HabitatForCats

Slide 1: 

"FERAL CATS: A Local Issue"

Habitat For CatsDiane DiGravio, President : 

Habitat For CatsDiane DiGravio, President “Mr. Bungle”

Habitat for Cats, Inc.“A non-profit organization dedicated to helping feral cats” : 

Habitat for Cats, Inc.“A non-profit organization dedicated to helping feral cats”

Our Mission*This organization was established in 1999 to help relieve the suffering of feral and homeless cats, who have been called “the most neglected animal in the animal humane network.” : 

Our Mission*This organization was established in 1999 to help relieve the suffering of feral and homeless cats, who have been called “the most neglected animal in the animal humane network.” *Our focus is to assist with spaying/neutering in order to reduce the staggering feline overpopulation problem in Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston and surrounding counties. *Our efforts reduce the heartbreaking numbers of feral and homeless cats, well over 4,000 in number, that are euthanized every year in Monroe County alone.

Habitat for Cats, Inc..Is an official 501(c)(3)organization and is run by : 

Habitat for Cats, Inc..Is an official 501(c)(3)organization and is run by -volunteers -veterinarians -supporters

Slide 6: 

What is a Feral Cat? “You may have seen them wandering through parks or languishing behind restaurants. At first, these cats look domesticated. But they're really wild animals.” *Feral cats are the offspring of stray or abandoned household pets. Raised without human contact, they quickly revert to a wild state and form colonies wherever food and shelter are available. *Many city and county animal control agencies are mandated only to deal with dogs—not cats. So for decades feral cats have remained untouchable. *It is estimated that over 70 million cats exist in the United States alone.

What is the Problem of Feral Cat Overpopulation? : 

What is the Problem of Feral Cat Overpopulation? *The United States has approximately 60 million pet cats and 70 million ferals. *Feral populations are swollen by breeding and dumping of unwanted pets. *Over 5 million cats are “dumped” annually and surveys suggest that between 36% and 60% of unneutered cats go “feral” within 3 years!

“It's not a virus and it's not a bacterium, but it is responsible for the deaths of millions of animals annually. This disease does not discriminate. It strikes dogs and cats, kittens and puppies, purebreds and mix-breeds.... it is pet overpopulation, and it is the biggest problem facing animal shelters today.”TWO UNCONTROLLED BREEDING CATS* ... plus all their kittens ... and all their kittens' kittens' kittens (if none are ever neutered or spayed)WILL ADD UP TO: Year One: 12 Cats Year Two: 66 Cats Year Three: 382 Cats Year Four: 2,201 Cats Year Five: 12,680 Cats Year Six: 73,041 Cats Year Seven: 420,715 Cats Year Eight: 2,423,316 Cats Year Nine: 13,958,290 Cats Year Ten: 80,399,780 Cats *Population Figures in this table are based on: an average of 2 litters of kittens per year; an average of 2.8 surviving kittens per litter; an average 10-year breeding life.The Problem Once Again:Feral and homeless cats are a huge part of the growing pet over-population problem everywhere. The number of feral cats in the U.S. has been estimated at 60 million. Ferals are the wild offspring of domestic cats, and ALWAYS the result of pet owners who fail to spay or neuter their animals. Many people think pets can regain their so-called "natural" instincts and hunt to survive if they are abandoned or lost. The truth is - they can't. Their lives are a grim struggle to survive in back alleys or in rural areas on whatever scraps of food they can beg or steal. Unless they are cared for by a feeder, most die young from disease, starvation, abuse, and accidents - or die violently as food for a predator. The ones that are lucky enough to end up in shelters are usually put to death. Shelters are forced to kill millions of homeless cats each year at a hefty tax bill for citizens, and at an untold emotional burden to shelter workers. "Trap and kill" programs used in an attempt to solve the problem are expensive, and simply don't work. New cats soon come in to fill the void. The best solution would seem to be a non-breeding population of cats that are fed and looked after by someone. The territorial nature of the cats should keep new cats out of the area. The total number of feral cats would then decrease by natural attrition (and through accompanying public education encouraging the sterilization of pets.) While most studies have proven that "trap/sterilize/release" programs are the MOST effective in stabilizing feral colonies, most efforts are too small-scale to effectively outpace these prolific breeders. Most people who find themselves suddenly feeding one or two ferals soon find that they have multiplied to 10 or 20. These otherwise caring people often have limited financial resources, and no access to information regarding the trapping and sterilization of ferals. Where low cost spay/neuter IS available, it is usually cost-prohibitive when more than a few cats are involved. People often try to ignore the problem (in which case it just gets worse) or they do something drastic, like killing the cats in some desperately inhumane way. “It's not a virus and it's not a bacterium, but it is responsible for the deaths of millions of animals annually. This disease does not discriminate. It strikes dogs and cats, kittens and puppies, purebreds and mix-breeds.... it is pet overpopulation, and it is the biggest problem facing animal shelters today.”TWO UNCONTROLLED BREEDING CATS* ... plus all their kittens ... and all their kittens' kittens' kittens (if none are ever neutered or spayed)WILL ADD UP TO: Year One: 12 Cats Year Two: 66 Cats Year Three: 382 Cats Year Four: 2,201 Cats Year Five: 12,680 Cats Year Six: 73,041 Cats Year Seven: 420,715 Cats Year Eight: 2,423,316 Cats Year Nine: 13,958,290 Cats Year Ten: 80,399,780 Cats *Population Figures in this table are based on: an average of 2 litters of kittens per year; an average of 2.8 surviving kittens per litter; an average 10-year breeding life.The Problem Once Again:Feral and homeless cats are a huge part of the growing pet over-population problem everywhere. The number of feral cats in the U.S. has been estimated at 60 million. Ferals are the wild offspring of domestic cats, and ALWAYS the result of pet owners who fail to spay or neuter their animals. Many people think pets can regain their so-called "natural" instincts and hunt to survive if they are abandoned or lost. The truth is - they can't. Their lives are a grim struggle to survive in back alleys or in rural areas on whatever scraps of food they can beg or steal. Unless they are cared for by a feeder, most die young from disease, starvation, abuse, and accidents - or die violently as food for a predator. The ones that are lucky enough to end up in shelters are usually put to death. Shelters are forced to kill millions of homeless cats each year at a hefty tax bill for citizens, and at an untold emotional burden to shelter workers. "Trap and kill" programs used in an attempt to solve the problem are expensive, and simply don't work. New cats soon come in to fill the void. The best solution would seem to be a non-breeding population of cats that are fed and looked after by someone. The territorial nature of the cats should keep new cats out of the area. The total number of feral cats would then decrease by natural attrition (and through accompanying public education encouraging the sterilization of pets.) While most studies have proven that "trap/sterilize/release" programs are the MOST effective in stabilizing feral colonies, most efforts are too small-scale to effectively outpace these prolific breeders. Most people who find themselves suddenly feeding one or two ferals soon find that they have multiplied to 10 or 20. These otherwise caring people often have limited financial resources, and no access to information regarding the trapping and sterilization of ferals. Where low cost spay/neuter IS available, it is usually cost-prohibitive when more than a few cats are involved. People often try to ignore the problem (in which case it just gets worse) or they do something drastic, like killing the cats in some desperately inhumane way. : 

“It's not a virus and it's not a bacterium, but it is responsible for the deaths of millions of animals annually. This disease does not discriminate. It strikes dogs and cats, kittens and puppies, purebreds and mix-breeds.... it is pet overpopulation, and it is the biggest problem facing animal shelters today.”TWO UNCONTROLLED BREEDING CATS* ... plus all their kittens ... and all their kittens' kittens' kittens (if none are ever neutered or spayed)WILL ADD UP TO: Year One: 12 Cats Year Two: 66 Cats Year Three: 382 Cats Year Four: 2,201 Cats Year Five: 12,680 Cats Year Six: 73,041 Cats Year Seven: 420,715 Cats Year Eight: 2,423,316 Cats Year Nine: 13,958,290 Cats Year Ten: 80,399,780 Cats *Population Figures in this table are based on: an average of 2 litters of kittens per year; an average of 2.8 surviving kittens per litter; an average 10-year breeding life.The Problem Once Again:Feral and homeless cats are a huge part of the growing pet over-population problem everywhere. The number of feral cats in the U.S. has been estimated at 60 million. Ferals are the wild offspring of domestic cats, and ALWAYS the result of pet owners who fail to spay or neuter their animals. Many people think pets can regain their so-called "natural" instincts and hunt to survive if they are abandoned or lost. The truth is - they can't. Their lives are a grim struggle to survive in back alleys or in rural areas on whatever scraps of food they can beg or steal. Unless they are cared for by a feeder, most die young from disease, starvation, abuse, and accidents - or die violently as food for a predator. The ones that are lucky enough to end up in shelters are usually put to death. Shelters are forced to kill millions of homeless cats each year at a hefty tax bill for citizens, and at an untold emotional burden to shelter workers. "Trap and kill" programs used in an attempt to solve the problem are expensive, and simply don't work. New cats soon come in to fill the void. The best solution would seem to be a non-breeding population of cats that are fed and looked after by someone. The territorial nature of the cats should keep new cats out of the area. The total number of feral cats would then decrease by natural attrition (and through accompanying public education encouraging the sterilization of pets.) While most studies have proven that "trap/sterilize/release" programs are the MOST effective in stabilizing feral colonies, most efforts are too small-scale to effectively outpace these prolific breeders. Most people who find themselves suddenly feeding one or two ferals soon find that they have multiplied to 10 or 20. These otherwise caring people often have limited financial resources, and no access to information regarding the trapping and sterilization of ferals. Where low cost spay/neuter IS available, it is usually cost-prohibitive when more than a few cats are involved. People often try to ignore the problem (in which case it just gets worse) or they do something drastic, like killing the cats in some desperately inhumane way. “It's not a virus and it's not a bacterium, but it is responsible for the deaths of millions of animals annually. This disease does not discriminate. It strikes dogs and cats, kittens and puppies, purebreds and mix-breeds.... it is pet overpopulation, and it is the biggest problem facing animal shelters today.”TWO UNCONTROLLED BREEDING CATS* ... plus all their kittens ... and all their kittens' kittens' kittens (if none are ever neutered or spayed)WILL ADD UP TO: Year One: 12 Cats Year Two: 66 Cats Year Three: 382 Cats Year Four: 2,201 Cats Year Five: 12,680 Cats Year Six: 73,041 Cats Year Seven: 420,715 Cats Year Eight: 2,423,316 Cats Year Nine: 13,958,290 Cats Year Ten: 80,399,780 Cats *Population Figures in this table are based on: an average of 2 litters of kittens per year; an average of 2.8 surviving kittens per litter; an average 10-year breeding life.The Problem Once Again:Feral and homeless cats are a huge part of the growing pet over-population problem everywhere. The number of feral cats in the U.S. has been estimated at 60 million. Ferals are the wild offspring of domestic cats, and ALWAYS the result of pet owners who fail to spay or neuter their animals. Many people think pets can regain their so-called "natural" instincts and hunt to survive if they are abandoned or lost. The truth is - they can't. Their lives are a grim struggle to survive in back alleys or in rural areas on whatever scraps of food they can beg or steal. Unless they are cared for by a feeder, most die young from disease, starvation, abuse, and accidents - or die violently as food for a predator. The ones that are lucky enough to end up in shelters are usually put to death. Shelters are forced to kill millions of homeless cats each year at a hefty tax bill for citizens, and at an untold emotional burden to shelter workers. "Trap and kill" programs used in an attempt to solve the problem are expensive, and simply don't work. New cats soon come in to fill the void. The best solution would seem to be a non-breeding population of cats that are fed and looked after by someone. The territorial nature of the cats should keep new cats out of the area. The total number of feral cats would then decrease by natural attrition (and through accompanying public education encouraging the sterilization of pets.) While most studies have proven that "trap/sterilize/release" programs are the MOST effective in stabilizing feral colonies, most efforts are too small-scale to effectively outpace these prolific breeders. Most people who find themselves suddenly feeding one or two ferals soon find that they have multiplied to 10 or 20. These otherwise caring people often have limited financial resources, and no access to information regarding the trapping and sterilization of ferals. Where low cost spay/neuter IS available, it is usually cost-prohibitive when more than a few cats are involved. People often try to ignore the problem (in which case it just gets worse) or they do something drastic, like killing the cats in some desperately inhumane way. TWO UNCONTROLLED BREEDING CATS ... plus all their kittens ... and all their kittens' kittens' kittens (if none are ever neutered or spayed) WILL ADD UP TO: Year One: 12 Cats Year Two: 66 Cats Year Three: 382 Cats Year Four: 2,201 Cats Year Five: 12,680 Cats Year Six: 73,041 Cats Year Seven: 420,715 Cats Year Eight: 2,423,316 Cats Year Nine: 13,958,290 Cats Year Ten: 80,399,780 Cats National Statistics

Back to the problem : 

Back to the problem *Feral and homeless cats are a huge part of the growing pet over-population problem everywhere. *Ferals are the wild offspring of domestic cats, and ALWAYS the result of pet owners who fail to spay or neuter their animals. *Many people think pets can regain their so-called "natural" instincts and hunt to survive if they are abandoned or lost. The truth is - they can't. Their lives are a grim struggle to survive in back alleys or in rural areas on whatever scraps of food they can beg or steal. *Unless they are cared for by a feeder, most die young from disease, starvation, abuse, and accidents - or die violently as food for a predator.

Slide 10: 

The problem continued... *The ones that are lucky enough to end up in shelters are usually put to death. *Shelters are forced to kill millions of homeless cats each year at a hefty tax bill for citizens, and at an untold emotional burden to shelter workers.

Slide 11: 

Some Solutions to Cat Overpopulation *"Trap and kill" programs -expensive -simply don't work. *Trap and relocation programs -time consuming -expensive -specific procedures need to be followed -70% of relocated cats remain at their new location. *Low cost spay/neuter -usually cost-prohibitive when more than a few cats are involved.

Solutions Continued... : 

Solutions Continued... *Eliminate Food Source -Depriving the cats of food often has the opposite effect - they just come closer. -Ferals are extremely territorial, and their nature keeps them from wandering off. -Rather than leaving to find food elsewhere, they'll encroach further into human habitations. -Depriving the cats of food is also obviously rather cruel, as it can result in their starvation. *People often try to ignore the problem

Habitat for Cats Believes inPopulation Control Through : 

Habitat for Cats Believes inPopulation Control Through TNR

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) : 

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) *Kittens and tame cats are adopted into good homes. Healthy adult cats too wild to be adopted are returned to their familiar habitat under the lifelong care of volunteers. *Full management plan in which stray and feral cats already living outdoors in cities, towns, and rural areas are humanely trapped, then evaluated, vaccinated, and sterilized by veterinarians.

Trap, Neuter, Return : 

Trap, Neuter, Return Trap = Using humane “have a heart” trap to catch and safely transport a feral cat to the vet. Neuter = A licensed vet leukemia tests, vaccinates, alters a cat. The left ear is tipped to distinguish which cat has had vet care. Return = The cat is released to its original surroundings and caretakers provide food, water and shelter for this animal.

STEP 1: The cat is humanely trapped and transported to the vet. : 

STEP 1: The cat is humanely trapped and transported to the vet.

STEP 2: The cat is transferred into an anesthetisingchamber. : 

STEP 2: The cat is transferred into an anesthetisingchamber.

STEP 3: The cat is given a full exam and prepared for surgery. : 

STEP 3: The cat is given a full exam and prepared for surgery.

STEP 4:The cat is spayed/neutered. : 

STEP 4:The cat is spayed/neutered.

STEP 5: The cat is given its rabies and distemper vaccinations, a droncit injection is given and revolution applied. : 

STEP 5: The cat is given its rabies and distemper vaccinations, a droncit injection is given and revolution applied. STEP 6: The final part of a feral work up is to “tip” the left ear.

The feral cat is allowed time to wake up after it surgery and will eventually find its way into the “blue box.” : 

The feral cat is allowed time to wake up after it surgery and will eventually find its way into the “blue box.”

Slide 22: 

We have volunteers that assist in making insulated sleeping huts for the cats that have no place to get out of the cold!

History of Trap, Neuter, Return : 

History of Trap, Neuter, Return *TNR evolved from nonlethal control programs practiced for decades in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa. *In the U.S., TNR is practiced by thousands of individuals and hundreds of groups, with the help of sympathetic veterinarians. -Alley Cat Allies -Feral Cat Coalition -Neighborhood Cats -Friends of Ferals *TNR is endorsed by numerous institutions and organizations. -the American Veterinary Medical Association -ASPCA -Best Friends Animal Sanctuary -Cat Fancier’s Association -Cornell and Tufts Universities Schools of Vet Med -Doris Day Animal League -SPAY/USA.

TNR in the news... : 

TNR in the news... “Bloomfield Launches First Municipally-Approved TNR Program in Northern NJ” September 7, 2003 “Fix is in for feral cats: Group has plans for county's 1 million strays” Meghan E. Moravcik The Arizona Republic Feb. 16, 2005 12:00 AM “State panel takes up controversial issue of feral cats” Associated Press Posted on Thursday, May. 29, 2003

TNR Literature : 

TNR Literature

What is our community doing to deal with the problem of feral cat overpopulation : 

What is our community doing to deal with the problem of feral cat overpopulation -Friends of Ferals -Concern for Cats -Animal Rescue Team -Help the Cats *small local groups are scratching the surface but it’s not enough to make the “real” difference! *The most commonly employed method of animal control for feral cat population management is to capture and euthanize feral or unowned cats (often referred to as “trap and kill”)

Eradication: Why it doesn’t work : 

Eradication: Why it doesn’t work *The typically out-of-control feral cat numbers in most regions should be testimony enough to the failure of this method. The reasons why it almost always fails in the long term are clear enough! *Methods that attempt to eradicate cats through euthanasia are ineffective, because cats left behind will continue to breed and move into the newly-opened habitat. This is called a "vacuum-effect."

Eradication Continued... : 

Eradication Continued... Feral cat caretakers are a devoted breed who will often do whatever is in their power to feed and protect their feline friends including: Another reason why it doesn’t work: -violating feeding bans -trespassing on private property -interfering with the trapping efforts of animal control agencies.

Proponents of TNR : 

Proponents of TNR *A properly run TNR program in which cats are vaccinated actually protects public health, creating an important line of defense against rabies. *The life expectancy of the average feral cat increases from 2-4 years to that of 7 years after being spayed and brought back to their territory. Besides the obvious fact that the program stabilizes the cat population... *It is much more cost-effective than the 'trap and kill' method traditionally employed by animal control agencies." *Spaying/neutering of ferals eliminates their “annoying” behavior.

Proponents Continued... : 

Proponents Continued... *This program fosters compassion in the community. *Feral cats can minimize rodent problems *Many people enjoy watching feral cats and observing animals has been shown to lower blood pressure in medical studies. *Individuals who cannot take on the full time commitment of adopting a companion animal can participate in programs to help feral cats. This provides a viable alternative to irresponsibly purchasing an animal one is not prepared to care for.

Opponents of TNR : 

Opponents of TNR “The decline in songbird populations is caused by many factors, including habitat loss, pollution, pesticides, and window strikes. A new report by David I. King of the U.S. Forest Service's Northeastern Research Station and John H. Rappole of the Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center concludes that the biggest problem is the loss of the birds' winter habitat in the tropics due to deforestation. There is no evidence that feral cats are to blame for a decline in the bird population at large.” -Michael Mountain (Best Friends) *Feral cats, are considered an introduced species in some parts of the world, predate upon wildlife. Many wildlife and bird advocacy organizations argue that TNR does nothing to address this issue or the possibility that predation by feral cats could threaten endangered species.

Opponents of TNR : 

Opponents of TNR *Feeding stations could be set up in a way to minimize attracting unwanted wildlife. Well fed, healthy cats will defend their territory against intruders. Feeding times could be set up twice a day. The cats will adjust to the schedule and the food could be removed after a reasonable period. To date, there have been no cases reported where humans have been infected with rabies in which the transmitter was a feral cat. *Stations maintained by caregivers attract animals like raccoons and skunks that carry rabies and other disease, creating a public threat.

Opponents of TNR : 

Opponents of TNR *It is nearly impossible to trap all the cats and new cats enter the “managed” colony *Colonies require perpetual maintenance and costs. Volunteers often bear costs for care of colonies. *With a large, trained workforce available to monitor the cats on a regular basis, new cats entering the colony would be easily recognized. They could then be trapped; vaccinated; sterilized; ear-tipped; and returned to the colony. *Local governments could spend money currently allocated to trap, temporarily house and kill cats to save them. It costs taxpayers, on average, approximately $125 to trap and kill a single cat.

Additional Support for TNR:*Low cost or free mobile spay/neuter vehicles could be made available for feral and free-roaming cat caretakers. *Volunteers from privately operated animal shelters could assist with all tasks since less time and financial resources will be spent on care and euthanization. *The substantial manpower and financial resources currently used to trap and kill felines could be used to save them. *Properly implemented TNR results in stabilization of colonies and eventually, zero population growth. *Remember, there are millions of cat lovers in the U.S. Most are not aware of this issue because they have not yet been affected. It is up to us to educate them and request their help. : 

Additional Support for TNR:*Low cost or free mobile spay/neuter vehicles could be made available for feral and free-roaming cat caretakers. *Volunteers from privately operated animal shelters could assist with all tasks since less time and financial resources will be spent on care and euthanization. *The substantial manpower and financial resources currently used to trap and kill felines could be used to save them. *Properly implemented TNR results in stabilization of colonies and eventually, zero population growth. *Remember, there are millions of cat lovers in the U.S. Most are not aware of this issue because they have not yet been affected. It is up to us to educate them and request their help.

Habitat for Cats, Inc. Spay/Neuter Statistics : 

Habitat for Cats, Inc. Spay/Neuter Statistics Males Females Total 1999-2000 18 39 57 2001-2002 55 82 137 2002-2003 47 49 96 2003-2004 53 71 124

Future Goal of Habitat for Cats, Inc. : 

Future Goal of Habitat for Cats, Inc. Our ultimate goal for Habitat for Cats is to open and operate a high volume, free or low cost spay/neuter clinic. *Many other cities have provided us with working and proven models of success using this method. *The main advantage to such a clinic would be that much higher numbers of cats could be sterilized. *These cities have demonstrated a reduction in their local shelter’s euthanasia statistics. *Clinics that we have been researching operate utilizing a combination of grants, corporate funding, private donations, and fund raising events. Habitat for Cats is committed to obtaining the necessary funding to reach this goal, thus providing our community for the first time with a progressive, humane and proven solution to feral cat overpopulation.

Slide 37: 

How You Can Help *Spay or neuter your own pet. *Be aware of the problem and within your own area keep a close watch on homeless or feral cats. Call for assistance before it’s too late. *Become a volunteer and encourage your personal veterinarian to become involved. *Educate yourself and the public about the issue of feral cat overpopulation.