The City of Midland’s Animal Services Department is addressing the local feral cat population with two programs designed to benefit both animals and the community.
According to Animal Services Manager Melissa Griffin-Hobson, one initiative offers feral cats as “barn cats” at no cost.
“These cats are typically unsuited for adoption into traditional homes but thrive in barn or outdoor settings, where they can provide natural pest control while receiving shelter and care from their adopters,” Griffin-Hobson told Midland Times.
Midland Animal Services also runs a Community Cat program focused on managing the feral cat population through the Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) method. According to Griffin-Hobson, the program plays a “vital role" in managing the local feral cat population.
“Through TNR, feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed, or neutered and then released back into their colonies. This helps control population growth and minimizes nuisance behaviors associated with unaltered cats, such as spraying or fighting,” Griffin-Hobson said.
According to the City of Midland website, feral cats live outdoors without a singular owner, often thriving in territories supported by multiple residents. Without sterilization, the cat population increases drastically, leading to common issues such as spraying and fighting.
How the programs work:
- Community Cat Program: Residents have the option to borrow a live trap from Midland Animal Services or purchase one. Once a cat is captured, the resident can schedule an appointment for spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and vaccinations. Surgeries are performed on Fridays with the new veterinarian, so it’s recommended to trap accordingly and confirm availability in advance.
- Spay/Neuter Voucher Program: City residents can obtain a voucher for spay/neuter services at a local vet for their pets. To receive the voucher, proof of current rabies vaccination is required. This program is available exclusively to residents of Midland.
To identify a feral cat, Griffin-Hobson said a common marker is a “tipped ear,” where the tip of the ear has been surgically removed, indicating it has gone through a TNR program.
Feral cats are also more common in remote areas and tend to avoid human interaction, appearing more skittish or defensive. In contrast, outdoor house cats are more common in residential neighborhoods, and more likely to approach people and display friendly behaviors.