The increasing number of feral cats in Patagonia has become an animal control problem that is being addressed by a group of concerned citizens, informally dubbed the Kitty Committee. By educating neighbors and enlisting volunteers to engage in a Trap, Neuter, and Return program (TNR), this group intends to minimize the feral cat population by humanely intervening in their reproductive process.
Feral cats are different from domesticated cats. They live outdoors and have little to no human contact. Although they help control the rodent population, their burgeoning numbers have become a health and safety concern to our community.
Feral cats multiply exponentially wherever shelter is adequate and food is plentiful. Cats can become pregnant at five months of age. A pair of breeding cats, which can have two or more litters per year, can produce 420,000 offspring over a seven-year period.
That worst-case scenario can be avoided by limiting their ability to reproduce.
The Kitty Committee and local individuals have been trapping and transporting feral cats to Paws Patrol in Green Valley, a 501(c)(3) animal shelter that alters feral cats free of charge with donations welcome. The left ear is then tipped for recognition, and rabies and FVRCP vaccinations are administered. The cats can then be returned to their colony, or disseminated as barn cats. Those young enough for socialization may be put up for adoption.
Paws Patrol is one of several options in the region for the TNR program, implemented successfully by communities around the world to keep feral cat populations under control. Please consider donating to greenvalleypawspatrol.org.
To get involved, attend the next Kitty Committee meeting at 11 a.m., Nov. 13 in the Town Hall. Attendees will learn about differentiating between household and feral cats, safe and effective trapping and transporting procedures, and have the opportunity to offer suggestions, formulate strategies and help locate much needed feral cat traps.
For information on the Town of Patagonia’s wild and domestic animal regulations, go to Patagonia-az.gov, Town Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Animals. Or call Isabel at the Town Hall, (520) 394-2229