What is the Conservancy’s policy on feral cats?
The City of Avalon and the Catalina Island Humane Society are working diligently to find humane solutions for feral cats found within City limits. In the interior, the Conservancy’s charge, conservation biologists are concerned about interactions between feral cats and native animals. The presence of feral cats poses a proven threat to native birds, mice, and the rare shrew. Additionally, diseases carried by cats that don’t have the benefit of regular veterinary care may be detrimental to the Island’s federally endangered fox. Currently, the Conservancy’s practice regarding feral cats is consistent with that of the Humane Society: animals trapped accidentally during fox-trapping/monitoring are examined, and, if free from incurable and contagious disease, are spayed or neutered and released. Animals found to test positive for Feline Leukemia or Feline Immunodeficiency are humanely euthanized.
