Separating from my fosters

Hello everyone

Some of you might remember me from my earlier posts about 3 orphaned strays that I rescued and fostered. 

For those who don't .... about 7 months ago, I got a call about a cat that was killed leaving behind 3 kittens at 3 days old. I nursed them and fostered them, until now.  I tried every way possible to find them homes - I even looked for boarding options where I would pay the expenses - anyway. long story short, no luck. 

I leave the country in 5 days, and still no luck. Taking them along (which i seriously considered) is not an option. 

I have found one place where the owner agreed to allow them in (well, it is actually out). It is a rural horse farm where they keep outdoor cats. Some of the cats are neutered, some are not.  There are about 12-14 cats.  They are fed dry cat food (probably cheap brand) and water, and they sleep on straws indoor, where the horses sleep. 

The farm is surrounded by a pine forest, so at night they let 2 dogs loose to guard the place. The farm is not fenced, which also means, the cats can roam around, and I have no idea if they can find their way back. 

The farm is often visited by kids who play around them, and there are regular vet visits there (for the horses) but I doubt the owners would take the cats to the vet if needed - I actually don't know if they would notice. 

Now here is the deal. the lady, owner, is very caring and nice. I trust she will make sure they are treated well, but she is overloaded, I know she will not put extra effort for specific cats. The cats there looked happy and healthy, but not as cuddled and clean and pampered as my fosters are here with me. 

I cry at the thought that they might miss me or that they might think I deserted them. I also can't take the thought that they will no longer be pampered and cuddled and loved and taken care of ... or maybe they will be bullied by other cats.... or even worse... they might lose their way in the forest  or.... get sick and have no attention..... I have no idea how to deal with this. 

 I don't want to make a speech.....

I have no option but to take them there..... this is the best I could do.. I am not happy with my decision... but have no idea how to deal with the situation.

It is breaking my heart. 

I truly feel for you, they are beautiful! Are you coming back or is this a forever thing? I think I would try to find them a home in town, did you try on the radio on a 'swap shop' program? Tell them your story and someone might take pity on you. I'll pray for you, good luck!

I also feel your pain... I also remember your story from months ago. I think you have done a wonderful thing for these three babies and they are so very beautiful. I am sad as well to hear about where they have to go. The lady does sound kindhearted, but yeah, this will be a tough change for the three of them. :shame: But, hopefully they will be happy, well cared for and enjoy romping about outside. We can only hope for the best, hun. You have brought them along this far and you are really in quite a pickle at this point. Good suggestion from Di above about the radio station? What about a flyer at ALL vet's offices in your area? Seriously, I have heard of many, many people finding loving homes for kitties this way. Any foster networks in your area through shelters? Just thinking out loud here. I wish we could save them all and give them all an indoor loving life but it just is not so in most rescue cases. Feel good about what you have done and feel good that you have at least found a place for them other than a shelter. Please keep us posted - it will help to have some support here. MEGA MEGA VIBES for these three kitties

Did you try RescueMe.org on Facebook????  It may be too late now, but lots of cats get adopted through them AND if it's a far away adoption, there is URRKN (Underground Railroad Rescued Kitty Network) which is a way to get cats and kittens to their new forever homes, FREE and SAFE, sort of like a pony express.  That greatly widens your adoption options!  The person who adopts the cat must join URRKN and make the arrangements but it is free to join.  I don't know where you are going or for how long, but if you had considered a boarding situation, then you are probably coming back and can get the kittens back from her.  I hope she will start them out inside and not just throw them out into the wild with no training on how to be an outside cat.  Best they stay in awhile and then go out on their own slowly, as they get more comfortable.  Maybe you could make your arrangement with HER be a boarding situation and then maybe she would be extra careful with them and even let them have a room to live in at least at night, so they could stay safe.  I wish I had come across your notes earlier as I would have tried to help you get them adopted or fostered until you got back.  I'll be praying for you and them. The Cat Goddess does take care of her own special ones, and she already saved these three by bringing them to you when their momma was killed.

Thank you all, I really wouldn't be able to go through this alone.

I did pist a flyer - with the help of a TCS member - and pisted it everywhere I could reach, supermarkets shelter vet and pet stores amd even randomly in residential streets. Kt was actually thanks to the poster that I got someone point out that horse farm to me and give me their contact details. But thats as far as it went.

I also tried the animal shelters, even those who claim to have solved every single case they receive, buy none of them was able to help. Only one actually considered boarding them in but they never really went through with it (and to be honest that would have been horrible for the kitties to be locked in an office with no sun nor air , overcrowded)

I tried facebook but not rescueme and URRKN, because they are not know here in my country (Lebanon). But I can still try even after they go to the farm.

The farm lady said she will isolate them in a room the first 5 days with their toys and blankets and food pots amd all in order to get used to the new smell and noises, and then will gradually let them out. She also said almost all cats go inside at night.

My fears are for them to get lost or to be sick and not havr medical attention.

I dod tell her that I will keep visiting them amd that ill pay any expenses.

I am travelling for a new job...will be herr maybe once or twice a year...

If fact, I am currently testing one of them for allergies, if it is the case, this might be hell for me.... but maybe this will make the lady take them in???

It will all clear up eventually. ...


Ahhhh..... I sometimessay that if I was a cat I would want that farm life... but at least with someone reliable to lean on when needed....

djoe said:

Ahhhh..... I sometimessay that if I was a cat I would want that farm life... but at least with someone reliable to lean on when needed....

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I have spent a good part of my life at horse barns/farms and in reality - it truly is a good life for a kitty as long as the farm owner loves cats and will care for them properly. So your thinking is right on. It sounds to me that you can trust her to watch out for them. Still, I know this is extremely hard on your heart - I feel it too. I wish there were another way for the three of them and sorry to hear that nothing has come of all of your efforts to try to find a proper home for them. When I look at their pictures above, I can't help but smile because they are all so adorable and darling. This must be extremely tough for you. And, there is no possible way for you to take them with you.....? I guess not or you would. I do think it is wonderful of you to give this lady some money for your three and I hope that she can be trusted to use it on them if needed - she does sound like a good hearted cat lover. My other thought is you mention that some are not neutered? Meaning kittens and more cats to come. I wonder if there is a reason they are not fixed? Any feral ones? That could be the answer to my question then because she would need to use traps and maybe she is not sure how to catch them. :dk: Just a concern that she could become overloaded with cats/kittens. The good news is that you can stay in contact and visit the farm to get updates.

Please do keep us updated here and I am still hoping for one of those contacts to come through for you in the next few days. :cross: :cross: :cross: for the three kittes. :rub: :rub: :rub:

It is so relieving to hear that from you about cats in horse farms.
The lady is jn shortage of money herself so I trust she will use it properly. Im glad I found her. She is even puttkng the effort to host them without her husband's knowledge, because he is upset with the cat invasion.

She did say that she will pay whoever comes to take the cats to get fixed (mine ofc are)... but she herself cant spare the time for that...

I willdrop emails to shelters and ask if they can help her with the cat pick up, since she is covering expenses.

I worry that non fixed cats will attack my babies.

I guess I should take them tomorrow. .. this way I get to visit them for 2 days in the barn so that they get a transition time... what do you think?

Or should I just take them ob friday and leave?

djoe said:

It is so relieving to hear that from you about cats in horse farms.
The lady is jn shortage of money herself so I trust she will use it properly. Im glad I found her. She is even puttkng the effort to host them without her husband's knowledge, because he is upset with the cat invasion.

She did say that she will pay whoever comes to take the cats to get fixed (mine ofc are)... but she herself cant spare the time for that...

I willdrop emails to shelters and ask if they can help her with the cat pick up, since she is covering expenses.

I worry that non fixed cats will attack my babies.

I guess I should take them tomorrow. .. this way I get to visit them for 2 days in the barn so that they get a transition time... what do you think?

Or should I just take them ob friday and leave?

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I am so sorry I am just seeing your post today. DEFINITELY take them 2 days before you have to leave, hun. Absolutely. Then visit them as long as you can - sit with them in their safe room for as long as you can without crying, though. I can't believe this.... I actually have tears in my eyes for you and for your three kitties. I am especially drawn to your red/white boy - he has stolen my heart with just his face in the picture.... I wish I could help..... Please keep us posted. I will hope and pray for the best for your kitties. Try not to worry - too much. I know it will be hard NOT to. Make sure she keeps them confined for at the very least two weeks time.

Yes - the other concern IS the unaltered cats that she has. They could be more forthright and overbearing on newcomers. I hope that she can get them ALL fixed asap because you know as well as I do what will come of it if she does not. It does bother me that she made the comment that she can't spare the time for that. People don't seem to get that if you take the extra time, put in the extra effort to get them all fixed immediately then you are actually saving yourself MORE time from having to care for MORE cats - plus the added heartache/stress of too many. I hope you can somehow get her to see that. :cross: PLEASE keep updating on your three. What are their names??? I can't find it in this thread.

I read your post with tears streaming down my face - it's Kristi, the one who worked with you on the posters in an effort to find a home for them. I'm SO SO sorry it didn't work out, and neither did taking you with them. But, as you said , THIS is the place you would go if you were a cat - and that's a good endorsement!!!

Do you have any friends in town who - in a best case, know and are at least slightly friendly - with the cats? They could check on them periodically and give you updates. I know that would make me feel ALOT better. Even short texts and quick phone shots go a long way toward easing heartbreak! If you can recruit a friend (or even pay the farmer's wife a small pittance - which might might help her bond an extra bit too them to as an added bonus -  You could send the kitties - and even the farmer's wife - tiny, tiney  inexpensive little gifts - treats, etc. that cost next to nothing but mean alot when coming through the mail! It might - again - bond her to them - give the kitties something to look forward to,  plus make you still feel connected. Send them toys you've rubbed your scent all over. You can even send a super cheap recorder and periodically record yiour voce talking to them - cats do recognize that type of things! (our two fosters are currently snuggled down, litterally in bed facing the tv, heads bobbing whichever direction Jimmy Falon moves. They "watch" him every night!!!!

The farmer's wife is obviously at least fairly compassionate - her being willing to separate the kittens for that period in an area with food, play things, etc. ---- most farmers believe in letting them go immedicately and keeping tthem hungry so "they'll mouse for their supper". It sounds as though she understands that they will try to get home if she doesn't keep them there, comfortably , for a period of time, establisihing this as their new territory.That is VERY important that she understands that = and be VERY happy she knows to do that!!! Otherwise cats generally will go to any lengths to find their way home -usually they die trying. So THIS is perfect that she gets it!!!!!

And don't panic about the unuttered/unspayed cats -  yes, it's a problem and it's wrong. But it's a concept that's only come on very strong in the past 25 years in the US - so it's taking awhile for groups to get the word - particularly to rural areas...and tking even longer to spread the word to countries outside the us. It sounds as though there are plenty of unspayed and un neutered who will worry enough about mating with each other, and my guess is your guys won't get bothered alot. And they've already got their own "built in gang" sp that's a good thing!!! And maybe she'll see how loving and wonderful these cats are that have been socialized so lovingly AND been fixed!!!   Maybe (trying not to get your hopes up) she'll bring one or more inside because she won't be able to resist!!!!!!

Just remember you'll be seeing them periodically - which gives the farmer's wife a good reason to "keep things up" -- and don't forget the little treats for both her and the babies. Can you even make a few little beds she can put in the barn using things that smell like you? Things that could start out in the cage, but be taken outof the cage and set inthe barn when they're let out (like cardboard boxes filled with piieces of old blankets/toels of yours. You can explain to her why. It soulnds as though she understands your love for them. And doesn't think you're crazy

You've gone above adn beyond doing your best. I'm SO SO SO SO pround of you. Send us updates on how they're doing when you take them in (photos!), when you hear things - and photos when you get any or go see them. We're here for you and rooting for your and their happiness!!! I too often think if our guys could write out what their ultimate life woulld be like - I think it would darn like a farm. So don't think they're going somewhere hellish - and they're not going alone - and you've raised good, strong kittens. Cynthia, Gebran and Qays have become strong kitties because of you - be proud of that!!!!!

(I know - this from the woman who has to return her two foster kittens in three weeks to the shetler that I've been socializing for 3  weeks, and no one has replied to my fliers. emails, or asks for help -  so they're goingback to sit in a 3 x 3 x 3 metal cage possibly for life ---- I'm sure I'll sob for days, be incosolable after that, and week every time I see them there...nuy my jusband reminds methat they're better for the time they were here. Yours are better for the time they spent with you. As are you.

You all touched each other's souls!

Just a quick question - since I know nothing about it - is it truly too late for Red Top Rescue to rescue them - at least until she returns? If it's a sincere offer - She doesn't leave for 2 days? Maybe a friend could hold them? Just a thought - this poor woman has done everything for these three babies and moved heaven and earth to try to find them a home - if I had more money, fewer cats, and weren't in a constant state of foster flux - I swear I'd try to come get them for her! All I could do was make a poster THey're sweet, adorable, and she's worked so hard. Hopefully this will work out. But if Red Top - or anywone esle - thinks they can scramble -she's the real deal!!! I know this forum doesn't usually function that way - - but just putting that out there for people to think about. These are the kind of people (partilcularly in no-cat-oriented countries) that truly, truly need help. And the poor woman has worked her behind (and tear glands) to death. So any last minute - last ditch efforts I'm sure would be appreciated! Maybe someone knows someone new where she lives who could house them while she's gone? She's truly running out of time - but she's driven miles for vet treatment that wasn't anywhere near her in her country, tried to do vet procedures since she couldnt make the long arduous journey back with a very sick cat, and she's taught them to be very loving, playful, enjoyable house cats. In a country that generally doesn't value that. So maybe SOMEONE out there has an idea that might work as a last ditch effort? An outside the box effort?

Just a thought - she's tried so hard for so long!!!!! I'd do it for her if I could in any way!

Love and best thoughts ever sending your way. It WILL work out - one way or another!!!!!!

This is a VERY long shot - have you called "Best Friends Animal SOciety" no-kill, basically cage-free sanctuary in Utah (their newest motto is "Save them All" ? I don't think your story/timeline  truly fits their general intakes - but you never know until you try?!?!  They've saved animals form across the globe - and are very kind on the phone, with lots of wonderful suggestions. They generally don't just 'take in" but might help - and you never know what might lead to something!

web site: http://bestfriends.org

General information  
Best Friends Animal Society 
5001 Angel Canyon Road 
Kanab, Utah 84741-5000 
Phone:  (435) 644-2001 
Email:  [email protected]

Cat adoptions:  [email protected]

Again - 

Keep us posted

Dearest Kristy and all,

I am very strengthened by your message and support.

Update: yesterday, I took Gebran, Qays and Cynthia for a general check up, and qays particularly to see if he had recovered from an earlier allergy he had.

Gebran (black grey) and Cynthia (orange cuty) are perfectly fine. Qays the cuddle boy (black and white pink nose) was diagnosed as I was suspecting with Linear Granuloma. He needs antibiotics for 10 days, he had one shot for treatment and needs another shot in 2 weeks.

So here is the update: after the vet we went to the farm for an introductory visit. - and let me tell you these babies are so adorable riding along in the car, a bit suicidal but riding with them is a lot of fun!!! - so in the farm, I was surprised with how muvh they LOVED it. It was like wonderland for them. They were frightenned of tje dogs but the rest, they almost immediately blended in.
We stayed there for about 2 hours and went back home.
The lady in the farm loved them sk much anf she took pictures of them to show her kids and showed me the room they will stay... she promised they will stay there for as long as they need to.
She also agreed that I bring them all their toys and blankets and baskets and stuffed toys... and also their current dry and wet food. I think I bought enough supplies for 6 months+!!

However they cant go there now, because she is unable to keep qays' s treatment. So I begged my mother to keep them for 2 weeks to give qays his antibiotics, and I paid a vet to give hin his 2nd shot in 2 weeks. Then, they willk be delivered along with my stuff to the farm...
As heartbreaking as it is to separate from them, seeig them curious and jumping around there was at least reassuring that they will like it.

I checked on the food they are having... only dry but at least it is 32% proteins which is good.

They have enough places to hide at night, lots of straw beds, and the horses are used to the cats around.

The other piece of news is that she agreed to neuter all the other cats and we made necessary arrangements with a discount vet for that.

The lady promised to send me photos of them by whatsapp from time to time. And I told her that I will continue looking for Adoption possibilities and that I will coordinate with her if any luck.

I will be visiting them whenever im home and as we go I will try to fetch for friends who can visit them...

Kristy, I will email them and hope to get a reply.


Do you agree with me that it is not so bad?

I hope qays will be ok with his allergy when he is up there... I will cgeck on him and take it from there...


Thank you all soo very much

I think it couldn't be better! It sounds like every single thing you were worried about (aside from missing them - which can't be helped) has been laid to rest. How fantastic!!!! It sounds like the kitties will be absolutely well cared for (I can't believe she even agreed to spay/neuter the rest - fantastic!!!) and it sounds like they'll absolutely have a great kitty time there, with lots to do and explore. And to know that you'll get to stay in touch and see them- through photos and when you're back - fantastic!!!

I wouldn't even worry with contacting Best Friends - except to maybe ask for any advice on making sure that the situation stays as good as possible/any advice on anything additional you can do. I think they'll tell you you've got them in a great place and have done a great job!!!

Please keep me posted- at least through personal email - with photos etc. I know how hard it is to seperate from fosters Here are my two that need to go back in about a week - Jerry is on the left, Tom is on the right. They're still not near comfortable enough being picked up/with strangers - in my opinion -  to be easily adopted, but they're getting so  big they just have to go back soon. So say a little prayer for these guys - and I'm SOOOOO happy for your three!!!! PLEASE do keep me posted!!!!

Arent those in the nice poster that you once showed me????
Ohhh so sorry this is happening to them and u havr my thoughts to find them a good place

I am so glaf yall agree that my 3 have git a good place to go. I am so relieved.

I shall keep you posted.

These two guys are actually two different ones! We've had two sets of orange fosters this in the past 6 months. How weird, huh? Now if these guys can just find a home like the other two orange guys that'd be the best. 

I'm SO happy things have worked out so well for your guys!!!! Definitely keep me (us) posted!!!!

Below on the left I put a picture of the two you saw in the poster I sent you (Cooper and Scoot)  - and on the right are the two we have now (Tom and Jerry). Cooper and Scoot have a GREAT home together  (they never even had to go back to the shelter!) - cross your fingers that the same happens for Tom and Jerry!!! 

djoe said:

The other piece of news is that she agreed to neuter all the other cats and we made necessary arrangements with a discount vet for that.


Do you agree with me that it is not so bad?

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I completely agree that this is not bad at all - in fact, it sounds just great for the three little ones. How encouraging it must have been for you to see them so inquisitive on your two hour visit to the farm. They are trying to tell you that they will be alright and that they will have fun romping around the barn.

And, what darling names you gave them. :heart2: Mega vibes for Qays to feel better. Wonderful that your mom will take them for the two weeks and then transport them to the farm.

Great, great news that you helped this lady with arrangements to get all of the cats neutered too. Things are looking up now for sure. :nod: Keep us posted and enormous vibes for Gebran, Qays and Cynthia. :rub: :heart3:

Hey everyone.

This is my third day away from them... I can't tell you how difficult it is specially at night!

On my last night, Cynthia broke a glass and cut her foot pad with it... it was like 3 am and u had to be in the airport at 5 am.... ah.... I cleaned it and all and made sure mom can do the same everyday. She said its almost healed, I really hope so.

She send me photos of them everyday now.

Today I will try to have a skype call with the three of them!! I hope it works!!!

Thank you all,
Joëlle

Djoe, one other really good thing that strikes me bout this arrangement is that Gebran and Cynthia are staying together and hopefully Qays will be able to join them soon, so they are a support system for one another.   It won't be nearly so intimidating for them adjusting to a new home when they have each other.  I've seen from our three adopted kittens (now young cats) how strong the sibling bond can be and how they protect one another even though the rough house among themselves.  While adopting to a forever inside home might be better, it is difficult to get someone to take two or three at once, and that would mean them being separated. So maybe on balance this is a good thing, even though I feel your pain.  I can also say from experience that my brother-in-law (himself a vet) has a bunch of "barn cats" and they all seem well fed, healthy and happy.  They have their own hierarchy and mostly just hang out in the barn or go hunting, but there are 2 who know me and when I come to visit they somehow sense I am there and come to the back door for pets and loves.  Even though my visits are often 3 or more months apart they clearly remember me!  So I'm thinking you may have a similar experience, they won't forget you when you have a chance to visit.

It's much, much better than being out on the streets or in a shelter. 

djoe said:

Hey everyone.

This is my third day away from them... I can't tell you how difficult it is specially at night!

On my last night, Cynthia broke a glass and cut her foot pad with it... it was like 3 am and u had to be in the airport at 5 am.... ah.... I cleaned it and all and made sure mom can do the same everyday. She said its almost healed, I really hope so.

She send me photos of them everyday now.

Today I will try to have a skype call with the three of them!! I hope it works!!!

Thank you all,
Joëlle

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Skype, oh how I love that

As I read through this thread, I was looking to see if anyone else had advised about the 5 days of acclimation there, that is not NEARLY long enough....you see, it is an emotional and mental process that they must go through, and it can't be rushed.
In their first week, they will feel like they are in waiting, waiting it out until you come for them and go back home.
In the second week they become wrestless and becoming impatient, by the end of the 2nd week they are losing hope and beginning to take in more of the new sights and sounds, their surroundings. By the 3rd week they are beginning to understand that this is their new home, they are becoming very familiar with people, animals, and the area around them. At 4 weeks they are very ready to explore and are accepting this new home.

I fear they won't be ready and may wander off to look for home. The woods bothers me the most too. They have no survival skills with predators, and are a very high risk.

Can you please ask her to contain them longer than only 5 days??

catwoman707 said:

Can you please ask her to contain them longer than only 5 days??

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OH my, I missed where someone recommended only FIVE DAYS!!! Absolutely not. I think in one of my earlier posts (and if not in this thread - somewhere :lol3 I recommended at least two weeks and honestly, that is still too soon. Acclimating kitties and relocating kitties to horse barns is very risky if they are not kept confined for up to a month. I have done quite a few in my years and usually after that amount of time - up to four weeks confinement, they stick around. :cross: It is usually the other barn resident kitties that may drive them off and I hope that will not be the case. The lady sounds like she has many, many feeding stations and waters available for all of the kitties to find their own comfort zone. :cross:

---------------------------------

Joelle - please make sure this lady knows this. If they are let out too soon, they may not stay together because of the other cats and they may scatter and run away looking for home, as Catwoman says.

I think of your three cuties and part of me wishes that your mother could keep them. :anon: :lol3: Please do keep us updated, hun.