Today is Feral cat Day and Kudos to the (CAS) in Comox/Courtenay for raising awareness.

Feral cats have their day at malls

Oct 14 2005 Comox Valley Record

The Cat Advocates Society (CAS) is hosting National Feral Cat Day (NFCD) events at the Comox Centre Mall on Saturday, Oct. 15 and at the Driftwood Mall in Courtenay on Sunday, Oct. 16.

Events include an Adoptathon for over 20 rescued kittens currently in the CAS's Foster Kitten Program, information on feral cats (and non-feral cats), sale of CAS handcrafted cat products, and a garage sale.

The CAS is also organizing a Feral Cat Spay Day (to spay/neuter more than 50 cats in their largest managed feral colony) through the generous support of Feral Cat Spay Day sponsors: Shamrock Veterinary Clinic, Comox Valley Animal Hospital, Puntledge Veterinary Clinic, and Courtenay Veterinary Clinic who have donated their services, and H&R Block and Van Isle Veterinary Hospital whose support makes it possible for the CAS to cover incidental expenses for the cats, a spokesperson said.

Feral cats are the wild offspring of domestic cats and are primarily the result of pet owners' abandonment, failure to confine, and failure to spay or neuter their cats, allowing them to breed uncontrolled, says the CAS.

Feral cats are domestic animals that, due to human neglect, have been forced to live as wild animals. Feral cats often live collectively in "colonies" which can range from a few cats to dozens of cats. Most die within two to three years, states the CAS.

"Given the poor quality of life of feral cats, the goal of feral management is to gradually eliminate feral cat colonies by a process of 'aging out,' meaning colonies are maintained in a healthy state and prevented from reproducing, leading to the eventual attrition of members," the spokesperson said.

The Cat Advocates' goal is to improve the quality of life in feral colonies through comprehensive feral colony management.

"Our goal is to 'stabilize and maintain' feral populations through (a) the diversion of kittens deemed suitable for socialization and eventual adoption, (b) the maintenance of healthy cats unsuitable for adoption through a trap-neuter-return program, (c) euthanasia of seriously ill cats to end their suffering, and of seriously diseased cats whose disease poses immediate jeopardy to other cats, (d) and a feeding program," the spokesperson said.

The Trap-Neuter-Return Program (TNR) is an effective and humane method of reducing stray and feral cat populations, the CAS says. Cats already living outdoors are humanely trapped, then sterilized and tattooed for identification by veterinarians. Kittens are socialized, sterilized, tattooed, and adopted into good homes. Healthy adult cats too wild to be adopted are returned to their familiar habitats under the care of dedicated volunteers.

All who want to save and improve the lives of stray and feral cats in the Comox Valley while humanely reducing their numbers are urged to take part in National Feral Cat Day events.

For more information, contact Carole at 339-2000.