Photos From Feral Cat Coalition Spay/Neuter Clinics
The Feral Cat Coalition uses a different local facility every month. Every facility requires a slightly different setup on our part, and the flow through the clinic is different for each site. These pictures will, however, give you a general idea of some of the common sites you would see at one of our monthly clinics. They are in the same order as a cat would progress through the system.
 | A visit to a Feral Cat Coalition clinic begins with admitting. Volunteers admit cats to the clinic as caretakers look on. Yes....that IS rain on the ground. It isn't always sunny in Southern California. |
 | Because of the rain, cats in carriers and traps were stacked indoors to protect them from the weather while they wait to begin their journey. This clinic was somewhat small due to the weather...119 cats were admitted. |
 | Cats are anesthetized through the traps. These are wild cats that cannot be safely handled. This method is both effective and safe for cats and humans. |
 | The anesthetized cats go to Prep where they are given the once-over to identify health problems. They are sexed, have their bladders expressed, and are passed along to be shaved. |
 | Females are attached to a surgery board and shaved. Males do not get a board, and of course get a much smaller area shaved. |
 | The fully prepped females are then stacked on a rack where they wait to be called to an available vet. The wait isn't long when you are doing 120+ cats in 3 hours. Here, a volunteer keeps watch over respiration to make sure all is well. |
 | Here, two vets work simultaneously. The physical layout of every clinic is different. Some clinics have many surgery stations in one room; others have small surgery rooms scattered throughout the facility. |
 | Our more proficient vets are always willing to share their knowledge. These clinics are a great way for vets to improve their skills. Techniques learned here can translate into greater efficiency in their own practices. |
 | Following surgery, the cats are removed from their boards and taken to have their ears cleaned. At this station, volunteers remove a lifetime of debris. |
 | From ears, the cats go to be flea-combed. This is a major chore on some of these cats. Many are so infested that they are flea-anemic....the fleas are sucking the blood out faster than it can be produced. Removing the fleas gives the cat a chance to build its strength and helps its ability to fight off other problems. |
 | Some cats require extra attention and often fluids. This is our ICU....actually, it is usually the back of a Ford Explorer. In this picture it was a van. |
 | At the end of the chain is recovery. The cats are returned to their traps or carriers and are closely monitored until they are awake. When caretakers come to claim their cats, they are informed of any problems with the animal and given instructions and medications if necessary. |
[Page updated November 2009]