation of entire colonies or parts of colonies.

• Perform other services as required to mitigate nuisance behaviors reported to Animal Control to the extent that we are willing, able, qualified and equipped to do so.

• Recruit and educate volunteers to carry out the day-to-day operations in support of this mission, including, but not limited to: acting as caregivers for colonies in which TNR has been implemented; maintaining records of feral colony locations, sizes, status and caregivers; answering, addressing and/or redirecting referred complaints, questions, concerns and problems involving feral cat colonies; trapping and transporting cats from colony sites to spay/neuter clinics and back.

• Raise funds through grants, donations or other means to cover expenses incurred in carrying out this mission, to the extent that it is not subsidized by public funding provided by local government(s) or government agencies.