October 16 is National Feral Cat Day

October 16 is National Feral Cat Day—a day for us to think about the outdoor cats in our neighborhood.

Feral cats exist in every community. These cats are the same species as domestic cats, but are not socialized to humans and can’t be adopted into homes. Instead, they live healthy and content lives in family groups called colonies.

The best and most humane way to help a feral cat is through a program called Trap-Neuter-Return, which ends the breeding cycle and helps cats and people coexist peacefully. Alley Cat Allies’ website (www.alleycat.org) is a great source of information on Trap-Neuter-Return and the importance of spay and neuter for all cats.

It’s time to put an end to animal control practices that rely on catch and kill, which is not supported by a majority of Americans. Cities across the country are realizing that rather than endless catch and kill, our tax dollars would be much better spent on Trap-Neuter-Return for outdoor cats and low-cost spay and neuter for all cats.

Feral cats do not harm wildlife. Numerous studies have repeatedly found that the primary cause of bird population decline is rampant development and related pollution, which destroy bird habitats and sources of food. A 2005 study by the U.S. Forest Service estimates that six times more birds are killed annually by flying into buildings and power lines than by cats.

Due to failing and inhumane animal control policies that rely on catch and kill being killed in a shelter is the number one documented cause of death for cats in the United States. It’s bad public policy based on bad science. Trap-Neuter-Return for outdoor cats is a humane method of care and a responsible program. I urge readers to visit www.alleycat.org for more information.