A Disaster Waiting To Happen :(

rivera152

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To who it may concern...

My family and I moved here in 2001. My grandpa, being so close to me and my brother, also came with us but bought the house in front. An alley separates us. Later, a few cats came around, nothing special. However, my grandpa and my brother threw scraps of food to them. Before they knew it, 2 cats became 4, 4 became 6 and oh my god. I believe the population went up to 20+. I know the pound showed up once or twice and provided cages so my grandpa could take them to the pound, I guess. Anyhow, it was pretty insane.

My grandpa passed away in 2012, I inherited his house and now live in it. The cats still roam around, a friend face and my brother still feeding them keeps them here. But now, I'm the one getting the pound called on, and neighbors complaining that "I have too many cats", and they go into their properties. I love these cats, cats in general, but theyre really getting me in trouble. I have anxiety, so an angry neighbor yelling at me is gonna hurt. :( I cry actually. I don't know what to do, I know the pound wouldnt give these ferals a chance, they will die, but I also need peace of mind. If anyone has advice, or can help me in any way, I will appreaciate it so so much. You would help me and these cats. The number has decreased, my brother says 10 are seen around, 1 or  2 during mating season. I don't have to tell you how things get then, you know. :( 
 

catwoman707

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The biggest thing here is when homeless cats are fed, they also NEED to be tnr'd. Trapped, fixed, and then returned.

So much, in fact ALL of the annoying behavior from them is due to unfixed cats, males spray and it stinks terribly, they fight, causing awful battle wounds and infections, as well as spread fiv and felv.

They mate, causing more and more cats, they howl, whine, and a group this size, while manageable, is not manageable if they go unfixed.

If any neighbors complain, tell them you are currently working on the situation.

Then you need to call around, find out who deals with tnr'ing, some will even help trap, get them fixed, they will vaccinate too, and you will then have a MUCH calmer, nicer group of cats.

In time, some will be gone, whether they are killed or simply find another place for some reason. Many will stick around, they know where the food source is, but it won't feel overwhelming any longer if they are fixed.

This is absolutely necessary to do. Not so hard either, just look for help. Lots of non profits are out there that do this very thing.

Then you can be proud of the accomplishment, tell your griping neighbors that they will no longer be a nuisance, and will actually help with rodent control, and that is FREE!!

I would also feed them dry cat food over table scraps. A clean source of fresh water is a biggie here too, they must have to live healthy lives.
 
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shadowsrescue

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Your problem will continue until you TNR all of these cats.  Take a look at Alley Cat Allies for information about TNR as well as how to trap.  You might be able to have a rescue group come and help you, but kitten season is on the horizon and most will be swamped.  If you are feeding the cats, the responsible thing to do is to be sure each one is spayed or neutered. 

The cats will wander less, spray less and make less noise once spayed/neutered. Humane traps can be purchased for about $40.  Ear tip each cat so you will know who has been trapped and who has not.

As mentioned above, it is best to feed them cat food.  Do you provide shelter for these cats?
 

nansiludie

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Yes please do what all have posted above. Maybe your local humane society has some info to help you? Mine does. Also call local vets and see if they can help. Everyone here has given great advice. I have my own colony. All fixed and happy.
 

susank521

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You feel overwhelmed, but just look at it one step at a time, one cat at a time.

First step: A quick internet search came up with the Oasis Animal Santuary If there is some assistance available, someone to aid you in TNR, they will know about it. Call them, now, today or tomorrow, don't put it off. Mating season is just around the corner in the south and the situation will get much worse once that begins.

Straight up, you inherited the house and, like it or not, the cats are part of that inheritance. You've got an opportunity to help these cats, give them a little bit of a life. Nobody else is going to help these cats or solve this problem for you. Whatever good may come their way is going to have to come, at least initially, from you. The only other option for these cats is animal control. I don't know about your neck of the woods, but in mine that equals death.

Best wishes, lots of prayers, and please keep us posted.
 
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