About feral/stray/community/abandoned or free roaming cats
The reality is that feral cats often live in vacant lots, sheds, broken down cars, etc. just trying to survive. Some barely get by, eating scraps out of the garbage and dumpsters. They face infection, disease, parasites, abuse and cruelty as well as being chased down by dogs and coyotes, and sadly, cat haters! Many have not made it past the fast moving traffic in today's world. The females endure an endless cycle of pregnancies. These unloved felines struggle to stay warm in the winter, fighting off wetness, frigid temps, and frost bite, while in search of food. And in the heat of summer they strive to stay cool and hydrated, while seeking out shade and safety. It is rarely a healthy lifestyle and the lucky ones might live past two or three years of age.
These unloved felines know nothing of 'pets' and 'cuddles' or positive attention, for they've never had a loving touch from a friendly human being. They fight, scratch and hiss when we venture near, in fear of being mistreated......and for this they are mislabeled, harmed and even 'put down'.
When the public is faced with the problems associated with feral and free roaming cats, one might get the idea that trapping and relocating them is the best answer. This has been proven ineffective, as the vacuum effect takes over.
The Vacuum Effect
Although relocation may sound like a reasonable solution, it is ineffective due to the “vacuum effect.” Fact is, feral cats gather where there is food, water, and shelter. If an existing colony is relocated, soon a new colony of feral cats will discover the same resources, and move in to 'fill the vacuum'.
The only way to humanely take care of the problem, is to spay and neuter the existing cats. These cats will not reproduce and can then live a healthy lifestyle within the neighbourhood. This established colony will keep the mice and rat population at a minimum, while manning the area so more strays don't move in. If the established colony is relocated, the vicious cycle returns to the cat free neighbourhood.
If you're having problems with strays or any animal in your neighbourhood and would like to deter them from encroaching on your property, purchase a sensor activated
sprinkler. This will keep any trespasser at bay.
The Simple Solution
Solution: T.N.v.R. (Trap, Spay/Neuter, vaccinate, Return)
T.N.v.R. is when stray and feral cats are humanely trapped, transported to a clinic, examined, vaccinated, ear tipped and surgically sterilized by veterinarians. These cats are then 'returned' to their familiar environment and cared for by volunteers or care takers daily, who provide food, fresh water and shelter, as well as monitor their health.
Fact: T.N.v.R. has been proven to be very efficient and cost effective.
These cats are healthier and enjoy a better quality of life, and in the end nature takes care of itself. All in all, it is a very humane way of taking care of this needless, rampant problem.
Simply put: Spaying and neutering helps fight pet overpopulation.
Every year, millions of cats (and dogs) of all ages and breeds are euthanized. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering in the first place.
Food And Shelters
Food should be placed off the ground, where other small animals can't get at it.
A pedestal type table works great, if possible. A raccoon, skunk, opossum, etc. can not climb onto the top of a pedestal. Remember, most animals dine after dark, so removing the food and bowls at night might be in your best interest, depending on where you feed.
Totes and styro-foam boxes work well for shelter, when wood structures are not available. Simply line a plastic tote with styro-foam, stuff half full with straw and cut a 6 inch hole about four inches off the ground, at the end of the long side of the tote. This way the cat is protected from the wind once inside. Fill 1/2 way with straw so the cat may make a nest and burrow down inside. Straw works best, as it repels water and any wetness from the cat will simply drip to the bottom, and not freeze or stay wet against the cat. A flap, (face cloth?) slit up the middle, may be placed over the opening, to keep the wind out, yet allowing access into the shelter. It is best to place any shelter off the ground, possibly on a wood skid/pallet. Please contact us for a shelter today!
D.I.Y. Simple, Affordable Shelters
The Benefits Of Spaying & Neutering Cats
Neutered males tend to have fewer health problems, such as breast, testicular, and uterine cancer.
(Cancer is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats today)
Spayed females do not go into heat, complicated pregnancies and future births seize to exist, and fewer health problems arise.
Spaying and neutering cats, leads to population control. Over all they have a better health, behaviors improve and fighting and 'scent' marking are reduced, while the benefits of rodent control continue. They seem to 'mellow' and roam less.
Only then, a feral can live a healthier, and happier life style, amongst the general public, without the ongoing, previous complaints.
(Cancer is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats today)
Spayed females do not go into heat, complicated pregnancies and future births seize to exist, and fewer health problems arise.
Spaying and neutering cats, leads to population control. Over all they have a better health, behaviors improve and fighting and 'scent' marking are reduced, while the benefits of rodent control continue. They seem to 'mellow' and roam less.
Only then, a feral can live a healthier, and happier life style, amongst the general public, without the ongoing, previous complaints.