How not to help stray cats

This may be seen as just another letter highlighting the plight of animals fighting for survival around the streets of Malta. Why don't the authorities do something to control the population of animals, particularly, the cats?

I know that there are charities and people, including myself, who would participate in a regular programme to collect and neuter many of the male cats and so reduce the population. Initially this would be a fairly large task but, if it was done on a regular basis, the problem would be manageable and in time get easier. It saddens me to see these animals day after day, many of them living miserable lives.

I spent my morning catching some of these cats in Naxxar the other day with a young lady who is also trying to help them. I admire those people, like this young lady, who endlessly try and do what they can to help these cats and I hope that one day their kindness is rewarded. I am certain that they would welcome the help they need to tackle this problem.

What I have noticed is that there are some who regularly feed cats in a clean and responsible way. They show consideration to residents who live near these cats. And there are some who, although they think they are helping the cats by throwing left-over food on the streets, are actually causing the cats greater problems, because the residents become irritated by the mess and this adds to their dislike of the cats and in some cases the dislike of the responsible people who feed them properly.

I see this in Naxxar where I work. There is a small population of cats and I regularly pick up the leftovers of pizza and chips that have been chucked on the street for the cats, after someone has left them on their way. Maybe their hearts are in the right place but, please, you are doing the cats no favours. You are adding to their difficulties.

I know that this problem exists in many places in Malta - some areas more than others. So I appeal to those who dislike the cats to understand that the animals are not the ones to express your anger towards. They can only do what is for them natural. In a controlled environment they can be of benefit in communities, as I am sure many already know. For the sake of the animals and for the people where it causes discontent, I - and I am sure many others - would do what is possible to help.