More than 100 feral cats at risk at Denver apartment complex
DENVER (KDVR) — An estimated 100 feral cats are at risk in what some say may be Denver’s largest colony of its kind.
Animal rescue volunteers fear the cats could starve to death at an apartment complex where they have lived for years if certain changes are made to their living environment. The volunteers who are trying to help the cats say if they are moved out of there, they will not be able to adapt to a new environment and could die.
Stranded hiker rescued from Hell Roaring Ridge in Pitkin County
The feral cats build tight-knit colonies which could be seen in several different areas of the apartment complex on Monday. Animal rescue volunteers believe there may be more than 100 cats living at the sprawling property located near Leetsdale Drive and South Oneida Street.
FOX31 was told most of them live under the complex and enter through breaks in the concrete foundation. Some residents said the cats are not causing problems.
“I think they are cute. They are usually over there. We don’t get to see them as much,” said resident Briana Valencia.
Another resident who sped by on a scooter said the cats were a problem and should not be fed. She also said they create foul smells in some areas.
Animal rescue volunteers say the property could possibly be home to one of the largest feral cat colonies in Denver. The volunteers say they are being told feeding stations placed there by another rescue group will be removed.
They are also worried the cats’ access points to their shelter under the complex could be sealed, putting the cats’ lives at risk.
“We just need help preventing that from happening,” animal rescue volunteer Angela said. She asked not to use her last name.
She fears some of the cats would be trapped under the buildings and die there. FOX31 saw some cats scurrying into holes at the base of some of the units. Many people who live at the complex hope that doesn’t happen.
More in U.S.
RTD increases downtown loop frequency after monthslong reconstruction project
Angela, the volunteer, said the cats should instead be trapped, neutered and vaccinated, and returned here where they can help control rodents.
She said there has been a large-scale trapping operation that’s taken place here before. She’s hoping that happens again to keep the cats safe.
FOX31 has reached out to complex management but has not heard back from the company.
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment refers people with feral cat issues to Metro Denver Cat. That’s an agency that specializes in these types of issues.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
