The death of an elderly cat-loving woman living in the Terenure area of Dublin has meant that up to 30 feral cats have become a persistent problem, according to local residents.
Dan O'Connell, secretary of the Association of Residents of Terenure, said that between 10 and 20 cats had been looked after by the woman before she died last year.
Efforts by some "well-intentioned but misguided" locals to ensure the cats were fed - but without ensuring they were neutered - has meant that their numbers have increased to approximately 30.
"There is a group of cats gathering on a daily basis and they are becoming wilder and wilder. The cats will get in through an open window - and there is a strong smell from their urine," Mr O'Connell said.
"A wild cat obviously will go to the toilet anywhere . . . it is part of a greater litter problem which needs to be addressed."
Mr O'Connell said the residents association wished to see greater responsibilities placed on owners, perhaps through the introduction of licences, ID tags and/or fines for littering, as is the case with dogs.
"In my own front garden, every time I look out I see two or three cats furrowing away in the garden or burrowing.
"Common sense should prevail here. Do we have to have a law for everything in order for something to be done? There should be a group within Dublin City Council which sends out the necessary people and equipment.
"Animal litter, as far as I'm concerned, is every bit as objectionable as human litter," he said.