It is unfortunate, but a great many people regard ferals and strays as a caterwauling nuisance to be trapped and taken to the pound with no concern for any kittens that may be left behind to starve. In neighborhoods where feral cats exist, some of the chief complaints are:

• noise -- usually nocturnal and caused by fighting (either over territory or females in heat), or the "night songs" of toms;
• offensive odor -- the result of spraying to mark territory, or of urination;
• fear of disease -- fear that the parasites often associated . . . .