Stray and Feral cats
To the editor:
A few weeks ago an “irresponsible” person dumped a young kitten up at Winn-Dixie to fend for itself. If you’re reading this article I want you to know that poor little kitten you dumped was attacked and killed by the raccoons in the wooded area two days later. It was not a pretty sight. I can’t imagine the fear, pain and suffering this poor little kitten had to endure.
People that dump cats there need to realize the cats that live there now, are a colony. They do not accept strange cats in their territory and they will run them off into the wooded area.
Why people think cats can survive on their own without help being fed by humans are very misinformed. Cats have been socialized as pets much longer then dogs, and are dependent on humans for their care.
You can’t take a house cat, turn it loose and expect it to find food, water and shelter on its own. Most end up malnourished or starving because they haven’t any hunting skills. Those that have turned feral (born to a stray cat and never having human contact) will resort to frogs, rats, lizards, beetles, etc. as a food source, if they are fast enough they will go after a bird when really hungry.
People get angry with them for going after birds, but they are hungry and it isn’t their fault. The fault lies with the irresponsible person who won’t take the time to get them fixed and then discard them like trash.
Do you honestly think a female cat wants to have three to four litters of kittens a year without the security of food and shelter? Male cats as well should be neutered because if there is a female cat out there that hasn’t been fixed, your male cat will find her.
To date, I have taken care of 182 cats. I will be happy to help anyone that has a problem with cats on their property. However, I do not relocate these animals. I trap them, get them fixed and bring them back to your property. All you have to do is put food and water out for them. This will stop the breeding process for you; if you do nothing it will only get worse.
The trap, neuter, release program exists solely on donations from the community. It cost $30 to $50, depending on the cats needs. Cannister for the donations are located at Dr. Watson’s Liquor Store, The Feed Store, the Beauty Shop (at Winn-Dixie Plaza), Reymary Grill and the Greater Pine Island Water. My phone number is located on the back of the cannister.
As long as I receive donations from the community, I will continue to help any one out that has a problem. It’s a win-win situation for the community’s cats as well.
Marco Island has their fixed cat situation totally under control. So if they can do it, we should be able to with the support of the community.
For those of you that have household pets, cats and dogs that need to be fixed, you can take them to: PAWS-Lee County, 13410 Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 33903; 239-652-6722
This is a low cost spay/neuter clinic. They also do vaccinations and microchipping, along with most other pet needs. You must call for an appointment.
Please be a responsible pet owner and have your animal fixed.
For those of you that can no longer care for your pets or have strays you want removed from your property you can call Gulf Coast Humane Society (a no kill shelter) 332-0364 or Lee County Animal Services, 432-2083 (they will put your animal down in a humane way, without pain or suffering).
Edith Schulte
Bokeelia