I recently approached Dan, a co-worker of mine and animal lover, about helping me rescue some feral cats that had been brought into the shelter. I knew he had acquired a piece of land in Bedford County and spent quite a bit of time there. I explained how so many feral cats are brought to the shelter and cannot be adopted back out because they are essentially wild animals. I told him if we don’t do something they will be euthanized and for no good reason. He understood perfectly and really wanted to help. I asked if he wouldn’t mind if I released some of the cats on his land given that he would watch out for them and feed them. I offered to pay for food and help with a shelter for them.Dan promptly began building their shelter and I provided the food and water dispensers we would house inside a wood box to keep them out of the elements. Once the structure was built he stuffed it with hay and straw for insulation. He even made a porch front for it. He positioned the kitty shack near a huge wood pile for more protection from other animals. He soon realized it would only hold 2 or 3 cats but it was a good start.
I had been making the arrangements with the shelter to take 2 feral cats we had spayed/neutered, vaccinated and ready for their release. I picked them up and brought them to work with me to pass along to Dan so he could take them up to their new home. We were really anxious and excited about this experiment. We both had our worries and concerns for the cats and hoped for the best. We kept reminding ourselves that freedom is better than death and we would be there to watch over them. I prayed that everything would work out and the animals would be safe.
Once up to the mountain Dan prepared their new home and he had a special treat waiting for them beside each compartment at the entry to their shelter. He opened the carriers and stood back so as not to frighten them. They came out and started sniffing around. The big grey male cat started rolling on the ground on his back and flopping around like a fish! He climbed up the huge wood pile and stretched way out and then began sharpening his nails on the wood. He seemed so relieved and happy to be free. I remember how miserable he was at the shelter. Being indoors and confined to a cage for a free roaming cat is pure misery. I really felt terrible that someone had taken him from his “home” (where ever that was) to begin with.
The female cat sniffed around the house and started eating her special treat. She later went into the house and back out again. Then she discovered down below where the dry food is kept. She was making herself right at home! Dan was delighted to see how well they were adjusting and exploring their new surroundings.
We were so happy, but still a bit hesitant to call it a full success at this point. A week later, Dan went back to refill food and water and check on the cats. He pulled up and the female shot out of her house. The male cat was not around at the moment. The food was still good but he topped it off. It was starting to get cold so the water was freezing but there is a running creek nearby. We hope they will discover this and be able to drink fresh water. All is well so far. We hoped to spot the big male cat later so we can see that he is ok.
Another week or so goes by and Dan goes back to check on them again. This time he finds both of them sleeping in the house! Great! They are keeping warm and dry. He said this time he parked further away so he didn’t startle them with his truck. They slowly woke up and came out of their house and moved around a bit. They looked healthy and well fed.
We are thrilled about this! Now I can feel some relief that we did the right thing by rescuing these cats. Our worst fears were that they would not acclimate to their new home and freak out and run. Since that did not happen I feel more confident about rescuing more cats and releasing them to a safe haven. Operation Kitty Cat Freedom was a success!
If you or anyone you know can help out feral cats in your area there are many resources out there. They deserve to live out their lives like any other creature on this planet. They would be grateful for the help. Please spread the word and raise awareness that these cats should not be taken into the shelter system. Animal shelters are for companion animals that can be re-homed. They are not equipped to take in wild animals. The outcome for a feral cat is death at a shelter or animal control facility. This is not the best way to deal with wildlife and there are more humane solutions for them.
If anyone needs any help with this matter you can contact me on this blog. Alley Cat Allies and The Stray Cat Alliance are both great organizations with lots of information as well.
