Feral cats are a problem. They’re loud, dirty and menaces to local bird populations. That’s why my cats are not only fixed, but do not go outside.

It’s not clear how to solve the larger feral cat problem though. Some people advocate maintaining neutered feral colonies as a way to prevent new colonies from forming. However, this doesn’t remove them from the food chain, leading others to advocate killing ferals. This debate has heated up in Florida, where the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has established a policy of killing feral cats on state-run land.

I’m not sure what the right approach is. Perhaps a nuanced policy, where ferals are neutered and maintained in urban areas, and killed in wildlife areas would meet the goals of both sides, and be humane to as many cats as possible.

However, I do know that spaying and neutering your pets is the best way for individuals to prevent further increase in feral populations. My cats are fixed, are yours?