It's what every feral cat caregiver dreads - forced relocation. That's what is happening to my cat colony and it is, without doubt, a nightmare.
I no longer have permission to feed on private property, the grounds of a nursing home. The person who'd given permission won't answer calls nor e-mail.
There are 6 young cats - none much more than 2 years old. All are healthy and have been vet-checked, vaccinated and S/N. A seventh is with a rescue group who's trying to socialize her - so far without much success.
Animal Control has ironically, been sympathetic and has extended the time for me to trap and relocate. But time is now short. They can't do that indefinitely. They tell me they are "getting tons of calls" from the nursing home asking when the cats will be gone.
There is open hostility from the management of the nursing home toward the cats. All of their shelters and feeding stations were thrown in the dumpster. I could only salvage 2 of the 8 shelters. The feeding stations, built by local Girl Scouts, were damaged beyond repair.
Management has ordered all employees to sign a statement pledging not to feed the cats. Each week a memo is circulated reminding them of this.
The rescue group loaned me 2 box traps and I'd been working over the last few weeks to get the cats acclimated to eating in them. During this time the traps were moved several times, then damaged, and as of last Wednesday, stolen. I'm trying to remove the cats, which is what is clear management wants, yet they keep sabotaging my efforts.
I'm very worried that the next step will be they'll try to hurt the cats.
I have 2 of the 6 at my house, each in a cat condo cage. I trapped them as soon as I saw them since both had stopped showing up regularly for meals. I was afraid I wouldn't get them before animal control came in. They've been in the cages too long, now - about 2 weeks. My heart aches for them but what else could I have done?
Though it's a big world, there seems to be no place for my 6 little guys. I have nowhere to take them.
I have tried the sanctuaries everyone knows about, and maybe some that aren't as well known. I looked into integrating them into existing colonies but no one wants to do that. I've asked everyone I know to ask everyone they know if there's a safe permanent place. No takers.
In about 10-12 days the cats will be out of time. I've got a small house and nowhere to put more kittes. Even if I did, they cannot live their lives in cages.
No one will take 6, I know that. But if anyone would take a set of 3 , I'd be beyond grateful. I will provide a sturdy shelter, a feeding station, several months worth of canned food, and a pledge to continue to help the person, or place taking the cats with contrributions or supplies. I love these cats and I've no intention of "dumping" them on anyone. I want them safe and cared for.
I'm in Northern NJ but I'll drive to New England or Virginia or Western Pennsylvania or further if someone's out there who can help the cats.
This is one of the worst situations I've ever experienced - I have no idea what I'm going to do. I am so afraid for these 6 wonderful little souls.
I no longer have permission to feed on private property, the grounds of a nursing home. The person who'd given permission won't answer calls nor e-mail.
There are 6 young cats - none much more than 2 years old. All are healthy and have been vet-checked, vaccinated and S/N. A seventh is with a rescue group who's trying to socialize her - so far without much success.
Animal Control has ironically, been sympathetic and has extended the time for me to trap and relocate. But time is now short. They can't do that indefinitely. They tell me they are "getting tons of calls" from the nursing home asking when the cats will be gone.
There is open hostility from the management of the nursing home toward the cats. All of their shelters and feeding stations were thrown in the dumpster. I could only salvage 2 of the 8 shelters. The feeding stations, built by local Girl Scouts, were damaged beyond repair.
Management has ordered all employees to sign a statement pledging not to feed the cats. Each week a memo is circulated reminding them of this.
The rescue group loaned me 2 box traps and I'd been working over the last few weeks to get the cats acclimated to eating in them. During this time the traps were moved several times, then damaged, and as of last Wednesday, stolen. I'm trying to remove the cats, which is what is clear management wants, yet they keep sabotaging my efforts.
I'm very worried that the next step will be they'll try to hurt the cats.
I have 2 of the 6 at my house, each in a cat condo cage. I trapped them as soon as I saw them since both had stopped showing up regularly for meals. I was afraid I wouldn't get them before animal control came in. They've been in the cages too long, now - about 2 weeks. My heart aches for them but what else could I have done?
Though it's a big world, there seems to be no place for my 6 little guys. I have nowhere to take them.
I have tried the sanctuaries everyone knows about, and maybe some that aren't as well known. I looked into integrating them into existing colonies but no one wants to do that. I've asked everyone I know to ask everyone they know if there's a safe permanent place. No takers.
In about 10-12 days the cats will be out of time. I've got a small house and nowhere to put more kittes. Even if I did, they cannot live their lives in cages.
No one will take 6, I know that. But if anyone would take a set of 3 , I'd be beyond grateful. I will provide a sturdy shelter, a feeding station, several months worth of canned food, and a pledge to continue to help the person, or place taking the cats with contrributions or supplies. I love these cats and I've no intention of "dumping" them on anyone. I want them safe and cared for.
I'm in Northern NJ but I'll drive to New England or Virginia or Western Pennsylvania or further if someone's out there who can help the cats.
This is one of the worst situations I've ever experienced - I have no idea what I'm going to do. I am so afraid for these 6 wonderful little souls.
