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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

a feral dilemma...

Update:  DH and I are recuperating from our croupy coughs. We did go to the doctor's this week as DH really felt bad... and was running a little fever. She tested us for the flu... negative... just croupy cough. Gave DH some antibiotics and since she knows that I don't do well on them, gave me a steroid injection. Anyway, we are both on the mend (I hope).

Today I want to discuss people who don't care for feral cats... or birds, squirrels, etc.  I don't understand it. I really don't. We've been living in this area for over 30 years and have always fed, watered, and tried to accommodate the critters that show up around our house from the creek area. These include birds, squirrels, raccoons, possums, box turtles, etc. We do occasionally see a coyote or a bobcat... but not too often. After all, we are on a creek and a greenback area. We've never had a problem with any of them. We're glad to share our space and our yard is officially a wildlife sanctuary with a sign out front that says it fits the requirements from the National Wildlife Association.

However, there are people in the neighborhood who want all the ferals gone. They don't want anyone feeding them and when they see that some gravitate towards our property, it bothers them. Monday someone left a leaflet on our door saying that someone in the neighborhood had complained about the ferals. So??  Why tell us?? Some do hang around our place as it is a safe environment, but what do they expect us to do about it??  It doesn't bother us to have a few cats laying in the yard or on the porch.

I guess I don't understand because I was always taught that if you had a problem, you took care of it yourself. So, if a neighbor has a problem with ferals on his property, he should call Animal Control or trap them himself - whatever he needs to do. Why are ferals visiting our property a problem for him/her?  We can certainly stop putting food out for the birds, turtles, ferals, etc. but it seems a shame... as it's always been our belief that if someone or something needs food, water, or shelter, you give it.  Animal Control is welcome to come by and pick up any ferals they want... if they can catch them. We can't.

Just venting here. Over the years we have taken feral kittens into our home (the 4 cats here on the top as example) and we have brought numerous others to our Vet for vaccinations and then to the local Animal Shelter to be adopted out. Both our Vet as well as the Animal Shelter records would show this. And we've also taken the mama cat that we were able to catch to be spayed, vaccinated, and released.   There's no doubt in our mind that our area has too many ferals, but I'm not sure that simply not feeding them is the answer. Besides, the feral cats reduce the rat and snake population down by the creek... and I do think this is a good thing.

I really would like a good answer to this dilemma, so please send me your ideas. But know that if you choose to comment by venting your hatred of ferals in general or saying something violent or mean, your comment will simply be deleted and not published.



Do you see the kitten inside the pumpkin?



feral kittens playing on the front porch



Thanks...


13 comments:

  1. i think it's wonderful that you help the ferals, wish i could but i don't have any that come here anymore, miss the one that did terribly, we were starting to gain his trust.
    you have a very good point there, they should deal with their own problem, it's not that hard
    i would love to have a cat sanctuary here but it's beyond my finances to do so. once i get the place fenced though will check out some of the adoption places
    you are within your rights to vent, we all need to once in awhile :))
    thanx for sharing

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  2. Is there a cat rescue in your area that you could speak to, Rian? I know the ones around here do trap ferals and place them in foster homes to work with them. Many become adoptable and those that don't are fixed and released again in the area they came from.

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    1. Deb, next week when DH and I are over this croupy crud, I think I will call Feral Friends. I've donated to them, but never really been involved with them on an individual basis. I get email from them when they are looking for foster homes and that is beyond us at this point, but perhaps they will have some ideas.

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  3. I got home tonight and across the street in another yard I saw a big animal. Looked about as a larger as a German Shepard. It took me by surprise as I got out of my car. I ran as fast as I could back in my car. Waited awhile and never saw it again. Wasn't sure if it was a dog or not. I hope I never find out.

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    1. Could have been a large dog, but also could have been a coyote. Some large ones have been seen in our area. If it was a coyote, I'm told they will run if you make a lot of noise.

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  4. TNR is the best option, IMO. I'm essentially echoing Deb's comment.

    I think if you have no regard for the other species we share this planet with, you are apt to have little regard for your own species. (Thinking of the neighbours.)

    Peoples' lack of regard for other Beings is a hot button issue for me, so I'll leave it at this and just thank you again for taking care of all the critters who share your property.

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    1. Kim, I agree... and plan to check into it. But it's just so frustrating that some people have so little compassion (not sure if that's the word I mean, but it will do).

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  5. You had already changed my mind about ferals. And I applaud your efforts to get them spayed and neutered. But cats are normally feral and should be allowed to live just as other animals in your sanctuary do. Those meddling neighbors should leave you alone!

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    1. Thanks, DJan. The feral cats don't live as long a life as the inside cats, but I would like to think that they are at least given a chance.

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  6. All my cats have been feral rescues. When able, I trapped the males and had them neutered. That is not easy, either; vets have protocols to follow. As for your neighbors--I have recently been reminded of an age old adage and had to apply it: I tell people to put their money where there mouth is. Sometimes with a smile, sometimes not.

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    1. I know, Joanne. If we stopped feeding, it would save us a lot of money - money that isn't coming in regular now that we're retired. But this is something that we both feel needs to be done. How do you turn away a little face that looks in your window?

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  7. Rian, I commend your efforts and kindness towards the ferals I know some areas are over run, and if not intervened the situation quickly becomes out of control. I worked for a spay and neuter clinic, any feral brought into the clinic was a free surgery. I would see if you can get help trapping them from your local rescue.
    Jo

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