The
Naugatuck PD and Naugatuck Animal Control have responded to several
calls over the past several weeks concerning community cats or “Feral”
cats. The NPD responded to these incidents in the City Hill / North Main
area and initially located a cat that was found to be sick and died. It
was later discovered that this cat had been infected with rabies. In
that incident a citizen captured the infected cat after it attacked two
kittens and the citizen that captured it.
It was brought to the attention of the Naugatuck PD and Naugatuck
Animal control that some mis-information regarding the cat colony has
been distributed via social media, including information indicating that
over 10 cats have been euthanized in Naugatuck because they were rabid.
Outside of the above mentioned community cat colony on City Hill Street
near North Main, the NPD and Naugatuck Animal control are unaware of
any other incidents involving community cat colonies or any issues of
rabid cats.
In general, many misconceptions exist concerning
community cats, for this reason we have posted the following article
from the ASPCA that covers discusses various issues regarding community
cats, particularly the difference between a stray cat and a community
cat – This was an excellent read, please take a look as the article is
very informative.
https://www.aspca.org/…/shelter-…/closer-look-community-cats
The Naugatuck PD and Naugatuck Animal Control encourages citizens to
notify us if they locate feral / community cats. Citizens should be
hands off and should not chase after them, instead contact the Naugatuck
Animal Control or the Naugatuck PD and we will assist in determining
the best course of action to take.