Prince the feral

Prince died July 10 2010

2010-07-12T16:21:00.004-04:00

Prince became visibly ill July 8 and Howard, the man who also loved Prince who had Prince in his yard, took him to the emergency room. That morning he had to leave and his vet didnt have enough oxygen for him so he went to a different vet who did. At some point an xray had been done but not yet correctly or completely read. Some blood work came out normal. He survived the night in the hopsital but not the following night. Perhaps he had a fungal infection..... he is so deeply missed the pain is palpable. He rests and hopefully plays on both Rainbow Bridge and Rainbows bridge. This blog is closed.

Now and Then I see Prince

2010-05-11T14:49:00.003-04:00

and he sees me. I call to him and rush out with a plate of wet food since the man who lured him leaves only dry . Prince comes along the brick path carefully and accepts the food. He is ragged an dirty. He backs away from my hand and ignores me otherwise. If I watch through the closed screen it is fine- if I open the door to watch too closely, he leaves his dinner and moves on. He is feral again and I have lost that incredible closeness we so briefly shared. Random acts do random harm as well as kindness.

Prince spotted in yard-- feral and wary

2009-12-30T17:55:00.005-05:00

I bring out food.

He looks at the food. Puma checks from behind a screen.

Prince is alone again. There is more than a cat to socialize in such an endeavor... and always much to learn...

The moral of the story

2009-12-19T09:28:00.005-05:00

The moral of the story is: dont feed someone elses cat, especially if you can see that cat belongs to someone and has been cared for. Cats arent like dogs, especially feral cats, they go where the food is. Years of work and love is lost when someone selfishly feeds someone else's cat. Feeding means caring for the cat, not just tossing food- it is vet bills and flea and worming treatment and spaying and neutering. If you see a stray, wait and see if it belongs to someone. A cropped ear means this cat is part of a colony and someone has taken time to do all the necessary things for this animal's survival. Prince is microchipped as well. There are so many cats needing a helping hand- find one no one else is loving and helping.

This is a bitter sweet ending to the story of Prince but hopefully he can live the outdoor life into which he was born, now safely and fully. Hopefully, the ending for Prince is happy; he is home at last.

Luna warms herself in front of the fire.

Prince in the distance

2009-12-19T09:25:00.004-05:00

Prince seems fearful of the other cat he now idolizes but this one time, he got to be bookends with him. Otherwise he is in his submissive ground position. I can see him from a distance and he doesnt come home out of the cold or rain anymore. The white blob mid photo is PRINCE.

Socializing a feral cat

2009-12-01T15:43:00.005-05:00

I saw Prince last night at the other house, just a few homes away around the corner where he was being fed. He spent an iota of time with me. I realize now how the difficulty in socializing this animal was compounded by another feeding him - the competition of another food source. With me, he had to come inside the home, meet and greet the other cats. With the other house, he had only to appear in the yard and be fed. Surely this slowed and eventually ended the process. I had no idea, having only told the neighbors on either side of me about him. I had no idea someone would feed my cat. I appreciate the thoughts of the 2 comments added the other day. I miss him desperately; I should have informed all the homes along the pond he was my cat a few years ago---how could I know someone would feed neighborhood cats? He was microchipped with a cropped ear. Hindsight too late. Perhaps others will learn from us I hope he comes home when it gets cold. he has an electric blanket here for him. He was my cat, Prince. Patting him before -- he rubs against my hand.

a date to see Prince

2009-11-30T08:16:00.002-05:00

The man is a nice man and called this morning. We will meet in the yard tonight~ BTW, Prince was getting science diet there--- just what I fed him. He wasnt getting wet food or treats- no one has treats but me these days....but still he hadnt returned home to stay dry or warm. Will see what can be done ...

Prince hasnt returned

2009-11-30T00:25:00.004-05:00

Prince has been fed at another house around the corner. We hadnt seen him for days and feared the worst. About to post signs about the neighborhood, I went to the house I last saw him. I left a note with my phone and information about him and not to hurt him. I would return.

The man called to say he had fed Prince with his 2 other ferals in the yard. He said Prince was happy and came each day. Intially I thought I had to relinquish my cat to whomever fed him and reported his happiness but with advice from others, this wasnt really the case. I am glad Prince is happy but he was happy previously. I still have $60 worth of injections to protect his life and he is still registered with the microchip I had implanted to my home. He also has over $200 worth of Revolution to protect him from fleas and worms and parasites....Do I just hand this over to whomever feeds my cat?

I texted the man who now loves my cat that I will come by after work. I dont want to appear nutsy but is a cat a common property of the last place he eats? Or of the family who rescued him and neutered and fed him for years? he is feral... and I am heartbroken... and confused. Perhaps I wont get to see Prince....Perhaps I wont sleep.

Prince hasnt been around at all since....

2009-11-23T10:08:00.003-05:00

Dr Hong gave Luna and Puma their shots. They were afraid, but like good pets, stood the pain and got protected. Prince was supposedly locked on the porch awaiting his turn when he disappeared. thru locked doors. He was found in the garage fearing for his life. The vet tried valiently to catch him (no one catches a true feral). Prince simply vanished. The vet had to leave but not with his medications. They are in the refridgerator for Prince's return. Its been a week- once Prince came to the house and I carried him inside where he cried and didnt eat. He has not returned.
Luna and Puma have not have treats since treats only happen with Prince. I fear treats are forgotten, as is Prince-- but not in my heart as I search the outside and call almost nightly, to no avail.

I wonder if Prince ever remembers his past hard life?

2009-10-09T17:39:00.008-04:00

Here he shares moments with Puma, who is a real prince (Luna notably absent). He now leaves shortly after dinner and treats, which he has learned to appreciate since Luna runs for hers and Puma eats his away from the other 2. Treat time is planned to coincide with Prince's arrival so luna can see some benefit to his existence.

So called Peace of Mind for a Feral and me, paid.

2009-09-25T12:32:00.002-04:00

Prince’s annual HomeAgain membership has expired. Renew today for peace of mind that you have given your pet comprehensive safety and wellness coverage, designed to protect your pet when it's needed most. Pet Name
Microchip ID 48745B3B6F
MembershipExpiration
AnnualMembership

Prince

The renewal is paid. Cant imagine anyone catching him and taking him to a vet but should he be picked up by animal services and they NOT notice his spliced ear.... he is safe with his microchip... to be returned "home."

Puma can sit back, watch a show, and groom at the same time

2009-09-24T17:14:00.002-04:00

Although he has his stresses, just like anyone else.

its still special when we have a moment

2009-09-14T17:11:00.000-04:00

He is and always will be, a feral cat.

It rains and I see him standing out there, rather than come inside.

confidence momentarily

2009-08-11T21:48:00.003-04:00

Prince tries to imitate his idols Luna and Puma who now have a cup on the counter to drink water. In a daring move, he leapt to the counter to enjoy cold clean water- when spotted qucikly jumped off. (Caught on cell phone hence the lousy photo- verizon)

Prince has moment of pure ecstasy

2009-08-07T21:39:00.000-04:00

First the touch and the look, right in the eye

Then Puma licks Prince clean (briefly).

Then Prince rubs against Puma. He had never purred that loudly in his life- nor had he ever had so much reason. The sound echoed throughout the room.

Prince chills in the cat scratcher

2009-06-04T09:12:00.004-04:00

Prince knows he is not involved in the cat-nail-clipping-project. He is an OutdoorCat and takes some pride in that fact although really cant grasp Luna & Puma's role in the scheme of things.

He is still despised by Luna, sadly, and relaxes best when she is not around. She too, finds life fuller in his absence.

Puma, on the other hand, can chill watching TV regardless of company or in a roll of TP.

Luna got a Manicure

2009-05-30T14:49:00.001-04:00

Luna traveled to another county to meet her siblings, separated at birth, and to get her nails properly clipped. Unfortunately, her sibs were terrified of her and hid and she used her sharp claws one last time to draw blood from their dad who was holding her and not used to small cats so vicious.

She did get to flirt with a cat statue.

Prince still finds zen moments

2009-05-14T18:03:00.004-04:00

Despite his persistent unpopularity with Luna and Puma, he cherishes his down time basking in family closeness.

everyone's nails (claws)

2009-05-13T16:48:00.002-04:00

Touch her paws and she gives "the look"

Luna has been clawing everyone without remorse . Yesterday, her smack to Prince left her claws momentarily hanging on. OUCH. Attempts to clip have been very difficult. We will continue to persist with or without assist. Puma's claws are not yet a problem and Prince has dirty outdoor paws. a new injury on his paw?Mine are deceptively short.

A New Year

2009-01-01T23:58:00.005-05:00

Prince has much to think about, we assume. He is out for the night, leaving his new family behind. He comes daily from one direction or another when I call -- he comes. What a responsibility- for both of us.

Prince gets some Privacy

2008-12-16T12:03:00.016-05:00

May all who otherwise go forgotten into the night, find peace and rest and kindness.
sleeping in the sun

Waiting to come home:

Wandering in the night

Sitting outside bitten by a dozen different species when out of the dark, Prince came to me, purred, rubbed against me, then disappeared into the night.

Good night...

Sometimes we have time for a hug

2008-12-08T10:00:00.010-05:00

Unbelievable to have known this cat so feral, so long, and then; he'll run from my footstep, slink from my hand, be gone for hours. Somewhere. Puma tries to be kind but Prince is so eager to see him and be with him, he rushes him and overwhelms him.

Luna, still is doubtful. Prince, still stunned to be elevated into someone's arms, doesnt visibly embrace these moments~
but is glad to be loved & purrs

Even as babies, Luna & Puma got along well, and now as adults.

Not quite the same emotion with Prince;

Comes in dirty as if to say, its rough out there.

2008-12-04T20:35:00.000-05:00

And it is, and cold.

The cold and an electric blanket

2008-11-20T16:20:00.001-05:00

Prince has managed to come in and stay for hours a freezing night or 2 having discovered the electric blanket. He absolutely basks in the warmth, much to the chagrin of Luna and Puma who cant stop cleaning themselves when he is too close.

Time passes; Prince stays true to his feral roots

2008-11-14T20:58:00.004-05:00

Luna & Puma grow and get bigger tipping their perch further toward imminent disaster:

Tho' Prince appears to get closer by sitting outside the window, he often runs at the sight of me outdoors and prefers to stay in the cold as the weather changes than risk the warmth of the house on the chance he might encounter a new human.

Occasionally there have been human guests in the house. His heart beating, he fled to the garage or under a chair or where ever possible.

The magical 3.

After 3 visits where another human was present, Prince is more reluctant to enter and checks around the open door 3 times before entering. Sometimes too, he cringes in that cat way, of flattening his back low to the floor while moving his legs, to avoid my touch.

I combed him, and he survived and liked it. But each time, terror anew.

All have healed, physically

2008-11-01T18:57:00.001-04:00

Though, there have been stellar moments of all eating together:

as well as momentarily getting close to Luna on the sofa, Luna still hates Puma- as you can see by the look in her eyes.
And Puma still makes a rapid exit.

Puma has taken Prince' Cross to bear

2008-10-13T23:20:00.013-04:00

PUMA presented with fur off the tip of his ear and scabbing. Rushed off to Dr Hong, it was initially and immediately thought to be scabies. Our (Luna & I)skin remains unscathed but we let the Dr do his scraping. It was negative. We were given a wonder salve which should cure it of fungus, infection, or parasite by 3x daily use. Luna (& I, possibly) assumed this problem is due to Prince's problem and there it should stay. Luna expressed a continued aversion to Prince but did feel Puma's pain. She stayed near him but not too near.

Puma had his ears cleaned and his feet nails clipped so he wont knock himself out scratching, should it itch. He also got a shot. The plan was to buy treats but the visit's needs, i.e. expenses, superseded any treats for the next few days. Puma has no cat insurance- currently being discussed by all political candidates. Otherwise, our pharmaceuticals would surely come tightly wrapped and tamper-proof and not just handed to us with verbal instructions. But we are greatful, none the less.

PUMA'S EAR

Prince's problem

2008-10-02T18:00:00.002-04:00

What is this?

Prince was called to the house for his monthly Revolution treatment. He assumed it was dinner time and time to visit Luna & Puma so came trotting. It was then discovered he had a hole in his fur.

And possibly a 2nd one on his neck.

This caused much consternation for the human household member who could find no cause for this, since he ate well, got shots, and treatments for fleas, heartworm, and a myriad of things which might harm his wellbeing.

After much examination, nothing was seen on him which might continue to harm him. He finished his visit. Luna & Puma seemed to see he was even less perfect than usual, if that were possible in their eyes, and wanted nothing to do with him.

Luna and Puma remained unimpressed by his difficulties and displayed their perfect coats:

Its time for Prince's annual exam. The vet comes to visit.

2008-09-12T14:15:00.002-04:00

Not only is Prince a registered Feral in a colony of 1 but he is now microchipped and updated with his vaccinations. I could not imagine how to get him in a carrier so the veterinarian came to visit.

Prince thought he died and went to hell. His worst nightmare- more humans- and touching him!

Needless to say, Luna was a hit and much admired; Puma let her have her moment. Prince was off hyperventilating somewhere.

Luna doesnt have to be polite for long; she doesnt have time or need for that.

Its so hard being friends

2008-08-15T15:26:00.001-04:00

Prince tries but knows- he better be the bottom guy if he is going to stay around.

Ofcourse with Luna, he really doesnt have a chance. She cant even bear to watch him sleep.

And the rest of the neighborhood wildlife have little fear of him:

filled with wonder, filled with.....

2008-07-27T16:01:00.001-04:00

Uncertainty. Feral cats never quite let go of that~ their legacy, their birthright~

Some days are diamonds.....

2008-07-26T21:01:00.000-04:00

Almost. Prince gets to sit on sofa with Luna & Puma. Luna makes a big show of cleaning Puma, then Puma rubs against her while she ignores Prince as only a cat can ignore.

Some days are stones~

2008-07-26T15:49:00.000-04:00

Rapid retreat after chasing strange cat off property that Prince isnt yet sure is his own anyway. Returning soaked for a quick bite to eat.

Sometimes I forget I left Prince in the house

2008-07-11T14:25:00.005-04:00

Then he gets to chill with Puma- tho there is still a hierarchy.

Tho on good days, everyone chills:

Note Luna in back, relaxed but keeping an eye on things....

checking between the floor boards for

2008-06-18T15:27:00.005-04:00

something hopefully only he knows about. The cropped left ear, described in an earlier post, is pretty clear in this picture- tells some of his story; I tell the rest.

The beginning of the blog is March 2007. The beginning of Prince is much earlier. The beginning of the feral cat problem began when the humans labeled it a Problem. Many are still debating the Solution; for Prince, it is "solved."

In a good mood

2008-06-14T17:20:00.004-04:00

and why not? He finally got the joke Puma told him last week. His stomach is full. He is safe. He had time to groom himself for this photo.

But why would a feral cat have to use antique wicker as a scratching post? Who taught him that?

I am about to go out for the evening but

2008-06-13T19:17:00.006-04:00

I allowed Prince in when I heard the distant rumble of thunder. He has eaten from both cats' plates leaving them disgusted again with him. There is some unspoken cat etiquette he just cant get- plus he has a twig stuck in his side fur. Luna has left the room and sits by me as I type. Puma goes thru his cat door into the garage. This always leaves Prince agog with wonder: how did Puma disappear through the wall? Where did Luna creep off to without a backward glance at me?

Sometimes Luna gives him "the look." Dont even try to walk past me.

Now he howls and calls. I answer where I am. I think he wants Luna or Puma to answer but they get amazingly quiet. Then he cries. On and off this goes for as long as I can bear. I say OK (he understands this) and open the glass door onto the porch to let him out. He pauses at the screen door: should I go or should I stay? (If you have heard that song on the radio, it was written by a feral cat who made a fortune on it but in typical feral behavior, squandered the money immediately and recklessly- they really dont change.)

He goes outside. Click, I lock the door. This routine is repeated night after night- with variations. Much patience is needed adopting such a cat. On his side as well, ofcourse.

Prince, waiting to be let out, again.

we pose for the camera

2008-06-12T23:06:00.010-04:00

Puma Luna

Prince & me.

Puma looks wise beyond his years (Puma does have lovely round eyes but squinted for the flash-he isnt vain but does care abt some things); Luna looks stunning as usual, and Prince simply looks stunned. Is this what its all about? Have I arrived?)

Puma, a little more wide eyed, in his youth.

old habits die hard

2008-06-07T15:32:00.004-04:00

Prince continues to head butt the others away from the plate- as he did in the wild. There is always enough food now but still he alienates his potential house mates by gently pushing in to whatever spot they eat in. Sometimes, Puma doesnt want to be around him for meal time.

Prince spends a moment up in my arms!

2008-05-28T22:02:00.009-04:00

After Feeding this cat for 1 1/2 years, trapping him, and releasing him last fall, and feeding him and spending "quality" moments each day with him, as he hissed, ran, or swatted if I got close- a milestone! First he thought- oh my God, its holding me! Then he was a bit more ok with it---- and lastly a kiss to boot:

Tuesday

2008-05-27T22:21:00.002-04:00

Today Prince came late. I called and heard some rustling and he ran toward the house. I pet him once- he was messy. I put my finger in front of his face and he went to swat it- back to his old scared feral way, slinked under the table away from me. He ate with Luna and Puma and then began his cry and shortly after I let him out to the dark night. Gone.

KING: RIP

2008-05-26T12:00:00.004-04:00

I have recently learned King, the deaf, half blind, cat with the limp was hit by a car near his new home. This isnt where he is interred, but a similar unknown cat stands guard. Hopefully King enjoyed the freedom of food provided and safety from the raccoons for the brief period he was allowed to on this earth. There are some of us whose lives he touched and he will always be remembered as a very brave cat who got worse then he or any living creature who did no harm, deserved. He wasnt a complainer; he asked for little.

so much progress, so many tasks

2008-05-18T15:16:00.002-04:00

Luna and Puma have shown Prince how to use the scratching post- having no idea what outdoor cats do. They look on astonished (Puma refrains from expression) at Prince using the scratching post on his head.

Obviously, he catches on immediately to using the sofa for a scratching post:

Prince on the property

2008-05-07T15:40:00.003-04:00

Prince comes regularly for dinner and a visit tho still cant quite figure out out Luna manages to live inside full time.

On rare occasions, he sits on the perimeter of the the lawn. I like to think he is guarding his territory but I have no idea what he is doing or where he usually goes. Still, when he sees me outside, he runs away like the feral he is. He only recognises me as a non-terror within the house.

At times I call him for dinner or visits and he comes running. So sweet. I imagine he knows his name or my voice but more than likely it is the sound of the click of the screen door. It is not good to have too many illusions while loving a feral cat.

Other times he would rather sit in the rain than come to my porch. Puma is disgusted by this behavior and at these times, should Prince finally arrive, soaked, Puma will walk in the opposite direction.

now its raining and its dinner time and

2008-04-15T17:17:00.001-04:00

he's not around. Thunder, lightening. wouldnt that be clues to what is going to happen? Wouldnt a cat want to come out of the rain and come to eat? Where is he? I call and wait.

Caring for a wild cat is always being ready to let go- to recognize loss. Those who have lost others, whether animal or friend or family, know the hollow feeeling that churns within. You dont accept loss easier because of familiarity but you already have the the empty hole and know where to tuck the agony.

Surely, he'll be back.

Almost there

2008-03-31T20:55:00.002-04:00

Luna makes a clear statement on who owns Puma and where Prince stands.

I dont give up and rest my face on Prince's head. He ponders whipping around and chewing off my nose. But fortunately, he doesnt. It is a turning point for Prince and myself. Luna forgives me but never Prince. Frankly, Luna hates Prince.

a rare moment of peace between nations

2008-03-25T22:46:00.001-04:00

Prince tries to get close to his idol Puma. He doesnt dare get alone often with little Luna who wont miss a chance to swat at him but walks in a broad circle around him. This must have a been a special night.

Prince now allowed in the house, found his way to the bedroom and tried to get close to Luna nd Puma who appear to be deep in sleep.
Then I got close to Puma. Then I snuggled with Luna. Prince ended up, alone, again.

How do they do it?

2008-02-12T05:13:00.000-05:00

Prince cant believe how Luna and Puma walk through walls of glass. No wonder he worships them.

Luna enjoys the scene.

soaking wet cat

2008-02-11T15:07:00.003-05:00

Wetness may

be a way of life for some cats. Its not that they dont know to come inside out of the rain but there is no place sometimes to come into, or to come out of. This no longer was the case for Prince but again, old habits die hard or perhaps new brain paths take time- same thing.

By holding the door open and calling to him while we all got soaked, Prince came in out of the rain.

the first time I got to touch Prince for more than 1 second

2008-01-18T15:29:00.002-05:00

Eventually, Prince makes his way into the palace of the gods- the house of Luna nd Puma and myself. After weeks of patience, I touch him.

He was distracted by food and I pet him. He looks small here but had a ferocious mouth with sharp pointy teeth, I didnt let near me.

He runs like the wind when he realizes I am there and have marked him with my scent.

Too fast to see. Prince still fears me.

2008-01-02T22:41:00.000-05:00

See the cat run. Ahggg.

Luna watches him- always slightly off put by his very existence.

The icy cold night where Prince would huddle.

2007-12-29T23:02:00.000-05:00

at night. 6 weeks after capture

2007-10-10T21:53:00.001-04:00

Prince is observed through the glass- playing. Alone. Doing what Luna and Puma do- wondering why they do it but doing it again and again. that ball!

He is an outsider on insider territory. Watching.

2007-10-09T20:56:00.002-04:00

He watches Luna play, not going near her. Luna and Puma fascinate Prince. he doesnt fascinate them.

Luna and puma have eyes mostly for each other.

2007-10-08T14:43:00.003-04:00

At this point, I never thought Prince could come in the house or be even a vague part of this family. Almost daily, I tried to spend even a moment with him,when he came around. Advisers advised patience saying one day he will jump in your lap (hasnt happened even months later). One day he will come up to you and sit by your feet. Not yet either....but I didnt give up--- because there was no point to defeat. People give up on each other. Some have given up on me---for no deep seated reason, I couldnt give up on him.

Luna and Puma surprisingly had no qualms about Prince alone or unloved tho they did seem to care for each other- but not 24/7. Nor did they care for me 24/7 much to my chagrin.

Prince out of cage on porch. Cats allowed also on porch- under obs.

2007-09-27T22:32:00.002-04:00

Puma eyeballs Prince through the window at night.

Prince is in the left lower corner watching Luna and Puma who fascinate him by their antics, indifference to him, and fearlessness regarding me, the human.

He's tentative copying their perches- not sure why they are on the porch or what direction he should look. They ignore him.

He ignores me. he fears me. He despises me it seems.

below is the cage where Prince spent his early days. That too was half the product of a kind stranger who brought it in his truck, going miles out of his way. When he offered to get the dog in, I had to explain, it was a cat, a wild one. He shared, after a pause, he too had wild cats but never fed them. They ate the mice on his farm. We left it at that.

cropped ear

2007-09-14T17:49:00.002-04:00

His ear finally healing- his head tells the community- he is a feral cat who has been neutered and has a right to live out his life. It tells animal services, this is a "kept cat" and they will seek the person who provides for his colony.
Prince was registered in a colony of one. He is a Prince.

Safe ferals play too.
Obviously, he brought his pretty self back HOME after a few days away to discover his new residence. He also brought a few new friends who wanted to eat his food. I had left the porch screen door ajar so he could come in to eat and leave. So he would know he was free.
My 2 cats thus couldnt go out if the porch door was ajar since they were basically indoor cats. They hated Prince more than before, if possible.

Prince in his new location

2007-09-03T12:27:00.004-04:00

But this blog is about Prince the feral whom I thought was a Princess because of his timid, reclusive ways. The first surprise upon picking him up with the group who never truly considered him a part of them, was that he was a male. Therefore, renamed.

He spent a week or 2 in a large cage on my back porch. I covered it from the hot sun and put a fan out there to cool him. He remained scared to death. If I came near him, he hissed, quietly, fearfully. It wasnt a pleasant time for either of us.

My 2 little cats werent allowed out the first week so as not to frighten him further.

Eventually, not knowing how to clean the cage, I had to let him onto the porch where he remained hidden for another 2 weeks. he slid out to eat when I wasnt around. Hissed if I came near him. I wondered what I had done and how to ever get close to this cat. I wondered if he were more miserable here than lost on the streets.

If you look closely, you can see the cropped ear: sign of the feral. You can also see he is plumping up and starting to keep himself clean tho my 2 couldnt stand to be near him. I had no idea they were such snobs since they werent brought up that way.

Eventually, Prince got out the open porch door. I searched for him at night and the next day. I bought binoculars to further search him. I went to sporting goods stores loking for night binoculars to better spot him in the dark. Every white piece of paper was a potential discovery of this cat, every white hunk of garbage, every pail. If he got hurt, I would blame myself. Armed with various truths abt cats- they always return to where they are fed, they return miles away to their first home, they are shot to death by cat haters, etc I learned to just let time take its course (yeah right, not)

help?

2007-09-02T03:23:00.004-04:00

Now I have a wild cat in a cage crying on my porch and my 2 cats unable to go out to the porch they love. It seems the whole state went away for the holiday weekend and if not, are deep asleep. What do I do? Do I release him again to the wild as some suggested or return him to the bad place he came from. Do I just wish it were better? Do I sell the house as is with the cats in it- as I once planned to do when I discovered a frog in my toilet?

I email a woman LiZa in Alaska I know only from an organization I sometimes seek advice or education from for the permanent makeup procedures I do. Luna is just a baby and helps by entangling herself in the wiring.

Amazingly, LiZa responds almost immediately offering encouragement and advice- from ALASKA. She stays with me in this from afar with her vast knowledge and good naturedness despite the busy schedule she carries professionally and all the people she stays in touch with, personally. I have never met this woman nor heard her voice yet she cares about me and this cat from a place I have never been in the middle of my night.

Prince owes part of his future wellbeing to this woman who came through for us in a dark lonely hour.

One tested postive

2007-09-01T13:30:00.003-04:00

Just a baby, neutered and scared, waiting to be released back to his home.

This one wasnt so lucky. He will never be released to the wild again but nor will he be euthanized.

I was to pick up the cats after they were spayed and neutered. There were 6 cats in cages to be brought to my home to recover and then be released. By a turn of events, the humane society was full and couldnt accept the cats on the appointed day of delivery. Our area was one of the selected locations for money from Mission Orange, so people and cats and organizations were participating in the reduced cost of spaying.

Our cats were brought to another service for their surgery and testing. On Friday of the holiday weekend, I learned 1 cat tested postive. I was so fearful it was my white cat with the turquois eyes whom I had named Feral Princess. It was the biggest cat, a male named Tiger.

That facility didnt believe in euthanizing cats but the humane society felt a positive cat couldnt be released back to infect his colony. The told me they would stay open late for me to return with the cat to be put down.

At this point, I was as alone and abandoned as these anesthetized cats. For me, I simply couldnt be a part of a death car transporting the cats, still in their traps to the humane society, leaving 5 in my car and dropping off the 6th to be ended. I called people I knew- no one was available- no one could even help drive the cats- I had a corolla.

A man I knew who had property and his own view on life and people and animals, said he would not allow the cat to be put down. Bring the cats to him to recover. At this point I felt I was selling my soul to allow this cat to live for reasons which will remain undisclosed- a cat I didnt know- since I couldnt recall this cat trotting up to me to be fed.

Feral cats on the property happily eating.

In an airconditioned mobile home, with porches to the outdoors, 24 hour TV (usually on sports per the owners taste which he feels the cats must enjoy also), regular meals, couches, and toys, etc. lives Tiger with a new group. Tiger was described as one of the meanest cats met- but he is entitled to his temper, never asking to be saved, or trapped, or tested. He is safe; he is alive; he is pissed. He has adjusted. He still hates humans. He is a feral FIV+ cat. The one cat in the window is another + cat.

Many cats owe gratitude to this man who operates with his own money his own sancutary. There are chickens, goats, minature horses, offspring ofhis favorite dog live in the house. There are free running ferals outdoors. Another part of the house contains house cats- who have acess outdoors. They all enjoy privacy and like facility for abused women and children, its location remains a secret too outsiders.

Never caught

2007-08-26T13:15:00.002-04:00

This beautiful striped guy, friendly, living alone at the first stop of those of us who went to feed, would always come to greet us, eat, visit, and walk away. There were 2 who were willing to keep him safe after he was trapped and neutered but alas, he proved extremely hard to catch- despite the recommended Churche's fried chicken. Once a cat failed to stay in the trap or realized what was happening he grew leery and near impossible to trick. This cat last came to us, turned away and ran at breakneck speed to catch a squirrel in its jaws, crunch its head, eating it in front of us- tauting us to see his sweet side and trap-- we couldnt. We left him. I believe he still lives by a large rock alone, charming residents he trusts, and getting by. Even the most experienced trapper never caught him. He is close to 3 years old now- a dangerous time for an outdoor cat living by his wits, alone. He is thinnner now and bigger. Maybe someday, someone will keep him safe.

It is like looking at photos of troops in Iraq- MIA. It all comes full circle- the right, once alive and not harming others, to exist.

never seen again

2007-08-25T13:04:00.001-04:00

this large yellowish cat disappeard. Did he die quietly somewhere or in pain? Is he still hiding or are his remains destroyed? It is still painful for me to see this photo; I fool myself he "got away."

We will never know. He wasnt trapped and didnt come for food.

This sweet guy was hurt by angry residents. They called a private trapper who "humanely" destroyed this life.

The concern was trapping a raccoon instead of a cat- fortunately, it didnt happen. This raccooon (in background) was never visited again.

always aloof

2007-08-20T12:51:00.003-04:00

The cat I called mine was always off alone- with the group but not quite. I imagined this was the cat's royalty, specialness. I became obsessed with helping this cat.

By this time, residents had called animal services, and time was running out. I panicked each time I couldnt find my cat.

Help comes from strangers when least expected. The newly placed office manager said he needed to help someone or something. He fed a cat near his office and gave us access to the newly "gated" community. A guard knew generations of the cats and could point out this mother had this baby who then got with that cat and had these 3, etc .

trapping

2007-07-24T12:40:00.003-04:00

with raccoon, sharing what little food there was.

Attempts were made to trap the cats for several weeks. Mosquitos, darkness, frightened cats, hostile residents, personal issues, raccoons, made the challenge even more difficult. Some of the cats had kittens by now (it was "kitten season") and those were the easier ones to trap, spay, and release back to the group.

This is the "new generation" eating on the side of the hill.

The bottom photo taken by cell phone shows several raccoons and 1 cat all eating. ugh. The raccoons scared me. And vice versa.

not pet material

2007-06-18T15:01:00.001-04:00

The unpretty face. hsss. hsss.

where the colony resided

2007-05-01T12:22:00.002-04:00

The cats lived near a body of water and an abandoned house. Those who lived nearest the group werent always allies and threatened the cats . Sometimes a cat from the group wasnt seen ever again and it was feared death by natural or unnatural causes.

Briefly the cats were encouraged to eat on the porch of this house- away from prying eyes. The porch turned out to be part of a shack owned by a Korean church which did not give permission for the strays to be fed there.

The humans grappled with the question- was the group safe there? Did they need to be moved? Were we safe feeding there at night? The only definite answer was the group needed to be trapped, spayed or neutered before being returned there or elsewhere. (The "group: being the cats.)

Early days. April 2007

2007-04-20T12:14:00.004-04:00

The feral who caught my eye lived in a colony behind some apartments going "condo." The cat was one of the more fearful, hiding when I was near unless near starvation brought out the willingness to venture forward.

I was part of a small group of humans who took turns providing food and water to the colony. If I got too close, he ran.

If it rained, he waited in the rain-- I imagined for me. Later I understood he had no place to be- the others didnt let him share shelter they found; he was scared of them anyway.

I did think Prince knew me-- I was some being who cared for him and of whom he then must be extra careful. I made promises to him I was afraid I couldnt keep such as "I wont hurt you. You will be safe."

Prince in the woods

2007-03-01T18:14:00.002-05:00

Slightly over a year ago this weekend, the feral I called my feral Princess watched me from a distance, never letting me get close. This is the story of how I learned he was not princess and how he became, in a way, my feral Prince. This is about a feral cat who joined a family of nonferals.