SAN ELIJO: Taming the feral cat population for over a decade

By RUTH MARVIN WEBSTER - Staff Writer | Saturday, May 10, 2008 3:07 PM PDT ∞

Two feral cats eat food that Leucadia resident Patti Mosel brought to them at the San Elijo Campground in Cardiff. State parks officials are considering whether the cats must be moved from the area. Courtesy photo.

ENCINITAS ---- Though she's "not a morning person," Leucadia resident Patti Mosel says she has risen before sunrise each day for the last 12 years to feed and care for feral cats at the San Elijo Campground in Cardiff.

In addition to bringing them meals, Mosel said, she traps kittens to adopt them out and takes adult cats to veterinarian clinics to be sterilized or treated for injuries.

Because of her care, Mosel and her supporters said, the feral cats no longer prowl the campground's trash bins for food or mar the nighttime serenity with noisy fights, and the colony also dwindled from 70 to about 12 felines.

However, state parks officials said this week that Mosel may soon have to stop feeding the cats. State policy doesn't allow feral cat colonies in state parks, though it gives local park supervisors some discretion in the matter.

Brian Ketterer, sector superintendent for the California State Park system, said he plans to make a decision about the San Elijo colony as early as Monday. He said he became aware of the cats only last week when two campground employees had a disagreement about them.

"Our policy is to take the cats out of the park and hand them over to the Humane Society," Ketterer said about the state rules. "I realize that the majority of them would be euthanized, but I have also heard that some might be adopted to ranches and open spaces."

Preventing Mosel from caring for the colony would be disastrous, said Jamie Campbell of the San Diego Feral Cat Coalition, a nonprofit volunteer organization that works to protect feral and stray cats and curb their population.

"The San Elijo colony is probably the most successful effort in our program," wrote Campbell in a letter to Ketterer. "Through the diligence of Patti Mosel, the colony population has dwindled to a small and manageable level. Her efforts over the years is proof that we can reduce the feral cat population without using euthanasia for population control."

History of colony

Feral cats are those that have reverted to a wild state, either because they were born in the wild or have become separated from or dumped by their owners and learned to live outdoors.

Most truly feral cats cannot be adopted, experts said, because it would be like trying to make a squirrel or a raccoon a household companion. However, some of the cats ---- if they are taken from the wild early enough and have the right temperament and training ---- may become good pets.

San Elijo's feral cat colony probably dates to the 1970s, Mosel said. She said people who surfed the area in those days have described a colony of silver gray Persians who lived in the sand dunes, before the campground. She said that several of the cats in the colony now are probably descendants of those cats.

The colony grew after more cats were abandoned or became lost in the area, she said.

"There was a kind of homeless man back in 2000 who brought 22 cats to the campground and then left them behind," Mosel said. House cats that escaped from their owners during camping trips at San Elijo have also joined the colony.

During daylight hours, the cats are rarely seen at the campground, which sits on a narrow strip of land west of Coast Highway in Cardiff.

Occasionally, a Persian mix may be spotted stretched out on the bluffs sunning itself, but for the most part the cats hide in the brush, where, Mosel said, they have tunneled an underground labyrinth.

"Before I stepped in to help, the feral cat population was totally out of control," said Mosel. "I have spent 12 years of my life and about $20,000 of my own money over the years caring for and feeding these cats. Twenty-three of them were adopted out to friends, family and neighbors, and all told, 75 cats have been spayed or neutered."

Volunteers

Ketterer said if the state steps in, the cats would be moved from the campground. Advocates like Campbell and Mosel said the feral cats should be managed where they are.

One benefit of a managed colony, said Campbell, is that the cats mark their territory and keep other wild cats at bay.

"They (the colony cats) claim and protect their territory from others and usually run any newcomers out," said Campbell. "And if the colony accepts a new member, we get that cat fixed as soon as possible. "

Removing the colony from San Elijo could make the problem worse by allowing new cats to move in and breed.

Ketterer said that notion is a matter of some debate.

"I need to weigh all of the material," he said. "I have stacks of stuff on my desk, my own Internet research, policy from Sacramento and stuff that Patti and the coalition have provided me with."

Ketterer said he will also take into account that the colony may be helping to keep the campground's rodent population at bay.

Other state parks officials also said that the matter will be handled humanely.

"We just want people to know that we're not out strangling cats," said Richard Dennison, public safety coordinator and public information officer with the California State Parks, San Diego Coast District.

"We try to work with these groups like the feral cat coalition and strategize about what can be done," he said. "The volunteers are very important because they understand what the population is. They can identify which cats have been spayed and neutered and help establish a baseline."

In the meantime, Mosel said she is nervously awaiting Ketterer's decision.

"I simply want these cats to live out their natural life without being disturbed," said Mosel. "The youngest cat is seven years old. Because of the complaint of one new campground host that was only there for less than a week, the future life of these cats is in jeopardy."

Contact staff writer Ruth Marvin Webster at (760) 901-4074 or rwebster@nctimes.com.

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26 comment(s)[-]Go to Top

cat spat wrote on May 10, 2008 1:42 PM:What's causing this big catfight all of a sudden? I used to live on San Elijo, across the street from the state park. Saw some of the cats myself from time to time when I walked to the beach. Never bothered me. I liked them, in fact. Since they're feral, and they've been there for almost 30 years now, shouldn't be considered part of the "wildlife" at this point? Let nature runs its course. They've been spayed and neutered. They'll die off in time. Find something else to pick on.

DeeDee wrote on May 10, 2008 6:33 PM:This woman is managing the feral colony very well and knows what she is doing. I'm sure that campground would have tons of rodents without those cats too! If a campground host is clueless and doesn't understand trap-neuter-release, he/she needs to educate themselves about how this does keep the cat population under control.

Kat wrote on May 11, 2008 6:07 AM:How could these cats be descendants of the "original" colony if Patty is doing such a good job at sterilizing these cats? It doesn't seem at all like Patty's objective is to end the feral cat colony. If it is when will that happen? To the State Park: Give this organization the option to catch and move colony. If you let them stay, make them collect data on the cats and regularly report out on the cat population and keep an eye on the progress toward bringing an end to the colony. Audit their data. Questions to the non-profit organization: Why is your best program operating on State land for so long without the State's expressed permission? If your program is so successful why hasn't the colony dwindled out yet? If you care enough, why not move them all to a feral cat ranch?

Oh wrote on May 11, 2008 6:09 AM:Anyone who knows cats knows that easy cat food is the best way to attract a cat to stay.

Bye Bye wrote on May 11, 2008 6:59 AM:Get rid of the cats. So what if they're euthanized!

Vista Granny wrote on May 11, 2008 8:25 AM:The Humane Society will kill them, the local group is NOT a "no-kill" facility --and feral cats aren't adoptable. If they're moved, they'll try to get back home -- and who wants them anyway? I suggest you fire or move the employee who doesn't like them - after all, the cats do have seniority. Many people work long hours and spend their own money to protect these cats and other feral cononies. Remember, it's irresponsible humans who started it all.
Let's see, if they take away the cats, the ground squirrels and rats will multiply, then they'll put poison out for them, and that's better?

american bird wrote on May 11, 2008 9:45 AM:Good Lord.THIS is an issue requiring State time and resources? If the cats are managed...and not causing problems...what exactly is the issue? Can we please concentrate on the sorry infrastructure in California...and leave the stupid cats alone? Unbelievable.

american bird wrote on May 11, 2008 9:49 AM:Good Lord. We are wasting how many of my hard-earned taxpayer dollars on this non-issue? No wonder our infrastructure is falling apart... Leave the stupid cats alone and concentrate on your JOBS, State workers.

FLYING CAT wrote on May 11, 2008 9:52 AM:THE CATS ARE THERE BECAUSE THEY WERE DUMPED BY IRRESPONSIBLE HUMANS. WE ARE THE CARETAKERS OF THIS PLANET AND THAT INCLUDES THE ANIMALS UPON IT. THEY ARE BEING FED AND TAKEN CARE OF. LET THEM LIVE THIER LIFE OUT.
THE TRUE NATURE OF A PERSON IS SHOWN BY THE COMPASSION THEY HAVE FOR OTHERS.THIS INCLUDES ANIMALS.


Do the Right Thing wrote on May 11, 2008 10:39 AM:The cat situation has been handled very well; please let the cats continue to be cared for and properly managed. One new park caretaker should not change a situation that has been going on for years. The woman who has devoted the last 12 years of her life should be able to continue with her dedicated work. Animals deserve love and care.

Josh wrote on May 11, 2008 10:54 AM:I support Patti Mosel in this matter. She has effectively managed these cats all on her own, and besides, the remaining cats probably help manage other pests like rats.

It's so shortsighted of us humans to think we can change one thing and not affect others, and so presumptuous to assume that some official agency needs to get involved when their work has already been done for them, before them, and better than them.

Ketterer wrote on May 11, 2008 11:12 AM:Does anyone know how to contact Brian Ketterer directly? We needs to hear that that the cats should continue to be cared for as they have been.

Sari wrote on May 11, 2008 11:26 AM:I totally support the efforts of Patti in her work to manage this colony. What a terrific job she has done. There is no doubt in my mind that if the colony is removed, a new population will move in. Please, State Park officials, let the cats remain and let feral cat volunteer-experts do their job, which they have demonstrated they have done so well over 12 years. This is a perfect example of the public/private effort that should be encouraged.

disbeliever wrote on May 11, 2008 1:04 PM:I am with American bird. How stupid. These cats aren't hurting anything so leave them alone.

Valerie wrote on May 11, 2008 1:38 PM:One person fussing destroys 12 years of work! Amazing! Really good people are willing to engage in action instead of just having an opinion. There's nothing more dangerous than an uninformed opinion and a little power.

Have a heart and a brain, state park people! Put some energy into another problem.

CatsNStuff wrote on May 11, 2008 3:56 PM:This is so upsetting. Due to one cat hater in 12 years, these cats are in peril. Leave them alone! Patti has done an excellent job with these cats and has devoted her life to allowing these cats to live their life the best way for them, and for the campers also. If it wasn't for Patti, there would probably be hundreds of cats there now, instead of 12!!! Relocating a feral cat colony isn't so easy. PLEASE LEAVE THE CATS ALONE and let Patti take care of these cats in peace!!!

Lisa wrote on May 11, 2008 6:23 PM:Thank you, Patti Mosel. Your contribution to the community and to the cat community is AMAZING!!! To give of your time (and money) with no other motive than to help is so very rare. I appreciate your efforts...and I know many others do too. You are wonderful and I hope the state recognizes your CONTRIBUTIONS and the WORTH of your efforts and successes!!

To Mr. Ketterer wrote on May 11, 2008 6:34 PM:To Mr. Brian Ketterer: Do you think the California State Park system would like to spend the few dollars they have (due to CA budget crisis) on capturing and relocating these few cats? Do you think that removing these cats is worth the very real possibility that other cats will only take their place. Having had cats in my life (all my 43 years) I know you will be battling the same cat situation in months time. Please don't waste the money of the state by removing the cats...which are not a problem. The state should thank Patti Mosel for being so generous and for her outstanding accomplishments!!

Chivascat wrote on May 12, 2008 7:19 AM:Thanks to all the animal lovers that have responded and special thanks to Patti. This is proof that the TNR program really does work with caring folks taking the inititive to spay/neuter the cats.

Chivascat

Bev wrote on May 12, 2008 9:35 AM:The animals were obviously abandoned by irresponsible humans in the first place. Let this lady do what she does well and remove the cat hater host instead. Maybe she should work in some nice airconditioned office somewhere else instead of causing trouble for helpless cats. How about sending her to DMV?!?

Jan wrote on May 12, 2008 11:39 AM:Having 12 neutered, regularly fed cats in the campground is not a problem--it's a SOLUTION to otherwise multiplying and foraging cats, and a huge rodent population making the campground unpleasant and unhealthy. (And believe me, even well-fed cats will hunt mice and other rodents! I watch my own cats do it.)

merimac wrote on May 12, 2008 1:20 PM:I manage a colony in Linda Vista near a restaurant. We have gone from 16 cats to about five. It is very manageable now and no rodents in sight. Our main problem is the dumping of cats in the area. I have placed several former house pets (after neutering at my own cost) with new owners before they became feral. This requires a lot of dedication and time but euthanization is just NOT a good option.

Shadie wrote on May 12, 2008 9:25 PM:I am very anxious to hear the decision in this matter. These cats and the dedicated Ms. Mosel deserve to be left in peace. Please Mr. Ketterer do not let one miserable person ruin the lives of 12 innocent cats and break the spirit of one amazing and special woman.

Jennifer wrote on May 14, 2008 9:16 PM:I have lived across the street from the San Elijo Campground for 30 years now and have always enjoyed a walk through it and on down to the beach. Before Patti started helping to manage the wild cat population there, there were dozens of cats trying to ekkk out a life there, mostly by eating out of the trash cans, but more of the time campers would feel sad to see that and so would throw left-over food down for them. This was pitiful too, in that it invoked fights and filth, ants and was a mess to look at. In short, it used to be heartbreaking to walk though there, for a person with any degree of compassion at all. I also regularly had to see many cats runover on 101 and in the campground itself, on occasion. There will probably never be an end to a cat here or there accidentally getting out of a campers motorhome or trailer, and/or some irresponsible idiot dumping an animal in the campground, so we should all be PAYING Patti to take on the responsibility of doing something humanely and sensibly to help us. The very LEAST we should do is thank her.

Linda wrote on May 15, 2008 1:31 PM:I noticed in the preceding thread that only one person wanted the cats euthanized and one other person clearly didn't read the article (the feral cat population has dwindled significantly over time at the campground). It would appear that the education of the public in regards to TNR (trap-neuter-release) is working.

Makes me feel good that I have been a volunteer with the local feral spay/neuter organization for the last 12 years!

Danika wrote on May 22, 2008 2:47 PM:I think its really cruel to kill ANY ANIMAL DON'T JUST SAY, oh so what if they're euthanized! NO THEY ARE ANIMALS LIKE US! Thank you.

P.S. I said this at an EXTREMLY YOUNG AGE!

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