Indian Head Park's Stray Cat Problem Being Solved: Officials

INDIAN HEAD PARK, IL – Indian Head Park officials say stray cats are a problem for which they are working on a solution.

The village has teamed up with Triple R Pets, a Cook County nonprofit that specializes in a trap-neuter-return approach.

"We heard from residents frustrated with outdoor cats," Village President Amy Jo Wittenberg said in a news release. "This program gives us a humane way to address that while reducing the population over time."

Under a new Indian Head Park ordinance, managed feral cat colonies may operate within the Cook County Animal Control framework.

The ordinance separates organized colony management from uncontrolled feeding and keeps the village's authority to respond to unsanitary conditions, property damage, rodent attraction and other nuisance issues, according to the news release.

The village said the nonprofit group's program involves humanely trapping feral cats, then having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ear-tipped for identification before they are returned to their territory. Volunteer caretakers then monitor and care for the colonies.

The village said cats can quickly repopulate vacant areas, making the trap-neuter-return approach a more effective long-term approach than removal alone.

As part of the partnership, Triple R Pets will coordinate trapping efforts, maintain colony records, provide volunteer training, arrange veterinary services and monitor program outcomes.

Indian Head Park is also looking for residents interested in serving as feral cat colony caretakers. No experience is required, according to the village, and volunteers will receive training and ongoing support from Triple R Pets.

Residents who want to volunteer or learn more about the program can visit Trip R Pets' website or contact Village Hall.