Frequenty Asked Questions
The Cat Network FAQs
Can The Cat Network take my cat?
Sadly, no. The Cat Network does not have a shelter. We are a network of volunteers who attempt to adopt out friendly, rescued cats, and trap, neuter, and return stray cats which cannot be adopted or that we cannot foster. We cannot retrieve or accept cats from the public. You can also reach out to local rescues in the South Florida area that might help in placing kitties
to good homes. Please google “local cat rescue.”
Can you help me remove stray cats in my yard?
In Miami-Dade County, cats are free-roaming. Relocating them is prohibited and against the law. Please refer to Fl Statute Chapter 828. If the cat is unaltered, it is important to get them sterilized to control the cat overpopulation.
Can you help me find a trapper to fix the stray cats in my neighborhood?
Yes! Please see our list of Humane Trappers in Miami-Dade County. It is important to note that most trappers do this in their free time. They spend time and money on gas, bait, car maintenance, laundry, peepee pads for traps, etc to provide this service to the community. If they do not charge a fee, please provide them with a donation to support their work.
There is a sick cat in my yard that needs help. What can I do?
The Cat Network’s principal mission is spay and neuter. Try reaching out to local vets such as
South Miami Animal Clinic, Miami Animal Clinic, Gomara Animal Clinic, Red Bird Animal Clinic,
The Falls Animal Clinic, Avocado Animal Hospital to name a few that are known to work with stray cats and tend to be reasonably priced. While this is a suggestion, The Cat Network is not responsible nor aware of their price structure. You need to reach out to these clinics to seek an estimate of vet care costs.
You can also take the cat to a veterinarian and post a GoFundMe fundraising request on social media such as Facebook. Some cat advocate groups that are available on social media include Miami Dade Community Cats, Help for Cats!! FL-Tri County! (Dade, Broward and Palm Beach), and Broward Community Cats, who focus on TNR and Feral Cat Help Only.
How can I adopt a cat from a Cat Network member?
Please see all of our adoptable cats. If you see a cat that interests you, contact the person on the listing for more information. If you are a match, you will be asked to complete an Adoption Form to make your adoption official.
How do I become a member of The Cat Network?
Learn more about The Cat Network membership and view all the ways you can become a member and gain the benefits of membership. The easiest way to join is to complete our online membership form. Membership applications can also be filled out when you bring a cat to the Meow Mobile. We honor the member spay/neuter prices the same day if you complete the application and pay the membership fee at the mobile clinic.
Another option is to print and mail the membership application to our central office. Processing your new membership through the mail can take several weeks. The member application can be found here.
I need help to feed my colonies. Does Cat Network supply cat food?
The Cat Network does not participate in food donations to feeders. Our principal mission and focus is to provide low-cost spay and neuter service to our community for their own cats and community cats. You can reach out to local rescues that might be part of the food pantry list. Please google “local cat rescue.”
What counties does The Cat Network serve?
Miami Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.
Can The Cat Network sterilize my dog?
The Cat Network performs sterilization surgeries on cats only.
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Meow Mobile FAQs
What services does The Meow Mobile provide, and how much does it cost?
Visit The Meow Mobile page to see the current services and fees. These affordable prices can be offered thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donors.
Does the Meow Mobile spay/neuter both pet cats and stray/feral cats?
Yes, we can spay and neuter pet cats, stray, and feral cats and kittens on the Meow Mobile.
How do I make an appointment with the Meow Mobile?
Visit the Meow Mobile page to find out how to schedule an appointment.
Cat sterilizations are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. If you need to cancel the appointment, please go online and cancel so that it frees up the appointment for someone else needing this slot.
My cat is sick. Does the Meow Mobile take care of sick cats?
We can address basic health problems for cats that are concurrently receiving spay or neuter surgery. Please do not bring cats for surgery that are visibly ill. For cats that are not receiving spay/neuter surgery and are sick, we recommend you visit your regular veterinarian.
Are there any options for highly discounted spay/neuter surgeries at the Meow Mobile?
The Meow Mobile operates at a slight loss to encourage the public to trap and sterilize the community cats in their neighborhoods, so the prices are already discounted. Occasionally, we offer free or lower-cost services events, which are advertised in advance.
How many cats can I bring for surgery?
There is usually no limit, though we do ask that you make an appointment in advance and let us know how many cats you will be bringing. For special events, we may set a maximum of four cats per event.
How do I make an appointment for the Meow Mobile?
Send us an e-mail or call (305) 233-9958 and leave a message on our voice mail system. Your call will generally be returned within 24-72 hours, depending on call volume. E-mail is preferred and you will generally receive a faster response via e-mail.
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How can I call the Meow Mobile?
The Meow Mobile does not have a phone line. Please text (305) 389-5345 if you're running late or need to cancel.
Can you spay a nursing cat with kittens?
Yes. However, if a female cat is nursing kittens and there is an option to delay the surgery, we prefer to wait until the kittens are fully weaned (usually at 6-8 weeks of age), so that the mother’s milk production and ability to nurse is not affected. Ideally, nursing mothers should be kept indoors as they can get pregnant again soon after giving birth.
My stray cat isn’t tame and I can’t catch it to bring it for surgery. What should I do?
Feral and stray cats that are not accustomed to being handled or petted will need to be captured in a humane trap. Do not use a regular pet carrier or any cardboard carrier or box.
Where can I get humane traps?
Miami-Dade Animal Services (7401 NW 74th St.) lends out traps. Go to their front desk during regular business hours to borrow one or more. Members of The Cat Network can borrow traps from fellow members. Please e-mail info@thecatnetwork.org if you are interested in borrowing traps.
Traps can be purchased locally at Home Depot stores, Harbor Freight, Robbie’s Feed & Supply and several other retail stores. Online, traps can be purchased at websites including Tomahawk Live Trap and Havahart Traps.
How do I trap a feral cat, and what do I do once I’ve caught it?
See our guidelines for trapping cats. We also recommend the Alley Cat Allies trapping page. You should make appointment arrangements with us in advance before trapping any cats. If you fail to catch the cat, please text us at 305-389-5345 to let us know.
How old should a cat be to get spayed or neutered?
Cats must be a minimum of 2 months of age, or 2 pounds in body weight to be spayed or neutered. Cats can start reproducing and get pregnant as early as 5 months of age, so we recommend the surgery be performed before this time.
When can I pick my cat up after surgery?
Pick-up time for all cats is the afternoon of the same day of surgery. The exact time can vary depending on how many cats we have for the day and when your cat recovers from surgery. The technician will assign you a pick-up time when you drop off your cat. Please ensure you or someone you know will be available and flexible that afternoon to pick up your cat.
Why is it important to spay or neuter my cat?
Spayed and neutered cats live longer, healthier lives. Male cats don’t roam or fight with other cats and stop spraying their strong-smelling urine. Female cats can’t produce unwanted litters of kittens. It also prevents pyometra (uterus infection) as well as cancer of the uterus and ovaries in females, and cancer of the testicles and prostate in males.
Approximately 500,000 homeless cats are currently living on the streets and alleys of Miami-Dade County. According to the Humane Society of the United States, two breeding cats and their offspring can produce over 420,000 cats in 7 years. Through spaying and neutering, we can help reduce the numbers of homeless cats in South Florida.
How many cats can I bring for surgery to the Meow Mobile?
There is usually no limit, though we do ask that you make an appointment in advance and let us know how many cats you will be bringing. For special events, we may set a maximum of four cats per event.
Can you spay a pregnant cat?
Yes, we can still spay a pregnant female cat. We provide additional fluids and extra pain relievers to pregnant cats to compensate for the larger skin incision and fluid loss. Spaying a pregnant female prevents the unwanted births of even more kittens for which there are not enough homes.
Can you spay a nursing cat with kittens?
Yes. However, if a female cat is nursing kittens and there is an option to delay the surgery, we prefer to wait until the kittens are fully weaned (usually at 6-8 weeks of age), so that the mother’s milk production and ability to nurse is not affected. Ideally, nursing mothers should be kept indoors as they can get pregnant again soon after giving birth.
How can I catch a feral cat?
My stray cat isn’t tame and I can’t catch it to bring it for surgery. What should I do?
Feral and stray cats that are not accustomed to being handled or petted will need to be captured in a humane trap. Do not use a regular pet carrier or any cardboard carrier or box.
Where can I get humane traps?
Members of The Cat Network can borrow traps from fellow members. Please e-mail info@thecatnetwork.org if you are interested in borrowing traps.
Miami-Dade Animal Services (7401 NW 74th Street) lends out traps. Go to their front desk during regular business hours to borrow one or more.
Traps can be purchased locally at Home Depot stores, Harbor Freight (18517 S. Dixie Hwy.), Robbie’s Feed & Supply (22390 SW 177 Ave.), and several other retail stores. Online, traps can be purchased at websites including Tomahawk Live Trap and Havahart Traps.
How do I trap a feral cat, and what do I do once I’ve caught it?
See our Guidelines for trapping cats can be found at Alley Cat Allies trapping page. You should make appointment arrangements with us in advance with us before trapping any cats. If you fail to catch the cat, please text us at 305-389-5345 to let us know.
How old should a cat be to get spayed or neutered?
Cats must be a minimum of 2 months of age, or 2 pounds in body weight to be spayed or neutered. Cats can start reproducing and get pregnant as early as 5 months of age, so we recommend the surgery be performed before this time.
When can I pick my cat up after surgery?
Pick-up time for all cats is the afternoon of the same day of surgery. The exact time can vary depending on how many cats we have for the day and when your cat recovers from surgery. The technician will assign you a pick-up time when you drop off your cat. Please ensure you or someone you know will be available and flexible that afternoon to pick up your cat.
What types of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, or Cat Network certificates are accepted. We do not accept credit cards.
Do you use anesthesia or pain relievers during surgery?
Yes, all cats receive the safest possible general anesthesia as well as pain relievers during spay/neuter surgery. We want to make sure they are comfortable and pain-free both during and after surgery.
What is ear tipping?
Ear-tipping is a standard procedure for feral or stray cats that permanently identifies them (with a marking that is easily visible from a distance) as spayed or neutered. The tip of the left ear is clipped while the cat is under anesthesia for spay/neuter surgery. This is an internationally recognized procedure. We highly recommend it for all cats that go outside, and there is no charge to have it done. It can save their lives, and help communities and colony caretakers keep track of which cats are sterilized and which are not. Some animal control companies will ignore ear-tipped cats, allowing them to continue living where they are.
Does ear tipping hurt?
No! This simple and quick procedure is done while the cat is under anesthesia.
Does a veterinarian perform the surgery on the Meow Mobile?
Veterinarians licensed in the state of Florida and highly experienced with performing spay and neuter surgeries for cats take phenomenal care of our patients. The doctor is assisted by experienced veterinary technicians.
How do I prepare my cat for surgery?
Do not feed your cat after midnight the evening before surgery. Water is OK. Kittens under 5 pounds in body weight can have a small meal the morning of surgery Cats must arrive in secure pet carriers or humane traps. Separate carriers for each cat are required. Feral cats that are not tame must come in traps, and traps should be covered with a sheet. Please, no laundry baskets, cardboard boxes, huge dog crates, pillow cases, and absolutely no cats that are not contained.
What kind of post-surgical care is necessary for my cat?
Generally speaking, we advise that you keep stray and feral cats indoors for 24 hours after surgery. A bathroom, enclosed patio, or outdoor sheltered enclosure can work well. Feral cats can be recovered safely after surgery in humane traps set atop newspaper; traps should always be kept covered with a sheet or towel to keep the cat calm and comfortable. The stitches used for surgery are all absorbable and will dissolve or fall out naturally on their own after several weeks. A few more days of recovery is recommended for female cats. More importantly so, if
they have been spay aborted.
What do I do if my cat has a problem after the surgery?
Call the contact number you will be provided with on your discharge instruction sheet if there is a problem.
How do I see the medical records on my cat that I brought to The Meow Mobile?
Please visit the Kendall warehouse on the days of surgery (Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday,
Thursday) between 8 to 9 am to seek the records.