Oklahoma State participates in trap-neuter-release program

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Surgical procedure being performed on a cat
(Courtesy of Oklahoma State University CVHS)

Veterinary students and faculty at Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences began partnering this year with a local nonprofit, Operation Catnip. Together, they provide high-volume, no-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services to the free-roaming community cats of Stillwater through a trap-neuter-release system.

The project began with the help of Dr. Lesa Staubus, clinical assistant professor in shelter medicine and surgery at OSU CVHS, who serves as president of Operation Catnip’s board of directors. Dr. Staubus secured the initial grant money, and the first surgery was performed this past May.

Cats are humanely trapped by members of the community and brought to OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital, which donates the use of its surgical suites. Here, veterinary faculty, staff, and students, along with other community members, volunteer their time to perform the surgeries.

As of press time in late October, two more clinics had been held, and a total of 273 cats have now been spayed or castrated. The next Operation Catnip clinic will be held Jan. 12, 2014. For more information, click here.