Landlord decimated private yard. When will ferals return ?

My now ex boyfriend moved out of his house. We had shared it but then I found out he was a cheater. He was unrepentant and couldn't work things out.

He and his Mother own the house. (she never lived here, just an investment) 

His Mother owns many properties and I thought would be respectful while I rent this house.

I am renting it because A. as much of a jerk as ex is he told his Mother to not try and push me out and that he wanted to let me stay here since I have a lot of cats and it will be hard to move far away for a while.

So he gets that ...

I thought he had made things clear to his Mother.

Well I was a away for a brief beach vacation.

He called me to let me know that his Mother had a landscaping company coming out and that she wanted all the feral tarps and rubbermaid containers I had stored in corner of yard removed.

Since I was away I agreed to let the landscaping company do it.

EX-BF assured me the yard was getting the grass cut and some branches knocked of the roof.

Okay I thought.

I arrived "Home" last night and couldn't help screaming when the cab driver let me out in front of the house.

Scorched Earth is the only phrase that applies.

The hedges all cut down and removed or left scraggly, a 9 foot rose bush removed, 2 azalea bushes destroyed,  privacy trees de-branched, all the feeding areas for the 3 ferals I take care of completely trashed.

Over 15 tarps of cuttings and tress were left out ....

I called the ex-bf and he swore his Mother didn't tell them to that ...

Long story short, landscaping company showed up today and I believe them completely.

So my never in law, exbf's Mother told them to rip everything down.

Completely insane and now all the birds nests are destroyed and I haven't seen the cats since before Vacation.

When, if at all, should they return ?

I don't live in an animal friendly neighborhood.

I have posted on here in the past about my animal killing old neighbor.

Worse yet, all hedges were removed on one border, so I am now facing the animal hater's house only 15 feet away.

So suffice it to say, I am a heartbroken wreck. 

The ferals were so happy and protected in their little yard area.

Ex bf's Mother hates cats and dogs so it almost feels like this was on purpose.

Advice please.



.

I am so very sorry. Of course it was done on purpose. I wish I had something helpful to say, but if I was you I'd look to move out. She basically trashed her own income property and doesn't sound right in the head. If you stay, get some kind of security camera.

You might get a few stragglers back, but sadly she may have done something to the colony.

You could try checking renters rights in your area, but she's the owner, so you may not have much luck unless the yard work actually destroyed your property in some way.

Good thing you dumped the guy. What a toxic mil she'd have been. [emoji]128533[/emoji]

  Wow she sounds like a real piece of work.........I'm so sorry for all your troubles - cats & otherwise!!

I really don't have any useful suggestions - hopefully you will see some of the ferals return, but who knows how the landscapers really handled it while you weren't there.  Those cats might have been scared to death and decided to move on to somewhere else for their own safety.   It sounds like you put a lot of work into making a nice environment for them - I'd be pissed too to see all my efforts be destroyed like that.   I know it's not really a comfort, but at least you tried to make their lives nicer while you could.   There's plenty of cats who need help, so if this is an important cause to you, you could help others by volunteering at a shelter or a rescue.   I know it wont fix this situation, but this situation just might not be fixable.   I would also look into moving out - I would not  want someone like that to be my landlord or to be in any position of authority in my life.

Wow. Just wow. Mature plantings add value to a property so denuding the place was truly stupid. Rose bushes, azaleas and mature hedges are among the most popular plantings out there which makes this even more peculiar. If it wasn't done on purpose, it still reflects someone with a serious problem towards nature and living things and in your shoes, I would be looking for another place as others have suggested. The fact she hates cats, dogs and apparently plants indicates a very unpleasant person.

You said you had three ferals. Hopefully they are somewhere nearby keeping an eye on things and when they see their totes set up again and bowls filled, as well as YOU they will return. The fact there are only three of them will make it easier to move them if you find a new place.

In the meantime I am so sorry you had your piece of paradise destroyed. It is really a horrible situation and I hope you'll let us know what happens.

Thank you, the replies mean a lot.

Two updates.

The ex came over and used the same term I did to describe everything. "Scorched Earth".

He said he was very sorry and it looked like a maniac had gone at it.

He helped me set up the feeding stations. I lamented how sad and angry I was. He's a jerk, but can be a decent person and is a huge animal lover.

He said to look on the bright side and he was certain the cats would return since this is their main, if only, source of food.

Last night, 1 of the 3 briefly returned. I was taking care of 1 spayed female and 2 neutered males.

The little girl returned.

She ate some food and left.

Today, nothing.

These cats are literally all buddies (head butting each other when I put out food, greeting each other)

So I am just keep an eye out. I am also hoarse from calling the two boy cats names.

And they're all definitely outdoors type of cats. I rescued 4 other cats from the yard a while back and they now make my total menagerie 7 in all. Completely indoors.

Anyway, I just would LOVE to see the other kittehs return.

This neighborhood hasn't been kind towards cats.

Besides my evil cat hating neighbor, I have lost a total of 5 other cats who roamed outside the boundary to poisoning, anti freeze ingestion, etc.

The missing cats basically spent ALL their time in my yard. 

Should I try and put stinky fish and tuna around border of property ? Or just leave their food in usual spot ?

(Yard is small, 75 by 170)

4theloveofcats said:

 
Thank you, the replies mean a lot.

Two updates.

The ex came over and used the same term I did to describe everything. "Scorched Earth".

He said he was very sorry and it looked like a maniac had gone at it.

He helped me set up the feeding stations. I lamented how sad and angry I was. He's a jerk, but can be a decent person and is a huge animal lover.

He said to look on the bright side and he was certain the cats would return since this is their main, if only, source of food.

Last night, 1 of the 3 briefly returned. I was taking care of 1 spayed female and 2 neutered males.

The little girl returned.

She ate some food and left.

Today, nothing.

These cats are literally all buddies (head butting each other when I put out food, greeting each other)

So I am just keep an eye out. I am also hoarse from calling the two boy cats names.

And they're all definitely outdoors type of cats. I rescued 4 other cats from the yard a while back and they now make my total menagerie 7 in all. Completely indoors.

Anyway, I just would LOVE to see the other kittehs return.

This neighborhood hasn't been kind towards cats.

Besides my evil cat hating neighbor, I have lost a total of 5 other cats who roamed outside the boundary to poisoning, anti freeze ingestion, etc.

The missing cats basically spent ALL their time in my yard. 

Should I try and put stinky fish and tuna around border of property ? Or just leave their food in usual spot ?

(Yard is small, 75 by 170)

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HUGE HUGS from Ireland. Words fail me they really do.  

Sorry - I just saw this. Words fail me, too. I honestly can't believe how cruel some people are.

If possible, I would return the yard to as normal a state as possible. Shelters and feeding stations back to their regular positions. It will help if anyone returns and is confused by the chaos. Stinky food won't hurt, as the smell may attract them. Take it up after an hour or so, though and don't leave it out at night.

I am praying the cats have survived this and that they return soon. In the meantime, I would be firming up plans to get the expletive out of there!

Both of my cats , Kitten and BabyMook were taken from ferals as tiny babies. They live in our home and are dear to our hearts. For many years I tried to take care of the ferals out here. Between them and the neighbors who brought home cat after cat only to hurl them outside unfixed when the reached maturity there was probably going on 50 cats on the property at one time.

Nothing has a bigger target on it's back that a cat outside. Nothing is valued less than a feral cat that has been poisoned, run over on purpose. clubbed or torn apart by loose dogs.

Spay and neuter only ends the breeding cycle. It does nothing to protect outdoor cats from human cruelty of other horrible deaths. The last little feral , the mother of BabyMook was sitting near me in the sun when loose dogs came around the side of the house, went straight for her and ripped her apart in front of me. She would have never done that but for me feeding her and trying to gain her trust to get her to the vet to be fixed.

I no longer feed any cat outside unless it's to trap and take to a shelter. If it's a pet someone comes looking for them. If they are chipped AC can call the owner. If they are true feral at least they don't end their lives in shock and pain .

I commend anyone who takes on the task of feral cats. Once a feral leaves the confines of your protection they are considered fair game by any sicko.

More thanks.

Good news.

All three showed up last night. Zombie, Minkie and Peni.  

About a half hour after I left the kitchen window open while I cooked.

I left a can of tuna outside, Weruva on the cat wok also and sardines.

The oldest male looked skinny, but ate for a half hour and then happily cleaned himself.

I'll get a picture of them altogether when I have a chance.

So that's a happy thing.

Kittens Mom, you raise a good point about loose dogs.

That's a problem in this neighborhood. It's a mix bag of people and some own various types of Terriers which sometimes get loose.
 

This yard used to be so hidden and protected (Secret Garden comes to mind) that only the cats and the random nutty fence jumping Deer would enter.

Now I am concerned about dogs, etc entering the perimeter.

At least the ex has said I can do whatever I want to fortify it. Of course he won't foot the bill. But it's fine, I am trying to be clever and find ideas on pinterest to turn this back into a Sanctuary.

It won't be pretty, but should protect the kitties.

Hurray, hurray, HURRAY!

in spite of the fact that I got a knee replacement recently, I am doing the happy dance!

What fantastic news that the Wanderers have returned! And so glad to know your ex will help with fortifying things.

For what it's worth - if Letland Cypresses will grow in your area, they are evergreen, grow extremely quickly and make good privacy screens. Only worth it if you can get the house owner to pay for it if course but if they really didn't mean to Denise the place, maybe they'll go for it.

Margd said:

What fantastic news that the Wanderers have returned! And so glad to know your ex will help with fortifying things.

For what it's worth - if Letland Cypresses will grow in your area, they are evergreen, grow extremely quickly and make good privacy screens. Only worth it if you can get the house owner to pay for it if course but if they really didn't mean to Denise the place, maybe they'll go for it.

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Thanks for the advice on privacy screen.

It's with a heavy heart that I update this thread. I need some input on the following. 5-6 days ago the two neutered males vanished from the yard.

I noticed some wild animal had p--ped on the self heating pad in the cat house I have outside.

Figured the cats were scared and would return. I have kept an eye out for them all week. I also contacted the one neighbor I know who likes cats.

Nothing but the female feral scurrying in and out of the yard just to eat.

Today I open the front door and the older male was sitting pathetically on side of street.

A nice woman was on her cell phone and when I approached the cat, she cried out that she was trying to call a vet to help him.

I told her I took care of the cat and she asked if I could handle it. I told her yes and she drove off.

What happened next makes me sick and I am still crying about it.

The ex was over to do some work in the bathroom (since he's now my temporary landlord) , I yelled to him and he gave me a large towel to wrap the cat in.

But even though I went very slowly and was able to wrap the towel around the cat, he suddenly had super strength and ran into bad neighbor's backyard.

I caught a hold of him again, but this time he turned and was about to make physical contact with my arm and as I didnt want a bite, I let go. 

His eye is all gooey and mostly closed up. It looks like bad eye infection. I have lysine on hand so it sucks I can't get it to him.

I am just beating myself up that I didn't yell for my ex to bring me a can of food first.

Because now poor kitty is somewhere hiding with gunky eye and looking like a skeleton.

I should be working right now, but I am paralyzed trying to figure out what to do next.

I am thinking of breadcrumbing [placing dry cat food] the whole dang neighborhood when it gets dark. 

Thoughts ?

The only thing I can suggest is the humane traps and hope for the best.

I'm so sorry your cat haven was destroyed. Please don't be angry at yourself. Cats can be explosive but forgiving You were very smart to let go. My husband was bitten by one of the loose cats next door many years ago. he came close to losing his hand and part of his arm.

I am also glad you didn't push it. He would have attacked for sure. Even though you know better, from his point of view, you were a danger, so he would have fought hard to escape.

I would start baiting the trap with the smelliest food you can find. Cover it with a blanket to make it appear like a dark, hiding place.

Good luck!

Please keep us updated.

Kittens Mom said:

 
Please keep us updated.

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The last 2 nights I have put out sardines and smelly cat food all over back yard and a few public areas of neighborhood (out of sight to humans).

Last night I saw the younger black and white tuxedo boy "Peni" in the far corner of the yard (exactly where I left sardines)

He ran away when he saw me, but that was great.

Today is now an Emergency Situation!

"Zombie" , the older male showed up back door. He kept staring at the food, but couldn't seem to eat it.

He has dark crap at his nose, but his eye looked much better than the other day.

When I came outside he ambled off and is under the deck. For a cat who looks mostly dead, he moves fast!! Gah.

Also his back seems to be swaying when he runs. Sort of like a bus than has 2nd bus connected to it and is making a wide turn.

Could it be broken ?

I got a hold of temp fencing and have sealed off the yard.

I am faint and overwhelmed by what to do next.

Ex is busy watching football at friends but says he will come by tonight to bring a searchlight and help. He's upset because he says there's no way a cat that has avoided cars for half a decade would suddenly be hit. He's worried the angry cat hater might have kicked him off her deck.

Of course there's no way to prove it, but that thought sends chills down my spine....

I have left food and water and catnip by the deck, but not sure how to lure him out....

I guess all you can do is persist.  People will do the most horrible ugly things to cats. They need to learn to be angry at the irresponsible owners who do not vaccinate, alter their pets or who toss the kitten out when it goes in heat the first time.

Lets hope you have some luck tonight.

Thanks. I cooked up some chicken thighs and put some lysine on them.

I witnessed him sticking his head out from under the deck and licking them at least.

4theloveofcats said:

 
Thanks. I cooked up some chicken thighs and put some lysine on them.

I witnessed him sticking his head out from under the deck and licking them at least.

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When Kitten had the URI I pureed some food for tube feeding on a few occasions. Maybe you can do that for him. The other option is a few jars of baby food.

I cooked more chicken thighs yesterday and chopped them into tiny pieces.

Added in more lysine.

I watched as the older cat slowly walked to the food.

The deck is 30 feet from back door, so no way to sprint and capture him.

It took 20 minutes of so and then he started scarfing down all the food.

He ambled back to his dog house and fell asleep.

I had quite a conversation internally trying to decide whether to let him rest or try and capture him.

But since he was cozy in his old bed, I let him sleep. 

I checked on him during the night and he just was sleeping. Today though his breathing seems different.

This isn;t my first rodeo and I have watched cats suddenly eat a big meal with vigor and pass away with 1-2 days.

So I am wondering if this is the case.

I did call his name and rouse him for a second. He looked at me but then seemed more interested in going back to resting.

I am wondering if its best to just let him keeping resting or rush him to the vet.