I am a feral cat trapper/rehaber. Admittedly, animals are my one liberal cause. And yes, it is the fault of neglectful owners who do not neuter their animals that are the root of this problem.
I used to think that compassion and feeding was the best thing to do- until I really began studying packs of feral cats. These cats, on average, have a life span of three years, and usually die from disease. The diseases they carry are a big threat to domestic cats who are allowed outdoor access (which owners should seriously reconsider). Feral cats have also created problems for native bird populations, and have severely dwindled numbers of endangered birds. They are dirty, mean, and almost impossible to domesticate after the age of six months- although I have seen success stories. I took in a pregnant feral cat who had five beautiful kittens which were hand- raised and found loving, indoor homes. And the mother also became very loving and tame.
Once I realized all of these things, I had no qualms about trapping the adults and turning them over to the humane society. Some of the cats I trapped were so pitiful to look at... their only crime is that they were doing what came natural- all because some stupid owner at some point chose not to have a cat fixed.
I feed ferals too. Two of them that live behind this drug store at first hissed at me and looked mean for at least a month. Today..I clean the ones ears while he purrs nonstop...and I can pick the little tailess female up and hold her while she purrs. These were so-called WILD cats. Up North I fed them too.... one was born outside...mean and scary looking....after a good few months...she is a sweet loving kitty now..loves to be petted. All it took was some patience and trust. Almost ALL FERALS can be turned around. MOST FERALS were first housecats but came to distrust people since there were abandoned and left for dead. Feral cats can be great pets for people who understand and have patience. I have a EX-feral living in my house..she is the sweetest little thing...I am so glad she was living behind my shed...she is a godsend. I wish people would help ferals instead of calling them a problem...catch them get them fixed, get them the shots...they were born and deserve to finish a halfway decent life. Help them....and dont' look at them as a problem. Nobody better ever try to trap these two cats behind the drugstore unless they intend to help them.........they should not have them destroyed for being homeless.