(honest and sincere) thoughts on this cat?
I've been feeding this white kitten for the past three weeks. Like clock work, every light of day at five, the kitten comes onto my back porch and eats. I've tried countless times to get it inside, but it other runs away. I set a warm shelter for it, but it never uses it.
Okay so NOW for the past week (since Sunday), the kitten is gone and within replacement are different cats. Last night (wed) it was a black and white cat, who again, wouldn't come near me and TONIGHT it be a calico cat.
The kitten, or I should say, young adult, be all white with a spot of black on it's forehead. These other two cats are spotted as economically.
Is it possible, that they are all family? Is it possible that the black and white cat was the kitten's mom? Do you reason that the kitten went back to it's "family" and told them about me supplying food? lol, I know it sounds so crazy..cat's can't address. But this is just ironic.
I'm aware the kitten may have passed. It doesn't make sense that it stopped coming for it's food and these other cats are. It's resembling they have a secret club. They are all spotted cats!
For reader who feed strays, is this common? I was going to purchase a stray cat catcher, but what on floor am I going to do w/all these cats?!
PLUS last night, I noticed a skunk scurring across my driveway! I can't maintain feeding all these animals..lol, my neighbors are going to have a fit!
I used to feed a stray and about 1 week after that he/she (I never sexed them) came back with a friend. I know they were siblings because their mother had them in our backyard. Maybe a couple of days then, another sibling came. Every now and then, the mother would show up but would without beating about the bush run when she saw any human. The original cat came into my home near no fear. Its' siblings had fear and didn't come surrounded by my house. The original stop showing up one day and I later found the poor point dead. It had choked on someone's litter it was trying to chomp through. Please be aware that they definitely do let others know that you're feeding them, so you will see an increase contained by other cats as well as an increase in other species of animals, ie skunks, raccoons, squirrels, etc. You can't really tell what kitten belongs to what mother because the mother's can hold so many diff. colored kittens. As far as a cat catcher, you don't want to look like the crazy cat lady. lol
Actually I was feeding up to 14 at one point, and not own it be a hassle with anyone. The cats all knew that the food bowl be full during daylight hours and taken up in the evening to avoid raccoons. I have a dampen bowl out too, all the time.
I do TNR, so they all got live trapped, neutered/spayed, microchipped, de-flead, dewormed, vaccinate for rabies and ear tipped, then released back here. That way they didn't reproduce. Over olden times 8 years we're down to three now, one of them still from that original group, and none of the neighbors have a problem near the cats coming for food.
I know they're fed and able to fight bad infection or illness because of it, and they know if they can't find anything to eat elsewhere that there's food here whether they need it. The food does not draw rats (though the squirrels help themselves). We go through an 18 lb daypack every month and a half. For the $10, it's worth it.
Answers: Dear Animal Lover,
I love you! I feel there need to be more people surrounded by the world like you. I myself, you won't believe this, currently feed SEVEN stray cats. 6 baby raccoons, and other animals that I'm not even going to mention.
I have a very similar experience, with the kitten thing. Just just this minute four little cats were coming around to eat the food I leave out. First one, later the other and then two more. When cats are born outdoors, they typically stay with the mother and sometimes in larger communities (of cats) which form a sort of pack. I know it sounds strange, but they really do "communicate" near one another by scent. If one eats your food and then goes backbone to the others, they will smell the food... and then follow back the scent to your porch!
I wondered about the neighbors too, but seriously, I settled it's more important to help the ones who can't speak, instead of worrying about what the ones who can will speak about it.
If it's a matter of money, you could always call upon your local pet shelter and explain the situation and see if they can take the kittens, or if you can work it into your budget, shift bulk at warehouse places-- See if you can get a local PETA group, or other animal awareness group to sponsor you! You could even set up a blog to get donations and hold pictures etc. I would definitely donate!
Those are just some ideas to consider of, but for now, set up an area to feed the cats at a secure time. Once their done feeding bring the bowls inside to avoid night animals (like skunks and raccoons etc.)
I know you mentioned the you made a little shelter for them, and whether they're not taking to it right away give them some time. It's better to let it be available than not, particularly now that the weather's changing.
I hope you don't change how obedient you are! I admire you, young lady. I hope you hold a wonderful holiday, and the kitties too.
-Ms. Dabbler
- it is pretty possible but i will say this. strays can find or smell food from FAR away. i had vanished my dogs food outside one night only to own the neighborhood cats all at my back door & from that point on , they would always at least possible stop by every night on the off chance i be going to give them some food! i visited a friend of mine who lives about 2 miles absent & guess what? i saw the same cat over by her house. they def get around & i am sure they know the "hot" spots " which your house is immediately one of them since you are feeding them. i would not rule out anything! best of luck. have a blessed holiday season! -
