Outside cats in the city

[retrofan05]

There are several adult cats in my neighborhood who, I'm pretty sure have homes, because most have collars. However, they're always outside and not only do I not live in the country, I live on a main and very busy street.

To add to the problem, now there are kittens, because of course their inconsiderate owners don't have their cats spayed or neutered.

The wholes scenario is very upsetting to me, because as an animal lover (particularly cats), I hate seeing them just running around so close to the street and often across the street. I'm just waiting for the day when one gets hit. Then, there's the meowing and howling at night. I wonder if they ever get any attention.

I honesty feel helpless, because technically the cats aren't strays (they might as well be), so I can't take them in or take them to the humane society. Should I call animal control? If so, what would I say? Does anyone else have this problem?

[Retro4Life]

You might want to take the plunge and ask your neighbors if these cats are theirs, then gently add that it scares you to see them so close to the road. You're right; cats, particularly those in the city, should not be outside.

If you call the city council or cops, they are liable to take the cats to some sort of "pound", which may or may not end up killing them. So I can understand your hesitancy to do that. If you found a "no kill" shelter then that might be an option. They might take some or all of the outside kitties and you wouldn't have to worry about them getting put to sleep.

Is there evidence of lack of food or water? If so, you'd have more of a case to plead.

I volunteer for a shelter and have for about 13 years (it's no kill, of course). I thank you for caring about this issue; just by doing that you're more compassionate that 90 percent of the people I know.

[AB]

The cats also may have escaped from their homes. I've had my cat run out of the house & stay gone overnight several times. But it sounds like your cat problem is ongoing. I'd ask around the immediate neighborhood if the cats belong to anyone then I'd probably call animal control. A few cats can quickly multiply if nothing is done. I live outside the city limits & people have dumped their unwanted animals out here many times over the years. That's why I now have 2 cats instead of just one.

[Ohio8]

Another way they cause trouble is when they cause your cat to go territorial and lash out at you. :mad: :mad: