Feline frustration

When the cats are away, the mice will play. But in the area surrounding the 2400 block of South Opal Street, the cats are not only staying, but multiplying and causing concern in the community.

"They’ve been around for a few years, but it gets worse and worse because they have babies," said Dorothy Ghanayem, a resident of the block.

Ghanayem estimates at least 10-15 cats are roaming the area.

Although organizations such as the Morris Animal Refuge, 1242 Lombard St., specialize in decreasing animal overpopulation and abandonment in Philadelphia, neighbors say they have found no help with their specific problem.

Ghanayem, along with several residents, said she has exhausted every outlet and is frustrated.

"It’s disgusting and I called everybody," she said of attempts to contact animal control and health organizations. "We pay taxes and nobody cares."

Domenico Lavini, of the 2400 block of South 20th Street, complained about the odor caused by animal waste.

"It stinks," he said. "In the summertime, we cannot open the door because of the smell."

Residents say a neighbor from the 2400 block of South 20th Street is feeding and setting up shelters for the animals. When that resident was approached at her home, she declined to comment before shutting her door.

More than just quality-of-life issues are at stake, say residents.

"It’s become a health issue because they come and wait for food in your yard," said a neighbor on the 2400 block of South Opal. "I used to have a nice little garden and now I have everything covered with cat repellant."

THE MORRIS ANIMAL Refuge, which works in cooperation with the Animal Rescue League of Philadelphia, offers $30 spay and neuter certificates. According to general manager Jim DePaul, neighbors can rent traps to catch the animals and take them to participating veterinarians, who accept the certificates to cover the cost of the procedure.

"Some people are not trying to keep the cats, but just cut down on reproduction," DePaul said.

The Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association provides temporary shelter and care for animals. PACCA, 111-31 Hunting Park Ave., offers a 24-hour, open-door policy to bring in or pick up stray or unwanted animals. It works in conjunction with community organizations to trap, neuter, release and manage strays.

"We train people with trappers and how to manage colonies," said PACCA Executive Director Tara Derby-Perrin. "The colonies are usually there because of a food source."

Although there are city ordinances against feeding strays, leash laws for cats do not exist as they do for dogs.

"Cats are legally allowed to roam free without a leash," Derby-Perrin said.

There is cost and difficulty in trapping all of the cats in the neighborhood, but it will continue to be "a constant, ongoing problem unless the cats are sterilized," she said.

The Morris Animal Refuge is open on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For information about the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association, call 215-685-9040.