(University of MT) – What started as a drive to take in changing foliage along Butler Creek by UM student Jay Schutze became groundbreaking research of feral cats in Missoula, studying the growing phenomenon and impact to the area.
The City of Missoula allegedly somewhat sanctions domestic cat colonies, providing the animals are spayed and neutered. However, no entity is able to regulate populations, as once a cat is feral, they are not eligible for adoption. This leads to more feral cats in urban and wildlife areas, with an increased number of stray cats banding together.
According to AniMeals, a Missoula no kill adoption center and non-profit animal food bank, over 50 cat colonies are thought to reside in the Missoula area, with an average 25 cats per colony.
The American Bird Conservancy contend that these colonies have a negative impact, having contributed to the extinction of 63 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles in the wild. A feral cat’s presence alone may cause other animals to avoid the area and abandon homes, as well as draw other potential predators to the area.
