Let’s talk a bit about feral cats. I want to focus on TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) and TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release) programs. Essentially, they involve capturing as many feral and homeless cats as possible and then taking them to a veterinarian for spay or neuter surgery. The vet can also give any needed medical care (including rabies shots in many cases), and then kind TNR workers return the cats to the place they came from. See? Homeless cats are better off with TNR programs.
The arrest of two women in Alabama
Are you familiar with the case involving two women in Alabama who were charged with misdemeanors while feeding feral cats? I find this story to be very disappointing; it’s a reminder that animal overpopulation is largely ignored. These women work with a TNR program in their community, and I really believe that if more people understood this type of program, they would support it.
Technically, these women weren’t arrested for feeding cats because it is not a crime to feed cats in their city, but it seems like that was the motive. They were charged with trespassing on a vacant lot (where the feral cats live). TNR programs may or may not be the best solution, but right now it is the best that many of us are aware of. We need to work together to discover new solutions, not punish people who are trying. I hope that awareness can encourage people in the right direction.
Definitions
Feral Cat: an unowned domestic cat that is not socialized and avoids people
Stray Cat: an unowned domestic cat that is not socialized and is friendly to people
Feral Colony: a population of unowned. These cats are usually feral and they gather together because of a food source- sometimes it’s a source of trash and/or a place where people offer food.
The controversy
A lot of people are against feeding feral cats. They worry that it encourages cats to stay, and they think that by not feeding them, the cats will leave. My question is, to go where? Make no mistake, feeding feral cats is beneficial. While helpful to the cats, feeding them also makes it easier for animal welfare organizations and concerned people to control their population and monitor their health. Why should we monitor their health? Cats can catch and transmit diseases that are harmful, including rabies–in fact, cats are more likely to carry rabies than dogs. I can’t imagine why anyone would be against the ability to monitor the feral cat population in a community.
The benefits of TNR and TNVR programs!
- Population reduction of homeless cats: Nationally, there aren’t enough of these programs to solve the issue of overpopulation. When established locally, they are of tremendous benefit in reducing the overpopulation issue.
- Alleviate the suffering of cats: 80% of unwanted kittens die in the first year, and the deaths are often horrible. Overburdened animal shelter workers often have to deal with this. If kittens survive the first year, the average life span still remains only 3 years. There is also suffering for the mother kitty who can have 2-3 pregnancies per year for her lifetime.
- Nuisance reduction: I hate to call cats a nuisance because I love them so much. However, if there are ferals near your house, they cause problems. They yowl, fight, spray, kill wildlife, and spread diseases to other animals. Cats that are spayed and neutered live more peacefully and do not fight as much. If they are in a maintained colony, they are fed, reducing the threat to wildlife and pets. They will not be competing with pets for resources!
- Ease the burden on animal shelters: In most communities, there is no government organization that is responsible for feral cat populations. TNR programs are often operated and funded by animal shelters. Additionally, feral kittens often go to already full animal shelters where they can be socialized and adopted. Shelters are so full that many cats have to be turned away and are often left to fend for themselves on the streets, and the cycle continues.
How can we help?
This brings me back to the two women who were arrested. They were trying to help solve a community problem. Instead of punishing people who try to do something, why not work with them? We can work together to find an agreeable solution.
If you would like to help solve this problem in your community, donate or volunteer at your local animal shelters. Every donation helps- whether it’s money, towels, cat food, toys, or anything else- shelters need it.
My sources:
https://www.felineresearch.org/post/issue-brief-why-feral-cat-feeding-bans
If you want to read more about the pros and cons of allowing your own cat outdoors, read my post here: https://toebeansandtales.com/indoor-vs-outdoor-which-is-best-for-your-cat/
