Little “Bear,” was discovered by Street Cat Angels and is now at Ahimsa Haven the place she awaits adoption. (COURTESY AHIMSA HAVEN)
DEAR PET TALK: I’ve seen stray cats in my neighborhood. Should I be feeding them? CAT LOVER
DEAR CAT LOVER: Absolutely not. First, let’s take a look at your assertion. You are stating the cats are strays, however is there a chance they’re owned by neighbors? Your first step is to be a superb neighbor; ask in your neighborhood if the cats are recognized and owned. If the cats’ ears are “tipped” (which means the tip has been eliminated), the cat has been spayed or neutered. Chances are good {that a} free-roaming cat that’s spayed or neutered has an proprietor.
However, should you reside in a neighborhood with many flats, and the cat turns up on the finish of the month, there’s a chance that the cat was left behind throughout a transfer or eviction. It is the owner’s duty to verify an house for any pets left behind: that’s the legislation.
Now, if nobody within the neighborhood says the cat belongs to them, the next step is to achieve out to Animal Control. Every metropolis and city within the state is required to offer these providers to residents. Most Animal Control Officers (ACO) are a part of the police division; generally the native board of well being. If you possibly can ship {a photograph}, by means of e-mail or texting, that may assist them.
Some cities and cities have a volunteer group that helps the animal management officer (s). In Fitchburg and Leominster, the Animal Control Officers must learn about stray cats. And a bunch that additionally assists is Street Cat Angels, the “go-to” for any resident who sees a cat they have no idea personally. SCA liaise with Animal Control, and space cat rescues and shelters, reminiscent of Ahimsa Haven, so {that a} true “stray cat” has a secure place.
The steps for figuring out whether or not a cat is a stray cat is as follows: ACO will verify to see if the cat has a microchip. This is a tiny transmitter, the dimensions of a grain of rice which could have proprietor info. If the cat is owned, and the proprietor could be discovered, the cat will probably be returned, and the ACO could have a dialog with the proprietor in regards to the risks a free-roaming cat will encounter (automobiles, wildlife).
Finally, your kindness is appreciated, however what’s vital is that communication is vital amongst all events.
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Visit us on Facebook and textual content inquiries to: 978-320-1335, or e-mail [email protected]
