[simage=1197,200,y,center]

Paws and More Animal Shelter has started a program of trying to stop the spread of Washington’s cat population.  Director Amber Talbot says they are focusing on feral cats on the city’s northwest side.  She says they are spaying and neutering the cats in that part of town.

Talbot says a feral cat is one that is not well-socialized and is not a domesticated house pet.  She says trying to relocate the cats is not as effective because they will return to the area.

Talbot adds the only way to impact the population is to sterilize the cats.  She says the funding for this program is being funded by grants specifically targeted for neutering and releasing.

Talbot notes since the program started in March they have sterilized over 50 cats in a five-block radius and have relocated 20 of those as well.  To learn more about this program, listen to today’s In Touch With Southeast Iowa program.