On the Greater Virginia Peninsula, there are thousands of feral cat colonies that continue to breed and multiply every year. Operation Cat Snip is based in Newport News, Virginia is here to help reduce the
over-population of feral cats on the Greater Peninsula by promoting human methods such as T.N.R (Trap-Neuter-Return).

A pair of breeding cats can produce two or more litters per year, which can ultimately result in the birth of 400,000 cats over seven year period! Trap-Neuter-Return programs have been successfully implemented in many areas, a humane method of controlling the growth of feral cat colonies. TNR entails the trapping of feral cats, spaying or neutering these cats to help prevent population growth, and then returning the cats to their territory. This enables these cats to still live out their lives in an environment that suits them best.


Cats from City Newport News, Virginia
The City of Newport News (this includes Poquoson) and Hampton Virginia are the only cities that you must register your feral cat colony before initiating your T.N.R efforts.

The City of Newport News ordinance prohibits the free roaming of unspayed/licensed cats. It also prohibits providing food, water or other forms of sustenance and care to feral cats or stray cats. However, recognizing that Trap-Neuter-Return may be a useful tool in controlling the population of feral cats, the City of Newport News adopted the "Feral Cat Ordinance" (Section 6-53) in 2005. The ordinance allows concerned citizens to legally maintain feral cat colonies through TNR while addressing public health and nuisance issues. The ordinance designates a responsible caregiver; requires the caregiver to obtain permission from adjacent property occupants; requires regular trapping for neutering and vaccinations; and requires that feral cat colonies do not exceed twenty cats.

If the City of Newport News traps a feral cat, the cat will remain in the custody of Animal Control for 5 days and then will be euthanized for just being a feral cat. This also known as the Vacuum Effect.

Cats from City of Hampton, Virginia
The City of Hampton Animal Control wants to help you start your cat colony. Please visit the City of Hampton VA website to learn more about becoming a feral cat caregiver or call them at 757-727-8311.

Please help end the killing of feral cats on the Peninsula and start your T.N.R efforts today!

Meet Fred! Fred is a 9 year old neutered feral cat living in a feral cat colony. At one time, Fred thought he was going to be a Alpha Male of the colony, but he was so mean, no one liked him. Freds favorite activities? Of course hanging out with Charlie & Smokey, eating and chasing other cats. Notice the notch in his right ear?

- Thanks to the Peninsula SPCA and Petsmart Charities, Operation Cat Snip has funds to assist with the spay/neuter costs. Please contact us to learn more.

- Watch educational videos from Alley Cat Allies and HSUS.org to learn more about T.N.R and Feral Cats.

-Download the City of Newport News Feral Cat Giver registration form.

-The City of Hampton Animal Control is passionate about feral cats and wants to help! Please contact them at
757-727-8311 for more information about becoming a caregiver.

Download our New Trapping Guide

-Please contact us before you start your T.N.R. efforts and if you have any questions.

-How to handle threats to your colony