Camden County Proposes New Way To Handle Stray, Feral Cats

The Camden County Freeholder Board recently introduced an ordinance aimed at reducing the growth of stray and feral cat populations, stop the spread of diseases and reduce the numbers of feral cats through natural attrition.

“The Community Cat Ordinance is based on the principles of trap, neuter and return (TNR), which we feel is the most effective method of managing the stray and feral cat population,” Camden County Freeholder Jeff Nash said in a statement Thursday evening. “TNR is a non-lethal population control technique utilized to humanely capture, vaccinate, identify and spay or neuter cats.

“Cats are domestic animals that are better suited to living in a home that provides shelter, a nutritious diet, appropriate exercise and protection from other animals. Stray kittens and cats that are tame enough to be socialized can then be adopted by local families.”

Adult cats that cannot be socialized are returned to where they were trapped. With proper management and oversight, they can live out their lives under the supervision of a community cat caregiver. Cats will need to be periodically re-trapped to update their vaccinations and receive medical care.

“These cats can be found in industrial areas, open spaces and neighborhoods. While some find their way into homes and shelters, many of them are left to fend for themselves or are cared for by concerned citizens,” Nash said.

The county estimates there are between 1.3 and 2 million stray and cats in New Jersey, and more than 123,000 cats in Camden County. As many as 20 percent of those cats are considered to be stray or feral.

In the United States, only about two percent of the 30 to 40 million stray cats have been spayed or neutered. These cats produce around 80 percent of the kittens born each year.

“Shelters in communities with a large population of outdoor cats that aren't spayed or neutered experience numerous challenges and increased costs associated with their care,” Nash said. “In areas without this program, there are unfortunately higher euthanasia rates among cats that are unable to be domesticated and adopted.”

To adopt a pet, visit the Camden County Animal Shelter at 125 County House Road in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township.

For more information, visit www.ccasnj.org or call 856-401-1300 for adoption hours.

Patch file photo