Even though animal protection associations try hard, the number of semi-captive animals has been rising in the Czech Republic recently. Cat colonies are to be blamed for that as the cats reproduce there uncontrollably.
The whole country has to deal with the issue of abandoned dogs and cats and the number of semi-captive animals. Some cities established a neutering program and took care of the financial resources which are needed for it in order to control the number of animals living on the streets. We can also come across neutering programs at some vets and associations who neuter animals for a symbolic fee.
The problem is that according to a new wording of an act, only a trained professional with a licence who works for a registered animal shelter may catch an animal living on the streets. Therefore, if an unsheltered cat roams on your garden and you would like to neuter it, even if it is used to you and not afraid to be caught, you have no right to take it to a vet. In the opposite scenario, you may face a penalty of up to 50 thousand crowns. The only possible option is when a professional catches it.
Another large complication is the fact that cats in colonies are “smarter” with each generation. They learn soon enough not to get into a trap and also how to take the food from it and not being captured. I was present at several trappings in the past and I saw how cats get the meat from a trap using their paws, how they get inside but avoid the trigger and how they keep kittens away from traps or teach them how to get inside and take the food and not get trapped.
Moreover, each generation is wilder and it is more difficult or sometimes even impossible to get them used to humans again. And it still holds true even if you manage to catch the kittens in their young age. I saw caught two-months-old kittens which didn’t adjust to being with people and couldn’t be touched even after several months of efforts for their domestication and living with domestic cats. They couldn’t even put up with the presence of a human.
With regard to these facts and the truth that shelters are full most of the time or rather burst at the seams, the only solution is the effort of associations of cities and municipalities to catch as much unsheltered cats as possible, neuter them and release them back and hope that their numbers will decrease after some time.
However, it is also necessary that the owners of outdoor cats or those which can go outside neuter their cats. It concerns both female and male cats. That’s why a necessary part of neutering programs is educating the public, spreading knowledge about and explaining the benefits of neutering.
Of course, the problem doesn’t concern only cats but also dogs as well. There are great numbers of both abandoned cats and dogs. The situation is the worst after Christmas and in summer. Therefore, the owners of dogs and cats should prevent (preferably by neutering) undesired mating. Although they might find homes for the undesired kittens or puppies and do not abandon them or, God forbid, do not kill them, many other homeless animals who are waiting for their new owners in a shelter won’t get their chance. This is also the reason why the numbers of animals without an owner do not decrease.
Have you ever watched your cat and asked yourself what it might be thinking? It sometimes seems that these furry friends enjoy situations in which you don’t know if they love your or want to claw your eyes out. They only sit and watch you from a...
These special dogs were bred and raised specifically for hunting of puffins and guillemots (water birds). For this reason, they have several very specific and for their purpose very practical physical deviations. For example, they have extremely...
They say there aren’t many activities as relaxing as fishing. And it’s no longer true that fishing is only for men. When my friend told me she takes her dog for fishing, I was really surprised. And I immediately had to question her about how it...
If you like small dogs, it will be easy for you to fall in love with pomeranians. Not only they look like teddy bears with a nice face and look, they will also impress you with their nature. They belong to sociable dog breeds rightfully. Besides their...
Living with dogs is such a natural thing for us dog lovers that we sometimes treat them more like people. We love them, we nurture them but we may sometimes care a bit too much and unintentionally harm our furry friends. Such cases include wrong fur...
Miniature pinscher is also called min pin or German pinscher. There is a great personality with a big heart inside its little body. It is a big warrior,sports dog and a tourist. Perfect sports for this breed are for example dog dancing or agility where...
Some animals are simply talented for water sports. Already as a puppy, Ricochet grabbed people’s attention for her confidence she jumped into sea waves with. Later on, she became a dog hero helping disabled and a role model for many enthusiasts who...
While in the wildlife, their diet depends on natural instincts, rodents kept by humans and other small animals require a regular and balanced diet. What should rodent’s diet include and what should it avoid? What food is dangerous/safe for it? And what...
If you wish to do sports with your dog, you should at first think about if it’s right for you pet, no matter if you want to do it for leisure or top-level. And not only from the point of view of your pet’s nature but also of its physical predispositions.
Have you ever discussed whether a cat or a dog is more intelligent with your friends? Reportedly, scientists already know the answer. In this article, I mention a few facts and observations from a recently published research paper on this topic.
Cats can handle a new human in your family very badly. They are more sensitive to the changes than dogs. Are you interested in what you can do to enjoy this time and not to deal with the problems with your cat?
Are you considering getting a rodent as your new pet but you are afraid it won’t be doing good with your dog under one roof? Don’t be afraid, dogs and rodents can do great together. It is important to teach your dog from an early age that other animals...
