This is the sixth of nine segments which Univision Seattle, KUNS Channel 51, is proudly airing on Wednesdays at 6pm and 11pm. This segment is focused on how RASKC is working with the community to Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) feral cats. Learn more about RASKC’s stories on Univision.

Story by: Jaime Mendez, Reporter and Anchor

Introduction 

In this country, in comparison to most of ours, there is an issue with “stray cats” versus “stray dogs” which can quickly turn into a problem for people as well as for themselves. But there is a resident, with the help from King County, has come up with a great idea. 

Video

Her name is Sarah Collins, an animal and environmental enthusiast,  as well as a King County employee for the Wastewater Treatment Division. [Sarah Collins] “This is the cat shelter that we put into place several years ago.” She built this little home for stray cats on the wastewater treatment division property after noticing a small problem. [Sarah Collins] “The thing is, rodents are attracted to our plant because they find food plentiful here , which is why they can be found here all the time”. Realizing that there are feral cats who prefer living outside, she received permission to build a small home with food and water for stray cats, and now it is these cats that practically look after for the property. [Lluvia Ellison-Morales] “What is interesting about this idea is that they are helping us take feral cats, get them spayed and then return them to the community.” Once spayed — which helps with minimizing the population —  these cats can be taken to stables, farms or plants where they work as exterminators to help clear the way of rodents that spread dangerous diseases.

Many of these feral cats are often found in neighborhood and can be a nuisance.  [Lluvia Ellison-Morales] “If someone comes across a feral cat, they can contact us and we can come and get them. Moreover, what we want to communicate to the public is that we are doing everything possible to care for them. ” She recommends to not try to catch these cats, but to contact one of these  organizations: 

• Alley cat Allies
• Barn Cats R Us
• South County Cats
• Puget Sound Working Cats
• F.C.A.T (Feral Cat Assistance & Trapping)

or one can simply call directly and speak with staff at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), either by their website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/pets or phone: (206) 296-PETS.