Why have a CSRM program in Gatineau?

Gatineau has a large number of feral cats that can reproduce quickly; in fact, a couple of unsterilized cats can produce over 5,000 offspring in one year! A Capture-Sterilization-Release-Maintenance (CSRM) program is an effective way to reduce this overpopulation humanely.

Cats targeted by the CSRM program do not do well in shelters and are rarely good candidates for adoption because of their ‘wild’ lifestyle. While some will approach humans for shelter or food, they are still animals that thrive best outdoors where they are free to roam at will.

The SPCA de l'Outaouais has, for some time, had an adoption program for so-called "farm cats", or cats that are happiest in open environments where they can hunt freely, such as farms or warehouses. The popularity of "farm" cats is not high in the region, which unfortunately leads to longer and more stressful shelter stays for these animals, another aspect that a CSRM program aims to minimize.

In addition, the public nuisance associated with feral cats can generally be greatly mitigated by spaying and neutering, which reduces urine marking, vocalization, fighting, and breeding that leads to overpopulation, making cohabitation with community cats all the more positive.

The CSRM program is specifically designed for feral cats that are not good candidates for adoption but are still part of our community’s ecosystem. The implementation of a CSRM program is an effective, long-term humane alternative for managing cat populations.

How does the CSRM program operate?

Our CSRM program is operated in collaboration with local non-profit organizations that are familiar with the area and take responsibility for cat capture and monitoring on their territory.

We ask that citizens not attempt to capture or take responsibility for transferring feral cats to the SPCA de l'Outaouais. Our partners in the field have the knowledge and equipment to do so safely.

Our field partners then coordinate the arrival of the cats at the SPCA de l'Outaouais, where they are cared for by our animal health team. All cats are evaluated, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and have the tip of their left ears trimmed, before being returned to their colonies by our field partners. These partners also monitor the colonies to ensure that the community cats remain healthy and continue to find everything required to meet their needs.

All program costs are currently covered by the SPCA de l'Outaouais, and the City of Gatineau has announced its intention to partially subsidize the operations of this program in future years.

Why do you trim the left ear of processed feral cats?

The trimming of the tip of the left ear on feral cats is an international standard for identifying spayed or neutered cats. Feral cats are often difficult to approach and handle, and ear trimming helps to quickly identify spayed or neutered cats from a distance and avoid the disruption that another capture would cause.

Ear trimming is done by our veterinarian and under anesthesia. It is a simple and very low-risk procedure for the animal.

How can I help?

Our CSRM program pilot project, like all activities and programs led by the SPCA de l'Outaouais, relies heavily on the generosity of our donors. If you have the means, we invite you to donate. You can direct your donation specifically to the CSRM program on the online form.

We may also need volunteers to help coordinate the program with our partners in the field. If you have time to offer and would like to help us with the CSRM program, please send us an email with your availability, experience, and contact information using our online form.

Finally, if you have the pleasure of sharing your home with a cat, the best way to help us is to make sure you have your pet spayed or neutered and keep it indoors or under supervision on your property. If your cat likes to explore the neighborhood, make sure it is registered (licensed) and wearing a collar or harness and a tag so it can be easily identified.