The plight of feral cats

Re “Far more than nine lives,” March 24

The situation for the feral cats living at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is a reminder of the perilous situation all feral cats face. Too wild to be adopted yet dependent on humans for food, shelter and veterinary care, most feral cats die young after succumbing to painful diseases, being hit by cars, starving, being attacked by other animals or being tortured and killed by cruel humans. No responsible cat guardian would say that these are acceptable fates for their feline companions, and they shouldn’t be for feral cats either. Painless euthanasia may be a kinder option than returning feral cats to the streets, where they will likely face slow, agonizing deaths.

Each of us can help prevent animals from ending up homeless by spaying or neutering and by bringing animals to shelters if we must part with them -- never abandoning them.

Lindsay Pollard-

Post

Norfolk, Va.

Pollard-Post is a staff writer with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

What many cat lovers and the public do not realize is that feral cats prey on wild birds. After all, how do you think feral cats survive? Of course there would not be any feral cats if there weren’t irresponsible cat owners. Even domestic cats prey on birds if their owners allow them to roam around outside. The public may be concerned about feral cats, but it also needs to consider the plight of birds. Keep your cats inside.

Gerald Orcholski

Pasadena