WEST RICHLAND, Wash. – Feral cats have been a persistent issue in West Richland neighborhoods, prompting local action.
Marissa Adamson, West Richland’s animal and code compliance officer, initiated a spay and neuter program to manage the cat population starting May 8.
“I started this program because we don’t have cat kennels that we can handle cat complaints in the city of West Richland,” Adamson said. “So this is kind of an approach to prevent kittens, prevent further cats from being a problem and keep the population controlled.”
The program focuses on the area around North 60th Avenue and Deer Street, near Tapteal Elementary School. Adamson will set three traps weekly to catch feral cats and will take them to Dr. Menks’ Mobile Vet Care for spaying or neutering.
Adamson started the program in October 2024 and has fixed nine cats. She is now restarting the program this year and aims to fix at least one cat a week.
“This is the most humane method and it works to control the population because feral cats aren’t your typical happy domestic cat. They’re elusive of humans,” Adamson said.
Adamson said she received over $1,000 in donations last year to fund the program. She says she still has more than $300 left for this year’s efforts, but is always looking for more donations to help.
“The fact that I’ve received this many donations from that neighborhood shows me a lot. And, I’m actually I’m very blessed that they’re helping me with this,” Adamson said.
Adamson said Feeding feral cats can lead to increased cat populations, reproduction and disease. West Richland PD will issue citations for people feeding feral cats.
