There are many things homeowners and citizens can do to keep feline populations under control. Messmer said that although cats make affectionate pets, many domestic cats can also hunt as effectively as wild predators and need to be managed. Many feral cats are wary of humans, as they have had very little exposure to them. While feral cats are born in the wild, the offspring of a stray cat can be considered feral if they are born in the wild. A feral cat differs from a stray cat, which is a pet cat that has been lost or abandoned. Methods to best manage the growing feral cat problem were addressed in the 2011 Utah Legislature with the introduction of two bills, each proposing different solutions.Īccording to Terry Messmer, Utah State University Extension wildlife specialist, a feral cat is the descendant of a domesticated cat that has returned to the wild. Between January 2002 and August 2003, more than 7,000 feral cats were neutered in Utah through the No More Homeless Pets in Utah campaign, but this may only be the tip of the iceberg. Rescues are the most satisfying part of the project - seeing first hand that we’re making a difference and saving lives.The estimated number of pet and feral or free-roaming cats in urban and rural regions of the United States has grown to over 100 million. We also rescue an occasional adult who is obviously friendly and desperately wants to have a family again. If trapped before they’re eight weeks old, kittens can easily socialize and find homes.

Fostering kittens rescued in the colony.

For Pets’ Sake volunteers also feed several colonies who have no caretakers. Colonies may range up to 40 or 50 cats, so food becomes a large expense. FPS provides food to about 50-70 colonies every year for caretakers who are willing to feed the cats, but cannot afford the food.

Feeding good quality food on a regular basis.

For Pets’ Sake pays 100% for these services with the goal of having healthier cats who will NOT produce any more kittens. Cats are then returned to their homes, a process known worldwide as TNR (trap-neuter-return). Trapping the cats for their first and only trip to the vet, where they are spayed or neutered, get a rabies shot, a basic medical checkup and treatment for problems like fleas, ticks, and infections.

The Feral Cat Project helps in three major ways:

Free download feeding feral cats