MCAT is a volunteer organization formed in partnership with Marietta Borough, Columbia Animal Shelter, and Columbia Cat Action Team. Our goal is to reduce the feral cat population in Marietta through TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, and return). Our focus will be the colonies within the Marietta borough limits.
As we roll out, we need volunteers to locate colonies and schedule trappers, people to set and monitor the traps, and transportation to/from the clinic. We welcome ideas and help with fundraising. 
Benefits of Controlling cat colonies
Managing free-roaming cat populations has been a challenge for many communities. Among the most humane and effective strategies to address this issue is Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR). This involves trapping community cats, having them spayed or neutered by a veterinarian, receiving basic vaccines. then returning them to their original location. This benefits not only the cats but also the neighborhoods in which they live. Sterilized cats generally enjoy better health. Spaying and neutering eliminate risks of certain cancers, and vaccinations help protect cats and the community from rabies and some other infections.
TNR reduces aggressive reproductive behaviors, resulting in calmer, healthier colonies with less fighting, yowling, and wandering. Male cats become less territorial, and females are spared from the physical demands and dangers of frequent pregnancies. By preventing further litters, TNR stabilizes the size of feral cat populations. Over time, as older cats pass away naturally, the colony’s numbers decline, improving the quality of life for the remaining cats.
TNR reduces shelter intake as well as calls to animal services, all of which save cats’ lives and taxpayer dollars. Feral cats are rarely adoptable; therefore, shelter volunteers can concentrate on socializing, rehabilitating, and rehoming adoptable cats and kittens
Our sister organization- Columbia Cat Action Team has trapped over 500 cats since 2023. The system works!
How you can help
Report your colony. We will soon post a form on the Marietta Borough website. In the meantime, you can request one by emailing MCAT17547@gmail.com. We MUST have permission from the property owner before we can set traps. We will advise when/where we are trapping and hope that the neighborhood feeders will withhold food. After their procedure, the cats will be returned to the colony. We cannot assist with rescue placement at this time. Feral cats over 10 weeks are hard to socialize, so our goal is to prevent more kittens.
How to protect your indoor/outdoor cat from being caught in a trap:
Use a breakaway collar in a bright color or keep it indoors on the days we are trapping.
Spay or Neuter your pet! Have them microchipped. If they are caught, the vet staff will look for signs of sterilization and will scan for a chip before any procedure is started. There are low-cost clinics in the area that offer those services, and we can provide that information to you.
Donations
As an affiliate of Columbia Animal Shelter, we are a 501C, non-profit organization. Your donations are tax deductible! Checks can be made out to Columbia Animal Shelter- please note MCAT in the remarks at the bottom. Mail or drop off at 506 W. Market Street, Marietta.
We hope to participate in local events. Keep an eye on the Marietta Facebook page as well as our own- Marietta Cat Action Team. Together we can make a difference!
Contact-
MCAT17547@gmail.com
Organizer- Beth Heckman