Notice a large stray cat population in your neighborhood? Here’s what you should know

Two nonprofits in the greater Tri-Cities area describe the pet overpopulation here as rampant, nonstop and widespread in a recent interview with The Herald.

Both the Preventing Homeless Pets Rescue (PHP) in Benton City and Pet OverPopulation Prevention (POPP) in Pasco say their number one priority is low-cost, high volume spay and neuter services, while also preparing strays for adoption and sending volunteers to trap and release feral animals so they can be fixed.

Despite these efforts, they report still taking dozens of calls, emails and messages each day about more feral animal colonies across the region. Many of these messages entail a dire need for help, but both nonprofits are consistently busy.

It is speculated that COVID-19 had an impact on these populations. Animal adoptions were much more common during quarantine than before the pandemic. But as people returned to work, pets were abandoned at high rates.

Feral animals have been more common in rural areas, but since the pandemic, more and more colonies have been reported in bigger cities too. Both nonprofits are taking animals from across the region.

If you’re noticing an increase in stray or feral animals in your neighborhood, there are several steps you can take to prevent the population from growing while also protecting the animals.

▪ If you feed them, they will return

While it may seem counterintuitive, don't feed strays unless you intend to follow through with the animal. Free-roaming animals are creatures of habit, especially when it comes to feeding. If you feed one neighborhood cat one time, it will return and it may bring others from its colony.

Not to mention, feeding is often used as a training mechanism for trapping animals. Volunteers will go to known colonies for days in a row, putting food for the animals in cages. They’ll eat with the cage door closed for a few days, allowing the animal to trust the cage and volunteer enough to remain calm after trapping. If you feed a neighborhood animal, you may disrupt this process.

▪ Report to a trusted organization

One of the most important steps you can take is reporting. Report stray and feral animals to animal control or nonprofits like PHP and POPP.

Pet OverPopulation Prevention: 509-380-5326

Preventing Homeless Pets: 509-497-1133

If you have the time, nonprofits dealing with stray animals are always looking for more volunteers. Regardless of your skill level, if you can make the commitment, there's likely a spot for you.

Right now, both local organizations report more calls and colonies than available volunteers. If you or someone you know can take part in trap and release efforts, it could make a huge difference on local populations. If not, there could be clinic volunteer slots available, board positions open or other ways to donate your time.

▪ Donate

POPP and PHP are consistently fundraising and brainstorming new ways to continue to fund their efforts. From annual events to local grants to donations, nonprofit funding comes from all over the place. Except the state, according to PHP Director Harriet Johnson. She says there are no state grants for their priorities.

By contributing to these organizations’ finances, you can fund more surgeries, more space and general support for their goals. If nothing else, monetary support is always appreciated.

Most importantly, if you have pets or plan to get pets, make sure you get them fixed. Spaying or neutering your pet will stop breeding and related behaviors, but it also makes a massive difference in overpopulation efforts.

Staff and volunteers at PHP told McClatchy that backyard breeding massively contributes to pet overpopulation. Whether it starts on accident or on purpose, these animals are then adopted out without being fixed or vaccinated.

Some shelters or pet stores will do this too, adopting out animals that haven't been fixed or vaccinated so long as the new owner promises to do so within 30 days. There is little oversight on this process, so the majority of animals adopted under these conditions are not taken in.

That said, it is important to make sure you are entirely committed to owning a pet before you adopt. Consider fostering if you’re on the fence. It is far too common that people think pets will be easier than they turn out to be and give up.

Staff at both clinics told McClatchy about common reasons pets are surrendered. It often revolves around a life change, like a move or job loss. But it can also come from animal behavior, like unexpected breeding or difficulty training. Regardless, talk with someone before dumping or abandoning the animal. Clinics and shelters have surrender options available, and they can talk you through your options.