CYPRESS, Texas – Neighbors in the Lone Oak community say a growing number of feral cats is affecting daily life, leaving behind dug-up landscaping, bird remains and what they describe as widespread cat feces throughout the neighborhood.
Two residents, Michael Williamson and Peter Wilmot, told KPRC 2 they are frustrated by what they say has become a persistent sanitation issue, showing piles of feces in yards and common areas. They say the presence of the cats has changed how they use their outdoor spaces and raised concerns about cleanliness and wildlife.
“It’s just disease and stuff. I think I mentioned for various reasons I have a compromised immune system, so if I get sick, pick up any virus or bacteria, it’s rough on me.” Williamson said.
The neighbor he believes is enabling the cats says she is following Harris County guidelines and is trying to prevent animal suffering.
Lindsay Mulinazzi says she is a registered community cat colony leader through Harris County’s Community Cat Program. The program allows approved caretakers to trap feral cats, have them spayed or neutered, and return them to the area where they were found. The goal is to stop reproduction so the colony gradually shrinks over time.
Mulinazzi says she participates because she does not want to see animals abandoned, euthanized or left to suffer.
She also says the cat population in Lone Oak has not declined as expected because she had multiple surgeries that temporarily prevented her from trapping and getting the cats fixed. During that time, she says, the colony grew. Mulinazzi says she has since resumed trapping efforts.
Some neighbors say even if the county rules are being followed, the impact is still landing in their yards and does not address their immediate concerns.
Harris County says the Community Cat Program is designed as a long-term population control strategy and encourages communication between caretakers and neighbors when issues arise.
More information about the county’s Community Cat Program can be found here: https://www.countypets.com/ccp
For now, neighbors in Lone Oak remain divided over how to balance compassion for animals with quality-of-life concerns for the people who live nearby.