Naples Pet Vet Blog

This sounds like a reasonable solution to help lower the burden on the shelters. My concerns (1) would be for the safety of the outdoor cats as there are so many predatory animals in Florida and (2) what, if any, affect will there be on the indigenous bird and small reptile species could this have. Cats don't only kill mice and rats.

Well I think that there is probably a good and bad side to this. On the good side there are so many cats that are needing homes, that this would expand the opportunity to place them into a home if someeone wants to have an out door cat only. On the other hand outdoor cats tend to live shorter lives, ( Hit by cars, Coyotes, or at higher risk for contracting FIV/Felv if not Vaccinated properly.) In any case a Declawed cat should not be tured out, Since it is not able to defend itself.

I think this is a great idea for Collier county to take up as well. I feel even though there is a risk of a shorter life span outside, it's a much longer life span than being euthanized at the over-crowded shelters. With the requirement of having these cats neutered, they will not add to the stray population, and it may not have any scientific backing but it seems to me that neutered cats that live outdoors tend to stay near the house,near safe places. An idea to think about is also requiring the cats to have a registered microchip inplanted in case they do wander.

People seem to think this is generally a good idea to save cats - but some good concerns have been noted. A little more info..per the Lee County DAS, ..the cats and kittens considered for this program are not feral -they are the adult strays and kittens of ferals who can be handled, but do not like to be held or cuddled; those that would not do well released in a feral colony, but would probably not fit in as "lap cats." These cats are FELV/FIV tested, spayed or neutered, dewormed, vaccinated for FVRCP & Rabies and microchipped. They are required to be vaccinated for rabies and licensed by Lee county yearly after adoption. They are not vaccinated for FELV, FIV or requred to be put on heartworm prevention. We were unable to determine how much acreage is required, but they need to have an appropriate "barn or stable area" - change anyone's minds?

Todays comments under the Starfish award to Lee County for its Barn Buddy program highlighted some of my concerns. The implication is that all these cats require is food and shelter and the rest will take care of itself is misleading. What about immunizations for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Feline AIDS) - 2 diseases which, depending on age, these cats would be at high risk for and can be devastating? What about regular parasite control - How many barn cats do you know that are on monthly flea and tick preventative - parasites that cause problems but also carry other diseases? What about regular GI parasite control - these parasites can be transmitted to people - especially children? What about heartworm prevention in these cats? Who will be responisble for senior care when these cats are no longer able to provide for themselves or may develop age related illnesses? I commend anyone that thinks "outside the box" to address the overwhelming number of unwanted pets, but want to insure that everyone is aware that the responsibilities go beyond food and shelter.

I hope more pets find nice owners. I am really concerned with ungrateful pet owners.