Interesting Article in the LA times Regarding Feral Cats

[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