Hawaii faces a pressing challenge with its overwhelming population of stray and feral cats. As a devoted cat lover and environmental enthusiast, I have seen firsthand the difficulties these animals endure and the devastating impact they have on our ecosystems.
Some of you may know that I recently had my feral foster cat, Musubi, escape my home. During my many hours of searching for Musubi, I stumbled across another problem right in my backyard that I didn't even realize existed: there are dozens of feral cats and kittens roaming the streets at night.
After discussing this issue with local management, Katie's Kittenz is going to tackle this problem through adoption and TNR.
Feral VS Stray Cats
First, it's important to understand that that is a distinction between stray cats and feral cats. A stray cat is any pet cat that is free-roaming outside. They have been cared for by humans in the past, but have become lost or abandoned (hence the name "stray", as they have strayed from home). While stray cats may be shy and scared at first, they are still social creatures and will seek out human attention and help. They often behave just like a house cat: they will vocalize at people, they are most active during the daytime, and will tolerate being touched, pet, or held. Stray cats do not thrive in the wild as they usually do not have the skills to survive the harsh elements or compete with feral cats for food.
A feral cat is a cat that was born into the wild without close human contact- like Musubi. Like any other wild animal, they do not approach humans. They are most active at night and will run, hide, or become aggressive if they are approached. Usually, feral cats live in "colonies"of several feral cats that coexist and work together to survive.
Stray cats can be great candidates for adoption. After any necessary vet care and rehabilitation, they can go back to an indoor-only home where they will thrive. Feral cats, however, can usually never be socialized. They are simply too aggressive and accustomed to their feral life to comfortable coexist with people. While feral kittens (up to 3-5 months old) can be successfully socialized and adopted, feral cats do not make good candidates for adoption. Cats like Musubi will never be happy with an indoor lifestyle, and may even be too dangerous to keep indoors.
What do we do with feral cats who cannot be adopted?
Trap-Neuter-Release, or TNR, is the most humane method for managing feral cat populations. The TNR process involves humanely trapping feral cats, taking them to a clinic where they will be examined, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before being released back to the same location from which they were trapped. This approach helps control overpopulation and improves the quality of life for these animals.
Feral cats can reproduce quickly, with a single pair potentially leading to over 60 cats in just a few years if left unchecked. TNR disrupts this cycle and leads to healthier, more stable colonies.
Benefits for Cats
TNR programs offer numerous direct benefits to feral cats. Neutering prevents unwanted litters, reducing the number of kittens born into difficult living conditions. In fact, a single female cat can have up to three litters each year, resulting in a staggering 12-18 kittens annually. By implementing TNR, we save countless animals from hardship.
Additionally, TNR helps minimize disruptive behaviors linked to mating, like yowling and fighting. Once neutered, feral cats can coexist peacefully within their colonies. For instance, in TNR initiatives across the U.S., studies have shown a 70% decrease in these behaviors after cats undergo the process.
Benefits for People
TNR programs benefit not just cats but also the communities where they live. Reducing the feral cat population through TNR diminishes problems like noise, aggressive behavior, and unsightly waste. Neighborhoods that have embraced TNR often report a cleaner environment, leading to healthier public spaces.
Engagement in TNR fosters community involvement. Local cat lovers, environmentalists, and organizations can unite around a common goal. For example, communities participating in TNR initiatives have experienced increased volunteerism, with many residents dedicating hours to trapping and caring for local feral cats.
Benefits for the Environment
Hawaii's unique biodiversity faces significant threats from feral and stray cats, especially to native birds and reptiles. Research highlights that cats are responsible for the decline of numerous bird species. By taking part in TNR, we can lessen this pressure on wildlife. Stabilizing feral cat populations through TNR can result in a healthier ecosystem where all species can thrive.
TNR also sets a precedent for sustainable animal management. By focusing on coexistence instead of extermination, TNR creates a more compassionate and sustainable approach to animal control. This shift in perspective can lead to better strategies for managing not just cats but other aspects of wildlife conservation.
This is fascinating! Thanks so much for writing and explaining. How long do they need to heal their spay / neuter stitches before going back into the wild?