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what if you DONT catch Gracie? did you ever thing of that? This cat looks like a nice cat. you should keep it for a couple of days let it warm up to you. try to play with her. name her. bring her to a NO kill shelter to find her a home that wants her, if you cant have her and you want to take your chance waiting to see if Gracie comes back.
Soledad & Tikeyas_Mom:
Are you familiar with Trap-Neuter-Return? I know you both don't live in the U.S., so you may not understand what is being done.
Please see the link below for lots of information about TNR and feral cats. Usually, ferals that are over 8-10 weeks old cannot be tamed.
Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is who is helping me with the TNR with Gracie.
Gracie is different in that we think she's a stray, NOT a feral cat. That is why we would be able to keep her outside in our new covered cat enclosure. If you had been following the "Gracie Story" you would have known all about her...
And to answer your question...we will catch Gracie. I am her only food source and I'm sure she's getting pretty hungry right about now. I've done my research, I know what I'm doing.
Quote:
Originally posted by Ally Cat's Mommy
Keep trying!! You are doing such a great thing for these cats! (Your enclosure and all the other stuff you have put together sure sounds like kitty heaven!)
I SECOND THESE SENTIMENTS! :) :)
Can't wait to see pics of "kitty heaven"! :D :D
I know you will! :) I'm glad to see that you've regained confidence. :D The TNR program is a wonderful concept and the best solution for humanely managing feral cat colonies.Quote:
Originally posted by NoahsMommy
And to answer your question...we will catch Gracie. I am her only food source and I'm sure she's getting pretty hungry right about now. I've done my research, I know what I'm doing.
Geez...I didn't mean any offense! I was only posing a question. I was not judging you or anything.
No, I do not live in the states RIGHT NOW, but I don't know what that has to do with my knowledge of feral cats. However, I had not been following the Gracie story. :(
No offense taken. I was trying to educate...Quote:
Originally posted by Soledad
Geez...I didn't mean any offense! I was only posing a question. I was not judging you or anything.
No, I do not live in the states RIGHT NOW, but I don't know what that has to do with my knowledge of feral cats. However, I had not been following the Gracie story. :(
You had questions, I wanted to provide you with accurate answers...no big deal.
I have been following Gracies story as well, I ment no offence, just asking a WHAT IF?... and it still stands, what if you dont catch her, what if she found a new home? I live in Canada and I quite understand the catch fix and release they do it here to, but I think this kitty might be a nice cat to have, IF it can be tammed.
I think she just wasn't sure if you'd be familiar with the TNR programs (not the ferals themselves), or if they have them in New Zealand, that's all! TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return - usually done to adult ferals so they can remain free and in their accustomed "territory," but not contribute more to the feral population. Often an ear is notched while they're under, so folks will know "this one's fixed!")Quote:
Originally posted by Soledad
Geez...I didn't mean any offense! I was only posing a question. I was not judging you or anything.
No, I do not live in the states RIGHT NOW, but I don't know what that has to do with my knowledge of feral cats.
Just to clarify, I am an American. I've only been gone for 2.5 years.
FYI - Feral cats here (NZ) meet another fate. They are regarded as pests since they kill off the native bird and plant life, so they are trapped, killed or poisoned. There is not catch and release programme here because ferals pose an extreme biosecurity threat.
But I was aware of the TNR programs. What I was not aware of was that Gracie was a stray. I assumed she was a feral just like this one, which is why I didn't understand why she was choosing between the two.
oooh shes pretty Kelly!!!
I don't know what to tell you about releasing her. Maybe jen will have good advice, or someone else with experience in this. I'd be afraid of her getting hurt. But since she is spayed, that will help as well. I know you'll do what's best for her!
And I KNOW you'll catch your gracie girl! You're doing a great thing! Keep it up!
some places in Austrailia that is common to.Quote:
There is not catch and release programme here because ferals pose an extreme biosecurity threat.
Kelly,
You are doing the right thing. There are many feral cats out there who live happy lives in the colonies after being spayed/neutered. I truly believe in the TNR program. There are WAY too many feral cats that can never be placed because they just don't trust humans and never will. It's a fact of life. And the alternative (euthanization) to me, is not an option.
I maintained a feral colony along with other volunteers, going around everyday to make sure they had food, water and shelter. I also worked with 3 feral kittens I trapped in CT. Two of them I found homes for, once I had them fixed. The third one, Grumpy Dave (named after my father) never came around. I was very discouraged because I wanted so badly to find him a good, loving, indoor only home. But it was not meant to be. He is now living a grand life on a farm in upstate Connecticut with other feral cats. I did what was best for him, as I am sure you will do what is best for the grey and white cat. She just may be too feral to socialize. It happens. Please don't let it get you down. Just keep in mind that if you DO bring her to the humane society, they WILL euthanize her because she is not placeable. At least if you release her (I'd wait at least 48 hours after surgery) she will be able to live.
Hang in there, girl! I applaud your efforts 100%.
Soledad,
The only people that regard feral cats as pests are STUPID ones!! Cats don't ask to be feral. They are tossed out like trash by people (I won't say humans as anyone who abandons a cat or kitten in that way aren't human) and expected to fend for themselves.Quote:
Feral cats are regarded as pests since they kill off the native bird and plant life, so they are trapped, killed or poisoned.
Well, Kelly
I think you KNOW what you are doing, and I don't doubt your knowledge. You know a heck of alot more than I do!
Kudos to you that you got the grey girl spayed. And I know you will catch Gracie also!
Keep up the faith regardless!!
Thanks guys!! :) You're support really means a lot. :)
You are doing a great job! Is it possible to keep the grey cat in a garage for a day or so to see if she is feral or not? Sometimes it's hard to tell if a cat is just scared or feral. But even if she is feral at least she is spayed now thanks to your help.
So if new kitty is feral, you'll release her back into her home area.
But if kitty is a stray, could you home two cats in your super cage on the balcony (i.e. When you catch up with Gracie) Or will this one go to a nice no kill shelter to be rehomed ?
I just have visions of these cats, being inside cats no 6 & 7 !!
Best of luck with both cats. May you catch Gracie soon and you did a great thing paying for new cats altering etc.