Project Guardian

HAWS’ Project Guardian is designed to combat cat overpopulation in Waukesha County by controlling and reducing the number of feral/outdoor/barn cats living in our rural areas. These cats are not socialized and are either born outside never having lived with a human or a stray cat that has reverted to a wild state.

Years ago, feral or wild cats brought into shelters were considered not adoptable and therefore euthanized after their stray hold period had ended.

HAWS does not euthanize healthy, wild animals that come into our facility – and we understand outdoor cats could also be considered wild. With Project Guardian, these cats are trapped, spayed, or neutered and then returned to the area they came from. The people who have trapped them are to provide some type of shelter, food, and water for the cats.

Concord Cat Coalition

If you are a Town of Concord Resident, please click here to sign up for the FREE cat clinic.

To Participate:

Your first step is to contact HAWS’ SNIP clinic at 262-542-8852 to make a week long appointment! Then:

• Trap your outdoor cats and bring them to HAWS (trap rentals are available, see below).
• HAWS will perform the spay or neuter surgery, vaccinate each cat for rabies (12 weeks and older) and give the cat an identifying ear notch. Cats must weigh at least 2 pounds to be eligible for surgery (typically over 8 weeks old.)
• Generally, cats may be picked up the same afternoon as surgery between 2-4pm.
• Cats must be kept in their traps/carriers overnight after surgery in a warm, safe space. We recommend a barn.
• FIV/Feline Leukemia testing, Feline Distemper Vaccine, Revolution and a microchip are available for an additional charge.

Please note- Project Guardian is free for Waukesha County residents thanks to generous donations from our community. Residents outside of Waukesha County are welcome to make TNR appointments with our clinic at a very reduced rate to help sterilize and control your cat population as well! Out of County support from our Community Cat Coordinator may be available for large colonies, with a donation.

Trapping Instructions

Unsocialized cats, like any wild animal, will strike out when frightened and be unable to escape. NEVER stick your hand or fingers inside the trap! Always wear gloves for protection.

• Use a separate trap for each cat. You will be more successful if you trap as many cats as possible in your first trapping session.
• Enticing baits include tuna, sardines in oil or mackerel. If using a moist cat food, use a brand such as Fancy Feast which is highly desirable to a cat.
• Use lids or very small containers as needed to hold the bait. Never keep wet food in the can.
• Cover the trap completely once the cat is caught, and keep the trap covered for transport, as this will calm the cat. It’s normal for cats to thrash about inside the trap initially.
• Be sure to withhold food from the cats you intend to trap for 24 hours prior to trapping, as this will ensure the cats are hungry enough to enter the traps.
• Prepare the trap away from the trapping site so the cats aren’t scared off.
• Check the trap every 2 hours if possible.
• Keep the trap covered for transport, as this will calm the cat. It’s normal for cats to thrash about inside the trap initially.
• Release the cat where it was trapped. Uncover and open the doors and walk away.
• Traps are available to rent weekly from HAWS. Each trap requires a $60 deposit, which is refundable upon timely trap return.

Stress in Outdoor Cats

A trapped cat loses control over its environment, which can produce intense stress that may affect their health and prolong recovery from surgery. Remove anything from the area that might be perceived as a threat, including loud or vibrating machinery and radios. Realize that they will not be consoled by your talking to them and that a quiet environment is best. Use a fully enclosed vehicle to transport a trapped cat, not a pickup bed or car trunk. Secure the trap so it does not tip or roll, either from the vehicle’s or cat’s motion.

Dealing with a Large Colony, or have more questions?

HAWS has a community cat coordinator available to provide professional guidance, and potentially trap and transport colonies of 10 or more cats. We believe in judgement free support- no matter the size of your outdoor colony, we are happy to help! A single female cat can have 3 litters each year, and kittens can begin getting pregnant at 4 months old, so a few cats can very quickly turn into a few dozen! Contact HAWS Community Cat Coordinator at 262-542-8851 X 111 for assistance!