I give in.I am going to care for the strays so please HELLLP!

Oh I forgot to mention that Giorgio is a peeping Tom. He looks in our glass doors and peeks in our windows.

Lucia is a good mother. Today Giorgio came into the yard while she was eating the food I left her and she ran away from her kittens for him to follow. She faked him out and ran right back. When anyone is near the deck she suddenly appears out of nowhere. She kept 4 kittens alive this long and I hope I helped in some way by feeding her everyday.

The sad part is that the kitten that got away from us when we trapped it has been MIA. I hope someone took the baby in.

New issue. Giorgio is irritating my indoor cat to attack the cat the looks like Giorgio. Vicious fighting this morning.

Something has got to be done about Giorgio.
Immediately!
He may need to be trapped first. I learned he is wreaking havoc in everone's house with cats on my street. Apparently he peeps everywhere and has been known to waltz in other people's houses.

Lucia came to the door for food and I fed her EVO. She was not too into it. But I picked her up to discover 8 teats. So she is still nursing.

Saffron is out with us more and spends all day held in my arms or my daughter's. She never wants to be alone and cries if she is. I wish the one that got away was with her to help her from being lonely. She even purrs when the other cats sniff her. I think I will have a social cat here.

This is Saffron.
Lucia came to the door again and I gave her a big can food and all of the kittens came out. The one that got away came back. We almost got them but no go. I am going to have find a better way.
They do trust us enough to come out at dusk but so far we have not been able to get them.
Giorgio has not been back to peep today. My brother came over and cleaned the the outside of the house especially where Giorgio peeps so perhaps it threw him off and he isn't peeping anymore.

Saffron is so funny.When the big cats come over to look at her she bears her little teeth and gives them a little swat sometimes. They never retaliate and instead seem to find it amusing. She is eating quite well. She loves her Wellness kitten food and she has been using her litterbox faithfully. She wants to be held all of the time but I put her away in her room for some time to use her box.

OMG - I have just discovered some of the most heartwarming and entertaining reading on the Internet in these posts, CC12 and AllieandIkisMom
You two should get together and write a "cat lover's" soap opera - certainly the cats have wonderfully entertaining lives - better than Animal Planet's Meerkat Manor
The only thing that I could critique would be that the pic of SAFFRON did NOT have a "cuteness warning" - when I saw that adorrraaable sweet blue face
Please keep us updated & sending prayers and vibes that the MIA kitten returns and that Giorgio's neighborhood jaunts are reined in

Awww thanks. Saffy is a cutie for sure.

Last night was a harrowing night. Seldon was gone. A person who was visiting and also a smoker left the door open. They went out to light up and then came in and didn't lock it although I have been very clear about this with people. It just happened to be the door that Giorgio likes to peep in. I was sitting in the TV room relaxing when I hear a serious cat fight. I see Mary and Cleo fly by the door and then I go to the door and assume Seldon is in the basement. I search and no sign of him. As I am going to the back door I hear another serious cat fight. My friends and I are panicking now. Seldon is a comedian and not a fighter. He has spent his whole life since birth indoors. He is not the top cat. In fact he is the lowest on the todem pole. I feared the worst. I cried all night but sat on my back porch while others searched.

But during this time while the floodlights were on Lucia came and sat with me. Then she followed us during our search. We tried to put food out to attract Seldon but she would eat it. We were treated to watching the kittens frolic in the grass. We saw Giorgio a few times and from a distance he looks like Seldon. But once I saw him peeping into someone else's window I knew who it was. I put down some food for the kittens and they actually came and ate by my feet. I got a good look at them. 2 are black and one is a tuxedo like Lucia. Looks like the other three are with her.
At one point Saffron started her meowing loudly and a window was open. Lucia heard it and meowed back. She started pacing a little and meowing. She wanted to come in the house because she knew where the sound came from. She was looking right at the window. I had to block her way and she was mad at me for a few minutes but then seemed ok. I watched her with her kittens and it is so clear how real the bond is for her and how much she cares for her kittens. I would be surprised if she were even a year old herself. Last night would have been a perfect opportunity to round them up but my mind was on securing Seldon's safety.
I spoke with the humane society here and they gave me the names of some stores that rent out top of the line traps. I think mine was a little faulty because as hungry as those kittens are not a one got caught.
We saw Seldon in the chicken coop behind us but he would not come out and ran. It was frustrating but Lucia and her kittens helped bring a smile to our faces.
I will miss them after they are caught and taken to the shelter but this is the same place where I will be volunteering. It is such a nice shelter. A cat only, very clean, with an onsite vet and loving volunteers. It is a no kill shelter. There are cats that have been there for years and they never give up on them.
Part of my heart is selfish and want to keep her and her babies for myself frolicking in my garden but I know this is no life for a cat. My ex came over to help look as he is somehow an expert cat catcher. He grew up with them so he is able to find them. He wants to take Lucia but he does not want the kittens. I, really deep in my heart, want to keep them all. I really have fallen in love.
We found Seldon with a scratch on his face but he seems to have gained some new respect in the hierarchy now. I could not believe he fought with Alpha Giorgio and all he has is a scratch. The other cats are deferring to him. When I give out treats they let him have the last one. When he wanted a good warm chair they were pleased to give it over.
There is a new swagger in his walk though. I think he feels like the returned warrior after a night of fierce battle.

Saffron is blossoming into a very naughty kitty. While holding her, Mary was on my lap. Saffron kept swatting at her back. Mary ignored it. Then she went too far and tried to battle Mary's tail. Mary hissed and Saffron jumped straight back into my arms and stayed put. It was not even a big hiss. It was a bored teach the tyke a lesson hiss.
Saffron purrs every time the other cats come in the room. She wants to play.
She is also an escape artist suddenly. I opened the bathroom door and she was out like a shot. She ran into my bedroom and hid under my dresser. Then she ran under another one. She kept running back and forth and I was not able to catch her. I blocked her path and finally got her. She wants to wiggle out and run. The bathroom she is in is plenty big for some good running but I think the thought of all of this unexplored stuff too enticing.I am getting a baby gate tomorrow. My house has stairs and way too many hiding places to risk it. She eats like a horse by the way.

So tonight was very eventful. Giorgio has kept his distance since his tussle with Seldon. Quite frankly I am glad he is not peeping in the front door anymore because he was causing too many issues with my 3 cats.
The good news is...we caught another kitten. This one was a little less docile than Saffron. This was feisty and behaves like a feral. She is all black and ready to bite. OUCH. I had to get my brother over to help with his gloves he uses on some of his jobs. The kitten is another girl. She has more of a feral look than Saffron does. She fought hard but my brother contained her.
I took her to the after hours vet and she too gets a clean bill of health. She is 6 weeks old.
She hissed, spit, growled and pretty much went berserk. I managed to clip her nails and guess what? She has extras. She has an extra toe on her front feet!
May sound strange but I have been fascinated by cats with extra toes. I should have known something was different. When we took her to the cat room to let her out she was scaling the walls! Yes, like Spider kitty. What a weird sight. We just stood there staring like are we seeing what we think we are seeing?
Saffron was crying in her room when I got home. So I hurried and bathed the new kitten and she was dirty. Then I swaddled her in a towel and she calmed down. When I was letting her out I unrolled the towel and she just kind of rolled with it until she figured out she can walk.
I put a double dose of kitten food and some fresh water in with her. Now I have a harder case but she is going to get the same cuddle treatment Saffron got.
When I went into the bathroom cutie pie Saffron was resting on her lifesized stuffed dog. She was so excited to see her sister. After a smell check it seems the two are getting reacquainted.

Lucia is becoming suspicious of us as she has seen us cart off two of her babies. Doesn't stop her from coming around and getting delicious food though. Where else is she going to get yummy wet food? I even put vitamins and minerals in her food to help her stay healthy. She is such a talker. She talks to you if you talk to her. She eats like a horse! She eats more than I have ever seen a cat eat but then again she is busy being a Mother and protector. Now she has two. My fear is that I will not be able to catch the other two and they will become feral and then? This is not what I want for them. I want them to have a warm home, regular vet care, cuddles, love and safety. I think time is running out though.

I just checked on the kittens and Saffron is playing in the room with her toys but she went into the carrier where the other cat is. For the first time I see how different Saffron is now. She is happy to see me, she is a purr machine and her coat is healthy. She smells good and looks happy. The new kitten is as far back in the carrier as she can get and seems uninterested in the kitten food I put out.

I saw Giorgio in the back yard but he steers clear of the front door. He was looking for some food but I think he may be taking food from Lucia. I can't have that! But knowing this will help me TNR him. He is not as friendly as Lucia so I don't think he is adoptable. He is more semi feral than anything else.

Ok I did another check and the black kitten has left the carrier and is hiding beside the carrier. She did come out and peek at me and she even played with Saffron but I was careful not to have eye contact since I know she is frightened. Saffron was up for a good solid kitten play session and it was interesting to watch. She lured her sister out a few times.
But then I picked Saffron up to say see you a little later and she purred the minute I picked her up. She sprawled in my arms like a baby. I was not sure if I would fall in love with black kitten but when she peeked at me from around the carrier I felt that familiar rush of affection.

Oh, CC.
Your post is bringing me back flood of memories!! “the cat roomâ€, “Where else is she going to get yummy wet food?â€â€¦.. Ahhh, it was alsmost 1 year ago when I first see my ferals....

I am sure new kitten will be friendlier once she gets used of it. But I know kittens have very different personalities even within same litter. From the beginning, Torako was friendly one and Torao was hisser. Torami was very shy. I treated them same and socialized same, but their underlining personality didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t change.
Keep us updated!! I love reading your story.

Here is the new kitten. I had to play with lightness because she is so dark. You can even see her extra toes. She has a thumb.
I thought she was going to be impossible but she let me cuddle her and she has been using her litter box. She is very gentle and shy. I think Mary is going to love her. She groomed her and New Kitten loved it. She is not as feisty as Saffron so far. We are trying to find a name.



Two of them together.
IMG]http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn43/cc12_2008/IMG_0278-1.jpg[/IMG]

Saffron trying to play.



You can see the extra toe closer here.



Saffron posing as she plays.

Seems as though Giorgio has decided to pick up and move. I can't imagine anyone catching him. In a weird way I miss his little peeping because it was kind of funny. Maybe that is where the term Peeping Tom comes from.lol
I bought some more food today. I mix up Lucia's diet. I am giving her EVO because it is for cats and kittens. She is appreciative of any food and the petstore is being supportive so they give me a discount. I thought that was sweet. The woman who owns the store has dogs but she grew up with cats and likes them. She is always getting neat new stuff in and all of it is of good quality.
I saw Lucia do something very interesting. When the kittens were too afraid to approach the plate of food she put some in her mouth and laid it behind her for them. She is an amazing cat. She calls for food at the same time everyday and sometimes we feed her twice. Both of the kittens we are keeping Saffron and Sachi didn't even have worms. No fleas. No nothing.
I am curious as to what happened to her white kitten. I don't think it was something good. I never see it anymore. Only the four.

I have mentioned Sachi's extra toes. I wondered if it gave her any unique talents. I have confirmed that indeed it does. I walked into the bathroom where they are staying and she lept from the floor to the top of the toilet and into my sink. She was eying my window but it is only open a small crack and locked into place. She is only 6 weeks old. I have never seen a cat that tiny do that. She sits in the sink peering at me. Then I pick her up cuddle her and she purrs. I put her down and jump jump jump she goes.Saffron has no interest in her sister's amazing abilities. She would rather practice her pouncing skills and hide the caps from beside the toilet. She is always up for a tasty meal of wet Wellness kitten food. Already Saffron looks better and I hope the same for Sachi.

I am in a holding pattern now. The neighbor caught one of the kittens. She is sick and tired of Lucia on her porch. She has allergies and as summer is coming she wants to use the porch and her porch furniture. I can understand that but I don't know her well enough to ask for some patience. She wants to catch Lucia too but I am unsure where she wants to take her. My ex is trying to make a case for us taking them to a shelter.
The problem is one kitten is captured and bit her but the other one is harder to catch. We know from our own experience.
I am sick with worry about the kitten that is not caught. I told her we would take care of it. I was trying to be patient and gain Lucia's trust. If she catches them she has no idea where to take them. Sigh.
Giorgio made an appearance at the door again. Mary went crazy again but once he saw Seldon he bolted. I would not like to think of him getting in a tussle with Mary. She wants to badly but fortunate for us she has not gotten out.

So it seems like the neighbor was bitten by the kitten. Which is why we wear gloves when handling a new catch. Again I sigh. Now I just found out that the kitten escaped. She was keeping it in a box. These aren't stray kittens. These kittens are on their way to becoming feral and are afraid of people. So they are going to fight for their lives. She tried to put it in a guinea pig cage and of course the kitten escaped. So I am going to try trapping again tomorrow.

Saffron and Sachi really miss their mother. They want to lay with Mary and make her their mother.


They purr every time they see the cats and were so happy to lay with Mary. She groomed them. After awhile she had enough surrogate mothering but for awhile she offered comfort. So maybe they miss a mother more than a specific mother. They are only 6 weeks so this is entirely possible.
I have them on my cuddle program and they are cuddled about 6 hours a day.They are also eating about 4 cans of Wellness kitten food a day.
Saffron is a huge eater. The minute the food bowl goes down she runs at it.
Sachi looks at me before eating. She has been giving me a lot of blinks.
They have different temperaments. Saffron is feisty and energetic. She loves to play and get into things. She has come way out of her shell. Sachi is quieter and less sure of herself. She needs more encouragement and reassurance. Her eyes are incredible. So gold and bright but shy and sweet.
Saffron's eyes are turning green.
Outside last night I heard Lucia and Giorgio fighting again. But maybe it was mating. I hope not. I really hope not.

I am not sure how they avoid the trap but they do.

The neighbor told me what really happened.
She had the kitten in a carrier with a zipper and the kitten unzipped it and escaped. It is a little black one like Sachi so if it was a polydactyl like Sachi then I entirely believe it.
The neighbor on the other side told me that Lucia had rubbed cat hair all over her patio lounge and had to throw it out. She told me that she can't stand cats. The neighbor trying to catch the kittens said that Lucia had given birth on her patio furniture too. She is going to throw it out too.
I had a weird reaction when the other neighbor said she can't stand cats and blamed the cat hair on Lucia. I felt protective of her. She is such a sweetheart and probably just wanted a place to lay that was clean. It is not her fault someone dumped her unspayed. People blame the cats but the problem lies with people. People are the ones that dump, don't s/n, don't take their cat to shelter...etc. The poor cat is trying to survive.
My other thought is that there are most likely ferals lurking unseen. The night I stayed up looking for Seldon I saw a whole different environment. It was like people time is over and now it is time for the nocturnal animals to run about.

Sachi is coming out of her shell even more. I had them both tucked in my robe while watching TV. They slept and purred and purred. They love the closeness. Saffron waits by the door for me to come in and get them.
When she sees me she eats every time and I think it is her telling me "see look I am a good girl and I eat my food all up." They are so patient now. I give them little foot massages and they like it! They love head rubs and kisses.

I really hope I catch those others before it is too late.

Your lawn furniture fanatic neighbors - do they know you are trying to catch the momma and kittens and if successful their lawn furniture will be safe from cat hair? If you are trying to trap them some times even furniture fanatics are willing to assist you in your endeavor.


Depite the vastly different reasons all of you are trying to accomplish the same thing. . . capture mamma and her baby so they won't be running loose. .. that should appeal to them.

I know it is hard for me to relate to people who place a higher value on inanimate objects like lawn furniture {it stays out side for goodness sake} than they do the lives of furred four legged beings - but sense your goal is to get momma kitty off their precious furniture maybe they would be wiling to work with you on this -

From your earlier post sound like the momma may have been abandon - how sad. . .. I am glad you got two adorable babies and they are adorable


I will be keeping you and your feline babies in my thought and prayers

Thank you. We all appreciate your prayers. I agree about the outdoor furniture.
There are other animals including people lurking outside. I think they are exaggerating slightly. I have 5 cats living in my house and yes I get cat hair but I don't throw anything out.

When I mentioned my plans they just seemed like they thought this was an opening to complain about the cats. Lucia will be easy to catch. But
Giorgio is a whole different story.
The other two kittens are growing and are showing themselves more. I am going to have to find a better bait. It is raining out tonight so there is not much I can do. I put some food out but not as much as usual. I am hoping a little hunger gets them into the traps.
Mary and Lucia got in a fight through my back door but not as vicious as she is with Giorgio. Lucia is the one who swiped first which confirms my suspicion that she can't be our indoor cat. I was willing to care for her as an outdoor cat with shelter and an enclosure but I think she would do better elsewhere.

I put another litterbox in with the kittens. I found Saffron laying in one. Luckily it was clean. I guess kitten attract litter works a little too well.lol
I dumped the old litter and washed her box then I added another. So now I live in a house with 6 litter boxes.

Wow, this story about all the strays is amazing! It's even inspired me to start looking into becoming a foster home for kitties like Saffron and Sachi. I do live with my family though, so lets all pray we can work out an agreement that will benefit the cats!

My heart goes out to you and your little colony, I hope you manage to catch Lucia and the other baby before its too late! Haha, maybe you'll even manage to get your hands on Giorgio

Sending vibes!

I am hooked for life for caring for strays, ferals and fostering. It is really rewarding. You know you are helping an animal in need. Hopefully the kittens go to a home that will love them furever.
Kittens are low maintenance to have if you have a companion for them. You could create a play pen for them.
It is going to be raining for the week but I will just have to put something on top of the traps to keep the rain out. I am going to the hardware store tomorrow. The guy who owns this little store is supposed to be the cat catching guru. I have heard raves about his tips and his traps. One person even spoke in slightly hushed tones. So I guess I make my pilgrimage tomorrow.
These cats are crafty and if the others are polydactyl like Sachi I will need the right kind of trap. We already know one unzipped her way out the neighbors guinea pig bag.

I am still very disappointed that I can't keep Lucia in the yard. I care so much for her but I would be afraid a disgruntled neighbor would hurt her or take her to a kill shelter. My heart will be heavy when she goes. But at least I will be there to visit her and see who takes her. I would in a heartbeat but I am not ready to care for 6 indoor only kitties. Besides I need to learn to help, care for and then let go of those I help.
I spoke again with the shelter I will be volunteering for and they will have many fostering opportunities for me so this is good practice.

Saffron and Sachi are purr machines. Everytime they see Mary, Seldon or Cleo they purr. They purr when I pick them up. They purr when I stick them in my robe. They are happy and eating well. They need some new toys though. They need a little cat tree or cat gym. Another thing on my list for them. I put a large outdoor rug in the bathroom so that they don't have to walk on the cold wood. It will be rainy and a little chilly this week.

Giorgio. What can I say? He managed to get on top of my roof today. I live in a two story home that is Tudor style so I have multi levels on the roof. When you come to the staircase you look up and there is a skylight. I also have the cat room in a room that has a slanted ceiling with a window on the slant. Lo and behold I see a white flash on the skylight. I ignored it and figured it must be my eyes. Then I go into the cat room and the cats are all growling. Who should I see when I poke my head out? Giorgio. In the drizzling rain trying to peek in. He has taken this peeping thing to a whole other level.
I guess he climbed a tree and then jumped onto my roof. Next thing I know he will be coming down the chimney.

Lucia was meowing outside of the door in the TV room so I fed her since I don't want her or the kittens in the trap while I am sleeping in the rain. Once it is covered then I feel okay about it.

Oh and Saffron made a big escape last night when I came in to feed them. Sachi is content on the pillow relaxing but Saffron wants to explore. She ran into the cat room. Mary followed and proceeded to groom her which was Saffron's undoing. I caught her and put her back in the bathroom. I sat with them and cuddled some more. They are growing and looking prettier everyday. When Saffron came she had a little scab under her eye that is healed now.

Ok this is just purely insane.
In the cat room their cat tree is by the window. I only open it a crack to make sure the room has fresh air. It is the slanted window.
I am in my room posting and reading here. Checking out the news...basically relaxing.
ANYWAY I hear a low growl. I was not sure what it was at first. Then it starts up again.
I go to investigate.
Giorgio has his face peeping in the open crack of the window. Trying to put his whole head in. My two boys were growling and staring. This cat has no shame.
There are times when I wonder if he is Seldon's long lost father or something.
He was just bold as day and didn't move either so I closed the window. Then he pressed his face to the window. Why pray tell is this cat on my roof? How did he get up there?
Giorgio has seen this house from the basement window, my two glass doors, several downstairs windows and now he has moved onto the second story. Mary could not be bothered. I think she is tired of his shennanagins.

I know he has a way up and down because when I put food out for Lucia I heard her hiss and took a peek. He was trying muscle in and eat her food. She was having none of it and gave him a good swat. He retreated.
He does get fed by me. I give him food at a different time and a different place if I know he is around.
My daughter said she saw him on the roof but I figured she was kidding or maybe she saw him on someone else's roof. Nope.

I do too! I think he wants to be part of the gang. He is afraid of Mary. My daughter saw him again and she said it kind of creeped her out. She said he had his paws pressed against her window.
I hope I can get to trapping and get him too. I think he should go to a home and not be condemned to a life of a street cat. One thing I noticed is that he has fleas. I saw one on his forehead. So I am not sure how to approach getting rid of his fleas.

I took a good look at Sachi while she was sleeping in my arms. I think she is going to have long hair. I also noticed some brown in her black and some white threading in some places. Can't wait to see her as she grows. She is kind of elegant in her demeanor. So easy going unlike Saffron who is feisty. Sachi has gold eyes that are full of emotion. Her coat is almost like sable. She does not fight me when I clip her nails, she purrs and her meow is like a little peep.
Saffron's coat has a slivery quality almost like she was bathed in pixie dust!
She is a bold little thing. She swipes out at the big cats. She wants to play but the boys just kind of look at her and then back away. But she loves being in my arms and taking a nap. She becomes like a wet noodle.

Could not trap. The Trapper Guru is out of traps for rent. Seems everyone is out catching cats.

I bought my trap from here.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90218

They have retail store near me and it was $21 on sale.
It was well worth it.

To kill flea right away, I heard advantage will do the job. I have never used it but saw it was applied at the shelter. Fleas starts to die and drop off right after it's been applied.

Enjoy reading your post!!!