FAQ | The Whisker Project of Kern

FAQs

Great question! Science shows that when cats are removed, new unfixed cats move in to take over the food source (the "Vacuum Effect"). By keeping fixed cats in place, we stabilize the neighborhood and stop new kittens from being born.
Don't "kit-nap" them! Often, mom is just away hunting. Wait and watch from a distance. If mom doesn't return after a few hours, then they may need help. Contact us and we can help you determine the next best step for their age and health.
DAgeVisual CuesImmediate Action0–2 WeeksEyes closed or just opening; ears folded; crawling.Don't touch! Mom is likely nearby. Wait 2–4 hours for her return.3–4 WeeksEyes open; ears upright; wobbly walking; starting to play.Monitor. If mom is around, let her raise them. If not, they need a bottle-feeder.5–8 WeeksHighly active; pouncing; eating solid food; "mini-cat" look.Socialize & Rehome. This is the "Golden Window" to get them friendly and adopted.8+ WeeksWeighs 2+ lbs; fast and wary of humans.TNR. They are old enough for spay/neuter surgery and return to the colony.escription text goes here

Not at all! A tipped ear is the universal sign of a "community cat graduate." It means they’ve already been sterilized, vaccinated, and have a caretaker looking out for them. If you see one, give yourself a pat on the back—the system is working!
Yes, absolutely! We constantly need help with administrative tasks, fundraising event planning, writing grants, or managing our social media. Every type of support helps us save more feline lives.
The Whisker Project is dedicated to the humane management of unowned community cats (ferals and strays). Because our funding is strictly for TNR, we cannot directly pay for surgeries for personal pets.
However, we love responsible pet owners! Here is a list of incredible Bakersfield organizations that offer vouchers and low-cost options to help you get your cat fixed:
- The Cat People: Offers $25 vouchers for low-income residents in the greater Bakersfield area. You can typically pick these up on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to Noon at their office (4120 East Drive, off Gibson). Call them at (661) 327-4706 for current availability.
- Kern County Animal Services (KCAS): If you live in an unincorporated area of Kern County, you may qualify for a $20 co-pay voucher that covers the entire cost of surgery at participating vets. Visit the Fruitvale Avenue shelter with proof of address and income to apply.
- City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center: For residents inside city limits, the city offers a $25 subsidy for pet cats (limit 2 per household). No physical voucher is needed—just mention it and provide proof of address when checking in for your appointment at Critters Without Litters.
- Kern Humane Society: They provide discount coupons (typically $15–$25 off) that can be picked up at their thrift store at 2111 Brundage Lane during business hours. These coupons can often be "stacked" with city or county vouchers!
- Critters Without Litters: Our local high-volume, low-cost clinic. Even without a voucher, their base prices are significantly lower than a full-service vet. Check their website at critterswithoutlitters.org for current pricing.

It actually makes them better neighbors! Fixed cats fight less, stop "spraying" to mark territory, and no longer make loud mating noises at 3:00 AM. They stay the same cat, just calmer and healthier.
To keep our overhead low and our focus on the field, we don't have a physical shelter building. We are a network of neighborhood trappers and fosters. Please use our contact form to coordinate!
Cats are desert animals and very hardy, but they need help in our Kern County summers. We recommend providing shaded water stations and "frozen water bottle" cooling spots.