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With the recent attention the media has given to Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs across the country, the folks who would rather see feral cats killed rather than returned to their colonies have been coming out of the woodwork. The problem, they say, is that feral cats are nuisance animals that are wreaking havoc with the native wildlife. Other than killing them, their only humane suggestion would be to round up all the feral cats and place them in sanctuaries.While a nice idea, the funding is just not there.

TNR is the only effective way to control feral cats as the trapping and killing method has traditionally not worked. Much of the evidence that cats can have a devastating effect on wildlife to the extent of extinction or endangerment comes from island studies only and not studies based on urban areas similar to New Hanover County. Sadly, in the debate over the fate of feral and stray cats, there seems to be only two sides: pro-cat or pro-wildlife. Realizing that we will never eliminate the feral and stray cat populations, we should at least be open to other ideas and methods to help control them. Until we can teach the next generation the importance of responsible pet ownership, we will continue to see this problem.

So in reflecting about wildlife and cats, perhaps the anti-TNR proponents should point the finger at themselves and consider that the decline of wildlife is more likely a result of habitat destruction and not depredation by feral cats. Here in New Hanover County, one need only to look around to see the massive amount of clear cutting that goes on everyday and realize that no colony of cats could possibly destroy that much. Think about it!

Stray or feral, aren't they synonymous? Actually, no. While both cats are homeless, strays are friendly, able to be touched, and will usually adapt to becoming part of the household. Feral cats, on the other hand, are fearful of humans, cannot be touched, and in general do not make good pets. These are the cats that run and hide when approached. There are of course some exceptions to this; feral cats that are fed regularly by the same person may eventually come to trust that person enough that they will rub up against them, and will occasionally allow being touched. Some cats, especially if they experience positive human interaction at a young age, will become socialized early in life, they are usually not suitable as pets (again, there are some exceptions), as they tend to be very shy and only learn to trust one person. Many of these cats are content where they are, provided they have food and water available to them. Don't believe that feral cats would rather be in your home. They would not. There are plenty of friendly cats awaiting adoption at a local shelter. Feral cats are survivors. All they need is someone to help them.

Friends of Felines works only with feral cats. At this time, there is only enough funding to help the "forgotten ones". Forgotten because most of these cats aren't lucky enough to find someone that will take responsibility for them. They spend their lives struggling, searching for food from trashcans, behind restaurants, anywhere they can, just to make it through another day. We would like to help people make a difference in the lives of these cats. They deserve a chance to be free from starvation and disease if they remain entrenched in the colony. They deserve a chance to be moved into loving homes as kittens. Friends of Felines offers spaying or neutering, protection and prevention from illness and malnutrition associated with multiple births, and from injuries incurred in territorial fights.

Our ultimate goal is to help all cats, both tame and feral. Perhaps one day, that will be a reality. But until that time, please help us make a difference. They too feel pain and hunger and fear just like your pets at home. Open your heart to a feral cat. It will give you a complete feeling of satisfaction.

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There are approximately 60 million feral cats in the United States. Feral cats are considered to be untamed or unsocialized, are elusive and do not trust humans. They may have been abandoned, or born to abandoned cats. Feral colonies can be found behind shopping areas or businesses, in alleys, parks, abandoned buildings, and rural areas. These cats, in their struggle to survive, are often seen as "problem" animals, to be "gotten rid of". As a result, they rarely have the recognition and protection in a community that pets have. That's where TVAR comes in. TVAR stands for Trap, Vaccinate, Alter and Return.

Friends of Felines is an organization that offers TVAR in the New Hanover County area. Thanks to area veterinarians and volunteers, we help people that are feeding feral cats put a stop to endless numbers of kittens being born every year in their colonies. As some of you may well know, an act of kindness that begins with feeding one or two strays can turn into 20 cats within a few short months. Our main goal is to improve the lives of feral cats by implementing such a program. We provide a spay/neuter appointment, as well as a rabies and feline distemper vaccine, for unowned feral cats that are compassionately accepted where they are and have a caretaker to look after them and provide food and water. We loan humane traps and pet carriers for recovery of cats after surgery and provide instructions on humanely trapping and caring for feral cats.

The response to this program has been overwhelming. Our waiting list is approximately 2-3 months long. If you are unable to wait due to the impending kitten season and would like to try to do this on your own, we would be happy to help by providing instructions for feral cat population control. Nationally, organizations involved in feral cat care report that feral cat colonies maintained under such a program, stabilize in numbers, protect their territories and don't attract additional animals. There are also significantly fewer or no problems with fighting and spraying. What about simply removing the cats? Feral cats tend to find areas where food is available such as around dumpsters. So other unaltered cats will likely move in and reproduce, starting the cycle again.

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To some, the mere mention of kitten season brings up images of adorable fluffy kittens playing, jumping and wrestling. To animal shelter workers everywhere it has an entirely different meaning. Kitten season is the beginning of a nightmare- countless numbers of kittens coming through their front doors with not enough homes. It means mass euthanasia with no end in sight, until December, when there might be a two-month reprieve from the onslaught.

Cats are very prolific creatures. In our part of the country a cat can have at least 3 litters a year with an average of 4-5 kittens. Multiply that by the number of strays, ferals and cats with irresponsible owners and you have an astounding number.

Unfortunately, media resources like this do not help to educate irresponsible pet owners as lost will never visit this website. As a result, it is up to us to spread the word on the importance of spaying and neutering. So speak out, let them know. Do not allow pet owners to remain uninformed.

Kittens are cute, but killing kittens because there are too many is not. It's sad that springtime, a season for new beginnings, is the beginning of the end for millions of unwanted animals that should have never been born.

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