Even in the best of economic times, we get calls for cats that have been abandoned, but this year has been especially busy. Scores of intact cats have just been left to fend for themselves, join the ranks of the ferals, and become breeding machines. How incredibly cruel for these former pets, many used to regular food, shelter and veterinary care, to suddenly find themselves covered with fleas and ticks, exposed to disease, suffer abscesses, and have litter after litter of kittens, half of which die. Even for those that have been “fixed,” it is a cruel life.

Cats are social animals, and form colonies when left on their own. When breeding begins and disease is present, the litters are compromised resulting in a high mortality rate. The kittens will be wild and know hunger within a few weeks of birth, and if they live long enough, they will repeat the vicious cycle.

My column about the seven kittens suffering severe eye disease, illustrates the result of being left behind. Through investigation, we have discovered that these are the offspring of four former pets from the same household, abandoned when the family moved. This core colony consisted of four females, subsequently impregnated by two intact males next door resulting in three litters and one pregnancy by the time we found them. These cats had known little care or loving, and were lucky to have food and water.

How irresponsible can people be to not only not have their animals spayed/neutered, but to take some cats with them while leaving others behind to fend for themselves? There are low-cost spay/neuter facilities available and also shelters to take in those animals that can no longer be cared for. There is no excuse for abandonment and it is a crime, punishable by law.

The mission of Catalyst for Cats, as stated below, is to help the feral and abandoned cats of Santa Barbara County. Through donations and grants, we trap, neuter and return the adults, set up feeding stations of dry food and water, and provide veterinary care for special needs. Our dedicated fosters take in whole families, socializing them for future “forever” homes.

At adoption time, you pledged to love and take care of them. If for any reason your situation makes it impossible to fulfill this promise, please find them a new home, call a cat rescue group, or take them to the Humane Society or Animal Shelter. Please do not abandon your pet! It is, in fact, a misdemeanor per Penal Code 597 to abandon a cat, punishable by a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $20,000.