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Saturday, March 9, 2013 | 2 a.m.
Another view?
View more of the Las Vegas Sun's opinion section:
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In the column “House cats: The invasive species,” George Fenwick suggests stronger laws against abandoning house pets. I agree. The remaining content of the column is rubbish. The author shows a total lack of understanding with regard to the capture, neuter, inoculate, release and feed (CNIRF) program. The following reflects my analysis of this article:
• Under a CNIRF, the cat population is reduced over time by stopping the breeding process.
• CNIRF cats, as well as most domestic cats, are inoculated for rabies. Birds, which routinely drink, bathe and defecate in the same birdbath, are much more likely to spread disease.
• The column refers to a study where cameras were mounted on 60 cats with the cats’ activities monitored. Results estimated an implausible 14.7 billion bird and mammal kills each year. Since domestic and feral cats have been around for centuries, how is it possible there are any birds or small mammals left?
• Having had cats for 60 years and observing feral cats for several, I have observed that cats aren’t that efficient in catching birds. Rather, birds fall prey to other predators such as hawks, falcons, owls, eagles and roadrunners. The author did not call for their capture and euthanasia.
• A key element of the CNIRF program is the obligation of the caretaker to feed the feral cats. A well-fed cat is less likely to hunt for food.
Studies sponsored by organizations with biased opinions often result in biased conclusions. This column is no exception.
The large cat that turned on and killed its handler recently was just fed. Small cats and large are still roamers and preyers. Domesticated, wild, or captivity, same same.
CarmineD
The real message about feral cats: they are a nuisance. Since that nuisance has no natural ability to control itself, it is up to the more intelligent species to manage them properly.
Blessings and Peace,
Star
Feral cats, and there are plenty of them in my neighborhood, do more than predate the bird population. They destroy (or attempt to) private property. I have to inspect my truck, which, while parked under cover, is still subject to their "spraying". Trust me, their spray will eat chrome right off your car/truck. I inspect my truck daily for this "predation". I have 1k worth of wheels on my truck, and have continually had to cleanse them due to feral cat (or any cat) spray. I don't like cats in general, and I particularly don't like uncontrolled "pest" cats that damage my property. Neuter (or is it spay) ALL OF THEM, or better yet, round them up an EUTHANIZE them. If their "owners" can't or won't control them, too bad, if they end up dead.
I'm with Gary Lind.
People don't "own" cats. At best, a cat consents to grace someone with their presence.
I prefer dogs.
I completely agree with Star.
Gary: Now I have a question to email to Steve Dail (petworld@stevedale.tv). I want to ask how prevalent cats' spraying of trucks is. That's the first I've heard of it.
In Steve's commentary last Sunday he answered a question about the "anti-cat sentiment created by bogus published reports of how cats kill millions of birds." The questioner was a volunteer for a CNIRF-type program. Steve commented that he questions the validity of the bird numbers cited. He added that other "killers" are habitat loss, light and air pollution, and climate change. I would add pollution, hunters, predatory birds, and snakes.
Like this letter writer, Steve endorses CNIRF and related programs. He captured my main concern when he said that the unscientific reports and commentaries further "divisiveness between "bird people" and cat people."
Fenwick's column reminded me of so many other biased commentaries and cartoons (particularly political). They fit a formula. Simplify a complex problem. Create enemies or a false dichotomy, such as cats vs. birds, or Republicans vs. Democrats. Don't necessarily let facts detract from the captivating fiction.
ONE such example in Fenwick's column was that he lumped house and homeless/feral cats into the same cat-egory. Therefore, every time he talked about feral cat problems the stigma carried over to four-legged furry kids with homes. I believe all cats deserve any help we can spare.
First we have to identify with certainty the more intelligent species to rein in the cats. I have my doubts that it is always the human.
CarmineD
sounds like Gary needs his wheels on his truck neutered....I have never seen or heard of a cat spraying on tires..might it be the neighbors dogs doing the dirty deeds to his wheels?
"Studies sponsored by organizations with biased opinions often result in biased conclusions. This column is no exception."
Durost -- then you should have read the comments. I was one of the posters dealing with a feral cat infestation. Since animal control refuses to do anything but pick up our cages after we catch them -- not likely -- these need to be exterminated.
ressince73 -- you have my sympathies. The only thing that might work is an anti-cat dog.
"Try explaining Hitler to a kid." -- the late George Carlin in "Brain Droppings" (1997)
My bird uses the toilet and does not bath in its waste, you are a bird hater. Also cats are sneaky.
Signed
ROVER