Cat Overpopulation

             

 

           I have to admit that autumn is my favorite time of year.  For me, the fall season always conjures up images of delightfully plump pumpkins, crisp corn shocks, sweet apple cider, and black “Halloween cats” with their backs maximally arched.  I was on a walk recently with my sister’s Border Collie, “Doogee,” and as the falling leaves swirled about us, we did indeed happen upon a small, black “Halloween cat.”

                        The appearance of this little waif made me begin to ponder the ever present problem of cat overpopulation. Almost on a daily basis, I am asked if I want yet another cat, or if I know of someone who does, or where one might take a homeless cat.

                        The first thought that occurred to me as we were strolling is that, by association, all veterinary professionals (doctors and support staff alike) would seem to be the ideal people to “gift” a stray or unwanted cat to, either openly or anonymously.  The reality is that most veterinary professionals own virtual menageries of pets that they have acquired over the years. Most of us have more animals than time, so we begin to feel a “caregivers remorse” when we cannot give our beloved pets the time they so rightfully deserve.

                        My husband and I have fallen victim to the “special delivery” felines more times than we care to admit.  We have also adopted multiple “Good Sams,” cats (or dogs) that have been rescued by “good samaritans,” that we take on as our own, because these animals have special health care needs.  We truly love our Good Sams, but they often do require more time and attention than other pets.

                        As I am writing this column, I am also thinking about two of my longstanding staff members, Nicolene and Ellen, who have 19 housepets between them, 12 of which were rescued strays.  And, eight days ago I observed one of my newest employees, Joyce, who has been with us a short seven months, being convinced to adopt, coincidentally, a young, unneutered, male, black Halloween cat…

                        Doogee and I hiked a little farther as I contemplated complaints from my clients about stray cats hanging around their homes. Many want to know why the cats won’t leave their property.  After more questioning, clients often admit that they are feeding these unwanted houseguests.  At this point, I then offer up that the “houseguests” are not going to leave, because they have a readily available “kitchen.”  Logically, if you don’t want feline guests, don’t make food and shelter available to them.  Cats, like other outdoor animal life, need a food source. Once that food source is discovered, they have no need, nor desire, to leave.

                        What, then, are we to do about the outdoor cat population that seems eternally growing and ubiquitous?  The foundation of the answer to this question falls into two categories: education and responsibility.

                        My daily mission is to educate my clients about proper and responsible health care for their pets.  To curb, and eventually eliminate, the unwanted outdoor cat population will require commitment on the part of ALL cat owners and caregivers to sterilize ALL cats before puberty.  In addition, ALL pet owners/caregivers need to be “responsible” for their pets’ actions; all owned pets would need to be confined to their home territory, preferably and exclusively indoors.

                        While I do realize that these considerations would only occur in “a perfect world”--- which ours is most definitely not--- wouldn’t it be nice if we ALL tried a little harder to be more responsible pet owners?  It’s as simple as sterilizing your cat in a timely manner BEFORE the onset of puberty, keeping your cat indoors and, lastly, not making available food or open trash areas for unwanted “visitors” to prey upon.

                        To address the “feral,” or wild cat population, feral cat caregivers need only contact a local humane society or association about available “trap, neuter and release (TNR)” programs.  These programs are designed to control the population and disease rate in feral cat communities which sometimes grow to be very large.

                        Instead of asking your veterinarian if he or she wants another cat, please ask what you can do to curb cat overpopulation, AND visit a humane society to adopt your next cat. Your visit will promise to be an eye-opening experience, as these facilities are always brimming with homeless cats.

                        Just ask Precious, Stinky, Elvis, Felix, Saresa, SiSi, Fred, Purresa and George….the Welshire Farm cats that reside with and leave pawprints on the hearts of the Drs. Jones.

Author:  Dr. Bonnie Jones
Image courtesy of Tina Phillips at FreeDigitalPhotos.net