Starting Feral Cat Caretaker

[janem]

Shelters are a work in progress. Most of materials will be in end of month. I am building a kind of lean too tent connected to fence (hopefully so it won't take off like a giant kite). Two pallets as floor base (having rough time finding...everywhere before this). Should be able to fit 12 of those Styrofoam homes, I'm thinking 3 across each side and 2 high. Maybe two more stacked on one end. It's gonna be kinda tight bit I should be able to squeeze in to clean now and then.

Downstairs neighbors think an outhouse for cats is a sign that I've started going over the deep end. However, cats not digging in their gardens sounds good to them. Probably wind up being some kind of tent thing I still haven't figured out.

 

[ondine]

Sorry - I misunderstood what you meant by "outhouse."  I used a raised garden for my outside guys' potty.  Filled the bottom with rocks and then filled it with sand.  They loved it, although it was not pleasant to clean.  But clumping litter would not have worked.  I did have a regular box with clumping little inside their shed but they much preferred the sandbox.

I would clean it like a regular box, getting as much of the poop as I could.  Every six months or so, I would scoop out as much of the sand as I could, dispose of it and replace it.  It was really great in dry weather.  In the winter or during rainy days, not so much.

Any space set aside for them that has garden dirt or sand should work to keep them out of the neighbor's gardens, though.

 

[janem]

I love your suggestions for the outhouse. For the life of me I couldn't think of a way to make something totally moisture proof. Sand would work for me great. Probably cover it somewhat...promised landlord to keep things discreet. Eh, when is scooping litter fun?

Tonight's feeding went pretty well. There were about a dozen. Slappy and Bandit escorted me to feeding station. Was a bit worried because I didn't see anyone else for a bit but then Patches showed up with about four others prancing up including Wolfie who seems to be making friends. Then more and more slowly filed in. So I'm feeling s whole lot better this evening.

Lady at thrift store gave me a couple of plates today! I've been using those trays that come under meats but they blow away so easy. Besides I wanted something I could take inside to wash good. They are that plastic tape plates melimine or something.

One door down and across the street is a retirement complex. The back service door was open so I stuck my head in. Talked to a nice young man with a big bushy black beard. He didn't have any pallets today but showed me where he puts them out and told me I could help myself. Yay!!!

 

[janem]

Lady from Humane Society was here today! Some good and some bad. Good news she's still willing to help.

The guy who lives downstairs (problem neighbor) turned into a real jerk. The garage we're concerned about he completly refused to let us even look in. Seems he is the only one with the combination for the lock. Keeps saying there aren't any cats there. Then his wife chimes in "but we see cats go in and out of there all the time" (She really wants to help but I am really worried about her...she had a stroke two weeks ago and has only been out of the hospital a week.)
Then he lets on that he's screwed the door shut on the trailer the landlord said I could use! His wife is like ok enough of this lets talk to the landlord. Who readily agreed to our checking the garage and fixing the door on the trailer for me to use. Feel really weirded out by her husband.

TNR lady even offered to bring some shelters (some school project made them) and straw to me for free! Trapping starts the 31st!!! Will go about a week.

 

[happypet6]

Tried to reply but don't think it worked. We use children's plates we found on Amazon. Walmart use to have them but don't now. Might could find some at dollar store. This has worked well for now. Continued good wishes to you (and lots of prayers)

 

[janem]

Thanks happy! I trim treats but cats not interested. As for cream, well I an allergic to dairy so I am kind of freaked out by the stuff.

 

[ondine]

Dairy isn't good for adult cats as most are lactose intolerant.

That is good news about the shelters and even better about gaining access to the garage and trailer.  Hopefully, the troublesome neighbor will be worn down eventually.  Fingers crossed.

We use Corelle bowls and plates.  I've found them at the thrift store but often buy them at Walmart.  I like the fact that I can put them in the dishwasher and really sterilize them between uses.

 

[janem]

I'm hanging in there and keeping faith that God will help see this through. How could he get me this far just to let it all fail?

Disappointed in some people...well should expect that. Even landlord was wanting to get rid of all the cats today! This after lecturing me on the vacuum created when that's done. He's been a walking storm cloud past few days (reference drunk). I told him to go have a great holiday weekend and relax.

 

[janem]

And then it all went to hell. Well I kinda know that the lady feeding the cats 24/7 was a little off but no one warned me she is bat **** crazy. Came over yesterday and started yelling and shooing cats away from feeding station. Yelling at me that ones my cat and that one and that one. They're my babies.

She has refused to talk to me all along. I was told she wanted the cats here nuetered. I couldn't get an answer to which cats she considers hers so I decided just to feed whoever shows up. I watched how the cats behaved and the only one social is Slappy and she hates him. Most were under nourished and very skittish. Several appear to have some health issues. Apparently any cat who crosses her yard she likes the look of is hers?

I am not trying to steal anyones cat but everyone else here considers these cats feral.

 

[ondine]

Oh, boy, oh boy.   Where exactly is the feeding station?  I go the impression it was closer to you place, so is she on your property when she's chasing the cats?

If not, you are in a sticky situation.  All I can think of is to give a heads-up to the landlord and to animal control, if you think that would help.

And regardless, I would continue to TNR EVERY cat you see.

I know that sounds radical but these cats are only going to suffer unless someone (sane) steps up and takes responsibility.  Unfortunately, you sound like the only sane one in your neighborhood.

The lady probably never realize you've fixed "her" cats and the cats will be so much better off.

My humble prayers are with you.

 

[janem]

Her house and the one I live in are next door to each other and the feeding station is on my property. Humane Society spoke to her when they came out (don't know what discussion was as she refused to speak with me there) and they plan to go on with the trappings. I am a bit worried about her when trapping goes on I am hoping this ladies daughter can keep her under control.

She has told me that any kittens found are to be given to her and she will take care and raise them. I can't let that happen. I plan to just keep TNRing and getting cats go safety. Will talk to landlord about her. He has the impression she was sick or all the cats.

 

[ondine]

OK - sounds like you've done all you can.  There's always a wild card, isn't there?

Good to have the Humane Society on your side.  Is there a way you can talk quietly to her daughter, just to get her support?  She may be you best asset in dealing with her.

 

[janem]

Whew..what a morning. We did manage to trap six cats. Which is a miracle considering. I will be going backout around evening feeding time to try for a few more.

Lady from Humane Society really irked by 24/7 lady who now is insisting all her cats are nuetered and should not be trapped. Landlord, Humane Society and I have made a pact to just keep TNRING away and

 

[ondine]

You are an amazing person!  Keep up the good work - it will pay off, I promise.

If they find one of the 24/7 lady's cats unaltered, that gives the lie to most anything she says.  You can probably ignore her and go about your business.

If she starts any trouble, call the police (or say your will, that might make her back off).

Can you or the Humane Society rep check with to the police - it wouldn't hurt to talk to them about your options.  In most cases, she would have to prove ownership (vet records, etc.)  If she can't, she has no leg to stand on.  But again, work with the authorities to design the best strategy.

 

[janem]

Humane Society brought someone from Animal Protection with them on one of their stops back here. Very clearly informed landlord only one of those cats is nuetered. Well we will just keep working on that.

Oh Animal Protection really concerned she might have animals in house. Landlord says no but who really knows.

 

[ondine]

Humane Society brought someone from Animal Protection with them on one of their stops back here. Very clearly informed landlord only one of those cats is nuetered. Well we will just keep working on that.

Oh Animal Protection really concerned she might have animals in house. Landlord says no but who really knows.

Oh boy.  In that case, I would just lay low, continue the TNR and let the authorities handle her issues.

 

[janem]

Oh jeez I wish I drank...had to call the police. The lady (can't believe I am using that word) saw me putting s cat in a cage in the trailer like all was planned. All hell breaks loose! Among other colorful things they plan to do to me is shove my sorry rear in one of those cages (cleaned that up a bit).

Called landlord to tell him what went down and to prepare him for what is probably gonna go down tomorrow. He recommended calling police so I did. Police agreed with what I am trying to do. Went and told those two either stay out of my way and cooperate of the police would just arrange to take ALL THE CATS AWAY. Then told me not to hesitate to call if needed.

Upside caught two more cats, found and am hiding two kittens.

Maybe yoga?

 

[janem]

Although I am a little concerned about the take all the cats away comment the police man confided to me he had no idea how to go about that. He also told me they went through something similar in his neighborhood and at least I was trying to do something. He was actually really supportive of the TNR.

He also suggested. I get Humane Society explain that the cats were in no danger shut in camper as the two causing the rucus claimed I was endangering the cats.

I tried hiding kittens in my room but Sweetie my indoor kitty turned devil cat. So downstairs neighbors helped me find another place.

I am really tired sorry for rambling.

 

[ondine]

As aggravating as it all was, this is good news.  You have the authorities on your side and that is major!

Keep up the good fight.

 

[happypet6]

I certainly agree about the spay/neuter. I personally know how expensive and time consuming this can be. Have you checked out the vets or, possibly, a spay/ neuter clinic? We live in a rather small town, but they recently built a very nice clinic for this. Sometimes a vet will give a discount for ferals or multiple cats. Verry sorry about the neighbor. Just maybe she would be willing to talkbwith you and work somrthing out. Always praying for you...