Protect Your Colony With Community Cat Management Signage

First off, thank you for taking the time, heart, and energy to care for Indianapolis’ community cats. Managing an outdoor colony takes dedication, and clear communication with your neighbors is one of the best tools you have to keep your colony safe.

Placing an official management notice on or near your outdoor shelters and feeding stations helps educate the public, deters unwanted tampering, and protects the hard work you’ve put into your neighborhood.

Why Post a Colony Notice?

• Informs & Educates Neighbors: Many residents don’t know what an ear-tipped cat is. This signage lets passersby know that the cats in the area are already fixed, vaccinated, ear-tipped, and actively monitored by a local caretaker—meaning population growth has been stopped.

• Deters Tampering & Disturbance: Clear signage makes it explicit that shelters, food bowls, and humane traps are part of an active animal welfare project and should be left alone.

• Highlights Legal Protections: Under Indianapolis Code Sec. 531, community cat caretakers and managed colonies are recognized and protected by city ordinance. The notice serves as a visible reminder that animal cruelty, abandonment, or intentional destruction of shelters carries legal consequences.

Best Practices for Displaying Your Notice

1. Weatherproof Before Posting: Print the document and laminate it, or place it inside a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet protector (or quart-sized freezer bag) sealed with waterproof tape to withstand Indiana rain and snow.

2. Mount Securely: Attach the notice directly to outdoor cat shelters, feeding stations, or nearby fencing using zip ties, outdoor staples, or heavy-duty tape.

3. Place at Eye Level: Position the sign where neighbors, maintenance crews, or utility workers can easily read it before approaching the area.

4. Property Respect: Always ensure signage is placed on your property or on private/public land where you have explicit permission to feed and shelter colony cats.

Download & Print the Management Notice

Click the button below to download a high-resolution, printable PDF. You can print this out at home or at any local print shop (e.g. UPS Store, FedEx Store, or Staples) to use at your colony sites.