Like most seaports, New Orleans has a large cat population, including whole colonies of ferals. For many years we have had ongoing programs for humane control of these. The vast tracts of flood-devastated houses and businesses make the problem much more difficult, of course - but there are many people making an effort. Here is a recent notice on the subject.... and do open the "Alley Cat Allies" site if you don't have it already...
Dot B
To: rebuild_lakeview@yahoogroups.com
From: smalk50@aol.com
Date: Mon, 8 May 2006 15:14:25 EDT
Subject: [rebuild_lakeview] Free Spay & Neuter for cats
Hi,
Alley Cat Allies, a national group that specializes in feral (stray/wild) cats, is sponsoring their "Feline Frenzy" from May 8th until May 21st. And it is also going to be a joint effort of all of the animal rescue groups that are in the city now. ACA is offering free spay & neuter to all free roaming cats that are being trapped and brought in throughout the entire city.
http://www.alleycat.org/
Once trapped, the cats will be assessed first. They will try and find out if the cat belonged to someone and is still lost from Katrina, or if it is a feral cat, or the offspring of one. The feral cats that are in an area where food will be available to them (where people are rebuilding) will be spayed & neutered, vaccinated, receive flea treatment, ear treatment and whatever else they may need and then returned to the area that they were trapped at. The youngest kittens will be taken in, fostered and found homes for. Plans are being made by ACA about what to do with the animals that are being trapped out in areas with little if any rebuilding - possibly by relocation to barn type homes.
At any rate, this is a great opportunity for our community to help curb the feral cat population, find lost pets, but still allow the feral cats to live out their lives outside. And don't forget that we need the feral cats for many reasons, rats and mice being one of them.
If you have been feeding stray cats or know of any areas that seem to have a lot of cats around, or want to help out this great cause, please contact ACA, or the group known as ARNO - Animal Rescue New Orleans:
http://www.animalrescueneworleans.com/
Thanks for your help!
Chris