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Question
At the moment we have stray cats in our residential estate who play in the play ground(sand pits)thereby causing parasitic infection to our kids.How can we resolve this issue?
Kemi,
This can be a difficult issue. If the cats are truly strays (there's a big difference between feral and stray for the uninitiated - feral means the cats haven't had minimal or no socialization at all with humans which means they'll do anything to avoid contact with people, stray cats are generally abandoned pets) then I'd recommend asking the RSPCA to come out and collect these cats and take them to a re-homing centre (only if you are absolutely certain that these cats are homeless strays, your neighbors may have free roaming cats which is a whole other issue). If the cats are ferals you may want to consider approaching feline rescue organizations with the request that they help institute a feral trap, neuter, vaccinate and release program as this will reduce the population of cats in the colony humanely over time and healthy cats aren't as likely to carry parasites that can be passed on to your children. If you and your neighbors aren't able to stop the cats from hanging around your local playground and using the sandboxes as litter boxes then you have two basic options:
- Teach your children how to practice good hygiene: this is an important way to prevent parasitic infections caused by things like the cats using the children's sandbox as a litter box - be sure that your children are old enough to understand that they shouldn't put their hands in their mouth until they've been washed thoroughly with warm, soapy water after playing in the sandbox.
- You may also want to consider taking up a collection from the neighborhood residents and purchasing a cover for sandboxes in your local playground as this would also solve the issue of parasites being transmitted so long as the cover is replaced after the children are finished playing in the sand. If your playground has loads of sand and no specific sandbox you may want to consider getting your neighbors together to replace the sand with wood chips and purchase covered sandboxes that are always covered when not in use.
I really wish that I had a magic answer to this problem, unfortunately beyond the suggestions I've offered here I really don't have an instant solution that will make everyone happy. If you have any further questions, concerns or you'd like me to clarify anything in this answer please feel free to contact me again and I'll do my very best to help you out.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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