Feral cats have been a pervasive issue in the Yakima Valley for years, causing problems related to food, procreation, and territorial fights. However, it’s important to note that the blame lies with pet owners who have neglected to spay or neuter their cats. This irresponsible behavior has led to the current estimate of 35,000 to 40,000 strays in the county. Many of these cats are allowed to roam freely, reproducing or being abandoned, which creates further problems for the community.
Fortunately, a dedicated group of volunteers in Yakima has taken it upon themselves to tackle this issue. These compassionate individuals are working alongside the Yakima Humane Society to implement the trap-alter-release (TAR) method for managing the feral cat population. Given that feral cats are not accustomed to human interactions and are generally skittish around people, experts recommend safely trapping them as the most effective approach.
According to a recent article by Vanessa Ontiveros from the YH-R, the process typically involves the following steps: Rescuers devote their personal time and resources to capture the stray cats, then transport them to the Yakima Humane Society’s spay and neuter clinic. The clinic hosts biweekly “feral days,” during which each cat is spayed/neutered and vaccinated. The costs of these procedures are currently covered by a yearlong grant from Pawsitive Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing the euthanizing of unwanted animals.
Once the cat has been processed, the Humane Society marks its ear to indicate that it has undergone treatment. After about 24 hours of recovery, the cat is ready to be returned to the area from which it was captured. While the cat may still be roaming outside, it will no longer contribute to the population growth or spread diseases. Furthermore, this approach alleviates the strain on the Humane Society’s overcrowded shelter.
Addressing the feral cat issue is a long-term endeavor, and there are organizations like Underground Community Cat Rescue and Alley Cat Allies that can offer valuable insights and practical resources. Unfortunately, due to limited funding, the county and local cities are unable to provide significant assistance. Yakima city officials have expressed their willingness to support existing volunteer groups, but given the city’s current financial situation, it may be challenging to expect immediate financial aid.
Therefore, volunteers remain the only hope for local feral cats at this time. While their efforts benefit the fortunate cats they’re able to rescue, they also have a positive impact on the entire community. Although rescuing stray cats may seem insignificant to some, it is a time-consuming, emotionally demanding, and potentially costly undertaking.
We are grateful to have individuals with such compassionate hearts actively involved in our community, working towards a solution.
Yakima Herald-Republic editorials reflect the collective opinions of the newspaper’s local editorial board.
