Volunteer group neuters city’s feral cats

VW independent/submitted information

Community cats (also known as feral cats), as well as domestic cats, are a growing concern for Van Wert and the country in general, says Van Wert Mayor Jerry Mazur. However, a group of local residents has implemented the “Trap-Neuter-Return” (or “Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return”) program to reduce the cat population over time.

TNR program volunteers cite compelling reasons why feral cats should remain in local neighbor-hoods. For example, cats help to control rodents, including mice and rats, and also help to control rabbits and moles that damage vegetable and flower gardens, as well as lawns.

Community cats are usually not socialized to people and, as a result, are not adoptable. The TNR program has proven to be an effective tool in reducing the cat population, and is a humane solution that ensures the cats being released back into the community are not only “fixed,” but vaccinated against rabies. Rabies shots can last for up to seven years.

Anyone considering a pet kitten should have the animal spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Kittens can be safely spayed or neutered at 4 months of age.

“Caring for pets and preventing them from reproducing is responsible pet ownership, and this is the kind of behavior we want to model to our children,” said Mayor Mazur. “Spaying or neutering cats is the key to reducing the cat population.”

Local residents who would like to become involved in, or learn more about, the TNR program, can contact Brenda Hoffman at the Van Wert County Humane Society (419.203.4997) for additional details. Financial donations are always greatly appreciated and prudently invested in promoting the TNR program.