The existence of feral cats is a problem in a lot of neighborhoods.
It is easy to assume there are colonies of feral cats in most every neighborhood, unless specific programs have been initiated by area officials.
These programs consist of a methodical trap/spay-neuter/release of the cats.
This is done with the cooperation of the local Humane Society, SPCA or animal control of the city or county and contributing veterinarians.
The participating entities provide humane traps to the community to be set in different localities where the cats have been seen frequently.
The community participants check their respective traps and notify the authorities when they have a cat trapped that needs to be picked up.
Then the cat is transported to a veterinarian that has agreed to participate in the program.
The cat is spayed or neutered, then, returned to the neighborhood from which they came.
They are then allowed to live out their life, just as before, with one exception, they will no longer be able to contribute to the increasing number of feral cats.
These programs may be funded by government grants, or in the case of smaller SPCA groups, fund raisers may be necessary.
Sometimes a community may have to help pay for the services of the veterinarian but the vets that participate normally provide the service at a much reduced price.
For more information on these programs, contact your local Humane Society, SPCA or city/county Animal Control Department.
You can also go to www.
alleycat.
org for a really good insight into the importance of these programs.