I am not sure if everybody is ready to hear this, but I have something to say that has been a big topic of debate on this campus. I feed the stray cats. I know, I know. Just let me explain. When I am walking around on campus, I will usually have a bag of cat treats in my pocket that I purchased from Dollar Tree, and when I see a cat just chilling on campus minding its own business, I feed them a couple of treats. Usually, I can get them to eat the treats out of my hand.
At this point, some of you reading this are probably thinking “So what, who cares?” However, I know a large portion of you think I am some monster ruining the South Florida ecosystem. To those who think that, just stop.
I know that cats in this area are considered feral invasive species by many environmentalists due to their harmful impact on the ecosystem. I care about the environment, I really do, but I also love cats. Even the school has gone as far as to say don’t feed the “feral” animals, but they cannot be considered feral if I know them. They are friends of mine.
I honestly cannot see how feeding the cats on campus some yummy treats every once and a while would hurt the ecosystem so much. Maybe I am selfish, but even if that is the case, I do not care. Feeding those stray cats brings me so much joy, and I am willing to bet the cats are having a good time, too.
I have even heard of friends of mine getting reprimanded for feeding some of the cats by area coordinators of the dorms. That is honestly ridiculous. I do not care for whatever aesthetic NSU is trying to fulfill with these weird rules around feeding these precious animals because I know very well that it is not because of the environment. If that were the case, we would probably at least have a more adequate recycling program on campus.
Try and stop me. I dare you. I will continue feeding my furry friends.
Here’s an insider tip, if you are nice enough, some of the cats will even let you pet them even if you are not carrying any treats.
