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Feral cats seen as problematic in Detroit area

One estimate puts the feral cat population in the Detroit area at 657,000.
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One estimate puts the feral cat population in the Detroit area at 657,000.

DETROIT (AP) - Officials say a large population of feral cats in the Detroit area is straining animal control and animal welfare groups.

The Detroit Free Press reports Wednesday that one estimate cited by the Petsmart Charities says there are about 657,000 feral cats in the area.

Officials say free-roaming cats often harbor illnesses that spread between cats and sometimes to humans.

People are working to address the problem in the Detroit area. Southfield has agreed to be the pilot community for a $100,000 county program to catch, sterilize and release feral cats. And a Warren animal welfare group is teaching people how to round up cats.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.