Stop feral cats from becoming problems

Editor's Note: This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Q: What is the problem with feral cats?

A: Feral, or wild, cats have had little or no human contact and they usually live in groups near reliable shelter and water. They are found in both rural and urban areas. They are often regarded as a nuisance because when there are too many of them, they tend to fight, mark territory, howl and destroy property. Cats can have as many as 15 offspring in a year, and when the kittens are only 4 months old, they are capable of breeding. Spring is prime time for cats to breed.

To be fair, however, it must be said that feral cats have earned a respective place in the backyard food chain and there are advantages to this. For many residents, they are excellent for controlling rodents, skunks and even raccoons. Raccoons are a problem because they are a menace to small pets and they are smart, stealthy and extremely messy garbage invaders. They travel through sewer pipes and are mostly nocturnal, so not often seen. Skunks have their own notoriety. Squirrels, mice, voles and other rodents can be the bane of the backyard gardener because they forage and burrow. The presence of feral cats seems to keep these animals away.

Another downside to an excessive number of feral cats is that many of them will be euthanized.

Carson City Animal Services is concerned about the health, safety and welfare of the cats in our community, as well as the public's health. Around 300 stray cats a year are brought to the shelter by folks who have an overabundance of them on their property. These animals are rarely adopted.

"Catch and kill is not the answer!" says Pat Wiggins, Carson City Animal Services manager. Studies have shown that this approach does not work because when the cat is gone, it simply creates room for another cat to move in.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

"The most progressive solution," Wiggins advises, "is known as trap, neuter and return." Trap, neuter and return (TNR) is a preventive measure that involves the following:

1) Trap, humanely: The best time to trap is as soon as you discover feral cats living on your property. The younger the cat, the better.

Residents can borrow traps from the Carson City Animal Shelter, or better yet, can purchase their own starting at around $20 from local pet or feed stores. They are also available online. Search "humane live-trap." On www.ehow.com, there are "moderately easy" instructions on building your own cat trap. It is convenient to own your own trap as it saves a lot of unnecessary trips to and from the shelter. Set the trap and start catching cats.

2) Neuter: Take the cat(s) to a veterinarian for neutering. In addition to neutering the cat, the vet will notch its left ear to identify it as having been neutered.

3) Return: Pick up your neutered feral cats, bring them home and return them to their environment.

You will then have the best of both worlds: You will have the rodent control, and you may also notice that once a feral cat is fixed, unpleasant fighting and territory marking behavior diminishes.

Once the fixed ferals are home, if you have not been feeding them thus far, do not start. They are getting their food elsewhere and you don't want to compromise their interest in "mousing." If you have been feeding them, continue to do so, but do not free-feed. Rather, put out a small amount of food for them each day and remove what is not eaten so it doesn't lure other animals to your property.

To prevent feral cats and other small, wild animals from becoming residents or visitors on your property, do not leave pet food or water dishes outside, and protect your garbage by using tight plastic bags and bins.

It's all about Public Health.

ADOPT A PET DAY is 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, May 1 at the Carson City Animal Shelter, 3770 Butti Way. Discount adoption prices will be offered for spayed, neutered, vaccinated cats and dogs.

• Pam Graber is the public information officer for Carson City Health and Human Services. You can reach her at pgraber@ci.

carson-city.nv.us.