We are commonly asked about issues relating to feral cats and wildlife. Mainly, do they harm the bird population? Does feeding them outside attract bears? Why can't they survive on their own like Bobcats? We make every effort to continually review these issues since we also care about all animal life and want these cats to integrate into our community's philosophy as much as possible.

First and foremost, the spaying and neutering is intended to drastically reduce the cat population over time. As these cats age and pass on we hope there will eventually be less and less need for the Cat Conscious Council and any related issues with the cats' presence. Since the Nelson SPCA (aka Almost Home) is chronically overfull, we would love to establish a sanctuary off the mountain where these cats can be moved. The space and funds are not currently available but we will hold onto this vision. In the meantime, many of these resort cats have become tame and are adoptable-help us find them homes!

A cat's natural predation instinct will drive them to hunt birds and also the rodents that some wildlife depend on for food. Our observation is that when fed regularly as they are here in the resort, the homeless cats of Wintergreen prefer to reserve their energy for surviving the elements and soliciting interaction with humans, rather than expending precious energy on hunting. In contrast, Bobcats are genetically engineered for and acclimated to living in the wild. Domesticated cats are just that, a domesticated species with different survival needs, dependent on humans to thrive. One question to ask ourselves: since dogs evolved from wolves, shouldn't they be able to survive in the wild as well? Would any of us tolerate starving dogs roaming the resort in search of food and shelter? Of course not, so why should the cats suffer such a fate? Their homelessness is through no fault of their own-it is always from human error-from not getting pets fixed then allowing them to roam.

The cats' feeding is supervised, in high traffic areas, where we hope to avoid bear issues relating to cat food. In addition, food is to be removed before dark so as not to attract predominantly nocturnal species such as raccoons, skunks and opossums.

Please contact us if you have questions or concerns and even better, with suggestions or offers of assistance!