at a loss for my aunt and her 20 cats

mrsbrak

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My darling widowed aunt lives in Long Beach, California. My mom and I just visited her last week and she has decided she will move to Alabama to be near us as her health is poor and we're her only family state-side.

Unfortunately, she has collected almost 20 stray cats over the last couple of years. She adores animals and can never turn one away, and in her low-income neighborhood, it seems there is an abundance of needy kitties. She has almost bankrupted herself feeding them 30 cans of catfood daily and taking them to the vet. She loves each one like a child since she herself never had any kids.

I told her I'd try to find a no-kill shelter in her area, but after some research, I'm concerned this may not be such a good option. These cats are all adults and not very friendly, thus not so adoptable.

I think it would break her heart if I said they should be euthanized. But I think that being cooped up in a cage indefinitely would be worse.

What would you do? Thanks for any advice.
 

carolina

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How, where is she going to live in Alabama? Anyway she could take them? Remember, these are her kids you are talking about.... For her, they are four legged tiny furry kids... Not only cats... If it was me on this situation, they would go with me wherever I went... If they were my cats, I mean.
 

carolina

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By the way, thank you so much for coming here asking for help for you dear aunt... That is very sweet of you
 
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mrsbrak

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Carolina, thank you for your reply. I know what you mean... I would just die if I had to give up my fur babies. Unfortunately, my aunt is going to have to live with either with my mom or in a small apartment, where it is not feasible for her to keep so many cats. She's financially struggling to continue caring for them anyway. I already have 2 cats who are angry about the dog I just adopted, and I can't take them on either. My aunt has at least a couple of months to come up with an arrangement -- possibly longer if her house does not sell quickly. I just emailed the Stray Cat Alliance in LA to see if they have any advice. I'll share it if it's anything enlightening. Thanks again!
 

StefanZ

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You mentioned vet.

Are they all spayed?

They were all strays, yes? Thus they are really used to survive in the open?

If you cant find better solution, it may perhaps be an idea to start an colony with them?

No god solution, but less bad than some others...

It may be easier to find a dependable colony caretaker, than 10-20 adoption homes...

Good luck!
 

Willowy

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Originally Posted by MysteryCat

The story is really sad
, Why not send them to animal shelter?
The animal shelter will kill them......

If they're all fixed and vaccinated, and accustomed to being outdoors, perhaps a neighbor would be able to continue their care. The friendliest ones should be placed in homes (or with a suitable rescue group) as soon as possible, the more feral cats might be able to stay in the neighborhood if someone will take care of them. Or a feral rescue group may be able to step in.

If she needs to cut costs right now, I'd recommend that she add some dry food to their diet. Feeding an all canned food diet is great for the cats but not so great for the budget. Dry food is much more economical. And buying the large cans (13 oz) instead of the 5.5 oz cans is also a great way to save when you have so many kitties.
 

nolia

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If they are all used to independent living, I would ensure that the ones that your aunt cares for are neutered/spayed. Then perhaps talk to other neighbours that might be able to keep their eye on the kitties.

As someone mentioned, adopt out the friendly ones, and let the others be. As long as they are fixed, they should be ok on their own.
 
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