My Feral And Rescued Cats

[Jcatbird]

Having to answer in fits and sports tonight. Busy trying to move building materials out of the way in hopes of a sharing machine delivery. The best way to move building stuff? Build. Lol Short break so trying to answer some. More will follow.
tarasgirl06 BJ is not back yet. I am waiting to get my van back or get another ride.

Whenallhellbreakslose That picture is beautiful. Royal kittens with jewels! May you have a great weekend too!

strider rose If I am one of the moms, you have lots of furred relatives. Hek must be top sister! Will she allow others?

tabbytom That is sad that your Mom had to make that sacrifice. She was a very practical person to go straight to the solution and avoid illness and pain or struggles to afford bills. Very smart on her part. I had a tooth go through my jaw bone in an accident. It has caused many issues and a lifetime of reconstruction. If I could have avoided that, I would have. Sarah was my priority. The dental school was “no frills” but they were the only ones who even new how to address the problem and cost happened to be much lower so it worked. Your mom was awesome!
Mamanyt1953 Well, now I know we are related! Murphy was our connecting relative!

N NY cat man Probably milk, genetics and anything else you did to help. Be happy! Fortune “Smiled” on you.

rubysmama I am going to be so happy to get that washer! I hope it all worked out. It will be great to hear the van is feeling better too. We miss the Catavan! I will breathe a sigh of relief when both problems are solved. On to the next one then! Lol Thank you for posting the kitty chart! I always love seeing it. I will get around to answering about Bonnie.

Fortunately for Bonnie, I am a climber too. I just climbed up a bit and he jumped onto my shoulder. Only a couple of dents. Lol Funny but lasted he got back up but then got down on his own by jumping to the spots I had used to climb up. Lol The latter would have been better from the start though.

M maggiedemi Banjo is not the most practical when it comes to money. She thinks it grows in trees.
Funny, she is brilliant when it comes to understanding credit cards.
I have cried tears of joy. When something happened that was wonderful like finding the Gingerbread kitties and Thrasher after they were lost. Lots of joy with the rescues.

Reaching to teach? Lol Typo or not, find metaphors where you can!
There are always going to be obstacles but the trick is to find a way over, under or around them.
Finding a rescuer? Often right under our noses!
Bonnie just had to look down.

neely Bonjour is a long haired floof with a wide load in back. Lol I’ll come back with his story for you. It’s a tail of two kitties.

Lari Yes! Bottle baby teeth! That wasn’t well known years ago but became a big , “no, no!” Thank goodness we are always learning!

 

[tarasgirl06]

Having to answer in fits and sports tonight. Busy trying to move building materials out of the way in hopes of a sharing machine delivery. The best way to move building stuff? Build. Lol Short break so trying to answer some. More will follow.
tarasgirl06 BJ is not back yet. I am waiting to get my van back or get another ride.

Whenallhellbreakslose That picture is beautiful. Royal kittens with jewels! May you have a great weekend too!

strider rose If I am one of the moms, you have lots of furred relatives. Hek must be top sister! Will she allow others?

tabbytom That is sad that your Mom had to make that sacrifice. She was a very practical person to go straight to the solution and avoid illness and pain or struggles to afford bills. Very smart on her part. I had a tooth go through my jaw bone in an accident. It has caused many issues and a lifetime of reconstruction. If I could have avoided that, I would have. Sarah was my priority. The dental school was “no frills” but they were the only ones who even new how to address the problem and cost happened to be much lower so it worked. Your mom was awesome!
Mamanyt1953 Well, now I know we are related! Murphy was our connecting relative!

N NY cat man Probably milk, genetics and anything else you did to help. Be happy! Fortune “Smiled” on you.

rubysmama I am going to be so happy to get that washer! I hope it all worked out. It will be great to hear the van is feeling better too. We miss the Catavan! I will breathe a sigh of relief when both problems are solved. On to the next one then! Lol Thank you for posting the kitty chart! I always love seeing it. I will get around to answering about Bonnie.

Fortunately for Bonnie, I am a climber too. I just climbed up a bit and he jumped onto my shoulder. Only a couple of dents. Lol Funny but lasted he got back up but then got down on his own by jumping to the spots I had used to climb up. Lol The latter would have been better from the start though.

M maggiedemi Banjo is not the most practical when it comes to money. She thinks it grows in trees.
Funny, she is brilliant when it comes to understanding credit cards.
I have cried tears of joy. When something happened that was wonderful like finding the Gingerbread kitties and Thrasher after they were lost. Lots of joy with the rescues.

Reaching to teach? Lol Typo or not, find metaphors where you can!
There are always going to be obstacles but the trick is to find a way over, under or around them.
Finding a rescuer? Often right under our noses!
Bonnie just had to look down.

neely Bonjour is a long haired floof with a wide load in back. Lol I’ll come back with his story for you. It’s a tail of two kitties.

Lari Yes! Bottle baby teeth! That wasn’t well known years ago but became a big , “no, no!” Thank goodness we are always learning!

Yes, Bonnie has an extreme in the tail floof department! SO gorgeous.
A tooth came through your jaw? Dang! You don't do life halfway, do you? IDK if that's what they meant by "contact sport" but amazing that you've come through that, too! "Fits and sports"

 

[NY cat man]

A smile for everyone: Miss Eleanor got mail.

Believe it or not, Monday will mark 3 years since she joined us.

 

[tarasgirl06]

A smile for everyone: Miss Eleanor got mail.View attachment 407046
Believe it or not, Monday will mark 3 years since she joined us.

Happy Big THIRD PURRthday to you, Miss Eleanor! Enjoy it and many, many more, in safety, good health, joy, comfort, best care, and LOVE!

 

[Jcatbird]

I’m answer to neely about Bonjour.
I was trying to get an old feral Tom to allow me close but he kept resisting. Winter was upon us so I built him a heated shelter by my back door so he would be safe and I could continue to try and communicate with him. I had dealt with many ferals over the years but this cat just looked at me like I was an alien when I spoke. Finally, in a bit of an exasperated mood, I finished my attempts for that night and just said ,” Well…. Bonjour mon ami! See you tomorrow!” Meow came across the night after I turned away. Was I hearing things? I turned and look at the car. He was looking at me with what appeared to be interest. I thought a moment. Could it be? Why not! He (as you perceived about Bonjour) had only heard French! Some human he must have know or heard before spoke French. Over the next weeks I dug up every scarp of French o had learned I school and Marcus responded to it! He was still aloof but began to pay attention to me. More and more he seemed to think of me as a good creature. Lol Then Christmas night came along. It was really cold here. I went out late that night to check on the old guy. He was not in his warm house! Panic! I called him. Nothing. I went inside snd made tasty treats and got my coat. Still no kitty! I searched around and was about to resign myself to going inside for the night when I heard a noise in some bushes. It was pitch black and I could not see what made the noise. After a moment the old Tom emerged with something in his jaws. Oh! Do he had been hunting. Then he ran over to me and dropped his prey at my feet. Something black! Eewwww. What had he caught? The old Tom was practically tsp dancing as he shifted from one foot to another in anticipation. He wanted e to acknowledge the gift? Thank you mon ami! That was not enough. I bent over to examine the blackness. It moved! Oh no! It’s a tiny kitten! The old Tom was anxious now. He even butted my leg as though to say, “ pick it up!” I did,. The kitten was in respiratory trouble and sooo cold. I tucked it right under my shirt snd headed inside. The Tom stood watching for a long time. I worked on the kitten all night ( once he was warmed up and sleeping I went to search for others, there were none to be found. Back then there were few cats anywhere around here do I never figured out how that Tom found the baby) and worked through the next day. I was not encouraged by the condition of the baby. The old t kept vigil so I finally took the baby for him to see. He came all the way to me and nudged the baby. If a cat can give his blessing on a baby, that is what this cst did. The kitten improved slightly snd I got him yo the vet where we all did what we could. Over the next weeks the baby improved. It was up and down at first but each day I let the Tom snuzzle him. I’m time the kitten was toddling arm round snd it began to look like he would be okay. He was scrawny but bright eyed. When he began yo play he also paid a lot of attention yo the old Tom and heard me speak to him each day. Each night I would try to get the Tom inside but each night he declined and retired to his heated house so I would always say Bonjour my friend. Then I would gather the kitten and go back inside. As you can probably figure out, the kitten associated the word , Bonjour with being picked up and returned to his kitten nest. He claimed Bonjour as his name. By Spring the old Tom was showing his age and began to allow me a lot of contact. I was finally able to get him to the vet where I learned his days would be short. He was Felv. He grew wings shortly after but he left his little charge with me. My Christmas gift. Bonjour grew into a very impressive (according to the vet, Maine Coon lineage) floof. He still insists he is just a tiny kitten and that I must allow him to put his paws around my neck to be lifted like a toddler and be held. Lol He loves to lay with his front half over my shoulder , draped down my back with back half in my arms. He is huge compared to many of the others here but he doesn’t know it.He sort of adopted Smokey as a sister even though they were years apart. It was kind of neat because he could have been a twin to her brother who had passed away young. He and Smokey had a little sibling play going on for many years. Bonjour still acts like a young kitty.

Here is a Bonnie sampler. Lol

What’s inside the tube?

Ahhhh, just helping with the cleaning.

Showing the other kitties how to play since I am the only little kitten here.

Mop bubbles…..

Blah!

A box of Christmas decorations?

I like!

I decorated myself. Tree cat!

Just hanging out with the other youngsters.

A birthday cake. Just looking.

Ummmmm! Birthday cake!!!!!

Floof on a dancing Bonnie!

Helping to rebuild the cat room.

No bigger than a hammer! Lol

Relax cat.

Melted cat.

He totally sees himself as

Baby Bonnie.

Snuggle Bonnie.

Just a little fellow.

Black cat..

Shadow cat.

Cat chat.

Party c hat.

Floof belly.

Floof friend.

Golden eyes.

Hanging out….

In the kitty pool. Kiddie pool? Lol

Our baby Bonnie.

 

[Jcatbird]

N NY cat man and Miss Eleanor, Happy purrthday and gotcha day! That photo is so adorable. She is a very lucky kitty and I know those three years have been filled with the best things ever. A loving home, hoomans and fur furmily.

 

[Oliver2010]

Beautiful, amazing, wonderful, heartwarming story and beautiful pictures.

 

[Jcatbird]

tarasgirl06 I guess I came through the contact with the fits! All or nothing. Unh. Middle ground could be nice. Lolololololol

O Oliver2010 Well hi! I am so glad you joined the conversation and enjoyed the story of Bonjour. He is a big part of life and the Clowder here. He has a big family here. Lol
I had noticed you around the site and was hoping you would join in. We’d love to hear about your interest in cats. Got kitties?

 

[strider rose]

Jcatbird well i have room in my heart for all of those cats LOL

 

[Mamanyt1953]

I wish I was tough like that!

Darlin Girl, you are far, far stronger than you know. My prayer is that someday, one day, you will know your own power and strength. You will be formidable.

Would you say he's a medium or long-haired black beauty?

I'd say medium, myself. And I've been thinking...we need to divide the DSH into two groups...the DSSH (Domestic Sleek Short Hair) and the DPSH (Domestic Plush Short Hair). They are very different types. Hekitty is a DPSH.

"Natural" is me, and I want to just keep everything I have, period.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! You can imagine what I went through, if getting dentures was such a relief! That last year, I would wake up, brush my teeth, and one would just...fall out. Thankfully, I don't THINK that I swallowed any in my sleep!

Murphy was our connecting relative!

LOL, yes, and in the maternal line! It has been my experience that Murphy was a woman, because if she had been a man, she would have said, "If anything can go wrong, tell your wife to do it!" Yes, I know that not all men are like that, it is just my evil genius for picking those who are...which is why I now live quite happily with my (female) cat!

 

[tabbytom]

That is sad that your Mom had to make that sacrifice. She was a very practical person to go straight to the solution and avoid illness and pain or struggles to afford bills. Very smart on her part. I had a tooth go through my jaw bone in an accident. It has caused many issues and a lifetime of reconstruction. If I could have avoided that, I would have. Sarah was my priority. The dental school was “no frills” but they were the only ones who even new how to address the problem and cost happened to be much lower so it worked. Your mom was awesome!

Yes, my mom is awesome. She loves everyone of us. My dad passed away when I was only 10 years old and my mom slog her life to bring up 5 children and to make ends meet and she never once complained about the hard work so that 5 mouths could be fed.

Believe it or not, Monday will mark 3 years since she joined us.

Miss Eleanor,

from all of us!

 

[NY cat man]

M maggiedemi . It has been my experience that people are capable of achieving much more than they ever imagined to be possible- if they give themselves the chance to do so. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step; but you have to be willing to take that step; no one else can do it for you. They can help or guide, but it has to be your choice.

 

[maggiedemi]

Instead, she might turn into a frog. Got a fly anyone?

Thanks for 'splaining the joke.

Having to answer in fits and sports tonight.

Your typos give me life...Your life is kind of like a contact sport.

in hopes of a sharing machine delivery

Ha! Perfectly appropriate typo! I would love to share your washing machine! Even if it's a crappy agitator.

BJ is not back yet. I am waiting to get my van back or get another ride.

What do you mean? His ashes?

Fortunately for Bonnie, I am a climber too. I just climbed up a bit and he jumped onto my shoulder. Only a couple of dents.

Hmmm...I wonder how many dents I would give you if I jumped on your shoulder.

got back up but then got down on his own by jumping to the spots I had used to climb up

Makes sense. Those that go before us and show the way....

There are always going to be obstacles but the trick is to find a way over, under or around them.

I will try.

Finding a rescuer? Often right under our noses!

You're so far away though. Wish you were closer.

Miss Eleanor got mail.

Awww, she looks like she is smiling! She liked her card.

in safety, good health, joy, comfort, best care, and LOVE!

I would love all of the above! Especially best care...

journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step; but you have to be willing to take that step

That first step is expensive though. I hope I can provide for my cats and myself.

 

[Lari]

Happy Gotcha Day to Miss Eleanor!

 

[neely]

Jcatbird Thank you so much for the heartwarming and purely delightful story of how Bonjour came to live with you. That old Tom must have had ESP and known only you could save the little black kitten. Now I am forever swooning over Bonjour. I showed his picture to my husband and, just as I thought, you now have another interested admirer. He has a question for you, do you know how much Bonjour weighs?

N NY cat man A very Happy 3rd Gotcha Day to Miss Eleanor tomorrow! Please try to post in the 2022 Feline Birthday thread so we can all wish her a special greeting.

 

[rubysmama]

A smile for everyone: Miss Eleanor got mail.View attachment 407046
Believe it or not, Monday will mark 3 years since she joined us.

Happy 3rd Gotcha Day, Eleanor.

And, yes, as neely has suggested, make sure you also mark the occasion in our 2022 FELINE BIRTHDAY/GOTCHA DAY THREAD thread.

I’m answer to neely neely about Bonjour.

I've heard the story before, but just as heart-warming reading it again.

Hope everyone is having a good Sunday.

 

[tarasgirl06]

To neely 's husband: "Exactly as much as he should."
M maggiedemi I got a lot of best care in my life, from loving parents and extended family, including FELINE family, of course, and from good friends. I didn't truly come into my own until I had to learn how to be the sole decision maker for my father. I had to learn so many things cold. I did. In retrospect, I think I did a good job. And the knowledge I gained helps me every day, as it may when I am once again in need of best care. Nothing beats empowerment and empowerment comes from autonomy. It's hard. It's a daily challenge. All the days when it feels too much to have to roll out of bed but I do anyway, just reinforce the knowledge that I'm doing my best; and when you accomplish things and can look back on them with satisfaction knowing you have done your best, it's an incomparable feeling. I can't hold a candle to Jcatbird, but I can learn from her, too.
Mamanyt1953 Your anecdote reminds me of another friend who would often crack her teeth. She spent a lot of time hanging out at my house, and sometimes she'd be using clove oil because of the pain. Her parents wouldn't, or couldn't, get her dental care. It really bugged me that my teenage friend had to go through this.
Jcatbird What a "tail" the story of Bonnie is! I love him all the more for him having been rescued by that brave and loving mancatto and nursed to health by you. SNORGLES on him! (And of course, being magnificently handsome doesn't hurt, either.)

 

[Whenallhellbreakslose]

N NY cat man Thanks for sharing that saying. That was one of the sayings that really motivated me on my weight loss journey last year. I lost nearly 35 pounds and now I am going back on my diet and exercise program to lose the remaining 25 to 30 pounds. I will keep pushing forward to I reach my health and fitness goals. Afterall, where there is a will, there is a way!!!
I like to wish Miss Eleanor a Happy Gotcha Day. May she have a Purrfect day!!!

M maggiedemi stay focused and determined. Here is another saying I heard:"When the pain of being stuck in a not so good place is greater than the fear of the unknown--you will move". I need to move myself for many reasons. Stay motivated. The next chapter of your life may be happening sooner than you think.

O Oliver2010 I talked to you on my thread, but didn't officially welcome you to TSC. I hope you enjoy visiting here. This is a very special community of cat lovers. I know I felt at home right away when I first came here. I hope you do to.

Jcatbird . I love the story you told about Bonjour. What a handsome kitty!!! Your relationship with your kitties is proof that ferals can be loved and brought in. I had two rubbing up against my legs when I was about to feed them this evening. I see their hearts and they are sweet kitties who want to be loved. This is why I treat them just like I treat a pet. They may be homeless, but they are loved very much.

 

[Jcatbird]

strider rose I know you have room in your heart for all our kitties and more. The big question is, how many can you stack in your lap! Lol Hek would have to be on the top or clearing the crowd. Muffin might be helping her. Whistle would be whistling.

Mamanyt1953 There should be more
cat egories for fur types. I would call Bonnie a mix of sleek and floof depending on what is going on around him. Sometimes he is solid floof. Lol There should be a category for body front and back halves too! Wide load.

I’m so glad you didn’t swallow any teeth! Murphy was watching out for you in your sleep?

tabbytom Your mother should be an example for all mothers to follow. It’s hard enough to raise children but doing it as a widow or without a husband is soooo difficult. She obviously did a marvelous job. In spite of her struggles, she raised you to have a kind and loving heart for life and all creatures. I don’t know her but she has my greatest respect and gratitude.

N NY cat man So very true. We are capable of so much more than we know! It is a choice we must make ourselves. Guidance is out there though. That first step can seem daunting but the journey can be lovely if we take that step.

M maggiedemi Glad to splain the joke! Lol If you missed the cartoon link it was not something that made any sense.

Typos happen a lot when I am short on time and trying to type quickly. Small screen, old fingers and old eyes combine to bring smiles? Okay by me!
My life has always been a contact sport! I’m always tackling something if I’m not being tackled by something. Lol What is life without a bit of sport?
At least my typos aren’t agitating you. Lol

Yes. We are referring to his ashes. I will bring him home.

If you jumped for my shoulder, I think the Clowder would help me catch you.


Those who go before us do show us the way. Follow the leader. We all do that in the beginning and we all have to get by with a little help from our friends.

Lari Miss Eleanor looked like she had just read the card and enjoyed showing it to us! Lol

neely Awww! I’m so glad you both enjoyed the story of how Bonjour was saved by Marcus. I am still constantly amazed by the kitties and the lessons they share with me. I am just passing on my amazement and the depth of the love they have demonstrated. That old Tom was so smart. He knew I would help the baby just as I had been trying to help him. He must have loved that baby! I actually searched through some old pictures and found a couple of the Tom. One is of him after the rescue of Bon and the other is of him inside his private quarters. He loved having his own house. After he determined that I had been good to his rescue he started allowing me inside his house with him. I loved that kitty. The current “Marcus Trax” bears some resemblance to him physically and he also saved a young kitty. He doesn’t seem to know any French though. Lol Yoir husband is an Bonnie friend now? Bonnie must have picked up on that because he has been showing off all day! He claims he is a wild panther. (Not! Lol Nice zoomies though!)
Weight? Not really sure since the vet visit was a bit chaotic. He is long and lots of fur. He has a wide back end too! My guess is somewhere over 17 pounds? Mackie is that much so Bonnie must be that or more. He isn’t fat but is heavy. His wittle paws are even big.
Front paw in my hand ,below. Luckily for me, he doesn’t slap me with that! I tried to get him to relax his paw but he kept wondering why I was trying to hold it out. I was hoping he would stop pulling it back and I could show his full paw but….. suspicious. You get the idea though.
Lol

rubysmama I love the Sunday Cat! I would love to spend a day just like that! Glad you enjoyed the Bonnie story again. I have a couple of photos you haven’t seen yet. His rescuer! Coming up!

tarasgirl06 I shuddered at the plight of the friend you described and her dental pain. Oil of cloves has gotten me through some dental pain but it doesn’t stop it all. Excruciating.
Dear Bonjure looked so evacuated when he first came here. That cst truly saved his life. Cats are such tender and loving creatures. They have my heart forever. Bonjure may act kittenish but he is actually a tough kitty. He hung on to life. I look at him now and it’s hard to imagine that such a baby could survive and turn into such a sleek snorggler. I have few photos from that time but I did find a couple of his rescuer. He was a great cat! Not only did he conquer his fear of me, he trusted a hooman enough to give over that fragile baby with hope. That old Tom did not give up. If everyone knew what cats are capable of, they would

Whenallhellbreakslose Ferals can be brought in. They also act as rescuers and understand far more than we ever give them credit for understanding. Those that rubbed your keg are not really homeless. They live inside your heart. You gave them a home there and they know it.

 

[tabbytom]

Your mother should be an example for all mothers to follow. It’s hard enough to raise children but doing it as a widow or without a husband is soooo difficult. She obviously did a marvelous job. In spite of her struggles, she raised you to have a kind and loving heart for life and all creatures. I don’t know her but she has my greatest respect and gratitude.