Where did that cat come from? If you have to say these words more than a time or two per year, there is a good chance your street has become a drop-off zone for unwanted cats. The good news is that even the mice are probably not happy about this either. The bad news is that if you do not find a way to control it, your neighborhood will soon be overrun with cats.
A good place to start is to call animal control and have the cats rounded up. This may create a problem for neighbors who like to let their cats mill around the area. Given the choice, most people would rather take on the neighbors than put up with the stray cats.
Call the local television station and invite them to do a special on your problem. If they are willing to do a little detective work, you may be able to find the people who are dropping off the cats. A television camera and microphone in their face will make most people choose not to leave their little blessing behind. If you are really lucky and end up with their name, you can bring in the police and have them charged with some sort of offense.
If you really like cats, you can find them homes. However, if the word gets out that you are doing it, you will have more cats than you ever dreamed possible showing up at your house. A better idea is to gather them up and take them to a local animal shelter or Humane Society chapter.
One of the more pleasurable things that I have done with strays in the past was to do my own detective work. I was able to find out who dropped the strays. With this information, I gathered up the strays and took them to their house and dropped them off. I considered hanging around to see the look on their faces when they opened their door and had the little furry visitors. Instead, I just left with a good story to tell friends and family.
You might want to try posting some signs that warn people that the neighborhood will prosecute those found dropping off any type of stray animal. Along with this, you and your neighbors might establish a watch group and record the license number of any vehicle that drops off a dog or a cat.
Publish this license number in the paper with an ad telling them that their animal had been found. Ask for volunteers to help you locate the owner. Those who like to do good deeds will assist you with finding the culprit. Then, just go knock on their door and return the cat. It will cost you a few dollars, but it will be worth it. Keep a record of the events and sell the article to someone with all of the details.
