Keeping Other Cats Out Of Colony? Cannot Handle More :/

Hi so it seems the cat drama never ends and I am totally overwelmed. I have had some sick kitties....you can see my other post.

Now it seems this one cat I see here and there is trying to get in the mix. My heart breaks bc I definitely want to help but I need to draw the line somewhere. I now have three inside and 5 outside. I am a single girl living in NY. My finances and emotional well been are tapped out. My day revolves around feeding cleaning and taking care of these cats. I rent the property I am at and I have no idea what I will do with everyone if I move. The thought of another cat really tips the scale for me.

I also have worked hard to get all my neighbors on board since these cats go in their yards too (these are back to back yards in Brooklyn). One more might put them over the edge too.

I have got a little lazy about cleaning up the food after they eat which I am sure what attracted this newcomer.

I am going back to feeding and then clean up, hopfully it will go back to where it came from. I know a lot of people feeding in my neighborhood, one lady just a block over so if it can find its way there are food sources.

I guess I feel guilty but I am at my limit. I have to care for myself too and the stress of everything has taken its toll. I almost wish I wouldnt have started, I hate to say.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

I feel your pain.  I have 8 that I am caring for in all different stages.  Seven of them are strays or offspring of strays.  2 are indoor only, 1 being an old senior of 19 and the other declawed.  3 are indoor/outdoor that I am attempting to move outside into an enclosure but am having problems with peace in the family.  The other three are outdoor only.

A neighbor of mine brought me a sick and emaciated young Tom and I had to put my foot down and say no more.  It worked out because she ended up adopting him and getting him to the vet for neutering.  I understand your need to say no more.  They can take up so much of your life.

I've come to the conclusion I may end up rehoming a couple of mine.  If I were you I would definitely only feed morning and evening and clean up each time.  I think it's better for the cats anyway and will help the problem of additional cats coming around.

Please do not feel guilty about drawing a line.  You have to know your limits for the well being of the cats you have.  Thank you so much for caring when it is apparent that so many people do not.

I really appreciate your advice and support. I had a very stressful and sleepless night....feeling so guilty. If the cat was emaciated and in dire need of help I would of course step in, but it seems fine. There should be rodents near by for it, in fact I saw a rat run through through my yard the other night. Gross, but it is NY.

What it comes down to is that the problem is so big with the strays. I see so many in my neighborhood , there is one block that is really bad. The problem is bigger then just me and what I can do. I am sure there will be others that come around too. Of course if everyone did what I did we might have a chance to eliminate the issiue. I know there are others who care and several other people doing TNR in the hood, but it is not enough.

For now I am drawing the line. No new cats. I need to have a little bit of my life back. Especially with everyone being sick lately and the vet bills. Its hard enough to keep up what I have going.

Me becoming overwhelmed and upset like this isnt going to help any cat. I need to know my limit to care for the ones that I have.

Thanks again it helps to hear your story and have your understanding.