It is estimated that there may be 4 million feral cats in L.A. County alone. And the numbers are growing. A single female cat and her offspring can multiply to 420,000 cats in seven years, unless there is human intervention.
A sad story of neglect and suffering is happening, very often in our own back yards, and it goes mostly unnoticed. Feral cats are homeless and wild, and live in the shadows of our neighborhoods. They are often hungry, sometimes injured or ill, and continuously vulnerable to a host of adverse conditions. Furthermore, they pass this harsh life onto their kittens.
This overpopulation problem not only breeds suffering for the cats, but is also costly for the community. U. S. shelters are forced to kill 15 million homeless cat and dogs annually. Statewide, more than 50 million tax dollars are spent by shelters and animal control agencies for cat related expenses.
Pet owners who have abandoned their animals or have failed to spay or neuter them have created this situation. These pets breed into colonies that can be found almost everywhere: abandoned buildings, campuses, parks, alleys, undeveloped areas, shopping centers or businesses. The abandoned domesticated pets and the resulting feral cats struggle to stay alive in these environments.
Feral cats are the innocent victims of human neglect. We humans created the feral cat crisis, it is up to us to undo the problems: to stop the overpopulation, the suffering it creates, and the costs it incurs.
The Feral Cat Alliance provides a unique resource for concerned and responsible citizens. We can be your partners in solving your homeless cat crisis. We can guide and advise you on every aspect of this important life-saving work. We have people, training, information and tools to address your needs.
Guardian Angels
Most feral cats have found a little corner of the world where they have a food source and sense of safety. But all too often their little home suddenly becomes dangerous.
Can you become a Guardian Angel and share your backyard with a feral cat in need?
FCA urgently needs safe backyards for rescued feral cats who need relocation or rescue from the shelters.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW YOU CAN BECOME A GUARDIAN ANGEL CONTACT: The Feral Cat Alliance: 310 281-6973 or email: feralcatalliance@yahoo.com.
Original: HOMELESS CAT EPIDEMIC IN L.A.