500 Cats Fixed in a Single Day
On a bustling Saturday in Gainesville, Florida, the team at Operation Catnip pulled off an extraordinary feat: spaying and neutering 500 cats in a single day. The high-volume clinic, hosted at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, marked a major milestone, 100,000 community cats fixed since the organization’s founding in 1998.
Operation Catnip is a nonprofit dedicated to trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts, focusing on unowned, free-roaming cats who are not candidates for adoption. These efforts help reduce shelter intake, prevent euthanasia, and improve the health and behavior of outdoor cat populations.
The July 13th mega-clinic was powered by a village: 160 volunteers, including 30 veterinarians, managed every step of the process—from intake and surgery prep to post-op recovery. Cats were neutered in as little as 2 minutes and spayed in just 5, thanks to the skilled hands of experienced vets working at 18 surgical stations.
“Any cat that can’t advocate for itself, that’s what we try to work with,” said Leah Hawes, Operation Catnip’s Development Director.
At an estimated cost of $30,000, the event was made possible through a combination of grants, donations, and strong partnerships with the University of Florida. Cats received full care throughout the day, including vaccinations and treatment for any additional medical needs.
For many, it was their first experience volunteering with the organization. Meghan Hamberg, a pre-vet student, served as a scribe during surgery prep. Despite the fast-paced day, she felt energized and excited to contribute to such impactful work.
Among the caregivers participating was Megan Schwind, who brought in 10 cats found on her grandparents’ property—four adults and six kittens. She plans to adopt one of the kittens herself: a blind orange tabby.
While Operation Catnip’s focus is on feral and free-roaming cats, they also run innovative programs like the Kitten Shelter Diversion Program and the Working Cat Program. These initiatives help place adoptable kittens in homes or match unsocialized cats with safe outdoor placements when returning to their original habitat isn't an option.
Operation Catnip holds about three clinics per week, typically fixing around 60 cats at its Gainesville location. Appointments are required, and community members can borrow humane traps as needed.
With continued support and collaboration, Operation Catnip hopes to expand its reach to surrounding counties where the need remains high.
“Every cat is different,” said Hawes. “It’s really important to allow them to have that autonomy and figure out what is best for them.”
Source: Operation Catnip
