Interesting Article in the LA times Regarding Feral Cats

[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.

[shepgirl]

A couple who work for a pet store take in feral cats and they seem to do well with them...they give them their space, feed and water them and eventually the cats will let them come around. Their previous home had a loft that they had given up to keep the cats undisturbed, now they keep them in a spare bedroom with litter boxes and food and water.I would love to house some in a few empty barns around here but unfortunately wolves, coyotes and foxes would surely get them.

[Catty1]

A reply from our Bylaw Officer in Calgary who is associated with the city shelter:

We actually have working cats (not feral) in the lunch rooms at out Shepard landfill site. The staff there adopted a couple of cats that were abandoned at the landfill, started caring for them and tamed them. We spayed and neutered them, licensed them and give them their annual shots and check ups. The staff report that the rodent problems in the building have been solved and they think of their cats as part of the team. I found the article interesting, particularly the reasons why cats deter rodents. We are currently working with MEOW to look at the possibility of feral colonies and trap/neuter(spay) and release programs.

I have asked for more details. Yes, Calgary has yet to develop a TNSR program.

[momtomany]

WOW. It would be so great if this thread got a some babies a job. I have been pondering where in the city I live could I approach someone with it. Hmm, hadn't thought about the landfill.

[Lizzie]

Another group that knows how useful cats are as rodent deterrents, even though they are breaking the law by having them:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/21/ny...&sq=cats+delis