Ten Cats Still Roaming: Why Feeding Them Makes It Harder
Cats of the Boardwalk estimates about 10 potentially reproductive cats continue to roam free along the boardwalk from 7th Ave. North to 16th Ave. North. What makes matters worse is these virile felines are increasingly difficult to herd away to the vet.
The sheer number of cats still not trapped, neutered, and returned (TNR) is staggering, according to COTB’s president and founder, Laurie Peterson, who adds that you cannot trap a fed cat. Longer-term solutions, such as feline feeding stations, are ultimately the goal at the beach.
“You can’t trap a fed cat.” — Laurie
She noticed the strays and ferals at the Boardwalk regularly count on well-meaning passersby who defy city ordinances to feed colonies anyway. Although this kindness can cost a feeder $101 for each infraction, these good folks don’t realize the cat food placed in traps as bait goes ignored.
In fact, there could often be an abundance of discarded human food and cat feasts at which possums, rats and bugs eat whatever the cats leave behind. “Until nearly all the cats are neutered, please refrain from feeding our furry friends. It is illegal and hampers trapping efforts,” Laurie urges.
“(Feeding the cats at the boardwalk) is illegal and hampers trapping efforts.” — Laurie
There are at least 20 cats which call Myrtle Beach’s Boardwalk and Promenade their home. Cats of the Boardwalk, along with the municipality’s Animal Control Officer Trott, work together to perform TNR services and educate the public about their efforts, and both discourage feeding.
