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CAT OVERPOPULATION REMAINS A PROBLEM (PART 1/2)

Post Date: 11 Nov 09 Category: Pets
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Cat Overpopulation Remains a Problem (PART 1/2)
It all begins with the value of cats — they simply don't enjoy equal regard as dogs, says expert

By Steve Dale | 02 June 2009

Cat Overpopulation


IN 1975, American Humane, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children and animals, designated June as Adopt-a-Cat month. "Cat overpopulation was a real issue, a big problem back then," says Dena Fitzgerald, publications and communications manager at American Humane. "Unfortunately, most shelters are still over-filled with cats."

That same filled-to-the-brim scenario is no longer true for dogs in many parts of the country. Today, many shelters find themselves "importing" dogs from nearby communities, other states, or controversially, even other countries.

However, Fitzgerald doesn't know of any shelter that actually has a shortage of adoptable cats. As a result, in most places, more cats are euthanized in shelters than dogs.

There are lots of reasons for this discrepancy, explains Bob Rohde, president and CEO of the Denver Dumb Friends League.

"It all begins with the value of cats — they simply don't enjoy equal regard as dogs," he says. "Cats are more often relinquished to shelter (than dogs). Sometimes cats are just let outside to fend for themselves."

Fitzgerald, also from Denver, says that compared to 1975, the public perception of the importance spay/neuter has changed dramatically.

"Today, most pets are spayed or neutered, particularly among dog owners, people realize it's the socially responsible thing to do," she says.

However, too many indoor/outdoor cats and outdoor only cats remain intact. And if there's one thing in which all cats excel, it's breeding. "Cats are more prolific than dogs and they tend to have larger litters," adds Fitzgerald.

The issue of stray and feral cats — a problem which simply doesn't exist in the dog world — is another a significant concern. Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit organization dedicated to non-violent approaches to deal with these stray and feral cats, estimates there are 40 to 80 million of these cats in America.

American Humane and an increasing number of shelters are supporters of trap, neuter, return (or TNR) to deal with the problem. It's an alternative to prevent overloading shelters with feral cats, many of which are temperamentally unsuited for adoption and are often euthanized.

Since stray and feral cats typically form colonies, volunteer caretakers humanely trap colony members one by one, have them spay/neutered and vaccinated for rabies, then return them to the colony to live out their lives without contributing to the over-population problem.

Caretakers also work with shelters, so young kitties and friendly cats that they've rescued can be placed for adoption.

Click here to read Part 2

Click here to read other Steve Dale features

(c) 2009 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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