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Sat, 03/08/2008 - 9:41pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Diseases and parasites which feral cats are known to transmit to people.

1)Rabies virus- fatal in humans
2)Psittacosis –bacteria- parrot fever – fever, pneumonia- fatal in humans
3) Campylobacter- bacteria -diarrhea- fatal
4) Ringworm fungus- round, scaly eczema-like skin disease
5) Conjunctivitus (sporotrichosis)- swollen eyes , lymph nodes
6) Streptococcus / Staphlococcus – bacteria, some antibiotic resistant
7) Pasteuralla – bacteria - meningitis, peritonitis, liver abscesses
8) Salmonella- bacteria -can be fatal in humans
9) Cat Scratch Fever- bacteria- fever, swollen lymph nodes, pus filled lumps
10) Helicobacter pylori – bacteria- causes gastric ulcers
11) Mycobacterium tuberculosis – bacteria - tuberculosis- fatal in humans
12) Cowpox Virus- lesions
13) Roundworms- from cat feces – invade liver, lungs , brain , eyes
14) Hookworms- from cat feces- skin lesions, intestinal bleeding
15) Ascarid worms- intestinal worms- invade brain, spinal cord, liver, lungs, blood
16) Tapeworms- from cat feces - solid masses in brain,liver,lungs,
17) Fleas- carry a host of diseases transmitted to people- Lyme disease
18) Ticks- carry a host of diseases transmitted to people –Lyme disease
19) Crytosporidiosis –chronic diarrhea, no cure
20) Giardiasis- from cat feces- protozoan- diarrhea , abdominal cramps , fever
21) Toxoplasmosis – protozoan -brain parasite, transmitted to fetus, brain damaged
22) Skin mites- itchy rashes, viral host
23) Ear mites- itchy rashes- viral host
24) Chiggers- itchy rashes- viral host
25) Feline plague- bubonic plague, pneumonic plague – fatal in humans
26) Capnocytophaga –bacteria – saliva -fatal in humans
27) L-Form bacteria – autoimmune diseases, antibiotic resistant - fatal in humans
28) Strongyloides – worms - parasite, peptic ulcer, gallbladder, Crohn-like, fatal
29) E. coli – bacteria - from cat feces- fatal
30) Bordetella – bacteria , meningitis, pneumonia –like , whooping cough
31) Q Fever- bacteria - heart disease, liver dysfunction, acute fever, fatal
32) Anthrax- bacteria – vomiting, fever, diarrhea fatal in humans

Sat, 03/08/2008 - 9:39pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Wow- Dump your elected Einstein's!

Diseases and parasites which feral cats are known to transmit to people.

1)Rabies virus- fatal in humans
2)Psittacosis –bacteria- parrot fever – fever, pneumonia- fatal in humans
3) Campylobacter- bacteria -diarrhea- fatal
4) Ringworm fungus- round, scaly eczema-like skin disease
5) Conjunctivitus (sporotrichosis)- swollen eyes , lymph nodes
6) Streptococcus / Staphlococcus – bacteria, some antibiotic resistant
7) Pasteuralla – bacteria - meningitis, peritonitis, liver abscesses
8) Salmonella- bacteria -can be fatal in humans
9) Cat Scratch Fever- bacteria- fever, swollen lymph nodes, pus filled lumps
10) Helicobacter pylori – bacteria- causes gastric ulcers
11) Mycobacterium tuberculosis – bacteria - tuberculosis- fatal in humans
12) Cowpox Virus- lesions
13) Roundworms- from cat feces – invade liver, lungs , brain , eyes
14) Hookworms- from cat feces- skin lesions, intestinal bleeding
15) Ascarid worms- intestinal worms- invade brain, spinal cord, liver, lungs, blood
16) Tapeworms- from cat feces - solid masses in brain,liver,lungs,
17) Fleas- carry a host of diseases transmitted to people- Lyme disease
18) Ticks- carry a host of diseases transmitted to people –Lyme disease
19) Crytosporidiosis –chronic diarrhea, no cure
20) Giardiasis- from cat feces- protozoan- diarrhea , abdominal cramps , fever
21) Toxoplasmosis – protozoan -brain parasite, transmitted to fetus, brain damaged
22) Skin mites- itchy rashes, viral host
23) Ear mites- itchy rashes- viral host
24) Chiggers- itchy rashes- viral host
25) Feline plague- bubonic plague, pneumonic plague – fatal in humans
26) Capnocytophaga –bacteria – saliva -fatal in humans
27) L-Form bacteria – autoimmune diseases, antibiotic resistant - fatal in humans
28) Strongyloides – worms - parasite, peptic ulcer, gallbladder, Crohn-like, fatal
29) E. coli – bacteria - from cat feces- fatal
30) Bordetella – bacteria , meningitis, pneumonia –like , whooping cough
31) Q Fever- bacteria - heart disease, liver dysfunction, acute fever, fatal
32) Anthrax- bacteria – vomiting, fever, diarrhea fatal in humans

Wed, 02/20/2008 - 4:45pm - Posted by: Anonymous

The brain parasite Toxoplasmosis causes severe birth defect and brain damage in human fetuses. Parasite remains infectious and viable in sand for over a year and is communicated via seawater transmission to unsuspecting mothers. Feral cats are the primary infectious vector for this parasite to people. Bathers at the beaches of Cape May should be advised that if the cats have access to the beaches I would avoid swimming at the beaches where the cats are roaming. One out of one thousand babies born in the US have toxoplasmosis at birth and many more go undiagnosed until symptoms such as schizophrenia and mental retardation are diagnosed later in child's life. One need not be a rocket scientist to see that Cape May taxpayers are now liable in any law suit pertaining to the diseases carried by these cats. Last one in is a rotten egg!

Tue, 02/19/2008 - 5:59pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I am all for the TNR program, if they need any funding assistance, please post the information for donations. I am certain that some arrangements can be made to protect the birds, the cats and the horseshoe crabs if we all work together to find a solution, but lets not wait too long. We are finding out too late, how we are all linked to each other and the extinction of one species may have effects not realized until the extinct species becomes mankind. I hope we have the intelligence and integrity to work with nature and thrive.

Sat, 02/09/2008 - 9:19am - Posted by: Anonymous

Feral cats have and are causing extinctions all over the world. Here on Long Island, in the Town of Brookhaven, the Town allowed a "Cat Nutter" group (via our "Adopt- a Park" program) to adopt a coastal "Wildlife Sanctuary" known to be a Piping Plover nesting site. They install a "cat ranch" and notified other cat groups. "Cat Nutter" groups masquerade as "litter cleanup" and "beach grooming " groups to install cat ranches in Town Parks on the coasts. They like the coasts because after they feed their "furry children" , as they call them, they can go for a healthy walk and feel good about themselves. The Park was a designated " Wildlife Sanctuary" The cats merrily ate the plover chicks for ten years under the nose of US Fish and Wildlife in violation of the "Endangered Species Act" The cats have denuded the Sanctuary of wildlife and continue to deposit feces all over our bathing beach. The "cat Nutter" syndrome might be the most serious threat to wildlife on our island that I have seen in my life time. Unless the wildlife defenders pipe up now and start a challenge to this insanity there is a bleak future . With the cat predation superintended on loss of habitat and pollution, the bird population will suffer. Anybody who states that a feral cat is a poor hunter of birds is willing to ignore reams of research done in several countries which proves exactly the oppose, they are the consummate predatory machine on small wildlife species and the world's biologists recognize this FACT. These feral cats take egrets and blue herons, they are large , strong animals. The US Fish and Wildlife Service exhibits "dereliction of duty" here and in Cape May from what I have seen. Local politicians will aid , fund and abet the process of wildlife destruction and "endangered species " destruction in the face of a handful of 'Nutters". One should note that the " Cat nutter" instruction groups on the web caution their 'Nutters" to get a rabies shot! .

Sat, 02/09/2008 - 8:06am - Posted by: Anonymous

Rabies vaccination lasts one year cats live ten years

Thu, 11/08/2007 - 12:42am - Posted by: Anonymous

What was sidestepped? You certainly can question what I say. I don't mind a dialogue. But, right and almighty? Frankly, that sounds weird. My opinion is based on science, what research I have done and my own experiences, as well as what I hear from catfeeders, rescuers, and the TNR community and ACOs.

To answer your question about thirty years ago, go to following link and look at second paragraph:

http://www.wnrmag.com/stories/1996/dec96/cats.htm

The article to which I am referring is TNR - the reality and the impacts, but Linda W. I believe what you are referring to is the paper by Andersen, Martin, and Roemer. JAVMA 225:1871-1876. In the Andersen paper, the model they used showed that the cat population can be controlled by annual removal of > 50% or annual altering of > 75%. These numbers do not take newcomers or greater availability of food into account. I believe there are studies that indicate that annual altering has to be greater than 90% to reduce populations.

I don't think any particular method will end overpopulation, but I have not found TNR to work. I have found Trap and Remove to work. I think education is the most important way to change the behaviors of people, but I also think TNR undermines efforts to do that.

Wed, 11/07/2007 - 2:45am - Posted by: kat

I 'm not surprised by this reaction,you neatly side stepped how kool . How dare I question, well you question TNR , So I question you. You like to think that you're right and all mighty don't you. You say we are in denial , so are you. I don't question veterinarians OR the AVMA , but that does'nt make every thing they say right. How come when it comes to TNR your oppinion is science and TNR is'nt . Thank you for the history lession , cut a raw nerve did'nt I. Remind me next time I or any one else goes to the doctor and they make a mistake . How do you know the population is'nt what it was 30 years ago ? After all it's just a guess but you want blame every thing and the kitchen sink on TNR . My credibility huh ? maybe you should scrutenise your selves . I read the article it was a statistical model on how if you kill half the feral population , you'll be able to wipe them out and they would disappear . They've been killing for along time way before TNR. The ferals are just as populous ,how do you explain this, the colonies are not going away , they won't . Irresponsible pet owners are to blame. They don't keep their commitment to their pets, how does Linda Witer explain this or the AVMA for that matter . Where's your science when a person decides to throw their cat out ? Scientists are 't God you know.

Tue, 11/06/2007 - 3:04pm - Posted by: Anonymous

The American Veterinary Medical Association are NOT scientists?? What exactly qualifies as a scientist in your world?
To question the credibility of the Veterinary Profession only degrades your own credibility.

Tue, 11/06/2007 - 1:25pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Actually there is proof, but TNR advocates are in denial about this. Read the article from the 2004 issue of JAVMA by Linda Winter. And the AVMA not being a scientist? Well, the AVMA is an ORGANIZATION that provides guidance based on sound science, but of course caregivers should not pay any attention to this because what the AVMA (and other scientific organizations) say is what TNR folks don't want to hear about TNR, but just for folks who know nothing about the AVMA, here is some info from their site:

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), established in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 75,000 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services. Structured to work for its members, the AVMA acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession.

The objective of the Association is to advance the science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to public health, biological science, and agriculture. The Association provides a forum for the discussion of issues of importance to the veterinary profession, and for the development of official positions. The Association is the authorized voice for the profession in presenting its views to government, academia, agriculture, pet owners, the media, and other concerned publics.

And, yes ferals have been around for a long time, but not even thirty years ago were their numbers as huge as today. This is an epidemic and if you remove the cats and the food the problem is solved. What IS wishful thinking is that TNR is going to eliminate colonies. More cats will always show up for that food. And you do not have to be a scientist to understand this, realist yes, scientist, no.

Educating people about how this misguided method does nothing to eliminate colonies and harms wildlife and about responsible pet ownership is needed and all energy well spent.

Mon, 11/05/2007 - 7:17pm - Posted by: kat

There IS no proof that removing food sources makes cats disappear it's wishfull thinking, before you quote from the JAVMA article remember Linda Winter is no scientist nor is the AVMA. There are millions of cats that die in animal shelters everyday and yet you have and have had millions of feral cats in the world for a long time.You want less cats, educate people that their cats are a life time commitment. Start at humane societies and work your way from there , just think all of the energy you people waste fighting TNR could be used for helping the cats find homes and address the issues that might cause them to lose their homes might be solved . Could it though that you people favor a good fight instead of really helping cats ?

Mon, 11/05/2007 - 12:54am - Posted by: Anonymous

Removing cats and the food source has worked and does work. Would you say wildlife has lots of problems so doing something about pesticides won't help, or preserving open space, etc?

We won't ever rid the world of cats, but we should do as much as we can to encourage if not mandate that pet owners keep their cats inside and we should eliminate colonies of feral cats. That is the goal of TNR, but we don't see it happening.

Sun, 11/04/2007 - 9:06pm - Posted by: Kat

Killing feral cats is just as ineffective and it also does'nt work , wild life has many problems but you're not going to solve those by ridding the world of cats.

Sat, 11/03/2007 - 12:25am - Posted by: Anonymous

Some colonies are better managed than others. But it is still ineffective and harmful to wildlife.

Thu, 11/01/2007 - 12:37am - Posted by: Anonymous

In order to be succesful in managing a feral cat colony, caretakers must follow a guideline. There are workshops for caretakers to attend to, but if one cannot attend, then seek a guidance from any TNR advocacy community organization. This is a must before running a feral cat colony. I live in the suburb, in Los Angeles County and my group of friends have been doing TNR for 5 years using the Stray Cats Alliance guideline. I used to be a Cape May resident for a year. For 5 years, we have placed formerly feral kittens and adults up for adoption. We are always in great need of foster homes to tame ferals and re-socialize strays. We, too, have a strict policy of placing these adoptable cats and we visit the homes of prospective adoptees to make sure that our cats won't end up to animal hoarders. We also do follow up to make sure that everything is okay. Please undestand that not all ferals can be tamed, especially if their past experience with people and the environment is bad.

Here is the guideline we borrowed from Stray Cats Alliance to care for our feral cat colony. Suggested TTVAR-M Guidelines (Test, Trap, Vaccinate, Release, and Maintain)
http://feralcatalliance.org/caring.php

What is a responsible feral cat maintenance? http://feralcatalliance.org/resp.htm

Hope this would help you understand what we really do.

Mon, 10/29/2007 - 12:08pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Which studies have you found that are contradictory?

You perpetuate a myth that simply because someone or an organization is opposed to a particular method of management, that he, she or the group is not compassionate (even worse some people say anti-cat or cat hater).

Common sense tells us that TNR is ineffective because this does not take place in a closed system. How do you know that MOST vet schools officially support TNR? There are many groups that do not - not just PETA. The AVMA recognizes that TNR will not make a statistically significant dent in the population. The AAV and ABC do not support TNR. There is also the Wildlife Disease Association, The Wildlife Society, the National Audubon Society, the American Assn of Wildlife Vets, the National Assoc. of State Public Health Vets, NWF, and others. (And of course, these orgs just don't know what they are talking about, right?)

Thank you for the citation. Will look into this further, but most of those mesopredator studies do not take into account other environmental factors and treat interactions between three species as if they were happening in a vacuum.

At colony locations you will find an abundance of non native mice and rats - they too come to the artificial food source. This can exacerbate things further. And unfortunately, the cats are killing not just non-native rodents. And the cats do not tend to prey on rats that are greater than six ounces in weight.

I would like to see more info about predation rates being low because the pet cats are fed regularly. Feeding in no way lessens the motivation to hunt.

And even if we do not have a population decline in a particular species, why wait for that to happen? Why encourage this? We should be doing all we can to prevent this and that includes removing cats from the environment.

Just fyi:

http://kiggavik.typepad.com/the_house_other_arctic_mu/2007/10/of-cats-an...

It may be your opinion that TNR is humane and compassionate. I do not agree and there are people who are in animal welfare, who rescue cats, who also do NOT agree.

I do not advocate drowning, poisoning, any type of abuse, or any other method that is inhumane. People do this to random cats, their own cats, and to those cats that are part of managed and unmanaged colonies.

Even in groups that have a number of resources, they have not been able to effectively reduce colony numbers or to eliminate colonies. Look at Levy's study in JAVMA from 12/2005.

Cats can be nuisances in managed and unmanaged colonies. One more reason to remove them. You are not going to prevent cruelty to colony cats by managing them. There are countless atrocities listed on listservs and forums, PETA has found them, and colony caregivers have expressed this about various colonies (including former cat feeders).

I would agree though that if someone is going to practice TNR, the food should not be left out and raised platforms are preferable.

The environment is affected in several ways. Too many times cat feeders leave out trash and do not pick it up. Birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians are killed. Rabies vector species come regularly to the food and get too used to humans and do not rely on their own natural food sources as much. Cat feces in the environment, especially in waterways, can pose public health risks. TNR is the perfect way to degrade Mother Earth just a little more than we do already.

There are no TNR advocates I wish to thank. I do not mean to discount whatever work they put into their efforts, but I think the whole concept is terribly misguided. And I agree, TNR advocates will go to great lengths to "save the cat at all costs" and that is very much part of the problem.

And if the other poster feels that all animals, wild and domestic, should be treated in a kind manner, then he or she should not be releasing cats that will unnecessarily hunt and kill wildlife and colonies should be enclosed to protect the welfare of the cats. I don't ever blame the cats - I blame the people who release them, the governments that support this, and the pet owners that allow their cats outside.

Your reasoning about habitat loss is precisely why whatever is left should belong to the wild animals and not be degraded by colonies of cats. Those studies, even conservatively, estimate millions of wild animal deaths. People think a bird 'escapes' - they don't. They die later from bacterial infections from even a small puncture wound.

And to the last poster: eloquent maybe, scientifically rigorous - nope. Has anybody out there actually eliminated his or her colony through natural attrition? Not adoption, natural attrition. Anybody?

If you want examples of Trap and Remove that have worked, see the article by Linda Winter in the 11/2004 issue of JAVMA.

There are orgs that know these cats when socialized may need special homes and the adoption contracts I have seen are quite good. I know many people who have opened their homes up to ferals - and these are not cats who go hiding under the bed. They DO need to be properly tamed. But, even in just regular adoptions, we have as much of a guarantee there that the pet will have a life long home.

Do you have examples of enclosed colonies in which the cats were harmed?

By food source I mean cat feeding and insecure trash/dumpsters.

My understanding is that every municipality in NJ is supposed to have an ACO.

Again, I do not expect a cat free world and I do not think it is unrealistic to attempt to educate people about these issues so they can make better and more informed decisions. By removing cat colonies we are giving those patches of fragmented and isolated habitat back to the wild animals to whom it belongs.

Mon, 10/29/2007 - 11:48am - Posted by: Anonymous

Misinformed and skeptic anti-TNR people: There is a science behind TNR but like the other poster said you are always be a dobting Thomases. Here's another and this is a long read. It is a statement from Dr. Levy, an associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Her specialty is feline infectious diseases and feral cat control. She presented her statement at the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) on May 30, 2003, who was proposing a policy to eradicate feral cats in Florida.

http://www.bestfriends.org/allthegoodnews/specialfeatures/ferals1_7.cfm

Ever wondered why despite your fear of diseases from these feral/stray cats, and yet still most veterinary schools who are experts on this area support TNR? So better read Dr. Levy's statement.

Here's an interesting news about the Kabul Cat Company and their positive role in the environment in Afghanistan. Feral/stray cats were once removed as a precautionary to rabies, then returned them back after the soldiers learned the hard lesson. It was reported by U.S. Army Col. Jared Kline. The Kabul Cat Company is protecting the soldiers from rats and snakes.

http://www.nato.int/shape/news/2004/05/i040514.htm

Mon, 10/29/2007 - 6:24am - Posted by: Kat

Your right, the cat population is perpetuated and maintained, but not and this is IMPORTANT by TNR . It is perpetuated by the failure of those so called cat lovers who don't get their pets fixed or who seem to think cats are a disposable commodity. You seem to want people to prove to you that TNR works and I see several eloquent examples of studies about TNR have been given , but like I said before, any evidence is n o good evidence to people who will always be doubting Thomases, so what's the point? Give me an example of colonies that exist no more using the methods you describe.Taming of ferals can be done, but it is'nt always easy, there will aways be some that will be refuseniks in that area. Most pet lovers want a cat who will cuddle, not one who hides under the bed, also can you guarantee these cats will find a home and make it permanent? I don't need to point out the fact that cats are the majority of animals put down in shelters nor that once in a shelter they are less likely to be redeemed.Fencing in colonies makes it easier for people who want to cause harm to hurt the cats because they are confined. It is impossible to remove the food sources feral cats subsist on, but when you use the term food source in this case you mean cat feeders. Obviously you're not meaning birds and mice since the cats already subsist on that. Some Acos are agressive yeah when and only when the cats are known to have bitten someone or one turns up rabid , other wise most offen it's complaint driven, but that still does'snt guarantee that they are going to catch ALL of the cats nor are they going to go back several times to make sure there are'nt any remaining cats , remember how one of the biggies among wildlife folks is cats don't always go in the traps right? Also there is'nt enough, time, money or space for that, not to mention that not every place has animal control agency, so what then? News flash thing were already exacerbated long before TNR came on the scene. You may not expect a cat free world but you do have an unrealistic view of it and from your word useage you do want cats to disappear from it , so my statement is'nt too far from the mark is it?

Sun, 10/28/2007 - 6:22pm - Posted by: Anonymous

All animals, whether wild or domestic, deserve to be
treated in a kind manner. That is why we support the
actions of compassionate individuals who feed, spay, and
care for feral cats. But feral cat caretakers and their allies
are increasingly coming under attack by misinformed
native-species advocates who blame cats for a perceived
decline in local wildlife, that is no fault of the cats.
Every major, reputable study has shown that claims of
cat predation affecting bird or wildlife populations are
wholly overstated. In fact, all the studies we have seen
have shown that in most places throughout
the country, the true factors that account for the disappear-
ance of birds and other wildlife are habitat loss, pollution,
and inclement weather changes.
The reasons for this are well-documented. As human
development continues in our already crowded city, avail-
able habitat for wildlife is carved up into smaller and
smaller pieces. Habitat fragmentation and marginalization
cause wildlife populations to become genetically separat-
ed, and if a particular population is not large enough,
remnant populations are subject to genetic inbreeding. As
a result, as habitat declines, so does diversity and hetero-
geneity, resulting in high extinction rates.
Under such circumstances, harsh winters or long peri-
ods of drought can easily drive down remaining popula-
tions.
Pesticides are also recognized as a major culprit in bird
decline—particularly the effect of toxic lawn care products
decline, while another 1,600 are threatened or nearly
threatened with extinction. Some populations have fallen
by 75% as a result of four primary factors: habitat loss,
overtrapping, drought, and pesticides. Cats are noticeably
absent as factors.
With regard to predation, cats are widely recognized to
have low success with bird predation. The studies by biol-
ogist Robert Berg showed, in fact, that any feral cat pre-
dation at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park would actually occur on the
rat population in the park, increasing quail strength,
because it lowers nest predation by rats. Roger Tabor’s
famous studies of cat predation in Great Britain and the
United States show that the great bulk of an unfed feral
cat’s diet is scavenger material such as garbage, insects,
plants, and rats, finding no impact on continental bird
and wildlife populations. Indeed, studies on four contents
reach the same conclusion—“[t]he common belief that
feral cats are serious predators of birds is apparently with-
out basis.”

Sun, 10/28/2007 - 1:16am - Posted by: Anonymous

Wildlife advocates have too many flaws on their argument, and yet they claimed themselves credible despite the sometimes lack of objectivity on scientific studies they used to back up their claims. The studies I found on domestic cats' impact on the environment are contradictory, and this is another reason why we are going back and forth arguing with each others on who is right and wrong. Additionally, these people not only is lacking in compassion but also common sense. TNR has been supported by most animal welfare/rights group and veterinary schools. The only one that does not support TNR is PETA because its President has a twisted idea of compassion. She’s like Dr. Kevorkian. Infact, her headquarter has killed thousands of healthy and adoptable dogs and cats over the years, hiding their bodies in the large freezer and dumping them illegally when non one was watching. Anyway, going back to the issue of feral/stray cats...

Columbia University, for one, recognized that domestic cats play dual roles to our environment, therefore, they endorses 2 combined methods to confront overpopulation of cats and these methods are TNR style of feral management and incentives for owners to sterilize their cats. Cat owners are also asked to keep their cats strictly indoor or attaching bell if they go outside. According to their project called "Invasion Biology Introduced Species Summary Project":

" We have to consider that reducing cats' effect on the ecosystem may actually have a negative impact upon some native species due to the possibility of "mesopredator release effect". In areas where domestic cats are preying upon invasive rodent species, such as the Norway rat, elimination of cats could induce a rat population spike which may adversely affect those native fauna and flora that are the rats' source of food. Therefore, domestic cat population control in a given area should be undertaken with care and an understanding of the cat's role in that particular ecosystem".

Now do you still remember what you learned from your History about the mass persecution and burning of all domestic cats during the Middle Age by religious fanatics and what happened afterwards to people?

Here's another study from Barrat (1997) about the predation of domestic cats in suburb:

1.) Pet cats as predators are sedentary generalists.

2.) Pet cat populations numbers are independent of prey population numbers.

3.) Predation rates are low because pet cats are fed regularly.

4.) Pet cats exert constant, but not high, predation pressure.

5.) Pet cats consume a large range of prey.

6.) Pet cats will switch from prey to prey.

7.) Pet cats are more likely to change wildlife community structure than to force particular species to extinction.

8.) Pet cats prey on black rats and starlings, so their overall effect on native populations may be positive.

9.)ï Removing pet cats may actually cause a drop in biodiversity of native populations.

Source:. Barratt D. 1994. Using theory and scientific experience to assess the impact of house-based cats Felis catus (L.) on prey populations and prey community structure. In: Paxton DW, editor. Urban Animal Management: proceedings of the Third National Conference on Urban Animal Management in Australia (Canberra, 1994). Sydney: AVA: 147-156.

TNR is the only humane and compassionate option out there to control the population of homeless cats. Wlthout TNR, the only options would be mass euthanasia, drowning, poisoning, shooting, leg trapping, and so on. Don't think that people are resorting to poison, drowning, and shooting of feral/stray cats. It still happens as I have google alerts sent to me on my email. TNR is a long term solution, but it is also not perfect because as long as you have people not spaying/neutering their cats and/or dumping them, caretakers will always be monitoring for new cats to TNR. So, resources to help caretakers must always be available so they don't get overwhelmed. On the other hand, without the TNR program, we'll go back to the inffectiveness of euthanasia and the cruelty of drowning, shooting, leg trapping, and poisoning, etc. Plus, we would end up with kindhearted people who would continue to feed cats but not fixing and vaccinating them simply because no TNR community resources available for them. Ban feedings won't work either. Cats won't go away just because no one feeds them, but they will slowly die miserably from starvation and diseases. You see, without food, cats will become more desperate and in desperation they will get closer to people to find food. Cats are survivor like coyotes but cats are too many. Plus, without TNR and even without artificial food, they are still reproducing and hanunting them down put them into much greater stress and would reproduce more litters of kittens. Now, I don't have to add the problems of unspayed and unneutered cats do to neighbors because you know that and that's why you don't include that on your argument against TNR. Yet, you allow the poisoning, shooting, and drowning of these homeless cats by neighbors who are frustrated by them. With TNR and caratekers who look after them, these cruelties would be reduced or prevented because the numbers would go down. When these cats are TNRed, fed in consistent time by regular people who feed them and take their food out when they’re done, these cats will become less visble. Also, a designed raised feeding station will help to keep away critters that may take advantage of the left over. You called yourself defenders of wildlife and we called ourselves defenders of these homeless cats. So many animals in the wild are being persecuted and killed not just by hunters but even by our own government officials. When you say that free roaming cats are destroying the environment or killing wildlife, what specific wild animals are you referring to? Surely, you do have compassion for wild animals like wolves, coyotes, grizzly bear and the big cats otherwise there won't be petitions being sent to my emails. So, you should understand our position of why we'll do anything to protect the welfare of these cats. Since we agree both on reducing the population down, partnership rather than keeping this war will be more productive. You should be thankful to us that we are spaying/neutering/vaccinating/feeding these homeless cats. Save your attack to breeders and buyers, dumpers, and help us make spay and neuter and microchipping a mandatory law in the U.S.

Sat, 10/27/2007 - 2:28am - Posted by: Anonymous

There would still be cats. They are all over. But, yes, colonies are perpetually maintained. Give an example of any colony that exists no more. Remove them and try to tame and adopt out, or fence in the colonies, or euthanize.Trap and remove can work in a specific area if the food source is removed. Never have seen TNR eliminate a colony! Sustaining a dense colony of cats makes things even worse for wildlife and the food source attracts other predators of birds. Some ACOs are aggressive at removing cats. I don't expect a cat free world nor do I expect cats to never be outside, but I don't think we should exacerbate things by doing TNR. You say there is science. Cite it. TNR does nothing for birds and little for cats.

Wed, 10/24/2007 - 6:49pm - Posted by: Anonymous

The reason that catch-and-kill does not work is that people who disagree with it will not comply. They will retreat to the shadows for the sake of the felines they have cared for--in some cases for years. Spay/Neuter will be less open and thus less performed, and the populations will rise. Civil disobedience.
TNR is the method that is best for the cats, the birds, the towns. It is the likeliest to succeed at reducing the numbers, which is everyone's goal. It may not be perfect, but it is the best tool we have.

Tue, 10/23/2007 - 7:36pm - Posted by: kat

To those who say that TNR keeps colonies going and if you did'nt have them there would'nt be any cats, really according to whom? I've personally seen feral cats existant in places without TNR and the cats have been there for years , second removal is possible oh , where do you propose to remove these cats to?. Notice the part that the AVMA leaves out is the fact that cats have been removed for years and yet there are almost according to estimates nearly 40million or so feral cats around at ant given time.Also the shelters are still full either way. These cats are survivors and you can not possibly remove every food source and the cats would prey on the wild life even if there were no cat colony care takers present. Further on in order to remove the cats you still have to use a humane trap and one of the things the wildlife crew loves to harp on is how TNR people can't catch all the cats, so how is it you can guarantee to have more success, there will still be cats you can't get and I can't see trap and remove artists going back 50 times to the same place trying to catch every cat can you? Fact is what you propose does 'nt work any more or is any bettter then you claim TNR to be, the only difference is you have somebody willing to care for those cats instead of them being killed. This is the denials that you seem to be making in your quest to make the world cat free. There is science to back up that TNR can be effective but even if it were proof positve 100% you would still be doubting Thomases so what's the point? The best way to have less feral cats is to educate people that their pet is a lifelong commitment when you do that then and only then will you have fewer cats .

Tue, 10/23/2007 - 2:36am - Posted by: Anonymous

All the causes of wildlife mortality are important to consider, but seems to me that we cannot talk about the cat issue cause as soon as we do, TNR advocates say the cats are being scapegoated. The causes are cumulative and loss of habitat is the worst offender. No one denies that - cat advocate or not. IF you remove the cats and the food - that colony will cease to exist - unlike a TNR colony that never ceases to exist. However, neither method will reduce the overall population. Removing is very possible, has happened and I don't believe in allowing for something such as TNR simply because if we outlaw it, people will break it. And I don't know how you drum up a scenario of populations increasing exponentially - they are already, have been, with TNR and without - that is the problem when you have that many cats and that many irresponsible pet owners. Shelters are always overflowing.

BTW, that is very little data and is not the census for the entire number of cats in the city. That 100 left are those in the colonies, which says NOTHING about the overall number of cats in all of Cape May. Queenan himself does not know. He can only account for those in the colonies.

The ordinance does not guarantee anything. A third party observing and reporting and having oversight would.

No evidence? Why - are these cats monitored 24/7?

Mon, 10/22/2007 - 10:06pm - Posted by: Josette

I don't understand the venom that some posters are spitting out. This is a good thing, not a bad thing. A bad outcome would be to stop the program, pull back feeding sites, pull back care. That won't force the cats leave and anyone who actually thinks so needs to do a bit more research.

I'm nowhere near Cape May but I have gotten involved in a local TNR program and I can tell you it works beautifully. We have at least 20 cats in my 'hood that have been steralized, tested for FIV/FeLEUK (all clean), received all vaccs, tipped and released back to where we found them. We all take care of the cats, they are feed well and regularly, have shelters (that blend in perfectly with the woods) and are monitored, petted and cuddled if possible. We love them all. Most of them have only known one or two humans. Any cat that wanders in and stays for two weeks is trapped, steralized, shots, tests, vaccs, ear tipped and released. No ifs, ands or buts.

Since we started this unofficial effort, we have experienced a massive decrease in feral litters. In fact, there has only been one this year. We have not had any decrease at all in bird populations but you would be hard pressed to find a rat or mouse within 15 miles. We have also relocated several imperiled feral colonies with success. Small beans to some but to us retired housewives who decreed ourselves feral cat guards, it's a huge sign of success.

I/We can only change our little world and we are doing just that. Like a kind soul stated, the feral cats "...are God's creatures just like the birds, racoons, foxes, and you and I. Just because they are wild does not mean they deserve to die."

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Mon, 10/22/2007 - 9:12am - Posted by: Anonymous

It is interesting to me that you seem to latch one aspect of each response, particularly because the argument is that of the big picture. Beach raking is obviously devastating to nests, However, the sprawl, traffic, land clearing, tract castles are the COMBINED devastator.
But let us examine the most specious and uneducated part of your argument: removing cats reduces populations. This is patently untrue and impossible. This sort of policy is unenforceable and unaffordable, even as it fails miserably it costs thousands. It is a negative, hateful policy that will serve only to drive caretakers underground. Once they leave the light, their ability to access spay and neuter programs diminishes and reproduction increases exponentially.
Here are the Cape May data: before the program there were more than 400 cats in Cape May City. Now there are fewer than 100. The ordinance guarantees that the cats will be cared for and monitored.
There is no evidence that there are cats on any of the beaches where plovers, terns or skimmers nest.

Mon, 10/22/2007 - 1:37am - Posted by: Anonymous

Do you honestly believe that BEACH RAKING is killing more wildlife than cats? See, that level of denial is just amazing to me. To be against TNR does not mean to be pro more cats. If TNR advocates actually studied this from a scientific and statistical standpoint they would realize there is no significant impact on the overall numbers. The AVMA has said this and we can ALSO see that after 20 some odd years of TNR the shelters are just as full if not more so. To be against TNR is to understand that this method does not protect cats, wildlife or public health and in some of the worst managed colonies makes the situation much worse than before. Remove the cats. Remove the food. End of story. Citing cats as one of the causes is not scapegoating. It is simply a fact - one more cause of wildlife mortality.

Sun, 10/21/2007 - 7:48am - Posted by: Anonymous

The reason that TNR advocates cite other reasons for the endangerment of wildlife is that it makes sense. Sprawl, pollution, beach raking, loss of habitat. These are the big picture problems that plague wildlife.
My main comment here, though, is that to be against TNR is to advocate for MORE cats, not fewer. Centuries of catch and kill showed us that that method is ineffective at population control. Managed colonies reduce in number and impact all aspects of life less. You don't have to think in humane terms to be pro-TNR. You just have to stop working from a position of scapegoating and understand the facts.

Sat, 10/20/2007 - 1:51am - Posted by: Anonymous

First of all, any mammal can carry rabies, but those wild animals that are known to transmit to humans in the state of NJ include raccoon, fox, groundhog, bat, and skunk. There is no known case of transmission to humans from chipmunks and squirrels. Second, people are usually not handling raccoons and skunks, but they DO handle cats - and THAT is why there is a greater risk among cats. These colonies have PLENTY of touchable cats - not just true ferals. They are not all vaccinated and raccoons and skunks constantly eat at colonies. See this:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296206,00.html

Next - I think radio collars are an excellent idea - which colony caregivers would care to have their cats studied? Who is willing to sign up?

I am amazed there is such denial about cats hunting even if fed well. It is like these people have never even owned a feline! The ironic thing is that there are plenty of TNR people that know this and discuss this on various listservs, but they sure as heck don't post those kinds of comments here! Well-fed fatty cattys still hunt darn well.

TNR advocates talk out of both sides of their mouth - can someone explain why these cats get advertised as such great mousers, but oh no, they don't really kill and they are so well fed they don't have to hunt.

Newsflash - if they ain't hungry, they won't eat it - but they will hunt it, maim it, kill it.

TNR advocates love to cite every single cause out there that hurts wildlife EXCEPT the cats - we can all and should focus on everything BUT cats. That is the mantra.

You may have less numbers in those colonies in Cape May, but that does not mean overall there are less cats roaming in all of Cape May - produce those numbers and THAT may show something about TNR.

Birds do not depend on bird seed in their migratory travels - cats are dependent on humans as a food source for survival.

Starlings are not native - but they are still wild birds and don't belong in a home - cats do.

Starlings impact only nest box species (wood ducks, martins, bluebirds, swallows), cats kill bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, insect, rare, endangered, threatened, etc.

But, yes, they are both nonnative and invasive and should be removed. There is an overabundance of cats - NOT native predators - they are not supposed to be in great numbers.

There is no harmony among non-native predators and native prey - that is a delusion spread by TNR advocates.

Fri, 10/19/2007 - 11:00pm - Posted by: kat

I am glad to here that Cape May is keeping it's TNR program. It would go along way if wildlife and cat people could work together to keep cats and birds happy. The bird people can't except the fact that both feral and house cats have been in the niche along time and are not going anywhere. Fighting over feral cats and songbirds is silly and accomplishes nothing.

Fri, 10/19/2007 - 10:37pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Congratulations on the TNR program Cape May is running! You're saving your city $160 per euthanasia, even if you are annoying the birders. Birders - the population of the cats currently stands at 100, down from 400. If the TNR program is kept running, then that population will continue to decline.

You ARE getting what you want - fewer cats, and with volunteers to keep an eye on the colonies and keep track of where the cats are in relation to the birds. And those fewer cats are healthier than they would be if there were no TNR. Destroy the TNR program, and you destroy whatever eye on the cat population you have. No TNR means more unneutered abandoned animals (there are lots of irresponsible cat "owners" out there - people who pitch cats out of moving cars & down country lanes), more disease, and more cost to the city of Cape May.

No TNR program means more dead birds and more disease -- not less. Your boycott is misplaced and irrational.

Fri, 10/19/2007 - 4:09pm - Posted by: Anonymous

To the spouter below (10-18@1:58 pm) re "feeding songbirds to feral cats", in what town do you live in? Do you not understand the program here, ferals are in Managed colonies with registered caretakers who understand their responsibilities in keeping the cats well fed. This amounts to pretty much the same thing as locals who put bird food in their feeders, helping re-balance what MAN has messed up. Please remember that ferals are not native to CM, but are starlings and blackbirds native to the US? And what about the "native predators"? Where are they? All gone because of MAN, and yet you think the idea of MAN assisting animals is only a good plan if it's the animals that you choose to be saved? Why is the life of one animal so unimportant to you? Why can't you even open your mind to the concept of making "CAPE MAY - ANIMAL FRIENDLY". And why not? The ferals in this town are not street cats, very healthy and loved by locals and tourist alike. And yes, a lot of these same people love birds too and they understand the balance, keeping animals and birds with humans on this tiny island, in harmony.

Fri, 10/19/2007 - 10:30am - Posted by: Anonymous

I am so happythe feral cat program is able to continue - thank you to the wonderful
people who helped convince the city council to continue the program - and thank you
city council members, who agreed to continue the program. Good things CAN happen
in this day and age!

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 4:49pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I'm sure feral cats bring hundreds of thousands of dollars to Cape May every year! Surely there must be a better way to protect *legally protected* songbirds (that help your economy) than to feed them to feral cats.

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 2:05pm - Posted by: Anonymous

The actual figures for rabies cases in Cape May County from 1/1/07 to 6/30/07 are 93 raccoons, 19 skunks, 2 fox and 2 cats. The rest of the data can be seen here http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/rabcases07.pdf

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 1:58pm - Posted by: Anonymous

How can you say Cape May is "Animal Friendly"? This is hypocritical. Cats are endangering all native wildlife, not just birds. They are taking up an ecological niche that is supposed to be occupied by native predators. They are preying upon threatened species of birds and they serve as a pocket of diseases that can be passed amongst MANY native species of wildlife. Cape May is Feral Cat Friendly and Ecologically Irresponsible.

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 11:03am - Posted by: Concerned CM citizen

As a long time animal rights advocate AND a volunteer for the TNR program I have seen first hand the results and success of this program in CM and in other locations. Some of the posts above are so full of misinformation, I feel obligated to comment.
1. CM city has no current ordinance requiring the licensing of cats: that was to be added if the ordinance passed. Same for the 5 year survey, at a new cost to taxpayers in Cape May (TNR costs taxpayers nothing-a grant covers the costs) 2. Do the research, the US F&W in their own reports say that "loss of habitat is the leading cause of species imperilment" meaning man, human activity and pollution and the overdevelopment of costal areas. This includes, building's and shopping malls and housing developments (just look at New England road) and cell phone towers and yes, even the glass windows of homes that birds crash into every day. And how many birds do you see on the GSP roadside every day, killed by cars? Think about it. More land needs to be protected and conserved, not less. 3. There are no nests of protected birds reported on a Cape May City beach nor have there been. Many volunteers with the local birding groups look out for them and report their findings. Believe me, I'd be the first to raise hell if a nest was found and the proper steps were not taken to protect it. 4. CM city's cats are like no others, they have dedicated caretakers. These are people who sign up for the job, year round , of providing them food, shelter, medical care and watching out for any new cats that may show up at the food bowls. New cats are then caught and fixed and returned to that colony. That is how the numbers decrease, not thru killing . This is how it works and it works well; many of these cats have become socialized, some have moved indoors to loving homes. (That is our goal too, when possible) Also, some people like myself are always keeping track of new animals. Like the box of kittens found outside a shop or the friendly stray found wandering the streets that were picked up, fixed and adopted as loving indoor only pets. Most towns do not have that many dedicated volunteers. 5. Yes , cats eat birds, and mice and rats and even bugs. But these cats in the colonies in Cape May City are fed daily. Some have gotten lazy and yes, dare I say, FAT. Ferals in other towns and in most communities are scavengers, digging in trash or hunting or looking for handouts. CM City cats are more like aristo-cats- pampered and cared for. 6. Because of aggressive TNR and a separate facility, CM City does not add to the overcrowding and ever growing population of cats at the county shelter. The two trailers on public works land used to house cats were there for almost 10 years. Prior to the trailer fire back in May, all cats and kittens that were found to be friendly were adopted out or waiting to be adopted .
It was a tragedy that a successful program was brought to such an abrupt halt 7. The local government of CM is to be applauded for it decision regarding TNR in CM. It has been successful here in reducing the number of ferals on the streets and maintaining the colonies that exists. Wouldn't this logically help protect birds, by not adding new predators? Why is that so hard for some people to get? I suggest we consider, as a friend said, making Cape May ANIMAL FRIENDLY. Let start today.

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 10:26am - Posted by: Anonymous

Cats are the most frequently rabid domestic animal in North America. They are just as susceptible to rabies as a raccoon.
These are facts and are indisputable.

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 7:41am - Posted by: Anonymous

The data cited in these posts regarding cat roaming is flawed in two ways:1.) it is thirty years old, and things have changed a great deal in that time with thanks to spay neuter in general, and 2.) these data reflect intact cats, who quite naturally roam farther than their neutered counterparts. The way to approach this question is to study the neutered cats of Cape May now-- in 2007 with radio collars. I am certain that the results will show that neutered cats who are fed and cared for do not roam far from their cozy gingerbread porches.
Another out of date thread here is the idea that anyone who advocates for cats is a "Crazy Cat Lady" or a "Loon". This kind of name calling shows only the ignorance of the writer. Compassion and the advocacy of humane population control are the hallmarks of an educated society.

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 6:41am - Posted by: Anonymous

This is wonderful news! If everyone would take a stand for animals and start a TNR program, animals would not be born to be killed. This shows that Cape May's Politicians DO care about what the people want. A strange thing to find in a politician but I for one applaued the city councel and am humbled that they regocnized what a benefit this is to animals. Now let's get out there and educate the rest of NJ.

As for the poster worried about "rabid" cats: I have yet to hear of a confirmed case of a cat with rabbies. Should we kill all the squirrels, foxes, chipmunks, groundhogs, skunks in NJ as well? They are more likely to carry rabbies and part of the program is shots for the cats. Though I absolutely agree with you that ALL pets should be ordered spayed/neutered, there are many irresponsible pet owners out there and they don't help the stray animal population at all.

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 2:55am - Posted by: Anonymous

Cats are a REAL cause - TNR advocates just don't accept it. We need to TARGET all causes of environmental damage - cats are no exception nor the people who release them and let them roam.

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 12:36pm - Posted by: Nathan

11:54 am said- Especially given that most cats are lousy bird hunters.

This is a patently ridiculous statement and goes to show how uninformed those supporting this decision are. Do some research before spouting off this nonsense. It is estimated that a single free-ranging domestic cat kills upwards of 100 birds and mammals per year. This is based on a Fish and Wildlife Services study in Wisconsin. There are approximately 77 million pet cats nationwide and upwards of 100 million feral cats. Multiply those numbers by 100 and you get the true cost to birds by ignorant cat owners. Up to 2 BILLION birds and small mammals per year. Cats are not bad hunters, they are incredibly efficient killers. Anyone denying that is kidding themselves.

11:54 am also said- cars, buildings, habitat destruction, pollution -- these kill many more birds than will a colony of cats.

What a silly argument. It's not the worst problem so we should ignore it. Yes, those issues you mention are important, but what you are saying is akin to stating "Heart disease kills far more people per year than cancer, therefore we shouldn't do anything about cancer". Does that make sense to you? If there is something in any small way that that can be done to protect endangered birds then it should be done. Especially if it is as simple as neutering or removing feral cats. Perhaps if you care so much about cats you should rush to New Jersey to adopt a few hundred of these feral cats. Otherwise, they are a menace and should be dealt with as such.

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 7:58am - Posted by: Anonymous

Thank you Cape May for standing up for the feral cats, who desperately need TNR allies!
And in regards to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; under the Bush administration, the U.S.F.W. has done incredible damage to fish, birds, and animals all over the USA.
They are not interested in protecting animals! The U.S.F.W. has been the worst advocate for birds, yet all of a sudden they want to protect the birds of Cape May?! What gives?!
My guess is that someone in Cape May has ticked off the U.S.F.W. in some form or another and the TNR issue is payback.
Stay strong Cape May! You are a leader, and I have no doubt that you are on the forefront of saving more feral cats across the country than you could ever imagine!
Thank you!

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 6:52am - Posted by: Anonymous

Thank you for calling us 'cat loons' and reporting that Alley Cat Allies takes in about $5 million a year. I guess that allow us to call you 'crazy bird people' and who knows how much money the 'crazy bird organizations' add to their extremely well organized operations each year. As for lawsuits, let have the same for developers that cause destruction of habitat, put up buildings that birds crash into, cars that hit birds, and overall impact of humans on birds. No, the cats are a far easier target than taking on the real causes of the loss of birds. Or is it that the birds have better funded lobby organizations??

Tue, 10/16/2007 - 11:52pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Way to go Cape May!!! You truly are an example for all cities to look up to. I will be showing my city council the amendments to your plan and what it is that they need to concentrate on. That is one pro-active and efficient plan for all involved.

Tue, 10/16/2007 - 11:19pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Cats are excellent bird killers - they kill anything that moves.

Cats are not part of 'nature' - they mess up the balance.

Releasing a cat IS a way humans screw up Mother Earth.

Rabies is always a risk unless the cats are always up to date on shots and all the cats in the colony have been vaccinated. Every picture in the news or on videos seems to show friendly cats and not feral cats in these colonies. I would bet a stranger could approach them - that is when you have a problem.

Tue, 10/16/2007 - 8:53pm - Posted by: Anonymous

What a wonderful light this has put on Cape May and the council members. You are awesome people with common sense and big hearts for making this decision.Thank You

Tue, 10/16/2007 - 6:07pm - Posted by: Anonymous

For the cat loon, pet kook and nut critic .... remember history when the pope of rome declared all cats evil and removed them from the city? The black plague arose because the rats took over. And surprise ... cats had to return. Cats have a purpose then and now. Everything in nature is a balance and that is what TNR provides for these cats and for people. Also friend, when they TNR a cat, the cat also receives a rabie shot. Just wondering, have you received yours?