72% of all Cats that enter shelters and pounds are killed

Yes, you read that right. And did you know that the killings within Animal control, pounds and shelters are the leading cause of death for cats in the United States. These organizations hide behind the term "Euthanasia" but Euthanasia refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering yet most animals who die in pounds and shelters are killed for very different reasons, most having nothing to do with their health at all. Comprehensive studies show that 23% are adopted and only 2% are returned to their original owners.
For feral cats, the kill rate in pounds and shelters rises to 100%. These cats have no social skills outside their colonies with humans, adult ferals are almost always too wild to even consider trying to tame them so a chance of being adopted is very unlikely and there is no original owner to claim. The only option these cats face once they enter these facilities is death.

Many people assume that feral cats always suffer living outdoors but this is just not the case, they are not disease prone nor do they pose any health risk to humans. Studies have proven that only 1% of feral cats brought into shelters and pounds are euthanized do to illness or disease.

It's important for everyone to realize these numbers before making that choice of calling Animal Control when they have an issue with feral or stray cats. Most of us have this first reaction to seeing cats living outdoors on their own and it's usually feeling sorry for them that they don't have homes....but they do have homes...they are home.

So the next time you see cats living outside and you feel they need your help...think about it first, what is it that you think they need. If the cat is ill and needs medical attention then by all means get some help but be careful who you call. There are feral organizations almost everywhere now, take a moment, look into it, call the right people because if you call Animal Control, or take the cat to a shelter, the cat will die.

Remember the numbers 72% of all cats, 100% of Feral Cats.


 Feral Friends Network

 Feral Cat Veterinary Resource Center

 Care for Cats