Other Farm & Unique Species Services
We are blessed to live in beautiful rural Nebraska. Our wide open spaces and farm properties bring unique opportunities to interact with wild animals like, birds, raccoons, and feral farm cats that live happily in barns and other outdoor structures. Through careful observation and research, we provide programs that help keep wildlife and outdoor critters safe while decreasing the chances of over-production.

​If you observe a wild or feral animal on your property, please do not attempt to handle the animal. Call your local wildlife officer, local veterinarian or use the wildlife interaction tips below.
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Feral and Farm Cat Program

In response to an overwhelming need, we now offer low cost spays and neuters for feral and farm cats. This program includes anesthesia, pain medication, an ear tip for identification of sterilization and a rabies vaccination. To date, over 2000 cats have been spayed and neutered through this program.

Euthanasia, rather than trap-neuter-return, of unwanted cats creates a "vacuum effect". For each set population or colony of cats, there is a food source and shelter, intended or not, that will sustain a certain number of feline occupants. If cats are simply removed, new cats will fill in and continue to breed and reproduce, elevating the number of unwanted cats in both that area and others close by. When a cat is spayed or neutered and returned into their population, they "hold" their spot and will not allow new cats to enter the population. If you take into consideration that an adult female cat and her offspring can produce over 400,000 kittens in a seven year period, it is easy to see why TNR works!

To participate in the program please note that all cats will have their left ear tipped. This program is NOT for house cats or individual pets! 

On surgery days, cats are brought to the clinic in live traps or carriers and are discharged the same day. Male kittens as young as 6 weeks and female kittens as young as 8 weeks can be surgically sterilized. Research has proven that over time trap-neuter-return programs will decrease feline populations by 66%!

Farm cat days are set up based upon need at our clinic. Please contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment or to check our next available time. 

Wildlife Interaction Tips

If a wild animal is not seriously injured and is in a safe place the best thing to do is leave it alone! Wildlife in captivity have high stress levels which decreases healing, and animals may become habituated (comfortable around humans) making it impossible to release them into the wild. 

Cedar County Veterinary Services is happy to provide medical care for wildlife when needed, but please follow these guidelines first before calling or bringing any wild animals to the office:
  • Baby rabbits only nurse 1-2 times a day so a litter should not be moved unless it is known that the mother has been killed. If your pet disturbs a litter, try to cover them with nest material and keep your pet away from the area.
  • Baby birds which fall from nests usually do not suffer serious injury. Replace them in the nest if possible to reduce risk from predators, or leave them by a nearby tree or bush for the mother to find.

Points to Remember:
  • Wildlife should always be handled with care as they can hurt themselves or you! Use a thick towel or leather gloves for restraint and transport in a sturdy box or pet carrier.
  • Be very careful approaching any animal acting abnormally, as they may have rabies. Many rabid animals do not salivate and act aggressively - wild animals that do not seem afraid and approach human habitats or nocturnal animals that are seen during the day may also have this fatal disease. If you believe a wild animal may be rabid, call the police or animal control so the animal can be collected and tested for rabies.
  • Finally, wild animals do not make good pets! Although a baby squirrel or raccoon is very cute, they are not domesticated and cannot be tamed like our companion animals. They may carry parasites or disease that can be spread to people and other animals, and can become dangerous especially when adults. In short, let wild animals remain wild – they will be much happier!