CATS: The ultimate solution

May I comment regarding the article in The Press of Saturday, June 24, titled “City Considers Cat Conundrum.”

The problem isn’t, as Mr. Kuhn avers, that cats poop in his garden; NOBODY can control a cat. The real problem is that socially irresponsible owners of cats refuse to have them neutered or spayed. There are far too many homeless, unwanted, starving and diseased cats in the city and in Kootenai County. Yes, Mr. Kuhn, poop does stink, whether it’s human or animal!

Every four or five days, when I rake and mow my front yard, I clean up four or five piles of DOG POOP! But, I “go with the flow,” so to speak, wear gloves, of course, clean it up, finish raking and then mow my lawn! Don’t you and your wife wear gloves when you work in your garden?

And, no, Mr. Kuhn, responsible cat owners do NOT think they have a “free pass.” I’m an old man, living on a very limited income, trying to retain my property. But, yeah, I’m a “cat man!” They’re very intelligent creatures. I own five cats, all of which have been neutered or spayed and vaccinated. And, all of my cats are in my house through the night! In the past year, I’ve taken to my veterinarian four cats, including a young female which was a week into her pregnancy, none of which belonged, of course, to me! My veterinarian spayed or neutered and vaccinated them all. I was able to find good homes for two of them; the other two I brought home and turned them loose in my backyard.

Over the years, people have told me, “Gee, if I have my cat neutered, it’ll change his personality!” Ridiculous! Your cat will stay at home and be a much better companion! And, your cat won’t help reproduce more unwanted, starving, diseased cats.

May I respectfully suggest to the Coeur d’Alene City Council that they send a form letter to all of the veterinarians within the city limits, asking them to donate, say, four hours every four months or so, for a free spay/neuter clinic. The owner would have to pay for vaccinations.

RODNEY JOKI

Coeur d’Alene