- Joined
- Jul 31, 2022
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Two years and one month ago, a litter of cats were born in my backyard. My parents and I cared for the litter, even found a home for one of them, but ultimately decided to TNR the mother and remaining three cats. Only, the cats never actually wandered off to do their own thing. They became pets who took residence in our backyard and only wandered off for about 5 hours each day. We provided shelter, food, toys, etc in our backyard and the cats seemed content. Our neighbors understood the situation (my parents reached out to them) and agreed not to harm/trap them if they jumped the fence.
This arrangement worked for two years.
Then, four months ago, their mother died. I found her body while checking the mail. She had no marks on her and to this day I don't know what happened, but that event knocked the delusion that the cats would be fine outdoors. Additionally, the neighborhood has become increasingly dangerous over the past year. I've noticed four different large loose dogs running around by our house. Something is driving wildlife to check-out the backyard (racoons, opossums) despite me never leaving food out. And the neighbors directly next door from us are moving. I worry about these cats every time they wander, and I've been spiraling into panic attacks wondering who will replace our next-door neighbors. If something were to happen to the cats, I'm not sure I would survive it. I still have nightmares about their mother.
Despite my love for them, the cats have also been horrible for my mental health. I'm autistic with severe anxiety/depression. I've gotten so attached to these cats that even my own parents going into the backyard makes me panic. I've had numerous panic attacks and am now suffering physical health problems from the stress.
I just want my cats safe. There are a few options I've considered:
1) There are two local cat havens I've been looking at. Here and here. My ultimate goal is to find a safe, loving permanent home for the two bonded cats, especially since they are not completely feral and have always been around humans, and then keep the last one as an indoor only cat.
2) My dad offered to hire some people to build a catio where the cats could stay protected and together. I'm not sure about the specifics of this, but having them in one, safe spot will help with being able to find suitable homes for them long-term.
3) Leave them be. I absolutely do not want this due to my own worsening mental health. But if that's what's best for them, then I'll try my best to incentivize them not to wander.
Please help me decide what's best, for my sake and theirs.
This arrangement worked for two years.
Then, four months ago, their mother died. I found her body while checking the mail. She had no marks on her and to this day I don't know what happened, but that event knocked the delusion that the cats would be fine outdoors. Additionally, the neighborhood has become increasingly dangerous over the past year. I've noticed four different large loose dogs running around by our house. Something is driving wildlife to check-out the backyard (racoons, opossums) despite me never leaving food out. And the neighbors directly next door from us are moving. I worry about these cats every time they wander, and I've been spiraling into panic attacks wondering who will replace our next-door neighbors. If something were to happen to the cats, I'm not sure I would survive it. I still have nightmares about their mother.
Despite my love for them, the cats have also been horrible for my mental health. I'm autistic with severe anxiety/depression. I've gotten so attached to these cats that even my own parents going into the backyard makes me panic. I've had numerous panic attacks and am now suffering physical health problems from the stress.
I just want my cats safe. There are a few options I've considered:
1) There are two local cat havens I've been looking at. Here and here. My ultimate goal is to find a safe, loving permanent home for the two bonded cats, especially since they are not completely feral and have always been around humans, and then keep the last one as an indoor only cat.
2) My dad offered to hire some people to build a catio where the cats could stay protected and together. I'm not sure about the specifics of this, but having them in one, safe spot will help with being able to find suitable homes for them long-term.
3) Leave them be. I absolutely do not want this due to my own worsening mental health. But if that's what's best for them, then I'll try my best to incentivize them not to wander.
Please help me decide what's best, for my sake and theirs.