Struggling With Play Time

[Cat Buddies]

Thanks. I do have a scheduled play time. Sometimes they don't seem to want to play, but I try!

I see. Try it and let us know how it goes. My cats especially like cat mouse toy.. put little bit of catnip on the toy and see if your cats like it. Some cats goes hyperactive over catnip

 

[Animal Freak]

I see. Try it and let us know how it goes. My cats especially like cat mouse toy.. put little bit of catnip on the toy and see if your cats like it. Some cats goes hyperactive over catnip

One of my cats loves catnip, but the other two are only somewhat affected. They mostly like laying and rolling in it.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Maybe, but it sure seems like I would've heard something. My hearing is the one thing that actually works.

I've gotten the feeling that it's an elderly lady too, but I have no proof. They're definitely trying to help out and I'm still not entirely convinced that all the cats are unneutered. They're so peaceful and considering they have access to plenty of food as well as the inside of the house, it seems like there would be more kittens. I'm still sort of wondering if it isn't a colony they've been working with for a while and have gotten most of them fixed, but maybe there's a few left or more showing up or people dumping their cats there.

Yeah, I figured there would be more that I wasn't seeing, just not quite to this extent. Especially since a lot of them aren't exactly discreet. I would be nice if it was some decent food, but I'm not getting my hopes about that.

I saw more cats there today than I expected. According to my phone's weather app, it's 26 degree Fahrenheit and feels like 13 degrees. Though it didn't feel as bad as I expected. I almost didn't go out, but wanted to check on things since I hadn't been there in a couple of days. The chubby black cat was laying right outside a big bush. I didn't even notice him until I was almost past him because he was so still and I really wasn't expecting to see cats. But he just laid there. I was a few feet away from him and Stella was even closer than I was. Sort of makes me wonder if a lot of these cats aren't actually strays that were abandoned because it doesn't seem like a feral would be comfortable that close to a dog, even if that dog is around the same size as him. I saw the orange and white cat again too. He was sitting in the backyard and seemed much calmer today. Not even fazed by my presence. There was also a long-haired blue cat that I'm guess is the same one I saw before, but not positive. The cat looked young, but I don't really know much about cat ages.

It is interesting. I do think cats are more sensitive on hearing and smelling so it could have been a very subtle thing.

Yes, it is so difficult to know. I do know that there are times when intact males can get along in a colony. But depending on whether intact females are around etc. It is tricky but it does happen at times. It is a tricky situation to tell. My experience suggests that someone that does neutering and spaying tends to provide a little more in shelter, food, water. They are a little more careful (not saying this person isn't as I am not sure we know everything) in taking care of them. A lot of good people just feed and water and don't even think about doing the neutering/spaying. But it is all speculation. I hope they are taken care of but I suspect they probably aren't. But I hope I am wrong. I agree what we know so far does not exactly suggest my intuition is correct. I guess we will find out soon.

It is always surprising to see how many are really around. Yes, people mean well and don't always look at labels and trust that what food is being sold is good food. But unfortunately some of the food being sold is really bad and the buyers don't even know it. There should be laws about selling some of that bad food.

Oh my that is cold. A lot of ferals will stay very still thinking if they don't move then they will be safe (not act like prey). Then if someone or an animal "discovers" them they run or hold their ground to try to prevent an attack. I am guessing they are pretty comfortable around people for the most part which on one level is good. Of course that is dangerous too in a way. But your experience is not surprising. I will say that cats are more comfortable in "their" territory so I am guessing they are pretty much living there. And that would support their behavior you are seeing.

It is very difficult to get a sense of ages in cats even when close. Young is easy and old is easy but those 10 years in between are really hard in my opinion.

 

[Animal Freak]

Maybe. It's definitely difficult to figure out.

I don't know. They seem fairly well cared for to me. All that I've seen thus far have been a healthy weight or overweight, their fur seems in good shape, no one is injured, no seems sick other than possibly that orange cat, they have shelter. Heck, they're allowed in the house even. The outside shelter could probably use some work, but I'm not sure what could be better than letting them inside where there's heat. I'm not familiar with caring for ferals so I don't know what all goes into it or what can go into it, but it seems like quite a bit has been done for these cats. And if they truly are ferals then they've quite obviously gotten a lot of attention. I know that it's not always considered a good thing that they're so tame, but it would indicate someone has spent quite a bit of time with them. We'll find out though.

Well, if the wind wasn't blowing it actually felt alright, but when the wind blew, it hurt. That could be it. The cat seemed quite relaxed though. He wasn't bothered by our presence at all and we really were very close to him. Stella could have gotten to him if she had even noticed he was there, but she's as oblivious as I am. And then some. I talked to him too and tried to get a picture, but only got one before he got uncomfortable and left, but he just went further into the bush and stopped. They're pretty calm cats. Definitely calmer in their territory though. The few I've seen outside of that yard have left before I was anywhere near them.

This cat seemed somewhat... kittenish. Like, not really a kitten anymore, but not quite a full grown adult. But I could be wrong. Maybe it's just what the cat looks like. Or maybe I just didn't get a good look. I don't usually stop, so I only see the cats for a brief period of time.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Very. Maybe one day something will give more reason as to why.

Yes, there are a lot of signs of care etc which is great. I do think it is not all that great if they are being let in the house. Now the porch is like a catio so that is ok but getting a lot of cats in the house is somewhat concerning and could suggest certain things. It does seem like the person or people are trying and are caring which is great and suggests that continued improvement might be possible. I am hopeful that a happy ending is possible.

Yikes, that wind must have been bad. Ferals do get to know people and animals so I am guessing the cat is understanding you are not a threat.

It is hard to know. Feral cats do not have long lives and intact males will roam looking for mates so it is possible this cat is youngish. Just hard to know. Hopefully we will know soon though.

 

[Animal Freak]

Maybe.

I admit I worry a bit about the condition of the inside... The outside quite honestly smells. Along the fence is rather bad. And I can smell it, so you know it's bad. And the backyard is a mess. Boxes, tables, chairs... There's a little wagon out there too. If the outside of the house says anything about the inside... Well, it's not great. It's not entirely proven that the cats are inside. It seems likely, but there haven't been any cats in the windows inside the house that I could definitely recognize. That being said, there have been cats in the windows of the enclosed porch that I definitely didn't recognize.

It was a very cold wind. The cats do seem to have gotten used to me. They used to keep a pretty close eye on me when I walked by, but they're hardly fazed anymore.

The last two days I've been there early (yesterday at 2 and today at 1) and the vehicle has been there. They've changed the time on me.

I saw a lot of cats today. It was a cold day again. My phone said 27 degrees and felt like 23, but the sun was out and there was only a slight breeze, so it actually felt almost warm. At least in my coat it did. On my way to the cat house, I got to the road where I cross and saw a little blue short haired kitten crouched in the middle of the road eating something. Now, the roads are pretty quiet and speed limits are rather low, but it still worried me, so I started walking down the sidewalk in that direction to see if the kitten would run off. At first it just kept an eye on me. Then this short, stubby looking cat (definitely some sort of gray coloring, but I didn't get a good look) came running out of the bushes by me and took off across the road. I was hoping it would get the kitten or the kitten would follow it, but hope. It went right passed the little kitten and to the cat house. Fortunately, it only took another couple of steps before the kitten grabbed whatever it had and went under the vehicle. So then I turned around to go back and continue my walk, but I didn't get far before a silvery-gray long-haired kitten came running out of the bushes in front of me and across the road. There's definitely at least two kittens. The long-hair could be one I've seen before, but the short-hair is new to me.

Once I was crossing the road to get in front of the cat house, I saw the classic tabby I'm always admiring coming across the road in front of the house. She (I don't know why it's a she, but apparently it is) sort of half-ran, half-trotted to the yard and stopped in front of the stairs and turned to look at us. She seemed tense, but didn't run and I talked to her and she seemed to calm down a bit.

Further down the road there was a light silvery blue long-haired cat that I've never seen. Pretty calm, curious about Stella. No idea if she's (again, no clue why it's a she) part of the house colony or a pet or neither. Very pretty cat. I got a picture of her, but I need to start taking my camera with me to get better pictures.

On my way back, I saw two short-haired tabbies in the windows of the house, but recognized neither of them.

 

[calicosrspecial]

I am so sorry, this is so weird. I typed and sent a response on Wednesday or Thursday and I was wondering what happened to you. I just thought you got busy. So I checked the thread and I see there is no response. Ughhhhhhh.

So here it goes again. Fingers crossed.

Hahahaha, you are skeptical understandably. Cats are tricky to understand.

Yes, I agree. A lot of times they go hand in hand. Interesting we don't know if there are cats inside. That is interesting. I am hoping the person keeps them separated so in a way it is positive. It is understandable the porch has unknown cats. I just worry about the access to inside of the house.

What does the outside of the house smell like?

That makes sense because they can tell you are not a threat. Which is good.

Interesting. I wonder if the car belongs to a family member that helps out then. I am guessing it may not be a home care worker but they could spend more time there or shift the times. Hmmmmmmmmm. It could be that the car belongs to somewhere else. Or maybe no one lives in the house and the person just feeds the cats and checks in. So many possibilities.

Yes, this is not surprising. And seeing kittens tells me they probably are not fixed. It is really good that the rescue group wants to help. I think it is going to be a big job. :/

Yes, there are a lot of cats. Food will attract them. This is pretty typical of so many areas in this country. These cats are a bit more visible than usual but you are looking for them as well and they are feeling more comfortable around you. It is always surprising when we do a TNR how many are really around.

 

[Animal Freak]

Oh, no. That's frustrating. I was wondering if perhaps something had happened with the posts. It's so annoying when you have to retype everything though!

I got sick, so I haven't been doing much. I continued to walk down there to check on the cats, but I sort of figured no one would want me around with me being sick anyway. Now I need to get back on track.

And Ash slept with me for the first time ever the other night. I had him, Frost, and Ember and in bed with me. The next night I fell asleep with Ash and Frost and woke up with Ember.

I'm still trying to keep an eye out for familiar faces in the house, but I've only seen four cats so far. Two at a time. It's hard though because the tint of the windows. They look so dark. I know I haven't seen the two tabbies before.

It smells like cat urine. I don't know if it's because there's unneutered males marking or if it's just because there's so many cats going in the same areas, but it's pretty bad.

I'm glad Stella doesn't scare them. I worried about that a bit. She's small, but she's still a dog.

I did see the car outside the house around six last night, so it's there for quite a while. I had wondered if someone just stops by since the house is so dark and run down, but it seems like the person is there too long to just be stopping by.

Yeah, I'm glad I got in contact with that group. I'm going to continue trying to do what I can, but I'm not sure how much that'll be. Time has gotten by me rather quickly.

There are certainly a little. I need to write everything down. I want to keep track of them, but there's so many and there have been some I've only gotten a glimpse of from a distance. Yesterday there were two further down the road. Of course, I didn't have my camera and they were too far from me. One looked really big though.

 

[calicosrspecial]

It is really strange. I typed everything in, hit post replay and I thought it posted. But maybe there was a glitch and it just did that thing it does and abracadabra thing and it had a problem. Unfortunately I could remember what I wrote before.

Yes, I was worried about you. That wasn't like you (of course it was my fault but I didn't know that until today). I hope you are feeling better now. That is the worst. You probably got weakened by that cold weather.

WOW!!!! That is awesome!!! I think Ash is getting into a new phase, getting closer. Really cool. And all 3 together on the bed. WOW!! AWESOME!!!

Keep watching. It is hard to see and then cats can look very alike. Makes it challenging.

That is what I was thinking. I am guessing it is probably territorial marking by intact males. If it is pretty bad then that is probably it. Hopefully they can get taken care of so neighbors don't start making noise about it or contacting authorities etc.

Yes, they are getting to know her. Cats are skittish around dogs of all sizes at the beginning but they size them up to see what threat they pose. Stella is around cats so I am guessing she acts really normal and good around the ferals.

Interesting. Are you sure it belongs to that house? Maybe they live there. Maybe they just work a lot and just don't have the time, money or ability to keep things up.

I am hoping the county has that program to help with costs in place when they can come. I would definitely try to get a slot with them if the county is paying for TNR as opportunities fill up fast. It is hard to trap and then neuter/spay. Males can be released in a day or 2 but females take a while to recover and it is a lot of work in that recovery time.

Yes, it is hard. And sometimes the same cat can look like different cats in the different lighting etc. It isn't all that important to be honest. Knowing there are a lot is about what is needed to know. And when they do the trapping it will be shocking how many there really are. It is not uncommon to get all the traps filled in a night. We did I think 18 one night. It can be overwhelming at times but that organization sounds like they are experts so they will do fine.

 

[Animal Freak]

It is frustrating. I've had issues before where I lost my reply.

Yes, I'm feeling much better now. My mom got sick twice in about a week, so it was surprising I made it as long as I did without getting it. I managed to feel good enough to go volunteer Saturday though.

Ash really is changing a lot. He's getting more cuddly. I'm waiting for the night I end up with all four of them since Stella is allowed in my room now. So far just three at a time.

I will. I don't see many cats in the house though.

Yeah. Well, I'm going to keep trying to learn more and do my part and the organization can pick up wherever I leave off. They did say they could come, but it would have to wait.

Stella actually gets a bit excited to see them. She doesn't act that way around cats inside, but she starts whining when she sees cats outside. She really does love them though. They really aren't bothered by her though.

Well, the house is a corner lot and the vehicle is parked on the side of the road right by the fence, almost on the sidewalk. If it doesn't belong to whoever is at that house, then it's a very rude person parking on the wrong side of the road.

Well, the lady I talked to said she could make sure the cats could get neutered under that program. I'm hoping they'll be able to get the situation under control.

I know, but I want to know. I don't really know why, but I like keeping track of them. I like being able to think of them as individuals.

I had a bit of a scare today. I thought the black cat was dead. It was laying on it's side with it's back to me and didn't move at all even as we stood within a couple of feet of it. I swear I couldn't even see it breathing. I continued walking as I tried to figure out what I should do, but when I went back the cat had shifted and ended up looking at us. Very calm cat though and it had a friend in the bushes with it.

There's also officially at least three kittens today. I saw a short-haired blue, a long-aired blue, and a lighter long-haired dilute tortie that didn't have many markings. I saw the tortie pretty close as I hadn't even realized it was there and it stood there staring at us -- mostly at Stella -- and I noticed it's left eye is partly closed and watery.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Wow. I never had that happen before. Interesting that it is not just me. I wonder why. It was really strange.

I am so glad you are feeling better. Wow, your mom got it twice. Hopefully not too bad. Good for you to volunteer even when you didn't feel 100%.

That is great. It is interesting because my boy also has changed a lot. Gotten very cuddly. Still doesn't sleep with me but is now a lap cat. He started this at 8.5 years old. Ash is about the same age. It is interesting that they change (for whatever reason). I think it is wonderful. Hahahahaha, you may regret asking for 4 of them. I had 2 last night and that was enough for me. Good night sleeps are gone when that happens. Hahahahahaha It is great that they love so much.

That is good in my opinion. I think a positive.

You will learn a lot from them. That is how I started. I learned from someone and then you can do it on your own (for small TNRs) or with a few people for big ones. THe best part is they can do it so even though waiting isn't ideal it is better than nothing. It does fill up fast so make sure you get a time scheduled (as long as things can be taken care of).

WOW!!! I thought she just ignored them. but she loves them. Interesting. AND they don't mind. That is pretty cool. They know she isn't a threat.

Ahhhhhhhhh. It could be from another house (maybe). Sometimes people just park on the side they came from.

AWESOME!!! I would definitely get a date set. That is fantastic. Ideally getting most or all of them is ideal but even some are good. And the females are most important though getting both are best. It is tricky and challenging. I am trying to get an intact male and it is 8 months of trying here. He is seriously trap savvy and my ferals are causing problems getting him. The point is even when you think you know what you are doing it can be challenging. But getting some done is a good first step. Then you can follow up and try to get some of the remaining ones. I am so glad you got to know this group. They are going to be a HUGE help to the cats and the community. Fantastic.

ABSOLUTELY!! I know exactly what you mean. I have names for all of them too. They are individuals with unique traits and mannerisms. I don't always have great names for them but after a while they respond to their names. I have another intact male I named "Big Tiger". A beautiful big tabbie. The other day I saw him about 400 feet away and I called him and he came over. Of course my ferals chased him away before I could feed him but he knows his name. Pretty cool.

Oh wow. That is scary. It is strange the cat was so calm. Was it sunny out? Maybe the cat was asleep in the sun though being out in the open is strange. I do want to warn you, be prepared for some sadness when dealing with ferals. Some things can be very emotionally difficult.

Oh no. You may want to mention the kittens to the rescue. Kittens are easier to find homes for and any health issues can be cleared up more easily.

I think there are many intact cats around there.

 

[Animal Freak]

I've had a few different issues on a number of occasions. Oftentimes those issues involved a cat, but not always. Usually it saves me draft and I don't have to retype everything, but I think I've had it happen before that my draft wasn't saved.

Well, I felt a lot better that day in general and at the time I felt good too. Being outside seemed to help me and I'll do just about anything to get to hang out with a dog.

Yeah, it is interesting to watch them change. We always said Ash was going to be a grumpy old man, but now he's getting sweeter and Frost is getting crabbier. Though Ash can still be a bit of a jerk at times. He's just a cuddlier jerk. Lol. I've found the amount of cats in my bed doesn't really matter. Ember is the only one who lays right next to me, so I forget about the other two being there sometimes. But adding Stella certainly makes things more difficult. She wants to be right next to me as well, so I end up with Stella on one side and Ember on the other. It's hard enough moving with just Ember.

Yes, I'd definitely like to learn how to do TNR myself. I'd like to do what I can to help. Honestly, it just hasn't been a great time for me to get into it. I'm still going to try, but it would be easier around the time they'll be able to help. But the whole point was me trying to get a start beforehand so there'd be fewer cats to breed.

Sometimes Stella doesn't seem to notice the cats and then she doesn't whine, but if they're rather close or she sees them move then she gets very whiny. She does have a little bit of a prey drive left though it's mostly faded, so when they take off running she gets a bit excited. I really don't think she'd do anything even if she was able to go after them. I think it's more a combination of the sudden movement as well as the general excitement of seeing a cat. My cats have taught her to be a little more cautious of cats anyway.

I got out early today (just got back in, left around 11:20) and the vehicle was there. Food was mostly eaten. I'm still thinking the vehicle belongs to that house. The house across the street has a driveway which had a car in it as well as two on the road. That's the only house that would really make sense. And I'm thinking the parking might be strategic. It's always parked right at the start of the fence, as close to the sidewalk as possible, if not actually on it. It seems like they could park a lot closer to the door, so I'm wondering if they don't park there in an attempt to keep people away from the fence.

I am certainly glad I got in contact with the group as well. Hopefully they'll be able to handle the worst of the situation and I'll learn. Maybe I can be more helpful once I know what to do and expect. Then I can be a bigger part of getting the cats fixed and they can shift some of their focus to other colonies. But apparently the shelter I volunteer at is working on setting up a TNR program as well, so they'll be able to take some of the burden as well.

I've thought about giving them all names, but I have trouble keeping up with them and I'm not really good with names. I overthink everything, so I'm not good at giving just really simple names. And I don't really know them that well, so I don't know their full personality. I know which are the calmest, which are more nervous, where some of them like to lay, etc.

Oh, yes. Sunny and warm. Almost fifty degrees yesterday. That cat is definitely one of the calmest. It's the second time I've seen it laying though, though this time it was definitely much less guarded. It really scared me though because I couldn't see it breathing at all. I stood there for a long moment watching it. I know there's likely to be some very sad moments, but I'm afraid that's likely no matter what path I take as long as I choose to help animals. I try not to think about it too much because I know it's what I want to do.

I can certainly let them know, but I'm thinking they'll still have to wait to be able to come. And I forgot to get my dad's trap, so I don't have one right now. The kittens are also the most skittish of the cats. I kind of thought they'd be calmer since they're so young and the adults are pretty calm, but those kittens are more terrified of me than any of the adults with the exception of that orange cat who might be about equal except even he's gotten used to me. Speaking of him, I haven't seen him in a little while. I never saw him much until more recently, but I'm a little worried.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Yes, cat issues are a cause. And yes, it usually saves a draft which has happened to me before. But this time I hit post reply and I thought I saw it go up (I guess not). And when I checked the thread wondering it was not posted. Really strange.

That is good. Yes, animals will help a person feel better!!

It really is. I know, we think they will be one way and then they fool us. My girl can be really moody. I never saw that coming. Hahahaha, cuddlier jerk. Too funny. You are lucky. Mine make it kind of hard to sleep. They are on me and make me hold them and walk all over me etc. It is pretty interactive sadly. One on each side would be a challenge.

I would just wait for them to do it and then learn from them. It is a much better path. Doing it on your own before them is probably not the best way in my opinion. It is tricky. And when a cat goes wild in the trap it can be very unsettling. Emotionally it is not all that easy.

That makes sense. An excitement play whine. I had a poodle that was like that. Yeah, when they run I am guessing she just wants to play. I can't believe Stella would hurt anyone. It is good she is more cautious around ferals.

Interesting. That makes sense.

So true. I think they will definitely handle the most difficult part and you can learn. You will be helpful in time. My first time I just watched and did anything they asked me to (which wasn't much). They are experts and sometimes being inexperienced can be more of an obstacle. But don't worry, things will go fine and you will learn. It is fantastic your rescue is going to be doing TNR. Really great and what you learn from your colony can help them in the future. FANTASTIC!!!

I think you will do fine. A lot of my names are VERY simple. It is just fun and sometimes I have trouble recognizing them. But it is good. I have named male cats female names and vice versa. Imagine telling the vet a name and it doesn't match the gender!! Hahahahaha Anytime you care about an animal it is good so I never worry.

YEAH!!! Good weather makes life better (for humans and the cats). It sounds like that cat was calm!! I know, it can be really scary. I have been there. Yes, as long as you are somewhat prepared (though one can never really be). I still cry way too often and too hard. It is still hard after you have seen it many times. But trying to know that it will be emotional is good even though it doesn't really prepare a person.

Yes, I would let them know. Just in case they could help especially for the little kitty with the eye trouble. Kittens tend to be most skittish and for good reason, survival. They are very vulnerable (even from other cats) so the more skittish they are the better. I had a kitten in my colony from a cat that came in and I didn't take her in because I didn't want to take her from her mother yet. One day the kitten was gone. It was so hard. I still blame myself. I was feeding her off my finger and she got too bold and wasn't hiding enough. Just awful. A mistake I will never make again.

Being worried about ferals is common since oftentimes they do disappear (because they are looking for a mate or food etc) or something bad. It is emotional very difficult but sometimes there are happy endings. My one feral disappeared for 5 months and he came back fortunately but some disappeared and had a bad result and some unknown. Really emotionally difficult. But the positives outweigh the negatives. We just have to keep moving forward and doing our best.

 

[Animal Freak]

It is strange. Hopefully it doesn't happen again.

Haha. I have gotten lucky. Two of my cats actually sleep through the night.. Ash is the only one who has caused problems at night. He would run around and yowl in the middle of the night, oftentimes two or three times a night. He did that for a long time, but he finally seems to have stopped. Ember does occasionally decide she needs attention in the middle of the night, but fortunately it doesn't happen often. She can be a real pain then and I never have the heart to kick her off the bed.

It's definitely tough. I wanted to be able to fix some of them so there would be fewer kittens, but it's a lot to figure out when it comes to trying to get information, get a hold of traps, try to contact the person, and then decide how to go about it, how to transport cats, and where to keep them. It's a bit overwhelming.

Stella is an extremely whiny dog. It's probably her biggest issue. I do still worry about her around squirrels and rabbits a bit though. She did bring in a squirrel tail when she lived with my aunt. No idea how she got it. But she had a very strong prey drive when I first took her in. I think just due to a lack of exposure since she didn't get walks. Now she only reacts if they catch her off guard.

I went out again today. Car was there when I first walked by. On my way back it was gone. Weird. It's usually there around four. Someone needs to tell this person to stick to a schedule. It's sort of bothering me.

Yes, at least maybe I can learn from this organization and bring my knowledge/experience to the shelter. I wish I could have done something for these cats sooner, but it just all happened so quickly. Hopefully there won't be too many kittens born. There's already so many cats.

I've tried thinking of names and haven't come up with much. I overthink everything, so simple things are more difficult than they should be. I'd like to get a name for the classic tabby since she's the one I see the most and she's very pretty. She's also one of the calmest.

That black cat definitely doesn't seem bothered by me in the slightest. Even once it was watching me, it just watched through partially shut eyes and only ever lifted it's head. Never got up. Yeah, I'm not sure how I'll handle all the hard times, but I'll get through it one way or another.

That makes sense. I wasn't sure if their instincts would be so sharp when they're surrounded by adults who don't seem to care much at all. They probably aren't skittish enough though. I mean, they've made it this long. For someone who isn't looking or doesn't care then they'd probably never really see them. But they're not completely out of sight. The long-hair blue kitten seems to be the most skittish. That one is never in sight for more than a couple of seconds.

It is hard. It's already a bit hard and I don't even know these cats very well. I haven't done anything. I just realized today the mackerel tabby hasn't been around. I saw a new mackerel tabby this morning, but I'm almost positive it isn't the same one. And this is one of the original three that I saw pretty regularly. It wasn't uncommon to go a few days without seeing them due to cold weather which is why I didn't pay it much mind, but we've had some decent weather and it hasn't been around. I used to see it on the front porch.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Hopefully. I am guessing it probably will though. But there was no harm so it isn't too bad.

Yes, you are lucky!! Mine like to get up, get a drink, eat, roam around, come back, sleep, repeat. Hahahahahaha. I hope they keep sleeping through the night for you.

VERY overwhelming. It is understandable. I know what you mean, it is better to get them before but right now it is less than ideal. It is easier for a group that knows what they are doing to come in and trap as many cats as possible. You will learn a lot from this group.

It happens but it sounds like you are making progress with her which is great. Some dogs do like to hunt but it is good she is doing less of that.

Hahahahaha. Too bad you didn't see who got in the car. :/

I think you will learn a lot and that experience will help a lot in the future. I know, it did come up fast (which happens often). But we can only do what we are capable of doing and you have done a lot by contacting the organization. This TNR will save 100s and 1000s of lives. It will make a big difference in quality of life. It is great the group you volunteer for will be doing TNR. It is the best most humane way to go in my opinion.

You will find names. You named yours really well so you will do it. Something will trigger in your mind a name. Some people are so creative with names, I am not so much but it is the love behind it that matters most.

Too funny. The black cat is like "I know that person, they are cool".

There survival instincts are strong which is great. It is how people react to them as you mention. If they sense a person doesn't see them they will act differently than if they think someone sees them. Some ferals don't like to be looked at when they are eating. I often feed ferals very close to build trust. And sometimes I have to look away (which is kind of scary) but it helps ease any tension.

I know. Cats can disappear because they are looking for food or a mate or got chased away etc. It just depends. I think I try to just do my best and what I can and try to accept that life can be hard and not fair. It is never easy and we never get comfortable with things but trying to just keep moving forward and helping as many as possible is about the best way to get through things. :/

 

[Animal Freak]

I seem to have jinxed myself. Last night someone went running around. And it wasn't like they ran all at once and then quit. They ran for a moment and then it would be quiet and I'd start think they were done and then they'd run again. That went on for over half an hour and I'm not sure who it was because I only had Frost with me.

And Ember snagged a piece of grilled chicken off my plate today. And then threw it up.

And Ash went crazy and knocked down my backdrop for photography.

Yes, hopefully they'll let me learn and be able to help in the future. I'd like to be able to do that.

Yeah, Stella's prey drive is nearly gone now. She gets excited about sudden movements, but doesn't try to chase anymore. It just took time and exposure.

It seems like the county and the organizations within the county are trying to do a lot. I think TNR is still new here. I'm not sure if it was illegal before or just not a focus, but at least they're doing something now. I'm glad there will be someone else doing TNR as well. My mom and I are certainly all for it.

I can only take credit for half the names of my animals though since Stella came with hers and my mom actually came up with Ember since I wanted to stick with the theme. Though Stella went ahead and ruined the theme. I've gotten pickier since naming my cats though.

Yes, they definitely have survival instincts. Though that little tortie let us get rather close. Perhaps she just wasn't feeling up to running though. Maybe she was hoping she wouldn't have to. And she probably knew she was close enough to the fence to get away even if either I or Stella went after her.

I do admit I'm now worried about that mackerel tabby. I used to see that cat rather often. Nearly as often as the classic tabby who is still around. The orange cat's disappearance isn't quite as weird since I didn't see it as frequently, but I would have expected to see him at least once with this nice weather.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Yep, that happens. That is what cats do.

Poor Ember, she must have eaten too fast. Mine had chicken today too but I gave them it. But if I didn't they would have taken it off my plate as well.

OH MY. That is not good (not the running around but knocking the backdrop down). I hope it wasn't damaged.

Mine were real wild last night too. I wonder if it was the moon or something like that.

They will I am sure. Just explain to them your interest in helping animals. I have never met anyone that turns someone away when they are interested.

That is really good. Well done!!

I think it is fantastic. Not all governments understand it so anytime they embrace it it is terrific. TNR is the best way to go. I am really proud of your area.

That is pretty good. I will say you have great names. Your mom did a good job naming Ember.

That is interesting. I wonder if someone is working with them. Usually they would hide even with a fence. That is a pretty smart cat it seems.

Well, one never knows. I have had some go away for a LONG TIME and then they come back. And I worry too. I had someone near me trapping which I didn't know about and taking them to animal control where they get euthanized. I lost several that way sadly. NOW I know that person does that so I check animal control. BUT I have others that disappeared and came back so they chase mates or get chased away or look for food etc. Who knows what happens. We just can't protect them. Even mine that spend 90% of their time here go away for a few hours and I worry. It is never easy sadly.

 

[JesseJupiter]

Just real quick on the subject of trying different toys my cat loves those ring shaped donuts wuth the ball in them thats captive. im not sure what they are called, we have one with a light up ball and Tek absolutly LOVES it at night. Make sure to get one that is made well and is rather hard to remove the ball from otherwise the cats will pull it out and you will never find it again or if you do find it it will be in the middle of the night on a trip to the toilet with your bare foot.

 

[Animal Freak]

Just real quick on the subject of trying different toys my cat loves those ring shaped donuts wuth the ball in them thats captive. im not sure what they are called, we have one with a light up ball and Tek absolutly LOVES it at night. Make sure to get one that is made well and is rather hard to remove the ball from otherwise the cats will pull it out and you will never find it again or if you do find it it will be in the middle of the night on a trip to the toilet with your bare foot.

Thanks. We actually have a little track with a light up ball in it. They paw at it sometimes, but they got bored with toys rather quickly. It's mostly covered so they can't get the ball out, but I think that's also part of why they get bored with it.

 

[Animal Freak]

Yep, that happens. That is what cats do.

Poor Ember, she must have eaten too fast. Mine had chicken today too but I gave them it. But if I didn't they would have taken it off my plate as well.

OH MY. That is not good (not the running around but knocking the backdrop down). I hope it wasn't damaged.

Mine were real wild last night too. I wonder if it was the moon or something like that.

They will I am sure. Just explain to them your interest in helping animals. I have never met anyone that turns someone away when they are interested.

That is really good. Well done!!

I think it is fantastic. Not all governments understand it so anytime they embrace it it is terrific. TNR is the best way to go. I am really proud of your area.

That is pretty good. I will say you have great names. Your mom did a good job naming Ember.

That is interesting. I wonder if someone is working with them. Usually they would hide even with a fence. That is a pretty smart cat it seems.

Well, one never knows. I have had some go away for a LONG TIME and then they come back. And I worry too. I had someone near me trapping which I didn't know about and taking them to animal control where they get euthanized. I lost several that way sadly. NOW I know that person does that so I check animal control. BUT I have others that disappeared and came back so they chase mates or get chased away or look for food etc. Who knows what happens. We just can't protect them. Even mine that spend 90% of their time here go away for a few hours and I worry. It is never easy sadly.

I'm sure she did eat it too fast! It was a decent size. Not huge, but bigger than what she usually gets and it was gone by the time I got to her. I had given them a few bites from that piece anyway, but I don't usually give them the outside since that has the seasonings. It was my fault though. I was trying to get up and got the plate too close to her.

Oh, I'm sure it's fine. The stand is made of metal, so I'd imagine the floor took more damage than the stand. I was more worried about it falling on him since I could see it fall out of the corner of my eye.

That's interesting. Like little werecats that go crazy with the moon. Lol.

I didn't really think they would, but a part of me always doubts. I definitely do want to learn though.

Yeah, at least this one thing was done right. I think it's great as well.

I like Ember's name as well. When I got Ash, I actually already wanted to name a cat that, so his name had been decided before we even picked him out.

She was definitely very nervous. She had completely frozen like she wasn't sure if she should run or stand her ground. She wouldn't move and once I noticed her eyes, I didn't want to get too close and bring something back to my bunch, so I went around.

That's sad that someone was taking them to animal control. I hope that doesn't happen here, especially with the cats who are out in the open and wandering around. I have seen someone with a trap in their yard, but it's just sitting there. It isn't set or anything.

Wow. Okay, so I saw both cats I was worried about on my way home from our (second) walk. First was the orange cat who kind of scared me. I saw a movement on top of the carport behind the house. I didn't know what it was at first, but it looked like it was coming right at us! I looked up and there was Mister Squinty Eyes looking down at us with a disdainful look on his face. Then the mackerel tabby was on the stairs of the front porch. At least I'm pretty sure it's the same cat. It's fur looked shorter, but I guess it might've blown it's winter coat already.