Page 146 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2026

FINAL SAY
LESLIE
SUIT
Animal Advocate
photo by Katherine Sowers
Feral cats are everywhere—lurking behind dumpsters, wandering through parks, hanging out in alleys. Sometimes they get a bad rap, but really, these cats are just doing their best to survive after being left behind or born outside. If we want to help them—and our businesses and neighborhoods—spaying and neutering is the way to go. But that’s only part of the story; making sure they’re fed and looked after when they come back is just as important.
Why spay or neuter? It’s pretty simple: it stops the kitten explosion. Two cats can turn into hundreds of unwanted kittens in just a few years, and before you know it, there are hungry mouths everywhere. Too many cats means crowded colonies, possible sickness spreading and an incredible nuisance to the businesses and neighborhoods where they roam. That’s where Trap-Neuter- Release (TNR) comes in. People trap the cats, get them fixed at the vet, then let them go back to their old stomping grounds. No more kittens, less stress all around, and the population starts to shrink naturally.
Getting fixed isn’t just good for stopping kittens—it helps the cats themselves, too. It protects them from health problems like cancer and infections, and cuts down on risky behaviors like fighting or wandering off. With fewer cats and less drama, these guys can actually have a calmer, healthier life. Plus, it makes it easier for people who care about them to keep track, give flea, tick, and worm preventatives, and help out if they get sick or hurt.
But just dropping them off after surgery isn’t enough. To really help, folks need to make sure these cats have food and water. It’s not about turning them into pets, but making sure they’re not starving or desperate. Regular meals keep them from raiding garbage cans or bothering nearby houses, and clean water and a safe spot to sleep make a big difference when the weather gets rough.
When neighbors come together to look after feral cats, it builds
a sense of community. Groups of caretakers share tips, check on the cats, and teach others why kindness matters. These volunteers are heroes for both the cats and the area—they help keep things clean and make sure the cats stay healthy, which is better for everyone.
Here’s the thing: TNR and ongoing care work way better than simply removing cats or putting them down. If you take cats away, new ones just show up—a “vacuum effect.” But when you have a managed colony of fixed cats, they hold their territory, keep newbies out, and the numbers drop over time.
Some local resources for inexpensive spay/neuter programs are SNIP Spay Neuter Impact Program (SNIP) in Ocean Springs and the Human Society of South Mississippi (HSSM) in Gulfport.
Remember, a little care and compassion goes a long way!
146 | April 2026
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