About Us
Operation Catnip of Gainesville is a dedicated organization committed to reducing the feral and stray cat population in Alachua County and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of homeless cats by providing free spay-neuter services, vaccinations, and medical care. Founded in 1998 by Dr. Julie Levy, our clinic operates on a volunteer-run model, inspired by the successful TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs of Alley Cat Allies and the Feral Cat Coalition.
Our high-volume clinic, located at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, has sterilized over 85,000 cats since its inception. We offer a comprehensive Community Cat Package, which includes spay-neuter surgery, vaccinations (FVRCP and Rabies), flea treatment, eartip, and pain medication. This service is provided at a suggested donation of $60, with financial assistance available through grant funding and generous donations.
In addition to our standard TNR services, we also offer the Kitten Shelter Diversion (KSD) Program. This program is designed to keep underage kittens out of crowded shelters and rescues by providing spay-neuter services to kittens as young as 8 weeks old. The KSD program empowers caregivers to adopt out sterilized kittens, ensuring that they do not contribute to the outdoor cat population.
At Operation Catnip of Gainesville, we are not just about providing medical services; we are also committed to education and community outreach. We train the next generation of veterinarians by offering surgical and clinical opportunities to qualified veterinary students. Our goal is to create a compassionate and sustainable community where feral cats can thrive without causing harm to the environment or local wildlife.
