Do you let your cats run at large?

[Miss Z]

Actually, Zara, you made a very valid point. Although I really don't agree with it, letting cats roam around neighborhoods is not the same as letting dogs do this. I just don't like having to think that if I let my dog in my neighbors yard there would be huge problems but their cat has free roam of the entire neighborhood, though. It's a bit hypocritical. I see your point though. Cats and dogs are totally different animals. Although, I mostly agree with the not letting your cats run free thing, I don't think her post was very nice at all.

Thank you, Alyssa. Here we can clearly see that people like you in this thread are mature enough to consider someone else's point of view without getting rude or snappy. I respect your opinion.

**I find his/her screen name to be a bit ironic if this is actually his/her view on the subject of rescue and TNR.**

Yes, now you mention it, that is quite an interesting point.

[mruffruff]

I never meant to have cats. I started with 4 dogs. And I put up a big fence so they wouldn't run loose or bother the neighbors.

Then neighbors moved and left their kittens to fend for themselves. Guess who fed them? Then spayed/neutered/vetted them? And ended up taking them inside to keep them safe?

Over the past 5 years, I've taken more than 42 cats off the streets. Some have had to be euthanized because of health problems. A few have been adopted and some have been turned over to the no-kill rescue/shelter that I work with. Twelve live with me. Two of them are indoor-outdoor during the day, only because they will chew their tails bloody if I don't let them out. All of them stay in from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Now there are another half dozen that I feed on the front porch. They are all boys, all neutered, all up to date on shots. But I have no room at the inn....and the rescue/shelter is full too.

Fortunately, the neighborhood is small, relatively safe and the people don't mind.

Someday, somehow, these 6 will come inside or be adopted. Until then, they will have to 'run wild'.

Maybe a little TNR on your part would let you get some sleep.