Ferals in Crawl Space

I'm just moved into a new apartment and have discovered that there are 6 cats living in the crawl space.  This wouldn't be a problem other than the smell that is coming through the floors and windows of feces and urination that has probably built up for a few years now.

The landlord seems emotionally stirred up upon discussion of the problem and I'm left unsure what to do.  It can't be good for the cats to live in their own filth yet they need shelter, so what should I do?

Again, the problem is only the smell and presence of feces under the house.  The neighbors feed them and there's otherwise no issue.

Should I demand that she have it cleaned out yearly if she's not going to close it up?  Should I call the Animal Control? (Prob not) Should I close it up myself and put out an animal shelter for them as a second option?

Please advise, I don't want to harm the cats but I can't stand the smell.

Unfortunately, it may become a health hazard.  If you are able to, close up the space and provide them with a shelter or shelters.  These can be tucked in bushes or under a deck if you have one.

You are probably going to have to get the landlord to clean the crawl space out, though.  NO one should have to pay rent on an uninhabitable house and that smell makes the house uninhabitable.

I would take it a step further, though, and talk to the neighbor as to whether the cats are spayed and neutered.  Unfixed male cats can raise a powerful stink, plus they will fight for territory and females.  You don't need all that under your home!

If the neighbor and landlord refuse to do anything else, you may have to move.  If you get someone in the house to attest to the smell, you may be able to get out of the lease.

You might be able to have someone else clean out the crawl space and take the cost off your rent, although that's going to be tricky. Can you talk to the landlord about that possibility?

One more thing - perhaps you can contact a rescue and discuss your options with them.  They may have suggestions, especially about fixing the cats.  Animal Control will most likely trap the cats and remove them to be euthanized.  That won't work long term because it sounds like your neighbor and possibly the landlord would just attract other cats sooner or later.

Good luck!

A good resource for everything concerning feral cats is Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org). There is a Feral Friends Network ( http://www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=1452 ) where you can find local help.