Starting Feral Cat Caretaker

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janem

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Well wherever the kittens came from they are about 8 weeks old. Gray has been feeding them and Jackson had taken to guarding Gray and the kittens. They managed go keep them just out of my reach. Quite touching to watch them interacting. Probably to old now to foster so got to plan on nuetering pretty soon. Wonder if she adopted kittens we missed in the garage when we trapped the first time?
 
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janem

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2nd day of trapping and so far only one cat went in a trap. Wouldn't you know it...she'd already been fixed. Rapidly losing what little patience the good lord gave me.
 
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The vibes worked! Only caught one but it has Dottie one of the top four I wanted!!! Now I am determined to get Patches. I was left two traps. Tomorrow morning I am going to try trapping about six am. The crazy lady next door won't be awake that early so hopefully all will go well. I have been watching Patches pacing by our porch not moving far from it so best bet is to try there.
 
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Ok, so some good. Three days of trapping in 90+ weather and we got one cat. Granted we caught a few more but they had already been fixed.

Landlords daughter, the one who gave me so much grief the other day, actually thanked me for doing the TNR!!!

I was left a trap to keep trying. Suggested days to trap are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, fits best with Humane Society schedule. We are hoping crazy lady won't give me trouble. They really don't like dealing with her anymore than they have to. She did call them this week because one cat had kittens under her porch and refused to have anything to do with them. It wasn't a cat I've been caring for or comes into this yard though. She still refuses to try TNR and it makes me so mad.
 
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janem

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Some more good. Two of the neighbors behind us told me how much the cats have quieted down! That they hardly notice they are around now. Yay, the TNR is starting to work!

I have become obsessed with trapping Patches. She is my one remaining unnuetered female. Ok, those two kittens I can't get within ten feet of may be female but I got some time there. But Patches is due any time now. Probably best to wait till after she's given birth now. She has a history of getting pregnant very soon after having a litter. Have decided to rig a trap not go shut and leave next go her favorite hangout. I'll cover it with leaves and branches. Maybe if she gets used to seeing it around?

Took some TNR literature down to the neighborhood Coney Island and they let me put it out. Ok, not a classy place but almost everyone around here goes in there sometimes. It will get seen at least. Also ordering some brochures from Alley Cat to pass around. Feral Cat day coming up in October. Wondering if local library will allow small display? Got go run that by Humane Society.
 

ondine

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The plan sounds good - the more familiar she is with the trap, the more likely she'll go into it at some point.

Fingers crossed.

And I am sure the local library will allow literature for Feral Cat Day.  That's a pretty good idea, actually.
 
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janem

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Patches had her kittens last night. We don't know exactly where they are or how many though. Downstairs neighbor and I searched all over last night. We think she's found a hiding spot under trailer but don't want to scare her into moving kittens.
 

ondine

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Oh, I hope they are all OK.  Keep feeding her good wet food - kitten food has the extra nutrients she'll  need while nursing.

Vibes you find them all!
 
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janem

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Patches ate a whole can of pate tonight. She is definitely somewhere in or under that trailer. I am very worried about the heat wave affecting the cats. Their appetites are off. I have put out extra containers of water. I put one right next to the trailer. Poor Patches was panting tonight.
 

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It is good that u r able to keep your temper in check. He may be jealous that u have a good relationship with your landlord. He may not have a a good one with him as his boss. It could also be that he does not like cats. If u r able to put a camera that points to the feeding area, I would. Then u will know if he ever does harm to your ferals n the evidence can be given to the police. He could be trying to start an argument too. So keep up the kind work, n do your very best to ignore his rude comments. Don't give him the satisfaction of knowing that he is getting u angry. A lot of people feed the feral animals but keep quiet about it for fear of criticism. The city i live in says it is against the law to feed animals outside unless they r in an enclosure, but we do it anyway. One day God will reward us for doing something we love. 
 
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janem

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No canned kitten food at the two markets I've been to just dry. I have ordered some but that will be a couple days getting here. I do have a can of KMR which I am considering mixing with her pate. I don't think it could hurt her.

Someone has been messing around the shelter I built again. This is the third time. I am installing a motion detector light. That should be enough for now. I have looked into hunting cameras but a bit pricey and complicated for me.
 

ondine

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The KMR will be fine until the kitten food gets here.  I'm surprised there wasn't any kitten food, but maybe the local rescue cleared them out.

Hope the motion light helps.
 
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janem

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Oh the TNR rescue just got 36 kittens from a trapping they did two weeks ago. Forgot about that. Plenty of dry kitten food to be found but canned wet food....gone.
 
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Eventful morning. Kittens were not where we thought. She had them in the trailer used to haul branches to some dump site. It was to be towed away this morning. Eeeeeekkkkkkkk!!!!

Downstairs neighbor and I got kittens out. They are now in a trap next to trailer (landlord decided to wait to tow). Patches sitting close to trap staring at it. Really praying she goes in.
 
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