Wauconda plans to address feral cat population
Wauconda hopes to address its growing feral cat population by partnering with Spay and Stay in Grayslake in a program that will have no cost to residents.
Spay and Stay's Julie Wheeler told the village board's committee of the whole Tuesday the organization can include the village in a program addressing the feral cat population in Round Lake Heights. That program, funded by a grant from PetSmart Charities, pays to spay or neuter 350 cats.
So far, Spay and Stay has treated 50 cats and anticipates adding 25 more to reduce the feral population in Round Lake Heights, Wheeler said.
While examining how to spend the remaining grant money, she said, officials recognized they received calls and helped spay or neuter 36 cats in Wauconda. So, they contacted Police Chief Doug Larsson to see if the village would want to participate. The grant will provide funding until June 30.
“I want to spend every dime of the money,” she said.
Larsson said Wauconda has one of the highest feral cat populations in Lake County. These cats, which are fed by residents, breed and expand the population. This leads to health problems for domestic cats and can be a nuisance for anyone who lives near the colonies, he said.
“Feral cats have been a problem in Wauconda. This will be very beneficial,” Mayor Mark Knigge said.
Through the program, Wheeler said, a resident who finds a feral cat would contact Spay and Stay. After completing a form designating them as a caretaker, the person arranges to pick up or have delivered a trap, which they will be taught how to use.
Once the feral cat is trapped, it can be brought to a partner veterinarian in Wonder Lake or Libertyville. The cat will receive rabies and distemper vaccines, a microchip, spay or neutering and an ear tip that identifies the cat, Wheeler said. The cat is returned to the caretaker.
“They know the cat is healthier than it was before. It is not going to breed anymore and it can live its natural life on the street or in their backyard,” she said.
The $25 fee Spay and Stay charges per cat to offer this service will be paid completely by the grant, Wheeler said.
Larsson said the village will advertise the program on its website, the police department website and village newsletter. Residents should call Spay and Stay at (847) 289-4557 or visit www.spayandstay.org.