Caring For Abandoned and Feral Cats

Took Stacy to be put down today. RIP

He is one of the cats that a neighbor abandoned when she moved.

He dropped lots of weight and was very weak.

The vet said that he was between 10 and 12 years old. I had no idea.

 

Sorry to hear this... Seems a lot of kitties passing these days.

 

Thanks, Ty.

I think alot of kitties have to make a decision to go through another Winter or not.

 

We just have gotten to lay eyes on the most recent litter, born August 24th.

There are 3 yellow kittens, and a darker honey-colored kitten.

 

I just saw this thread (again)...

I'm so glad you were there for Stacy, Aeri.

But thinking about such a sorry-ass human that could and would abandon a cat...much less a cat of that age that surely the owner had had for some time... just makes me ill and . WTH is it with people?!? :-(

Back in my old life there were places I wouldn't even rent at because they wouldn't allow pets. I always had a pet.

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The yellow kittens and darker honey-colored kittens sound like they will be toms. At least they are easier (and cheaper) to neuter. Haven't y'all heard that relatively all yellow or orange (honey would be sort of in-between) are toms?

I know all the calicoes I've ever seen or even heard of are females.

 

Yes, Lynn. I've read the same thing about the Yellows/Reds being Male and the Calicos being female.

 

The newest litter of Polka's is out and walking around.

There are 3.

Two "yellow" and one darker, honey colored.


I'm probably calling the color all wrong. I think they are called "Gingers".

http://www.purrceptiblybsh.com/common_cat_colours.htm

 

This afternoon, I've captured 2 of this new litter of Polka's. There is one more left outdoors. Our money to get all these cats fixed is on it's way. We had to take some out of a small pension fund but there's no other way to stop this breeding that's going on.

 

I caught the 3rd kitten! That little booger is a screamer and a biter! Ouch! He got me good. Now, I'm off to the store for some goat's milk. They eat solid food but I will feed them some formula too. It helps the bonding with them.

 

Our check came in. Now to find a place and cash it.

Then, to line up some spay/neuter appointments the most inexpensively as we can.

 

Our Humane Society has a spay/neuter clinic each month. Their charges are reasonable considering all they do. Problem with strays is that you are "supposed" to keep them confined for a day or two after the operation.

 

I'll find some Trap/Neuter/Release programs.

I spoke to my vet about it. I learned that if you bring a feral in they dump it from the cage into a box to gas it with anesthesia. That was interesting. I had no idea how they'd handle a wild cat.

 

If someone needs financial help with spaying or neutering an animal, make sure to check with your local Animal Control, Humane Society, etc. Many offer low cost alternatives to people with low income, seniors, feral cats and rescues. You can search your state/county/etc and see if there are any options available. I know in my area they give out certificates (limited number per month) to get an animal altered for $25 for people who qualify (seniors automatically qualify, as do rescues, otherwise it is income/need based). I know there are some programs that will trap feral cats, take them and have them fixed, and they release them back into their neighborhood. Just depends on where you live, and if any programs exist to help keep pet populations under control.

As someone who has rescued many animals over the past 30 years, and currently has 2 rescued dogs, 3 rescued cats, a rescued bunny, and 2 rescued horses...I know how costly helping out animals can be. I also want to thank everyone who opens their heart, home, and wallets, and who give their time to help animals in need. Truly, thank you for your compassion and kindness.

 

I have appointments next week to get 8 cats fixed. That's just a start.

I have an infected cuticle from one of the newest kittens.

Taz lives up to his name.

I'll get some pics soon.

 

Tomorrow morning the desexualizing of the cats begins.

Mabon and Baby Skooter will go in for spaying.

Tuesday, Sassy Smokey and Nona will have their spaying.

Wednesday, Trouble III, Danger Mouse, Dusty, and Taz will be neutered.

Incredible huh?

 

They know where you sleep...

 

I know.

I'm not happy but the reproducing has to stop.

 

WOW! That is alot of cats being fixed and neutered.....but it is best..than unwanted cats all over the place....that were once kittens.....I see plenty of cats here living near dumpsters at restaurants....in freezing cold...and it breaks my heart. I always try to catch them to give them my home...but they are just too feral....and some wind up as road kill, as some of these places are on busy roads....

 

I took Mabon and Nona in for spaying yesterday.

It didn't happen for Mabon. Her heart rate starting dropping after they intubated her. They had to stop and bring her back up with fluids and steriods. Free testing by the doctor indicated that she does not have Feline Leukemia or Feline HIV. The doctor says she is anemic but she's not sure why. She says Mabon may a heart problem and would need an ultrasound to check for that. At least for now she is up and moving around after that scare.

Nona went through her spaying surgery just fine.

I bought a new brand of flea treatment because Advantage sucks. Mabon may get healthier if this new flea treatment works better. It's called Cheristin.

This morning Skooter Baby and Smokey are in getting spayed.

 

Skooter Baby and Sassy Smokey did great yesterday with their spaying.

This morning, it's the boys turn.

Heavy, corrugated cat carriers will not stop a cat that wants out. Not even the 2.5 lb kittens.
They were shredding boxes left and right this morning!

Trouble, Danger Mouse, Dusty, and Taz certainly gave us hell trying to get them to the vet.

We had escapees in the house and in the car. We laughed because we almost had to call to inside the vet from the parking lot so that they could come out and slip some new, flattened, cardboard carriers through the car windows. It was that bad!