Feral Cat Program of Maui
Current mood: happy


An alternative program now in place rather than slaughtering, trapping, running over these cats or allowing the ongoing proliferation is being used here in Maui Hawaii it is called the Feral Cat Program of Maui is also in conjunction with the Human Society. For the ease my readers I will put the short article here with a link. I have been traveling to Maui for 36 years. Three years ago after moving here I couldn't understand what was going on with all the cats they were lined up everywhere looking for handouts dead everyone on the one road around the island it was sad.


In the past 3 years I have seen a significant decrease in feral cats and that is a blessing because they are carrying a weird virus that is killing domesticated cats. Additionally, these feral cast kill many rare birds that are practically extinct. Our approach is so much more humane and makes a lot of sense and isn't decimating the population only controlling it and keeping other cats and species alive. Here is the article:


Feral Cat Program

The following represents our philosophy regarding the TTAR (trap, test, alter, and release) method of feral cat colony maintenance.

We recognize that a feral cat population exists on the island of Maui. Feral cats are defined as felines, which, for the most part, are not socialized and disdain human contact. Feral cat populations begin with free roaming, unaltered and abandoned cats and will continue to draw new members from these ranks until cat owners come to accept responsibility for their companions.
In addition to the TTAR program the Maui Humane Society believes in establishing both legislative and educational programs aimed at limiting the indiscriminate breeding of cats. As well, we promote responsible pet ownership and discourage the widespread myth that "cats are free spirits and can fend for themselves."

Experience has shown that cats are somewhat territorial and will establish and protect colonies. Left to breed uncontrolled, these colonies compound the pet overpopulation program and pose a potential health risk to wildlife, domestic pets, and humans.

Continual trapping and euthanasia has been ineffective, in that other feral cats repopulate the territorial niches left void by those previously removed. The TTAR method is only recommended for colonies of feral cats that can be returned to supervised sites where long term care can be assured. Stray, tame cats need to be placed in homes. Spaying/neutering colonies of cats:

Stabilizes the population at manageable levels
Eliminates annoying behaviors associated with mating (fighting, yowling, and spraying)
Helps make the animals easier to deal with
Has been proven more effective and less costly than repeated attempts at eradication
Is humane to the animals and fosters compassion in the community

The Maui Humane Society works in partnership with the Feline Foundation of Maui to provide spay/neuters and other types of support for feral cats in colony situations.
For more information on establishing a colony of feral cats please contact the Feline Foundation of Maui at (808) 891-1181 or email: felinefoundation@yahoo.com


Let us all be humane and find creative solutions to controlling species.


May the Great Spirit guide us all.

Blessings,
Dancing Raven