More than 20 cat lovers yesterday voiced opposition to a proposed Pittsburgh ordinance that would require all cats to be licensed, just as dogs are.

All of the speakers at a public hearing before Pittsburgh City Council -- some of them representing animal welfare and animal rights organizations -- said the city should put money and effort into spay and neuter programs to curb what all agree is a cat overpopulation problem.

Only one speaker supported the cat licensing proposal introduced by Councilman Jim Motznik.

"The licensing of cats is the wave of the future but only when coupled with mandatory spay and neuter," said Rise Chontos, who operates a homeless cat sanctuary in Elizabeth Township.

Mr. Motznik said he will introduce the cat licensing proposal to the full council on Wednesday. "I do not know if I have the votes on council to see this passed. There is probably not a lot of support."

"I have had phone calls and e-mails from both sides," Mr. Motznik said. "It's running about 50-50. It's close, but complaints about cats" may be slightly outnumbering calls from people who are opposed to licenses for cats.

Complaints include "cats causing damage to neighbor's property," including spraying urine, he said. The licensing proposal "is an attempt to make owners responsible for their cats."

The license fee for cats that have not been neutered would be $12. The license would be $7 for a spayed female or a neutered male.

To get the reduced fee, owners would need to show a certificate from a veterinarian verifying that the animal has been neutered or is unable to reproduce.

Cat licenses would enable more lost cats to be reunited with owners, Mr. Motznik said. Licensed cats and dogs picked up by Animal Control must be held for 10 days before they can be put up for adoption or killed. Unlicensed animals are only held for three days.

"I don't believe it would cost the city money to license cats. It could be done by the same employees who handle dog licensing.

Many of the speakers are involved with groups that work with feral cats. Most of those cats are former pets that have been dumped by owners. Many of the speakers said the number of feral cats could be controlled with more "TNR" programs. The letters stand for trap, neuter and return.

Groups and individuals trap feral cats, have them neutered and inoculated and then return them to the outdoor area where they had been living.

Proponents say that this type of program prevents the births of many thousands of kittens.