Report: Kill the Feral Cats

A new report by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that recommends killing feral cats as a way to control the wild animals has bird lovers crowing and cat lovers hissing.

Most likely to stir debate is the report's finding that a practice commonly used to control feral cats is ineffective at eliminating their colonies. ADVERTISEMENT

The practice of trapping homeless cats, neutering or spaying them and then returning them to the area where they were found has gained popularity across the country. Scores of organizations in cities and communities are dedicated to the trap, neuter and return effort.

But Phyllis Larsen, a member of a feral cat management group on the UNL campus called Husker Cats, believes the report is flawed.

Our girls were pretty young when they were brought in from the wild. I think it was around 5-6 weeks. The vet's family hand-reared them for a few more weeks while he took care of any mites, fleas, immunizations, etc. By the time we got them they were used to being handled, and ready for a permanent home. They never learned to hunt from momma cat. They have the instinct and ability to catch the odd mouse that gets into the house, but they don't kill it. They take it in the bathtub to play for a while, and then walk away. We know what they've been up to when we find mouse poo and bits of blood in the bathtub from time to time.

They're smart kitties, and very healthy at 11 years. Feral breeding has its advantages. The shy one taught us how to play fetch with her, and she's been known to open the kitchen cabinet and open a metal can with plastic lid when she is hungry. She also opens pocket doors, and the accordion fold door to the linen closet. She likes to sleep on top of the clean towels.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.