Caefron Cats - Project Purpose
This project focuses on feral cats in a localised section of a residential area. The properties are bordered by a tributary of the Palmiet River which runs through a local nature reserve. Rehabilitation of the lower section of gardens has been underway for some years.
We were informed that feral cats are part of this (urban/suburban) ecosystem. We were advised to feed the cats to make it easier to catch them so that they could be sterilised, immunised against rabies, and returned to this area. Further we were informed that given their territoriality, if we had them removed, other feral cats would move in. Those feral cats would not be immunised against rabies, nor sterilised. So that the feral cat population would continue to increase,and pose a rabies risk. In order to have these cats trapped for sterilisation and rabies immunisation, we began feeding them.
What are the effects of feral cats on this ecosystem?
Do domestic cats effect species beyond their owners' properties?
Can we establish an ecosystem without feral cats? If so how?
Is there another way to approach this issue?
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Domestic Cat (Felis catus)Observer
catiDescription
This was one of a number of cats that began to come to our garden. Verified with neighbours that this was not a lost pet.
Photos / Sounds
What
Domestic Cat (Felis catus)Observer
catiDescription
One of the kittens from the litter, first seen in December 2016
Photos / Sounds
What
Domestic Cat (Felis catus)Observer
catiDescription
Two males (?) increasingly present over the past month(?). Many nights will caterwaul while posing as if in a standoff.
Comments
Do not feed feral cats. It creates an unnatural concentration of these animals where they can survive in much higher densities than if they had to survive only on prey.
To answer your questions:
Feral cats decimate small animal populations. They are extremely effective predators that kill even when not hungry out of pure instinct.
Domestic cats range widely. Some stay close to their home but others range widely. A study in the US shows some of the variation. https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/205315
It is possible to have an environment without feral cats. Discontinue any feeding. Encourage people in the area to spay and neuter their cats and to keep their pet cats indoors. Trap and remove any cats you find. If there is a shelter that will take them and tame them down for adoption that is a good option but humane euthanasia should be used if that is not possible.
http://www.tnrrealitycheck.com/welcome.asp is a great website that highlights the lies of the TNR movement and provides scientific evidence for their positions.
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