Interesting Article in the LA times Regarding Feral Cats

[momtomany]

Thanks Moesha for posting the article. You have to register to have and account, bit it does not cost.......I hit enter before my brain told my hands to not do so and didn't get back to make a comment. Since I do feral colony care and I know other do, I thought this was interesting and something to think about.

[catmandu]

That To Me Is A Purrfect Solution ,a Lot Better Than Leaving Tubs Of Poison Out That Might Be Washed During A Rainstorm Into The Sewers .
Having These Cats Eliminate Mice Is A Good Idea.
I Know Having The Found Cats Has Eliminated The Mice, Except For The Odd Mouse Who Visits And Falls Prey To My Hunters.

[Catty1]

I just sent this off to Calgary's Meow (Make Each One Wanted) Foundation, as well as the Calgary Humane, Cochrane Humane, and a city bylaw officer who works with the city shelter.

Ya never know!

Thanks.

[momtomany]

A great idea. I have sent to our local humane society as well as our two TNR programs. My feral fur babies are spoiled by me but I am always worried about them against the elements. Knowing my babies would be safer would mean the world to me.

[moosmom]

Thanks for posting the entire article. At first I was concerned that they force the ferals to rely on their "catch". But then I saw that Officer Sandra feeds and cares for them so I was a little relieved. I used to live next door to an idiot dentist that had two strictly outdoor cats, that were there to be mousers. His stupidity really pissed me off. So I just fed the cats when he left at the end of the day. When I moved out, Sherrie, the paralegal in the law office downstairs took over.

One thing I have to comment on...

Feral cats cannot be turned into house pets

Feral cats CAN be turned into house pets, depending how old the kitten is, if it's done correctly. I have a formerly feral baby names Alicat. The rescue organization worked with her and she was having none of it. She was a sweet thing in her crate. But the minute she was let out, she went and hid under the bed. It took almost 3 months before she started coming out of her shell. She actually didn't meow. I got the shcock of my life when I heard her meow and bump her head in my hand for a scritch. So, never say never.

Unfortunately most ferals aren't as lucky to have someone look after them. Some people consider them a nuisance. They forget that ferals became feral at the hands of humans.

[momtomany]

I agree that with time and patience some feral cats can be turned into house cats. I have one, Persie, and she is as sweet and as loving as she can be with me and my family and often offers me her tummy to be scratched. We are cognitive of her body language though and know when she has had enough. I have three colonies I care for. One is fixed and I am working on the others. My second colony had a lot of strays because I can pet several of them and their offspring have watched me pet mom, and now several of them are allowing me to pet them. Of course I am the lady with the good food. I am the only that can pet them. They will not allow the two people who are my backup if something comes up to do so. I do have some that will only sit and watch me and I know in my heart I probably will never be able to pet them. But I do offer them a soft voice, telling them how beautiful/handsome they are, how special they are and how much I love them.........hope springs enternal though

[smokey the elder]

I've had ferals come around (Diamond) and those who never did (Pixel, Nutmeg.) It really depends on the cat.