SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - The Homeless Cat Network board member is a finalist for Animal Planet’s Cat Hero of the Year Award. Her group could earn a $5,000 prize and have a documentary made about her work helping to spay, neuter and feed homeless and feral cats on the Peninsula. She was nominated for the award due to her work developing a program called Project Bay Cat, which is a humane feral-cat management program on the Foster City Bay Trail. The public can vote for Morrissey online at www.animalplanet.com.

Why is it important to take care of feral cats? Humans created the problem and we have to be responsible for humanely solving it. Not just for Bay Trail cats but for feral cats all over the Peninsula. Our goal is to educate people on the problem and inspire them to help.

How critical are volunteers to your program? They are crucial. There is not really a public agency that reaches out to these animals. We have 25 volunteers and two veterinarians from the San Mateo Animal Hospital and Crystal Springs Pet Hospital who are so compassionate to these animals. The volunteers are the heroes.

What drew you to this work? I was on the Bay Trail walking one day about five years ago and saw what I thought looked like millions of kittens. I found out no one was doing anything to help the animals. I didn’t even know what a feral cat was at the time.

Do you bring any of these cats into your home? No. I have a strict rule — only two cats at a time. I don’t want to be the “crazy cat lady.” But I have helped adopt out more than 70 cats over the years.

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Comments from Examiner Readers

12:02 AM MST on Sat., Oct. 6, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Edna said:
To Examination Reader who asked me: "If you have citations of studies that prove TNR works or that contradict other studies, please list them." I just did, but I don't see my post. I did get the message "Thank you for your comment" after submitting my response. So, I just want to let you know that I did and I am not evading your question.

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1:51 PM MST on Fri., Oct. 5, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Examiner Reader said:
You may not see evidence because the cat ate what he killed, or dragged it elsewhere, or the bird 'escaped' only to die later from infection. A 'kill bite' is not needed. Due to all that bacteria a small puncture can guarantee death. Orphans starve/die when a wild mom animal is killed. Releasing non-native predators to the wild IS a human caused impact on the environment. Most people who oppose TNR don't hate cats and know that habitat loss is the primary reason for wildlife deaths. That does not mean we should ignore cat predation. Please cite reference for the DVM article. In one study, six cats were presented with a live small rat while eating their preferred food. All six cats stopped eating the food, killed the rat, and then resumed eating the food. (Adamec, R.E. 1976. The interaction of hunger and preying in the domestic cat (Felis catus): an adaptive hierarchy? Behavioral Biology 18: 263-272). Cat colonies can render an area sterile for breeding populations of wild animal

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12:20 PM MST on Fri., Oct. 5, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Rei said:
They should trap, neuter and and/or euthanize my predatory ex - he's much more of a menace than ten little fuzzy things! Seriously though, if people would just fix their pets and not be wankers and dump them, this wouldn't even be an issue. Since it is an issue, I have to say I was once staunchly in Tim's camp. However, I've since seen HCN's PBC and the work by the Stanford group, and I must admit they've done a good job of reducing the stray cat populations in their areas. They impressed me enough to change my mind, or at least be open to discussion, and that's not easy.

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11:45 AM MST on Fri., Oct. 5, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Edna said:
No one disputes that cat hunts or they impact the environment. How much is their impact, no one knows and that is why research studies are contradictory. An article in the dvm news magazine said that there is little science involved because each opposite sides (TNR advocates and oppositions)used science that is mostly based on emotions. As for me, I find it problematic when some people are OVERLY blaming free-roaming cats for ecological problems because they minimize or ignore that humans are the ones causing the most irreparable damages to the environment and animals. It is easy for these inds. and grps. to put the blame on cats and other targeted wild animals than going after environmentally- irresponsible people and big corporations. Lastly, what kind of fairytale are you expecting from all animals living in the wild? If free-roaming cats were hypothetically eliminated, native animals would still be in peril from people, other animals, fire, climate change, etc.

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11:24 AM MST on Fri., Oct. 5, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Examiner reader said:
Feeding cats absolutely helps prevent them from preying on wildlife!! I have 4 cats at home who never catch anything! Also,I've been feeding feral colonies for many years and have rarely, if ever, seen any evidence of the cats "preying on the wildlife" - no bird feathers, nothing. In fact, on several occasions there have been birds nesting in bushes only a few feet away from where the cats eat. Also, the cats in our colonies are very well-adjusted, happy and healthy as they are being fed and monitored everyday. Most of them have been fixed, and the few others soon will be. Very few of them have "died tragically". I don't know where Tim and his co-horts are getting their information - but it is certainly erroneous, not to mention, malicious.

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1:54 AM MST on Fri., Oct. 5, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Examiner Reader said:
Feeding cats does absolutely NOTHING to prevent them from hunting. Cats hunt. Period. If they aren't hungry, they won't consume what they kill. There has been no scientific proof that TNR works. After 20 years and hundreds of thousands of dollars, there are 50 cats at Stanford! Colonies do not die out - the cats are always there and this does not help wildlife. The way most of these cats die is tragically and there is nothing humane about that. If you have citations of studies that prove TNR works or that contradict other studies, please list them. What we do know is that cats, conservatively, kill millions of animals every year. Cats will never go extinct, but many wild species will. We are not helping the environment by exposing wildlife to free-roaming cats. Trapping and Removing the food source and the cats has worked. The only purpose TNR serves is to avoid having cats euthanized. If we don't want pet cats to live and die like that, the same should go for ferals.

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7:15 PM MST on Thu., Oct. 4, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Edna said:
Tim, I read the TNR oppositions at TNR Reality Check.com many months ago and found it VERY MISLEADING. 1.) This site used research studies that were actually had been heaviliy criticized for their flawed quantitative methodology. In other words, they arrived on conclusion based on elementary guesswork rather than real science. (FYI, more research studies published contradicted the studies used by TNR oppositions. Some studies even claimed that some native birds and other wild animals are benefitting from cats who kill their enemies by killing non native birds and rats. Other studies don't even include cats as the major threats to wildlife and the environment. So, in other words, there is NO 100% real scientific proof that free roaming cats are responsible for the decimation of birds and native species. So, stop spreading the myths of cats predation on wildlife. What you are actually spreading is hatred towards cats in the guise of environmentalist stance.

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5:13 AM MST on Thu., Oct. 4, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

CP said:
In one post Tim says take away the artificial food source and cats will vanish, in the next he says he is concerned about what is most humane for the cats. Tim, even if it were possible to remove every source of food, the cats would not "just vanish". Many will starve and be more prone to disease, but enough will live long enough to breed to perpetuate an endless cycle of suffering and death. Without TNR and colony management, that's the "reality". Without TNR, kind-hearted people would still feed cats, even if it were outlawed, because kind hearted people can not tolerate seeing starving kittens. "Removing the food source" is a simple sounding but impossible goal. If you want to talk about reality, acknowledge what can "realistically" be accomplished with available resources. TNR is a life-affirming and effective method that attracts volunteers and supporters. Methods where "humane euthanasia" is the fate of the majority of cats will never find the same support. No support=no effect

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8:24 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Vera said:
Tim, You must be lonely & very sad. I hope you find someone that will make you happy.

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8:17 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Dave said:
I would love to meet and discuss the topic of TNR with anyone who is againt this practice. I love cats, and find that along with TNR and feeding these controlled colonies, it is the best thing we can do for these lovely creatures. WOW!! I just wonder where these humans who think otherwise, are coming from?! Thank you Cimeron, for all that you are doing. I guess it takes all (un)kinds?!?! Respectfully, Trapper Dave >^..^<

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1:00 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Vicki said:
TNR is the ONLY right way to handle these precious creatures. Obviously, we try to socialize and adopt out the young kittens we trap and the occassional adult who shows signs of trusting their human friends and feeders. I myself feed 2 colonies of cats who are about 90% TNR. When new kittens show up, we trap them and their newly discovered mother and father. The parents are released after being spayed/neutered and vaccinated. The kittens are brought into volunteers homes to be socialized and then permanent homes are found. My husband and I have rescued and adopted 7 cats ourselves. When cat colonies are fed by caring people, the cats don't have the need to kill wildlife on the same scale that they would if they were not being fed. I don't understand how anyone can think that feeding feral cats and practicing Trap, Neuter and Release is "silly". All creatures, great and small, are worthy of love and care. Why is it "silly" to share some of what we have in such abundance? Kindness rule

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12:28 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Examiner Reader said:
Unfortunately, without a food source the cats will kill birds and other wildlife. This is why the Audobon society partners with Foster City and Homeless Cat Network. The only way colony sizes go down is when the feral cats are spayed and neutered and then released. You must have the sterile cats in the colonies to reduce the colony size. This has been proven by the spectacular success of TNR programs nationwide. The cats are fed to prevent them from preying on birds and wildlife, and they are able to live out their lives in a healthy and humane manner.

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12:24 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Michelle, proud volunteer for Project Bay Cat said:
Project Bay Cat is a collaborative effort by the city of Foster City, Homeless Cat Network, and Sequoia Audubon Society. I think that speaks for the scope and success of TNR. I am proud to be a volunteer for Project Bay Cat, despite the opinions of those who see us as "crazy" or "irresponsible". I think the difference between us and some TNR opponents, is that our "bigger picture", is big enough to ALSO include these poor cats. To love and be loved, is a gift. And they deserve that gift, too.

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12:04 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Frank said:
Reader Tim says that TNR does not reduce colony size, but there are numerous examples PROVING that this is true. Stanford had over 1000 feral cats on campus before they started TNR. They TNR'd the cats, and now several years later, they have less than 40, and it's all thanks to TNR. The same is true in colonies all over the country. Look no further than San Francisco where many, many feral cat colonies have been dramatically reduced in size due to TNR. It works, and I've witnessed it with my own eyes. Good for the volunteers who do this compassionate work!

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11:32 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Examiner Reader said:
Unfortunately, people who abandon their cats and do not spay/neuter them are causing this problem. Thankfully, there are caring & dedicated people who are solving it humanely with TNR. It's not the cats fault so why should they pay the ultimate price? Thank you to all the fabulous volunteers!

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11:22 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Patricia said:
I am in the TNR camp. TNR humanely addresses the man made problem of cat dumping. The cats live out their lives in managed colonies fed and cared for by dedicated volunteers. It is NOT humane to dump animals nor is it humane to trap and euthanize them. I applaud those who so tirelessly give their time and money to solve the problem.

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10:56 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Examiner Reader said:
Some of the opponents of spaying/neutering feral cats should walk around the Dock Town area in Redwood City. There one steps over tiny kitten skeletons and remains of adult male cats who lost their battle for supremacy within their colony. This maybe "natural" but it is hardly humane, and that this happens is a sad commentary on our so-called "superior" intelligence. The right to life belongs to - or SHOULD belong to ALL.

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10:56 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Tim said:
Take away the artificial food source and the cats will vanish. It is irresponsible people that keep the cycle going by continuing to feed the ferals. TNR is HAS NOT been proven to reduce colony size; it is based on perpetual colony management. Once again, go to TNRrealitycheck.com to get some true background information about this horrible practice. Strict anti roaming law enactment and enforcement is what WILL work. We must look beyond "just cats" and see the bigger picture. Cats are killing our native wildlife and spreading zoonotic diseases.

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10:52 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Examiner Reader said:
TNR is the only proven method to reduce the feral cat population. The reason it works is the same reason that releasing sterile medflies works. Capturing and killing the feral cats does not work because there is no way to keep up with the reproduction rate. You must have the sterile cats in the population. Homeless Cat Network combines TNR with a feeding program so the feral cats can live out their lives without suffering.

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10:44 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Carol said:
Anyone who really knows anything about TNR knows that it IS the only humane method of feral cat management and control. Killing cats is not the answer - nor is it humane. Unfortunately, cats are dumped by irresponsible people whether there are feral colonies or not. Without people managing feral colonies, the population growth would go unchecked - hence, more predation, more disease, and killing of more cats. Cats in managed colonies are the lucky ones. Killing innocent creatures for human convenience is not the answer.

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10:16 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Examiner Reader said:
Sadly, humans have created the need to manage feral cat colonies. Fortunately, TNR has repeatedly demonstrated its effectiveness in humanely dealing with this issue. I strongly urge those who do not support TNR for whatever reason to educate themselves. It's the only approach that really works.

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9:52 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Examiner Reader said:
TNR has proven to be the humane, effective way to deal with feral cats - killing them does not control them as they always seem to come back in greater numbers (not to mention that it's not their fault that they exist, it's because of stupid irresponsible people). With TNR, they are controlled and their numbers decline gradually until the populations cease the exist. That's the idea, and it's accomplished HUMANELY and there are tons of examples of this working - just look at Stanford, NY City, Atlantic City, Portland, and all over England. Go TNR!!!

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8:54 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview with Cimeron Morrissey"

Tim said:
This poor woman truely is a "Crazy Cat Lady". TNR is not a solution to the feral cat epidemic in this country. There is nothing "humane" about this silly practice. Please go to TNRrealitycheck.com to get a true picture of this form of animal cruely disguised as compassion. Strict anti roaming laws must be enacted and enforced to get this problem under control. TNR promotes dumping of unwanted pets and the poor cats must then languish in these sub standard colonies exposed to the elements, predation and abuse. Humane euthansia is ALWAYS a better option. If these crazy cat people would just look objectively at the havoc these cats are causing to our natural resources they would never be able to support this abusive practice. Cats are domestic animals that belong indoors. Our native wildlife deserves better that what TNR supporters have in store for them.

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