Feral cat colonies continue to proliferate across Michigan, posing challenges stemming from inbreeding, overpopulation, and constant pregnancies. These resilient strays often gravitate towards areas with accessible food sources, leading to growing colonies in various regions.
Richelle Brown, a representative of the Cheboygan County Humane Society, shed light on the situation, emphasizing the link between feral cat populations and the availability of sustenance. “They go to where they get fed. If people are feeding barn cats, they also have this colony of feral cats as well,” Brown explained.
Tragically, some feral cats exhibit congenital defects as a result of inbreeding, such as misshapen heads, extra toes, or crossed eyes. Brown pointed out the consequences of this genetic diversity crisis, saying, “Unfortunately, there’s that vast of a population, and they’ll start to have smaller litters or the kittens will die early on in life.”
Numerous shelters and humane societies have implemented TNR (Trap, Neuter, and Release) programs to mitigate the growth of stray and feral cat populations. Brown encouraged public participation in these initiatives as a means to curb the issue. “They can live-trap the cats, bring them in, and we fix them and give them a rabies shot. Then they can pick them up at the end of the day and let them back outside,” she elaborated.
Nevertheless, Sal Palombo, the owner of Michigan Animal Control, located in DeWitt, emphasized that addressing feral cats involves more complexity than merely trapping and releasing them. He argued, “There are still strays that aren’t neutered and will continue the breeding cycle.” Palombo further highlighted that unaltered strays remain focused on mating behaviors, posing a challenge to neutered cats.
Despite his affection for feral cats around his home, Palombo recognized the harm they inflict on the environment, particularly songbirds. “You know, they’re all great, but the reality is, they’re indiscriminately killing wildlife every day,” he remarked.
The Michigan Humane Society, headquartered in Bingham Farms, reported receiving 4,861 strays in 2022. The organization deploys various programs aimed at tackling pet overpopulation, including humane education initiatives, reduced-cost veterinary services for those in need, free pet food banks, and their own TNR program.
Brown underlined the crucial distinction between helping strays through TNR and rescuing them. She noted that some cats have never experienced captivity and exhibit distinct behaviors from house pets. “They lived outside. They thrive outside,” Brown explained. “So if we can fix them and put them back outside, as long as they’re getting food and shelter where they were trapped, then we’re letting them live.”
