Here are some peoples Opinions:

Trap-Neuter-Return programs are best option for feral cats

The Feb. 18 story, "Feral cats threaten university and students," could not have gotten it more wrong -- not by fault of the reporter, but by officials at our university, who are grossly misinformed.

Feral cats are the same species as domestic cats, but they are not socialized to people and prefer the company of other cats. Feral cats are frightened of humans, but they are not a threat to them. If confronted by people, they will run and hide. Further, scientific studies show they are just as healthy as pet cats.

Feral cats can be found all over the country in every landscape, including many college campuses. Because these cats are not adoptable, the best course of action for them is Trap-Neuter-Return, a lifesaving program in which the cats are humanely trapped, neutered, vaccinated and then returned to their outdoor home for regular feeding by volunteer caregivers. Trap-Neuter-Return ends the breeding cycle, improves the cats' health and makes them better neighbors by stopping behaviors like yowling and fighting.

Leslie Jackson

State College


PSU solution to feral cats needs to hit root of issue

If Penn State wants to seriously address its feral cat problem, it's going to have to start at the roots. Feral cat colonies do not arise by chance -- they are the direct result of irresponsible people who abandon their unaltered cats or allow them to roam outside. Trap-neuter-return programs are a far better solution than simply feeding ferals and letting them breed. But it is also important to prevent feral cat colonies in the first place by requiring that all cats be spayed and neutered and by cracking down on people who abandon unwanted cats.

Both feral and tame cats are domesticated animals that rely on humans for survival. It is cruel to abandon them, and Penn State should prosecute those guilty of this crime. Abandoned and feral cats don't die gently. They suffer ghastly injuries and infections, contract deadly and contagious diseases, are poisoned and shot by people who don't want them in their yards, are hit by cars, are attacked by wildlife and worse.

Ending the vicious cycle of abandonment and reproduction will safeguard the community and spare animals from unconscionable suffering.

Drew Winter

Norfolk, Va.




TNR method the best solution

The presence of feral cats at Penn State is not a new issue and not an overwhelming issue --- have you actually seen any? -- but it is still something that needs to be addressed.

Currently, Penn State works with humane societies when any feral cats are found on campus.

Another method for dealing with the cats is the Trap, Neuter, Return method. The name of the Trap, Neuter, Return method spells out almost the exact process. Cats are trapped, spayed or neutered (and vaccinated against rabies), tagged for identification and returned to the wild.

The method Penn State is using now is effective but could be better.

The Humane Society intends to care for the cats but simply cannot find homes for all of them. Because the Trap, Neuter, Return method is the most humane -- that is, it causes the least harm to the cats -- it is the approach Penn State should take.

The university should clearly explain its methods and the goals behind those methods for those who are concerned for the welfare of the cats.

And anyone feeding the feral cats should know better.

There aren't many feral cats on campus, but those that do live here touch people's hearts. There is a simple and humane way to resolve the problems the cats bring with them. Let's do that calmly and rationally; there's no need to get the claws out.


TNR programs won't solve Penn State's feral cat issue

Feral cats, even well fed ones, kill large amounts of birds every year. Recently, the American Bird Conservancy estimated that nearly 150 million feral cats kill 500 million birds each year. Many of these birds face enormous pressures due to habitat loss, vehicle collisions and chemical sprays. Feral cats can prove to be the last straw in the struggle to survive for many endangered species.

In her Feb. 22 letter, "Trap-Neuter-Return programs are best option for feral cats," Leslie Jackson is misinformed in her statement that TNR is the best option. People should not feed these cats, and the university should not move the colony. These cats need to be removed from the ecosystem, whether it is by removal to a shelter or by a rifle.

Mark Garner

senior-recreation, park and tourism management

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I wrote a letter to the Editor is regards to this Mark Garner's response but they haven't published it yet, but here is what I said:

Dear Editor:

In response to Mark Garner’s letter to the Editor on Feb. 24, 2010 I disagree with everything that he says. I would like to know where he gets his facts from.

According to Alley Cat Allies website:
Studies show that the overwhelming cause of wildlife depletion is destruction of natural habitat due to manmade structures, chemical pollution, pesticides, and drought - not feral cats. The real danger to birds is not cats, but humans.

Trap-Neuter-Return does work. Without more kittens, the population stabilizes and the cats’ lives are improved. The behaviors and stresses associated with mating, such as yowling or fighting, stop. The cats are vaccinated before being returned to their outdoor home. Not only does Trap-Neuter-Return make good sense, it is also a responsible, humane method of care for outdoor cats.

According to Best Friends Animal Society:
Feral cats are domestic cats. They’re the descendants of house cats who were abandoned by their people or who strayed away from their homes. When the cats mated, their offspring were never handled by humans, so the kittens became feral. Feral cats might not let anyone get close enough to touch them, but they can’t be considered wild because they’ve been co-existing with humans for 10,000 years. Feral cat colonies can be found living wherever there is shelter and a stable food source – in abandoned buildings, fields and barns; in alleys behind restaurants; on waterfronts and underneath boardwalks.

TNR is the best option for feral cats. The university is the one who calls “a pest control company” and then they take them to a humane society and the cat is euthanized regardless if it was someone’s pet, perhaps it’s a missing pet. Does anyone think to see if they were missing or put up signs before making the decision to have them killed?

The university said: “Once the cats are transferred to an outside organization, the fate of the animals is out of Penn State's control.” The university declined to name the pest control company used, but everyone has seen the Orkin vans all over campus. There are a lot of people who would volunteer to help save a stray/feral cat. I think the university needs to be open to people wanting to save these cats instead of just killing them.