Feral domestic cats (Felis catus) can have a detrimental impact on wildlife especially on wintering native predators as they compete for the same prey base. Their high reproductive rate, secretive habits, and the public attitude toward them make controlling cats difficult. Solitary feral cats were reported in Tilden Regional Park at least 30 years ago. During the last decade, colonies of cats have formed which are fed daily by park visitors. Attempts by park naturalists to prevent feeding have failed. Control by trapping and removal is difficult as many adult females escape the trapping and some park visitors actively interfere with the trapping efforts. After establishing good contacts with the people feeding the cats and getting their approval, an alternative control method, trap, sterilization and release, was tested at the Tilden Park colony. In the long-run, this method should be more efficient, cheaper and more effective than repeated trapping and removal. This new method is supported by the people concerned about the animals' welfare and these people can play an active role in the program.
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