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What is a feral?
A wild cat.
Cats cover the whole spectrum from pampered royalty to an animal
that lives as part of the wild-life community, albeit,
often in the middle of the human domain. The mystery of
cats is enhanced when added with the mystery of being feral.
How many ferals are there?
There are very few studies on feral cats and even fewer statistics.
It is
difficult to say because ferals don’t advertise their presence,
and shy domestic cats may easily be mistaken for a feral
from a distance.
Where do they come from?
Quite simply, Ferals are the product of human irresponsibility.
Unneutered domestic cats are allowed to roam freely or
are "disposable" commodities dumped when they become too
inconvenient. These unneutered domestics produce offspring
who have little or no direct contact with humans - these are
ferals.
What to do with them?
The Past
The old trap & kill methods used for decades are not effective
as evidenced by the local animal control statistics. Individuals
have been out practicing the trap-neuter-release or relocation
method for several years. These valiant efforts are wonderful
but relatively ineffective when faced with the seemingly unending
amount of kittens on the streets every spring.
The Future
Mass spay/neutering.
Just one pair of breeding cats X 2 to 3 litters a year X 5 kittens
averaged per litter X 7 years = 420,000 cats. To combat
this prolific rate, a mass
spay/neutering program is the most efficient and cost-effective
way.
Referred to as an "over-flowing bathtub". Past methods have
concentrated on dealing with the overflow itself. The
"simple" solution is to turn off the taps first. It is
that easy. The hard part is to convince others of it’s simplicity.
Actively DOING spay/neuter eventually shows concrete results
that prove it’s effectiveness beyond a shadow of a doubt.
It IS that easy! Just Do It!
Street Cat Rescue promotes
the implementation of feral cat population control through
the internationally approved trap/neuter/release (TNR)
program. Street kittens are brought into foster homes for
socialization and adoption whenever possible.
Compassionate caregivers work diligently to improve the life of feral
colonies by providing aid and comfort, including food, water, shelter and
medical care.
Feral cats deserve our compassion
and our protection from cruelty and abuse.
Saskatoon’s Future
Street Cat Rescue has built a solid foundation and an excellent
reputation of hard work and commitment since 1996.
Street Cat Rescue, a registered charity, works to support
caregivers and potential caregivers by providing:
• funds for spay/neutering
• a helpline for such things as socialization, relocation, trapping,
medical
issues, and neonatal kitten care
• a network between foster homes and adoptors
• advice, moral support and hands-on assistance to businesses,
acreage owners, and novice caregivers
• educational materials and information sessions to promote
public awareness of the suffering of homeless/feral cats directly
linked to non-compliance with the spay/neuter philosophy.
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