What if I become one of the people that they hate? Terrified of breaking cats' trust. Family of fera

Hi Cat-Nap.I originally also started relocating my ferals to farms to farmers who wanted mousers.The deal is that they still have feeding stations.& shelter like a Barn.Cats will still hunt even if being fed by humans.This did not work out well for me.The cats lasted about 1 week & were never seen again I was really hoping as a steel mill & wood mill are no places for kitties to live.But they do.They know the area.Where to hide etc.C.

Ginny: 

   I made the mistake of visiting Nat right after his surgery.  He hissed at me.   Once I got him back, he got over that very quickly and was very glad to be back home.    He was the only one who seemed to be mad at me but even that didn't last long.  

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Thanks for sharing your experiences and for the encouragement! <3 <3 I'm glad to learn that your kitties have gotten over it fairly quickly! I'm going to use that tip and pick them up in the morning instead of immediately after surgery.  After seeing your advice, I'll definitely get shelter for them now so that they have a familiar hiding spot to return to (since their mattress home is being dumped) 

 Just as long as you bring them back to their lovely home, I believe they will forgive you.  

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Fingers crossed ! I'm hoping for the best. 

MomofMaxwell: 

You are so amazing for writing up this detailed step-by-step. I can't thank you enough!! Sending you so much love :>

 Do you have traps.?Were you planning on trapping one at a time to the vet or get all of them or?? 

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I have 1 Havahart cat trap but I plan on borrowing another. I planned to put the traps out so that they'd get used to the idea of them and begin eating inside. Since Chauncey eats later, I figured having a second trap would be a good back-up. If the siblings are trapped earlier, perhaps I should place them somewhere more soundproof while waiting for Chauncey? I plan to sit close by so that I can manually close the trap and take them to the vet's the same day.  After reading your super advice, I'll be adding the details that you suggested. No friendly attempts, just trap and go with a sheet to cover them up with. Anything that would help them forget this episode is something that I'll try. 

 They have remote powered ones that are pretty slick.

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This sounds terrific! I might get one so that the cats associate me less with the traps  

 .I may put a trap at the other end of the yard so they don't associate the "AREA" as being a bad place.

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This sounds like another great tip that I'll be putting into action. 

MomofMaxwell: The poor things. That's awful. Thanks for sharing the potential pitfalls of relocating ferals to a farm. If mine are now semi-feral, it would probably be worse for them. I think I will do my best to move all the cats with me unless I find a trustworthy person nearby who'd provide a good home for them (and where they could still be near their possible colony). I've heard my mom joke about calling Animal Control to kill the cats, and while I mostly believe that she isn't serious, Ginny's anecdote is a wakeup call for me to take precautions on the off-chance that I'm wrong. 

Don't worry if they will forgive you.  They will.  The first time you pop that tin can (if you are feeding them wet food, that is) they will know who it is who loves them!  So don't give it a second thought. Since they know your voice it might be helpful for them to hear it.  Remember too that cats are not humans, and even though they are smart, they are still cats.  They don't think or do like we do.  They may not be smart enough to associate you with bad things since as of right now, you are associated with all things good!  The good will win out.  But I know how you feel.  Like I said, I worried about them when I sent them off for the surgery.  

As I recall, Gracie was the first one to be spayed and I had her done right here in town (because I had every intention of keeping her).  Honey was next and I sent her to Asheville via the Humane Alliance in nearby Alexander county.  So I didn't drive Honey to Asheville, just to Alexander county.  At the time, the reason why she went with them is because the Humane alliance was going to rehome her.  But after sending her off, I couldn't stand it.  I wanted her back, and they let me have her back too!  The others were neutered right here in town too by a regular vet who would not give me any discount.  Jerk.  I didn't want to send them as far as Honey had to go, bless her heart.  

I'm glad MomofMaxwell made the comment about farms/mousers.  When I did some research about how to rehome a feral or a group of ferals to a farm, I realized that even if it is done right that's no guarantee they will not wander off.  That discouraged me from considering it anymore.  Anyway, what are the chances that any farmer would follow explicit instructions about how to deal with the new farm "employees"?  I didn't have any family members who were farmers, so I decided to keep them myself.  I didn't want to spend so much time and money on them just to hand them over to someone who didn't care about them like I do.  Face it, we are a different group of people.  Not everyone would think to care for a group of animals like we do.  Kudos to you for being so willing!  

I don't want to worry you, but I would take her seriously.  Especially if your parents truly feel they are pests, just like my neighbors did mine.  You know your parents better than I do.  Would it help for them to tolerate the kitties if they know you are planning to TNR?  And to take them with you when you move?  I would assume they already know but it's better to not assume and ask you.  If the cats are messing up the yard or the cars, or the garden, make every effort to clean it up and appease your parents so they don't call AC.  I set up a litter box in my storage room where they spent some time.  

Another tip to catching several of them is to get a big dog carrier, preferably one with no dog in it  I put out a carrier like this for them to sleep in.  It'd be great to catch several or even all the kittens and take them in together.  It didn't work for me, but it could for you!

And when they go to the vet for surgery, you could send them with an article of clothing or something that has your scent on it.  Or maybe their favorite toy.  Whatever they like.  

Keep us updated!

Hi Ginny.I too ditto what your post had said about forgiveness.We are of few and they are so plentiful.But we must forge forward helping those little ones no matter what.I wanted to tell you of my experience using a crate over a trap.I trapped one cat that seemed Semi -feral a long time ago.It actually walked up to me and I grabbed it by the scruff & put her into a crate.I have a lot of crates.And take many with me trapping as there are kittens everywhere.Anyways the vet I used to use who did give me a slight discount when the crate was opened in the exam room, the kitty got out into the room & was frantic.They (the tech & vet) left the room & came back with a huge net.Like something you'd pull a 30 lb salmon out of the river with.Of course kitty was running trying to climb walls etc.It was horriible.I attended every spay & neuter when being put under.Then cuddle them to death.Then I would leave the room.Using a trap they inject a sedative right through the sides into kitty.To calm him or her down.Very little stress & I would never use a crate again.I was furious.All trust was gone forever.Not sure if vets in other places have more humane ways of sedating a feral but this was my experience.Not good. But agree with the parents being the way they are .The more at one time would be better.But I would not personally go the crate route again.Here in BC although I don't need any, there are places that rent traps for $3 a day.So cheap.Don't know where you are Cat-Nap but something to maybe check out.Used for squirrels,raccoons etc.HTH C.

I have only read your top post, but it made me think of my friends mom that owns 5 used to be feral cats. She did exactly what you are doing. Then after a while she just took them in. But her house is like a zoo. Can you find homes for these cats? Just because they are feral now does not mean that they won't make wonderful house cats down the road. All they need is a little love. It would be sad to split them up but I think they would have a better life indoors with someone that loves them so they don't run into anymore people that mistreat them. What you are doing is wonderful btw but you are going to fall in love with these kitties, which I'm sure you already have. I would continue what you are doing and try to find loving homes. People that you know will take care of them. There are horrible people out there that kill animals just because they are horrible people. Idk, I would never want my cat running around outside alone with no place to call home. Just my two cents. Good Luck!

Thank you so much, Ginny and MomofMaxwell! I'm putting the trap out tonight so they can get used to its presence. I'll post any updates asap! :> 

MotherofMaxwell:

Using a trap they inject a sedative right through the sides into kitty.To calm him or her down.Very little stress & I would never use a crate again.I was furious.All trust was gone forever.Not sure if vets in other places have more humane ways of sedating a feral but this was my experience.Not good. But agree with the parents being the way they are .The more at one time would be better.But I would not personally go the crate route again.

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Ginny: 

 As I recall, Gracie was the first one to be spayed and I had her done right here in town (because I had every intention of keeping her).  Honey was next and I sent her to Asheville via the Humane Alliance in nearby Alexander county.  So I didn't drive Honey to Asheville, just to Alexander county.  At the time, the reason why she went with them is because the Humane alliance was going to rehome her.  But after sending her off, I couldn't stand it.  I wanted her back, and they let me have her back too!  The others were neutered right here in town too by a regular vet who would not give me any discount.  Jerk.  I didn't want to send them as far as Honey had to go, bless her heart.  

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 I don't want to worry you, but I would take her seriously.  Especially if your parents truly feel they are pests, just like my neighbors did mine.  You know your parents better than I do.  Would it help for them to tolerate the kitties if they know you are planning to TNR?  And to take them with you when you move?  I would assume they already know but it's better to not assume and ask you.  If the cats are messing up the yard or the cars, or the garden, make every effort to clean it up and appease your parents so they don't call AC.  I set up a litter box in my storage room where they spent some time.

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You're right, Ginny My parents know that I love the cats, so their stance has involved chasing the cats off their property instead of trying to harm them. From my parents' perspective, scaring the cats off isn't so bad, so they did that when I wasn't home to protest. I believed that my parents' concern for my feelings would prevent them for carrying the worst out. After reading your story, I realize that I was putting the cats in a precarious position. I would never forgive myself if the kitties and mom were killed. My parents have known about my plans to TNR from the beginning, but they really don't want the cats to be in their backyard.

Recently, our compromise is that I'll TN and either take the cats with me or find homes for them, and my parents will hold off on interfering while I carry these plans out. Otherwise, the cats will be cut off from their food source and shelter after I leave. Reading the threads here about the emotional stress that ferals experience after being relocated, I wasn't sure what would be the best for them. Take them if I can't find homes close to our current location, or leave them to rejoin their colony? After talking with you and MotherofMaxwell, I'll take them if I can't find nearby homes that are familiar with ferals.  I don't want that off-chance of AC being called after I'm gone. Yes to the tips! I've been keeping the yard tidy to prevent more unhappiness. 

 I didn't want to spend so much time and money on them just to hand them over to someone who didn't care about them like I do.  Face it, we are a different group of people.  Not everyone would think to care for a group of animals like we do.  Kudos to you for being so willing!  

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Kudos you for doing so much for your kitties!! Thank you for being so wonderfully supportive and for helping newbies like me. It's true, people here don't want to see animals being put down or suffering, and we put in an amount of effort and commitment that other people would consider to be crazy. I'm worried about rehoming the cats for the same reason. Many potential kitty-adopters seem to expect a socialized housecat. I keep wondering -  what if the people I find don't have the patience to work with semiferals?  For a month, I used to camp outside at night after work, singing to the cats 50 feet away so that they would become familiar with my presence. They were terrified of seeing my eyes, so I would have my back turned to them, pose held in one position because minor movements scared them. Sometimes after a long shift at work, I'd fall asleep that way. I'm afraid that adopters I'd find would side-eye this level of commitment, and then give up on the cats if they don't progress as expected. 

 Another tip to catching several of them is to get a big dog carrier, preferably one with no dog in it  I put out a carrier like this for them to sleep in.  It'd be great to catch several or even all the kittens and take them in together.  It didn't work for me, but it could for you!

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Oh thank you! I will do that! hopefully they will find it to be a nice place to huddle in and I can swoop in  

 I have only read your top post, but it made me think of my friends mom that owns 5 used to be feral cats. She did exactly what you are doing. Then after a while she just took them in. But her house is like a zoo. Can you find homes for these cats? Just because they are feral now does not mean that they won't make wonderful house cats down the road. All they need is a little love. It would be sad to split them up but I think they would have a better life indoors with someone that loves them so they don't run into anymore people that mistreat them. What you are doing is wonderful btw but you are going to fall in love with these kitties, which I'm sure you already have. I would continue what you are doing and try to find loving homes. People that you know will take care of them. There are horrible people out there that kill animals just because they are horrible people. Idk, I would never want my cat running around outside alone with no place to call home. Just my two cents. Good Luck!

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Oh no Would you mind sharing what turned her house into a zoo? Was it simply having 5 cats or were there other factors? I am planning on adopting the cats if I can't find nearby homes that are experienced with ferals, so I hope I'll get things right. The cats act like their feral mother around other people, so I'm hoping to find people who have the patience to work with them. I do think they'll come around since they've been exposed to friendly human interaction, but they'll likely take more time and patience than normally expected. 

Hi Cat-Nap & Ginney.We are all cut from the same cloth.Good idea CN.Hugs to you both.Going to post a closer pic of my Angel boy Maxwell who walked on a harness his whole life.Went camping three weeks a year & slept with my Chester .My golden retriever.A great link & in my part of BC & trapping & ferals & rescue is www.tinykittens.com  Excellent group of people and Shelley being the cat whisperer herself.Enjoy 24/7 cam.Here is My Boy King Tutt Maxwell or Doggie Kitt.C

MomofMaxwell: Thank you for this excellent resource!! Ooooh I can see that anyone would be proud to be Maxwell's mom. What a handsome dog-cat! His happy expression makes me squee. Go get the toy, Maxwell! How did you train him into a harness? Was he with you since kittenhood? 

Hi Cat-nap.Yes I was driving down a hwy in 1998 & out of the corner of my eye I saw this kitten on the front of someone's lawn.I told the driver to go around the block so i could see.There was a major intersection there with major cars.There he was hobbling on the front lawn,still had blue eyes.I was so afraid to approach him in case he'd bolt into the traffic.But he didn't.He came to me.His rear leg was broken.I took him right away to my vet's.He figured he was chucked out a window as a drive-by.He did finally heal.And yes I started him young on the harness.The first couple of yrs he walked me.But then he began to walk at heal and we would go for huge walks.He was only 8lbs but feisty.My love of my Life.I lost him to small cell lymphoma April 6/2014.He was one month shy of 16.I have never really recovered.I at one time had 8 all indoors.All fixed.I miss that bond.I miss him.I donate my time on many groups in memory of him & all my loves.All 17.Another site if you are on FB or you can google this as this is the trapping section of Tiny kittens.com Google- people for happier cats.They are currently trapping on a 25 acre parcel of bush with over 200 feral cats/kittens.The videos are super as they are bringing them toys & feeding them from spoons etc.They are the one's that have the remote traps as well as every trap imaginable.24 hr night cameras etc.Spaying & neutering as they go along.Cassidy the kitten on tinykittens.com was found on that property as well.Enjoy C

Hello! I'm setting up dog houses for the cats and ordered another trap :> They are making rapid socialization progress in the last few days. Chauncey is playing more enthusiastically with toys, Leda is lying closer to where her siblings play, and Sable took a piece of chicken from my hand yesterday. I took a long strip and dangled it down, and this was the first time he was comfortable getting so close to my hand.  [ They also finally rolled over at a close enough distance for me to sex them D: Sable is a boy, and Leda and Chauncey are girls. Right now I'm hoping that Osric is a boy or else that worse case scenario of 1 tom and 3 queens would be true!]

MomofMaxwell: 

Oh god what a terrible thing! Someone threw a baby out of a moving car. I wonder if they would do this to another person or if they would be alright with someone doing this to them. Maxwell was lucky to be found by a loving caretaker. He went on walks!! How did you get him used to the harness? :> He sounds like a rambunctious darling. I'm sorry he's no longer here. The passing of a companion is always so hard It sounds like he shared a fulfilling life with you and enjoyed many wonderful moments in it. 

 Another site if you are on FB or you can google this as this is the trapping section of Tiny kittens.com Google- people for happier cats

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Thank you for the tip! I've also been browsing through their Jungle Kitten thread like crazy :> The volunteers in this rescue are doing such a terrific job. It's amazing that you're a part of this. Who are your 17 loves? <3 

Ginny: 

!! How true! I didn't realize this until you pointed it out, but even as our country celebrates its rampant cat posts on social media, those posts often feature negative stereotypes about cats. Unfriendly, selfish, conceited, manipulative, and aloof. People who like cats (especially women) are conceived of as lonely and dissatisfied emotionally / professionally, leading them to seek affection from animals who would never love them back. Even some cat lovers favor the "selfish mean" stereotypes, and joke about how they are slaves to creatures that consider their humans to be no better than a sleeping pillow. 

Several months back, my gf and I were talking about adopting a pet from a shelter in the future. My gf wanted to rescue a dog, since she's raised many and she found it hard to divorce cats from the negative stereotypes associated with them. I was not strongly in favor of a particular species, as a girl who hadn't interacted with many animals in the past. But as I interacted with the then-ferals, I couldn't see many of these cat stereotypes being true. The cats I saw weren't haughty- they were terrified. They acted like many smaller animals who don't trust humans unconditionally do, like prey. Their behavior was more fearful, but still vaguely reminded me of some of my friends' housecats', who darted away when someone looked at them. 

Then I started reading up on cats, and found that some strong cat stereotypes seem to be based off a shallow understanding of cat behavior. At least from the sources I've been referencing, cats communicate really differently from the way humans do in body/vocal language, so it makes sense that it's harder for them to understand human intent. Likewise, the same applies for humans' understanding cats. A lot of the cats "ignoring" people have to do with - well, many comfortable cats don't typically look directly at you, since direct eye contact can indicate a challenge. They feel safe enough to be around you without being on guard for attack. Scared cats usually exhibit several warning signs before they act "mean." There's a lot miscommunication between our species, and cat behavior is often interpreted uncharitably because dogs don't act the same way. And why would they, as animals that have evolved to read human facial expressions? We don't know how easy we have it with dogs because they are a species that has a similar communication style to ours. 

 So, I've learned the hard way that it's best to research the vets and take kitties to the vet (and their staff as well) who actually likes and has cats, because I believe that will change how they are treated and may even be the determinant for success or failure when they are sick or even there for a routine visit. 

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Thanks for this observation and advice! Would you mine me asking where you typically do your research for vets? I can only think of Yelping them, which doesn't seem to be the most comprehensive way to check on their experience / understanding of cats.

Aww Martin! So glad to hear that he's at the No-kill Humane Society. I hope he's doing well! If you have time, update us for sure  

MotherofMaxwell and Ginny: 

If you happen to have recommendations for the list of tests that should be run on ferals while they're at the vet's too, that would be amazing: 

[ a. Are FIV, leukemia,  and intestinal worms the basics, and are there others that I should be adding?

  b. Chauncey has copper colored eyes that are slowly lightening; would it be wise to ask for a liver test in case?

  c. Should I get them tested at a later time if the bills pile up, or would it be best to have these tests run at the earliest opportunity? ]

Hi Cat-nap,

I'm so sorry I don't have long to write to you tonight, so this will be sorta quick. But I did read through your post.

I googled the name of the vets and looked up reviews online.  This I only did after the fact.  I wish I'd done this before

You can go to the vet's office website if they have one and look up the bios, which will usually tell you what kind of pets the doc has.  I was disturbed but not really surprised that the Internal Med doctor, who was highly recommended, only had dogs as pets.  His "bedside" manner to me and Gracie was cold.  I didn't get a really good feeling from him.  This was before I googled him.   I also saw, after the fact, that he had some negative reviews. I don't want to put all my eggs in the feeling basket by any means, but I certainly don't rule out intuition as a way to judge vets.  Intuition can be scarily accurate.

If you hear about a good vet, still do some research.  I usually don't put that much weight on the recommendations of others as individual tastes can vary.  Some people don't have very high standards for their vet

At the Humane Society, I've seen cats kind of get rowdy and act out.  The last time I was there, I had to scruff one of the friendlier ones to get him off me!  And he was just playing but he got out of hand.  I'm not used to that.  All my kitties have been sweeties, but maybe it's because my house is quiet and more kitty friendly than the Humane Society which places the kitties near all the barking dogs.  It's not a very big place, but I wish they'd put more of a separation between them.  

I've been working so much here lately (to pay bills) that I haven't had much time to go check on Martin, but I'm sure the staff will let me know the particulars if he gets adopted, since I brought him in and made a donation on his behalf.  I hope things go well for Martin!  Thank you for your concern for him!

I don't know about those tests.  I only know that's what the Humane Society had to test Martin for before they would agree to take him.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck to you and keep us informed!  

Thanks so much for taking the time out of your schedule, Ginny! I appreciate this so much! 

Hi Cat-nap.That is wonderful progress!!! Way to go!!.I think they'll be going with you when you go....Yes My Maxwell i started him on a harness when very young.i only ever used a figure 8 harness.Not the dog type that has snaps.kitties will get out of them no problem.In the beginning you put it on and basically let the cat wear it in the house.Of course they kinda freak WTH and try to dig it,roll all around etc.But once they are used to it which takes time ,then comes the walking or should I say he walks me.The thing to remember about walking, introducing to any cat or kitten is that is forever.There's no going back.There's no saying I'm not feeling well.Or I changed my mind.When you have introduced it it is forever and they look forward to it so much.My boy didn't care about rain or snow.His wardrobe is actually still here hanging in the closet.He had slickers.Woolly for the winter time.A hat.And boots that he said "NOT " to.I started with just a fine say 5 foot lead but gradually went to a reel style retractable that went about 15 feet.For very small dogs.Not heavy.Yes he was the love of my life.He left a huge hole in me.And every day is an effort it seems.I miss him so much.But I believe he is the welcome wagon at The Rainbow Bridge.He puts his arms around the newbies and shows them all the great hunting spots.The soft areas by the fish loaded babbling brooks.And the tall grass to run through with a crooked tail.He console' s the little ones telling them everything will  be alright & to listen for your Mom's call.You will never age.Never feel pain.The sun will always shine.And one super day you will be reunited with all that you have loved in your life & live together for eternity.They smile & that makes them happy and they get giddy and run through the grass, tail high, sniffing for their first measer.Maxwell loved all dog's and when walking him you had to be careful.A person would be in the distance walking their dog towards you obviously not thinking this is a cat approaching.Most times I picked him up as I had no trust.Not even a Chihuahua.One bite & that would be it.Many dog owners teach their dog's to "get the Cat" Not a good thing.They think it is funny.Not.yes i have had 17 cats in my life since I was 17 yrs old.I did have cats & dogs while growing up as well as a child.All angels now.Many of my pics are from long ago on 35mm film.They were all fate.I never once said I was going to go get a kitten or cat.They crossed my path one day and i knew they wouldn't make it the night.I promised them I  would love & take care of them all the days of their lives.I did.All being every rainbow color under the sun.Some as adults abandoned.Some kittens abandoned or injured etc.All different personalities.Some were cuddlers.Some not.Some bonded with another & would lay together & clean each.Others a loner.

As for testing for your babes.you should have an felv snap test as well as an FIV snap test.Although a snap test is not that acccurate.It needs to be done again.Also all cats have worms.Yours will no doubt.You'll want l;like revolution or something  but likely they will have tape as well.revolution does not do tape.Tape is from fleas.just eating one & they can get tape worms.Revolution is applied to my ferals when they are under.I know it is only one time but is cheap so I have the vet put it on.He also checks their ears for mites.Revolution helps with that.But FIV & Felv are important.I'm sure the web has more info on testing new kittens etc & accuracy.

What I can tell you about cats & owners a lot of these groups i belong to which are a lot.Not too many male owners.But I notice when i do talk with a man(because I am a journeyman mechanic for 30 yrs ) i live & breathe men.Anyways when guys have cats long enough to understand cats are not stupid.They all have different personalities,sensitivities,THEY REALLY LOVE THEM!! Which you can tell just by talking to them.They are to them their children like us.But are fewer than us Gals!! I will try to dig up some pics of my other angels to post for you & Ginny.Hugs C Keep up the great Work!!!!

MomofMaxwell: Thanks so much for all of this! I'll be back to leave a longer comment once I get the chance, but I just wanted to say how much I appreciate everything you've helped me with 

MomofMaxwell: 

Hello! I had a busy several days but I'm back! I'm sorry I dropped off the map before giving your heartfelt comment the attention it deserves. Maxwell sounds like he was a wonderful companion, and he'll surely meet you again at the Rainbow Bridge. Reading about him demanding walks in all sorts of nasty weather put a smile on my face - he sounds like loved his walks with you. ;P I hope I know what I'm getting into by planning to get mine adjusted to harnesses. Walks forever! No rest! So many hugs for helping your loves and opening up your home to them. I'm sad some of the cats were injured or abandoned when you first met them. I know it happens everyday, but it's still a hard reality. Luckily they ended up having you It sounds like they ended up well provided for and deeply loved. They'll definitely be waiting for you at the bridge, ready to show you their latest adventures (and request the food and cuddles they missed out on) 

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Progress (to be updated soon!)

Spay / Neuter: Going through fixing with Fixnation for community cats. Trying to get appointment time set.

Houses: 2 HUGE dog houses! I'm working on cutting open an escape at the back ends of them. The cats are curious but wary of the houses, but will use them as shelter if absolutely necessary.

Socialization: Rapid progress that's been surprising me, since everything came so slowly before. Sable's started knocking at the backdoor in anticipation for food or playtime. Even though I can't help but be wary because of my parents' annoyance at this, I'm so glad he feels comfortable enough to seek me out. Osric has also been taking food from my hand along with Sable. She's still a bit skittish about it, but I thought I wouldn't come to this with any of the other cats so soon. I feel incredibly lucky and happy that they seem to be getting more comfortable. 

Hi Cat-Nap.

Thank you for your kind words.Yes my boy was one in a million.He left a huge hole in me when he passed.Don't know that I'll ever recover.All my kitties I have had in my life were"fate". They were all rescues crossing my path somewhere & me knowing they wouldn't make the night.Home they came.All being such a gift in my life.Being taught so many things by them.

I'm glad you're back & wondered if you dropped off the earth.lol Sounds like you're making super progress!!! Gee if I was near you I'd cut a hole out of the doghouses for you.I have more tools than clothes.LOL.But I don't think you are in Canada.But great to provide shelter for them.Keep me posted & keep up the great work!! Hugs to you & the babes..

One pce of advice I can tell you about walking cats on a harness.I always used a figure 8 harness not one designed for  a small dog with snaps that do up.Also once committed you can NEVER go back.So if you are feeling Ill they will not understand & will do everything to bug you to go.No matter what.No turning back & deciding this isn't for me.

Also i started with like a 5 foot leash(light weight (metal clasp) no plastic clasps.In the beginning.Then later went to a retractable one like for a small dog.If they get ahead of you while walking be very careful as we never look up.There are eagles,owls that will take your cat long before you even have a chance to respond.

First you put the harness on your babes & leave them on for weeks.Not going anywhere.Some will freak role ,dig at it etc & act like it's the end of the world.Only after they are used to wearing it and their tantrums are gone would you actually open the door.I used to call Maxwell Asking him where are your duds.That's what I called them.He'd come running if he wasn't already sitting below the rack I have all my leashes hanging in my foyer.

They walk you in the beginning so don't think they'll heal on command nor do you correct them.They do not need a bad experience from it.Let them wander all around praising them as you go.First start off with just around your yard if you have one.Maybe just for half an hour.Then gradually work up to longer periods of time.The exercise is great for them.

I would use the word Careful when approaching a street side and hold him there, retracting the leash, until I could see no cars were coming then I'd give a little tug and say come on hurry ,hurry ,hurry.You also have to be aware of dog's & dog owners.I always picked up my Maxwell when someone was  approaching us with even a chihuahua.Although Maxwell loved dogs.One bite  & it is over.Plus most people in your neighborhood will not expect a kitty to be walking with you and will presume from a distance it is a small dog.

I used to drive him over to special parks here as well that had super trails with lots of birds & stuff.But had to be extra careful to keep him close as predators would be right in the bush ready to attack.You wouldn't see them ,but they were there.I very rarely walked in the dark as observing for possible dog's etc & dangers period you just couldn't see as well even with a flashlight.

HTH Honey & hugs to the babies.C