cats, cats everywhere...

Feeding is all well and good, but she must also TNR (trap neuter and return the feral ones) in order to stop the population growth. You neighbor should be working in concert with a local animal welfare organization, and if she is not please suggest she contact one. Ten cats unneutered, assuming 50% fertile females with all kittens surviving), can potentially become 30 cats in one year. I am assuming these are un-owned cats. They may well be owned and neutered cats that are allowed outside too. It needs to be a joint effort to ensure that owned cats are identified and any adoptable cats find homes too. Please check out Alley Cat Allies ( alleycat.org ) for further information on how to humanely deal with stray and feral cats. The unfortunate truth is that people move away, can't take their cat with them for some reason, and just let them out figuring they will do fine on their own. The organization I used to work with gets many many cats like these and they work tirelessly to find them homes. But it is costly, so be prepared to pitch in and help out both with learning to trap and financially. I have a couple of neighborhood cats that stop by my place daily for handouts, but I know they are owned and are inside at night. PM me if you have further questions, and best of luck.
In the meantime, cover those trash barrels tightly, and consider keeping the dogs in at night if you can. Pawprints on my car don't bother me, but just be sure they haven't crawled up into your engine at night for warmth before you start your car. But with your dogs you probably don't need to worry about that. Everyone needs to work together along with someone experienced in TNR to address this issue since just removng them does not work. Not feeding them doesn't either. TNR will reduce their numbers through attrition, the goal being 90% spay/neuter to decrease numbers, 70% to sustain the number of cats.

 

I do not know, I have mixed feelings on this. The city commissioners here in Owensboro considered an ordinance that was basically a leash law for cats. At the time, I didn't support it because 1) IN GENERAL, cats do not present the safety risks (biting and otherwise attacking) that dogs can, and 2) most of the proponents didn't really present many compelling arguments -- it was presented more as a fairness issue to dog owners (If I can't let my dog run loose, you shouldn't be able to let your cat...na,na,na!)

But you present some legitimate concerns. Also, I sympathize with your not wanting to call Animal Control. And unless you know your neighbors well, I'd probably be reluctant about approaching them about this. trust me. people can be pretty irrational about animals (okay, including myself!)

Have you spoken with Animal Control to see what humane options they might suggest? I'd start there.

I personally think the feeding of stray cats isn't completely kind. Feeding encourages tham to hang out closer to where people live, which makes them more vulnerable to traffic, etc. Outdoor cats generally have much shorter and certanly less healthy lives. They're subject to traffic, fights without other cats, they're vulnerable to other predators. harsh weather, accidental (and intentional) poisining, and disease.

So in short, I have no answers for you, but I do sympathize.

Peace --

Marjorie.

 

Wish I had more time, but I totally agree with Neicy's post...I've trapped and adopted out ferals that eventually tamed. check out www.alleycats.org.

TNR is not only more humane, it saves taxpayer's money...cut the stray cat population of San Diego in half - see www.feralcat.com

 

Reading the OP I really didn't know what to suggest. Then I read Neicy's post, and I think that makes a lot of sense. I recommend taking Neicy's advice.

 

One county in our area has a "snip and tip" program, where you pay a donation to have feral cats spayed or neutered, and the local county's Humane Society has a mobile spay/neuter van that will do it for $10, plus give basic shots and a dose of flea preventative, for low income families or non-profit organizations. Look at www.petfinder.com for listing of shelters and rescue groups in your area, and see what they might offer.
There are cat repellant sprays, but they wear off and wash away, and have to be reapplied. You could try them around the dogs' yard and the cars.

 

If you have a homeowner's association, I think contacting them in addition to the rest is a good idea. I'm sure there are bylaws covering this.

All of those cats could technically be considered pets if they feed them on a consistent basis. And all of the cat poop being left not only in their yard but all of the neighbor's yard can be considered a health hazard.

I'd certainly talk to the neighbors about your concerns. The noise, the poop, the trash, the car, etc. If they are receptive you can offer all of the ideas and resources you gained here.

But if they're resistent, there is always the homeowner's association and the city for leverage.

 

At the risk of offending the cat lovers (my heart's with you, some of my best friends have been cats) I'd say you need a dog that can jump the fence.

 

I think cats are fine but not wandering at large at night.

Trap the cats, claim finders keepers, offer cat for sale but at a price that allows you to have them desexed Pre-delivery and tagged with a microchip. Make buyer give an undertaking to keep the cat indoors at night. Second offence cat is put to sleep. Cats not claimed go the same way.

Cat owners need to be more like dog owners. Pretty rare to see dogs at large at night. It is irresponsible and uncaring to allow them to wander at night. If you don't care about the welfare of your cat think of the birds.

 

Amen.

Nick
(companion to Emma and Louie - both of the "cat" persuasion)