Community Cats

Prince William County Community Cat Coalition

In early 2024, the Prince William SPCA began working on the issue of Community (or feral) cats. Through a community survey, listening sessions, and discussions with numerous stakeholders, it was determined that we needed a coalition to address the daunting issues that surround community cats. In May, the Prince William County Community Cat Coalition was created to help the PWC area to include Manassas and Manassas Park. The Coalition is made up of several groups, individuals and other experts who have the common goal of reducing the number of community cats through Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return (TNVR).

How to Join the Coalition

Anyone can join the coalition including care takers, vets, homeowners, HOA representatives, government officials, wildlife rescue volunteers, and individuals who want to get involved. Meetings are held monthly either in mid-county (McCoart Building) or virtually through Zoom. How to join:

Community Cat Terminology and Definitions  as defined by the Coalition

There are two main categories when defining cats living in the greater Prince William County area. Pet cats, which are owned, and community cats, which may or may not rely on humans for their basic needs.

Pet Cats:         

1. Indoor-Only Cat:

A pet cat who lives solely indoors with humans. These cats are socialized to and rely on people for their basic needs.

2. Indoor/Outdoor Cat:

A pet cat who spends time both indoors and outdoors. These cats are socialized to people and rely on them for basic needs.

Community Cats: 1.) Community Cat, 2.) Feral, 3.) Stray

Community Cat (cared for):

An umbrella term that refers to any member of the domestic cat species who lives outside. Community cats are free-roaming, and can be stray or feral. They are not pet cats and their homes are outdoors. They often live together in groups called colonies.

Feral Cat (not socialized):

A community cat who has never had any contact with humans or whose contact with humans has diminished over time. Feral cats are not socialized, so they are generally fearful of people. They survive and thrive in colonies in their outdoor homes and do not rely on humans for their basic needs. The best way to help feral cats is through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return to decrease population.

Stray Cat:

A free-roaming cat that was socialized to people at some point, but left or lost their indoor home as well as most human contact and dependence. They live outdoors and, over time, can become feral if they do not spend enough time around people. However, stray (not feral) cats can become resocialized, if they are given enough human contact and attention.

Adapted from the Ally Cat Allies. Modified by the PWC Community Cat Coalition.

Approved by the Prince William County Community Cat Coalition, September 2024.

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