Far too often in our business of helping the feral cats and their kittens of Santa Barbara County, we run into situations of overpopulation, neglect or abuse. If only a neighbor would call us before things get out of hand, instead of turning a blind eye and remaining silent.

Backyard breeders of cats and dogs are all over. Neighbors know but are loathe to report what they see for fear of retribution. Forget the people, think of the poor animals who are in desperate need of help. They cannot speak for themselves, so you need to.

Dogs may be confined to a backyard or let out to cruise the neighborhood. With cats, allowing them to free-roam is the easiest and cheapest for their owners. Think of all the food the kitties will catch themselves and no poop to scoop! Moms will even bring home food for the kittens when they arrive.

Allowing intact pets to free-roam outside is a form of animal abuse as they are driven by hormones to find mates. During this time the cats are at great risk of being injured crossing streets or from fighting. They may also come into contact with diseased animals.

During mating with a contagious tom, a female may herself be infected with FIV (feline HIV) or FeLV (feline leukemia). Both of these diseases have been spreading in our area. Infected mothers in turn can infect unborn kittens that, if they don’t die, infect the next generation if sold, given away or left on the streets to breed.

Free-roaming pets are neighborhood nuisances and are often neglected as well. Irresponsible owners may not provide necessary shelter, parasite protection, sustenance and veterinary care. If their cat comes home pregnant or with kittens in tow, it is doubtful that the will be taken inside. The little ones are often sold or given away much earlier than the recommended eights weeks of age. Naturally none will have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated or treated for parasites, including the mother who will be ushered back outside to repeat the process.

Our motto is “make every cat a wanted cat.” Curbing breeding is essential for this to happen, and the community at large can help by getting involved. Approach your neighbors if you know they have intact pets that go outside, and encourage them to take advantage of the local low-cost spay/neuter clinics. Garner support from other neighbors about the situation, and then notify Animal Control or a local rescue group anonymously.