Kittens play on July 19, 2019. In the United States, around 90 million cats live with assigned owners, while between 30 and 80 million are believed to be stray or feral. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
how have birds survived up until now if all of the cats are so severely depleting their numbers?
take away outdoor cats and you get rats and mice. tnr programs neuter and vaccinate feral cats.
but if no one feeds them dont blame them for going after a bird eating at a feeder.
Dylan, this is a good article and frames the problem we have with cats in the U.S. fairly well. So, thank you for writing it! BUT, I have to take exception to your comment about not feeding feral cats. I and several of my friends do so not only because it is humane, but also because it is then is easier to trap them so they can be neutered (TNR); the vet "tipps" the left ear to show a cat has been neutered (and rabies and other vaccinations are typically given at the time of surgery.) We have out of control cat colonies everywhere in the U.S. (185,000 estimated homeless cats in the City of Baltimore alone!) The best way to gain control and reduce cat populations is to TNR; and give your neighbors a hard time if they let their domestic cats roam your neighborhood, killing birds and eating the feral cats' dinners! Cats, like dogs, should not roam freely when they have homes and loving families. As you correctly stated, cats who are pets live much longer, healthier lives when kept indoors. Thanks again from an animal lover (and cat expert) in Maryland.
Thank you!
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Comments
how have birds survived up until now if all of the cats are so severely depleting their numbers?
take away outdoor cats and you get rats and mice. tnr programs neuter and vaccinate feral cats.
but if no one feeds them dont blame them for going after a bird eating at a feeder.
Dylan, this is a good article and frames the problem we have with cats in the U.S. fairly well. So, thank you for writing it! BUT, I have to take exception to your comment about not feeding feral cats. I and several of my friends do so not only because it is humane, but also because it is then is easier to trap them so they can be neutered (TNR); the vet "tipps" the left ear to show a cat has been neutered (and rabies and other vaccinations are typically given at the time of surgery.) We have out of control cat colonies everywhere in the U.S. (185,000 estimated homeless cats in the City of Baltimore alone!) The best way to gain control and reduce cat populations is to TNR; and give your neighbors a hard time if they let their domestic cats roam your neighborhood, killing birds and eating the feral cats' dinners! Cats, like dogs, should not roam freely when they have homes and loving families. As you correctly stated, cats who are pets live much longer, healthier lives when kept indoors. Thanks again from an animal lover (and cat expert) in Maryland.
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
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