Hi Everyone! Wow, am I glad to find this site! I’ve been a Cat lover all my life. We always had cats in our family growing up, all of whom you could say found us (strays) – from George (named for George Harrison of Beatles Fame) to Muffy ; who showed up on the doorstep with a badly abscessed leg (due to an encounter with a raccoon). My little Muffy went to the big Cat Heaven in the sky a few years ago, she was 21. After losing “the Muff”, I decided that was it for me – no more cats. I was devastated at her loss but also my lifestyle had evolved into one that really didn’t allow for proper love and time for one (frequent travelling).
No one was as surprised as me, when I discovered a Momma had a litter under our deck. Momma was obviously feral and still nursing the four little fluff balls. I called the local TNR to ask advice. Was told to start feeding them as it would make it easier to trap. Due to travel, I had to recruit the help of a neighbor. Upon my return, one of the little guys was gone (very sad) and Momma left town. She occasionally returned with a yummy dead thing for the kids. Under my deck became a smorgasbord. That just wasn’t working for me.
As I fed the little ones routinely, Momma finally just didn’t come back anymore (rest assured - still waiting/ watching to get her for spaying & ear tipping). Now I’m Momma. I’ve had my share of sleepless nights, let me tell you! A huge raccoon showed up on the deck one night. After searching the internet on how kittens and raccoons interact, I was appalled to find a site that had pictures of cats after raccoons got them. DISTURBING, to say the least. However, did I know the fresh water I was leaving overnight for the kittens was an attraction to it? NO. In came the water. In came the kittens. Actually was able to get them in a carrier within 48 hrs. Off we went to the Vet & now Jake, Elwood & Solo (2 little boys & a little girl) are neutered and vaccinated. Not to mention, flee free this makes them very happy.
So now I’m trying to socialize them. The middle room has been converted in a santuary ( yup, it sure is a mess, just look at the picture). We’re coming along at a snails pace. Actually it’s more of three steps forward, 5 steps back. Solo, who was most fearful already, didn't do great after the spay surgery but she's getting better. Am struggling with picking them up & petting them. They’re so afraid of my hands! I’ll be posting for advice, so if you read this feel free to give me suggestions/ advice. I really could use some. The original goal was getting them adopted into nice homes. But of course, yes, I’m attached (as warned by BF & family). I’m thinking Muffy maybe sending a sign from Heaven ….
No one was as surprised as me, when I discovered a Momma had a litter under our deck. Momma was obviously feral and still nursing the four little fluff balls. I called the local TNR to ask advice. Was told to start feeding them as it would make it easier to trap. Due to travel, I had to recruit the help of a neighbor. Upon my return, one of the little guys was gone (very sad) and Momma left town. She occasionally returned with a yummy dead thing for the kids. Under my deck became a smorgasbord. That just wasn’t working for me.
As I fed the little ones routinely, Momma finally just didn’t come back anymore (rest assured - still waiting/ watching to get her for spaying & ear tipping). Now I’m Momma. I’ve had my share of sleepless nights, let me tell you! A huge raccoon showed up on the deck one night. After searching the internet on how kittens and raccoons interact, I was appalled to find a site that had pictures of cats after raccoons got them. DISTURBING, to say the least. However, did I know the fresh water I was leaving overnight for the kittens was an attraction to it? NO. In came the water. In came the kittens. Actually was able to get them in a carrier within 48 hrs. Off we went to the Vet & now Jake, Elwood & Solo (2 little boys & a little girl) are neutered and vaccinated. Not to mention, flee free this makes them very happy.
So now I’m trying to socialize them. The middle room has been converted in a santuary ( yup, it sure is a mess, just look at the picture). We’re coming along at a snails pace. Actually it’s more of three steps forward, 5 steps back. Solo, who was most fearful already, didn't do great after the spay surgery but she's getting better. Am struggling with picking them up & petting them. They’re so afraid of my hands! I’ll be posting for advice, so if you read this feel free to give me suggestions/ advice. I really could use some. The original goal was getting them adopted into nice homes. But of course, yes, I’m attached (as warned by BF & family). I’m thinking Muffy maybe sending a sign from Heaven ….
I'm new myself but welcome. I really hope you can get them socialized. I might not be an expert but i'm here for advice!
