Are We Losing The Battle
By momiecat
@momiecat (997)
United States
December 10, 2008 3:40pm CST
I have been taking care of some feral cats for a few years now. They live at a big box store. This year a lot of them have disappeared and I fear that they have been killed. I don't have exact proof except to say a few have been found dead by myself and a couple other concerned people. I have tried to get some help from the local animal shelter and some other groups and they don't seem concerned at all. In fact one person told me in the grand scheme of things that feral cats are at the low end of the priority chain, meaning nothing much is done to help them or protect them.
I am so disallusioned. There should be retribution for those that have done terrible things to animals. The laws are not strict enough and no one in government seems to care. I am so sad about my ferals and about all the bad stories I hear. I wish there was something that could be done to help these poor defenseless creatures. Man's nature in general is really selfish and self-centered. So sad. :(
2 people like this
4 responses
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 08
That is horribly sad. I wish someone would do something about it, they're living creatures too, and should not be killed by anything other than a force of nature or bad health.
Have you researched the internet about this? Perhaps there is some organization that will help the cats that you're unaware of?
I wish you, your concerned neighbors, and those cats the very best of luck.
@momiecat (997)
• United States
10 Dec 08
I have contact the local animal shelter (animal control) and they could care less. I have contact the L.A. SPCA and they told me that ferals were down at the bottom of the list as far as what could be done to help. Most rescue groups have their own problems and everyone is full of cats or kittens. Like I said above, it is a never-ending battle and a thankless job. Thank you for your comments.
@momiecat (997)
• United States
10 Dec 08
What is wrong with this world? The words that come to mind are selfish, self-centered, ignorant and corrupt. These poor little creatures have such short lives, even if they have good homes and are well cared for. There need to be stricter laws and punishments for crimes against animals. Even the big organizations such as PETA cannot control the situation. In fact, it is out-of-control, horribly so. I wish there were more caring people like us who could get some results in fighting for these precious creature's lives.
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
10 Dec 08
I love cats and I'm curious. How are you helping them? By feeding them? Or something else?
@momiecat (997)
• United States
10 Dec 08
I have been doing TNR - trap, neuter/spay and return. I also go to the store every day and feed those few that are left. Every time I do go, of course I enjoy the ones that are still there but it is always a daily opening of the wound making me think of the ones who are gone. I have also found homes for the friendlier ferals and the kittens. It is sometimes difficult to trap all the cats and some end up getting pregnant no matter how hard you try. There are a couple other people who help feed but not on a daily basis. No one else has done TNR. It is near impossible to relocate all (especially when it was up to 20 or so adults). Now there are may be 6 left and I have cats at home, so I cannot bring anymore home (husband says no, also). Even with all the animal rescue groups out there, it is a never ending battle to help save as many fortunate ones as possible. I find that I am decreasingly able to handle losing them emotionally. It is a very sad and thankless job.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
10 Dec 08
Wow, that is a lot to do. I volunteer at a cat rescue group and we get a lot of kittens from a woman who does what you are doing. Good for you! And I hope you find out who's been killing them. Jerks!!!
@jwfarrimond (4473)
•
10 Dec 08
They might be being poisoned by someone at the box store who might see them as a nuisance. Have you looked round for signs of bait being left out that might be poisoned? If poisoned bait is being put out to kill the ferals, I would have thought that it should be possible to get it stopped on the grounds that non feral cats or domestic dogs might get poisoned as well.
@ElicBxn (64169)
• United States
10 Dec 08
I'm so sad to hear this. You are doing a good thing and I hope you don't lose any more.
I have also rescued a few ferals, they live in my home with my other cats, they were rescued as kittens and are now more semi-feral than truely feral. I actually managed to pet the most wild one last night - she actually stayed for a few moments before leaving.
I post a lot about my cats, all rescues.
@momiecat (997)
• United States
14 Dec 08
You are doing a good thing also. Ferals are just scared of people and rightly so. They are just as sweet as domestic cats when you show them kindness and love. I recently had one of my ferals get very sick and she actually tolerated me touching and hand feeding her when I needed to. She is as sweet as my other cats, just very shy and afraid. I love them all!
1 person likes this
