|
On the trapper trail with the
Aggie Cats
RELAX, BUDDY: Boo, a
feral cat caught on the USU campus, awaits humanitarian
aid. / Photo by Megan Sonderegger
Megan Sonderegger
March 24, 2006 | A black, short-haired cat with glowing
yellow eyes peers out into the darkness, sheltered by
the metal walls of a cage. The remnants of pink salmon
are spilled over the bars and the cat, lured in by the
food, flinches in fear as a flashlight is shined on
him.
Wednesday's cat trapping trip was a success.
"I hate trapping them. They get really scared, and
we have to hurry and put the cover on so they don't
hurt themselves," said Shannon Jolley, a member of Aggie
Cats.
The Aggie Cats humanitarian group has been operating
for nearly a year, and members say it is successful.
Aggie Cats have asked for help of any resident who is
concerned with the growing population of feral cats
and would like to help decrease its numbers in a humane
way.
Jolley said cat trappings take place every few months
and have lasted until 3 in the morning on some occasions.
She said a total of 12 cages are used in the trapping,
and each cage is set in a separate location with a small
amount of dried food and salmon inside to lure the cats.
Jolley said the cats are very attracted to strong-smelling
foods and "the stinkier the smell the more they (the
cats) love it."
The capture of Boo, the name given to this particular
black feline, is recorded for the records. Boo is taken
to a van where he will spend the night.
Boo, once a starving feral cat, now has an opportunity
to be provided for while living a relatively comfortable
life. Regular feedings, water sources and the spaying
and neutering of cats to help prevent an increase in
feral felines are the goals this humanitarian organization
accomplishes with cats relating to Boo's lifestyle.
"I really wanted to help (the cats) out; they wander
from the trailer park and they are always scratching
at the door asking for food," said Sarah-Collenburney,
a first-time trapper. She says she plans to continue
to participate in the Aggie Cats organization because
it is a good cause.
MS
MS |
