Madison Community Cats

Madison Community Cats, commonly referred to as MAD Cats, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats in rural Madison and Culpeper Counties, Virginia. The organization was established in 2018 with a primary focus on providing no-cost spay and neuter services to both cat owners and caretakers of free-roaming cat colonies.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Madison Community Cats is multifaceted:

• Spay and Neuter Services: MAD Cats offers free spay and neuter services to reduce the number of unwanted kittens and stabilize the cat population.
• Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR): The organization implements TNVR programs for free-roaming cats to ensure they are sterilized and healthy.
• Food and Shelter Assistance: MAD Cats provides food and winter shelters to assist colony caretakers.
• Fostering and Adoption: They temporarily foster kittens under eight weeks old and collaborate with local shelters and larger rescue groups to facilitate adoptions.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, MAD Cats has had a significant impact on reducing cat intake at local shelters. For example, the Madison County Shelter saw a decrease from 436 cats in 2017 to 127 cats in 2023. By 2024, MAD Cats had sterilized over 5,000 cats through their spay/neuter programs and TNR services.

Partnerships

Madison Community Cats is a partner of the Best Friends Animal Society, working together to save the lives of pets in their community by providing essential services and promoting animal welfare practices across the country.

Governance and Leadership

The organization is managed by a board of directors composed of community leaders with diverse backgrounds, including retired professionals. Despite lacking detailed demographic information on leadership, MAD Cats continues to operate effectively, driven by a dedicated team of volunteers.