Squeaky

I have been feeding "Squeaky", now a one year old,  former feral cat for 6 months.  I live in a condo in Jupiter, Florida and have a minature schnauser or I would take t hem both in and stop the condo board from harrasing me while I provide a home.  Our condo board is on a campaign to rid the area of the two cats I feed daily. One of our two buildings is looking at a half million dollar assesment and all they are concerned about is two cats who arrive late afternoon for dinner and a little play time then disappear. The male stays in the bushes and I believe he made a little rest area out of the way around the pool pump which throws off heat on those cold nights.  They both have been fixed and received their shots.  Squeaky is a beautiful little girl with a lot of personality.  She loves to be brushed and receive attention.  She does not fit the "feral" definition. But she warms up to people with dinner in hand.   The male,  Elton, was abandoned and has survived.  I don't know how old he is but he is a quiet, beautiful guy who just wants to eat and be loved.  I want to find them a real home here in a warm climate.  I have followed the TNR policy but the condo president persists on a campaign to rid the cats from every visiting.  If I can't place them, I will try to adopt them legally to prevent an animal control agency from picking them up and murdering them.  I don't use the word euphonized, in the case of tame, loving creations of a higher power, it's "murder!"  An agency hired by the mean condo board set cages here but my guys are too smart to get caught in a trap since I caught them once so I could get them to a vet;   they avoid the traps.  Also, I keep them very well fed and they won't enter a trap.  I watched the traps carefully just in case and if they did get caught, I would release them.  The animal control guy gave up after a while and pulled his traps.  But, I understand that the Board is not going to let it go so I want to try to find them a good home, they are really special and have entertaining personalities.  I would like to add an image but I am afraind I will lose this long paragraph so if anyone is interested please let me know.  I might try to place a picture after I post this etc. By the way there is a wonderful rescue called Hobe Sound Animal Rescue in Hobe Sound or Palm City Florida that specializes in cats - they have a strict no kill policy and house about 200 cats.  They are overloaded but they might be able to fit Squeaky and Elton in the program,  I am waiting for an answer, I just sent pictures as requested. I am also sending $100 as a donation regardless.  I told them I would pay for their food and vet bills for as long as they live.   If anyone wishes to make a donation they are a very worthwhile animal rescue specializing in cats.  Stay well everyone! Ted

I dont quite understand. Cant you try and adopt them yourself?  I suppose it is OK for the Condo board to you having inside cats?

Your having a small dog shouldnt be any big problem, they usually get pals.

Otherwise, your best bet is to find them yourself an adopter.  A shelter is not a home, even if it is called a cat  home.  Try with your relatives, friends, coworkers etc...

You write "I will try to adopt them legally to prevent an animal control agency from picking them up and murdering them".

Strictly speaking, you ARE already their owner and protector, as it is you who give them food and play with them.  So you can already now go against this control agency.

Your problem is of course, you will simultaneously crash openly with the condo board...

Welcome to our Forums!

Good luck!

ps.  Yes, pics are welcome!  You can post them in next post, if you wish.  

I wish you much luck Teddy - please check out this list http://nmhpnetwork.bestfriends.org/Partners.aspx?state=FL&cats=true   perhaps you might find a group here who could be of aid to you and the cats.     There are none based in Jupiter, but many are within 30 miles of you - please make sure to look through all three Florida pages.   Good luck!

Thanks so much for your interest,  I only have about 6 good hours per day due to ill health to accomplish everything,  cat stuff included.  I will look into all that you sent - thank you again for the information!  I also have a dog and a wife who had a stroke.  I was very successful in business but I had to give it all up to care for Helaine.  I have been doing it 19 years,  we have a terrible family, if you can call it a family, the ony help I have received is what I pay for. I hate being a caregiver, it is a 24/7 job,  but I Love Helaine - she got a bad break at 51 years old (with no bad habits) to cause the stroke .  Tell your wife and friends to watch their Carotid Arteries,  it seems to be what gets people regardless of age.  It is very simple to detect that a stroke is looming.  Please read the American Heart Association Website of the American Stroke Association.  Her stroke was totally unnecessary, could have been prevented,  she was getting all of the warning signs.  Her stroke and my 19 years of stress, lack of sleep, and extreme  life change has given my CLL which will end my lfe sooner than it would have - it also has given us a very limited existence,  we should have been traveling instead of visiting doctors and hospitals - .  So "fear" a stroke but get your arteries checked,  know the wrning signs - read the information, it can save you life and your way of life - take it seriously!  If I did not need another problem, I also have a spinal problem that requires me to take Oxycontin arount the clock every 7-8 hours.  It makes me very tired and I have trouble keeping going - I am also 75years old. Stay well - thanks for the help! I keep everyone posted - warmest regards, Teddy J

OH Teddy. My heart goes out to you and your wife, Helaine. I am so sorry about her stroke and SO YOUNG at 51!!! I appreciate your warnings about the Cartoid Arteries. My hubby and I are that age now and it worries me even though we are perfectly healthy. One never knows day to day what may come.

Thank you for stepping up to help these cats. I think it would be best if you could find a rescue that would be willing to come and take them to a safe haven. You have your hands full with being a caretaker and now to worry about the future of these cats is adding more stress. Please do check out the link that Bastfriend sent. I think you might be surprised to find out that there are many who would be willing to help you. Bless you and I do hope something good happens for you and these cats.

Welcome and glad that you found us.

Thanks Feralvr for your interest and comments.  I am trying to get them placed with the Hobe Sound Animal Rescue because I feel that they will have a life similar to what they have had as far as free will to roam (to a certain degree).  If Squeaky were to be placed into a cage of sorts with other cats, after fighting to survive since birth in the wild,  I think certain types of confinement  would be sinful in her case.  She is so full of life at 1 year old, she appears to be loving and responsive to human involvement.  I noted the difference in behavior when she brought her friend,  a beautiful,  well build, muscular,  striped male with piercing green eyes.  There was no way that he would go near a human.  He watched me carefully touch Squeaky and feed her.  He just observed from the bush but never moved closer.  He was tough as nails and knew that he was better off with what he knew than to chance a relationship with a person.  He came with her for a few days then I did not see him again.  I had her fixed after the first time I saw him with her.  It was almost comical, one day there was a fight of sorts in the bushes, I went out to see what all the commotion was about.  I live on the 3rd floor (it's really the 2nd), the cats always watch my door to see where I am and whether I will walk toward the elevator.  Squeaky stepped out of the bushes and acknowledged me.  Aas I walked toward the elevator she started in that direction too.  .  She turned her head back toward the bushes and "told off" her boyfriend in no uncertain terms squeaking, screaming and meowing all in the same few sentances.  Then she went to the elevator door to greet me.    I laughted because it was kind of a lovers fight and she looked toward him a few times scolding him as she walked away and  with total disgust,  he did not say a word - it kind of reminded me of a newly married couple just starting to get use to one another with the female in charge (for a change). .  It could have been part of a movie set;  I wish I had my new camcorder - I will get it Sunday!   One of the problems is that Squeaky comes to the very front of the door of our elevator and sits waiting  to greet me even if I have my dog Nikki with me,  I don't have to have food, she just wants me to scratch her and give her attention.  If someone else is in the elevator when the door opens and she sees it is not me, she scurries away and startles whoever - usually if a lady.  Then that lady makes a complaint to the Board, my luck that the President of the Board lives in my building.  Them the trouble starts again for us (Me and Squeaky).  Squeaky craves my attention so much that one day I turned the corner to get on the elevator,  I never exppected her to be there because it was not the time she usually appears, , there she was,  Nikki was barking and carrying on but Squeaky had confidence that I would not let anything happen to her.  I patted the 5 foot section of the wall where I usually pet her and she leaped up in one bound - I can't believe her agility!.  I had Nikki under my right arm and I was scratching Squeaky with my left hand - they were only a few feet apart from each other  - she totally ignored his presence barking included.  That is why I know that she will make the right person a lifetime friend. She is open for a human friendship but it will take awhile for the trust to build. Over 5 months of feeding her I never once made a move to touch her even though she rubbed against my hand as I put the plate of food in front of her.   But, I don't think she will like confinement. Therefore, where she gets placed will have to be a special place;  there must be some freedom to roam after she becomes aclimated to the surroundings and know where danger lies etc. .  If I don't find the right situation for her in particular (Elton kind of rolls with it, he just wants to be fed and have a quiet rest in a place where he is safe).  If the place is not right, I will just continue to defy the Condo Board, they already dislike me, and protect her as best I can.  The Board is short of money so I don't think they will bring a legal action but who knows.  I am ready for that too. I don't give up friends easily animal or human.  Squeaky is an intelligent survivor,  just think what a feat to grow up in the wilds of Jupiter's Jonathons Landing (visit the website)  from kittenhood.  We have foxes, coyotes, dogs, other really  wild feral cats as well as large birds like eagles, hawks and such plus spoisonous snakes and the worst, most dangeerous of all unpredictable animals - humans!   I have complete respect for her and I wil not let anything I can prevent happen to her as long as my healoth holds out.    I notice that she never goes into a place that does not have a back door escape that includes the bushes.  As I said before, she is a  real survivor and "a trip"!

I don't see the reply I sent so I will send it again short of the additional comments I made on the prior one. 

Thanks Feralvr for your interest and comments. I am trying to get them placed with the Hobe Sound Animal Rescue because I feel that they will have a life similar to what they have had as far as free will to roam (to a certain degree). If Squeaky were to be placed into a cage of sorts with other cats, after fighting to survive since birth in the wild, I think certain types of confinement would be sinful in her case and change her personality if not kill her. . She is so full of life at 1 year old, she appears to be loving and responsive to human involvement. I noted the difference in behavior when she brought her friend, a beautiful, well build, muscular, striped male with piercing green eyes. There was no way that he would go near a human. He watched me carefully touch Squeaky and feed her. He just observed from the bush but never moved closer. He was tough as nails and knew that he was better with what he knew than to chance a relationship with a person. He came with her for a few days then I did not see him again. She was  fixed after the first time I saw him with her. It was almost comical, one day there was a fight of sorts in the bushes, I went out to see what all the commotion was about. I live on the 3rd floor,  (2nd)  the cats always watch my door to see where I am and whether I will walk toward the elevator. Squeaky stepped out of the bushes and acknowledged me with a  meow as I walked toward the elevator . She turned her head back toward the bushes and "told off" her boyfriend in no uncertain terms squeaking, screaming and meowing all in the same few sentances. Then she went to the elevator door to greet me. I laughted because it was kind of a lovers fight and she looked toward him a few times scolding him as she walked away with total disgust. It could have been part of a movie set; I wish I had my new camcorder - I will get it Sunday! One of the problems is that Squeaky comes to the very front of the door of our elevator and sits to greet me even if I have my dog with me, I don't have to have food, she just wants me to scratcher and give her attention. If someone else is in the elevator when the door opens and she sees it is not me, she scurries away and startles the ladies.   Then comes the trouble because they make a formal complaint etc. Squeaky craves my attention so much that one day I turned the corner to get on the elevator, there she was, Nikki was barking and carrying on but Squeaky had confidence that I would not let anything happen to her. I patted the 5 foot high section of the wall where I usually pet her and she leaped up. I had Nikki under my right arm and I was scratching Squeaky with my left hand - they were only a few feet away from each other - she totally ignored Nikki's presence barking included. That is why I know that she will make the right person a lifetime friend. But, I don't think she will like confinement. Therefore, where she gets placed, it  will have to be a special place. If I don't find the right situation for her in particular (Elton kind of rolls with it, he just wants to be fed and have a quiet rest in a place where he is safe). If the place is not right, I will just continue to defy the Condo Board, they already dislike me, and protect her as best I can. Squeaky is an intelligent survivor, I notice that she never goes into a place that does not have a back doo escape that includes the bushes. As I said before, she is a real survivor!   The Board does not have enough money to file a law suit of sorts so all they do is threaten me.  I always fear that they will get an aggressive animal agency to capture my guys with a net.  If I am home, it will never happen - there is a $500. fine for interfering.  I'll take the chance.  I am looking into the legalities of formally adopting the cats.  My health limits me getting to the Licensing Bureau and giving them all the things they need as well as having the left ear cropped and the other requirements etc.  I also want to see if my Umbrella Policy will cover a cat bite incase she bites or scratches someone.  I always have to consider that I am a caregiver for my wife.  Helaine is not capable of caring at all for herself.  Our life at this point runs on money.  Good will and kind suggestions are nice but the key to health and survival in old age is green (money).  We have aterrible family - I would not even call it a family!  I will pass before Helaine and I don't think she will live too long without me but I have provided for her to be cared for.  I also provided for Nikki and I will provide for the cats too in my estate documents.  I told that to Hobe Sound Rescue that I will pay their food and vets bills forever because I said it in my will and instructions to my Trust Officer.  They just need the room - I am waiting for a reply.  I am going to try to post a picture of Squeaky separately - I don't know how to do it and I don't want to lose this - I think I lost it once.  This is the second try. Warmest Regards, Teddy J

If you manage to find a rescue group who do have fosterers. Or lined up adopters who are willing to give time and effort as fosterer...  She is so near to be best friend with you, that she will surely easily be fostered by next person too.  If the next person knows how, or do have the love, patience and time.

Fosterers do.  

Most ex homeless / semiferales do adapt quite easily to a live as pure indoors. They know it may be very difficult and dangerous to be outside. So as long the adopter is friendly with them, they are happy with the sitaution.

Many owners of ex homeless do witness, it is easier to get an ex homeless as pure indoor pet, than a common, buyed cat, who was a happy out/inside cat.   He knew it was easy to run home as soon it got unpleasant, scaring or he just got hungry...  So the outside was almost purely nice and joy.

An ex homeless knows better.

And I think the best is, if you find a good rescue group who is willing to come to your place and help you. A rescue group having also contacts with their own net of fosterers and adopters.

This will probably be even better than this shelter you do talk about.

So, yes, it will be some work searching and talking. But if you succeed, the difficulties with the cats fate will be solved and over, even if they cant come immedietely and fetch them.   Also your fights with the Condo group - as you will be able to say the "problems"   are now on good way to be solved

Good luck!

Thanks for yor interest.  I might take a ride up to visit Hobe Sound Animal Rescue is I feel well enough.  I want to wait until after Sunday when I get my new Camcorder so that I can share things with the group.  Do you know if I can post movies of what I discover at the Cat Rescue?  Stay Well StefanZ and Thanks!  Teddy J

Teddy J said:

  Do you know if I can post movies of what I discover at the Cat Rescue? 

Click to expand...

Posting movies is possible, our forumists do.  HOW to do it, dont ask ME, Im not very technical.

But if you can post here movies of your discoveries at the Cat Rescue may be another question. Im not sure what the law and custom says. Safest to ask them, so your (and we) are guarded.

Good luck!

Thanks StefanZ for your comments!

I would like to adopt 2 cats legally,  one mostly feral but wanting human affection and a home and the other was abandoned by inhumane people with no soul.  I am having trouble getting these two beautiful cats rescued and placed before it is too late.  There is a campaign here in my golf and boating community to rid the world of feral cats and bring on the mouse and rat population. I think many of my neighbors relate to rats - I can understand it - I know some of them.   I can't convince them about the benefits,  the humanity,  and logic  of TNR.     Once I place a collar on them, the Animal Control Killers will not legally be able to pick them up and if they do, I will have a small chance of getting them back.  I have no problem being responsible financially  for them in every way but I live in a 20 unit Condo with residents who don't like cats and I fear that "Squeaky" might scratch or bite the only wild child snowbird we are unlucky  enough to have living here (Stefan Z did not like me to use the word "Brat" even though it is a perfect description) .  The little animal I am concerned about is not "Squeaky" because she can take care of herself.  She survived being born  in the wild dodging  the variety of land and air  predators, the weather, the cars, the lack  of proper  kitten food, and worst of all the inhumane humans that are here in abundance, they are uncaring and disinterested.   -  I fear that she might get grabbed by a child who does not know what pain will be inflicted by a frightened little girl when she has no way out but to defend herself.  "Squeaky" had my finger in her mouth once out of affection,  all I can say is that those little teeth are really sharp.  The alien's father, I can't call him a "brat",  I don't want to be offensive,  (is anyone other than Stefan Z offended by the term ?)  is a Doctor,  a Pediatrician no less,  good news, he will be able to treat the bite and scratches quickly.  Bad news, I will have a juicy law suite on my hands.  I am a 19 year caregiver for a severely handicapped wife who will need every penny available when I am gone (she will outlive me),  I have some assets to be concerned about;  my insurance broker informed me that my home owners insurance does not cover cats - only dogs.  I cannot find liability coverage;  therefore, I cannot adopt the cats legally without proper insurance coverage.  Everyone knows that I lookout for "Squeaky and Elton";  therefore,  I have some lliability now I guess. But, once I do it legally with a license and registration etc., it will be another story.  What do you all do to protect yourselves liability wise? Thanks, Teddy J  PS:  Does the term "Brat" offend anyone,  I am just curious? 

I dont think anybody here arent offended by the word brat as such. But if someone of your neighbours sees these your posts, "the cooked meat will be grilled into coal"  as the swedish proverb says...

It is not difficult to understand who you are if somebody lives nearby you.  And thus, whom you do refer to.

As an answer to one of your questions.

About cat insurances in US, i dont know much. Especielly not for those who cover also responsibility and damages.

In Sweden it is common folks takes insurances for their cats. Although they are mostly for vet costs and such.  Responsibility insurances are less common, although I suppose they are baked into the Health insurances.  Possibly also baked in the usual Home insurance.

I have a feeling most of our Forumists dont have insurance for their cats.

I am not in way offended by the term brat. I think it is way too applicable in many cases.

I am in the US, and while I'm not positive about this, I would think an umbrella policy would cover cats. Do you have such policies there? It basically protects you from anything not under your other coverages, up to a set amount which is what determines your premium. It's generally very inexpensive here.

If she's fully or mostly feral, it's not likely anyone will be able to catch her, especially not a child.

I know you can get a rider on your insurance for certain breeds of dogs, or if you own a wild animal ($$$$!). But I kind of think they wouldn't do liability insurance for a free-roaming animal anyway. I have also never heard of anyone being sued for their cat's actions; I think it's assumed that you ought to know better than to grab a strange cat. Not to say that people don't sue for any reason any time :/.

All I can say is to ask your insurance agent about it. If he can't get it for you, it's probably not possible.

Hello StefanZ !  Thanks for your kind reply.  I am sure that there is liability coverage available but the companies that cover cats with a large liability policy will want all of the insurance:  home, car, etc.  But, I have not even found one yet. As far as the "brat" is concerned, I call them the way I see them,  neighbors seem to agree.  If the parents don't teach this child some manners he will grow up to be an inconsiderate person.  That is the direction he is going now;  they are not doing him any favors by not addressing his behavior (or theirs).  As far as my neighbors are copncerned, the Father  and Mother of this child speed through our common area garage as well as into parking spots in our drop off area -  then jam on their brakes - it is so stupid.  They also speed on the streets and chance hitting a golf cart since they cross the road and many times don't expect a speeder etc.  I spoke to him about his speeding because my wife can hardly walk,  she is plaralyzed on the entire right side from a stroke (at 51 years of age,  she is not 69) she is usually in a wheelchair but sometimes she tries to walk to the car with the caregiver or myself.  They would not be able to get out of his way,  he might not be able to stop in time and why should he speed to begin with?   He has already run over a poor little squirrrel while speeding into a parking spot in our receiving area,  there was no one racing for a spot,  there was no reason to speed.  Imagine how fast he was going ! When I pointed it out to him, he was not even apologetic that he killed an innocent little guy.  Shame on him, he is teaching his child to be the same inconsiderate terrible person. I dred it when they are here and so does everyone.    I am never ashamed of what I say or do, my intentions are honorable and meant in good faith - what I say is always the truth as best I can recall.   

Thank You for your reply Willowy.  We live in a building where "Squeaky" can be cornered.  No one can put a hand on her except myself and one other person who has also been feeding her.  If the child were to corner her and try to grab her, the kid would be cole slaw! I told his father that he should keep his son away from the cats so that he would not get bitten or scratched -  if you read what I wrote to StefanZ you can see what the parents are like.  I would rather be heavily insured than take a chance - I tried to warn them -  that is all I can do! 

Thanks for your reply vball 91 !  The Umbrella policy feeds off the home owners policy - therefore if it is not covered in the homeowners it will not be covered in the Umbrella.  It is generally not inexpensive either. Please read my reply to StefanZ and you will see a better picture of the origin of how a child develops from a wild, inconsiderate kid into an inconsiderate adult.  The foundation is being layed now - it is not too late (hopefully).

Teddy,

Is there a reason you can't get homeowners (actually, a condo owners policy) and personal umbrella insurance policy issued by the same company?

If your cats remain strictly indoors, how could anyone be bitten by the cats?  Certainly you wouldn't invite Brat to visit.

Make sure the insurance agent realizes you're looking for personal liability insurance should someone become injured on your property; you're not looking to insure the life of the cat. 

Also, I do not believe you could be held liable if a person is bitten by the cat in, for example, the hallway or the yard surrounding your condo complex.  I'd also run this by Legal Aid or your local cheap attorney friend:  the issue(s) is:  if a human is injured by a cat on the common property of the condo, I would think the condo would be liable, not you.  Depending on the county/state laws, feral cats can't be definition be 'owned' by a person.  As such, legally you have no control over the cat.  (Though I'm confused about whether you want to make these cats strictly indoor cats.)

Also--and somewhat tongue in cheek--I'd ask the Brat's father who his insurance carrier is "in case you crash into my wheelchair bound wife, you die too, and I need to contact your insurance company to sue for pain, suffering, and medical bills....". 

PS:  any attorney worth their salt will look into the financials of the person being sued:  you can't get blood from a turnip. 

Good luck!

Ritz "the teacher" should possibly study "law and insurance"! - To answer your questions:  My broker informed me that my homeowners policy and umbrella policy does not cover liability for cats,  keyword is "liability"!  I think that after 20 years as a broker she might have understood that I was not looking for life insurance for two cats when I discussed Homeowners and an Umbrella Policy.   She also said that she does not know which company will cover cats from the standpoint of liability;  todate, she has not found the proper  (keyword again) Liability policy.  The cats are NOT indoor cats,  one is mostly feral and the other was abandoned but he is tame and would make a wonderful pet.  I also have a dog that takes precedence over the cats as well as taking precedence over my wife's family!  I think if you carefully read what I wrote, and then read it again, wait awhile and read it again, perhaps you would understand  a little better.  I don't have a "cheap attorney friend", I don't know where you got that information but I do have a lot of cheap friends -  one is an attorney!!  -  Are you an attorney?  Are you a successful business person? Would you employ a "cheap" attorney? What do you mean by "cheap"?   Why would I qualify for Legal Aid? You said, "You can get blood from a turnip" but what if the  turnip owns the farm!  Do you follow Einstein's Theory of Relativity? Thanks for your comments  (tongue in cheek) .  I would love to have you talk directly to the Brat's Father,  perhaps you could clarify his legal shortcomings.  I appreciate your interest. Thanks for the "Good Luck" wish -  Teddy J but I will tell Teddy when I see him!