SOLVING THE HOMELESS CAT CRISIS

Individuals and neighborhoods can be educated and empowered to stop the feral cat overpopulation in their communities in a humane way that benefit both humans and cats. Most experts now agree that the most effective way to deal with the feral cat population is to proactively trap, spay or neuter and then return the cats back to their original habitat.

Statistics published by humane societies and universities show a 30-60% reduction in the number of cats euthanized per year in areas where TNR (trap/neuter/return) has been in place for several years. Feral Cat Alliance is dedicated to contributing to a similar reduction in Los Angeles. (read an article by Dan C. Knapp, General Manager, Department of Animal Services).

Trap/Neuter/Return is the only scientifically proven method that will permanently stabilize colonies. Cats natural territorial behavior discourages migrations from the outside and this keeps the colony small and healthy. Getting rid of the colony entirely is nearly impossible, and creates a vacuum, which will attract new cats coming into the area. Another benefit of the Trap/Neuter/Return method is that annoying behaviors by the cats such as spraying, and fighting is greatly reduced.

With minimal human intervention, the breeding cycle of these homeless and suffering cats can be broken once and for all. This new method of dealing with feral cats, which includes spay/neutering, vaccinations and feeding, vastly improves the quality of their life. Then these special animals have a chance at having a decent life.

WHAT’S POSSIBLE

Feral Cat Alliance envisions a time in Los Angeles County when all cats are cared for, all kittens and domesticated cats are in loving homes and there is a healthy but declining sterilized feral cat population. The feral cat colonies that do remain are monitored, fed, and treated medically when needed by their caregivers.

We know that in order to accomplish this mission, the key to our success lies in empowering individuals in helping organize neighborhoods to be a responsible and compassionate towards their feral cat populations.

Cat by cat, neighborhood by neighborhood, the challenges of our feral cat crisis can be met. And at the end of it, people will feel good about having done the right thing for all concerned, and they will feel pride in knowing what it is to join together to better the community in which they live. The neighborhoods can then enjoy their feral cats as a wonderful part of their local urban wildlife.

The Trap/Neuter/Return method will end the overpopulation of feral cats and greatly reduce the numbers of Los Angeles’s suffering animals.