October Paws for Thought

Greetings fellow animal lovers. It is October and the Autumn litters of kittens being born are happening as fast as the changing leaves. It is probably no coincidence that this month, October 16^th, is the date of National Feral Cat Day.

A feral cat differs from a house cat or a stray who is lost or abandoned, or even a cat who is very shy or skittery. A feral cat is not socialized to humans. Feral cats are not homeless pets. They have a home - it's just not a home with humans, and it's a home that is outdoors. Feral cats are not without a family - they have a family, it's just not a family with humans. Their family members are other cats, with whom they share a very deep bond and connection.

Feral cats, for the most part, are widely misunderstood. They are largely perceived as a nuisance, based on generalized and erroneous misconceptions about cats as a species overall, and misinformed ideas about disease and wildlife depletion

According to statistics from Alley Cat Allies, 70% of cats entering the nation's shelter system are euthanized, with the rate being 100% for feral cats. Even no-kill shelters can be greatly challenged by the resources needed for feral cats, especially when there are so many other adoptable cats in need of placement who are already well socialized to people. Feral kittens can be adopted if they are taken and socialized at a very early age but for adult feral adults, the best proven method towards a compassionate and effective solution is TNR - Trap, Neuter, Release.

A.W.A.N. supports and salutes our animal loving friends who work hard towards reducing the overpopulation of feral cats through the care and management of feral colonies and TNR. In doing this intensive work for animals, they help to provide a better life for cats in existing feral communities and for other cats and wildlife as well.

For more information about feral cats and how you can help, please visit our friends at Alley Cat Allies www.AlleyCat.org and check out the resource library at Best Friends www.BestFriends.org/NoMoreHomelessPets . There you will find information about TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release), how to care for and manage feral colonies, how to socialize feral cats and where to seek resources for assistance.

May the Furs Be With You...
Big Purr