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LCAS FELINE POLICY Frequently Asked Questions & Answers Photo to the left is "Bentley" and to the right is "Sophie".   They adopted Karen Mcculley as their owner in 2004.

1.  Question:   What guideline does LCAS use to determine the classification of a cat as stray, unwanted, feral or a safekeep?

Answer: 

Unwanted refers to a cat that has an owner.  A cat that “just shows up” on your property one day can also be classified as an owned cat when the resident of the property assumes the responsibility of it’s care and/or if the cat has been on their property for three or more months.

Stray refers to a domestic cat with no known owner. There is not a microchip, I.D. tag or collar displayed.  It is required prior to acceptance that the finder of a stray cat immediately attempt to locate an owner by either checking with neighborhood residents, posting found signs, or placing an ad in the paper. Our determination is that if a cat looks healthy, is well cared for and is friendly, that there is probably an owner.  We will not accept owned cats from anyone other than the owner or owner's designee with written permission.

Feral means that the cat is wild!  It is usually not friendly and afraid of human contact.  The cat will hiss, growl, scratch, and bite.  These cats usually have to be caught with a live humane trap.  For more information on feral cats Click Here .

Safekeep means, an animal being held for the purposes of safe guarding the animal do to dangerous circumstances until the owner is located, or the owner has become unable to care for the animal temporarily do to accident, illnes, death or has been a victim of a crime.

When bringing cats into LCAS, you must have photo I.D. and sign a statement that includes the following:  I affirm that I have not taken this animal from another person without that person’s knowledge and consent.  Providing false information could lead to a citation fine or arrest.

2.  Question: How long will you keep the cat at the shelter?

Answer:   We will keep adoptable cats as long as possible.  The length of housing will depend on space, health, and adoptability of the cat.  Sick, injured and unadoptable cats will be euthanized without a holding period.

3.  Question:   If the cattery is full, can I be placed on a stand-by list?

Answer:  Once our cattery space becomes full, you will be asked to check back with us at a later date for space availability.  We will not keep a "stand-by" or "call-back" list.   If you own your cat, you may check with other agencies for their available space, procedures, and intake fees. 

4.  Question:  What can I do about the neighbors cat coming into my yard?

Answer:  Currently, there is not an ordinance for stray cats (by law, they are free to roam).  We recommend that you return the cat to its owner and ask them nicely to keep their cat at home.  If an owned cat is causing property damage, it is a civil matter between you and the cat owner.  This type of issue is not handled by this agency.  Owned cats are considered private property.  Harboring or disposing of an owned cat without the owner's permission could result in a charge of theft against you.

5.  Question:  Will I be charged a fee to bring in a cat?

Answer:   Yes, for fee information, please click here 

6.  Question:  If my cat is impounded at the LCAS shelter, will I be charged a fee to pick up my cat?

Answer:   If you redeem your cat within one business day after impound you will not be charged impound or board fees.  You will be required to have an I.D. tag.  If you do not redeem your cat within one business day, impound and board fees will apply.  For fee information, please click here 

7.  Question: Can I call in a lost or found cat report?

Answer:    No.  We do not take reports overt the phone.  LCAS volunteers have set up and maintain the lost and found program for cats.  You will need to come to the shelter to see if your cat is here and to fill out a lost or found report.  There is also a list of lost and found cats and dogs not at the shelter on our website.  To view the list Click Here .  You can also email the information to LCAS_LostPets@comcast.net