International Feral Cat Day, October 16, was appropriately marked by special food treats being given to ferals across the country in appreciation of their thankless commitment to controlling the rodent population and thereby helping prevent the spread of disease.

Feral cats are lost or abandoned domestic cats, or their descendents, who make a living in environments ranging from the squalid alleys of the inner cities to landscaped office parks.

They are given supplementary feeding by caring people around the world. They are sterilised to control their numbers and are given veterinary treatment when necessary. Usually, they are robust hunters and succeed in living by their wits.

Some companies have started feeding and sterilising schemes for the cats that prowl their gardens. They prefer to have a controlled number of healthy, sterilised cats. And the corporate cats keep newcomer animals out of the territory.

Sharing the environment with other creatures is a civilised way of life --  "live and let live".
 
But some companies have declared war on the harmless, hardworking feral cats and have been known to put down poisons, which cause unimaginable suffering and are ecologically a disaster.

Feral-cat feeders have suggested that the cats be put on the payroll of companies and shops in recognition of the service they provide.

 
Issued by United for Animals