Hi guys,
So since July 4, 2017, I have fed these feral cats in my backyard, and little did I know that I would create a strong bond and commitment to them, and also I did not know that they would mate a lot, and I have 10+ cats from 4 generations. I have taken 4 cats (2 male, 2 female) to get fixed in December, but both males died/disapperared unfortunately. I have let around 9 cats into my house throughout the last 3 yrs (not at the same time), and currently I have 3 cats who I consider semiferal and almost domesticated b/c they let us pet them but they would still be super scared of being in a cage and taken somewhere. Hopefully once this pandemic dies down I will be able to take 4 cats monthly to the shelter to get fixed in the TNR programs. Last week I had 2-3 cats that I've taken care of disappear, one most likely died due to stress or something b/c there was this outside cat that would always attack him, and the other 2 have disappeared. I do what I can to defend my cats from that outside cat, I've already tried to provide for that cat but he seems very aggressive to all the other males in my colony so I gave up. There are many threats around my area, and I do not want to see more of these cats that i take care of suffer, b/c I always end up feeling emotional and guilty b/c I feel like i let them down.
So I just want to find a way to take care of them properly while being a full time cook and college student
I have heard cats are good at hiding their pain from diseases, so i might not even notice they are dying. I just want to note that my parents would ridicule me if I spent time and money taking a cat that's 'not mine' to the vet, and besides it is a strenous task taking a feral cat to the vet, so I rule that out of what I can do to take care of them.
I feed them 2-3 times a day, I wet the dry kibble in six double bowls and mix it with Purina wet cans and add Tomlyn immune system support powder. When I see a cat that seems like they're more hungry or I haven't seen them in days, I feed them extra. I sometimes put catnip in the grass so I can see which cats are able to be active. The older cats don't respond much to it.
I plan on adding a roof to our backyard porch and put a screen door and windows so they could probably treat it as their 'catio' and not go away and get killed or anything
Despite that, I feel like im not doing enough. these cats are a part of my life, but they are dying despite the many kittens that are out there right now. I know that one day, they will all go away, and I am preparing myself from now to let go of them so I won't suffer anymore. But as of now, I would really really really appreciate any feedback or recommendations on what's the optimum way of feeding them, giving them water, shelter, etc.. so they can live as long and healthily as possible. (i live in southeast texas fyi)
many many thanks in advance,
Uriel
So since July 4, 2017, I have fed these feral cats in my backyard, and little did I know that I would create a strong bond and commitment to them, and also I did not know that they would mate a lot, and I have 10+ cats from 4 generations. I have taken 4 cats (2 male, 2 female) to get fixed in December, but both males died/disapperared unfortunately. I have let around 9 cats into my house throughout the last 3 yrs (not at the same time), and currently I have 3 cats who I consider semiferal and almost domesticated b/c they let us pet them but they would still be super scared of being in a cage and taken somewhere. Hopefully once this pandemic dies down I will be able to take 4 cats monthly to the shelter to get fixed in the TNR programs. Last week I had 2-3 cats that I've taken care of disappear, one most likely died due to stress or something b/c there was this outside cat that would always attack him, and the other 2 have disappeared. I do what I can to defend my cats from that outside cat, I've already tried to provide for that cat but he seems very aggressive to all the other males in my colony so I gave up. There are many threats around my area, and I do not want to see more of these cats that i take care of suffer, b/c I always end up feeling emotional and guilty b/c I feel like i let them down.
So I just want to find a way to take care of them properly while being a full time cook and college student
I have heard cats are good at hiding their pain from diseases, so i might not even notice they are dying. I just want to note that my parents would ridicule me if I spent time and money taking a cat that's 'not mine' to the vet, and besides it is a strenous task taking a feral cat to the vet, so I rule that out of what I can do to take care of them.
I feed them 2-3 times a day, I wet the dry kibble in six double bowls and mix it with Purina wet cans and add Tomlyn immune system support powder. When I see a cat that seems like they're more hungry or I haven't seen them in days, I feed them extra. I sometimes put catnip in the grass so I can see which cats are able to be active. The older cats don't respond much to it.
I plan on adding a roof to our backyard porch and put a screen door and windows so they could probably treat it as their 'catio' and not go away and get killed or anything
Despite that, I feel like im not doing enough. these cats are a part of my life, but they are dying despite the many kittens that are out there right now. I know that one day, they will all go away, and I am preparing myself from now to let go of them so I won't suffer anymore. But as of now, I would really really really appreciate any feedback or recommendations on what's the optimum way of feeding them, giving them water, shelter, etc.. so they can live as long and healthily as possible. (i live in southeast texas fyi)
many many thanks in advance,
Uriel