WARREN — City council will consider an ordinance to limit the number of cats a person can own or care for to four to address the growing stray cat problem in the city.

The proposal, led by Councilwoman Honeya Price, D-6th Ward, responds to health concerns and complaints about feral cats roaming neighborhoods, with a vote expected at the council’s next meeting.

Price talked about the health risks of uncontrolled cat populations, stating, “If you have an epidemic of cats, you’re going to have an epidemic of things that can go wrong with them.” She cited frequent resident complaints, including a recent case where 56 cats were removed from a single porch on Cranwood Drive SW, followed by renewed complaints the next week.

To address potential mental health issues among those caring for large numbers of cats, Price proposed including mental health resources in the ordinance, saying, “You don’t just want to take cats from someone. You want to make sure they’re getting treatment to overcome this situation.”

Humane agents confirmed the severity of the issue.

Fabian Pike, chief humane officer of Trumbull County, noted that the problem spans multiple houses, neighborhoods and cities across the county’s 630-square miles, with 13 of 88 open cases involving a large number of cats.

John May, Warren City Health Department Commissioner, reported frequent complaints about cats urinating and defecating in neighborhoods like Cranwood Drive SW creating public nuisances. He highlighted enforcement challenges, as proving cat ownership is difficult when residents deny responsibility, though evidence like food bowls can sometimes justify citations.

Animal advocates raised concerns about the ordinance’s enforceability.

Jason Cooke, animal control officer and founder of Healthy Hearts and Paws, which contracts with the city, pointed out that many problem cats are strays, not indoor pets, and limiting household cats may not solve the issue.

“The majority of these cats were not inside a residence. They were outside,” Cooke said, advocating for spay-and-neuter programs over strict limits.

He warned that enforcing the ordinance could burden those responsibly caring for multiple cats, as shelters lack capacity, with his facility already at its limit of 30 cats.

May supported spay-and-neuter initiatives, stating they have a long-term impact on reducing cat populations, but he also acknowledged enforcement difficulties on private properties.

Pike estimated that spaying 100 cats could prevent 6,000 new cats annually, suggesting a county-wide spay-and-neuter clinic as a potential solution, though funding remains a hurdle.

The proposed ordinance would mirror Youngstown’s, combining limits for dogs and cats, potentially capping households at four total animals. Discussions came up regarding the enforcement challenges, one attendee pointed out the issue of proving ownership and avoiding unfair penalties for responsible pet owners.

Meeting attendees also mulled the idea of requiring cat registration or addressing food left outside, which attracts strays, but no consensus was reached on these measures.

“We have to start with something,” Price said, as council plans to meet on the matter at its next meeting.