I've looked at some things online, and the Trap/Neuter/Release is the best option besides euthanasia. Repellents, fences, etc., were suggestions to keep them away. Otherwise, relocation was a recommendation, something I considered, but that merely makes it someone else's problem.
I had thought to get the girls fixed first, then no litters and no cats in heat, but the males, esp. battle cat, are causing the most problems fighting. Then there is the fact that five adults out of the whole bunch have a chance as house pets, due to their willingness to enter the house to eat. The rest are a lost cause for the most part. They won't fall for the live traps, and there is no grabbing them and forcing them without protective armor.
I should sight in and do some target practice; it may come to that. The infestation I suspect my cats came from was far worse and required the homeowner to take them out, all but three I think. The local animal control won't do a damn thing about it due to backlog, and other options are animal control for people who live in other counties or this one place that does feral cats that won't return our calls.
It is one of those situations that any solution is not very good, and the best solution is the hardest, at least for me after having them around all the time. If I can't get them fixed and animal control is useless, then starve them, drive them off, abandon them far away where they will likely starve to death or get killed by people who will have to take care of the problem, or kill them myself with a firearm or poison. I'm not the guy to do these poor critters that kind of harm.
I had thought to get the girls fixed first, then no litters and no cats in heat, but the males, esp. battle cat, are causing the most problems fighting. Then there is the fact that five adults out of the whole bunch have a chance as house pets, due to their willingness to enter the house to eat. The rest are a lost cause for the most part. They won't fall for the live traps, and there is no grabbing them and forcing them without protective armor.
I should sight in and do some target practice; it may come to that. The infestation I suspect my cats came from was far worse and required the homeowner to take them out, all but three I think. The local animal control won't do a damn thing about it due to backlog, and other options are animal control for people who live in other counties or this one place that does feral cats that won't return our calls.
It is one of those situations that any solution is not very good, and the best solution is the hardest, at least for me after having them around all the time. If I can't get them fixed and animal control is useless, then starve them, drive them off, abandon them far away where they will likely starve to death or get killed by people who will have to take care of the problem, or kill them myself with a firearm or poison. I'm not the guy to do these poor critters that kind of harm.
A trail goes two ways and looks different in each direction - There is no such thing as a timid woodland creature - Whatever does not kill you leaves you a survivor - Jesus is NOT a bad word - MSB