And one more makes 5

shadowsrescue

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I started this journey with feral/strays cats almost 3 years ago.  Up until that point, I had only seen a few cats in my yard and all belonged to neighbors.  It now seems that there are cats everywhere.  I have one side boy who I rescued from the Humane Society 5 years ago.  The rest are all from the backyard.  I started with Shadow in 2010, Patches in 2011, Marvin in 2012 and now the latest a long black beauty.  I have TNR'd Shadow, Patches and Marvin.  Shadow lives on my deck in his "palace", Patches unfortunately comes and goes.  I had hoped the neutering would stop his wandering, but it didn't.  He spends mostly winters with me and then journeys all summer long.  Marvin came in Dec 2012 and after TNR lived outside for awhile.  He couldn't get along with Shadow so he is now in an upstairs bedroom, making the transition to indoor only cat! 

The latest cat ( the black one) has been coming around since early June.  A few times I caught him/her getting a few morsels from Shadows food bowl, but usually there was nothing there.  Then on Sunday night, the cat came onto the deck around 7:30 and was just crying and crying.  I knew it had to be hungry.  I couldn't take it any longer so I took a bowl of dry food to the back of the yard.  The cat came running and gobbled every bite.  It appeared again last night and ate even more.  The good news is that Shadow really likes this cat.  They have been rubbing noses and hanging out together in the yard.  I know Shadow is so lonely without Patches to keep him company. 

I will need to trap the cat and see if it has been spayed/neutered.  For some reason I think it's a girl.  I can tell it's a stray as it looks raggy and dirty.  Yet she isn't completely freaked by me.  I have looked at any/all postings for lost cats and don't see a thing.  For now I will feed her and then look to trap her soon. 

Unfortunately there is another cat hanging around as well.  I do think this one has a home, but it's still unsettling.  I need to put up the No Vacancy sign!
 

StefanZ

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Yeah, I see the post as friend / "freundin" to Shadow is already taken...  Being rescuer and having a big heart is great, but what you must look out for, is not to become a hoarder...  I suspect strongly quite a few hoarders did began as rescuers.

So yes, I agree, a No Vacancy sign is useful.   :)

What you can do is to have eyes opens for adoption homes, or good barn - places, so you can send them on after some fostering.  Contact with a good rescue group and or a non kill shelter can also be useful.

Good luck!
 
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shadowsrescue

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Yeah, I see the post as friend / "freundin" to Shadow is already taken...  Being rescuer and having a big heart is great, but what you must look out for, is not to become a hoarder...  I suspect strongly quite a few hoarders did began as rescuers.

So yes, I agree, a No Vacancy sign is useful.   :)

What you can do is to have eyes opens for adoption homes, or good barn - places, so you can send them on after some fostering.  Contact with a good rescue group and or a non kill shelter can also be useful.

Good luck!
Oh, I certainly don't intend to become a hoarder!  I have been in contact with every rescue organization around here looking for a home for Marvin.  Everyone is full to the max.  It's kitten season and everyone is full and overwhelmed.  I will continue to care for this cat and hope to find a home, but I must take care of spay/neuter to prevent more cats.  I tried to find someone to foster Marvin as well, but no one is available now.  I will continue to look and I should have stated that in my first post.  I certainly hope to find this black cat a home.
 

StefanZ

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To avoid misunderstandings. I wasnt saying you have too many cats as now.  I did only agreed with you you must look out on taking further cats after Longhaired Black.

Longhaired Blacke may live on the porch together with Shadow, Marvin you inside cat, and one wandering cat.   It is fully manageable and not anywhere near a hoarder.   :)

Of course, you CAN have another one more as inside kitty, 1. To held Marvin company.

2. To safeguard somebody sleeps between your knees / on you.   :)

Good luck!
 

ondine

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I agree with several of your statements. First, take down the welcome sign :). I wish I could find mine and get rid of it! Lol.

Second, if you are afraid of becoming a hoarder, you won't become a hoarder. You are already very aware of your limits, so you won't over do it. Don't worry anymore about that.

Third, keep up the good work. You will be able to find a home for Ms. Blackie, even if you have to spay her first.
 
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