News : Video of Roomba-riding leads to cat adoption, but many strays remain in Vinton

A video of this cat riding a Roomba at the FOTSI building inspired its adoption, but many strays continue to present a problem in Vinton. Thanks to a charming video of a kitten riding a Roomba, one stray feline found a home in Vinton. But there is a continual problem of stray cats in the Vinton area, say members of Friends of the Shelter, Inc. (FOTSI). "Cambridgeis one of the kittens born to the large number of stray cats in Vinton,"� says Donita Casey. "He was lucky, though, because the owners of the property where his mother gave birth (a backyard shed) watched out for the little family to make sure they were safe, healthy, and socialized. With timing, cooperation, and patience, we were able to help with the babies, it doesn't always work out that way."� A video of Cambridge riding the Roomba at the FOTSI building inspired one local resident to adopt him. But Cambridge is just one of countless cats born to strays in the area. The decision by the city to replace its contract for cats and dogs with FOTSI with a dog-only contract with the Cedar Valley Humane Society left the city without any official mechanism for controlling the cat population. FOTSI members have been trying to find homes for cats when contacted by local residents. "When I last checked, there isn't an ordinance in Vinton about owned cats not being allowed to roam and it is hard to tell if a healthy-fooking friendly stray has a home,"� Casey says. "For those that are concerned abouta foundcat, a trip to a vet or the Vinton police station to have them check for a micro chip end the search if the animal has been chipped. Or, the finder can take a picture and post on Facebook or other social sites, or check with neighbors, etc."� And for residents who have observed stray cats, or cannot afford to spay or neuter their pet, there is an option, says Casey. Click HERE to see a video of Cambridge on the Roomba. Other cat population control efforts The Iowa Humane Alliance in Cedar Rapids is a quality low cost/high volume spay and neuter clinic. Prices for stray/feral/farm is $35 (includes ear tip and rabies). They have humane traps for rent (the rental fee is returned when you return the trap). Call for details at 319/363/1225 or visit iowahumanealliance.org "If there is enough interest for owned and/or trapped cats (and owned dogs or rabbits) to spay/neuter, they would do a transport van from Vinton,"� says Casey. "When it was offered last October, the minimum number was not met but they would like to offer it again sometime if there is interest."� Casey adds that the alliance will spay/neuter kittens as young as 8 weeks old if they weigh more than two pounds. The Iowa Humane Alliance also provides information and guidance with TNR and managing cat colonies. Trap/Neuter/Return cats usually do not stray from where they were trapped and keep an outsider cat away which also contains any disease if that is a concern although disease will self-eliminate and Mother Nature will take its course. In-breeding has its own health (not necessarily a death sentence) and behavior issues. Animal Resource Foundation (ARF) helps tosubsidize spay/neuter surgeries, for information you can find them at arfiowa.org Localveterinarians may also help with some pricing; it doesn't hurt to ask, says Casey. "If there is ever a TNR program implemented, it would need the cooperation of everyone,"� explains Casey. "I know there was frustration in the past when the animal wardentrapped cats but they were set loose before he could get to thembecause people were afraid of their fate. Whether you like cats ornot, relocating or euthanizingthem only makes it possible for others to move into that area."� The Iowa Humane Alliance would hold an informational event in Vinton about TNR if there is enough interest, says Casey.