Residents say that feral cats on this street are causing a foul smell of cat poop. Are they exaggerating?

REIGATE, SURREY, UK - NEWS AND COMMENT: The residents of pretty Nutley Lane, Reigate, UK, have been complaining about the all-pervading pong of feral cat poop that wafts down the entire street and they've demanded that something be done about it. They have got their way. Cats Protection have a team of volunteers who are trapping the cats. They'll be sterilized and vaccinated and relocated away from Nutley Lane.

The stench is "occasionally unbearable and environmentally unsound" according to one resident.

Residents say that feral cats on this street are causing a foul smell of cat poop. Are they exaggerating? Photo: Surrey Live.

Although they've said that the number of feral cats has greatly increased only 5 have been seen by one resident who reported that some residents have installed cat deterrents which emit a sound only audible to cats.

Feral cat numbers do increase because they are unneutered which is where TNR volunteers do vital work. There are no TNR volunteers in Reigate apparently. But Cats Protection will do a good job. They are looking for farmers willing to take on feral and semi-feral cats as mousers and barn cats.

Relocating feral cats can be problematic. I think they'll have to relocate them a good distance from Nutley Lane to ensure that they don't go back.

I have a feeling, but no evidence, that one resident or some residents have made a fuss over this and exaggerated the stink because they saw one or two stray cats and wanted them gone asap. 

There are those who genuinely feel that feral cats spread disease and are a nuisance and others who accept them as part of the community, hence the description 'community cats'.

If they've been there for a while someone is probably been feeding them. Feral cats congregate where there is food. 

Source: Surrey Live.