This is a controversial topic upon which diverse people can have strong opinions. A "feral” cat is a domestic cat gone wild. Sometimes they are barn cats left to fend for themselves that have gone wild. At other times they are cats people have no further "use" for that are tossed into the wild by city people, who unthinkingly consider leaving Tabby in the country as a kindness.
Feral cats are of no use to humans. They are a significant problem. More often than not they are unable to survive and become lousy with vermin, unhealthy and pest ridden. They encounter small rabid animals who, if they are unable themselves to kill the cats will infect them with rabies. At that point they become a threat to humans, especially unwary children. They are virulent killers who kill when they are not hungry, and will wipe out song birds, game and creatures that are generally considered productive to society. This contributes to their downfall. In a small farming community where the landfill is not large, they will kill everything they need to survive on in summer and early autumn, then in winter they gradually starve to death. Their emaciated carcasses will be found in spring and summer dead from starvation. One of the best ways to rid a landfill or community of feral cats is shooting. Poison, while effective, kills pets and gets into the ecosystem beyond the original intention. Shooting is specific as to species and creates a form of entertainment for target shooters.
Shooting feral cats can raise significant emotions in those for whom a cat is a soft, furry companion ideal for purring companionship. However once let loose in the country, Aunt Abby's precious Tabby can become both destructive to small game and song birds and a dangerous disease carrier. Think about this aspect of the issue before you impose Tabby on somebody else's community. Chances are Tabby will either die a slow death of disease and starvation, be eaten by coyotes or be shot.
Feral cats are of no use to humans. They are a significant problem. More often than not they are unable to survive and become lousy with vermin, unhealthy and pest ridden. They encounter small rabid animals who, if they are unable themselves to kill the cats will infect them with rabies. At that point they become a threat to humans, especially unwary children. They are virulent killers who kill when they are not hungry, and will wipe out song birds, game and creatures that are generally considered productive to society. This contributes to their downfall. In a small farming community where the landfill is not large, they will kill everything they need to survive on in summer and early autumn, then in winter they gradually starve to death. Their emaciated carcasses will be found in spring and summer dead from starvation. One of the best ways to rid a landfill or community of feral cats is shooting. Poison, while effective, kills pets and gets into the ecosystem beyond the original intention. Shooting is specific as to species and creates a form of entertainment for target shooters.
Shooting feral cats can raise significant emotions in those for whom a cat is a soft, furry companion ideal for purring companionship. However once let loose in the country, Aunt Abby's precious Tabby can become both destructive to small game and song birds and a dangerous disease carrier. Think about this aspect of the issue before you impose Tabby on somebody else's community. Chances are Tabby will either die a slow death of disease and starvation, be eaten by coyotes or be shot.
