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post #1 of 16
10/30/10 at 8:12am
Thread Starter 
We trapped a female Thursday and dropped her at the vet. They spayed & ear tipped her (&etc.) yesterday morning. They called this morning to say she's OK to be released. We normally like to leave them there two days before releasing them.

The high today is going to be near 60, and the low tonight is going to be 40. The highs are going to be around 50 and the lows at night fall into the 20s as of tomorrow, for at least 5 days (if they're right).

Is it better to release her a day earlier than we usually do to adjust with weather that's not so cold?
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post #2 of 16
10/30/10 at 12:20pm
Thread Starter 
We released her. It's 60 out. She bolted under the deck, not into the woods. We're really happy about that. We'll put out warmed food in the mornings and at night during this weird cold streak (weird here for this time of year). We've also purchased a heated cat water bowl, and we'll get that going.
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post #3 of 16
10/30/10 at 12:43pm
Laurie, I am glad that she is hanging around your home. Is she an adult?
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post #4 of 16
10/30/10 at 12:52pm
Thread Starter 
There were two - one was owned by someone at some point, because she's already spayed. She's a beautiful tortie-tabby who looks SO much like our Spooky, only a little darker. We put out "Found Cat" notices around the area (in EVERYONE'S post box), and no one called. Turns out someone DID notify the RV Park last year they lost a cat here - but the park had taken down the notice, so we'll probably never be able to reunite her with her family. The vet estimates she's three. But we got her the rabies vac and a Revolution treatment. She acts like a feral - but if she is the kitty left behind ( ), she's been on her own for over a year.

The other one is 1 1/2. We think her brother is the one we rescued last January. He was really ill, and thank goodness the foster network took him, and he's been in his furrever home since early Feb. We just feel so bad she never had the same chance. We didn't trap her before she had kitties. We got them to the foster network 6 weeks or so ago? But we FINALLY trapped her.

Looks like enough food to account for two kitties has been eaten.

We do have shelter out there - but no one's ever used it. It's a feral villa, designed for feral kitties. But there is a LOT of natural shelter around here, so I guess it shouldn't be a surprise. We just figured it'd be easier for them when it's really cold to be just a few yards from where their food is.
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post #5 of 16
10/30/10 at 1:04pm
Thank you so much for doing what you do.
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post #6 of 16
10/30/10 at 1:10pm
Oh gosh, how sad. The tortie had to revert to feral behavior to survive. Did you release her already? Have you seen her again?

I am glad the baby you just released will not have to face the terrible burden of pregancy...

I am not surprised no one is using the shelter and truly believe they prefer natural inconspicuous hiding places. Sweetsie never used his shelter either- and we made a comfy one, insulated, with two entrances etc.

Here is lots of vibes that you get to see the little girl again and that she heals just fine with no problems whatsoever from this cold spell
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post #7 of 16
10/30/10 at 1:21pm
Thread Starter 
I think they're both here. We'd kept the stray-acting-feral at the vet for about a week while we waited to see if anyone responded or if the foster network could take her in. But she was a little hellion at the vet. The foster network contacted us this morning to say it'd be a minimum of several weeks before they'd have room, and as we no longer have the trailer we had this summer (we used for Chumley) and we can't afford boarding her for weeks, we had no choice but to release her. I'll just keep reminding the foster network she's here, and hopefully they'll keep a space open for her when they have one - and hopefully we'll be able to trap her again.

As to the mommy.... this is her home, and I'm pretty sure she'll stick around. I just feel really bad she didn't get another day to heal up - and she's got an exposed tummy now when this cold front is moving through. Gary was in tears about it today. Poor man is in so much pain and so sleep deprived, he just emotionally can handle like nothing these days. I just keep reminding him the good news is that we've only got two males we know about left to go, so at least there won't be any kittens, especially not winter kittens.
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post #8 of 16
10/30/10 at 1:28pm
Poor Gary, I completely understand. But she will be fine, she will get all cozy in a spot under your RV and take care of herself. They can generate so much body heat...And she knows there is good food and water. So, we will pray that she will heal just fine...Hugs to both of you!

I am so glad she will not have babies again, thank you for helping her
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post #9 of 16
10/30/10 at 2:25pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you! And thank you Betsy too!

I appreciate so much the vibes for mommy.... I thought this cold front was like a week - but now it says it's falling into the 20s at night after that! I'm glad we went ahead and released her. At least she's a little time to adjust now.
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post #10 of 16
10/30/10 at 4:21pm
Sending you some "keep warm" vibes for the kitties, Laurie!
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post #11 of 16
10/30/10 at 4:45pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks. We just can't help but worry. I did go pick up the dry food (attracts skunks and raccoons), put out warmed up wet food bowls and called the kitties. The regular crew came - as did Mommy. I didn't see Stray.
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post #12 of 16
10/30/10 at 5:54pm
I hope Mommy and Stray and both of you have a peaceful night
Marina
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post #13 of 16
10/30/10 at 6:58pm
It always amazes me at the cold weather that ferals can tolerate. If she only spent a day at the clinic, she wasn't inside long enough for her fur to reaclimate to a warmer temperature. We had nights way below zero (one night was 24 below zero) when we lived on the farm and most times they went inside the garage which was detached and not heated. The only advantage it had was that it blocked the wind. I absolutely understand your concern, but 20 isn't all that bad for recovery.

to you and Gary. Please don't lose sleep over this.
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post #14 of 16
10/31/10 at 1:21am
You are their guardian angel!! Thanks for ALL you're doing for them.
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post #15 of 16
10/31/10 at 5:38am
Laurie, have you seen Mommy this morning?
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post #16 of 16
10/31/10 at 8:44am
Thread Starter 
Amy, thank you for the reassurance.

Cheryl,

...and no, we haven't seen Mommy or Stray yet today. Everyone else has been here.
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