There's more than one way to help out a feral cat

There's more than one way to help out a feral cat

Date published: 3/29/2005

Ginny Foreman's letter was thought-provoking ["Feral cats are not miserable and don't need rescuing," March 17]. A January article about Ms. Foreman's own efforts to remove animals to farms described a fine person and animal advocate. I'm certain she didn't intend to criticize Thea Verdak's efforts.

I think Ms. Foreman must have meant that removal to a farm is not the only answer--or even the best answer--for every feral cat.

Moving animals to a safer environment has long been an effective strategy. World-renowned animal activist Cleveland Amory created a ranch back in 1986--the Black Beauty Ranch--as a sanctuary for unwanted or endangered animals. It is viewed as an unqualified success.

I must disagree, to some extent, with Ms. Foreman's assertion that feral cats are not miserable. Theirs is often a stressful life. The bitter winter cold; injuries that leave cats with dismembered limbs or internal bleeding resulting in a slow, painful death; parasitic infestations; cruelty at the hands of people who hate them--these make for real misery.

And I don't believe I am anthropomorphizing feral cats. Pain is not an experience limited to humankind.

Carol Horton's article ["Life on the streets," March 5] did not say all ferals should be moved to farms. Trap, neuter, return is an enormously effective strategy--as long as there is someone committed to feeding and housing the ferals for the rest of their lives. TNR can make a huge difference.

At any rate, I thank God for caring animal advocates and newspaper reporters like Ms. Horton who write about them.

Catherine Bird

Spotsylvania

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Date published: 3/29/2005