National Feral Cat Day was October 16th!
Some of our feral cats (over the years):
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| ...at one time in our yard. |
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| This one has the prettiest blue eyes |
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| This one is long haired and has the shiniest coat |
These days we have one family of 4 in the back and a family of 5 in the front. Occasionally they swap areas, but not a lot. They all know each other and get along fairly well... unless a stranger shows up. We have one black tall skinny feral that is mean and likes to fight (the others usually chase him away). One or two of the feral males that come by are ear clipped which means they were neutered with the catch, neuter, and release program. These cause no problems and seem to be welcome.
The weather will be getting colder soon... so please try to put out some form of protection/comfort for the ferals near you. We have found raccoons sleeping contentedly with the cats under the heat lamps in the back as well as possums using the cat bed in the front on cold nights.
For those of you interested, I'm still struggling with the croupy crud... (nights are the hardest, still sleeping on the sofa with the cats so I can sit up - but the cats love the company). Went back to the doctor Thursday. No pneumonia (hurray!), changed my cough meds to something stronger (Rx Hydrocodone) so I could get some sleep. My Pharmacist called me to warn me this was a strong med. I told him that I would hold off on it and see how I do. Got a Depomedrol injection that seems to have worked a bit... got a 2 hour nap that afternoon. DH starting to cough...
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| my sweet Tux... he worries so. |
My timing is good for Feral Cats Day as I just now decided to buy a heated cat house for my patio for the grey kitty who has adopted us.
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of heated cat houses... but sounds like a good idea. Will it hold more than one cat? I've had at least 5 lying together in the cat bed on the porch.
Deletesomeone posted on fb cutting a hole in the edge of a tire and using that as homes for feral cats, waterproof, insulating, and indestructible; looked like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteSounds good to me. Any protection from wind, rain, and cold in winter would be great.
DeleteWe used to have "barn cats" around here. I think that may have been the Vermont equivalent of feral cats. Now where I live, once all farm land, it is all condo and other housing developments, box stores and fast food places. I have not head of feral cats being around. I hope they are not around because it is already freezing and it's a long winter. Barns have disappeared and it would be hard for them to find shelter.
ReplyDeleteOlga, I'm sure many barn cats could be feral... or not. Doesn't matter. They all need shelter.
DeleteIt's been going on a long time, it seems from here, and I figure you must feel it has been even longer since you were healthy. Thanks for the lovely shots of the feral cats. They are beautiful. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan, it's only been about 10 days of this croupy crud. Seems longer. I think it's getting better. I hope so.
DeleteSo glad ferals have a day. Interesting how the neutered males are marked--smart. I had a few ferals in Florida and I had them spayed and neutered but they weren't marked by the vet.Like the idea.
ReplyDeleteClipping one ear is usually how they indicate that a feral has been neutered around here. It is good to know.
DeleteThose ferals have been so lucky to have your and husband to care for them. I would like there to come a time when non-humans weren't considered disposable, and when people would care for them properly, but I know that won't be in my lifetime. Still, even the tiniest bit we can do to help is a step in the right direction. So thank you!
ReplyDeleteAnd I do hope both you and husband are feeling MUCH better soon.
I know, Kim. We can't save the world (and lately it seems like it could use some saving), but we can do our part - even if it's a small part.
DeleteAs for our croupy crud... I think I'm better. DH is just starting.
It's wonderful what you do with the ferals. It is so unfortunate that people assume cats are disposable.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you aren't feeling 100%, hopefully these new meds will have you back to yourself soon. Fingers crossed your DH avoids the illness.
Eileen
Eileen, the depomedrol injection seems to have helped a bit. I'm not taking the hydrocodone - too strong for me. But I'm sure we'll be fine soon (hopefully in time for Thanksgiving).
DeleteI've missed your posts lately. Sure hope you are feeling better. I love what you do for the feral cats. They are beautiful cats. aren't they! It's so sad. Tux really does look like he is worried about you. Hope you're much better today.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I do feel a little better each day. And yes, Tux is a worrier.
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