... cure this overpopulation problem, it will help to insure that the problem will not get worse. In many areas of the country drastic steps are being taken by communities to control feral cat populations. Many efforts are being made to trap, alter and release (TAR) feral cats. The benefits of these programs are that the altered cats defend their territories from other strays, while not reproducing. The downside is that the small mammal and bird populations of these territories suffer huge losses. After the non-profit Feral Cat Coalition instituted a TAR program in the San Diego area, the number of cats handled by the animal shelter dropped an amazing 35%. Before beginning the TAR program the shelter had been seeing yearly increases of about 10% in the number of cats handled. Over 70% of the cats trapped by the coalition were either in heat, pregnant or had recently given birth (Johnson, ...

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