» POSTED BY Jen
Submitted by Joan Ballitch, HSofMC Publicity Chairman
Cat overpopulation is arguably one of the largest problems facing animal advocates and the figures increase annually. Shelters are forced to destroy at least 3 to 4 million homeless cats each year. In addition to the approximately 60 million pet cats, the feral cat population is estimated to be at least 60 million, possibly as high as 100 million. Feral cats that are left unaltered continue to reproduce adding to the cat overpopulation problem.
The good news is that something both positive and humane can be done about the feral cat problem. Within a community, feral cat populations can be stabilized with an aggressive TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program. According to Alley Cat Allies, a national feral cat support organization, studies show that TNR leads to a long-term decrease in colony size. A 10-year study of managed feral cat colonies shows that after 3 years of TNR, the average number of cats per colony had declined 16% to 32%. Studies also show that TNR benefits cats, improving their health and decreasing their tendency to roam.
Many feral cats reside in colonies that are managed, that is, fed regularly by human caregivers. If you are the manager of a feral cat colony, consider asking a rescue organization to help you get your feral cat population stabilized by providing traps for capturing the cats and funds for altering them. Understand that rescue organizations have a limited amount of funds, resources and personnel and may not be able to help immediately or accomplish what you ask them to do. Also, understand that it is difficult to successfully relocate feral cats. Barn homes that are willing to accept feral cats are rare and most feral cats have difficulty adjusting to a strange environment.
Knowing there are cats which live successfully with little or no human intervention leads some people to believe they can abandon their pet cat and it will adapt successfully to its new environment. Tame, socialized cats do not possess the skills to survive on their own as feral cats can. Abandoning a tame cat is a crime of cruelty punishable by law.
If you are feeding stray cats or managing a feral cat colony, the Humane Society urges you to take action to have the cats altered. Remember that the cat breeding season in Ohio begins in early February and that pregnant cats can be spayed. Remember, also, you CAN make a difference.



