What's new Pussy Cat

My husband and I have been long time protectors of pets.  We have volunteered endless hours at our local shelter and were part of an incredible group who trapped feral cats and brought them to a local vet where they were neutered/spayed.  We would trap 3 feral cats at a time for the operation. During the course of a year, we provided shelter in our home for over 100 recuperating cats. Many cats were previously house cats whose owners decided to dump them in a known feral cat area.  Knowing this, we were able to re-socialize dozens of cats and find permanent inside homes for them.  Nearly all of the kittens (dozens and dozens and dozens) were hand captured and socialized before finding loving homes. We bottle fed many around the clock. I was overwhelmed by how much support we received from our community with donations to fund the expensive neutering costs.

Such kindness from total strangers to help animals that lived deep in the woods, rarely to be seen.  Such trust from total strangers to give checks and cash to me, someone they did not know.  It's the humans that made it possible to save so many lives and stop the population growth in its tracks.

The cat's left ears are clipped/tipped off to represent they are feral cats.  And you may think the younger cats fair better in a home than the older ones.  But, that isn't always the case.  The front cat, Silly, was 3 when he was trapped and the pretty lady behind him, Mama, was 8 years old when she was trapped.  Mama is now a big lap cat. Silly is a kisser.

 Socialization is a tricky proposition.  Some  of the cats hide under the bed for months before they realize they are safe.  Imagine going from hearing crickets at night to hearing all the scary sounds of living in a house with strangers.  But when they decide they are safe, they feel safe and are ready to meet us.  We let each cat decide when that time is. Several were so full of confidence, we could hear them playing during the night right away.  And within a week they were sharing our pillows in bed.

But none of this would have been possible without so many kind people paying the way.  And I am forever grateful.  I don't even know how to express my gratitude. 

Saving one life may not matter to most.  But it matters to that one life.