Glad to see such a reasonable discussion about the feral cat problem from so many interested individuals, the discussion mostly devoid of emotional prejudices. At this point I'd like to make (or repeat) a few points pertinent to some points brought out so far. Since MM brought out several of the points I'd like to address, I'll quote his well-reasoned post that I find brings up some questions often voiced through emotional attacks rather than with the reasonable points and queries he makes. Thank you in advance, MM.
"Big difference between a country farm and a local neighborhood. I think the OP lives in a neighborhood which is the root of why I disagree with shooting the cats." The feral cat problem is not a rural, urban, or suburban problem; it's a problem anywhere irresponsible humans are either unaware or too sentimental to control the problem; meaning pretty much everywhere humans populate.
"Are you sure all neutered cats have a notches in their ears? My two are neutered and don't have notches. I've never heard of notching a cat's ears." Actually, I'm sure not all neutered cats have notched ears; another human failing perpetuating the problem. I am purposely HARSH in saying anyone unaware enough to let their cat(s) roam feral without a clipped ear is likely to also not had their cat's balls clipped. A clipped ear gives Fluffy a better chance of not being executed. Even better, combine clipped balls and clipped ear with a collar! BTW, I've never seen a cat on my property wearing a collar or with a clipped ear (other than my own cats). Conscientious veterinarians in feral cat problem areas often make it standard procedure to notch or clip an ear of every cat they neuter... to give those cats a fighting chance of coming home after nights out.
"What about female cats just on the prowl?" I assume female cats neither roam as much as toms nor aggressively defend their territories, as every stray I've executed was a tom. That said, since it's impossible to discern the sex of a feral cat before it's dead, and I now have experience enough to know cats in the middle of my 40 acre property WILL attack my pets, I don't concern myself with the sex of any cat I decide to eliminate.
"I doubt the damage they do to wildlife in the neighborhood is as much as you think. They might even help out if your neighborhood has a rat problem." Sorry MM, you're simply mistaken on both points. But don't believe me, Google something like 'feral cat problem' and you'll find sources as reliable as Smithsonian and many wildlife departments and agencies confirming feral cats do more damage to wildlife than you can imagine, and with virtually NO impact on rat populations! That's the truth and reality; check it out for yourself.
"I guess my biggest concern would be: Is there a local law governing this?" VERY GOOD POINT MM; and one that should be explored before One starts executing Fluffy, Cuddly, and Lovey (or Rover, for that matter). After I moved onto my 40 acre home-place I spotted a big Golden Retriever (dog) running through my property and used that as an excuse to introduce myself to my closest neighbors (1/4 mile away in 2 directions) to ask if it was their dog. It wasn't, so I called the county Sherrifs department to inquire about local animal control. The deputy relied that there is no local animal control (officer), and, "Most land-owners just shoot all stray dogs on sight." That being before stray cats had attacked my pets on the new place, I didn't ask about cats but am certain they would get no more consideration from law-enforcement in my area than stray dogs. Suffice to say I don't live in L A county, and many major metropolis authorities might not be as in touch with reality as my rural county.
I know from checking with the local animal shelter they are so overwhelmed with cats they won't even take any in; the shelter lady rudely stating, "We can't take any more; we'll just euthanize it if you bring it to us." Thankfully the receptionist at our vet adopted the cute little kitten we saved.
Final points. I don't like killing cats; do it only in pre-emptive defense of our pets after hesitating to do so on three occasions resulted in injured pets. Even after two expensive veterinary bills I was bothered by (then) killing the culprits. By the third assault on my cats I'd lost some of my hesitation to kill the feral after the assault. Now I kill feral cats spotted in my yard before they attack my cats... without any guilt or sentimentality whatsoever toward these worthless pests. Investigation of the problem shows wildlife science unanimously agrees.
"Big difference between a country farm and a local neighborhood. I think the OP lives in a neighborhood which is the root of why I disagree with shooting the cats." The feral cat problem is not a rural, urban, or suburban problem; it's a problem anywhere irresponsible humans are either unaware or too sentimental to control the problem; meaning pretty much everywhere humans populate.
"Are you sure all neutered cats have a notches in their ears? My two are neutered and don't have notches. I've never heard of notching a cat's ears." Actually, I'm sure not all neutered cats have notched ears; another human failing perpetuating the problem. I am purposely HARSH in saying anyone unaware enough to let their cat(s) roam feral without a clipped ear is likely to also not had their cat's balls clipped. A clipped ear gives Fluffy a better chance of not being executed. Even better, combine clipped balls and clipped ear with a collar! BTW, I've never seen a cat on my property wearing a collar or with a clipped ear (other than my own cats). Conscientious veterinarians in feral cat problem areas often make it standard procedure to notch or clip an ear of every cat they neuter... to give those cats a fighting chance of coming home after nights out.
"What about female cats just on the prowl?" I assume female cats neither roam as much as toms nor aggressively defend their territories, as every stray I've executed was a tom. That said, since it's impossible to discern the sex of a feral cat before it's dead, and I now have experience enough to know cats in the middle of my 40 acre property WILL attack my pets, I don't concern myself with the sex of any cat I decide to eliminate.
"I doubt the damage they do to wildlife in the neighborhood is as much as you think. They might even help out if your neighborhood has a rat problem." Sorry MM, you're simply mistaken on both points. But don't believe me, Google something like 'feral cat problem' and you'll find sources as reliable as Smithsonian and many wildlife departments and agencies confirming feral cats do more damage to wildlife than you can imagine, and with virtually NO impact on rat populations! That's the truth and reality; check it out for yourself.
"I guess my biggest concern would be: Is there a local law governing this?" VERY GOOD POINT MM; and one that should be explored before One starts executing Fluffy, Cuddly, and Lovey (or Rover, for that matter). After I moved onto my 40 acre home-place I spotted a big Golden Retriever (dog) running through my property and used that as an excuse to introduce myself to my closest neighbors (1/4 mile away in 2 directions) to ask if it was their dog. It wasn't, so I called the county Sherrifs department to inquire about local animal control. The deputy relied that there is no local animal control (officer), and, "Most land-owners just shoot all stray dogs on sight." That being before stray cats had attacked my pets on the new place, I didn't ask about cats but am certain they would get no more consideration from law-enforcement in my area than stray dogs. Suffice to say I don't live in L A county, and many major metropolis authorities might not be as in touch with reality as my rural county.
I know from checking with the local animal shelter they are so overwhelmed with cats they won't even take any in; the shelter lady rudely stating, "We can't take any more; we'll just euthanize it if you bring it to us." Thankfully the receptionist at our vet adopted the cute little kitten we saved.
Final points. I don't like killing cats; do it only in pre-emptive defense of our pets after hesitating to do so on three occasions resulted in injured pets. Even after two expensive veterinary bills I was bothered by (then) killing the culprits. By the third assault on my cats I'd lost some of my hesitation to kill the feral after the assault. Now I kill feral cats spotted in my yard before they attack my cats... without any guilt or sentimentality whatsoever toward these worthless pests. Investigation of the problem shows wildlife science unanimously agrees.
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