National Feral Cat Day is Oct. 16
National Feral Cat Day was created a decade ago by Alley Cat Allies to promote the humane care of feral cats. It is observed each year on Oct. 16. Lee County Domestic Animal Services also is concerned about the estimated 110,000 feral and un-owned community cats in Lee County.
A Trap-Neuter-Return Program was started in 2009 as a humane approach to the problem. Animal Services is currently conducting a survey to improve the program and address concerns of residents about outdoor cats. To participate in the survey click the link at www.LeeLostPets.com.
Through Trap-Neuter-Return, feral cats and un-owned community cats are trapped by caretakers who are already feeding the cats in their neighborhoods. The cats are taken to various participating clinics throughout the county, including Lee County Domestic Animal Services. They are then sterilized and vaccinated for rabies. The cats are released back to the area from which they came but are no longer able to breed. The left ear of each cat is also tipped, which is the universal sign of a feral or community cat that has been sterilized through a TNR program. This helps distinguish the sterilized cats from unsterilized ones.
Residents are encouraged to be responsible when it comes to all outdoor cats. The numbers can be controlled by participating in Trap-Neuter-Return. However, feeding cats and allowing them to breed contributes to additional problems besides the growing number of cats. Concerns about nuisance behavior and threats to wildlife will also be reduced by controlling the breeding.
For more information about Trap-Neuter-Return and how to help go to www.LeeLostPets.com or contact spay@leegov.com or call (239) 533-9234.