The results of a new, nationwide survey conducted by Harris for Alley Cat Allies were released to coincide with National Feral Cat Day.
When respondents to the survey were asked if it would be more humane to let a stray, outdoor cat live out its life than to euthanize it now, 81 percent answered that it would be more humane to let it live out its life. When then asked to consider the most humane outcome if they assumed the stray would be hit by a car within two years, 72 percent said it was more humane to let the cat live out its natural life.
Results from the survey also indicated that more than two in five Americans have put out food or water for a stray cat, with more than one in five doing so in the past year.
Alley Cat Allies revealed the results of this survey at the National Feral Cat Advocacy Seminar in Alexandria, Va., held October 12-13. The seminar invited cat care professionals and feral cat advocates from across the country to discuss animal control policies and explore alternatives to euthanizing cats in animal shelters.
For more information about National Feral Cat Day, visit the event’s website.