City of Live Oak, California

NEW Cat Policy

Effective September 1, 2012, the Animal Shelter will continue to accept healthy adoptable cats, and ill or injured cats, but will no longer accept healthy feral cats.  This change in policy was adopted by the Sutter Animal Services Authority, a joint governing body comprised of the County of Sutter and the cities of Yuba City and Live Oak.  For additional information about this policy, call (530) 822-7375.

• More information on Animal Control Services available here

Healthy cats, whether feral, friendly or someone's pet gone astray, have a better chance of survival if left where they are.  Nationwide, only 17% of cats taken to shelters are returned to owners or adopted to new homes.

Cats without identification are 13 times more likely to be reunited with their owners if they are allowed to remain where they are rather than being brought to a shelter.  Healthy feral cats pose no health risk to humans.

How to Deal with Feral Cats

Feral cats are unowned and unsocialized.  They make their homes where they can find shelter and food.  They help control the rodent population.  They sometimes dig in gardens or take refuge under porches or in sheds.

• Eliminate outdoor food sources or move them away from the property;
• Put tight lids on garbage cans;
• Seal porch or shed openings with chicken wire or lattice;
• Scatter citrus peels or coffee grounds on areas where cats dig;
• Pur chicken wire in the top of vegetable beds to discourage digging;
• Ask pet stores what commercial products are available;
• Use motion activated sprinklers;
• Some plants, like marigold and rue repel cats.  Visit a nursery;
• Contact trap/alter/release groups;
• Have your own pet spayed/neutered.