Tune in the Cat Network: Is Your Cat On the Map??

Miami Beach has had a cat problem for decades, from back when tourists would leave their cats behind to fend for themselves. It's warm, right? People will feed them, right? Right, and too right. There are now an estimated 3,000 feral cats here, fed by well-meaning mostly older people. And using the fine-sand beaches as an industrial-size litter box. But many of these cats are full of hookworms, which are transferred from their poop to humans walking in the sand. And you know kids outside put anything in their mouths! 6 cases of hookworm in humans have been reported since October.

A local group called the Cat Network (not a Discovery TV Channel!) is trying to overcome the situation. They trap and neuter and vaccinate about 50 at a time. They try to discourage feeding and breeding in the outdoors. But even if you're no good at math, it's clear that the cats can multiply faster than the Cat Network can subtract. Help!

So another initiative is the Cat Poop Map (see orange dots on aerial view). Locals can check a website to see where cat poop is thickest on the beaches. Wear shoes, lay a blanket down first, or just go somewhere else!