Feral Cats

[Jessie]

My apartment complex is overrun with cats.  There were a couple of litters back in the winter, and some of them are still around.  We've had drought conditions here, so they've been hungry and thirsty.

I know you're not supposed to, but I've fed and watered about 5 or 6 of them, and one lets me pet her (him?).  I'd estimate that they're under six months old.

This morning I looked out the window and saw a mother cat in the dumpster and about 6 babies running around underneath.  They can't be more than 8 weeks old.  I want to bring them all in and love them forever.

Since I can't do that, I'm looking for a no kill shelter that I can take them to (if I can feed them enough to catch them) or that'll come get them.  This is the only place I've found so far:  http://www.homeatlastanimals.org/

I can't bring myself to call animal control.  They're not hurting anything, I just don't want them starving or getting run over.  Plus, they're so young that they could still be tamed to be pets.  They're so sweet.  Poor babies.

[ReBurn]

If you don't stop feeding all of those cats you're going to be the person that all of your neighbors talks about. And the feral cat community will catch on, increasing their numbers in your area. Which will lead to revolt when you forget to feed them one day. It will be chaos in the streets!

[BigDun]

The website name for the organization was poorly chosen. Parsed differently it reads: hom-eat-last-animals.

Are you sure that it isn't someone with the initials HOM who likes to eat stray cats and dogs?

[Jessie]

I don't care if my neighbors talk about me!  Bah to them all!

Well, if hom eats them, at least my feeding them did some good.

[Beefy]

If you don't think Jessie's neighbors already talk about her, you're crazy.   

[Jessie]

Timothy just called to ask if I thought it'd be a good idea to bring them all inside so they can meet Butters.

[Alice]

Timothy just called to ask if I thought it'd be a good idea to bring them all inside so they can meet Butters.

Tell him yes!

[Beefy]

Timothy just called to ask if I thought it'd be a good idea to bring them all inside so they can meet Butters.

YOU LEFT HIM ALONE?!!



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[Jessie]

Timothy just called to ask if I thought it'd be a good idea to bring them all inside so they can meet Butters.

YOU LEFT HIM ALONE?!!

Yes, and I left him with plenty of paint cans and nails and stuff just in case.  And aftershave.

[Beefy]

Timothy just called to ask if I thought it'd be a good idea to bring them all inside so they can meet Butters.

YOU LEFT HIM ALONE?!!

Yes, and I left him with plenty of paint cans and nails and stuff just in case.  And aftershave.

Naw, nothing's gonna distract him from teh pr0n on teh IntraNet.

[Jessie]

Hi,

Thanks for contacting Home At Last Feral Cat TNR ( trap, neuter & release ) program. We have met others, like you, who live in an apartment and care for a feral colony.

Thank you for caring for these little guys. We are not in a position to take any cats at this time. Most groups in the areas are facing these same issues of too many cats and not enough homes. Here is what we recommend for feral and unowned strays:  We have an active trap- neuter- return program for feral and unowned strays and would be willing to help you get these cats altered. This is the most humane and compassionate option that we have for outdoor cats that are un-adoptable. The cats will be altered, given basic vaccinations, and must be returned to their original location. We will lend you traps prior to the surgery and demonstrate how to use the traps. You must transport the cats to and from their appointment and provide a warm, dry, indoor recuperation space for 24 hours following their surgeries. In colder weather we recommend a 48-hour recuperation if possible. You must also agree to feed and water the cats on a daily basis for the rest of their lives.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask. There is often a waiting list for the traps and TNR clinic dates everyone working with this program is a volunteer. We hate that there are delays sometimes but ask for your patience. Thank you again for caring for these cats and kittens.

Now I don't know what to do

[Beefy]

Stew.

[dazie]

Stew.

2nd.

[Beefy]

Or let nature take its course.  Sometimes it's better to just let things play out without getting involved.

[Alice]

You can't afford to take care of a slew of stray cats, nor probably expect anyone you know to come take care of them when you are out of town.

[eo000]

take them to your mother's house. it'll be mother's day, her birthday, and arbor day all wrapped into one!

[Jessie]

I really wish I could take them to my mom's.  She lives in BFE and they stand a much better chance out there than they do here.

I can't do the neuter release program because 1) I can't bring them in my apartment, and 2) I can't forever feed countless cats.

[Dry then Catch]

I really wish I could take them to my mom's.  She lives in BFE and they stand a much better chance out there than they do here.

I can't do the neuter release program because 1) I can't bring them in my apartment, and 2) I can't forever feed countless cats.

i know this couple in rural Pennsylvania who takes any stray against all practical logic.  I think they are up to 16 barely domesticated dogs. 

Why can't you take the cats to that shelter you linked?

[Jessie]

That's who that email was from.  They don't have room for cats.

[Dry then Catch]

That's who that email was from.  They don't have room for cats.

oh yeah.  I think cats do pretty well on there own, maybe they are happy?

[Jessie]

You can see their ribs

[dazie]

You can see their ribs

Maybe they like Nicole Richie?

[Dry then Catch]

maybe they shouldn't have that many kids and count on welfare to pay for them

[Beefy]

You can see their ribs

Then hunger and shelter are the least of their worries.  Get them some bandages!

[BigDun]

You can see their ribs

Then hunger and shelter are the least of their worries.  Get them some bandages!

They could be zombie feral cats.