This has been my toughest cat year. I lost both my original cats, Romeo who I believe I posted about earlier in this thread age 11. Then just a few months later Juliet only 9. Both had cancer, Juliet had surgery to remove a tumor and we were really hoping 10 more years but we didn't even get 10 more months. I love hearing about all these cats that lived long lives but so sad neither of my guys got even an average lifespan.
My wife and I did manage to rescue 15 cats this year though, mostly kittens like we do every year living in a rural area between farms, but also 3 adult females. That was it's own kind of hell with no TNR, little to no local help. Finally we hooked up with a group that did help us but they are in way over their heads and we ended up keeping 2 ferals locked in our bathroom for over a month. They meowed all night every night. They all finally got medical care but as far as I know are still waiting to be spayed. All the kittens were quickly spayed or nurtured and adopted out though.
We decided to keep Spooky as she has feline herpes.
Besides the fact she is crazy, she's doing great inside. Got spayed last week and has not had major flare ups. Originally I was 100% convinced she was going to loose an eye but as you can see she looks perfect.
Her parents are still outside but we've filled one shed with straw for them. A lot of the adult feral cats disappear in the winter, likely to barns in the area but if they choose to stay here I can keep an eye on them and make sure they have proper nutrition and water.
There is one HUGE tomcat hanging around as well which I have been really concerned about driving away Spooky's dad but so far that hasn't happened. They haven't even fought just lots of crazy meowing.
My wife and I did manage to rescue 15 cats this year though, mostly kittens like we do every year living in a rural area between farms, but also 3 adult females. That was it's own kind of hell with no TNR, little to no local help. Finally we hooked up with a group that did help us but they are in way over their heads and we ended up keeping 2 ferals locked in our bathroom for over a month. They meowed all night every night. They all finally got medical care but as far as I know are still waiting to be spayed. All the kittens were quickly spayed or nurtured and adopted out though.
We decided to keep Spooky as she has feline herpes.
Besides the fact she is crazy, she's doing great inside. Got spayed last week and has not had major flare ups. Originally I was 100% convinced she was going to loose an eye but as you can see she looks perfect.
Her parents are still outside but we've filled one shed with straw for them. A lot of the adult feral cats disappear in the winter, likely to barns in the area but if they choose to stay here I can keep an eye on them and make sure they have proper nutrition and water.
There is one HUGE tomcat hanging around as well which I have been really concerned about driving away Spooky's dad but so far that hasn't happened. They haven't even fought just lots of crazy meowing.
