Feral in my garage

tarasgirl06

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OMG tarasgirl06 that is BEYOND awesome!! Thanks for sharing. Truly inspiring as to what can be done!
*It helps when your ex has been a finish carpenter and has all the necessary tools, and is making good money...that's not the case any more. Now, I live urban and would have to pull a permit to do anything like that. The land is too small here, anyway, and it's polluted here, so I wouldn't want them being outside.* Glad you enjoyed it, though! It was gorgeous and I hope the buyers and their beloved cats are enjoying it very much.
 

Whenallhellbreakslose

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*It helps when your ex has been a finish carpenter and has all the necessary tools, and is making good money...that's not the case any more. Now, I live urban and would have to pull a permit to do anything like that. The land is too small here, anyway, and it's polluted here, so I wouldn't want them being outside.* Glad you enjoyed it, though! It was gorgeous and I hope the buyers and their beloved cats are enjoying it very much.
WOW!!! 😲 Love that Catio!!! I wish I had one. Your kitties were very loved-- it shows.💕💕💕💕
 

tarasgirl06

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WOW!!! 😲 Love that Catio!!! I wish I had one. Your kitties were very loved-- it shows.💕💕💕💕
They were! How bizarre, then, that when I asked my ex who was dumping us if he knew there might be casualties (due to my having to take as many as I could down here, and find a safe haven for the others, breaking my heart, because this city has quotas) he said he did.
"Love" is a funny thing. It's "forever" -- until it isn't. No more for me, thanks!
 

Whenallhellbreakslose

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They were! How bizarre, then, that when I asked my ex who was dumping us if he knew there might be casualties (due to my having to take as many as I could down here, and find a safe haven for the others, breaking my heart, because this city has quotas) he said he did.
"Love" is a funny thing. It's "forever" -- until it isn't. No more for me, thanks!
So sorry. I have had my share of people who were like the water works; they run hot and they run cold. I even dated a guy who hid his indifference towards cats because he really wanted to be with me. Ofcourse, he gave himself away with some hurtful comment about cats. It made me look at him closer and that wasn't they only thing he lied about--so I broke up with him. I respect being open and honest. I am very upfront about my love for animals, especially cats. I seriously can't connect with anyone who doesn't love animals. It is a part of who I am. Love it or leave it.
Once again, sorry about your ex. Some people just don't fully understand the bad outcomes of their actions. They lie to themselves very well, so as to not feel any guilt or shame. There are plenty of people out there who does this.
 

tarasgirl06

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So sorry. I have had my share of people who were like the water works; they run hot and they run cold. I even dated a guy who hid his indifference towards cats because he really wanted to be with me. Ofcourse, he gave himself away with some hurtful comment about cats. It made me look at him closer and that wasn't they only thing he lied about--so I broke up with him. I respect being open and honest. I am very upfront about my love for animals, especially cats. I seriously can't connect with anyone who doesn't love animals. It is a part of who I am. Love it or leave it.
Once again, sorry about your ex. Some people just don't fully understand the bad outcomes of their actions. They lie to themselves very well, so as to not feel any guilt or shame. There are plenty of people out there who does this.
Yeah. How well I know! He really did love cats, though -- he'd rescued a big guy from a construction site when we started going out, and he and his first ex (my former friend--long story and I refused to get serious until he told her. She was already on another relationship at the time and they hadn't gotten along well for a long time. He pursued me. I declined, but her persisted. Long story.) always had cats. That's why I could not wrap my mind around his cavalier attitude -- until I thought about how he'd left THEM. And he left me for an old GF he should have been with all along IMHO. I'll never forgive him but everything happens for a reason. We may not always know what it is, or think it's a beneficial one. But it's true. To be fair, no relationship breaks as a result of only one person's actions/behaviors. We both could have done better. But it's all water under the bridge now.
 

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That is a rough thing to go through. I hope you find happiness again with the right guy. I know not everyone doesn't like this saying, but it speaks a lot to me with all the crazy stuff I have been through. "Whatever doesn't kill you--makes you stronger". Hang in there. HUGS.🤗
 
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Most people are such a mixed bag . . but it seems that loyalty is less and less these days. People seem more self-absorbed. To love someone and then one day "Whoops, sorry, don't love you today" is nuts to me. It seems we are more loyal to ferals that we try to help than some people are to their significant others!

I was married in my 20's and when we got divorced, all I wanted was our cat. My friends told me I was an idiot for not trying to get money since he was wealthy, but all I asked for was our cat . ..did not want to negotiate and risk losing Kibbie. So, I ended up with an empty apartment with no furniture or anything .. .but I had my Kibbie! I had him 18 years and it was one of the best decisions I ever made!

PS. I did date a vet once - only one date - he came over to pick me up and both cats hid under the bed. He said it happened every time . they just "knew."
 

tarasgirl06

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Most people are such a mixed bag . . but it seems that loyalty is less and less these days. People seem more self-absorbed. To love someone and then one day "Whoops, sorry, don't love you today" is nuts to me. It seems we are more loyal to ferals that we try to help than some people are to their significant others!

I was married in my 20's and when we got divorced, all I wanted was our cat. My friends told me I was an idiot for not trying to get money since he was wealthy, but all I asked for was our cat . ..did not want to negotiate and risk losing Kibbie. So, I ended up with an empty apartment with no furniture or anything .. .but I had my Kibbie! I had him 18 years and it was one of the best decisions I ever made!

PS. I did date a vet once - only one date - he came over to pick me up and both cats hid under the bed. He said it happened every time . they just "knew."
I would have done likewise. I was married at barely 18 and divorced by 20. He was not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination. Our cat, whom the landlord would not let me have when I had to move, went to my parents and was much loved by us all.
Nope! No more relationships for me, thanks. People do not have the slightest idea what love really is, and as to loyalty, it's passe to them. Not to me. I have no need of relationships except with cats! and my roomies and other relatives and friends.
And yes, absolute loyalty to feral cats! :redheartpump:
 
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Bitsy's Mom

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For the main protagonist in my novel - the most important thing to her is her gray kitty Mr. Bellows! He’s an important part of the story. As important as any human!

Re Oscar - he’s doing ok and working in feeding him slowly into the trap again.As the weather turns - and I can trap him - and I haven’t moved - maybe I could try him in my finished basement. He will still hear the footsteps upstairs though so that might not be any better. I could do the garage again but then he’s unreachable in the rafters. I guess I just have to take it one day at a time and also try to find a sanctuary so I have that option.
 

tarasgirl06

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For the main protagonist in my novel - the most important thing to her is her gray kitty Mr. Bellows! He’s an important part of the story. As important as any human!

Re Oscar - he’s doing ok and working in feeding him slowly into the trap again.As the weather turns - and I can trap him - and I haven’t moved - maybe I could try him in my finished basement. He will still hear the footsteps upstairs though so that might not be any better. I could do the garage again but then he’s unreachable in the rafters. I guess I just have to take it one day at a time and also try to find a sanctuary so I have that option.
If he has a cozy den in the basement that is lined with soft bedding, it might help to muffle footsteps. If that bedding is sprayed with Feliway, he might calm and decide that it's really a nice place to be, much nicer than the big bad world outside.
NEVER give up on a cat.
 
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Bitsy's Mom

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I agree! I just need to have a plan in place when I try to trap him again. Like where in my house and if he doesn’t eat - what sanctuary he can go to immediately. I can’t get into the same situation I was in before and have to let him go.
 

Whenallhellbreakslose

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Most people are such a mixed bag . . but it seems that loyalty is less and less these days. People seem more self-absorbed. To love someone and then one day "Whoops, sorry, don't love you today" is nuts to me.
I agree 100%. Which is why I also enjoy the company of animals (especially cats) over most people. People can be very fickle which turns me off. I am sick of that bs altogether.

I am glad to hear that Oscar is doing okay. He does trust you, which is good. Take it one day at a time. If you are looking into animal sanctuaries that can be an expensive option. Maybe they aren't as expensive in your state, but they usually run $3,000 and over. Barn programs run around $300 and over. I have looked into these options in placing some of the ferals that were dumped on me. I may have to move in the near future, so I wanted to get some kitties in a safe place, but I ended up having a fight with the other feeder who up and dumped these cats on me. SMH!😬 So it
is perfectly okay for her to dump cats on me, but when I tried to find a place for them (at the request of her husband) she goes nuts on me telling me to leave them on the streets and how dare I think of finding a place for them--I must be nuts. 🤨 Very frustrating situation to be in. Oh, and she dumped even more cats on me in the last month. Anyway, sorry for ranting.
Oscar is very lucky to have you as a caretaker. Just take it day by day. Strengthen that bond and when the time is right (after you figured out where you will hold him), make your move. Everyone here is rooting for you. Hang in there. 🙂
 

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I agree 100%. Which is why I also enjoy the company of animals (especially cats) over most people. People can be very fickle which turns me off. I am sick of that bs altogether.

I am glad to hear that Oscar is doing okay. He does trust you, which is good. Take it one day at a time. If you are looking into animal sanctuaries that can be an expensive option. Maybe they aren't as expensive in your state, but they usually run $3,000 and over. Barn programs run around $300 and over. I have looked into these options in placing some of the ferals that were dumped on me. I may have to move in the near future, so I wanted to get some kitties in a safe place, but I ended up having a fight with the other feeder who up and dumped these cats on me. SMH!😬 So it
is perfectly okay for her to dump cats on me, but when I tried to find a place for them (at the request of her husband) she goes nuts on me telling me to leave them on the streets and how dare I think of finding a place for them--I must be nuts. 🤨 Very frustrating situation to be in. Oh, and she dumped even more cats on me in the last month. Anyway, sorry for ranting.
Oscar is very lucky to have you as a caretaker. Just take it day by day. Strengthen that bond and when the time is right (after you figured out where you will hold him), make your move. Everyone here is rooting for you. Hang in there. 🙂
Other feeder is at least feeding, but does not sound like a very loving person if she is telling you to leave them on the streets!!! Doesn't she care about the cats?
 
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Bitsy's Mom

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That’s awful about the feeder dumping cats on you. Like my experience with the rescue that held him in a trap for a long time - people who say they love animals can run hot and cold. Or be super unreliable and then the animals suffer.

I didn’t realize sanctuaries were in the thousands of dollars. I thought about $800 which I could pay. Ugh. For those frantic days I had him inside and he wasn’t eating, drinking or peeing - I called about 12 that I found online. None were taking cats. I have to figure out some kind of plan for him.

Anyway - this is him tonight. I started trying to feed him in the trap again like it’s no big deal and so far so good. Finger crossed when I have the plan - I can get him again.

(He won’t eat unless I’m 15 ft away so not sure if he trusts me but I try to inch closer and look in the opposite direction).
 

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tarasgirl06

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That’s awful about the feeder dumping cats on you. Like my experience with the rescue that held him in a trap for a long time - people who say they love animals can run hot and cold. Or be super unreliable and then the animals suffer.

I didn’t realize sanctuaries were in the thousands of dollars. I thought about $800 which I could pay. Ugh. For those frantic days I had him inside and he wasn’t eating, drinking or peeing - I called about 12 that I found online. None were taking cats. I have to figure out some kind of plan for him.

Anyway - this is him tonight. I started trying to feed him in the trap again like it’s no big deal and so far so good. Finger crossed when I have the plan - I can get him again.

(He won’t eat unless I’m 15 ft away so not sure if he trusts me but I try to inch closer and look in the opposite direction).
Oscar's so gorgeous!
Yeah, the thing is, we in the cat advocacy movement were really making progress on spay/neuter/TNR until the pandemic hit and the happy hunter of a then Surgeon General decreed spay/neuter to be "elective" rather than the essential lifesaving service it is. She also delegated PPE for human-specific use rather than for all of the health care needed by anyone. That seems still to be policy although her worthless a$$ was replaced. So all of the work we have all done was severely undermined and we are now working against that setback. Of course it only takes one "kitten season" to have cat overpopulation once again, and to have all of the shelters, humane societies, rescues and sanctuaries full to capacity. Add the "pandemic adoptions" and returns to that number and you've got the present state of affairs, which is pretty dismal. That's why there is no space. But we won't quit. We also strongly, strongly encourage everyone who can to adopt for life and be caregivers for life. So I'm certainly praying Oscar will give things a good hard think and decide, "Hey, this home stuff is pretty cool! I love the regular food! The comfort is nice, too. Think I'll STAY!" :redheartpump: :bigeyes: :redheartpump:
 
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Bitsy's Mom

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Oscar's so gorgeous!
Yeah, the thing is, we in the cat advocacy movement were really making progress on spay/neuter/TNR until the pandemic hit and the happy hunter of a then Surgeon General decreed spay/neuter to be "elective" rather than the essential lifesaving service it is. She also delegated PPE for human-specific use rather than for all of the health care needed by anyone. That seems still to be policy although her worthless a$$ was replaced. So all of the work we have all done was severely undermined and we are now working against that setback. Of course it only takes one "kitten season" to have cat overpopulation once again, and to have all of the shelters, humane societies, rescues and sanctuaries full to capacity. Add the "pandemic adoptions" and returns to that number and you've got the present state of affairs, which is pretty dismal. That's why there is no space. But we won't quit. We also strongly, strongly encourage everyone who can to adopt for life and be caregivers for life. So I'm certainly praying Oscar will give things a good hard think and decide, "Hey, this home stuff is pretty cool! I love the regular food! The comfort is nice, too. Think I'll STAY!" :redheartpump: :bigeyes: :redheartpump:
Yes .. . he is a looker that is for sure. Solid black, long-haired and fluffy, with yellow eyes. It was love at first sight!
 

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Yes .. . he is a looker that is for sure. Solid black, long-haired and fluffy, with yellow eyes. It was love at first sight!
Our second family cat was a longhaired golden-eyed black Siamese. He was stunningly gorgeous, too. I love all cats, but black and tortoiseshell cats are my favorites, aesthetically speaking.
 

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tarasgirl06 tarasgirl06 I have come to conclusion that the other feeder is a hoarder. I told her many times that the neighbors are not crazy with so many cats on the block. (We have a large post tnr colony). I called an animal sanctuary and the director was going to waive his fee for 2 cats. I told him, I could supply cat food, but that was it. I wanted him to find a home for these cats while they were in his care. We have a handful of friendly cats on the block. When she found out what I was trying to do, she had a conniption. I got fed up with her bs and called her out on her lies and then she made a legal threat against me and told me that I was crazy to try to take ferals of the street. She would not even acknowledge the sweet friendly cats that I think are adoptable stuck outdoors. Typical hoarder! They collect cats like crazy and when they are overwhelmed or tired they dump on others. It is a very, very frustrating situation to be in. I am worried about getting these cats through winter. She is doing more harm to cats than good by not trying to get the friendly cats off streets, so the cat colony on our block could be better managed. If she truly cared about the cats she would understand this.

Bitsy's Mom Bitsy's Mom Oscar truly is gorgeous. I hope you find the right solution to trapping him again. Might I suggest, you getting a hold of a drop trap that you can camouflage. The only problem is the transfer to the other trap. I have done it and you have to keep your wit's about you. One time I got two cats trapped under a d.t. and I had to work at letting the untargeted cat out, while getting the target one transfered into the other trap. If you can find someone a little more experienced, then you can try this approach. That is the trap that is used for previously trapped cats, difficult to trap cats, and momma kitties with kittens.

I learned a long time ago that not everyone who says they help cats are actually helping cats. Hoarding is one such problem and sad to say it isn't just individuals, but there have been some rescue organizations that were found out to be hoarding animals. In no way am I knocking rescue organizations, there are plenty that are doing much good in the communities they serve and then their are the ones who are doing more harm than good.😕 That rescue/tnr group that trapped Oscar did him a great disservice holding him so long. It probably caused him much stress. I had a late spay, I was told to hold as long as I could. I transfer her into a nice size crate in my garage. She had a hideaway bed in the crate and I kept the garage as warm as possible for her. I went out of my way to make her feel less stressed out and it worked. After a week, I let her out and she was a much nicer cat after that. I also held a sick kitty for 3 weeks. Treating him with medicine, making him feel comfortable, and interacting with him. He opened up to me and I was able to hold him, pet him and play with him. It was a very rewarding experience. I was very worried he might develop the cat version of cage rage, but he trusted me and I am so grateful for that.

I live in the North East so things are more expensive here. Please still check out the Animal Sanctuaries because their fees may be much lower where you live. I hope for the best for Oscar. Thank you for caring for him. :rock: :purr:
 
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