News & Info: Just Want the Cats Gone!

Just Want the Cats Gone!

We have been continually faced with the concern of circumstances in which property owners “just want the cats gone”. Consequently, this leaves the cats with no place to go. While having the cats gone might seem convenient for everyone, it is a shortsighted and unrealistic solution for several reasons. The vacuum effect wasn’t just pulled from thin air; it is a very real and powerful phenomenon. When cats are removed from any location, whether they are relocated or eradicated, new cats soon move in to take over the vacated area and available food source (garbage, rodents, insects, etc.). In just a few months two intact cats can repopulate the area. The new cats are healthier, more adapt, and unsterilized. An article expanded on Sarah Hartwell’s 1994 article, “Why Feral Eradication Won’t Work”, reviews various eradication methods and attempts indicate the failure of such attempts and prove them to be inadequate in keeping an area free of free-roaming felines.

Relocating a cat colony is burdensome for both the caretakers and the cats. Ideal areas in which to move the cats are few and far between. Proper relocation requires some vital period of confinement, in order to keep the cats from traveling back to the original site. Feral cats become very attached to their colony site so they will likely experience some separation anxiety. Various measures can be taken to ensure that the cats do not create a nuisance on a given property. Sterilization alone eliminates most nuisance behaviors such as territorial fighting, and marking. Unobtrusive feeding stations can be devised so as to not inconvenience anyone by being an eyesore of sorts. Many people become anxious at the sight of several cats feeding in one area. Also, feeding stations and shelters should be moved as far away from human activity (parking lots, sidewalks, roadways) as possible. Limited interaction with the cats during feedings will ensure that they remain elusive and untrusting of all humans, therefore keeping their distance from human activity.

The main point is that removing the cats is a temporary solution that will appease the property owner only for a few months before the problem reappears. A stabilized cat colony on the property site will deter other new cats from moving into the area. Still, newcomers may appear and do so usually, in increments of one or two at a time. These newcomers should be trapped immediately and vetted, as they are typically hungry and may be oblivious to consequence of the trap. Alley Cat Allies has published many helpful resources to educate and deal with complaining neighbors and property owners regarding feral cat colonies. Educating these groups about feral cats and colony management may make the difference in allowing cats to stay.

News & Info: Just Want the Cats Gone!