Founded in 2006 by veteran cat rescue team leader, Theresa Foley, the Key West Cat Society is dedicated to changing our nation's approach to the problem of too many homeless cats. This blog is a forum for those among us who love, protect and advocate for the loving, beautiful, magical, innocent cats.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Hooray for Ferals, especially Pinky who lives in my yard
I looked up from my computer tonight to see the feral cat Pinky sitting on the window sill and staring in the window at me and the cats inside. Pinky has lived in our yard for years and has lately been sitting by the front door looking in the screen door and watching the foster kittens play with Diana, my orange tabby (who was a Key West Cat Society rescue last March). When I first moved here we trapped Pinky to check on her medical condition (she has a harelip) and gave it a go at taming her up. She would have none of it, so we returned her to the yard soon after that. She loves her yard, has trained me to feed her at sunup and sundown, and sleeps in the tree at the side of the property. Of late, she has been increasingly interested in the KWCS foster kitten program and the revolving kittens who come and go from my home. -Raphaella Vaisseau
The plight of stray and feral cats has captured the hearts of animal lovers for many years, but only within the last two decades has a non-lethal option for their control become available. Called “trap-neuter-return” or TNR, this humane alternative involves trapping, sterilizing, vaccinating and returning the cats to their colonies where they are looked after by their caretakers. This solution is believed to successfully reduce birth rates and improve the overall health of the colony.
"No Kill" Shelters ?!?
“Euthanasia” in animal control pounds and shelters is the number one documented cause of death of all cats in the U.S. The most comprehensive study to date indicates that 72% of all cats entering these facilities are killed. Just 23% are adopted, and only 2% are reunited with their owners.
These statistics are from the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy Shelter Statistics Survey, 1994-97. It surveyed roughly 5,000 shelters annually for four years, receiving responses from about 1,000. Although dated, it remains the most comprehensive and rigorous study that exists. More recent, less complete studies reflect the same trends—for instance, the 2006 National Animal Control Association Statistical Survey showed that 66% of cats were killed.
How We Help
1. First, with an attitude of doing it "cat by cat." If the magnitude of the situation appears to be overwhelming, we methodically devise a plan to help a colony cats one at a time, until the breeding and other undesirable behaviors have been resolved. We work constantly to help those who are taking care of cats, particularly colonies and abandoned outdoor cats, to learn how they can get those cats fixed and get the tiny kittens out of there and into homes.
2. Second, we advocate and educate so that those who don't understand the availability of new programs for spay-neuter and the damage done by breeding pets can learn how they can be part of the solution. Sometimes this means advocacy with government managers or cat rescue groups.
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