CLERMONT -- Stray cats often have no problem finding sympathizers. And City Council members here say that is a problem.

Council members decided residents who feed the cuddly creatures aid a nuisance.

"We have people who feed the wild cats and the cats leave something behind," said Police Chief Arthur Sullivan. "One guy won't be able to use his hot tub."

At the council meeting last week, Mayor Rodney Wagner said no more. He said police could photograph people feeding felines to discourage the act. Consequently, violators would be sent letters and could be fined.

Sullivan acknowledges that cats cause a stink in numerous spots throughout town. But taking pictures of those in the act of providing nourishment "came as a surprise to me."

Sullivan has no immediate plans to photograph people and cats. Something, though, needs to be worked out.

The hard part is the solution.

"People find those cats sweet, cuddly and lovable. They don't understand the problem," Sullivan said. "It's one of those situations that you're not going to win no matter what you do."

Stray cats often claw at small towns. Cats become homeless and then multiply because they have few predators. People keep feeding them to be nice, but beyond that they have no litter box to call home.

Such complaints Sullivan has received for four years, ever since being the chief.

"If anyone wants to come and capture them, they are welcome," he said.

Otherwise, Sullivan's policy for now: Feed the cats, own the cats.

Contact Brian Spannagel at (319) 291-1570 or brian.spannagel@wcfcourier.com.