Puddy Tat

[Bettacreek]

At one point in time, I helped out a feral cat rescue, and even tried starting my own. Unfortunately, now that reality has set in, I really do believe that a proper dispatch of a truely feral cat is in the best interest of all. There are simply way too many feral cats out there, constantly competing with wildlife, each other and people, just for a scrap of food or a dry place to sleep.

 

[Imp]

I'd end up with another cat. I have 2 feral, 2 strays living inside and 2 feral and 1 stray outside. All terrified of the chickens. If you don't know anyone who wants an outside cat for rodent/pest control. Then please take it to the pound- hopefully it will get adopted.

Imp

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I have 3 of my own already so this is really hard. You can't get near him. He has been chasing my 2 indoor/outdoor kitties. (everybody at my house is fixed) He took down an 8lb black sexlink (I have big fat chickens, lol)

I have "dispatched" a few pitbull and a coyote on my own, but just can't bring myself to do it to this cat. (not to mention I don't want to deal with the aftermath of a 30 ott on a cat) but I just can't take him out and drop him off someplace and can't afford to keep him.


Geez

 

[Imp]

I trapped one of the untouchable ferals using food in a dog crate, and the old rope tied to the door trick. Got her spayed.

Is there a feral cat society near you that can help?

Imp

 

[Tala]

Quote:
Whatever you do, don't dump him!!!! Take it to the pound or put it down!!!!!


I agree the cat was the hardest kill, but I didn't find it messy. DH doesn't even know what happened to the cat.

 

[Robin'sBrood]

You're doing the right thing, even if he is put down. Shame on those people for leaving the cat behind!

 

[nzpouter]

you're doing the right thing... if it's a domestic went wild, take it to the pound....

if it's a feral born wild, shoot it.

 

[kota1369]

Its really unfortuante for such a nice cat to have such jerks for owners. Here they leave him behind and show no responcability for him and now you have to make the tough choices. With an animal like this you have no idea if its been vaccinated, spayed or nuetered and what not. An us-spayed cat can add over 80 kittens to the world in a year. Your doing the right thing. The only thing that would be better is to just have it put to sleep right away so it didn't have to go through the pound experiance. And even if the cat is healthy now, there is lots of disease and illness for an animal once vaccines are out of the system. Not to say what the feral cat population is doing to our wild birds. Your doing the right thing. Much better then seeing it starving next year or hit by a car. In the US alone there are over 8 million dogs put to sleep every year because they are homeless. I would bet the cat number is higher.
If his last owners were responcable pet owners, this wouldn't even be an issue. I am sorry it has been put in your lap but at least you are doing the right thing. Unless someone you knows steps up to the plate to take it before you get in the car with him.

4 dogs and 4 city chickens

 

[Mattemma]

I think the pound is a good option.Gives them a chance.I tried no-kill rescues but they either refused or want me to pay $100 to take in the strays I would catch.I want to save them,but we are a poor family and can not afford to pay anything. Love cats.Rescued and tamed a few,but these days I don't tolerate them very well.The risk to my own pets,the smell of urine on a warm summer day.Ugh! The worst though was this summer when my ds saw a cat kill a bunny we had rescued/released. That was sad. I support cat enclosures,and if a neighbor doesn't then don't cry if the cat disappears when it comes on my property.

Best wishes for that kitty!

 

[gsim]

I have seen ferals from time to time here, but none in the last 2 years. Suspect is because of coyotes. Were no rabbits last year (08) then they exploded this spring, and disappeared by mid summer. Now no rabbits or cats to be seen, so suspect coyotes although have not seen any this year. Deer galore, up to 10 at a time in front yard every other day with little ones too. No turkeys lately either, but were all over the place in springtime.