Cat Shelter (rant....)

I put a cat shelter (large rubbermaid container, lined with styrofaom, hay, covered, chained and locked to a tree) above the dumpster where I feed the cats. It was up a fairly steep hill, but I know the cats were using it because I saw them coming to the feeding station from that direction and the hay had been compressed.
It lasted one week before some (in)humane person put it in the dumpster.
So I got mad and even: I stepped on a ledge on the dumpster and yanked that thing out. Keep in mind I'm barely 5 feet tall and weigh 90 pounds soaking wet.
Luckily it wasn't too badly damaged, though the lock & chain are still at the bottom of the dumpster. I moved the shelter to a more hidden place, and then because it wasn't hidden enough, moved it further so (I think) it isn't visible from the streets.
During the entire process, a man/woman was in a car, engine idling, watching me. He left after I moved it to its final resting place. So he/she knows where the dumpster is. I hope it's there when I check on it next Saturday.

WHY ARE PEOPLE SO MEAN?

Can you check it before then? I can't help but to be worried.

Jerks!

We made ten shelters and painted them all camouflage and someone still came and found them all, destroyed them with a chainsaw and left the pieces scattered about.  We had permission of the property owner to have them there, so the destroyer was the trespasser.  So we reported it.  And guess what?  A street camera caught the creep and we were able to have him charged with willful destruction of property!  It was a small victory but ...

If the people who own the property have given you permission, maybe you can pursue that idea...

Wonder what those people would say if you came onto their property and threw one of their possession away?  Creeps...

I don't get how people can be so cruel.  I hope you are able to check up on it soon.

Do you have permission, or know who owns the land to see if you could get it then be more protected in what you are doing?

Maybe you could get a trail camera to place to see who is doing this?  Just a thought.  I don't understand at all how people can be just awful.  I often wonder about a sign that states feral cat colony abides here.  Even stating that the cats are being cared for, spayed/neutered and shelters are provided.  I know sometimes it draws attention where attention may not be wanted, but just a thought.  My ferals live on my property, but there are many cruel people in my area.  I have heard neighbors talk of all the stray/feral cats and wanting to poison them with antifreeze.  It scares the crap out of me. 

I hope you can find a place to securely leave the shelter.  Keep us updated.

The condo association owns the property the 2nd place I put the shelter.  I don't know who technically owns the first place.  I don't really have permission, though no one has said not to.

I lived in the condo for 25 years, and for the past 2.5 years that I lived there, unit owners/renters saw me regularly feeding and TNR  the cats.  The President of the condo association fully supported my efforts (though not financially).

But you raised a good point Shadow Rescue--perhaps the shelter was too obvious, was too 'in your face'.  I don't live at the condo any more but have been feeding the colony (as well as my co-caretaker) for over a year 'beneath the grid' to the extent possible.  Some people come up to me and thank me for feeding the cats, or at least smile when they see me.

My co-caretaker will check on the shelter on or before Thursday if she can find and easily access it.  (She has some mobility problems.)  Otherwise, I'll check on it Saturday.

Luckily, I placed it in front of an arbor made of vegetation, covered with more vegetation.  (Didn't even know it was there.)  Seemed pretty dry when I saw it.  If the shelter is once again gone, I'll probably simply cut away some vegetation and put some straw in the arbor. 

Hi Ritz,  I am having the same type of problem at the apartments where I feed one of my small colonys.  Someone keeps stealing the kitties food and water dishes day and night.  Sometimes turning the dishes upside down and smashing them to pieces just to show me.  People are horrible!  I try not to get upset but it just eats at me!  I mean what kind of person can deny some poor hungry kitties a good meal and clean water?  What is it to them?  The Cats do not bother anybody.  Some people are just JERKS!  Sorry, I saw your rant and it just made me want to Vent too!  LOL

Vent away.... I know what people mean when they say they prefer animals to people....

I'm so sorry for your troubles. I know a lot of people who just hate felines. It makes me sick. We who feed these lovely creatures are hurting no one. O will feed a helpless feline before a human. Humans have resources that animals don't have and they are more deserving of it.

Thank you Ritz, I think I am one of those people. I am with you on that Jodie!  Ritz, just want to comment on the beautiful cats you have!  This is my Pi.  Wonder if they are related? Pi also has some Grandbabies that look like your Cindy.   Love the nose!  Note.  Pi is spayed now of course.  She was a feral and is now in a good home.  One of my success stories!  I hope your shelter is there on Saturday when you return!

Yes, Ritz was semi-feral when my friend trapped her (she and her litter mates were abandoned, survived a 20" snow storm).
Prior to Ritz I'd never been around cats before, much less had one as a pet.
My how my world has changed!
Will let you know if the shelter is still there.

Update:  the cat shelter is still there, but the cats don't appear to be using it (straw not compressed).  I'll go there again tomorrow when I have more time, and hopefully the cats will see me and see me go to the shelter.  I might try putting some dry food there, but there are raccoons around.