Tom +3 ~90 One year in remission :)

[Ilkka and Tom]

Hi everyone,

Just thought you might like to hear that Tom is still OTJ -- a little crabbier and older, but bg's are normal. What a blessing.

In the meantime, we are moving from Houston, and have the following concern: we took on responsibility for a colony of about 14 "feral" cats in the neighborhood. Two were killed by cars, we had one put down, got four adopted, and have 7 remaining. They sleep in our garage and we feed them, de-flea them etc. They are all neutered/spayed, shots -- three of them are even microchipped. We don't know what to do.. (didn't come to talk about this, but just thought of it.. ) -- can't take all of them with us (we already have three cats and one dog, all rescues including Tom), but we don't want to leave them either. A few of these cats are docile, loving and deserve a home -- they are all young and some are very pretty, unusual looking. Ideas?

We think of all of you often, and wish you and kitties the best..

Ilkka and Tom

Tom's old profile is here

 

[Vicky & Gandalf (GA) & Murrlin]

Ilkka! So good to hear from you! Glad Tom is still OTJ and doing well!

Hope the move is not too stressful. I don't know much about feral colonies. Perhaps someone from the Humane Society could help with finding someone to watch over them.
Will you have a garage where you're going? Perhaps you could transport the colony, or at least the most docile ones, keep them in the new garage for a while before letting them roam so they know where their new home is? That is probably naive and perhaps too disruptive for them.

I guess the best thing I can say to relieve your concerns is, what did they do before you tended to them? Somehow they survived. Cats are amazing creatures. There must be something in that area to keep them there - a way to survive beyond what humans provide. I'm sorry it will hurt to leave them. Bless you for helping the ones who needed homes.

Let us know when you get settled in your new home. Where will you be?

 

[Sheila & Beau GA & Jeddie GA]

Ilkka, great to hear from you and hear that Tom is doing great and still OTJ. After you settle in your new place, don't be such a stranger.

I don't envy you the problem of your ferals. How gut wrenching to have to leave them. Especially the tame ones. They think your garage is home and you are there caregiver. I guess I would search for a shelter that could take them, or foster homes. You might post on Community and ask if anyone knows of something in your area. Maybe search the neighborhood for someone willing to take over the colony? I don't suppose the new people moving into your house are cat lovers? Last resort, offer to help them financial to take care of these cats? The problem with a colony is that new cats could join it if they think it's a sure thing.

Start by taking photos so you can show how pretty and unusual they are to anyone you can. I wish I could be of more help.

 

[Michele&Molly]

Great to see you and to hear that Tom is doing so well. drinking24 Cheers mate!!

When my dh and i moved into this house, we had to leave a colony of 9. For weeks before i laid awake and did nothing but worry. Like you, i could not take them with me and my guilt was horrific! Please read Vicky's post again, i wish someome would have written those words to me before i had to leave them (a neighbor took over thankfully!!). Please also know that they are extremely blessed to have had you.

Best wishes.