Where do Feral Cats come From?
Feral cats are the offspring of lost or abandoned pet cats or other feral cats who are not spayed or neutered. Females can reproduce two to three times a year. Their kittens, if they survive, will become feral without early contact with people. Cats can become pregnant as early as 4-5 months of age and the number of cats in a colony rapidly increases unless the cats are spayed and neutered. What should I do about the feral cats in my neighborhood or where I work? The most effective way of dealing with feral cats is through a process called TNR or Trap – Neuter – Return. Cats in a colony are trapped in a humane trap, taken to a clinic where they are spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then returned to their colony. This process improves the quality of life for feral cats, reduces their numbers, and reduces the nuisance behaviors associated with mating. Very young kittens who have been trapped may be removed, tamed and adopted into homes. What’s wrong with just leaving the cats alone?
