Feral cats are an increasing problem across the District and indeed the country and continent. You see many stray cats around garbage dumps in towns including Rainy River. These are not just stray domestic cats out for a stroll before returning to their fireside basket to sleep away the day. These are wild feral cats that are breeding indiscriminately around abandoned sheds, barns, and buildings without ever having known any human contact beyond, “Shhhh! Get out of here!”
These feral cats create problems beyond a nuisance. They may catch a few vermin, but they also play havoc with our songbirds and because they are unvaccinated, provide a reservoir for diseases that threaten other pets and even humans. In some areas, particularly the panhandle of Northern Florida, feral cats have become a major vector of rabies.
Some well meaning members of the public noting the poor nutrition conditions many feral cats exhibit have taken to putting out feed supplies for these stray “kitties”. But their well intentioned charity and concern is having unintended serious consequences… a population explosion. In Rainy River, buildings around the junction of 4th St and Broadway have been swarming with increasing numbers of feral cats.
Putting out increasing supplies of cat food has not only become a major attraction for cats, it is encouraging the skunk population to move in. Skunks, raccoons, and other vermin are only too willing to eat up the bounty offered to the cats.
But what is the solution? Enter “Best for Kitty”.
Stay tuned for a full story next week.
