Friend of Ferals Award Badge - Apply Here

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Anne

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Hey :)

I'm pretty new to trapping ferals but I have loved them for a few years now & I think they're just beautiful and amazing!

My Feral Kitty Roster:

Penney (the first mother)

Edie (Penney's daughter)

Echo (Penney's son)

Willow (Penney's daughter, caught and adopted by a friend - she recently passed away from an illness, so sad!!)

Sephora (Penney's daughter from a more recent litter)

- Nameless (to be named soon, Sephora's kitten)

- Darby (Sephora's kitten)

- Oliver (Sephora's kitten)

- Socks (Sephora's kitten)

- Yoda (Sephora's kitten)

- Cheetah aka Safari (Sephora's kitten)

- Fluffy (Sephora's kitten)

Gunner (Spehora's mate, father of kittens)

Ash (Penney's son, Sephora's full brother)

(one unnamed female, sister of Sephora)

(one unnamed male, brother of Sephora)

August 2014: Captured Edie at 4 months old and brought her home.  Captured Echo one week later and brought him home too.  They were meant to be people cats, they acclimated very quickly and they are now in charge of this household haha!  They just turned one year old last month and they're happy, healthy, amazing kittys!

2014-2015: Always trying to catch or trap Penney.  She's way too smart!  She had another litter in August 2014 and the kittens were in an unreachable area, by the time they came out from their nest they were very mobile and hard to catch.

March 2015: Trapped Gunner, took him to the shelter for TNR and he's living out his non-kitten-making life :)

April 2015: Sephora had kittens 6 weeks ago.  I finally located them and was able to extract them from their VERY unsafe and trash filled home.  I attempted to capture Sephora with a drop trap using kittens as bait but she did not fall for it.  One day later I trapped her in a regular trap by using tuna and also a hand towel that her kittens slept on the previous night.  I brought Sephora to where the kittens are being fostered at my place of business and she had a bit of a meltdown but settled in after not too long.  Everyone went to the vet yesterday.  The kittens are 6 weeks old and healthy, Sephora's snap test came back negative.  The vet couldn't handle her and we couldn't catch her after he let her out of the carrier (I told him she was feral and he just let her out!!) so he suggested I just have her spayed.  We caught her in a net and he gave her anesthesia, I stayed until she fell asleep.  Surprisingly, she doesn't hate me today!  I thought she wouldn't trust me; we had made huge progress over the 5 days I had her before going to the vet and she still trusts me!  the full story including photos are in this thread (http://www.thecatsite.com/t/295738/help-advice-for-my-trapping-dilemma), she's a princess now and she's just soaking up every bit of love she can get!  I am going to adopt her and she's going to come live with Edie and Echo, her older siblings, in a couple weeks.

Today: Saw Penney for the first time in a week, so is SO pregnant.  I have been setting traps every day and hoping to catch her before she has her litter!  I didn't get her today but I did get Ash, her beautiful siamese/tabby son from the same litter as Sephora.  He's going to be neutered tomorrow and I will TNR him :)

Kitten Update:  Sephora's 7 kittens are getting very active and playful!  3 of the 7 are spoken for yay!  I am only adopting kittens out to people I know who I know will give them great lives!  Nameless, Yoda, & Cheetah are spoken for....4 to go!

I absolutely love my little feral kitty colony and was told I should post here :) <3  Thanks for reading!!
Welcome to TCS! Thank you for everything that you do for them! I love your thread and just featured it on the main page as well. Badge awarded, of course!
 

chellma

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Josie was about 6 mos old when she appeared here.  No idea where she originated from.  She is scared of everything. Won't even eat until I go in the house.   After almost 4 years, I would think she would have calmed down a little.   She is brown tabby striped and I would love to hold and pet her,  but she says no.   She needs a Rabies booster and I will have to trap her again.   Much as I hate to do it to her,  I know the shot is necessary.  
 

nansiludie

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I have a colony of 24 plus my own 6 kitties. All are fixed, vaccinated,fed, loved and are given flea/tick preventative, they aren't really feral, in the sense of the word, they just will not come inside. Some let me pet them, some I cannot touch but they will rub around my legs at feeding time. They have their own little huts too.
 

chellma

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What a nice family.  16 is the most I ever had at once.  Seems like a lot of cats,  but ferals are so smart and independent that I didn't think there were too many to care for.  Everybody that would allow it got brushed and loved on every day.  There are not but a couple that I could not win over.
 
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Anne

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I have a colony of 24 plus my own 6 kitties. All are fixed, vaccinated,fed, loved and are given flea/tick preventative, they aren't really feral, in the sense of the word, they just will not come inside. Some let me pet them, some I cannot touch but they will rub around my legs at feeding time. They have their own little huts too.
Sounds wonderful! Thank you for caring for them - badge awarded! 
 

arnicahelps

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I help to manage the strays in my neighborhood. It seems like several of my neighbors are cat people - I'm not the only one feeding them. I do have a handful that depend on me specifically - when they were young they developed a respiratory infection and I took them to a vet and medicated them until they were better. I have spayed/ neutered those four cats, as well as four others either through the Cat Network or through vets that said they would match Cat Network prices. 

I have also taken care of a feral with an abcess on his neck. I released him after neutering, and he (along with the four who once had respiratory infections) now depends mainly on me.

One young female (new to my area) had kittens in my neighbors hedges. She developed an abcess on her hind leg next to her anus and so I captured her and took her and the kittens to the vet. She is currently in my home and has gone from being skittish to affectionate. The kittens will be 7 weeks tomorrow. Besides feeding them and keeping their area clean I play with them and handle them everyday. I am making flyers to put up at the vets office because I really really really want them to go to good loving homes, and hopefully be indoor only cats. Giving them away with the uncertainty of what their future may hold is actually tearing me up. But I know they will do better as someones beloved pet than as another stray in this neighborhood.

*Edited to add that I medicate those 5 cats with Revolution monthly, as mange has been a problem in my area. 
 

chellma

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You are a saint!  Lots of people say they love cats and want to help,  but feeding is the extent of their help.   You are coming through with the medical and that is where it's at,  financially..  Hope you can find good loving homes for the kittens.  I find I am a poor judge of character when it comes to finding good homes.   Have had some unfortunate experiences. This is why,  if a kitten is born here,  it is here for the duration of it's life. You keep up the good work,  you know those precious cats appreciate you.  
 
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Anne

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I help to manage the strays in my neighborhood. It seems like several of my neighbors are cat people - I'm not the only one feeding them. I do have a handful that depend on me specifically - when they were young they developed a respiratory infection and I took them to a vet and medicated them until they were better. I have spayed/ neutered those four cats, as well as four others either through the Cat Network or through vets that said they would match Cat Network prices. 

I have also taken care of a feral with an abcess on his neck. I released him after neutering, and he (along with the four who once had respiratory infections) now depends mainly on me.

One young female (new to my area) had kittens in my neighbors hedges. She developed an abcess on her hind leg next to her anus and so I captured her and took her and the kittens to the vet. She is currently in my home and has gone from being skittish to affectionate. The kittens will be 7 weeks tomorrow. Besides feeding them and keeping their area clean I play with them and handle them everyday. I am making flyers to put up at the vets office because I really really really want them to go to good loving homes, and hopefully be indoor only cats. Giving them away with the uncertainty of what their future may hold is actually tearing me up. But I know they will do better as someones beloved pet than as another stray in this neighborhood.

*Edited to add that I medicate those 5 cats with Revolution monthly, as mange has been a problem in my area. 
Thank you for helping them and good luck with finding good forever homes. We have an article about the process, maybe it can help -

Kittens To Good Homes

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aniebie

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I have been caring for ferals wherever I live. Where I am now, I have tnr's several successfully. Socialize all kittens I can, and  have found homes for three of them. Two more have become my own indoor boys. 

I have a few ferals/strays now who come each day, morning and night, for food, water and love if they want it. 

I have built several little condo's for them, for winter warmth, out of rubbermaid totes, and insulation.. got the directions online!  

Luckily in my Ohio town, we have a program for TNR, and I have been able to take advantage of it several times. I tell anyone who has strays/ferals of the services and I donate to support AlleyCatAllies. 

I have found that there are many who help ferals and strays, and its comforting to know that I am not the only one. There are so many in need of help.
 
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Anne

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I have been caring for ferals wherever I live. Where I am now, I have tnr's several successfully. Socialize all kittens I can, and  have found homes for three of them. Two more have become my own indoor boys. 

I have a few ferals/strays now who come each day, morning and night, for food, water and love if they want it. 

I have built several little condo's for them, for winter warmth, out of rubbermaid totes, and insulation.. got the directions online!  

Luckily in my Ohio town, we have a program for TNR, and I have been able to take advantage of it several times. I tell anyone who has strays/ferals of the services and I donate to support AlleyCatAllies. 

I have found that there are many who help ferals and strays, and its comforting to know that I am not the only one. There are so many in need of help.
Thank you for all the excellent work you do for ferals! I agree - there's power in numbers and TCS is the right place for meeting other crazy cat people who care for ferals, so welcome aboard! Badge awarded, of course!
 

ravenseye

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My name is Jeff. A feral adopted ME a few years ago and we became fast friends. When she left us, I needed my barn to house life again so I took in two ferals that, as kittens, survived being thrown against a dumpster and then months of living in a swamp. They came to me over a year old but we took our time and became friends. Sadly, the last of those two took her final walk on Memorial Day. In between I took another pair of difficult ferals who live in the barn and I've socialized an aggressive kitten into a lap cat (now living comfortably with a retired doctor) and I just agreed to socialize a young, but depressed and aggressive feral in hopes that she'll be a candidate for adoption. Later this year, I'm taking in an older feral who is the poster cat for being afraid of people. Probably 6+ years old and can't even control her bowels if you touch her. I hope to stabilize her and ultimately get her placed with understanding owners.

I almost hate using the word "feral" due to the negative connotation. These cats are cats. They all have personalities, challenges and hopes and, if you feel like me, we are blessed by their patience and presence.
 
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Anne

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My name is Jeff. A feral adopted ME a few years ago and we became fast friends. When she left us, I needed my barn to house life again so I took in two ferals that, as kittens, survived being thrown against a dumpster and then months of living in a swamp. They came to me over a year old but we took our time and became friends. Sadly, the last of those two took her final walk on Memorial Day. In between I took another pair of difficult ferals who live in the barn and I've socialized an aggressive kitten into a lap cat (now living comfortably with a retired doctor) and I just agreed to socialize a young, but depressed and aggressive feral in hopes that she'll be a candidate for adoption. Later this year, I'm taking in an older feral who is the poster cat for being afraid of people. Probably 6+ years old and can't even control her bowels if you touch her. I hope to stabilize her and ultimately get her placed with understanding owners.

I almost hate using the word "feral" due to the negative connotation. These cats are cats. They all have personalities, challenges and hopes and, if you feel like me, we are blessed by their patience and presence.
Welcome to TCS Jeff and thank you for helping these cats! You're right, they are cats just like any pet cat!

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sisco1111

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I adopt and rescue feral cats.  People drop there unwanted cats in my tree line all the time.   I don't want to be like any other farmer and just get out the shot gun and kill them.  When it comes to cats, i will do anything to save them.    I also do a program called C.S.R   Catch, Spay, Release,  which means I catch a feral cat in a humane trap, have it spayed, and release it back to it's friends.  I currently am caring for over thirty ferals.  Don't even ask about my weekly cat food bill!  Lol remember to adopt, have a great day/night  TCS.  I must also say, I agree with Jeff. a feral cat is just like any other cat.
 
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missmimz

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I care/feed several stray and ferals in my neighborhood. Right now i have a mama that gave birth about several weeks ago and i scooped up her kittens when they were about 6 weeks old. They're doing amazing indoors and once they've been vaccinated and spayed & neutered they will be adopted out. The mama is due to be spayed next week. Unfortunately last week one of my other sweet ferals started having respiratory distress and had to be rushed to an ER vet where after oxygen, fluids, and xrays the vets suggested i euthanize as it appeared she was in heart failure from likely a congenital heart defect. It was an incredibly hard choice to make because she was young and really sweet once she trusted me. I'm hoping to TNR some of the feral toms once all the females have been spayed. 
 
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I adopt and rescue feral cats.  People drop there unwanted cats in my tree line all the time.   I don't want to be like any other farmer and just get out the shot gun and kill them.  When it comes to cats, i will do anything to save them.    I also do a program called C.S.R   Catch, Spay, Release,  which means I catch a feral cat in a humane trap, have it spayed, and release it back to it's friends.  I currently am caring for over thirty ferals.  Don't even ask about my weekly cat food bill!  Lol remember to adopt, have a great day/night  TCS.  I must also say, I agree with Jeff. a feral cat is just like any other cat.
Thank you for caring for the ferals. I've never seen anyone call it CSR but sounds like you are TNR'ing :) Badge awarded.
 
I care/feed several stray and ferals in my neighborhood. Right now i have a mama that gave birth about several weeks ago and i scooped up her kittens when they were about 6 weeks old. They're doing amazing indoors and once they've been vaccinated and spayed & neutered they will be adopted out. The mama is due to be spayed next week. Unfortunately last week one of my other sweet ferals started having respiratory distress and had to be rushed to an ER vet where after oxygen, fluids, and xrays the vets suggested i euthanize as it appeared she was in heart failure from likely a congenital heart defect. It was an incredibly hard choice to make because she was young and really sweet once she trusted me. I'm hoping to TNR some of the feral toms once all the females have been spayed. 
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat 


Thank you for taking such good care of the little ones and their mama! Badge awarded, of course.
 

mr waddles mom

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Hi!

I live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and have a feral colony of 6 cats.  I have managed to TNR 4 of them so far with one female and one male remaining.

 I own 4 "foster failures."  I hate that expression.  All it means is that I loved them too much to part with them.  My latest addition to the family is my 11 week old Mr Waddles.  I never realized that kittens could be learning impaired.  I fostered his litter since they were 4 weeks old.  Of his four brothers and sisters he is the only one who is special.

I volunteer at Katz 4 Keeps in Ponte Vedra  Beach and often foster kittens that are too young to be placed or need some special one-on-one care.  I love helping to get them ready for the next phase of their lives.

I wholeheartedly agree that ferals can indeed make the best pets!

Mr Waddles Mom

 
 
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Anne

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Hi!

I live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and have a feral colony of 6 cats.  I have managed to TNR 4 of them so far with one female and one male remaining.

 I own 4 "foster failures."  I hate that expression.  All it means is that I loved them too much to part with them.  My latest addition to the family is my 11 week old Mr Waddles.  I never realized that kittens could be learning impaired.  I fostered his litter since they were 4 weeks old.  Of his four brothers and sisters he is the only one who is special.

I volunteer at Katz 4 Keeps in Ponte Vedra  Beach and often foster kittens that are too young to be placed or need some special one-on-one care.  I love helping to get them ready for the next phase of their lives.

I wholeheartedly agree that ferals can indeed make the best pets!

Mr Waddles Mom

 
Welcome to TCS! 


Sounds like you're going to fit right in here - have fun exploring the site and the forums! Badge awarded 
 
 

lindagail

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One of the feral cats that I take care of I named Mr. Mister. When I first moved here I used to watch him back and forth to a colony in the cemetery near my house. When I realized there was a colony there, I started putting out food and water for them. There is an area in the cemetery where the residents in my neighborhood can dump leaves and branches and this is where they made their home.  I always spoke to cats whenever I saw them. Something happened to the colony and some of the cats relocated to the barn of an empty across from mine, but Mr. Mister came to my house and claimed it. I have been caring for him since. He is quite a fellow. For the past seven years animal control, and a woman who works trapping feral cats, had not been able to trap him. I continued to gain his trust and recently I was able to get him into a cat carrier so he could go to the vet. This is something he desperately needed. For years I had watched him digging at his ears, and right before I finally caught him he had a claw that was growing into the pad on his foot. He just came back "home" after being away for over a month. At his first visit to the vet he was neutered and the claw was removed, but the diagnosis of his ear problem was not good. He had severe infections in both ears and a high likelihood of ear polyps. He had to have ear medicine and antibiotics twice a day, so he stayed with a feral cat handler for two weeks until they could operate on his ears. With the swelling down after the two weeks, they found deep polyps in one of his ears and had to go through the side of his face to remove it. But, I am happy to say he is now back, healthy and happy. He is free again, but knows he has a "home".     

I live in a neighborhood inhabited by people who do not see anything wrong with abandoning a cat. There is also a lot of abuse and neglect. I have a sweet girl in my barn right now who was abandoned, along with her two brothers, when her owner left.  I take care of many cats in my neighborhood, and have been caring for and getting close to feral Mr. Mister for the last seven years. There are cats here that are left out on horribly cold days and nights (I live in Maine) so there are shelters set up on my porches. Cats also have access to my garage which has more shelters, food, and water. Food and unfrozen water is available at each shelter. I work with the local animal control and rescue groups to help stop animal abuse and report it when I see it. I have been a foster parent for the local rescue groups. I don't know how many other feral cats I am helping, but I know that my shelters are used, especially in the winter. I support Trap - Neuter - Release programs and organizations. When I moved here I had one cat I got from a homeless shelter. Because of the situation where I live, I have eight who live inside.

Linda
 
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