Operation Fire Cat Placement Program
HELP GIVE LAHAINA CATS A NEW HOME
Through this non-traditional adoption program, a pair of adopted cats will be placed in a temporary outdoor-adaptive housing enclosure that will allow them to acclimate to their new environment. MHS will place the temporary enclosure on the caretaker’s property and will provide all the material and support needed to make the acclimation process as seamless as possible. We want these cats to have the fulfilling lives they once had, prowling for pests and basking in the sun, and you can help us do this.
Through this non-traditional adoption program, a pair of adopted cats will be placed in a temporary outdoor-adaptive housing enclosure that will allow them to acclimate to their new environment. MHS will place the temporary enclosure on the caretaker’s property and will provide all the material and support needed to make the acclimation process as seamless as possible. We want these cats to have the fulfilling lives they once had, prowling for pests and basking in the sun, and you can help us do this!
Benefits for the Community
How does OFCPP work?
Step 1: Fill out the OFCPP Application online for MHS to review
Step 2: If eligible, MHS administers a site-visit at your property to determine if the location is viable for the program
Step 3: Following approval, MHS reaches out to sets up a day and time to build (or place) the agreed upon enclosure
Step 4: Cats are transferred to their new outdoor adaptive home! MHS provides all food, litter, toys, treats, and support needed to make the acclimation period as comfortable for the cats as possible.
Step 5: Cats will remain in their temporary enclosure for 3-4 weeks and will be monitored by the caretaker to determine if/when they are ready to be released. An Acclimation Packet will be given with a release checklist and instructions.
Step 6: At the end of the acclimation period, and after reviewing the release checklist, cats are released from their enclosure and are free to roam the surrounding area – their new home!
Want to help?
OFCPP is currently not accepting applications as the last Lahaina fire cats have had positive outcomes either through this program, reunification, or adoption. Mahalo to everyone for helping Maui’s fire cats.
OFCPP Resources
FAQS
How does OFCPP work
Due to the shy, timid, and unsocial temperament of these cats, we ask that caretakers spend a minimum of 3 weeks acclimating them to their new environments. This involves keeping them housed in their outdoor adaptive enclosure for the duration of this time. In their enclosure, they should have a litter box, food, water, and a den to hide.
We’d like caretakers to tend to the cats daily, including keeping their spaces clean and interacting with them; this will help them get used to the smells and sounds of their new caregivers. Cats will stay where they feel safe and have resources, and this acclimation period is your time to show the cats that they will be fed and cared for in their new home.
Once the acclimation period has ended and the release checklist provided has been reviewed, the cats will be released into their new environment. The OFCPP team will work with you throughout the process and will always be available for any questions or concerns that may arise.
Is there a fee associated with this program?
What is the criteria for a cat to be placed through OFCPP?
All cats placed through OFCPP will be sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, ear tipped, and receive a health exam prior to placement through the program.
What is the criteria to have an enclosure on my property?
Maui Humane Society staff will visit the property to conduct an initial assessment and construct the enclosure. They will provide all new caretakers with food, litter boxes, boxes for hiding, and toys to make their new feline residents comfortable.
Are cats in the Operation Fire Cat program only those affected by the Lahaina Fires?
Is the program safe for cats?
Is this program safe for native wildlife?
What if the cat ends up wanting to live in my house? What are the adoption options available?
Caretakers of newly social cats are either able to transition them to an indoor/outdoor lifestyle or reach out to our team for other placement options. If caretakers prefer unsocial cats with limited interaction, our team will provide a new candidate for acclimation. Our team will work with you to ensure that the cats are the puurfect fit for your situation.
What if a cat gets sick?
What if my neighborhood has adversity toward outdoor cats?
What are community cats?
I can't take cats from the Operation Fire Cat program, but I want to help. What can I do?
- Donate an enclosure for a displaced cat
- Donate cat food, litter, and/or toys
- Spread the word through social media
Contact the Operation Fire Cat Placement Program Team
Call: (808) 877-3680 ext. 265
Email: [email protected]
Thank you Neighborhood Cats!
We’d like to give a heartfelt mahalo to our partner, Neighborhood Cats. Without them and their generous grant, this project would not have been possible. We’re excited that through this project, we are able to support their mission “to improve the lives of the millions of cats living on our streets and support the compassionate people caring for them.”