Conference misery::feline

    Has anyone notice a black and white cat near the Digital sign, in the
    field, along side the entrance to the highway?  I have seen this thin
    cat, trying to catch field mice in this field now for about 5 times.
    I try to catch it, and entice it with food, but it is so scared it
    just jumps away.  The cat is of long fur, typical white mustache, and 
    white chest.  It has no collar, and not sure if it has a tail.  I
    just hate to see it killed on the highway, maybe by a plow.  Please
    check out this area and see if you can catch him.  Just as you take
    the turn, below the Digital sign, and in this field, is usually where
    he is playing !
    
    thanks,
    Nancy

    Nancy,
    
    Which Digital facility are you referring to?
    

    	I think Nan cy is referring the MK1 (Merrimack, NH).
    
    	

    YES, MK1 FACILITY.
    thanks
    

    A co-worker of mine just told me about a stray or feral cat that
    he's seen near MR04.  He says its multicolored and runs away if
    you try to approach it.  Has anyone else seen this cat?
      Nancy DC
    

    I think this is probably one of the ferals that are being taken care of
    by a DEC worker here in MRO2.  She loves the cats and feeds them every
    day, twice a day, and they go to the vet too to be neutered/spayed. 
    They live outdoors year around.  She will accept food donations, but
    only dry as it maintains better in inclement weather.  They also have a
    small shelter.  Anyway, that's all I can say and wouldn't want to say
    more without her express permission.  If anyone is interested though in
    food donations, I'm sure she'd be delighted.  
    
    nc

Since this isn't an official adoption note (yet), I'll place it here....

I've got a stray kitty (the one who jumped into my truck and rode to work with
me one day) that is in dire need of shelter.  He's a huge brown tabby and white
male (whole, he's got his parts....) and doesn't have a home.  I've been feeding
him for a couple months, but he was on my door step this morning, as he is
every morning, in the freezing cold.  I just can't leave him out another night,
and I just can't bring him in to my house.  I'm battling all sorts of territory
battles now and I can't risk making it worse.  I've been thinking all day of
taking him to the Nashua shelter, or even boarding him at my vets till I can
find him a home.

Can anyone offer this guy a foster home till a permanent one can be found?
He's very affectionate, has good table manners, and is a world-class mouser.
I will pay for vet visits and neutering, but I just can't take him in.

Any ideas/help??

A desparate Mary

    Hi,
    
    On my way out to lunch last Thursday I saw a cute little grey cat
    hanging out by the main entrance to MLO.  I tried to pet him but he
    wouldn't let me get close.  I also saw him there this Thursday but when
    I got back from lunch he was gone.
    
    I'd love to take him but can't at this time.  Does anyone know anything
    about him?  If he is a stray I'd like to catch him and take him to a
    shelter at least.  Anyone have any suggestions?
    
    I'm concerned because it is so cold outside and he twitches one of his
    ears.  
    
    Thanks for any info/suggestions,
    Rania
    

    Re: .7...the kitty was brought to the shelter last night.  I just
    couldn't leave him out and I couldn't take him in.  The Nashua shelter
    is in the same building as my vet and the entire staff came by to
    witness me actually giving a cat up for adoption!!  They were all very
    proud of me (they know the inn is very full already).  The shelter
    staff, who are wonderful, couldn't get over what a terrific cat he is. 
    In spite of the fact he arrived in a kennel, was surrounded by
    strangers, and didn't know what was happening, he was calm and
    affectionate and purred thru the whole thing.  They've named him "Huge
    Herman" because of his size.  My vet gave him a quick once-over, said
    he was in good shape, although he needed to loose them spare parts, if
    you catch my drift.  I'm sure he's gonna find a great home.
    
    Mary
    

    Is the Nashua shelter a No-kill shelter?
    
    Just wondering.....
    
    Nancy

    Nancy,
    
    No, it isn't a no-kill.  But, I think they try hard to find homes for
    the healthy ones before resorting to euthanization.
    
    I adopted Taja from there and we had some red tape to work through. 
    Contact me off line if you'd like more details.
    
    -Roberta
    

    No, they're not.  But they do everyting they can to place the animals. 
    I don't think Huge Herman is gonna have much trouble...he's very
    sociable and is quite a huge love.
    
    When I took HH in, there was a young (very young) couple in looking to
    adopt a dog.  They were asked to estimate the cost of caring for the
    dog over the course of one year.  They hadn't a clue.  They didn't even
    know how much a can of dog food was.  I'm glad their so careful about
    placement.  And I'm glad I had my vet vouch for me in giving up HH!
    They must have thought I was making up this sad story about already
    having 7 cats, including a 7 month old kitten who had just had both
    eyes removed.......
    
    Mary

    
    	No, they are not a no-kill shelter, but as a volunteer
    	for them, I can vouch for their doing everything humanly
    	possible to place the animals.  Only under extreme dire
    	circumstances will they put animals to sleep.... Michele
    	Clemons will take animals home sometimes before letting
    	them be put down.  She's up to 17 cats and 5 dogs I think.
    
    	JJ
    

    Hi everyone,
    
    Thanks for all the great responses on whether the shelter was no-kill
    or not.  I talked to Roberta offline about it, and told her how I was
    very concerned that I would offend someone by asking that question. 
    But I was just curious.  As an animal lover, and as a person who
    financially supports a no-kill shelter, I often find myself in the
    catch-22 situation of wanting to send folks to no-kill shelters in
    order to encourage this sort of policy, but at the same time I want to
    send everyone out to the kill shelters instead, because I know how much
    these animals trully need a home!  
    
    The other nite I was watching tv and I happened to run across this
    little snippet of film where there was a beautiful little puppy eating
    food, and being held by some loving hands as a shot was administered.
    I thought, "oh, this looks good, I want to watch this," only to find to
    my horror that I was watching a bulletin on the overcrowded shelters of
    Chicago.  This dear little animal was being put to sleep.  They showed
    the volunteers as they laid one puppy and kitten out after another who
    had had to be euthanized due to overcrowding.  I thought, "this is
    horrible," and at the same time I thought, "they should run this across
    every single station simultaneously during prime time so EVERY person
    has to see the tragedy of what happens when they don't spay or neuter
    their pet."  
    
    They mentioned that the turnover of volunteers is just tremendous, as
    person after person buckles under due to the stress of having to
    euthanize so many animals.  It just gets to be too much for them, I
    guess.  Anyway, as sad as it was, it was the only time I've ever seen
    this on tv.  We have a way of trying to "ignore" this sad result of
    allowing pets to reproduce.
    
    I used to say that every person who says, "I want my child to see the
    miracle of birth" should then take the child to a shelter so that they
    can then witness firsthand the "tragedy and horror of death."
    
    Nancy

    Nancy,
    What a wonderful note.  Thank you for expressing it so eloquently.
    
    Karen

    There is a stray cat that has been hanging out at the site that
    I work at in Marlboro, MA (MOO).  She's white with gray/tan markings.
    Her eyes are severely infected, and she appears to be partially
    deaf.  We first noticed her last week.  My friend has been feeding
    her dry food and giving her water.  She sleeps on the walks here
    which are heated.  She will not allow anyone to touch her, and is
    skittish.  Does anyone know if she is part of the clan that is at
    the MRO complex?  
    
    deb

    
    Hi Deb,
    
    I've notified the woman who cares for the strays in the MRO complex to
    see if this is one of her "clan."  Will let you know as soon as I hear
    back from her.
    
    Nancy

    
    Thank you very much Nancy.  I hope she's part of the clan.
    
    deb

    
    Deb,
    
    I spoke with a guy who helps feed the strays and he does not believe he
    has ever seen a cat with this coloring among the "gang" out in back of
    the MRO complex.  I had thought of trying to trap this feral but when I
    drove by MOO yesterday she was nowhere to be found.  However, it is
    important she get vet attention asap for her eyes.  A friend has
    offered to loan me a have-a-heart trap, but the problem is that I will
    be out of the office all next week (I have to have minor surgery on my
    feet), so I will be out of commission after the weekend.  
    
    Does this cat let you touch her at all?  If a can of smelly cat food
    was put in the back of a cat carrier would she enter it?  I don't know
    how long your friend has been feeding her, but perhaps there is some
    level of trust building about the certainty of being fed and left
    alone, so that if food were put in the carrier, maybe she would go in.
    Of course, getting the door shut before she bolts is another ballgame.
    
    Still, I don't have a trap so it is the only thing that can be done.
    Also, a big net could be used....throw it over the cat as it is eating.
    
    If the cat could get vet attention and a foster home for a bit, then it
    could be placed in a home.  
    
    Let me know what is going on, and when and where she appears.
    
    Nancy

    Ah, the lifestyles of the rich and famous (and homeless!!)!!  Huge
    Herman is the shelter Pet of the Week and had his photo in yesterday's
    Nashua Telegraph!!!  I'm so glad that he's gonna find a great home,
    cause if anyone deserves it, it's Huge Herman!!  I wish I could have
    kept him, but I just can't keep them all!
    
    Good luck, Mr. Huge!!
    
    Mary

    Below is a mail message that I've been asked to enter in the FELINE
    notesfile. If you live in the Virginia area, know of someone in the
    Virginia area, or looking for a cat, please call Julie!
    
    Cheryl
    


                 
I know I've spoken to some of you, but for those I haven't seen yet... 
I need some HELP!

Christmas day a cute cat decided to adopt my husband and I.  It 
appeared at our house in Virginia wanting nothing more than a warm 
place to stay at night and a meal once a day.  After several days of 
ignoring it, we decided to let it in our garage at night so it 
wouldn't freeze. 

The cat is multi-colored (brown, black, tan) with green eyes.  
It is VERY friendly, gentle and cute! (Cute that is, for a cat!).
It enjoys the indoors as well as the outdoors and appears to be 
healthy and young.  Medium in size.

Well, there are a few problems:

1.  Both my husband and I dislike cats (just as there are             
    cat-lovers, we happen to be dog-lovers).

2.  We know nothing about cats...How to take care of them, etc.

3.  I'm pregnant and have been advised by my doctor not to
    take on any cats (due to me not being immune to 
    toxoplasmosis, an infection many cats carry and can transmit 
    to an unborn fetus. Although harmless to an adult, it can 
    cause serious damage to a fetus). 

I have put an ad in our local paper and placed notices in all of 
the neighbors mailboxes, hoping the owner will show up, but as of 
today I've had no luck.

I would like to find a home for it where the new owner likes cats 
and would give it the affection/attention it needs.

I have to find a home for it before it ends up at the pound 
(where I'm sure they'll put it to sleep).

If you, or anyone you know, is looking for a very friendly, cute 
cat as a pet please call me ASAP at DTN 425-7620 or 
(301) 731-7620.  

Sorry to be such a bother, but even though I hate cats, this one 
is too cute and kind, to see it destroyed.  There must be someone 
out there looking for a pet.  Please spread the word.

Thanx for all your help!

julie Z
                 


Distribution:
 
TO:  Trudy Williamson @MEL
TO:  Joanne Williams @MEL
TO:  Sheila Wickert @WDC
TO:  LINZEY STEPHENS @MEL                 ( STEPHENS.LINZEY AT A1 at GRANMA at DCO )
TO:  Mimi Smyles @MEL
TO:  Fran Simpson @MEL
TO:  Mary Ricucci @DER
TO:  BEVERLY RICE @MEL                    ( RICE.BEVERLY AT A1 at GRANMA at DCO )
TO:  Pat Najjar @MEL
TO:  Ivy Meadows @MEL
TO:  Judy Marino @MEL
TO:  Patricia Lopes @MEL
TO:  Vanessa Kerry @MEL
TO:  Lisa Kellaher @DCA
TO:  Alma Gray-Britt @MEL
TO:  JULIE FILICKY @WDC                   ( FILICKY.JULIE AT A1 at GRANMA at DCO )
TO:  Lisa Doolen @DCA
TO:  Leslie Dixon @DCA
TO:  Cheryl Coleman @MEL
TO:  Struve Cherry @MEL
TO:  Michele Carsrud @DER
TO:  Stella Carroll @WNP
TO:  Michele Brooks @DER
TO:  Jack Bauer @MEL
TO:  Cathy Allen @DER
TO:  Jennifer Allen @DER
 

This is in reference to the previous reply. And this is a VERY
    happy ending!!
    
    Cheryl


                  I N T E R O F F I C E   M E M O R A N D U M

                                        Date:     03-Jan-1992 08:27am EST
                                        From:     JULIE ZARUDZKI @MEL
                                                  ZARUDZKI.JULIE AT A1 at GRANMA at DCO
                                        Dept:     LAW
                                       
TO: See Below

Subject: A HAPPY ENDING!                                                        


First, let me thank everyone who has helped in finding a home for 
this cat!

I also want to thank Erin McMahan for her offer to adopt this cat 
even though she already has two cats.

The good news is that last night I received a phone call from a 
lady who saw my ad in the paper.  She has two cats, one named 
"Patches" which is an indoor/outdoor cat that disappeared 
Christmas day (this is when we first saw the cat at our house).
She said her 3 year old daughter was so upset about losing her 
cat that for several days they walked their property (everyone in 
our neighborhood lives on 3 to 10 acre lots) calling "Patches" 
name hoping it would return.  After several days with no success 
the parents thought the cat might have been killed by another 
animal, so they made up a story for their daughter telling her 
that Santa Claus had taken her cat to another little childs house 
to live for a while (hoping that she would get over the loss of 
her cat soon).

The lady came over my house last night with her husband and 3 
year old daughter.  She brought pictures of their missing cat 
(one of which the cat was lying on the childs lap while the child 
was sound asleep, really cute!).  The pictures matched the cat we 
had found perfectly.  When I opened the garage to let them see 
the cat the little girl ran up and picked up the cat by it's 
middle section (the cat just hung there in the childs arms, it 
was so cute!), the little girl was so happy, as were the parents.

The owners think that a loose dog might have chased their cat far 
from their home, and the cat just couldn't find it's way back.
I'm sure they're going to be more careful with the cat now.

I heard on the news this morning that the recession is hitting 
more than just people.  It's affecting animals too.  All the 
animal shelters are filled to the maximum with cats and dogs, and 
that 85% of these animals will be destroyed.  Remember this if 
you are considering getting a new pet, many of the shelter 
animals are beautiful, well behaved animals.  We have several 
friends who got their dogs and cats from shelters and are VERY 
happy with them.

If you happen to come across a stray like we did, please take a 
little time to ask around, put an ad in the paper (our local 
paper allows you to run a 3-day ad for free for lost or found 
animals), just to see if someone is looking for the animal (many 
animals get loose by mistake, and it's not always the animals 
fault they end of stray).  Take the animal to a place like 
"Noah's Ark" in Bethesda where they will keep the animals until 
they are placed in a home.  The Pet Assistance League in Stafford 
County, VA (where we live) actually will bring dog or cat food to 
your home if you can't afford to feed the stray, and then try to 
place it in a home.  Or, if you can't adopt the animal yourself, 
ask around, there are people out there who will take animals in 
and give them a home and the love and care they need.

Thanks again for your help!

    I just wanted to enter an update on the MOO kitty that had been
    sleeping on the heated sidewalks.  Last week Elaine Narrow borrowed
    my Have-a-heart trap and caught Lilly in about 1 hour.  Elaine and
    Nancy Cross had gotten Lilly used to eating in a carrier so that
    even tho they couldn't get near enough to close the carrier, Lilly
    didn't give a second thought to walking into the trap to eat.
    
    Lilly went to the vet where she tested negative for FLV/FIV and is
    currently in one of my tokyo cages at Elaine's receiving tresederm,
    amoxicillin drops and Neo-predef ointment in her eyes.  She's
    recovering rapidly and as soon as her eye symptoms are completely  gone
    I will go over and start her kitten shots.  
    
    Lilly is VERY sweet and, not surprizingly, VERY timid.  She's hissed
    at us a few times when she's been scared but has NEVER made an attempt
    to bite or scratch us.
    
    She also appears to be hard of hearing.  At first I thought this might
    be from mite infestation, but the infestation isn't that bad.  
    
    Lilly is an adult of unknown age.  I can't tell if she's spayed or
    not.  Given the season we ought to know soon.  Now that the days
    are getting longer the females will start "heating up".  
    
    If anyone is interested in adopting this special girl please contact
    myself or Elaine Narrow.
      
    Nancy DC
    

    At the end of last weekend's cat show I stumbled upon a colony
    of feral cats that appeared to be living under a building on the
    fairgrounds.  An exhibitor had left them some food and I went back
    to add a bit of my own.  While standing there watching them and
    talking to another exhibitor, a man came buy and said he worked
    on the fairgrounds.  He said that this particular building was
    called the Programs Building and that it was used to coordinate
    the Community Service program for people who were given community
    service instead of jail time.
    
    He told me that these people were unhappy with the cat situation
    in this building and that they/the fairgrounds were planning to 
    seal access to the building and that they were not concerned with
    whether or not the cats got out from under it before they did it.
    Now, I have to stress that I do not know this person and I do not
    know whether or not his allegations are true.  I only know that
    the possibility of this happening truly worries me.  I have placed
    a call to a representative of the National Pet Alliance (NPA).  
    They have a program called TTVAR (Trap, Test, Vaccinate, Alter and
    Release) and I'm hoping they can offer some assistance on trapping
    the cats.  I do not know how soon the building is due to be sealed.
    I haven't heard from NPA yet but I have been on the terminal from
    home for the last hour.
    
    If anyone else knows of a group that would be willing to help, please
    let me know.  I am not currently in a position to be able to do this
    by myself.  To my knowledge there are at least 7 cats using this 
    building as a home, at least 2 of them are kittens which appear to
    be approx. 4 months old.  (I know of a SH red tabby, LH red tabby,
    brown tabby, black and white, calico or tortie & white kitten, and
    tabby and white kitten.  I can't remember the color of the 7th cat
    but it may have been another red tabby.)
    
    Jan

    Jan,
    
    While I doubt that the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
    can offer help in the areas of trapping/vaccinate/neuter/spay/etc., they 
    can raize enough legal noise to make sure that the cats aren't trapped
    in when the fairgrounds folks seal off access.
    
    Deb

    I did finally speak to the National Pet Alliance person.  In fact
    the phone rang the minute I disconnected the terminal.  She is 
    going to contact the fairgrounds to verify this is what is
    happening and will let me know tomorrow.  All of the traps she
    personally has are in use right now, one was badly damaged by a 
    trapped feral who was not happy about it so it is out of commission.
    When I know more about what is happening with this, I'll let you
    know.
    
    Jan

    
    Lilly went to see the vet again last night.  Below is the latest report 
    from Elaine Narrow and Deb Tolles.  I should add that Lilly weighs in
    at 6.4 lbs and has a normal temperature.
    
    ***********************************************************************
    
From:	GIAMEM::NARROW       "Elaine Narrow, MOO, 297-5415"  8-JAN-1992 08:17:45.97
To:	USDEV::NDC
CC:	NARROW
Subj:	HURRAH! So far good news but still have to wait for Hematology		and chemistry reports tomorrow afternoon! Elaine

From:	GIAMEM::TOLLES "Deb Tolles, 297-6773, GIA/Storage  08-Jan-1992 0758"  8-JAN-1992 07:58:55.18
To:	MYFRIEND
CC:	TOLLES
Subj:	Lilly

Checked:

eyes - good!  need no more medicine
ears - good!  keep doing medicine, but no worry about Krys & Smokey catching.
oral med- continue pink amoxicillin
cut - good!  healing nicely
mouth - terrible teeth - missing teeth, pulled one rotten tooth.  Assistant
    said that that could cause her to feel poorly.  Vet thought it was just
    about ready to come out.  She's probably been chewing on other side
    of mouth.
Age - mid to late years.  Hard to tell
Worms - test came out negative, but tapeworms were observed.   She was given
        a shot to get rid of them.
Heart - good!
Not pregnant that vet could observe.  
Clipped front and rear claws.
Took blood to perform tests.  Results be back on Thursday am.
Didn't appear to have any fleas.
Green paint on left rear leg was observed.

    

    Well, I got a call last night from the National Pet Alliance person.
    She had called the operations manager at the fairgrounds and told
    him what I told her.  According to her, this guy was extremely upset
    that someone would tell me all that stuff about sealing the building
    with the cats inside.  He was livid about it.  He told her that they
    not only would never do that but that they have been feeding those cats
    and have been taking them in to be spayed/neutered.  
    
    The operations manager wants me to call him and tell him who it was 
    that said such a thing.  I'm a little hesitant to call.  I didn't know 
    that guy that told me that stuff.  I'm not sure if I'd know him again 
    if I saw him.  It was getting dark and I only glanced at him briefly.  
    I certainly didn't mean to start a witchhunt here.  I just wanted to 
    be sure the cats would not be harmed.
    
    I haven't decided if I'm going to call or not.  I guess a should, just
    to bring this to final resolution but, I'm not going to be able to 
    give him any more information than the NPA person has already given
    him.  And, I certainly don't want him to get upset with me for being
    concerned and checking the story out.
    
    Jan

    
    Jan, I would close the loop and call the person back.  Tell him
    what you told us, you didn't get the name or a good look at the 
    person so you cannot identify him and that you are relieved to
    hear that they are dealing with the situation.
    
    
    

    You're right Marlene, I should do that.  I'm just practicing 
    avoidance right now.  I just don't feel like dealing with much
    of anything today.  I'll try to get a little motivation to call
    going here.
    
    Jan

    Okay, I did it.  He wasn't angry upset but he did talk over me
    a bit here and there.
    
    He is very concerned about the reputation of the fairgrounds
    and we have determined exactly which building it is and which 
    group of people uses it and he will be sure to address the issue 
    with them to be sure they understand his position.  I wasn't able
    to give him the identity of a specific person.  He also assures
    me that even if these people are frustrated with the cat population
    there that they would not be able to seal up the building without
    dealing with him as there are city codes, etc. that have to be 
    taken into consideration and as operations manager he would have to 
    be involved.
    
    He reassured me that the cats are fed by many of the people on the
    grounds and they are even taken in for spaying and neutering by some
    of them.
    
    He asked that if I ever hear of something like this being said again,
    that I let him know so that he can deal with it.  His employees have 
    been educated in how to talk to the public and he was very concerned
    that one of them might have been the one to say all those terrible
    things.
    
    Jan

Subject:  Lilly the Cat in Marlboro, MA

Help is desparately needed for Lilly, and time is running out.  Let me explain:

Lilly and I met five weeks ago on a freezing cold winter day.  I found her 
huddling on the heated stairs of the MOO facility where I work.  She was 
obviously a stray.  Her fur was dirty and she had an infected eye and a wound 
behind her ear.  She seemed listless and was possibly sick.

Lilly tugged at my heart strings, and I took it upon myself to feed her every 
day.  She was always in the same place -- huddling on the heated stairs, 
trying to keep warm.

I wanted Lilly to have more in her life than huddling on some stairs, so 
we caught her, and I brought her to a vet.  I was supported by four wonderful
feline noters who helped with advice, medical attention, trap equipment, 
carrier, cages, and some finances.  She was given a battery of tests and was 
found to be free of diseases.  She was suffering from an infected eye, 
tape worms, a wound behind the ear, and an absessed tooth.

I took her home with some medication and nursed her back to health.  Her 
physical wounds are all healed now, but her emotional wounds will take 
longer.  She's very timid and sensitive to sudden noises and movements.
She might have been abused at one time.  She's showed definite signs of 
improvement in a few short weeks, though. She is extremely scared.    
She is somewhat feral, but despite this, she craves love terribly.
She prefers attention and petting on her terms. She will allow you to pet
and massage her in her cat bed; rather than being taken out of her cage.
When out of her special large cage, she runs and hides.
She finds the soft blue cat bed we gave her very comforting.
I'm sure she's thinking, "This is so much better than those 
concrete stairs!"
I believe she will come around in time, but on her terms.

I can't keep Lilly permanently because I live in a small apartment with two 
other cats.  Lilly's only other option is to end up in a cat shelter.  I'm 
so afraid all her progress will be lost in the transition to a crowded, 
chaotic shelter, where there's not enough love and affection to go around.

Does anyone out there have a place in their heart and home for Lilly?  Someone
with a lot of gentleness, love, and affection to offer her?  I can only keep 
her for a couple more weeks before she goes to a shelter.  I've gotten 
attached to her.  It would be a shame if she regressed after all her 
progress. She definately needs an indoor-only home as I believe she would
run away at this point. She needs someone to give her a chance. Someone that
has alot of time and patience. Someone to give her assurance and allow her to
be more socialable. Can you be that someone?

If you can help, please contact Elaine Narrow, MOO (Marlboro), 
DTN 297-5415, GIAMEM::NARROW.

Here are some other facts about Lilly:

  Physical:
    o  Middle-aged adult female
    o  Calico - short haired fur, gray, tan, and white
       (Blue/cream and white)
    o  Tested okay for FIV and FLV (Leukemia)
    o  Given routine shots (Distemper, Rabies)
    o  Treated successfully for tape worms, eye infection, and ear mites
    o  Doesn't have fleas
    o  Is litter trained
    o  Not sure if spayed

  Emotional:
    o  Semi-Feral
    o  Not aggressive with people or cats
    o  Shy, afraid of sudden noises or movements 
    o  Extremely scared
    o  Although shy, will let you pet her anywhere on her body -- part of her 
       seems scared, but the other part seems to want the affection.


                                                                01/29/92
                                                                 

    -1
    Great news. Lilly has a home. She has been adopted by Pam Caron
    from SHR.
    I'm so happy! THANK-YOU, PAM! THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU THANK-YOU!
    Elaine
    

    I wasn't sure where to put this...but I figured I would put it
    here.  This stray doesn't need help or a new home...he just 
    needs some of your good thoughts and prayers....and I need
    some tranquilizers.
    
    Well as most of you are aware of what I have been going through
    with Van Gogh....well here is another stray cat story that came
    to the Merritt Shelter for sick cats!!!
    
    I have fed another feral/stray for over a year....and his name is J.C.
    The closest I have come to J.C. was to pat him softly on his back
    while he was eating.  In the beginning of the winter...we started to
    put J.C. down my cellar on very cold nights...but he was not a happy
    camper....and would struggle all the way.  He would get so mad...that 
    when we let him back out..he would not return for 7 days!   Both
    my hubby and I have come to the conclusion that he was happier outside
    and as long as he came for food...we would continue to feed him and
    not worry about him. (ya right..why do I get up ten times a night
    looking for him on my porch!!)
    
    Well as of last Sunday we hadn't seen J.C. for well over a week....but
    as I opened my kitchen door a very skinny, undernourished, sickly
    looking, limping cat walked right in....he was crying..and it was J.C.
    We kept him in our spare room for Sunday night and brought him to
    my vets on Monday....who thought he looked close to death.  So far
    they have determined that he is FELUK/FIV negative (ya-hoo), but
    he is very undernourished and filled with both Roundworms and Tape
    worms.  They believe he was limping because he has lost almost
    all the muscles in his hind legs....and the blood work showed signs of
    anemia (sp?)
    
    In the last few days...J.C. has been  eating them out of house and home 
    and the vet said he couldn't believe how good he looked.  He looked
    so good...that they might even neuter him today!!!!  He also
    said that he loves to be petted (amazing how they change when
    there in a cage) and I could potentially pick him up tomorrow
    but he will need alot of care.  
    
    Well I have reached my limit for sure.  I always said that if
    I could get close to J.C. or VG...they would be welcomed in
    my home....I never thought they would join us at the same time.
    OH well...what's one more..  Yikes!!!!!  
    
    In case your wondering what the J.C. stand for...we spent months
    upon months trying to name this cat....he has very funny colors/
    patterns.  Well one day I noticed that he had a perfect white
    cross on his back...so the big guy was named after Jesus because
    of the cross and all the prayers he needed.
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Sandy, 
    
    Do you have a sign posted on your back porch or something?  :^)  

    Way to go J.C., Van Gogh and Sandy!
    

    
    =====>  This way to Sandy's for food & love! (:

    Hi,
    
    I wrote about the stray cat that can be found at the main entrance to
    MLO.  Well, about a week after I wrote my first note (.8) I tried to
    trap him but no such luck.  He would run away the second I made any
    quick movements.  
    
    I knew that a few of the women at work were feeding him so I decided
    there was nothing more I could do and put him out of my mind.  Until I
    found out that he is a she and very pregnant.  
    
    I've been keeping my eye out for her and I just saw her today.  And to
    my surprise she actually let me pet her.  So once again I'd like to
    help her out.  I'd hate to think of her giving birth somewhere in the
    streets of Maynard.    
    
    So what can I do?  Do shelters take pregnant cats?  As mentioned, she's
    in the Maynard Mass. area so if you know of any shelters PLEASE reply. 
    I was planning to go to Wareham tonight so I'll probably give the
    Wareham Shelter a call.
    
    Thanks for any suggestions,
    ...Rania
    
    

    Sandy:
    
    Congratulations, on another one.
    
    Giudi

    RE:  J.C.
    
    The sign has been taken down and all arrows are pointing down
    the road....I truly cannot take in another furface...especially
    one with medical problems.  
    
    I do have a very good vet that gives me unbelievable price
    breaks.....thank god!!!  He also does house calls when we
    need yearly boosters or rabies shots and this normally isn't
    his practice.  But I do give him ALOT of business.
    
    Sandy (Poco, Barkley, Angus, Chloe, Dewey, Abby, Bogie,
           Van Gogh and J.C....and Daisy the bird)

    re:  J.C.
    
    Well after we brought Van Gogh back to Tufts...we swung around
    to my vets and picked up J.C.   He was neutered on Friday...and
    appears to be healthy...just very very skinny and undernourished.  
    He is being treated for Roundworms and mites and the vet said to feed
    him as much as he will eat.  Well he is eating like a pig.....
    
    He took over Van Goghs room for now and seems to be settling in
    pretty good.  He is still petrified when you walk in the room...
    but once he hears our voices...he starts rubbing up against us.
    I even caught him purring very softly...any noise will send
    him under the bed.
    
    J.C. is a sight for sore eyes...he is nothing but bones..and it
    looks like his head is too big for his body.  His body is pretty
    dirty...and he had medicine stuck all over his chest.   Well that
    is nothing a little love, food and T.L.C. won't fix.  
    
    Welcome home J.C.
    
    

    I understand that there is a feral colony behind MRO1/2 but am curious
    about the kittys that I see closer to Route 20.  Driving home on
    Thursday of last week - I noticed a beautiful black cat that had been
    hit on the side of route 20 (almost across from Sequoia (sp)) (and I
    said my prayers for him/her) but the next day I also saw what looked to
    be a Maine Coon cat getting ready to pounce on something up on the hill
    pretty close to the Sequoia building.  Is it possible that these cats
    live behind the MROs?  I realize that there are homes around but I get
    extremely nervous when I see cats so close to main roads.  I am not
    sure what to do when I see these kittys - the Maine Coon one looked
    well fed so I wasn't as concerned (but still think about it) - but 
    my heart breaks everytime I see one on the side of the road.  
    
    Also my girlfriend found a stray down at the convenience store 
    (same area) - she did find a good home for it!
    
    She does find them by MRO3 too but we assume they belong to the group
    out back.
    
    I would appreciate any info that anyone has on these guys - either to
    ease my mind or so that I can do something (without taking someones
    pet).
    
    Thanks,
    
    Pam

    Update to 31.34   (J.C.)
    
    Just wanted to let you know that today was the first day
    J.C. got to go back outside and have some freedom.   He has
    done great in the last couple of weeks and he even has gained
    some weight and finally got over the sneezes.  
    
    He turned into a love bug...and loves to be petted.  He was so happy 
    walking off the porch...he never looked back...not even to say thank you!!!
    But...since I have fed him for over a year...I'm sure he'll be back.
     
    Sandy

    I believe the black-and-white cat mentioned in .1-.4 is still hanging
    around the MKO facility in Merrimack.  At least, my wife and I have
    seen a big, long-haired cat, black with white bib and some white on the
    face, here and there in the underbrush ever since November.  We have
    never had the opportunity to approach it.  We are not even sure it is a
    stray.  If stray, it looks (from a distance) as if it has been doing
    relatively well.  If owned, it has one heckuva hunting range.  Does
    anyone know this cat's status?
    
    Earl Wajenberg

    I saw this lovely last night.  We were tempted to pick him up, but have
    no place to take it (and nothing to put him in - he'll have a field day
    in the back of our station wagon).
    
    Animals tend to come to me, so I don't think that I would have too much
    trouble getting him...unless he's TOTALLY wild.
    
    K.C.

    A co-worker told me yesterday that a cat showed up at his
    apartment door begging for food.  He said it didn't have
    a tail.....His sons fed it peanut butter & bread, & some
    milk.
    
    I brought in some catfood for him to feed it in case it is still
    hanging around.
    

    One of the managers in my group has a adult male cat which has been
    hanging around outside her home.  She has been kind enough to feed the
    guy, however, she now is concerned about him because he appears to have
    a very bad abcess on his face.
    
    The abcess has burst--however, the degeneration of the skin tissue has
    gone to the point where one can see the cat's teeth through his
    'cheek.  Basically, there is a literal hole in the cat's face.  The
    wound is draining, but clearly, the animal needs care.
    
    The dilemma:
    
    
    Anne (the person) unfortunately cannot spend a lot of $$ on this
    cat--she already has several of her own and while she really wants to
    help it, she cannot afford the vet cost.
    
    What I am looking for:
    
    1.  Suggestions for care -- I suggested trying to clean the wound with
    Hydrogren peroxide, to clean up the pus and stuff.  HP doesn't have any
    adverse affects on cats as far as I know, I've used it myself on
    abcesses.  What else can Anne do for the cat that does not require her
    to be at home constantly?  (she works, obviously)
    
    
    2.  Is there anyone out there who'd be able to provide a
    foster/permanent home for this cat and the vet care?
    
    3.  Are there any vets local to the Northboro area that are kind enough
    to provide low cost care on a payment arrangement basis?  
    
    4.  Are there any shelters/rescue leagues who'd either help with
    defraying the cost and/or care for the cat?
    
    I have not seen this cat personally, nor do I know other questions like
    is he altered or not, etc.  She says he used to seem quite robust--he
    still eats the food she puts out, but he's getting thin.  I expect he
    doesn't feel very good.
    
    Suggestions welcome.  Please note that I do not read this file often,
    you may wish to reply to my mail address.  
    
    
    Thanks for any and all suggestions,
    
    kim

    The cat is in danger of getting septicemia (bacterial blood infection)
    and that can become life threatening.  Can you find anyone that can get
    you some antibiotics for this cat?
    
    Also, if you can get any kind of antibiotic salve to put on the wound
    that would be good too.  Most feed stores sell antibiotic salves for
    horses, maybe some of our Feliners with horses could help out there.  
    
    The cat really needs vet care right away.  My approach to ferals and
    strays has always been to have them tested for Felv and FIV before
    treating any wounds etc.  The reason is that before you put a large sum
    of money out to help a stray, you should first know if the cat has a
    fighting chance.  When there are limited funds, this is the most
    realistic approach.  So, you will need to come up with about $30 for
    blood testing before you attempt treatment.
    
    If the wound is that bad, then the cat will have to be anesthetized to
    repair it.  Last time I treated an abcess this bad, the cost came to
    $120.  This was last summer.  The cat had to be put under, the wound
    cleaned and stitched and a drain put in.  This cost included follow up
    care and antibiotics.
    
    Good luck.
    
    Jo

    I hate to be the one to suggest this, but if the cat is suffering,
    and there are no funds available to treat it, then at least
    it could be caught and put down humanely, rather than die slowly 
    from the wound.....
    
    Lynne

    last i knew, tufts veterinary school clinic for small animals will take
    in, care for, and eventually find homes for, wounded kitties.
    
    you can call and check.

    A women is church last Sunday announced that she has alot of
    abandoned strays and kittens that need homes.  She is in danger
    of being evicted.  If anyone in the Northern California Bay area
    is interested in adopting a cat or helping her please call:

    Lisa (408) 249-6394 or house sitting (408) 945-9460.

    Thanks,

    Jannie
                                                               

    Has she tried contacting NARF? (Nike Animal Rescue Foundation).  My cat
    club gave a very large donation to them and it is earmarked for helping
    cats.  
    
    Jo

    This isn't exactly about strays that need help, but I have a question
    about recognizing a stray.  Didn't want to start another note unless
    the mod thinks it's appropriate.
    My cat Spike is very protective of his yard.  NO OTHER CATS are
    permitted entry.  He's a neutered male, and was a stray for a few years
    until I took him in.  Last night when I let him in the house, he had a
    cat friend with him.  I have never seen this cat before, and wonder how
    would I tell if he was homeless?  The fact that Spike allowed him to
    hang out with him and do "cat stuff" in his yard amazes me, and I'm a
    little afraid that Spike might have told him some things about me, like
    "my Mom is a real soft-touch.  She took me in, even though she had two
    dogs, a bird, and a human baby.  She'll let you live here." The cat
    appeared well-fed, and was a bit timid.  He/she really wanted to follow
    Spike into the house, but didn't want to get too close to me.  I let
    him/her stand in the doorway for a while, but eventually I had to close
    the door.  WHen I looked out a few minutes later, he was sitting on
    the steps.  About 1/2 hour later, he was gone.  I'd hate to take in
    someone else's cat, especially if they are looking for him.  And I
    really don't want another cat.  I guess I'm asking what I should look
    for to determine if he's lost or dumped.  We live in the city, in a
    college neighborhood, and unfortunately it isn't unusual for students
    to move away and leave their cats behind.  How long should I permit him
    to hang around before deciding if he's a stray and taking him in? 
    Sarah

    Hmmm......I always use food and the cat's condition to
    tell (doesn'y always work, tho' (: ) if they might be
    a stray or not.  If it attacks food like it's their first
    meal in days, and if they are in poor physical condition,
    then I *assume* they are....
    Of course, my Moochie was in poor physical condition, and
    she turned out to live 4 doors down!  She was skin & bones,
    and ate my offering so fast she was choking!  She was neglected,
    rather than dumped or a stray...
    
    L-

    Check the papers lost ads and ask at local shelters also.
    

    You could try putting a break-away collar on the cat with a note rolled
    around the collar asking the owner to contact you.  We contemplated
    doing this with a cat that was hanging around the school where I have
    my dance class but by the time we got the collar, he had moved on.
    
    The note could say something like "A neighbor thinks I may be a stray
    cat and would like to find me a home.  Please contact "phone number" 
    and let them know if I have a home."
    
    Might be worth a try.
    
    Jan

    What a great idea about the collar. We have a very neighborhood-y
    general store around ther corner where people post their apts. for
    rent, lost and found, for sale stuff.  No notes on this little kitty
    yet, but I"ll post one of my own.  He wasn't around the house when I
    got home from work around 6:00, but he was hanging out with Spike again 
    around 10:00 last night.  I'm kind of assuming he gets let out for the
    night, since I've never seen him around during the day, but he may just
    have another place to park himself until Spike comes out to play
    "jungle cat" with him in the evening. Thanks for the ideas.
    Sarah

    It's really tough to determine....but I usually use the rule that
    if they continue to show up and are starving...I assume they
    must be the lost/stray ones.   You would also place a ad in your
    local paper stating "cat found".
    
    As far as looking scrawney...well Van Gogh was a very fat healthy
    looking feral cat....but he was the one that ended up being the sick one!
    So sometimes that is not a true sign...he was a great rubbish picker
    and hunter!!
    
    Sandy
              

    Maybe if he has a home, he wants a NEW one?
    
    One time (when I was a teen) I noticed a beautiful all black cat
    hanging around our yard.  She was lovely, with perfect emerald green
    eyes.  She seemed healthy, but had no collar.  She followed me into the
    house, and checked out each and every room (terrorizing our Cocker
    Spaniel, Daisy), then just left.  We didn't see her again for a while.
    
    In that time, Daisy died, so we were "pet-less".
    
    Soon after that, she came back.  She would come in the house (usually
    slipping in when someone was coming or going) and just be sociable...
    she never asked for food.  She would just find a lap and curl...
    usually either mine or my grandmother's.  As added fun, my grandmother
    is superstitious - HATED black cats!
    
    We went away on a 3 week vacation, and figured that the cat would move
    on.  My grandmother was "house-sitting".  The day we got back, she was
    sitting on our porch, waiting.  She was not over ONE day while we were
    gone.
    
    That was it.  We canvassed the neighborhood, trying to find out who
    owned this cat (she had to be eating somewhere).  Finally my brother
    found her people.
    
    It turned out that she was from a 3 cat household, but wanted to be an
    only "child".  She had "hit" on every house in the neighborhood to find
    the ideal home...and it was ours.  The people gave her to us free and
    outright...complete with her medical history (nothing more than the
    "basics" and her shots were up to date).
    
    We had her for about a year...until we found her again by the side of
    the road...dead.  She was one of the most interesting cats I'd ever
    had...she would sleep IN MY ARMS at night, cuddled like a teddy bear,
    and would "swear" at the alarm clock in the morning.  And after a
    "gift" or 2 of dead birds, my grandmother finally warmed up to her. 
    :^)  (When we explained that the birds WERE gifts, she was properly
    grossed out...but touched all the same).
    
    So, maybe if this bundle of fur already has a home, he isn't happy
    there and has adopted you?  Something to think about...
    
    K.C.

    Please share any info about tech writing via mail.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Jo

    
              One of us fellow noters has a bunch of strays that need help!
    A torty Mom cat and 5 bouncing babies have decided to take up residence
    at my back patio.  I had gone to the store Sunday aft. and came back
    and there were 2 kittens there on the patio.  I screamed "AAAAAAck,
    what are these!!??" (as if I didn't know)  My hubby came running.
    Two little orange kittens. About an hour later, a third, and by morning
    the fourth and fifth.  A close friend of the momcat, is also there.
    Well, of course we immediately set up camp for them,  however there
    is no way we can keep them.  We already have that Gang of 11....
    we just can't add 7 more!  Anyone out there know where I can bring
    them?  We are more than willing to pay for what they need and spay mom
    and all that good stuff.  We want to ensure they are relocated.  The
    kittens are 4 weeks old now.  They eat on their own, appear very
    healthy and vigorous and are certainly playful.  Even my hubby,  "why
    did they have to make 'em so cute?!"  But, we just don't have the room.
    I know it's rough asking for help during kitten season,  but we are
    willing to assist financially.
    
    thanks, Denise

Denise,


Where are you located? I'm in Northern California (San Jose) and can foster
parent kittens you can't find immediate homes. BTW, I'm volunteering to
foster parent a kitten or two for those in this area who may need this help,
now that kitten season here.

Regards,
Laura

    While I was visiting my parents at the weekend in South Devon, we drove
    past an RSPCA animal centre. It was open, so we turned the car round
    and went in for a closer look .....
    
    There were about 15 dogs, 15 cats, 5 rabbits and two goats! On most of
    the cages were little reserved stickers. They had an open day the week
    before and most of the animals had been offered homes. There were only
    5 kittens (all reserved) and 2 puppies (also reserved). Of the animals
    that had no reserved sticker, it was because they couldn't be adopted -
    court proceedings were taking place and the animals were wards of the
    court and have to stay where they are until it's over.
    
    I just thought I'd put this in because it was such a *great* place. It
    was a nice building, lovely location, fantastic people and most of the
    animals were on there way to good homes!
    
    In the UK, animal centres like this are as rare as hens teeth. We don't
    seem to have as huge a problem with strays as the USA.
    
    Hope this gets your week of to a good start ....
    
    
    Lisa.

    Denise....
    
    Would any of the oranges kitties be male?
    
    Any tiger striped kitties?
    
    thanks-
    
    Michele
    _crossing_her_fingers_knows_of_no_kitties_but_has_several_requests_for_some
    

    I too have joined the "feed the stray club."  We have a Maine-coon
    look alike that has been coming to our house since February. We call
    him MC for Maine Coon. He knows his name and shows up every morning
    and every night to be fed.  We put a box outside for him to sleep in
    (it has a wool sweather in in) I'm not sure he sleep there every night
    but many morning when I open to door to let Mocha out, MC comes out
    onto the brick patio stretching and taking. He gets along fine with
    Mocha and has been nose to nose with Ming. He lets me pat him and this
    past weekend picked him up and I believe he is de-clawed. (Which would
    go along with the fact he looks so beat up and is,) but definately NOT
    neutered. I can not take him in. My orginal purpose was to make friends
    and then catch him and have him neutered, and return him to the
    outdoors. Now all of that has changed. I am taking the serp package and
    we will be moving. I can no longer afford to have him neutered and
    bought up to date on his shots. All the shelters are full and told me
    he would be put to sleep. He is a wonderful cat, and deserves a nice
    home but none of my neighbors want him either.  Any suggestions?
    
    Barbara

    I am glad to report that MC has a fairy god mother. The frog is 
    going to be turned into a handsome price..!!!!  A feline noter has
    offered to pay all his expenses and I will see to it that he has the
    home he deserves.
    
    Off he goes to be wormed, brought up to date on his shots, and neutered.
    He shouldn't be hard to place as his green eyes and purr tell it all.
    
    Thanks again feliner noter.
    
    Barbara and MC
    
    

    Not too excited. My note on MC should read -
    
      The frog is going to be turned into a handsome PRINCE.
    
    Barbara
    

Down here in Atlanta a reputable pet store that is near my house takes kittens, 
gives them their shots and dewormings and then sells them.  I know last year
my neighbor was able to catch one of a bunch of kittens behind here office and
we brought it to this store.  They took it in and it was gone within a week.

    Ribbit!  Ribbit!! 
    
    

    
    
             re:    .62    Yaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
    
             found homes for all the kittens through this file,  now
             we just need to find a place for Tippy the momcat. 
    
             Denise

    Any idea of a vet somewhere between Worcester and Marlboro who does
    low-cost spaying? Or anywhere I can obtain one of those certificates?
    I've  got a real problem on my hands, and I'm all out of $$$! I
    recently had to take one of my dogs in for surgery, and took a stray
    cat in yesterday for an emergency spay (she was already in heat). Last
    night I heard a real ruckus outside, and discovered another female
    (looks just like the one I had spayed, probably a litter-mate) being
    "bothered" by the local toms. I've got to get to her quickly, if I can
    catch her, but I'm just plain out of cash! I WON'T take her to the local 
    shelter...can't trust 'em.  Anybody know of some compassionate vet who
    can help me out?
    Sarah 

    
    	You can get an FOA certificate from 1-800-321-PETS. They
    	can charge it to a credit card... I think Northboro Vet
    	clinic takes the certificates, but it takes a week or so
    	for it to come in the mail...
    

    Sarah-
    
    I did over 20 that way.  I used Northboro Vet hospital on RT. 20.
    They are very ice, and can be understanding.  They may try to sell 
    you more services, but if you let them know up front what you want and
    your intentions, they'll accomadate you.
    
    Call FOA at 1-800-321-pets.  They can charge your credit card, and 
    I have gotten certificates within 48 hours when using my credit card.
    Checks take much longer to process.
    
    Call me if you need more info (234-4678)
    
    Michele

    THanks for the quick replies.  I seem to be having trouble locating
    her, but if I can catch her I'll be prepared!  One of the tom cats is
    still hanging around, so I'm guessing she's still in the area
    somewhere.  Thanks again!
    Sarah

I writing in because I need some help! This may seem long but please read 
on.

About a week and a half ago I was driving to work making my usual stop at
the coffee shop when I saw a cat on the side of the road. At first I didn't 
really think I saw it but after turning around and stopping it was a cat.
Somebody had hit the cat and taken off. After I made sure he was close 
enough to the side of the road I went into Friendly's and insisted on a box
and a phone, I called the vet and said it was an emergency and would be 
there in about 10 minutes. Keep in mind this is at about 6:40 in the a.m., 
not much in the way of help is available at that hour. The Friendly's 
people gave me both.  When I got back outside two more women had stopped to
help.  One of them insisted that I do not touch the cat and get another 
box. Well let me tell you the people at Friendly's were surprised, after I 
practically yelled at them I got a box and another phone call to the police 
who said I was on my own. We managed to get the cat in the box and in my 
car. One of the women asked how I was going to pay for this, my response 
was "I don't know." She then said "I'll follow you." When we got to the Vet
they didn't know what to do since the doctor wasn't in yet. But they kept
the cat and the doctor called to say she was on her way. Later that morning
I  called to check on the cat, and doctor who is the same doctor for my cat 
said that he was too strong to put him down. They went ahead and worked on 
him. After he had chest x-rays they said he didn't have any internal 
damage, but would need surgery. Two days later he had surgery on his jaw 
(upper and lower) which they had to stitch back together. He is being fed
intravenously,  and they  expect him to recover. He has eaten a little
solid food two days ago, but is having a bad time of it. Also, his tongue
was cut up badly and has a few stitches there. The woman who followed me
there told the Vet that morning that  she would cover any charges that were
incurred. The doctors told both of us  that we are not responsible for the
bills, that they have procedures in  place for just such things. They will
however, take donations. 

During the time he's been in the Animal Hospital I have been searching for 
his owner. It seems he is a stray, or a stray that was taken care of by a 
couple in the neighborhood until they moved recently. The neighbors all say 
they know the cat but no one owns him. He will be at the Vets for a while 
until he recovers enough to be let go. They tell me there is a waiting list 
just to get into the Framingham Animal Shelter. He is going to need a 
			*********HOME**********
I have been to visit the cat and he is very affectionate, and likes to be 
petted. They have named him MARIO at the Vets. They all find him very 
friendly. He is a off-white with tan patches. He looks to be about two 
years old, so he's not very big. The doctors tell me he is very healthy
besides  his injuries. I'm glad I stopped because he most probably would
have died  and his injuries weren't that bad. When he leaves he is going to
need lots  of attention. I am thinking about it myself but I can't really
bring home  the cat when he will need a lot of attention. I don't think my
cat would  would like that. I have a terrific cat and he may not mind, but
I'm asking   in here for help or suggestions.
    

    I'm so glad Mario was saved.  How terrific.  What I'd suggest is this;
    that you try bringing him home and close him off in a room by himself
    while he's recovering, perhaps your bedroom while you're at work.
    He will probably sleep a lot as he's recovering (cats do during the day
    anyway), so he'll probably prefer this anyway.  When you're home at
    night and weekends, you could either keep them separated and spend time
    with each, or try letting them slowly get acquainted with each other.
    I'd play it by ear, depending on how robust Mario is and how your other
    cat reacts.
    
    It usually takes awhile for cats to adjust to each other, but I'm
    really glad I have more than one.  I think when I increased my cat
    population above one that they provide companionship for each other,
    even though there was quite a bit of hissing and snarling for the first
    few weeks until they settled down.
    

    Wed. afternoon, the 3rd, I visited Salsbury Beach.  Walking where the
    old buildings are, on the left hand side, just before coming to
    the Edwards Hotel, I saw about 4 cats all wild and hungry.  I talked to
    a few people in the area and they said they had been born under the
    buildings and are left to fend for themselves.  I tried to feed them
    some tuna I got from the area, but they were so scared that I couldn't
    get them.  I asked the police and fire dept. for help, but they said 
    there wasn't anyone in the animal sector to help.  If anyone is up that
    way this weekend, please check the large building on the left, where 
    there is an opening going down to the beach.  Under there are the cats,
    if you can see them.  I felt terrible leaving them there, and the one
    that I saw had light green eyes, long hair and a beautiful tiger face.
    The opening is very narrow where they are hiding, just before the
    leather shop is to open in the fallen down shacks.
    
    -Nancy

On my way home from visiting my parents last night, my husband
and I stopped at the Saab dealership on Rt. 27 in Acton.  While
looking at the cars, we happen to see two cats near the back of
the parking lot by the building. 

I tried to approach them, but they both ran away, though not too far.  There's a
black one with a little white spot under his neck and a fluffy
tiger.  The black one looks to be an unneutered male.  The fluffy
tiger looks to be pregnant.  I'm not sure because I couldn't get
close enough. 

I saw a bowl of water out and empty tuna cans behind the
building, leading me to believe that the people at the dealership
are are feeding them. 

My husband is going to call them this morning to see if the cats
are strays. I'd like to capture them if they are.  I can
keeps these kitties for a while until I can find homes. (I have
four cats of my own which prevents me from adopting them.)
Fortunately, my best friend is a veterinarian.  She said she'd
neuter/spay them and give them shots for nothing if I could catch
them. 

Anyway, I could  use some advice about how to trap these cats if
I get the go ahead from the people at the dealership. I've never
done this sort of thing before. Also, does anyone know where I
could borrow or rent one of those "Have a Heart" traps?  Am I
going about this the right way? 

Thanks for any advice,

-Jean (DTN: 223-3237)

    
    Auburn, NH 
    3 stray kittens need help....
         
    This weekend I discovered 3 kittens in my garage.  Their mother
    is a large, wild, part siamese (I think - beige, with brown around
    the face and very fluffy).  She's a real tough cat and has been
    around the neighborhood for a few years - but hisses and arches
    her back if you approach her.   
    
    The mom seems to be doing a  good job of taking care of the kittens,
    but I'm concerned about their long-term well-being.   In particular,
    one of the kitties (beautiful fluffy gray with gray eyes) is extremely 
    sociable.   It immediately approached me, climbed on my knee and started 
    purring and licking my hand.  The other two kittens stay in the garage 
    and hide when they see me.  Unfortunately, the gray kitten is also
    sociable with my dog - and I'm afraid it will approach other dogs who are
    not as gentle as mine.   I paniced yesterday when I found my neighbors
    black lab sniffing around the garage!  
    
    The problem is that I can't keep the kittens.  I'm *very* allergic. 
    
    1) In general, what should I do about these adorable kittens?   
    
    2) The all gray and all black ones look strong and healthy.   The black
    and white one is smaller but still seems OK.   Is there a reasonably
    priced shelter where I could take them to get checked out (if I can
    get them away from the mom cat)?   Preferably in the Manchester NH
    area.  I tried calling the Nashua Humane society today but they're
    closed. 
    
    3) Should I try to get them away from the mom?  They look to be 6-8 weeks
    old.
    
    Thanks in advance,
    Patsy

    Patsy,
    
    Any chance of your catching the momcat along with the kittens?  She
    needs to be checked along with her babies.
    
    I don't know of any shelters in Manchester (other than the pound) but
    have you tried the Derry Humane Society?  There isn't a shelter for
    this so it's run by volunteers out of their homes.  The #'s I have are:
    
    	603-893-5812
    	    432-5548
    	    893-7759
    
    Good luck!
    Pat
    

    Thanks to the help of FELINE noters, the kittens are safely in
    a temporary home!
    
    We managed to rescue the three kittens this morning (after pulling
    up a few floor boards in the barn :-).   I took them to a vet to
    be checked out and aside from some conjunctivitis and a worming,
    they seem to be in good health.  
    
    A *very* wonderful FELINE noter has volunteered to care for these
    kittens and find them homes!!   OUTSTANDING!!  
    
    Unfortunately, the mom is *very* wild.  I'm looking into renting
    a humane trap in the hopes of getting her to a vet for spaying and
    a check-up.   In the meantime, I'll continue feeding her as she
    seems to be much thinner than usual.
    
    I can't tell you what a relief it is to know they are safe!!!
    
    	THANK YOU!!!
    
    
    

    The kittens are so adorable!  Leigh and I are seriously considering
    adding one to our household!  Kim can give more details, but I'll give
    the names:
    
    Moose (the big, grey fluffy one...Leigh called him Moose Thundercloud)
    
    Elizabeth Dawne (the all black one, and the shyest of the
    bunch...called Beth by Kim)
    
    Christina Mae (black and white, the one we're considering adopting,
    called Tina by me)
    
    Mind you, the jury is still out, but...we're conserned on how Alex and
    Rico would react.  They are both very jealous of us (they're fine with
    each other), and I don't know how they would be with someone ELSE
    sharing the attention.  Rico will probably hide, but Alex is somewhat
    aggressive.  Whaddya think?
    
    K.C.

    I settled all three kittens into my bathroom last night.  They are all
    eating good and drinking with no problems.  They've also figured out
    what the litter box is for.  Smart kitties.  :^)
    
    It's funny watching all three purrrsonalities come out.  Moose is VERY
    affectionate and loves to play and be cuddled.  Christina will let you
    pet and hold her but she's very nosy.  Beth is just plained scared of
    humans it's going to take awhile before she comes around.  It's funny
    because if Christina is around Beth she hisses at you and runs.  Of
    course once the petting starts she's mush.  :^)
    
    I opened the bathroom door this morning and they all reacted true to
    their purrsonalities.  Moose ran for the door to get out, Beth ran to
    hid behind the litterbox, Christina ran for cover behind the toilet
    only to come out when she realized Moose was getting petted.
    
    Christina is the runt and the one I'm the most worried about.  They do
    have worms, and conjunctivitis.  Moose is the only one I've seen
    actually pass a worm, but Christina has the conjunctivitis the worst. 
    The vet said they were a little dehydrated and to watch them.  But so
    far so good and they are eating up a storm!
    
    I'll keep everyone posted and let you know when they are ready for
    homes.
    
    Kim (Morticia, Alpo, Adelaide, Misha, Moose, Beth, and Christina)

Re: .82

Thank goodness the kittens are safe! You'll go to heaven for sure!


Re: .83 

>    The kittens are so adorable!  Leigh and I are seriously considering
>    adding one to our household!  

>    Whaddya think?

    Ok, you asked for it. :-)  

    I think you should take two kittens. Seriously. One kitten will drive 
    your adult cats crazy, but two will play together and be companions 
    for one another. When Wrigley joined our family last summer I adopted 
    a kitten from the shelter so he would have someone his age and with 
    his energy level to play with (I already had 6 adult cats). It worked 
    out beautifully and it wasn't any harder to introduce two kittens to 
    the rest of the herd.

    On the other hand, maybe you should take all three so you won't be 
    breaking up the family. :-) 

    Oh, yeah, when adding a new feline family member, I always confine 
    the new kitty to the guest room for a week or so before introducing
    it to the other cats. I don't give it any attention in front of the 
    old cats (it's ok to lavish the attention behind closed doors) so 
    they don't get jealous. Once the new cat and old cats are integrated 
    I try to make sure everybody gets as much attention as they need 
    and that nobody get left out. 

    Linda

    Thanx for the info, Linda, but just one thing...
    
    Alexandra is still pretty much a kitten herself...she only just turned
    1 year old 2 weeks ago.  As a matter of fact, Alex just MIGHT like
    someone more energetic than Rico (who is still a bit kittenish for 6
    years old, but losing Tiki took some of the wind out of his sails).
    
    We've never had to lock a kitten away from another before.  When we got
    Rico, Tiki (who was 5) took to him fine right away.  When we got
    Alexandra, Rico was still in shock over losing Tiki, and although I'm
    not sure, I think that Alex made an interesting diversion.  We also
    don't have a room to lock one into.
    
    And I really don't think my hub would agree to taking 2 kittens (cute
    as they are), and all 3 is definitely out of the question.  Besides...I
    think that Kim's Alpo has already laid claim to Moose.  :^)
    
    K.C.

    Well, I tried. :-)

    Yes, you have to consider all the factors and decide what's right for 
    you and your cats. My thinking is, there's a difference between an 
    8 week old kitten and a year-old "kitten" (which is really an adult 
    now). The younger one will go through stages of chasing tails, attacking 
    other cats, biting anyone in sight, and other fun stuff as it grows up. 
    A year-old cat, while still very playful, is past these stages and 
    usually takes a dim view when it is the target of such activity. I'm 
    not saying they can't be friends and enjoy each other, just that two 
    kittens about the same age will usually take out most of their 
    aggressions on each other and are willing partners. 

    I have several reasons for keeping a new cat separate, some of which 
    I learned the hard way. I once took in a stray and let her come in 
    contact with my cats before I got the results of the leukemia test 
    back (it took a week at that time), and she turned out to be positive. 
    Now I always make sure I know a new cat's health status before letting
    it come in contact with any other cats.

    Cats don't like change, and bringing a cat into a new environment can 
    be stressful. Meeting new cats can be stressful. When stressed, it is 
    very easy for a cat to get sick. For example, it can develop an upper 
    respiratory infection, which can then spread to the other cats. 

    I like to give a new cat its own space so it can get used to its new 
    environment and feel more at home before introducing it to the other 
    cats. Maybe I'm projecting my own feelings onto cats here, since I like 
    my own space, and when I'm among other people -- whether travelling or 
    when people stay at my home -- I need to have my own space or I feel 
    very uncomfortable. In any case, the "temporary isolation period" works 
    for me and my cats. I know others may do things differently and also be 
    successful. 

    Good luck with your decision.

    Linda

    We have decided that IF we decide to take her in, we will (when she
    gets a bit healthier) to take her for a "trial period".  I pretty much
    know how Rico will react (he is so predictable, and I know him well for
    being so close for 6 years), but Alexandra is another story.  She may
    love a new, younger "playmate", but she might get super-jealous.  I
    don't want her to terrorize Tina, and I don't want her to pull the "Air
    Conditioner Trick" again.
    
    We WOULD consider "isolating" her temporarily, but we just don't have a
    place to do it.
    
    (BTW, speaking of chasing tails, we caught Rico doing this the other
    day...it is something to see, a 10 pound, 6 year old Burmese, running
    around a scratching post, chasing his tail!)
    
    K.C.

    I have strays everywhere.  I need help finding them homes.  They are
    domesticated, have had their shots and been fixed.  They are anywhere
    from a couple of months to several years old.  We can accomodate just
    about any cat need you may have.  The only problem is that all the
    local shelters are full and people keep abandoning them out in the
    country so they keep finding us.  
    
    Call me at 209-239-9465--evenings, or 510-373-3058--days, to discuss
    adopting one of these lovely cats.  Please help, the vet bills are
    killing us. 
    
    Candy

    A call for help!
    
    Nancy DC phoned me just now to tell me about a rescue she made
    yesterday afternoon.  A neighbor called her to let her know that there
    was a cat in her garage.  Nancy raced over (thinking it may be Mao, who
    is still missing) and found a stray long-haired tortie cowering in the
    back of the garage.  When Nancy was able to get to her, she found that
    the poor animal had no fur on her head or neck, as if she had been
    severely burned.  As if this were not enough of an injury, the animal
    was also semi-paralyzed and could only pull her body forward using her
    front legs....then dragging her back legs under her using her back
    muscles.  Nancy said it was heartbreaking to watch, as the poor girl
    was also so sweet and loving.  Nancy raced her to the vet, who told Nan
    that the paralysis seemed temporary, as the cat still had control of
    her bladder and bowels and also seemed to have some feeling in its hind
    legs.  
    
    So here's the deal.  Nan, as you know, has left DEC and is in between
    jobs.  Yet she desparately wants to help this little girl.  However,
    the cat may still need xrays and other medical attention that Nancy is
    not financially equipped to handle at this time.  So I told Nancy I
    would place a "call for donations" from all the Feliners.  If anyone
    can help -- even $1, $5 or $10 is great -- please send your donations
    to:
    
    		Nancy Diettrich
    		31 Peach Street
    		Braintree, MA  02184
    
    If you'd like to call Nancy, her number is (617) 849-9771.
    
    Thanks in advance for the help.  I'm sure that together we can help to
    give this stray kitten another chance at life.
    
    Nancy
    

    Nancy,
    
     Thanks for entering that note! I just dropped a donation in the mail
    to Nancy! Didn't want to wait until Sunday, when I see her! She's such
    a special person!
    
    Love,
     
     Yonee

    I just send a donation off too!  Every little bit helps!!
    
    -Roberta
    

    Me three!  I think she (and MANY other noters) are saints for taking
    their time/money to help out felines in trouble.
    
    Please keep us posted on the cat's progress.
    
    ..Rania

    
    
    My donation too will be coming, that's so sad.
    
    
    Diana

    My donation will go out in this afternoon's mail.  I'm a frequent
    reader of this note file (contributing a little from time to time) but
    feel we "cat-a-holics" need to support each other...especially in times
    like these...

    My check's going out in today's mail.  We cat lovers need to support
    each other and the cats in need.
    
    Steffi

    Nancy sends her update on the injured girl she found in her neighbor's
    garage:
    
    "Tell everyone she is definitely improving...at least physically.  I
    notice she's moving around more and her neck is about 95% healed now. 
    I'm sure she's still in a lot of pain as evidenced by her temperment,
    which is decidedly hostile!  She does NOT want to be touched at all.
    I was touching her front paw the other night and she bit me, but good! 
    (Why do they always bite into a joint?)  Two days later I am just
    regaining the use of my left thumb.
    
    Anyway, my patient's pupils are not dilated which would indicate fear
    to me.  I think she's just angry and in pain.  I could use some
    feedback on this one.  She was so docile the night we found her that I
    was sure she was someone's lost kitty.  Now I'm wondering if she's at
    least part feral.  Maybe she was in a state of shock the night we found
    her.  It also seems to me that if she was feral and injured she would
    not have crawled into someone's garage when she could have just as
    easily gone off into the woods behind our homes.  I interpret her
    behavior as turning to humans when she was injured.
    
    Well, I will keep working with her.  I discovered she loves Pounce. 
    Thanks to all who have sent contributions to help her."
    
    ***  
    
    If anyone has advice, call Nancy at her home.  I believe I've posted
    her number with the original note a few notes back.
    
    Nancy

    I was reading an article about rabid animals and how they can appear
    very docile when first encountered--even wild ones like racoons and
    skunks.  Then, when held captive, they turn on you.  I sure hope this
    isn't the case with this girl...poor Nancy....
    
    Mary
    

I am not by any means knowledgeable on the subject (but it doesn't stop Dan
Quayle either).

However, on a camping expedition a few years ago, we came across a cat that was
poking around the campsite. I though she might have belonged to the people with
the R.V. who left that a.m. However after talking to the park service people
I found out that this girl had been left with her newborns by some dirtball/owner
at the beginning of the summer. By September (our visit) she was sociable but
suspicious. I fed her and put a blanket in a box (which she used), however the
remaining kitten was completely wild and would not approach humans. When she
determined that I intended to take her with us (we didn't yet know about the
kitten in the woods) she vamoosed and wouldn't approach the camp again.


                                             Susan

    Not quite sure if this is the appropriate note to place this reply but
    seeing as I have had a stray at my door each evening and morning (in
    the last two days) - I thought I would post it here.
    
    He is a beautiful grey male - with a distinct loud "meow".  I have seen
    him my yard from time to time but during the summer months it was not 
    apparant to me that he didn't have a home.
    
    This morning I was taking out the trash (at 5:30 in pitch darkness)
    and when I saw this "thing" move towards me I almost ... well, you
    know!  We are having a problem with racoons (rabid and distempered)
    in the Leominster/Fitchburg area and my fear is running into one of 
    THEM.  But, it was himmie - the cat.  
    
    He kept doing figure eights around my ankles and I had a hard time
    walking back on to the porch.  As I opened the front door he was ready
    to walk in with me - but Otis and Tiffany were on the threshhold -
    trying to check him out.  I managed to shoo them back in - got a 
    bowl of water and food and brought it out for him to eat.  He
    was purring, meowing, chomping and swallowing all at the same
    time.  I stood there talking to him while he ate and drank and
    when he was through he ran off into the wooded area.  I went back into
    the house and Otis was sitting by the door.  As I shut it and walked
    past him - he just lifted his right front paw and swatted my leg.
    Never saw him do that before.
    
    My front door is all glass - and all cats had noses touched on
    glass - no growling or spitting (which I thought for sure Tiffany
    would do) ... but I didn't let the stray in.  
    
    Now I have to make a decision as to what to do before winter sets
    in.  He is extremely friendly - but saw him "spray" the porch
    railing (marking his territory) so I would assume he is an
    unaltered male.  I don't have a carrier - and I don't want to
    just pick him up - he needs to be tested for disease(s).  Although
    my cats didn't seem to show any major hostility towards him - I
    know that if I took him in - he would have to be an INDOOR cat
    only.
    
    My question is this.  Although I haven't made a conscious (...ya, 
    right) decision to adopt him - should I continue to feed and water 
    him?  He has no collar and my daughter said this morning that she 
    sees him all the time - and that he sleeps outside in the bushes.
    
    Thanks
    
    Marilyn
    

    Sounds like you have another cat! (-;
    
    I would continue to feed him, and make an appointment at the
    vet ASAP! (-8
    
    Lynne

Sure, Marilyn, you want advice from ME??  HA!  But, seriously, he reminds me
of Huge Herman.  Huge was lucky to find a good home after I brought him to
the shelter here in Nashua.  If I were in your shoes, I'd make an appointment
for a check up, and if all was well, I'd have him bathed, neutered, and
vaccinated.  O&T probably can tell this guy is a terrific cat which is why
they just seemed curious.  The easiest introductions to my house we those
of the strays that were hanging around, like Robin, Mikey, and Biff.  When
Mikey walked in one night, Biff ran over to him, they kissed like crazy and
Biff proceeded to show him were everything was.  The very next night, Mikey
went to the vet and was then officially adopted by me.  Biff had already
pledged undying love.

If you decide to keep him, welcome to the club!  If not, a healthy
stray has a better chance at a shelter than does one who is not checked out.

Good luck and keep us posted!

    Advice from ME too!!!  ha ha!!   But I would like to suggest that
    maybe you should consider putting an Ad in the local paper.  Maybe...
    just maybe there is a loving home that misses him terribly.
    
    In the past with all my strays...I have found the original owner
    of two of them...and both were very very happy reunions (tears and
    all).  But of course...I would not let them take the cat without
    first educating them that if they got the cat fixed....it would have
    less likely strayed too far away from home.  Hopefully they learnt
    there lesson.  But in reality...I do monitor the lost/found in the 
    Fitchburg paper on a daily basis...and I have not seen anything about 
    a lost Himmi!
    
    But..please do continue feeding him...and get him a medical check-up
    before you do formal intro's to Otis and Tiffany!!!  And it almost
    sounds like congratulations are in order.  Keep us posted.....
    
    Sandy

    Re: I went back into
        the house and Otis was sitting by the door.  As I shut it and walked
        past him - he just lifted his right front paw and swatted my leg.
    
    I thought you were going to say, "he just lifted his leg and ..." :-)
    I must be thinking about d-o-g-s.
    

    - .1
    
    ... HA HA HA !  Otis really does think he is a dog so if he had,
    I wouldn't be a bit surprised.
    
    Sorry if I gave the wrong impression that the stray is a Himalayan.
    I said "himmie" because it's a male!  That's what happens when I
    try to be cute/funny.
    
    He is a short haired gray male - weighing between (I would guess)
    8-10 pounds with yellow/gold eyes.  I would say he looks to be
    about 2-3 years old.
    
    M
    

    He probably swatted you because he smelled that kitty on you and 
    wasn't pleased.  You did say he was doing figure eights around your 
    ankles didn't you?
    
    One precaution you may want to take if you continue to feed and
    care for him before getting him vet checked is to disinfect before
    you touch your cats.  I keep a spray bottle of beach and water 
    (1 part bleach to 32 parts water) solution available for that purpose.  
    I usually wash with soap and water first then spray the bleach and 
    water solution on my hands and other areas the stray kitty has touched.
    
    Jan

    Good idea, Jan, about the bleach and water.
    
    Because of the numerous incidents of rabies reported in our area I
    was very cautious of the cat.  I know that an infected animal tends
    to be extremely friendly and approachable - atleast with racoons.
    I do realize, however, that some cats are very friendly.
    
    So, although he brushed up against my ankles I did not touch him.
    I put the bowls of food on the porch and when he got through eating
    I brought the bowls in and soaked them in hot sudsy water.
    
    Had I let him - he would have strolled in the front door.  He 
    acted as though he lived there and new right where to go (pantry)
    to get a good meal.  Friendly sort he is!
    
    Putting an article in the paper is a good idea - will consider doing
    that.  Unfotunately I paid my bills in advance - for the rest of the
    month - and don't have enough money to bring him to the vets.  I
    will continue to feed him, perhaps I can work a deal with Dr.
    Mulcahy or Dr. Moss.  
    
    Also, was thinking of putting a blanket on the porch - for him to
    sleep on - BUT would I be inviting a racoon or some other *animal*
    instead?
    
    M
    

    Marilyn,,,,I have been following the rabies in our area very very
    closely since the raccoon I had fed for two years was shot by our
    local trigger happy police because they suspected Rabies.  
    (he wasn't rabid)
    
    Even though there has been cases of Rabies in our area.....I don't
    feel there is a need for total panic...you just have to be cautious.
    According to the latest sources in the state house there has been 
    a total of 8 PROVEN rabie cases in all of Massachusetts....but many
    many poor animals have been shot.  Some were only seen a daybreak...
    (which is very normal for raccoons) and others were found to have
    a case of distemper. (three found in Leominster...had distemper..
    not rabies.) 
    
    So...just be cautious...and I'm sure your new kitty would love a
    blanket on the porch to rest on.   Raccoons are out at night looking
    for food...not a warm spot to sleep on.  They do that during the day
    and they would never put themselves in a predicment to be out in the
    open (such as on your porch) to take a nap.
    
    BTW..you can call the local paper and place an ad over the phone....and 
    they will bill you later.    
    
    Sandy 
                                               

    Thanks for the update on the racoons.
    
    The woman behind me feeds squirrels, racoons, birds etc.  Although
    I understand - and I LOVE all animal species - she did create a
    bit of a problem.  She left her back door open for squirrels to come in
    and eat walnuts and peanuts (in the shells) and her landlord said
    that although she could continue to feed them - not to let them in
    the house.  If the tenants ever moved - the animals wouldn't KNOW
    that - and can be destructive if their food source is suddenly
    taken away.  I guess she continued (anyway) and squirrels infested
    their roof and attic and a major rehaul had to be done.
    
    An adorable racoon family came every night to eat meals that she
    left on top of the garbage cans - however one poor cat was killed
    one night - when an altercation occured.  The raccon apparantly
    thought the cat was interupting their meal.  It happened right
    outside my bedroom window - woke me out of a sound sleep and I 
    cried and buried my head in pillows as the kill took place.  What 
    an awful sound and at 2:00 in the a.m. there was nothing I could do.
    
    Don't know if she stopped feeding the racoon family - as it upset 
    her as well.
    
    In any event (and back to the topic at hand) I try to be cautious of 
    any stray animal until I know that it has a clean bill of health.
    
    I just called my daughter and the stray is nowhere in sight.  There
    is a good possibility that he is owned by someone in the neighborhood
    and they just let him outside.  I will call the vets to see, however,
    if they have any record of a cat like him that is missing.
    
    M
    

    Marilyn, call around to some of the local newspapers.  Most will run
    "found" advertisements for free.  At least this is common practice in
    New Hampshire.

    Well since I deal with strays on a regular basis...I should move to NH.
    Our local paper charges about $14.00 to run a very small ad for three 
    days.  But...I will give them credit because they run a pet profile 
    every Saturday for the local shelters...and they do this for free.  
    
    Marilyn...that is truly awful about the other kitty being killed...I do
    know that sound of raccoons fighting...and god it is terrible!!
    The raccoon I fed for two years...must have been a mellow one...
    because there were many times he would eat on the porch with other
    stray cats.   I've even seen one of the strays...eating right beside
    a skunk.   Scared the heck out of me.....I was so scared he was going
    to spray the porch.     I can't believe your other neighbor let 
    raccoons/squirrels in her house.  I may be CRAZY by feeding wildlife..
    but I'm not stupid!!
    
    How about if you take a cheap collar and put it on the cat with a 
    note asking if he is owned my someone...to call you.  Or you could
    possibly post notes in the neighborhood.   It would be nice to
    know if he did have a home...it would ease your mind!!   
    
    Keep us posted on gray kitty....
    
    Sandy

    Good morning!
    
    I drove in the yard yesterday evening and called "here baby" and by
    the time I got on to my porch - there he was - walking the railing
    and talking to me.  My daughter came out (and Tiff and Otis were
    nosed up against the glass...again) and he talked and kept wanting
    her to pet/touch him.  She did - she said she couldn't help it.
    
    We gave him some food and water and before it got dark we got a 
    big box - put a wool blanket in it - and put it in a protected
    corner of the porch.  He never used it, however. 
    
    It was so funny.  As we talked to him - he "moved" just like
    Otis does when he is happy.  The  s t r e t c h  their hind
    legs (as they walk) and then rub up against you?  Is that 
    something that I should read as a signal?  Otis is the first cat 
    that I ever saw do that and I couldn't believe it when the stray 
    did it too.
    
    Anyway.  Two women were walking by as we were feeding him and
    when we asked if they had ever seen the cat they said they
    "thought" he lived in the neighborhood.  I was kind of bummed
    (sad to say).  Because now I don't feel comfortable in bringing him to
    the vets and keeping him for myself.  I can honestly say he doesn't 
    look abused.  He is fairly clean (except for the normal dirt a cat 
    would get from being outside) and his eyes are bright - ears appeared 
    to be clean - and his weight appears to be normal.  Oh well - if nothing 
    else he's extremely friendly and appreciates our conversations and the 
    water and food.
    
    I'll keep a closer eye on him - keeping track of his visits and
    perhaps going out in the later evening to see if he comes when I
    call him.  If he IS surviving out on his own - then I will feel
    more comfortable in claiming him.
    
    Thanks for all the help and excellent ideas.
    
    Marilyn
    
    re: racoons -.1
    
    You're right.  I used to feed the birds and squirrels but I live
    near town.  The pigeons took over completely and intimidated some
    of the smaller species that I had attracted.  Altough I realize
    pigeons have to eat too - I was really angry.  The squirrels dug
    up plants - I couldn't grow a garden and compounded with the
    squirrels she fed - they all but took over the neighborhood.
    My birds were beautiful and Otis and Tiffany would sit for hours
    in the window watching them talk, bathe in the pool I made them, 
    feed their babies in the nests and come to the feeders.  I had
    the most beautiful cardinal family and O&T LOVED the hundreds of
    purple finches that would chatter two feet away from them.
    
    Perhaps some day...
      

    re: they said they  "thought" he lived in the neighborhood.
    
    This might just mean they'd seen him wandering around.
    

    You could always put a collar on him with a note....
    
    "If this is your cat, please call XXX-XXXX"
    
    
    L

    You've already received the best advice. Newspaper add, "found" note
    at the vets, and a visit to the vet's to get him checked out.
    
    I wouldn't worry about the bed. If he is a stray and is living
    outdoors, he knows where he feels safe sleeping at night. When we first
    started taking care of JOJO, I felt real bad and tried every way I
    could think of to get her to sleep in a bed we had put out. Nothing
    worked. Where ever she went at night, that's where she WANTED to go.
    
    Play it safe until you get him checked out. Wash up after touching him
    and avoid contact with your other "kids".
    
    You also mentioned that if you took him, he'd "have" to be an indoor
    cat. I was concerned when we decided to take JOJO that she would always
    want to be outside. Now that she's intergrated into the house hold,
    she's perfectly contest to just look out the window. She's shown no
    desire what-so-ever to go out. I think she had enough.
    
    It's interesting watching her work her way into the family. It's
    obvious she was once part of a family because there's things she does
    that look like she's done it before. When we first let her into the
    house, she found the beds in no time. She's started to sleep with us
    at night now and is learning from the other kids. UNFORTUNATELY, one
    of the things she's learned is how to wake us up at 4:30 for breakfast.
    
    One of our "kids" is her best friend. Another is kind of like, "ok
    she's here, so what", and the third is having a problem. She was
    the only female until JOJO came along. She's extreamly jealous. She's
    not the "head b**ch on the block" anymore. JOJO tries so hard too.
    She will walk up to Gizmo, flop down on the floor and roll over onto
    her back. This is cat language for "ok you win, I give up". When she
    does that, Gizmo gives her a look and walks away as if to say "and
    DON'T you ever forget it". Anyway, they'll get together in time. I
    caught them sharing the same bed yesterday.

    What a week-end.
    
    My son just adopted a kitten (with his girlfriend) but she is epileptic
    and now is severely allergic to her (Abigail).  He called me and asked
    if there was someone I knew who could take her ... it just wasn't
    working out.  Apparantly his girlfriend has to log her sleep and
    Abigail was constantly waking her up.  I said I would take her, with
    the condition that he pay for her spay - and all future visits - and
    that she would not be MINE.  She is still their's - giving her a home
    but also allowing them the opportunity to get his girlfriends health 
    back in sync.  That was Friday night.  I geared myself up for the new 
    arrival - and was getting quite anxious.  Meanwhile - stray kitty didn't 
    show up all day Saturday.
    
    My son called Saturday (around 7) to say that they changed their minds. 
    Apparantly they walked in the door - after coming home from work - and
    they both burst into tears.  They called and said they JUST couldn't do
    it.  They are both trying to work it out and come to some sort of a
    solution to keep Abigail - who is BEAUTIFUL by the way.  One of the
    prettiest kittens I have ever seen in my life. So - I was bummed but 
    felt that it was God's way and everything happens for a reason.
    
    Sunday - stray kitty shows up.  We fed him - and my daughter sat out on
    the porch with him and he went nuts.  Talking to her (us), rubbing up
    against her - climbed into her lap and purred like crazy.  Later in the
    afternoon he disappeared.  At 9:00 p.m. I closed the curtains in the 
    front room and as I looked out - there he was - asleep in the box that 
    we had fixed for him.  He caught my eye - and got out an went to the 
    front door.  My daughter came flying down the stairs - got a bowl of 
    water and a bowl of food ... and sat out (in the freezing cold) on the 
    porch while he ate.  As she went to come in - SO DID HE!  I damn near 
    died.  He walked right in the living room as if it was his house.  Otis 
    was in the other room and Tiffany - the QUEEN - was upstairs (thank God).
    Tracey quickly grabbed him and put him back outside...and crying, came 
    back inside (alone).  She and I both felt horrible, leaving him outside 
    in the windy cold but, we couldn't think of what to do with him if we had 
    brought him in.  
    
    We thought of isolating him downstairs but didn't know if he would howl
    and/or try to get in the kitchen all night.  Then we thought of
    isolating Tiffany and Otis and letting him sleep with me ... but I knew
    Otis would be bummed if he couldn't get into my bedroom.  We were
    definitely torn.  
    
    Oddly enough - although Tracey washed her hands - apparantly his scent
    was on her jeans and sweatshirt.  Otis kept smelling her and kept
    rubbing up against where the stray had been ... good sign?  We both 
    felt that for some odd reason Otis knew he was cold and lonely - as he 
    sat by the front door for about 1/2 hour.  
    
    I just didn't dare take the chance that could be a "cat fight" -
    knowing that 1. any one of the cats could get hurt 2. the stray hasn't
    been checked by a vet 3. the stray may not BE a stray ... but just 
    enjoy's our company and food as he was not in the bed or around at all
    when I got up this morning.  And, wasn't around when I left for work
    at 7:00 a.m.
    
    Just don't know what to do - meanwhile we are getting VERY attached to
    him.  No, I would say it's 50% like and 50% love!
    
    Sorry for posting such a long note - but it was QUITE a week-end.
    
    M
     

    Marilyn....I have had many many strays/ferals use my cellar for
    the night!!  Normally they are so happy to be out from the cold...
    they don't howl or even attempt to try and get out!!  They just
    find a cozy place to sleep for the night....be fed in the AM...
    and out they go for the day!!!
    
    If you can confine her in the cellar...I'm sure she would be very
    happy...and you would feel a little better too knowing she is atleast
    warmer and out from the cold.  
         
    Sandy
    

    ...well, my stray is still coming by.  He sleeps in the box at night
    and eats well and we keep plenty of water in a bowl for him.
    
    I am going to ask the woman who lives behind us if he belongs to 
    her.  I remember seeing a cat walk out her back door and don't
    know if she just happened to house him for the night - or if
    it was some other cat.
    
    If he doesn't belong to her I am going to bring him to Dr. Mulcahy
    to be tested, altered and have his shots.  He is SO beautiful.
    
    Tiffany is still acting like a bit@h - but I open the door a crack
    so she can get a whiff of his scent and hopefully we can ease the
    two together.
    
    His fur is so soft and silky and he purrs, chatters and headbutts
    you when you sit on the porch with him.  
    
    Want to give him a name - but am afraid to - because if I can't
    have him  - I'll be SO disappointed.
    
    M
    

    
    A friend of mine in North Grafton, Mass. has a black stray cat that has
    been around the house for the past two days.
    
    I don't read this file regularly, so if you know of the possible owner,
    please let me know offline.
                     
    Cindy

    This note is being posted for Carol Weston who was an active FELINE 
    noter before leaving Digital.
    
    Jan
    Moderator, FELINE
    
    
    
    Hello.................FELINERS.
    
    There are those of you, who might remember me as the "Dudley Road
    Gang".  This past Spring, I had my STRAY cat situation, down to 3
    males.  Some people left our small neighborhood and they were taking
    care of 4 stray females, and of course, left them behind.
    
    So all of a sudden at the beginning of Summer 4 PREGNANT females came
    to my back door, to make a long story short----------------- I have
    outside:  13 Cats & Kittens total. 
    
    I had been working over the last year and a half, with Priscilla from
    the Pat Broady Shelter in Lunenburg.  I could not call her, cause I was
    unemployed --- I felt I could not impose upon her, for she has gone
    above and beyond to help me in the past.
    
    Over the last 5 1/2 years, I have place myself, brought to the shelter,
    buried and some I have not seen come back in the neighborhood a total
    now of:  58 cats and kittens.  My 2nd year there was a total of 20.
    
    So far the shelters are all full.............
    
    I have been back to work 2 months and I'm making 5.00 less an hour than
    I use too.  As the saying goes, ya work harder now, for less money.
    
    The care and feeding is physicaly and mentaly draining --- due to
    things in our lives right now and Steve could be loosing his job.  THe
    food situation takes away from my family, so I have had to choose.
    
    Priscilla was going to help me spay them, but as my hubby and I talked
    we would still have to feed and care for them.  I worry constantly
    about the care, cold and racoons, ( I live near the woods )-- all is
    alot, and I've done all I can.  Priscilla is taking one week from
    today, the 4 baby kittens (But I could have someone adopting them
    before hand....) -- the the rest, all but one young cat, will be put to
    sleep if I can find the right vet or MSPCA to do this.  
    
    One other thing, I do have two Cats of my own ontop of this that I
    caring for, plus........................another Older Cat, who was
    ALSO, abandoned this summer, cause her owner died and the relatives
    just let her go.  She too, cannot stay...............  so here is what
    I have:
    
    ------------------------
    
    Zeebee --- 10 years old about, indoor cat, white & tabby, litter box
    trained has always been indoors.  Tempermental with me, cause of all of
    the other cats.  Is affectionate and NEEDS a home soon, to  someone who
    can take care of her and give her the needed attention.
    
    ------------------------
    
    Outdoor Cats & Kittens
    
    4 kittens 2 1/2 months old (could be gone)
    
    4 females -- approx. 1 1/2 old
           (1)  All black BLACKEST
           (1)  White with black spots  PATCHES
    	   (1)  Black & White     PINKY
           (1)  Black & White     MISS MISS
    
    1 Male  Long haired     SUSIE-Q  (thought he was a she!)
    1 Young cat (?)   CALICO  (white and calico)
    1 Young cat (?)   BABY    (dark calico) long haired
    1 Kitten 5 months  long haired LITTLE SCRUFFS  (looks like Maine Coon)
    
    
    Within the next few weeks, when possible and when I get the info, they
    will be put to sleep.  I have had to do this before with pets, this
    will be extremely difficult for me, but there is NO other choice, but
    you.  I cannot survive well into the holidays with this, so If anyone
    could take 1 or two or place them in a shelter, I will help pay, what I
    can.
    
    Thank you for all of your help in the past...........please send
    messages to my husband's account:   STUDIO::WESTON.  My husband will 
    let me know.  Thanks for listening.
    
    
    

    I'm sorry.  I don't know.  Her memo didn't say.
    
    Jan
    

    I just deleted my .121 because Carol's note does mention the Pat Brody
    Shelter, so she must be Back East.

    Poor Carol...I had talked to her about one year ago and she
    felt so good because she only had 4 strays (already neutered) hanging
    around the house.
    
    I believe Carol lives in the Marlboro/Hudson area....
    
    Sandy

    I've sent mail to Steve and offered to take "LITTLE SCRUFF" and 
    another.  Can't wait for an answer :-)  
    
    She is truly a saint to be so compassionate in light of how
    tough things are for everyone these days. 
    
    Adrienne (& Diesel & Snoopy) who reads a lot but rarely writes.

    Hugs to you Adrienne......for coming to the rescue!

    I'd be glad to donate a 20 pound bag of dry catfood to help
    Carol out.....Maybe we could band together and take the "feeding"
    problem off Carol's shoulders....at least long enough to give her
    time to spay/neuter and place a few????
    
    

    Me too!  I'd be more than happy to help.
    
    Holly
    

    Any update on what Carol is doing?   The offer of the catfood
    still holds.....

    Lynne...maybe the problem is nobody wants to be the coordinator to collect 
    all the Catfood/Litter from the east coast...so I was thinking about getting
    her address and sending a small check.   I'm going to write to her
    husband...so if anyone would like her address please send me mail.
                                              
    Sandy

    
    I'm going to pick up Little Scruff this evening and would be happy
    to "coordinate".  I work in LTN and live in Lancaster but travel 
    to both ZKO and MKO fairly often.  I may take another kitten next 
    week so I could deliver to Carol then.
    
    Adrienne

    
    Adrienne...thanks for offering to coordinate!!  I'm sure Carol will
    really appreciate any help she can get.   I'm just hoping that food
    or money donations might bide the cats a little more time so she
    can try to place them!!!
    
    I have her address if anyone needs it!!
    
    Sandy

    
    These kitties are at the Nashoba Valley Humane Society (don't have 
    their hours/number right here but I can find and post) -- How can 
    people be so cruel/careless?  Maybe someone looking for a cat who
    doesn't have the resources to take a possibly feral kitty from 
    Carol could "trade" one of Carol's strays for one of these. 
    Sigh . . . in a perfect world . . . 
    
    Spice - "Of all the cats that have been taken in at the shelter, 
    Spice was surely the most abused of all.  She's fully recovered
    from broken back legs and tail - injuries she received from 
    being kicked from behind.  She has a beautiful glossy black coat
    and a tail shaped in a "question mark," the only scar that 
    remains from her severe abuse.  A petite, friendly 5-year old 
    spayed female, Spice is gentle and very loving.  Spice would 
    be a wonderful pet for anyone willing to give her the love she
    surely deserves."
    
    Tiger - "Tiger had a sad experience in her former home.  Her 
    previous owner wanted her to earn her keep by being a good 
    "mouser."  Yet, when she didn't live up to their expectations,
    Tiger was given to the shelter.  Tiger simply wants to be a lap
    cat and is quite content and happy doing so.  She hasn't adjusted
    very well to shelter life and is very depressed and lonely.  Tiger
    needs to find a loving home quickly where she can once again be a 
    loving lap cat that will provide hours of enjoyment to her new 
    owner."
    
    Mercury - "Mercury was horribly mutilated in the fan belt of 
    someone's car.  He has a strong survival instinct that allowed
    him to pull through with only superficial wounds and a nearly
    healed broken leg.  He is currently in a cast and the veterinarian 
    is confident that he will fully recover.  Mercury is an 
    absolutely beautiful gray and white neutered male cat.  His 
    coat of fur is long and silky with very unique markings.  Mercury
    has a wonderful personality and has shown a remarkable spirit 
    during his recovery.  He is a loving, gentle cat that needs a new
    home."
    

    RE:  31.120   Carol Weston and the Dudley Road Gang!
    
    I spoke to Carol last night on the phone and she asked me to
    put in a note and give you the latest update.   I feel so bad for
    her because "stupid" people feel her neighborhood is a "drop-off"
    zone.....and Carol has spent years trying to control the population.   
    
       o 1 outdoor kitten was adopted
       o 3 outdoor kittens and the MOM (Miss Miss) was sent to the 
         Pat Brody Shelter
       o And of course Little Scruffy was adopted to a feliner.
    
    That leaves Carol with the 10 year old who has some medical
    problems, her own two indoor cats,  as well as 7 outdoor cats who 
    still need to find homes.  The 7 outdoor cats are not spayed/neutered 
    so the sad part is you know they will multiply again soon.
    
    Even though Carol feels she can take a breath because a few of
    them were placed...she still needs help desparately and is truly
    depressed..  Right now...they can barely afford feeding these cats 
    never mind trying to provide the needed medical help.  
    
    If anyone can help with food/donations...Carol said please feel free 
    to call her (I have the number) and she will try to coordinate a place
    to pick it up.   She's hoping to get enough food so she can bide more
    time until after Christmas before she has to make any decisions on
    what to do with the cats.    Maybe a Christmas miracle will happen!!
    
    Sandy
    
                                                        
    
    

    Sandy,
    
    Would it help to send coupons as well?  I'm barely making it from
    paycheck to paycheck myself, but I do come across cat food and litter
    coupons for brands that I don't use.  I'll send them if you think it's
    useful.
    
    Best,
    Michelle

    Michelle, not only would Carol appreciate the coupons but shelters and
    local vets use them as well.  I dropped off a huge stack to my vet the
    other day and they were very thankful.  They especially like those "buy
    one, get one free" coupons, particularly when they have someone come in
    that asks the vet to put down a perfectly healthy animal for the simple
    reason for no longer being able to afford to feed it.  (A lot of people
    in my general office area know I do this with coupons.  Every Monday
    morning, I get stacks of them dropped off on my desk!)

    Sandy,
    
    Even though I am strapped with vet bills, etc. now, I'd be glad to send
    a few $ to Carol to at least get the "outside females" spayed to
    prevent more homeless kittens.  If I get any extra coupons for
    food/litter, I'll send them to her also.  I'm already sending some to
    Nancy D.  When you think of it, people like you and Carol who help so
    many abandoned cats/kittens out of your own pocket are shelters in your
    own rights.
    
    If some of us chipped in a few dollars to send to Carol, it would add
    up quickly and maybe she could get not only the outside females spayed
    but also the males neutered and maybe innoculations.  What a great
    Thanksgiving that would be!
    
    Pat & Clan
    

    Pat and Michele....I want to thank you...but I'm sure Carol/Steve will send
    a big hug and kiss your way too!!!!!   Carol has helped so many of
    our feline friends....it's sad that during this time of year that she
    has to worry about how she will not only feed her family...but also
    her four-legged friends as well.   Especially when they are drop
    offs from some jerk who didn't want to deal with them anymore!!!
    (sigh!)
    
    I'm sure she would appreciate coupons, food, or any small donations!!!!
    I don't get to see Carol to often...so I will forward you both her
    address so you can mail it directly to her.
    
    Big thanks to you!!!!!
    
    Sandy

    Sandy,
    
    Please send me Carol's address, too, so I can send her a little
    something to help out with the kitties.
    
    Steffi
     

    
    RE:  BIG THANK YOU FROM CAROL AND STEVE WESTON!!
    

		To my former Felines & new Felines.

	The recent dilemma my husband and I are in, has been eased by the 
out-pouring of concern and help from you.  Sandy Merritt with the association 
of pat Brody Shelter - Adrienne's adoption, Kim's help - Karen Kolling donation 
and the recent donation from Pat Murphy is once again wonderful.
	I have had this help before back in 89 + 90.  Sandy has been great to
keep things up to date with my husband.  Five and a half years ago - we put 
our dog to sleep and two days later, Scruffy our Main Mama showed up.  After
that over the last 5 1/2 years I have buried 8 strays, placed 8 privately, 
brought 6 cats and 12 kittens to the Pat Brody Shelter and there have been 
about 8 - 10 who just never showed up again.  There are many stories with all
of you, but I sincerely thank you at this tough time.  Hopefully this week we 
can catch the two 6 month old kittens that Priscilla said she'd take.
	Zeebee seems O.K., but she might still have to be put to sleep.  We'll
see.  Thank you all!!!

Carol Weston

    I don't know if there are laws governing this, but I would definitely
    try to pursue it with the authorities.  It is definitely an act of
    cruelty to animals, if you can prove that they did own the cats while
    living in your home.  You don't want them saying that the cats were
    just strays they were feeding out of kindness, and therefore didn't
    feel responsible for them after they moved.
    
    If you had these people sign a lease that specified they had cats, I
    feel you have grounds to press charges.  Otherwise, it is your word
    against theirs.
    
    -Roberta
    
    

        Update from Carol and Steve Weston!!!!!



	We used some of the coupons sent us from feline friends this weekend.
We also recieved a sweet Xmas card from Steffi [Russell] & Bob Pencovie with
a much appreciated donation in it.  
	We have not caught the two 6 - 9 month kittens yet.  Hope to do that
this week!!  Wish we could get Priscilla would take 4 more cats now that it's
realy getting cold. 
	We are sharing what Xmas we have and are glad to do it.
	
        If there is anyone out there wanting to adopt, we are still looking
        for you.

	Merry-Merry Christmas to all!!
	Steve & Carol
	Scruffy - Dot and Zeebee

	With Patches, Pinky, Blackest
	Baby, Calico, Suzy-Q and Pretty Face

P.S. Sandy, edit as you see fit.  Steve Thanks again!

    I adopted one of Carol's strays - Little Scruff and can vouch for the 
    fact that after only 2 weeks (approx) in my home, he is still shy but 
    is definitely not a true feral and doesn't possess any of the less
    desireable feral characteristics I was worried about.  I attribute
    it to Carol and Steve's love for these strays and if anyone's worried
    about taking a kitty off their hands because of the less-desireable
    characteristics of strays/ferals, I'd be glad to relate my experiences
    with this one.  I'll try to put an introduction in today but I'm buried
    at work and may not get to it.  Questions to imokay::blundell are
    welcome however.  Hang in there Steve & Carol.  Have you ever heard 
    the Bette Midler song "From a Distance"?  Most inspirational when 
    the stress gets to you. 
    
    Adrienne
    

    
    I got so frustrated last night...sigh!!   With all my experience
    and patients I have dealing with strays...you would think I'd be
    use to this by now...but I'm not!!
    
    For over a month and a half...I have been working (about an hour a day)
    with a beautiful gray stray that lives under my porch.  After daily
    coaxing with catfood, slice chicken and alot of catnip...we had reached
    a point where he would stick his head out the small hole and let me pat
    the top of his head and under his chin.   He was always too smart to
    step out a little further so I could grab him by the back of the
    neck...so all he allows me to see is his head and two front paws!!
    He is absolutely beautiful...big long hair gray guy (I think..I haven't
    had the chance to look at him from behind) with beautiful big gold eyes!!
    
    Well last night we almost did it....but kitty was just too smart
    for me!! (aren't they all!!)  I know he doesn't really fear me and
    wants love...but he feels safe under the porch and he is so scared.   
    I was out there with all my bribery food and a carton of catnip and
    after teasing him with catnip....I put the whole container in front
    of his face.  Well kitty made a mad dash to get his whole face in
    the container and I don't think he realized it but he was out of the
    hole!!!  Of course I was so stunned and excited...I panicked!!  I
    picked kitty up and made a quick run to the door.   Kitty was 
    fighting me but not biting or scratching!  Well I got to the door
    and couldn't open it because I needed both hands to try and control
    the cat!!  I stood there screaming for Ernie who was inside playing
    on the floor with Van Gogh.....but Ernie didn't hear me!!  It
    seems I screamed for 5 minutes...and finally Ernie looked out the
    window....as the cat jumped from my arms.   I just sat there and
    cried and was so darn frustrated.  Of course Ernie felt bad too...
    but in reality the issue was I PANICKED!!  I should of just sat
    there and held kitty to totally gain his trust before I even
    attempted to head for the door.
    
    WEll...I went back out about half hour later...and kitty was back
    under the porch again...but was smart enough to stay only one inch
    from my reach!!  It's almost like we are back to square one again...
    but believe me I'll outsmart the little bugger yet!!!  
    
    Morale of the story....catnip is a good bribery when trying to rescue
    strays...I find it works better then food and don't panick..stay calm!!! 
    
    Sandy 

    I know I don't need to tell you this, but....  Just have patience,
    Sandy, he'll come around.  Just the fact that he didn't scratch or bite
    when trying to get away from you, shows that he does trust you.  It was
    just a little set back; you will be successful.
    
    Best, 
    Michelle

    I know what you're going through.  I went through this with Shorti.
    I panicked too.  If I'd have just given her a couple more minutes
    she'd have been inside the carrier under her own power.  
    Unfortunately, she's never trusted me again and I'm afraid I've
    given up on trying to reach her.  For some reason she seems to
    trust Michelle who's only seen her a couple of times (your turn
    Michelle).
    
    If you have a carrier, I'd suggest having it handy out there with 
    you.  This way if you get the kitty again you can pop him/her into
    the carrier instead of having to run to the door with a struggling
    cat.  Maybe you're not totally back to square one.  Maybe the kitty
    will begin to trust you sooner this second time around.
    
    Good luck.
    
    Jan

I'm just glad you're not giving up.  -seh

    I don't think those words are in Sandy's vocabulary! At least not where
    critters are concerned. I've seen the results of all her patience, and
    they are ALL wonderful! ;-)
    
    Sandy, you're the greatest. Of course this includes Ernie too!
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee 

    Give up - NEVER!!!  Scream and Bi*ch - FOREVER!!  It's just SOOOOOO
    frustrating...but I do know the end results so it is worth the effort!!
    
    Sandy

    Yeah but ask Sandy if she's named this big boy yet.  That's the key to
    it all.  :^)

    Well........he has no name (yet)!!  My rule of thumb is once I
    name them...their mine and I won't be able to adopt them out
    or bring them to a shelter!
    
    But doesn't Coty sound cute!!! (ha ha!!)
    
    Sandy

RE:  Stray Kitty living under porch!!   I've been outsmarted twice
this weekend. (sigh)

Plan B:  Well since we have had no luck trying to coax the kitty out
from under the porch we created Plan B.  The plan was that if either
Ernie or I saw kitty go in the shed through the kitty door we would
do the following:   Run outside, I would instantly place a board up
against kitty door, Ernie would go through the human door and lock
the cat door, and PRESTO kitty is trapped in the shed!!   

Well Saturday we watched kitty go through door...we threw on sneakers
and a jacket and ran outside.  We tiptoed up to the shed so kitty wouldn't
hear us and I put the board over the cat door.  Ernie proceeded to go in
the human door very carefully so kitty couldn't escape.  We locked the
cat door and we both started our search for kitty.  WELL....I looked
outside the window and there was kitty...sitting in the driveway watching
the two stupid humans in the shed!!

Plan C:  Even though I hate using Have-a-heart traps to catch my strays...
I have come to the conclusion this was the only way to get kitty!!!  On
Sunday I borrowed a trap from the shelter.    We set the trap right near
the hole under the porch and baited it with smelly tuna!!  Within 5 
minutes the kitty was circling the trap trying to figure out how to get
the food.   He proceeded to go in the trap, hit the switch, the door fell
down....but kitty has a wide bum which stuck out the back and Kitty
proceeded to back out of the trap.  Of course he is way to smart to even
try and attempt that again!!   I broke down and fed him last night because
I felt so bad for him!!!!   He had got in a cat fight...and one of his
eyes is swollen, teary and almost shut completely!!!

I think I'm running out of plans!!!!  I know it took me almost two years
to win the heart of both J.C and Van Gogh....so I won't give up hope...I
was just praying I could get to this kitty faster.   I'm so worried about
his eye and the need for medical attention...and it's so darn cold out there.
He will not outsmart me forever!!!!
    
    But in the meantime...I rescued two little 8 week old kittens for the
    shelter and they spent the weekend at my house.  Oh what fun we had....
    I haven't had kittens around for years!!!!   The kittens are going
    to the vets today for a check-up and will be up for adoption soon.
    Anyone looking for two adorable black/white female kittens  who will
    amuse you for hours!!!!!
    
    Sandy
Sandy

    Re: .154
    
    Didn't some feliners resort to a net in a case like this?
    

    
    Sorry Sandy, but I started to laugh when I read your story.  Not that
    the situation is at ALL funny, but the though of you standing there
    screaming (and I KNOW how excited you must have been), with a big ball
    of grey fluff in your mitts, well.....it just got too much and I
    started to roar.  I guess it's because I know, come hell or high water,
    you WILL "get your man."  :-)  Good luck with the chase!  What a
    woman!
    
    Nan

    Well we tried the trap again last night...but kitty is definitely
    too smart to put himself in that situation again. (sigh)  So we
    are back to the coaxing with sliced chicken, cat food and catnip!!
    BUT..he is getting very irratated with me because I have been
    teasing him with food under the porch.  I let him eat a bit..and then 
    I pull the food outside of the hole and sit there talking softly!  Well 
    last night he growled at me as I was reaching in to get the food...and 
    this big huge gray paw came sweeping down and grabbed a pawful of 
    food as I was pulling the dish out!!!    
    
    Regarding the net...if I could get that close to him I would
    definitely try a net...but everytime he see's us he heads for the 
    hole under the porch.
    
    Tonight we try baby food....the good news is that this morning his
    eye looked a little better!!
    
    Actually Nancy when you think of it..I must look like an absolute
    nut sitting outside in the driveway...in the freezing cold...talking
    very softly to a hole under the porch!!!   
    
    Sandy

    But Sandy, that's what makes one a kitty person! And I think you're
    right up there with the best! l;-)
    
    Keep up the good work! I know you'll get him eventually. You always do!
    You're so wonderful to do this for this guy. Keep us posted!
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee

The nourishment is probably helping the eye problem a good
deal. Is it canned food? Can you put some Vitamin C in it?
(part of a tablet, ground up) It would help to fight any
infection that may be present.


                              Susan

    This kitty gets very good nourishment...he normally eats 2 6 oz
    cans of wet a day....along with a bowl of dry Science Diet or Iams....
    and many treats!!!   If the eye wasn't any better...I was going to
    talk to my vet about putting some antibiotics in the wet food...to
    help fight the infection.   Vitamin C would be good too!!!!!
    
    Thanks for the suggestions......
    
    Sandy
    
    

    I have a stray that I'm feeding.  He has taken to sleeping on a
    small blanket I've left folded on top of my dryer, which is in a
    tiny room that opens onto my back steps.  The room is sheltered
    from rain, even though it has no door, since there's a roof overhang,
    but it is quite cold.  I was wondering about putting some sort of
    heating pad inside the blanket.  Does anyone know if there's one that
    would turn on only when the temp drops below a certain level, and that's
    safe for a cat to lie on?  Thanks.
    

    Karen,
    
    Unfortunately I don't have any information on a heating pad of that
    type.  I do, however, have an outdoor cat I'm taking care of (Dusty)
    that seems to do quite well in a box with a fuzzy bed, flannel squares,
    an old t-shirt of mine and a towel around the inside.  If you can't
    find a heating pad, you may want try the box route.  
    
    Oh, during the Christmas shopping season I remember seeing something 
    called a "lava" somethingorother.  You put it in the microwave to heat 
    it and it stays warm for approx. 8 hours.  I think it was intended as
    a warm seat cushion for sports events or whatever.  Maybe that would
    work.  You could heat it up at night and it may get him through until
    morning.
    
    Jan 
                                     

    Karen....everyone is telling me that hay is a great insulator!!  In
    my shed we have a bale of hay which we tossed around as well as a
    cardboard box that has a nice thick quilt in it.....kitty is usually
    hidden in the hay!!   
    
    Is it possible to get a box...and fill it with some hay.  I'd be a 
    bit nervous leaving a heating pad on all the time and I have never
    heard of one that shuts off according to the temp.
    
    Sandy

    Straw is a better insulator, but hay works well, too.  I wouldn't
    use a heating pad outside, as they are not made for outside use.
    There is a heating mat made for kennel use that is available in
    most animal catalogs (I saw it in the RC Steele catalog) that might
    be safe for your situation.

    Also,  try using an old small, cat carrier w/ door removed by 
    wrapping the outside with a old blanket, and putting comfy material 
    as bedding inside.
    Drape the old blanket on the outside so that kitty has to push
    to get inside, and so that the blanket blocks the front opening.
    My barncat has one for her bed, and her own body heat warms up the
    small area inside the carrier, making it a warm haven. 

Jan referred to a "Lava ?????" Its called "Lava Buns" and you do put it in the
microwave to heat up. It looks like a seat cushion. Its not electrical. Thus
I would think it would be safe for cats and it is specifically for outdoor use.

I don't have one, but been thinking about getting one.

Laura

    They sound neat....do you have any idea what type of store would
    carry them?  Maybe a sporting store??    
    
    I'm sure porch kitty would really like that.  Of course I'm making
    it so nice for him...he'll never come out!!!
    
    Sandy

Somewhere in this Notes files someone referred to a seat cushion
they had for their cat. It is not electric or anything, but is
made of some material that, once warmed up by body heat, stays
warm (or something like that). I do recall that the cushion came
from a sporting goods store.


                                        Susan

    I was just going to suggest the "Hot Seat"! I used to have one that I
    used when I went to football games. It's made of special material, that
    when you are on it, it seem to warm up, and is nice and toastie. Even
    on the metal seats at Foxboro stadium.
    
    I bought mine in a department store I believe, like a K Mart or
    Bradlees or Wal Mart. It wasn't expensive either. And no electricity to
    worry about either. 
    
    If you wrapped a towel or blanket around it, I bet kitty would love it!
    It is kind of thick though, so you might want to stick it in a box so
    the kitty won't slip off the top of it! ;-)
    
    Yonee

    
    I used a hot water bottle for all my strays and new arrivals who had to
    be temporarily quarantined on my back screen porch.  I remember that it
    stayed hot all nite, wrapped in a dishtowel, and they would snuggle
    against it.  This was, of course, till Sophie (remember Sophie, Karen?)
    decided it would make a great playtoy and bit into it.  The water went
    EVERYWHERE!  But it sure did the trick while it lasted.  :-)
    
    Nancy	

    RE:  The gray stray under my porch...well...I am happy to say
    that last night was the first night he spent in my nice warm cellar!!!
    He's not to thrilled with the idea...and he is not a happy camper...
    but he's warm, free from danger, will get medical attention soon, and 
    he will learn some humans aren't that bad!!   Me...well let's just say
    I'm on cloud nine!!
    
    I wish there was a magical way I could share with you on how I caught 
    him...but in all honesty all it took was alot of patience!  On Friday
    night I gained his trust where he came out of the hole.  I sat with
    him contemplating my attack but considering he was a bit edgy
    and I knew I only have one shot at this or we will be back
    to square one...I decided not to do anything!!  He went back in the
    hole and I went back in the house.   Saturday night we did the same
    thing...but again I just let him go back in his hole. (broke my
    heart...it's kind of like "tough love"!!) 
    
    Sunday  we only fed him a tiny bit in the morning and left him alone 
    all day.   Last night I went through our normal ritual of teasing him
    with his catnip (which he loves) and offered him rare roast beef if
    he would come out of the hole!!!  It worked right away and he came
    out...but he was real nervous (like he knew something was up) and
    he kept going back under the porch!!  Well one time I just decided
    "do it now"...and I grabbed kitty and walked calmly towards the porch 
    where Ernie was patiently sitting right by the window waiting for us!!
    (remember last time???)  He jumped out of my arms as we made it on
    the encloseded porch...but I just dove at the doorway and guarded it 
    with my entire body!!  He wasn't getting away this time!!!
    
    Well as of this morning...Kitty has found many hiding places in the
    cellar.  I find it amazing because my cellar has sheltered many feral
    and stray cats and I thought I knew every hiding spot there was!! BUT
    no...every time we go down cellar we find him in the most unusual
    spots!!  One of his favorites is the hole under the stairway...(oh
    no another hole)...but that's okay because now that he is out of the 
    freezing cold weather...I have all the patience in the world to deal 
    with him.  He is not feral...he does not bite/scratch..he is just one 
    scared kitty that probably was treated unkindly by some stupid
    humans!!  
    
    We will put an Ad in the paper to see if we can find the original
    owners, have him checked out medically, and then make our decision
    as to whether we keep him, bring him to the shelter or find him a  home!  
    (ha ha..Ernie caught me calling him Cody last night and he just smiled!!)
    
    Believe it or not...that's one down...and still one to go!!  Big
    black longhair kitty who I was praying had a home...has started to
    show up in the morning (5:30AM) and again at night!!!   But for today 
    I am going to beam with delight for catching gray kitty!!
    
    Sandy 
    
     
    

    Well, I knew it was too good to last.  Some creep dropped off about 10
    cats and kittens in the 12 week to 2 yr old range.  None of them have
    been fixed, and all are definatly house cats.
    
    We were down to 5, and now it seems like there are too many to count.
    
    There is no way we can feed them all or afford to get them fixed before
    the females start coming in season again, so I think we might bring some
    of the younger ones to the shelter where they stand a better chance
    of being adopted.  I'm so afraid that since they have been house cats,
    being dropped off at this time of year will probably kill some of the 
    younger or weaker ones.  I'm just so torn up about about this.....
    
    If anyone know of anyone who might like a young cat or older kitten, we
    have plenty!  Mostly gray tiger cats and black and white spotted cats,
    and one real cute white kitten(the youngest).  They are in Westboro,
    MA.  Foster homes would be appreciated as well.
    
    Thanks for listening.
    
    Michele 
                                                           

    Sandy, guess you found out he was a he!  
    
    Why it is whole males go to Sandy? :^)

    Cheryl...I am only assuming he is a male...I haven't got close
    enough to him to look!!!
    
    Michele...what a bummer.  God how can people be such idiots to think
    these house cats/kittens can survive this winter.   They were probably
    the types that wanted to "experience the birth of kittens"...but could
    care less what happens to them.   Since it is not kittens season..you
    might have luck calling some of the shelters to atleast take the little
    ones from you!!  
    
    Sandy

    Michelle-
    
    I take it the barn is situated so that it's easy to drop
    off kittens/cats without being seen?  Hummph....some people
    have alotta nerve.....

    Michelle, I'm wondering about the "ten".  That sounds like too many cats for
    a cat dumper to be dumping from his or her own household.  There isn't one of
    these scams going around where someone says "for a fee, I'll find your cat
    a home" and then they dump them, is there?
    
    Could you work out a delayed payment plan for spaying with your vet, or is there
    a local humane group that woul dhelp defray the cost?
    

    Ten isn't so many if you think 2 or 3 adults with 3 to 4
    kittens each!  

    
    Michele...my heart aches for you because I know how wonderful you
    felt last summer when you only had 4-5 cats left at the barn.  The
    feeling of accomplishment was WONDERFUL...and I'm sure you are
    very frustrated at the moment!!
    
    If you will accept a small money donation to help with food or neutering...
    I'd be more then happy to help out....just send me your address.  I'd
    love to help foster or give you more money...but my headcount is 
    growing as well.  Atleast they only show up one or two at a time in my 
    yard!!    Thanks so much for caring!!  
    
    Sandy      
    
    
    

    	
    	Hi Folks....me again...
    
    	I think what happened was that someone took in a female, 
    	she had kittens, they probably placed some- but not all.....
    	then there were more kittens, and again, some got placed, and
    	others didn't....and as a result, we have a mixed bag of cats and
   	kittens. 
    
    	Someone sent me mail wanting to adopt the white one, I'm still
    	checking on the availibility (I'll know definatly tonite).
    	And if someone wanted to help out $$ wise, I'll put my pride
    	aside and will welcome it....Sandy, I'll send my address.
    
    	Michele
    

    
    
    
    
        
        ************  From Carol and Steve Weston  **********
    
Dear Sandy,
	Please place this in the Feliner Note file for us A.S.A.P.

	Last night Carol and I caught 4 females-- Baby, Calico, Pinky &
        Patches--.  They are now at the Vet's, who works with the Pat 
        Brody Shelter.  Priscilla arranged for us to get the shelter's 
        discount for spaying + shots.  With the donations we've bene 
        holding, we had enough to achieve this.  I brought them alone as 
        Carol has the flu.  I really had my hands full.  We hope Priscilla 
        will want all of them, as we have decided that we cannot take any 
        back home.  This will not help them survive and this will not help 
        us.  We have thought long and hard about this.  If she can't take  
        all of them to the shelter, they must go to Kitty Heaven.  We can't 
        expect donations to feed them, spaying them does not prevent
        sickness - being hit by cars - or attacked by other animals.  We 
        have had a sighting of, what appears to be, a rabid raccoon and 
        signs of possible coyote in our woods.
	I pray the best will be for these kitties, if anyone could help 
        with an adoption, that would be wonderful.

	To all of you for your thoughts, donations and support,  THANK YOU!
        this is from the bottom of our hearts.

        P.S. We still have one male and female out there, we will try to 
        catch them and get them spayed and neutered.   Hopefully we can get 
        them placed somewhere.  So the burden is much smaller, from 13 to 2.

    You'd think that as a moderator I'd have some idea of where to put 
    this note.  I'm clueless on this one.  I really don't think it needs 
    a topic of its own though and since it is about the stray I've been 
    caring for I guess this is as good a place as any.
    
    Dusty has been living on my patio for a while now.  I've know he needs
    to be luek/aids tested and neutered but financially, this just hasn't
    been possible for me to cover.  I recently got a donation towards his
    care and was planning to take him in but mating season was ahead of
    me and he has been extremely scarce lately.  I keep going to look for
    him and he isn't anywhere to be found.
    
    Well, this morning I got the urge to check on him again.  I went out
    to his patio area and called for him and I heard his voice.  I called
    again and he slowly appeared under the patio fence.  When he finally
    climbed onto the patio I took one look at his rear end and panicked.
    His whole back by the base of his tail was scrapped raw and bleeding.
    He also had some sort of cut on his foot.  I grabbed one of my cat
    carriers and tried to get him inside and he wouldn't budge.  I grabbed
    him by the scruff and tried to stuff him in and he wasn't having any
    of it and even begin to growl at me (he has never growled at me for
    any reason before).  I hated to do it but I grabbed his dusty. fur
    covered blanket and wrapped him in it (figured I couldn't do any more
    damage than was already done) and stuffed him in the carrier.  Once
    he was in there, he was okay and never made a sound all the way to
    the vet.
    
    The Cat Hospital was wonderful.  They rushed him right in and Dr.
    Shanker checked on him immediately then came right back out to talk
    to me.  It looks as if he got in a cat fight and the other cat 
    grabbed a mouthful of fur and yanked and all the skin and fur came
    off of Dusty's back.  It's an approx. 3 inch wide by 2 inch long
    area.  It is infected.  Dr. Shanker and I have talked and we're
    going to have Dusty tested for leuk/aids and proceed from there.
    If he is positive, I'll most likely have to put him to sleep.  I
    can't leave him outside to infect other cats and I can't bring 
    him in because there's no place to keep him in my tiny apartment.
    Onyx hates him and Dusty is scared to death of Onyx.  The only
    room I could put him in would be a tiny bathroom which he's already
    shown displeasure at being in.  I also don't have a ready home for 
    him.  I'm really crossing my fingers that he tests negative.  I 
    don't like what the alternatives are if he doesn't.
    
    If he is negative for leuk & aids, he'll have some surgery to fix
    his wound.  The prospect of how they'll have to sew him up sounds
    kind of weird.  They'll have to "flap" him.  Meaning pull the other
    skin in the area over the exposed part and sewing it together.  
    He'll also be neutered and vaccinated.  If he tests negative I'll
    probably leave him at The Cat Hospital overnight so I'll have time
    to figure out what I'm going to do with him when I get him back.
    
    I'll know after 2:00pm today what the results of his blood test
    are.  
    
    If the results are negative I'll be begging for people to check 
    and see if they know of someone who wants a wonderful male cat.  
    I simply cannot keep him given the way he and Onyx feel about 
    each other.  He's lovable but not a lap cat (yet).  Loves to 
    have his neck and stomach scatched.  He's sort of a light colored 
    red tabby (almost cream but not quite, more on the red side) with 
    big, sad copper eyes.  Would prefer and indoor only home but would
    be willing to consider indoor/outdoor since he seems set on being
    outside.  Would probably be best in a single or low number cat 
    household.  Probably would be best if the other cats were female
    instead of male too.
    
    Well, all that may be premature, we'll see after 2:00pm.
    
    Just did my taxes for last year and realized I spent almost $1600.00
    on vet care (and I'm not even a breeder).  Between Amelia's teeth
    and ear things and Bailey's blood clot and Thistle and Molly's care
    it really ads up (Thistle (aka Ariel) and Molly have a wonderful
    home now).  Some of the money spent came from my fellow feliners as
    donations and I want you all to know how grateful I am for it.  Well
    I'm rambling now.  I guess I'm still slightly in shock over Dusty's
    injury.  I was pretty shakey as I tried to stuff him in the carrier
    without hurting him.  Thanks for listening.
    
    I'm just a mini cat rescue operation I guess.    
    
    Jan
    
    P.S.  No you're not seeing things, if you've read this note once 
          already and it reappeared it's 'cause I couldn't stand looking
          at the typos and had to fix it and repost.  A perfectionist
          even in times of stress. ;^)

    Well, the news is not good.  Dusty tested positive for leukemia.
    Because of that and considering the massive amounts of skin lost 
    at the site of his injury, the vet and I (and Jo) have concluded 
    that it is time for him to move on to a better place without pain 
    or illness.  
    
    I'll be going to the vet at 4:00pm today.  I want to thank the 
    folks that sent me mail off line offering their support.  Once 
    again this file has proven to be a wonderful thing to be involved 
    in.
    
    Jan
    

    Sigh......  Jan you are wonderful and by doing what your
    doing for Dusty...you are probably saving many other
    of your neighborhood kitties from this terrible disease.
    
    My heart is with you....
    
    Sandy

    This is my first time entering a note in here, and have found this file
    great for all sorts of information.  The past six months I have been
    feeding a stray cat who seems totaly feral.  Yesterday morning I saw
    him and noticed he was not using his back left leg.  I tried with no
    success to catch him and my heart is breaking.  I have been calling all
    over trying to find some sort of society to help me capture him and to
    give him the medical help that he needs.  Needless to say I have had no
    luck, I'm going to buy a trap tonight and try to catch him tomorrow
    morning.  I have already spoken with my vet who will take him in and
    give him the medical attention he deserves.  Needless to say my husband
    is not too happy due to money situation.   We already have one cat, 
    which he loves but does not want another one.  I would also have the cat 
    tested for feline leukemia (sp) first, neutered, rabies shot and and we 
    have agreed to return him to the wild.  If the cat has leukemia I
    will have him put to sleep.  He's a really pretty cat, but very
    skiddish.  I hate seeing this poor kitty hurt and in pain. 
    
                                             
    Wish me luck, god I'm going to need it.
    Helen

    Helen....I hear you completely and wish you all the luck in the
    world!!!  Every winter I find myself in the same situation...and
    every winter I get so depressed seeing all the needy strays/ferals.
    
    I have found different ways to catch ferals in have-a-heart traps...
    so I will share my knowledge:
    
      o Make sure the kitty is very hungry...do not leave other food out!
        (yes this will break your heart too)
    
      o You can try with cat food or tuna...but I found rare roast beef
        works the best to get their interest.
    
      o Only use the trap when you are around and can monitor if/when
        the cat goes in.  Do not leave the cat in there for a long time...
        because I have seen some ferals do alot of damage to themselves.
        Hopefully your vet is opened at night so you can drop him off
        immediately.  
    
      o Place a small towel over the "trigger that brings the trap down"
        so kitty don't see it.  
    
      o If he is real hesitant...you can even drape a blanket over the
        entire trap and just leave the opening free to him.
    
    
    Good luck...and keep us posted.   Hopefully you will get him tonight...
    but beware some cats are "trap smart" and will never fall for that
    trick!!
    
    Sandy

    Thanks Sandy for your encouragement and suggestions.  I will be trying 
    to do this in the morning, I would love to do tonight with it being so 
    cold outside but we have raccoons and wouldn't want to get near one of 
    them.  My little stray usualy goes into our neighbor's garage to get 
    out of the cold since they always leaves it open.  I wish my husband 
    could be a little more understanding, he loves animals but feels since
    the cat isn't bleeding terrible that he will mend.  He wasn't too happy
    when I started feeding them, I guess he knows me alittle too well, I'm
    a softy.
    
    I wish I could take in all strays and give them the love and care they 
    deserve.. sign :(  
    
    Helen

    When you are in the testing phase, do not forget to test for FIV too. 
    It is just as deadly as FeLV, but there is no vaccine to prevent it, so
    it is even more important that we help slow it's spread.
    
    Jo

    I waited for over three hours this morning with no luck.  I may have 
    to wait until this weekend because I usually see him in the late 
    morning or early afternoon, I may try to swing by at lunch time to 
    see if I can get him, I really hate to wait until Saturday but I 
    may not have a choice.  Still waiting to hear back from Animal
    Alliance.
    
    
    
    

    It can get sooooo frustrating...I know!!   Another suggestion is
    put a trail of catnip to the trap and a little bit inside!  I'm
    finding some of my stray cats prefer catnip over food!
    
    Good luck...and keep us posted.  
    
    Sandy

    Still no luck.  I have looked for him every morning and yesterday I
    went home at lunch and no sign of him.  I put out some really smelly
    tunafishy cat food and still no luck.  I will keep on trying, all I can
    think of him being out in this cold and hurt.
    
    Hopefully I'll catch him Saturday, only bad thing is that my vet is
    only open until 12:00 pm. sign...
    
    will keep you posted.
    Helen

    I finally was lucky enough to catch the hurt stray  Saturday morning and 
    brought him immediately to my vets who was great!!!  I'm so happy =)
    
    Marcus's (is what I named him) left foot was pretty cut up with a couple 
    of really deep cuts which my vet cleaned, he said that his leg would
    have blown up and would have been real painfull if left untreated, he also 
    neutered him and gave him a rabies shot.  My vet was excellent and treated
    Marcus well.  He said that Marcus was in a cat fight and was in excellent
    health.  I brought him home and put him in my basement since I have
    another cat and a really small house.  He was really still out of it,
    the poor thing got sick due to medication and was laying ontop of it, I 
    cleaned him up and washed his face with a warm towel.  He was so soft, 
    I was suprised that he never tried to bite me, hiss at me or anything he 
    just was really scared.  During one of my times cleaning him up he escaped
    from the cage and hide off in the corner of my cellar behind stuff.  I 
    left him there with fresh water, no food per vets recommendation and
    went upstairs.  In the morning I went down with fresh food and water
    and found him hiding out in my stairway.  I talked to him and patted
    him, again he didn't bite me he just looked scared.  My husband was
    great and helped alot.  My vet said to let him out the following day
    and he'll be fine.  
    
    I wish I could have kept him... sign  but I realized that he is happier 
    outside because when my husband opened the cellar door and he went outside
    he was rolling in the dirt and rubbing against things he was in familiar 
    ground, he was still limping but that will take a week or two to heal.  
    I'm still going to work on him and see if he will come to me, I hope that 
    he will let me touch him again, to have a feral stray let you touch
    him made everything worth it, he really is a beautiful cat.
    
    Helen
    
    

    Helen...I'm so happy you caught Marcus and helped him out!!  My
    guess is he a lost stray that has been on his own for quite awhile...
    and he is so scared because he was probably abused by stupid humans!
    
    My guess is he knows he can trust you...so if he needs help or wants
    some love..he'll be back at your door step!!
    
    Great job....
    
    Sandy

    I saw Marcus yesterday going for some food, so I went out to give him
    some can food and he ran away.  My husband keeps joking that if he was
    a cat and I had him neutered he'd run too.  
    
    Marcus is still limping but looks good other wise.  Sandy what you said 
    about him being a stray hits home because he has never been vicious.   I
    would like to gain his trust, I guess last night I was hoping he would 
    let me come up to him, but it's always not that easy.  
    
    Thanks again for your suggestions.....
    Helen

    With all my strays/ferals in my neighborhood...I'm getting pretty
    good at identifying those that are true ferals and those that are
    just very scared strays that have been on their own for awhile.
    
    I have this big black mean kitty in my cellar....he has been there
    for three weeks...and I have yet to get near him!!  It's not that
    I don't try...every morning and night I go visit and he sits up 
    in the rafters.....he hisses/spits and shows me his fangs!!  Such a Happy
    kitty!!!  I attempted to try and touch him once...(yup...I climbed up
    to the rafter to be near him) and he quickly taught me what I can do 
    and can't do!!!  I'm not sure this guy will every trust humans!!!
    
    Good luck with Marcus.....I'm sure he'll continue to stop by!!
    
    Sandy

I've been a read-only noter for quite some time now and I really enjoy this 
file.  I've got three cats of my own (an introduction to be entered later)
and my sister who lives next to me has two cats.  All are indoor-only cats.

Last fall my sister had to have her 17 year old cat 'Punkins' put to sleep.
Shortly thereafter, we had a stray that kept coming by and naturally we had 
to feed him.  We decided to call him Mr. Mittens because of his large double 
paws. He too is orange and white in color and looks like a cross between 
Morris the cat and the cowardly lion on the wizard of oz!  As the colder 
weather approached we decided we had to do something about this situation.  
My sister and brother-in-law decided they would adopt him! They took him to 
the vets and had him tested, fixed, shots, etc... for a total cost of over 
$150.  Unfortunately, his tests came back positive for feline leukemia.  
Luckily,however, one of my sister's co-workers heard the story and decided to 
give this guy a home since she had no other cats!  Mr. Mittens is now 
living quite comfortably in his new home.

But now... another stray has found his way to our home!  He too, is orange 
and white, long-haired, beautiful and very friendly, but definitely looks 
like it is not being taken care of!  My sister's been debating whether or not 
to try and take this one in, especially after the expense last fall and then 
not being able to keep him!  This cat has some scars and the fur is all matted, 
so we're anticipating that this could be another 'expensive' cat on our 
hands.

We'll proceed more cautiously this time around ... one step at a time.

Your suggestions and advice are more than welcome!

Pat

    Before you do anything else, have the cat tested for FeLV and FIV. That
    will cost about $30 at your regular vet, or maybe less if you can find
    a shot clinic that can do it.  If the tests come out negative, then
    proceed with shots, altering, grooming, etc.  If the test comes out
    positive, then you have some decisions to make.
    
    Jo

    Pat...
    
    Experience from my own neighborhood and working for the shelter...don't
    just assume that this cat could be positive because of the way it
    looks.  It is truly amazing that the cats that I have rescued that
    looked really bad and I truly felt were going to test positive...did
    not.  But I have also rescued some beautiful very healthy looking
    cats that tested positive which surprised the heck out of me.
    
    Jo's advise is great...have the test done first.  Also talk to your
    vet and explain the situation and ask for a discount and promise to
    take the responsiblity of finding the kitty a good home.  It's worth
    a shot!!
    
    Keep us posted.....
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Jo and Sandy,
    
     Thanks for entering those notes. I tried a couple of times, bt never
    got it worded too well. I chickened out and deleted the note both
    times! ;-)
    
     Yes, test first, make decisions after the results are in. Perfect Jo!
    
    Yonee

    Cats are truly amazing....
    
    On Tuesday, they started the process of tearing down an abandon triple
    decker apartment building at the bottom of my hill.  As they begin
    the process...they noticed a Momma kitty scurrying around acting
    very nervous.   Momma kitty went into the abandon building and
    carried a very tiny kitten to the 4th floor of the building next
    door.  She gently dropped this kitten into a plastic recylcling
    bin...and proceeded to do this 4 more times until all her babies
    had been moved.  Once her babies were safe...she jumped in the
    recycling bin with them!!!
    
    The momma kitty and babies are now resting peacefully at the
    Pat Brody Shelter.  It's amazing how she put her life on the line...
    to save her young ones!!!
    
    Sandy 

Well, the little orange stray mentioned in .195 finally reappeared on our 
back deck.  He's very friendly, rubbing up against us and purring away.  My 
sister, Bernadette, is calling him HoneyBear.  My brother-in-law, Frank, put him 
in the garage and then made the appointment at the vets.  He 'is' a he and 
'intact', about 1 year old.  He's had the two recommended shots and now we're 
waiting for the test results due later this afternoon and then we'll decide 
where to go from there.  They definitely want to keep him if he's okay!

But in the meantime...

Last Thursday, while at the Post Office, Frank stumbled upon another poor 
little kitty needing help!  A long-haired black & white cat.  Soaking wet,
and very under-nourished came from under the bushes with this pitiful cry.  
Frank patted her and then continued into the P.O.  When he came out the cat 
was up on the tire of his truck clinging on with all four paws.  He had to pry 
her off.  She purred and shivered as he held her.  He checked with the 
people in the P.O. and they said that there is an abandoned building behind 
them and a lot of cats are dumped off there.  (We're just down the street a 
ways from the P.O. - no wonder we're coming across so many strays!)  So, he 
proceeded to take her home.  She had her appointment at the vets on Saturday 
and the test results came back negative!  They've named her K.C.  
(Berndadette and I say it's for Kitty Cat, Frank says it's for Kansas City - 
he's into railroads!)  K.C.is now living very comfortably with them and their 
other two cats - Chessie & Felix!  All are adjusting to the situation 
quite well! 

Keeping our fingers crossed for HoneyBear ...


Pat

	HoneyBear's test results came back negative!  (Sure hope
	the results are accurate!)  He'll be going back to the
	vets next week for a flea bath and rabies and then the
	following week to be fixed.  Unfortunately he'll have to
	stay in the garage until he's fixed as we're not sure if
	KC has been fixed - the vet couldn't find any scars, so
	we'll just have to wait and see if she goes into heat!

	I'm sure he'll love his new home with Chessie, Felix and K.C.!
        
	Thanks for your support and advice!

	Pat
	

    Orange and white, longhaired male stray *very much* needs help, ASAP.
    
    Our condo complex is a popular dropping off point for strays. 
    Currently, an older woman has been feeding two strays for over a
    year--one year-ish old tortoiseshell female who has just had kittens,
    and an older, long haired "Persian"-type orange mail.  Clearly, the
    tortoiseshell (a beautiful young cat with a wonderful personality)
    could use a home, as will her kittens, but it is the orange male I am
    most concerned for.  Why?  
    
    He is suffering a severe and prolonged case of
    conjunctivitis/chlamydia.  Apparantly, he was quite sick over the
    winter.  A recent close examination of him showed me pus running from
    his eyes as well as swollen and pink eyes.   His very long fur is also
    matted and it would appear that he's been a recent fight.  
    
    I am mostly concerned with the eye problem, as there are MANY cats in
    this complex and I believe that both conjunctivitis and chlamydia are
    contagious.  
    
    The obvious solution is to call the dog officer and have the cat taken
    away.  The problem is two fold:  I'm not sure the dog officer could
    catch the cat short of trap, and clearly, once the animal is taken, he
    will be destroyed. 
    
    I'm a bleeding heart as far as cats are concerned: all my 6 cats are
    refugees.  But I *cannot* take another.  I *cannot* afford to take this cat
    to the vet--I am still paying off a balance I have there from my pets. 
    The woman who has been feeding him is not financially able to provide
    more than food for either animal.  If I had the means both monetary and 
    household wise, I would provide for the animal, at least to get him
    neutered and healthy, but I don't.  Even if someone supplied the money
    to get him to a vet, I know that I am not around enough to make sure
    the likely medication proscribed will be applied regularly. 
    
    So, although I know the chances are slim, is there anyone out there
    willing and able to take in a sick stray and nurse him to health?  Of
    course, the cat will need a full examination, a leukemia test and so
    forth.  This is a serious charity case and I realize it's a long shot
    anyone out there would be willing and able to do this, but I wanted to
    give the cat a chance before the dog officer is called.  
    
    About the cat:  I would hazard a guess he's between 2-3 years old. 
    He's shy, but responds well to familiar people (with work, he could be
    sociable).  He's cobby, the familiar ginger/orange color of long haired
    orange cats, with a white bib.  He's got beautiful yellow-green eyes
    from what I see through him squinting at me.  With care and love, this
    could be someone's gorgeous pet.  
    
    If you are interested in helping, or know someone who can, please let
    me know ASAP.  I would be willing to help in capturing the cat, making
    sure he's transported to anywhere in the CT/MA/NH area, and anything
    else I can do.  I wish I could do more for him myself.  :(

    And while I'm at it:
    
    The other stray in our complex is the tortoiseshell female mentioned in
    the note previous to this.  She is probably about a year old,
    absolutely gorgeous (mostly black with a nice spattering of orange
    throughout), friendly with some persuasion and, unfortunately, recently
    given birth to kittens.  
    
    She's found some place no one's discovered yet to keep her kittens: I
    would hazard a guess they were born two-three weeks ago, so they
    haven't followed her to the food dish yet.  When they do, they will
    need homes, or at least financial benefactors to get them neutered and
    spayed.  
    
    So, a home, or a financial benefactor is needed also for Momma cat.  As
    I said in my previous note, I haven't the household or the $$,
    unfortunately, to help out, and neither has the woman who has been
    feeding them.  If anyone out there can help, or knows someone who can,
    please let me know.
    
    Thanks,
    
    kim  

    Kim,
    
    You may want to contact one of the no kill shelters (Nashoba, BuddyDog
    or Pat Brody Shelter) and explain your situation and maybe they can help 
    by taking him in and having a vet look at him.  
    
    I have been on a similiar route where I was taking care of two strays 
    and one was injured, unfortunately the shelters I called couldn't help 
    at the time.  I ended up catching him, boy was that an experience and 
    ended up bringing him to my vet who I had already spoken to ahead of 
    time and worked out to pay the bill on a monthly basis.  My vet was 
    very kind and understanding.  I wish I could send you a contribution to
    help you out but at this time I am financially unable to.   I also
    would let the shelter know about the other cat and her kittens, they
    may also be able to place them.  I wish you the best of luck and to 
    plse keep us posted on your results.
                                    

    I didn't know where to put this, so I am creating a new note. 
    Moderators, if there is a more appropriate place for this, please
    move.  Thanks.
    
    I read Note 31.202 in the STRAYS NEEDING HELP topic, and I would
    like to try to help these cats.  I volunteer at the Framingham
    Humane, and would have to get this by our director.  This will
    be very hard, since the cats are in Connecticut, so they are
    out of our jurisdiction, but I'm sure that if I could bring in
    a donation and a matching gift with these cats, it will go a long
    way towards convincing my director to take them.  I hate to see
    the boy-cat, especially, suffering from severe conjunctivitis and
    the possibility of losing his sight.  
    
    To that end, I've started a small fund.  I have put in a donation,
    as has Yvonne Colaianni.  If there is anyone else who could put in
    a pledge, I will approach my director Thursday nite with the tally of
    pledges and my request, and we can see how it goes.
    
    I know that this is very unorthodox, but when cats are not just
    strays but are suffering from a medical disorder, I have a soft
    spot for them.
    
    Thanks in advance for any pledge you can give.
    
    Write me:
    
    	NANCY CROSS
    	MODEL::CROSS
    	
    
    or call:
    
    	DTN:  297-4449
    	OUTSIDE:  508-467-4449
    
    

    Nancy, you can count on me to chip in.  I will call you.  It's very good
    of you to help in this way.
    
    George Pelletier

    
    RE:  .206
    
    Thank you George.  Thank you everyone who has written me with pledges
    for these animals.  I have to say that I am constantly amazed by the
    FELINERS, people who are so caring and compassionate and always there
    for those who need help.
    
    I will keep everyone posted as to what happens tomorrow nite when I
    ask my shelter director for her aid.  
    
    Keep your paws crossed!  :-)
    
    Nancy

    Hi -
    
    Have any of you noticed a long-haired gray tabby around ZKO2? I
    have....
    
    Two Fridays ago when I was leaving the building, I saw this kitty in
    the little gully below the ZK2 walkway. It disappeared into the trees. 
    
    This past Friday when I left, the kitty was in the parking lot, walking
    along under the fronts of the parked cars and crying. Every so often,
    it would stop and lie down. I tried to get close, but it would get up
    and wander on to the next car if I did.
    
    I put my stuff in the car and went over to where the kitty was lying. I
    managed to get within about 5 feet, so I sat down and started talking
    to the kitty. (Yes, I was the woman in the red shirt, crawling around
    the ZK2 parking lot). It was letting out the most pitiful little cries,
    but wouldn't come over to me. It finally got tired of me and wandered
    away into the woods. 
    
    As I said, it's a long-haired gray tabby with a white belly and some
    white on the legs. I think it's female, because I didn't see any parts
    when it rolled onto its back, but I'm not sure. It doesn't appear to be
    hurt or sick, just kind of dirty and weary. It had nice bright green
    eyes.
    
    I'm going to try to take a walk around at lunchtime and see whether
    it's around. If anyone sees her, would you let me know? 
    
    Thanks,
    
    Kate
     

    Kate,  My guess is she is either a drop off or just happened to
    get lost when looking for that Purrfect man.
    
    I cannot believe the number of cats that have are just dropped off
    this year...it seems much worse then other years!!   Good luck
    in trying to catch her...and hopefully she doesn't have any
    kittens around the area.  Try bits of food to tempt her...or
    some catnip...or rare roast beef!!
    
    Keep us posted....
    Sandy 
    
                                    

    
    
    	Kate,
    
    	Sounds like the one I saw LAST spring.  It wouldn't let
    	me near it either.  Every time I tried to approach it
    	it would take off.  I'm surprised it survived, if it's
    	the same one!
    
    	Jj
    

    I'm only guessing that this is where my story belongs.  I'm not real
    active in Feline, and actually haven't been in for about a year,
    but....
    
    I have a beautiful stray, or at least I assume HE is.  We've sort of
    "adopted" him as a member of the family, and named him Barney (thanks
    to my 6 year old son who *adores* the dinasauer of the same name)
    Barney appears to be a purebread sealpoint siamese.  Correct me if I'm
    wrong with the name, he's got black ears, and black paws and tail. 
    Appears to be not real old, but more than a couple years old. 
    Extremely loveable, he just loves to come up on the back deck, while
    announcing his arrival quite loudly!  If I go outside in my bare feet
    he will just roll over on his back, beg to be rubbed in his belly and
    fall asleep using my foot as a pillow.
    
    He's been around for at least 3 or 4 months, I was vaguly aware of him
    late last fall, but then he disapeared until the spring when he came
    back.  So I've been feeding and leaving water outside under a chair on
    the deck, twice a day.  He is well manored, and at first begged food
    from us when we were outside eating, but we made it clear that wasn't
    permitted.  Now he sits or lays quietly until we're done, or will just
    eat from his own bowl.
    
    I have changed his old flea collar that he came to us with to a new
    one, he seems to be scratching less now.  I have put my name and phone
    number on the collar in permanent marker, hoping if he has a home, the
    owner may call us and ask us not to feed him as he has a home.  I
    contacted our Animal Control officer to see if anyone had reported a
    missing siamese, there was none.  She told me they will pick up cats,
    but will not keep them the 10 days as required for dogs.  In fact I
    called her on a Sunday night, and she told me it would be brought to
    Worcester for destruction the following morning.  I told her to forget
    I called, but to let me know if anyone reported a missing siamese.
    
    I want to take Barney in, have him checked, given shots, a flea bath
    etc. You know what I'm saying here I hope, might consider having him
    neutered, possibly declawed if he becomes an indoor cat during the
    winter.  I've watched him and he seems "polite" doesn't sharpen his
    claws, doesn't "spray" on anything, and is very definitely a family
    cat.
    
    The disturbing part of the conversation with the dog officer is that
    she told me many people are just "dumping" cats, thrououghbred ones too
    like angoras, persians, and now probalby a siamese, instead of taking
    them to shelter.  We have a school and athletic field behind our home,
    and we figure it was dumped there hoping it might follow someone home. 
    He also showed up last year about the time a family up the street moved
    out.  They were forced into rental property for a few months between
    the sale of their home, and the completion of the new home.  I
    sometimes wonder if the rental, interum housing forbid the cat and if
    it might have been theirs.
    
    I have a single home in Oxford, in a wooded not to busy neigborhood.  I
    have two cats already, a 11 year old grey tortise and a 3 year old half
    siamese.  Both are indoor declawed, spayed and neutered respectively. 
    I just wonder if I might be creating problems by adopting Barney.  I
    also have a 6.5 year old son who loves him, and will do no harm to
    anything with four legs and fur!  I want to have Barney completely
    checked for disease and such before inviting him into our family.
    
    Opinions? Are we doing this right, should I do anymore to try and
    locate the owner?  How are my indoor cats going to react to this newest
    member of our family?
    
    Lyn

    Lyn,
    
     I say "GO FOR IT"!!!!!! ;-) (Of course, right?) 8-)
    
     Seriously though, it sounds like he was in fact dumped, and if you are
    willing to foot the bill to have him tested and neutered and vaccinated
    and all that there good stuff, as far as I'm concerned, he's yours. It
    sounds like he adopted you long before you considered adopting him! ;-) 
     
     The way I look at finding the owner is this. This cat has been around
    for quite a while now, and no one seems to have reported him lost. If
    you have him neutered and get his rabies shot and all, YOU have the
    medical records that show he belongs to you, and unless someone shows
    up with papers that can identify him proof positive, (which I really
    doubt will happen) there's no way to prove you don't own him. Plus, if
    someone was stupid enough to dump a 'whole male' purebred cat out on
    its own, they don't deserve the cat anyway! (had to enter that last for
    Sandy!)
    
     I think I'm getting jaded in my old age! ;-) 
    
    Anyway, your cats would be in a great huff for a bit, but I'm sure they
    would adjust to the new guy fairly quickly. You'd have to give them the
    time they need to sort out the new pecking order, so there would be
    some unpleasant sounds coming from Siamese and half Siamese as well as
    the Tortie, but once that's done, they usually start making friends
    with one another.
    
    Please let us know what you decide to do. I think it's wonderful that
    you are considering taking this guy in and giving him a real home
    again! He sounds like a great kitty!
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee
    
    P.S. Anybody notice how I skirted the declaw portion? I'm NOT getting
    into that rathole again! ;-)
     

    Bless your heart for helping Barney!!  The real sad news is almost
    all no kill shelters are maxed out right now because of kitten season
    so it would be very hard to place him in a shelter unless it is a 
    shelter where they euthanize the cats.
    
    I do believe Barney has already adopted you......and has given you
    time to make this decision.   As Yonee stated...your cats will
    probably be upset for a little while...but they do get over it
    fairly quickly.  Read up in this notesfile (someplace) on some
    ideas to make introduction go smoothly.  Alot of good ideas
    are in this file that will help you through it.
    
    I say Go for it too because there aren't many other options
    for Barney!  Keep us posted...
    
    Sandy

    Just a little clarification, hopefully someone has experience in this.
    I want to make an appointment just to have him checked, given shots and
    such.  What are the chances that once I manage to get him into the
    cage, trek into the city to a stranger in a white coat, who proceeds to
    poke and prod and finally stick a needle or two into him, that I'm
    going to come home, open the cage and he's going to  be soooo p'd off
    at me that he'll disapear and never be seen again?  
    
    Is there a less traumatic way of doing this?  I figure I'll have to get
    a hold of him when he shows up for supper, if it's an afterwork appt,
    or when he shows up for breakfast if it's a Saturday AM type appt. and
    just keep him caged until I leave.  Although he's usually responsive to
    me rattling the food container.  (responsive, can you say comes
    running!?)  Do I need to keep him caged, or perhaps confined to the
    cellar when I get home.
    
    I'm just not used to these things, since I have strictly indoor cats,
    and in fact that all I've ever had since childhood.  I'm not quite sure
    how "outdoor" kitties react to this sort of trauma
    
    Lyn

    Lyn-
    
    Since he is so friendly, he is not *likely* to react as badly as
    say, a feral or part-feral cat would.  Unfortunately, you just don't
    know until you do it.  If you can, I think confining
    him in the basement (keep all other animals away) and giving him
    lots of attention and tasty treats until he settles down is a good
    idea.....
    
    Lynne
    

	Well.........

	My stray hid under the bar-b-que for the day after I took him to
	the vets for de-fleeing,de-worming, de-ear-miting and first lot of 
	shots.

	He did it again after the second lot of shots and being chopped.

	However, he had decided that he owned me, and he continued to let
	me feed him, he did not choose another owner     :-)

	Although I must admit, that he wasn't too fond of me until the
	ear-mites went........but that's Okay, because he preferred Dave then!
	
	Cats are territorty people, I doubt that this would make him leave
	a territory he has made his - where he also gets fed and watered. and
	petted.

	Does he have a blanket, or special place he sleeps, because make sure
	they are undisturbed, so he can find something familiar and "safe".

	Heather

    I agree with Lynne here. I think you'll probably get a feel for his
    reaction as soon as you get hin into a carrier. If he totally flips,
    there could be alittle problem. If he just seems unhappy, but not REAL
    upset, it could be that he is used to going to the vet from his prior
    life, and might be just fine.
    
    I think if you could confine him to a room or your basement for a while
    and spoil him rotten, he'll do just fine though. He doesn't seem feral
    as Lynne stated, so things may go smoothly. You;ll just have to see.
    
    I also think that he will take to indoor only quite well also. Most
    (although not all by any means) purebred cats tend to be indoor only I
    think. At least until they are dumped that is. :-( 
    
    Please let us know what's happening with this guy! 
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee

    When I rescued TK, who showed up on my back deck in a similar way, he
    was not at all happy about going off to the vet for a tune-up, but when
    I came back for him and took him back to the only place he knew where
    people cared, he was forever grateful!  I remember him following me all
    around the house that night and sleeping on the floor by the bed (He
    didn't realize how comfortable a bed was until much later, being an
    outdoor cat for so long!).  From that day forward, he never wandered
    far from the house.
    
    I think Barney will do just fine.  Good luck!
    
    -Roberta
    

    You could try putting some real smelly canned food down, right outside
    the carrier door (if you are using a cat carrier), and let him get a
    good whiff of it before you let him out.  He'll be so concerned with
    eating all that stuff that he'll forget about that nasty trip...until
    you take the carrier out again!  Anytime I have to do anything
    unpleasant to my cats (flea baths, vet trips, meds), I always use the 
    "gross food" trick. They may remember the unpleasant trip, but they
    also remember that wonderful treat!
    Sarah 

    Having dealt with this multiple times (too many times) I find that
    once I pick the stray up from the vet he is very grateful to come
    home.  I believe they feel you "rescued" them from that nasty
    vets office...so being home is wonderful to them!!
    
    I normally let the stray stay in my cellar for a few days...just so
    I can make peace (if needed) and he can get the scent of where he is!
    
    I don't think you have to worry about him running away...he knows his
    where he can get food/water and love!!
    
    Sandy
    

    Just a basic question, since my experience has been only with new
    kittens only.  When I take Barney to the vet what testing, shots, exams
    etc. should be done?  He appears to be in pretty good shape, despite
    the nicks and dings he's gotten from scrapping with the other cats. 
    Yesterday mornign his eye looked a little "cloudy" and he allowed me to
    wash it with a warm damp cloth, the problem seems to be gone.  Can a
    vet "guestimate" hold old he is?
    
    I assume updating all the shots, worm testing but what else?  It
    appears he is sleeping out in the woods somewhere, but his coat is in
    pretty good shape.  Is a bath, or a flea bath necessary at this point? 
    Does the vet do this or a grooming place thing?
    
    Finally, I have been dealing with Northboro Vet Clinic, I found the
    care wonderful, but at the same time very "pricey".  How about
    recomendations?  We've only go a single vet in Oxford, can't get much
    of any opinions on him, Abbott in Worcester has been suggested but not
    real convienient, there's a Dr. DeTora in Auburn who is the husband of
    my son's pedi, also there's Shrewsbury Animal Hospital near the SHR
    site.  Opinions probably best off line, would be appreciated, or any
    others you care to recommend.
    
    Lyn

    Whai *I* would recommend: (and do if it were me)
    
    Before investing a lot of $$$, I would have the kitty tested for
    Felv and FIV first. (If the test(s) is positive, understand what this
    could mean to your current cats and him if you decide to keep him....) 
    
    If the above both test negative, then I would do the following:
    Physical exam by vet.  This should include, but not be limited
    to, temperature taking (can't give kitty any shots if it has a 
    temperature), listen to heart & lungs, check ears for earmites 
    and treat if necessary.  Check teeth to see if tartar build-up
    is present, and to get a guess on the cat's age. Check eyes, and
    since he is an outdoor stray, discuss treatment for the possibility
    of worms.
    
    Shots: (Rabies is now required for all cats by law)
    
    Rabies/distemper combo shot.
    
    Any others - discuss the need with the vet....
    
    Lynne

                   <<< WRO10C::USER$:[NOTES$LIBRARY]FELINE.NOTE;1 >>>
           -< Meower Power - Where Differing Opinions are Respected >-
================================================================================
Note 4.465                   Cats looking for Homes                   465 of 468
RT95::STELIN                                         27 lines  26-JUL-1993 14:13
                -< 'Lefty' (3-4 month old kitten) needs love! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cutest little short haired black and white kitten you ever saw is 
in need of a home where he can stay indoors.  Found as a stray, he is 
at the Wakefield Animal Hospital where I hope he will stay until I find him 
a good home from this note.  He's been there since 7/16, no-one has 
claimed him or written an ad in the town paper lost and found.

Late Saturday night (7/16), outside Denny's on Rt 28 in Stoneham, he 
limped up to the door with a hurt right paw and dirty from tire marks.  A 
friend and I brought the little guy to the Wakefield Animal Hospital where 
he was bandaged up.

X-rays were taken.  The doctor said his paw, below his wrist, was not broken 
but has some nerve damage.  Today, the splint is off and he was making 
gestures as if he was sharpening his claws.  The nerve damage may be 
reversed but also may not.  They highly suggest a home where he will be 
kept indoors.  One claw was pulled out and will never grow back.  

He is the pet of the Hospital!  They love having him.  He had a bath, and 
is ready to go home.  By making a donation to the Hospital, the medical 
costs will be waived when he is adopted. 

I have told the Hospital I would enter this note.  Their number is 
617-245-0045.  He is referred to as the black and white stray kitten (no 
name yet).  

It's his eyes that get you.  I wish, so hard, I could take him myself but 
I've got two to many.
    

    as a follow up to my story about Barney, the stray somewhere around
    .214ish I would like to update...
    
    Last night we had a pretty bad thunder storm that hit rather quickly
    while we were all (yup that does include Barney) eating outside on the
    deck.  I guess I've become so attached to him that I just couldn't run
    inside and leave him out in the elements.  Funny thing though it was my
    husband who suggested we not leave him out.
    
    So I carried him into the unfinished side of the cellar, we blocked the
    other half off simply by shutting the doors to the family room side,
    which is where Bandit and Holly were hiding from the storm.  I went
    upstairs to comfort my son, my husband stayed down in the cellar
    holding Barney near the open door, we were both waiting for a panic,
    and a desperate clawing attempt to get out.  There was none of this. 
    He made a few gestures to get down, but there was never a claw put out,
    actually the only time we saw the claws was in a content, kneeding way.
    Finally we decided to turn him loose just to see what might happen.  He
    explored, he was very vocal in the kitchen wanting the unfinished
    dinner leftovers, we made it clear the answer was NO! he explored some
    more, we put him on the sheet covered couch and he proceededto fall
    sort of asleep.  I was at this point holding Bandit, who was having a
    security crisis, and letting him know he was still very  much loved. 
    Finally I released Bandid, Barny got off the couch and requested to go
    out, which he did only briefly, and requested back in a few minutes
    later.  He went down the cellar to explore his new home, and finally he
    encountered my two indoor cats face to face and face to rear end
    sniffing.  It was something that looked like complete surprise to
    Barney.  It was as if he discovered he wasn't king of the hill.  He
    then requested out again, and disapeared until this morning.  He did
    come running when I rattled his food.  I guess I've been adopted by a
    cat!  Now all I have to do is find time and money to have him checked
    and get his shots.  I love my new addition, he's going to do OK with
    the other two "children".
    
    Lyn

    Lyn....I'm so happy for Barney.  Once he gains trust in your house
    you will find him to be one of your most loving kitties! 
    
    I did have to laugh at your note....because I currently have two
    strays sleeping in my cellar and it all started because of a 
    thunder storm.  All I wanted was to get them out of the bad weather
    for the night...but they come back every night and want access to the 
    cellar.
    
    I would suggest not to allow your two cats too close to Barney until
    you have him tested for those fatal diseases and checked for mites
    and worms.  You sure wouldn't want to spread anything to your other
    cats.
    
    Please keep us posted on Barney!!

    This whole situation is really humerous, in the sense that it was my
    husband who was absolutely inflexible, and announced that he hated
    cats, wouldn't have one etc etc.  Ya right!  He's a softy at heart if I
    ever saw one!  It 's him the cats go to when they want a warm lap to
    curl up in, and it's him they go to to demand treats.
    
    Oh and several times over the last few weeks I've been given a subtle
    reminder that "winter's coming, and YOU know we're going to have to
    bring him in in about a month!"  Naw he doesn't like cats at all, does
    he?  By the way, one of the"reminders" came in the midst of of some
    quiet time, just sitting enjoying the quiet and each other.... is this
    a romanticist or what?  Isn't he supposed to be thinking of ME not
    BARNEY at these times??!!
    
    By the way, I replaced his flea collar about 6 weeks ago,he seems to be
    scratching again, should I replace it more often than the 90 day
    recommendation.  It was a non-famous brand from the supermarket, not a
    Hartz Mountain or whatever, maybe these don't last as long?
    
    Lyn

    Another wonderful husband to join the crowd.  I love it!!!
    
    I personally do not like flea collars and do not feel they really
    do the trick.   You might want to consider a flea bath or a dry
    flea powder!!  I have used Adams Dry Flea powder on some of my
    flea-infested strays and had very good luck with that!!!  
    
    Barney sounds like a living doll...and so does your husband.  Romantic
    evening...laying in bed with hubby and about 8 cats!!!!!  You can't
    get more romantic then that. ( ha ha!!)
    
    Sandy

    
    Flea collars work, but you have to buy a good quality collar,
    such as those put out by Farnham, Adams, Zodiac, etc.
    
    

    There's sooo much to absorb from this string, but I need a couple
    things answered.
    
    We've been inviting Barney into visits in brief spurts since last week,
    even though he hasn't had his vet visit yet.
    
    Does the hissing and growling from my other two youngster (strictly
    indoor types) ever settle down?  Even the old lady who was at death's
    door only a few weeks ago has been very defensive, and will usually run
    and hide in the cellar when Barney is in.  I found Bandit this morning
    very vocal, growling actually, and his tail was puffed to the max, both
    of these behaviors are very unusual for them.
    
    When Barney is in, he is also very vocal.  OK he is a Siamese and the
    breed itself is a very vocal breed, but it's like he is wandering
    around the house calling out, but to whom or for what?  He also insists
    on jumping up on the counter, and when we put him down, (he refuses to
    get down willingly) he looked very P'd off at us and at that point will
    demand to be let back out again.
    
    Once he's out he will usually disapear for a while, or keep his
    distance from the house for a while.  Actually laying in the driveway
    as opposed to on the deck right outside the back door.  Is he trying to
    tell me something.
    
    Finally, since he has been an outdoor cat for so long, will he ever be
    satisfied indoors for extended periods?  I would like him to be an
    indoor only cat eventually.
    
    If I have him neutered, (declawing is not completely out yet, but let's
    not start any fires right now) will he be less excited about going out?
    Is there any complications for having a male altered in what appears to
    be mid life.  He's definitely NOT a young kitten, probably 4 or more
    years old, just a guess though.
    
    Lyn

    Lyn,
    
     It could be because you only bring Barney in for short stretches. If
    he were in for an extended period, the cats would have time to work out
    the pecking order, and the hissing and stuff would stop after a while.
    Bringing him in once in a while, may be causing them to start from
    scratch (no pun intended) every time they have an encounter.
    
     Does this make sense? I probably shouldn't even be trying to reason
    anything out this close to vacation! ;-) I'm sure I'll hear about it if
    I'm wrong though! 8-) Go ahead, I can take it!
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee 

    Hi Lyn...
    
    These are my opionons....  I believe onnce you get Barney fixed he
    will definitely lose some of his aggression and not be so territorial.  
    I have also neutered 12 year old strays...and had no problems, so age 
    means very little!!  
    
    If your cats are only hissing/spitting/puffing...that is normal and
    I wouldn't worry about it.  You might even see some small fights...but
    unless there is a major battle or you see blood...I'd stay out of
    the middle and let them work it out.  All the cats will be unsettled
    until they have time to work out the situaion themselves and Yonee
    is probably right about not having enough time to resolve it because
    Barney comes and goes.
    
    Many many strays in this file have gone from the outdoor life to
    indoor only and it might be hectic for a little while (he'll whine
    and drive you crazy) but overtime he'll get use to it once he knows
    there is no alternatives.   If I were you...I sure wouldn't get him
    declawed right away just in case he just won't accept indoor life
    and your only option is to let him back out.
                           
    Sandy

    As an update, Barney was taken to the vet on Saturday.  It was a NOISY
    ride to say the least!  He is almost too big for the Pet Taxi.  There
    were some attempts to throw himself against teh wire door and he stood
    up and tried to push the top off.  But on the ride home, and while at
    the vet's he was relaxed and quiet.  In fact once out of the cage he
    layed down and rolled over and just wanted to be petted.
    
    I had him tested for FIV and FeLuk, checked for earmites, general
    overall but through checkup.  The vet thinks he about 2 years old,
    doesn't think he's spent a lot of time indoors, doubts he's ever been a
    show cat (I wonder where that opinion came from?).  He was given a
    rabies and something else shot, boosters in a few weeks.  He gave me
    some general deworming medicine and wants a "sample" (ya right, I don't
    even know what he's using for a litter box!)  He didn't even move when
    the injections were given.
    
    Basically,unless the blood work shows something, he's a very healthy
    and well nourished cat.  He now has a nickname.... our $89 dollar
    INVESTMENT!!  Oh well, he came back to us so he must really love us!
    
    Now off to get a COLORED flea collar, per my son't request!
    
    Lyn
    

    All in NOT well, I just got a call on my home machine from the vet. 
    His message was simply Barney tested fine for FeLuk, but did test
    positive for Feline Aids.  Not a good day with Holly (569.XX) starving
    herself to death, and now this.
    
    I did do a dir/title=FIV and AIDS, butcame up with nothing.  The vet is
    out to lunch until 2:00.  His only message was to keep him away from
    the others.  Now what do I do?  He's been passing in and out, eating
    from the other two cat's dishes, he has a dish outside, and I know
    other cats, and a stray dog have had their faces in it.  Have I started
    an epidemic?  Can humans catch FIV?  
    
    Do I sound paniced, yes I am.  I almost wonder if this is how Barney
    came to be a stray, did someone get a positive test and just boot him
    out to the street?  How could someone be that cruel?  Where did he get
    it from?  So many questions, not enough answers??
    
    I may be forced to put down TWO cats this week, not sure where the
    financing for this will come from.  Shouldn't the vet have waited until
    AFTER the test results before giving him a booster?  His shot won't do
    a H**L of a lot of good now!!
    
    I feel like screaming, crying, I don't know what I'm feeling!
    Lyn

    Lynn...FIV is relatively new to the cat diseases and no matter who
    you talk to everyone has differences of opinions including vets!!
    
    I had a cat that tested positive...and did alot of research so these
    are just my opinions based on what I have read and the vets I have
    spoken to.  I'm sure other peoples opinions will differ....and this
    is going to drive you even crazier!!
    
    FIV cats can live a long and happy life.  This virus is not as easily
    spread as the Feluk virus and even though they are not positive of
    how it spreads...they feel the main reason is very deep cat bites.
    One study I read about said they had 30 cats living together with
    4 FIV positive cats and all shared the same litterbox and food dishes.
    After 4 years no other cat tested positive.  Their feelings was because 
    cats that live together...very seldom have outright fights that cause 
    deep wounds.  Again...that was one study and other studies could
    differ.
    
    I also read that in certain cases the cat could test positive but
    fight off the disease so when he was retested in a few months...he
    was negative.  Is it possible to keep Barney confined for a few months
    and have him retested????? Another possibility which will take some
    work on your part is to try and find him a home with other FIV positive
    cats.  
    
    My heart breaks for you.....and I know exactly what your going through.
    You must feel like a total basketcase....and if you need to talk or
    write...please feel free to contact me offline.    
    
    Sandy
    
    
    
     

    One more thing...there are NO cases of humans contacting 
    FIV from cats!!!

    Sandy is correct.  Feline FIV is very similar to human HIV in that the
    cat passes the infection via a deep bite or open wound.  Sharing of
    litterboxes and food dishes probably will not render the virus
    contagious, especially over the short term.  Even with the Felv
    (leukemia) virus, only long-term, continuous exposure will pass along
    the virus to other cat(s).
    
    I do agree Lyn, that the vet should not have administered any boosters
    until the test results came back.  You should bring that up in your
    next conversation with him.  I once brought in a stray with explicit
    instructions not to perform the spay or administer any vaccines until
    the test results were in, and the vet went ahead and performed the spay
    anyway.  It turned out he got his signals crossed with the technician I
    gave the instructions to, and when I questioned why the spay was done
    before the test results came back, he apologized profusely and did not
    charge me for the spay.  The cat had tested positive for felv.
    
    Lyn, is there any chance you could have the test redone, at no charge,
    since you already paid for the vaccines?  What I am suggesting is that
    sometimes a test result provides a false positive, and another
    subsequent test might yield a negative result.  Maybe your vet would be
    willing to redo the test at no charge, since you were charged for
    vaccines that should not have been done right away.
    
    I am very sorry to hear about Barney.  I certainly know how it feels to
    invest not only money that you don't have, but also your emotions into
    an animal that might not be with you over the long haul.  It sucks! 
    Barney is lucky to have found you and your family, because no matter
    what you will always make the right choices for him.
    
    -Roberta
    
    
    

    Lyn,
    
     I agree with both Sandy and Ro. We have had cats at our shelter that
    were FIV positive, but because they were really laid back guys, and
    there wasn't much chance of them biting anyone, they were allowed out
    with the population while they were there. Two of them are now living
    with a volunteer, and being pampered as is fitting. ;-)
    
     I also agree with having him tested again to make sure he didn't have
    a false positive. It's been known to happen.
    
     I feel for you, and hope all is well soon. Even if for some reason, it
    is a true positive, and even if your other kitty DID contract it, you
    could still have two very wonderful and loving pets for many years to
    come. No need to put a cat down right away because of FIV in my
    opinion.
    
     Hope this helps.
    
     Love,
    
     Yonee
     

    Elizabeth Oliveira
    ROYALT::OLIVEIRA
    DTN:  235-8229
    DSG2-2/J5
    
    Hello,
    
    I need some advice.  I have found a mother cat and 5+ kittens,
    approximately 3 months old on the North Shore.  They are somewhat
    friendly although living on their own.  I very much want to help
    them but can't do it all alone.  Does anyone know of any agencies
    that can assist in this sort of thing?  What I hope to be able to
    do is trap, have all of them fixed and find homes.  I can provide
    financial assistance but am not able to keep them at home during
    this process.
    
    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    I need some help and this is probably the best place for me to turn. 
    My next door neighbor moved out over the weekend and left her 4 month
    old kitten behind.  I found the poor little thing in the bushes,
    covered with fleas and starving.  She looked near death.  I was at wits
    end and didn't know what to do.  I gave the kitten a flea bath (which
    made her appear to be worse off - she couldn't stand up afterwards) and
    some food.  She was actually fine this morning, she was following me
    all over the place, and she was eating on her own. :-)  I called the MSPCA 
    and got an answering machine, I left a message, but will try back again 
    today.  I finally got a hold of Priscilla from the Pat Brody Shelter and 
    she said she'd take the kitten, but needed a $25 donation. Unfortunately, 
    $25 is more than I can afford right now, so I'm turning to this notes file
    to ask for some help.  If anyone would like to donate a couple of bucks
    to help this kitten out, please send me mail.  I'm in Maynard and would
    be more than willing to come out at lunch time pick up your donation.
    
    Many thanks in advance,
    Lori B. 

    Lori,
    
    If you can locate the forwarding address of your neighbor, you can
    report her to the authorities for abandonment.  Not sure how much good
    it will do but it is worth a try.
    
    -Roberta
    

    I've already reported her to the MSPCA.  I know where she works and
    they said that's all they needed.
    
    Now the good news! :-)
    
    Thanks to the wonderful noters in here, I've been able to raise the $25
    needed to put the kitty in the shelter.  I'm awaiting a call from
    Priscilla (of the Pat Brody Shelter) for the go ahead to bring her to
    the Fallon Clinic.  I will post an update in here tomorrow.
    
    Lori

    Nice going, Lori!  You are one step ahead of all of us!  :^)
    
    Thanks for taking good care of the kitty... she needed you!!
    

    Well I got home last night and the kitty was waiting for me on my
    doorstep, very patiently I might add.  She was very chipper, a 360
    degree change from Monday.  I picked her up and placed her on the front
    seat of my car and took her over to Fallon Clinic.  She sat there and
    didn't move the whole ride there, just purred softly.  I'll be checking
    with Priscilla sometime today or tomorrow to see how she's doing.  It
    looks as though she'll be just fine.
    
    Lori B.

    Lori,
    
     Thanks for the update! I love it when a plan comes together! ;-)
    
     This file really is the GREATEST!!!!!
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee
    

    Since there has been some really negative feline news this month...
    I thought I'd share some good news.   For those of you that remember
    "Happy Cat" who was the true feral that spent the winter in my cellar 
    living up in the rafters.   No matter what I did...I could not get
    to this cat all winter long....I remember sitting down there night
    after night singing to him...I remember trying to pat him and almost
    lost a finger.... I was so depressed because this is the
    ONLY stray from my neighborhood that wouldn't come to me over time.
    
    When springtime rolled around we gave "happy cat" his freedom back...
    and during the summer he would occasionaly come to visit for food.  I
    would walk to him with a plate...as he growled/hissed and spit at me!!!
    
    Happy Cat was the MOST grumpiest kitty I have ever seen...he has this
    mean look on his face...and never appears happy!!!  WELL...I'm happy
    to say that a few weeks ago I was bringing him food...and he came
    running over to me meowing!!! (boy was I in shock..and boy he must have
    been hungry!!)   After a few days of just sitting with him and watching
    him eat...I got brave and tried to pat him once again!!!!  PRESTO...I
    patted him and he came and rubbed against my leg as I sat there shaking
    figuring he was SO hungry he was going to eat my leg!!!!!
    
    Happy cat is now a REAL happy kitty who rolls on his back when he
    see's me...meows contently...and waits patiently for his daily pat!!!
    I guess he'll be spending another winter in my cellar...but I'm sure
    he won't be spending his time in the rafters!!!
    
    He still won't let Ernie pat him...but I'm sure in time Ernie will win
    his heart too!!!   
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Sandy, that is fantastic!!!   Patience and time pay off again!
    
    

    Face it, Sandy -- you've had so much practice with ferals, that there's
    not a feral alive that can resist you!
    
    Sooner or later, even the most jaded of wild-eyed mini-tigers needs
    some snuggles!
    
    Bravo!
    /June

	Great news,


	Must be the time of year for collecting cats

	Heather

    An adorable 4-6 month old  black kitten who is very friendly and
    trained is currently being taken care of in a company parking lot! I
    am not sure of the location. This information was mailed to me from the
    following INTERNET address. If you want more information, contact:
    
     HAGELN::"wolffr@roadrunner.pictel.com"  (Renee Wolff)

    I just have to share this story...my husband is walking around
    beaming and proud!!!   Ernie is very supportive of my neighborhood
    rescue attempts....but he very seldom gets involved until after
    I have gained the trust of the cat!!  I think he is "hooked" now!!
    
    About 2 months ago Ernie came home from Worcester where he works
    and said he fed 5 very small kittens who were living in a patch
    of grass in downtown Worcester!   Ernie has continue to feed them
    in the 2 months....but because of my cat prediciment at home...I
    just couldn't take them in!!   Well as it started getting colder
    and colder...we found ourselves driving to Worcester during the
    last few weekend (50 mile roundtrip drive) just to feed these little 
    tykes!!! Ernie's heart was breaking...so we decided that the least we could
    do is take them in and keep them caged in my cellar.  It's not the
    best solution...but it was better then living in downtown Worcester
    in the cold....in a bunch of traffic.   One kitten did disappear..
    so there was only 4 left! 
    
    As we planned to go down Sunday for the trapping...a little angel
    (Priscilla from the shelter) called and offered her help!!  On
    Sunday morning her and Ernie went and trapped 3 kittens within
    1 hour! (not bad...)    the other kitten was nowhere to be seen.
    That afternoon Ernie and I drove back down...but still no sign
    of the kitten!!!   Of course...Ernie was very happy to get the
    3...but his heart broke for the little one that was left!  WELL...
    as of Monday night the 4th little kitten was trapped and also
    taken to the shelter!!!
    
    These 4 kittens are not feral...but have had limited contact with
    humans.  Ernie and I promised Priscilla we would work with them
    to get them socialized and adoptable.   They are beautiful short-hair
    kittens with big round faces and huge round eyes.  They are 
    approximately 4 months old... There is a dilute gray/peach tortie, and 
    orange/black tortie and 2 silver tabbies!! Beautiful babies....
    
    As of Friday they go in to be tested and neutered/spayed!  Please
    keep your fingers crossed that they test come back okay.  Once we
    socialize these guys...I'll post the specifics and ask this file
    for help in finding them wonderful homes.
    
    BTW...the Mom cat is still in worcester and we will do whatever
    possible to trap her and atleast get her spayed!!  Once Ernie
    started feeding her kittens...she started roaming more and does
    not come back to often!  
    
    Sandy   (who has tooo many cats!!)

    Update to Worcester Kittens:
    
       The 4 kittens from Worcester which Ernie rescued are doing
       GREAT.   There was 3 females and 1 male...and all have gone
       to the vets for the "works" including spaying/neutering!!
       Tested Negative for Feluk and FIV!! (Ya Hoo)
    
       Ernie and I visit them often at the shelter...and we have 
       patted all kittens...and have even held 2 of them. One even
       purred a bit....   They are not feral...they do not spit, bite
       or growl....they are just a bit nervous.   BUT...as you pat them
       their big eyes slowly role in the back of their heads...they close
       their eyes...and they have a look of total contentment!!  They'll
       be mushballs real soon....
    
       Sandy
    

    Hi,  I posted this note early this morning in CANINE.  (Have just found
    out how to access FELINE.)  
    
    I have nothing new to add - but lots of folks are keeping an eye out.
    
    Please help if you see this poor baby!!
    
    Jill
    
    

            <<< DOGS::SYS$SYSDEVICE:[NOTES$LIBRARY]CANINE.NOTE;1 >>>
                                  -< CANINE >-
================================================================================
Note 1374.0               HORRIBLY WOUNDED CAT NEAR MLO               No replies
ASABET::GOLDSMITH                                    16 lines  16-DEC-1993 10:26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    HELP!!!  There is a terribly wounded cat outside the main entrance to
    the MIll.  It is a Maine Coon.  A>t the moment it has wandered away.
    
    It will surely die if not tended to.  I tried the police, and a local
    animal hospital, as well as reporting it to the Maynard Board of Health
    (in case of rabies).
    
    If anyone sees this animal today please call me, I would like to help.
    
    Be on the lookout.....
    
    Thanks - I know this is a canine file, but didn't really know where
    else to write.
    
    
    Jill 223-1668

    Jill....how is the kitty harmed???   Does it look like he was hit
    by a car???  Is there wounds??   Is he wobbley??  Is he all matted???
    
    Please keep us posted...I wish I was closer to MLO to help!  If
    caught...I'd be more then happy to put a few dollars towards vet
    bills.   And...thanks for caring so much for this kitty!
    
    Sandy

    I talked with Maryann, of Security at the Main Street desk.  She knows
    Jill and said it appeared that the cat had open wounds, possibly from
    a fight.  She said she had seen this cat around that entrance for a
    couple of days and it had not seemed injured before this morning.  I
    also found out that not all of Mill Security knew of this; Thompson
    Street entrance did not.  I asked them to watch for it too.  I also asked
    that Andy Codyer of Mill Facilities be told; Andy has helped a lot of 
    animals around the Mill over the years.  I'm at MSO but will help if I can.
    
    George Pelletier

    Is there any news on the cat?  I worried about it all night.  I took a
    swing by on my way home but didn't see anything......
    
    *joyce

    I'm anxiously awaiting news of the rescue of this wounded cat. 
    Hopefully, it will be found.  If there is a need for financial help, a
    friend and I will be glad to donate.
    
    Donna
    

    Two p.m. Friday; I have nothing new to report.  I was not able to get
    any more information from the person who posted this note.  Maryann of
    Security didn't see the cat this morning.  At noontime I enlisted two
    more security people to watch for it.  I also walked around most of the
    Mill complex and found someone who thinks he has seen the animal
    before.  I have a carrier ready, but don't have a Havahart and wouldn't
    know where to place it if I did.  If I can get my hands on him he'll go
    to the doctor's at once.
    
    Last few - thanks for your interest.
    
    George Pelletier

    Update to note 31.251 (Worcester Kittens)
    
       During the Holidays Ernie and I spent alot of time with
       the 4 little kittens who Ernie rescued from downtown Worcester. 
       Our goal was to bring them out of their shell and gain their
       trust in humans.
    
       Well...I am VERY happy to say that the three little females were
       very easy to get to and all of them found homes before the Holiday
       began.   Two of them were adopted together...and the other one
       went home with another adult shelter kitty.   The little male
       was a little tougher to get to....but he was coming along great
       and I'm thrilled to say that this young couple won his heart
       and they adopted him after the new year.   It was amazing to
       hear that this little scared male melted in this mans arms!!! He
       is also going home to another kitty...so he will not be without
       furry friends.
    
       So...all of them have been adopted!!!  Now...if we could only
       rescue the Mom from downtown Worcester...we'd be all set!!!
       
       Sandy
       

Sandy,

That's wonderful news!!  I'm glad they were all adopted, because those silver
points really had me interested, I've been thinking about them since you first
wrote about them, even though my family is large and challenging enough right
now!!

Good luck catching mama cat!

Hugs,
Laura

    Talk about heart break....geezzzz!!!   I have a new big beautiful
    stray in my neighborhood who has been coming to eat off my porch
    for the last couple of weeks.  He is a gorgeous and huge black
    and white semi long hair kitty that is not feral...but just very
    nervous around humans.   I have reached a point where I can go very
    SLOWLY and pat his head...but any fast movement puts him in total
    panic.
    
    Last night my hill was a sheet of ice.....this poor kitty came for
    his food and attempted to walk back down the hill. (I believe he
    lives in an abandon building at the bottom of the hill) Well...the
    poor guy would take a step...and slide 5 feet on his belly...take
    another step...and fall on his head.  My heart broke watching this
    poor kitty trying to make it down the hill.   I fell asleep with
    the vision of him trying to stand up....and it makes me sick thinking
    about it.
    
    I'm sure he is just another "toss out" from an irrisponsible pet owner
    that just decided they didn't want the cat any longer.   It's days like
    today that I truly hate humans and wish animals would rule the world.
    
    Thanks for listening...if anyone would even consider giving this poor
    sole a home...I'd be more then willing to capture him and help pay
    the medical bills.   I just have so many strays in my neighborhood...
    that I can't save them all by myself....it's just this guy is really
    breaking my heart.    The good news is...at 5:00AM this morning he
    was again sitting on my porch waiting for breakfast...so he made it
    through this storm atleast.
    
    Sandy
    

    Sandy,
    
    I know how you feel about the strays.  I'm feeding a bunch at my
    place again this winter.  But, this year I've found out that I'm not
    the only one feeding them.  A lot of the cats are semi-ferals/ferals
    that live in the creekbed near my apartment complex.  A lot are also
    cats that have been abandoned by people (and I use the term loosely)
    moving out of the complex and leaving them behind.  
    
    There's this one little abandoned cutie that probably has at least 5 
    benefactors and answers to 3 names that I know of.  I'm going to be 
    placing him with a friend of mine as soon as my friend can move to a 
    place he can have cats.  T minus 3 weeks and counting...
    
    I call this one Tuxedo due to his very proper black and white tux
    look.  He's got green eyes and the whitest, longest whiskers.  He
    and Bob (my friend) have really bonded the last couple of days.  
    Bob comes over most every night to sit on the patio with Tux.
    
    I'm also feeding Bill, the big black and white cat that was hanging
    around last year this time.  I had thought Bill to have gone to 
    kitty heaven when I saw a cat that looked like him lying in the 
    road a while back.  I'm please to say it wasn't him.  Bill has
    gotten very wild lately though and is attempting to bully the other
    cats in the neighborhood for the space on my patio.
    
    In addition to those two guys I have a very shy girl.  She's all 
    black, long hair, with gold or green eyes.  I've been calling her
    Dolly (short for Dolly Madison).  She has the potential to be a
    very beautiful cat.  Once I get Tux placed, she's my next project.
    I'd like to see her placed in a single cat household where she can
    get all the love and attention she deserves without being bullied
    by all the other cats.  
    
    If you know anyone in that would like to take on a project like 
    Dolly, love her and teach her to trust and not be afraid, please let 
    me know.
    
    Jan
    
    P.S.  I'm very lucky not to have the freezing cold temperatures and
          snow & ice to deal with as most of you back east do.  But, I do 
          worry about my poor outdoor foster kitties out there in the 40 
          degree nighttime temps too.

    Jan...and the sad news is...once you rescue 2...3 more show up!!
    
    In total...I have rescued approximately 17 strays from my 
    neighborhood and I haven't even put a dent in the population.
    What I don't understand is as of last summer I reached my cat
    limit and I stopped free feeding...and they still find me!!
    
    Good luck Jan...and please keep up the wonderful work!! I have
    never met you...but my guess is someday we will meet in the
    big litterbox in the sky and we'll both be holding a pure
    gold pooper scooper!!!    
    
    Sandy (who's bummed today...)

Sandy,

I'm sorry to hear you're depressed today.  I think it's great that stray could
get up the hill and have you there to feed him!!  The sliding down the hill
won't hurt it, and with a full tummy and a place to get out of the cold, he
should be fine.  The plight of all the strays is devastating.  I haven't
even seen the four I've been feeding since the first big snowstorm.  This 
morning I saw a pair of kitty tracks, and put food out, but I should be seeing
four sets of tracks.  I'm afraid they're snowed in somewhere.

Cheer up!

Hugs,
Laura

    Sandy,
    What do you mean, they still find you?  Of course they do!  Some cat
    put up a sign in your neighborhood, directing all lost souls to your
    place for a full belly and a pat on the head!  I'm certain my big cat
    Spike did that the day I took him in.  All of a sudden, I had EVERY
    stray in the neighborhood on my door step, or sitting off to the side
    under the shrubs, waiting for that bowl of food.  Spike even invited
    several INTO the house on bad nights.  I'd let him in, he'd glance over
    his shoulder and let out a "chirrup" and another furface would flash past
    me, up the stairs, and into my house!  And don't try to locate that
    sign, because you won't find it.  It's psychic, only cats can see it,
    and it will be there as long as you are.  And if you move, it will
    follow you.  
    Sarah

    Sandy,
    
    You're so right about more finding me.  I've placed 7 cats (8
    counting Tux).  I haven't been so lucky with some of the others.
    Dusty had was leukemia positive and due to a major injury, the 
    expense of major surgery and no place to keep him to recuperate,
    I had to put him to sleep.  The ferals sort of come and go at 
    their own pace.  Some I can get close to, some I can't.  I've
    been fortunate that the abandoned cats I've ended up with have
    so far all found homes.
    
    I can't believe I'm back to doing this.  The experience with Dusty
    was much more traumatic than I care to admit.  I wanted to keep
    him myself and had let him into the house once or twice before I
    knew he was FELV positive.  He and Onyx would have severely injured
    each other had I let him stay in.  I felt so bad that he had to live 
    outside while I figured out what to do.  Then when he came back after
    2 days missing and his skin was gone from mid-waist area to tail the
    decision had to be made.  I feel very guilty about Dusty.  I wish I
    could go back and do it differently.
    
    Anyway, it only took a year and I'm back to saving kitty babies.
    They come.  I feed them.  I try not to get so attached anymore.
    It's very difficult.
    
    Sorry for the core dump guys.  I'm not really depressed even though
    this note sounds like I am.  Thanks for listening...it helps a lot.
    
    Jan (who has a "soft touch" sign on her patio too)

    Gee, is it anything like the Burma Shave signs??
       
    
             
              -----------------------------
              |                           |
    	      | If you're cold and hungry |
              |                           |
              -----------------------------
                          |   |
    
    
    
    
    
            ------------------------------------
            |                                  |
            | And you've lost your best friend |
            |                                  |
            ------------------------------------
                           |   |
    
    
                          
    
    
           -------------------------------
           |                             |
           | Go to Sandy Merritt's house |
           |                             |
           -------------------------------
                        |   |
    
    
    
    
           -------------------------------
           |                             |
           | She's a sucker till the end |
           |                             |
           -------------------------------
                       |   |
    
    
    
    
    *8^)
    
    M-L

    Place anyone's name in the 3rd sign..... it all reads the same to the
    cats!
    
    M-L

    I'm so glad I'm not alone...  For every stray I see suffer (and there
    has been many) I lose my faith in mankind.   Three of my strays have
    completely disappeared..and it breaks my heart knowing that I didn't
    rescue them sooner.   It's the guilt...that kills you.     I try so
    hard to stay positive and think about all the ones I have rescued..
    but it's still so hard.
    
    But..once a sucker...always a sucker!!   I knew you'd be back to it
    Jan!  
    
    Sandy (who has gained a little faith back in humans because 3 strangers
           helped push me out of a snow banking this morning!!)

    
    It's so hard to keep them fed in this weather, too!  Canned food
    freezes in minutes, as does the water, and dry food disappears
    because the blue jays are hungry, too.....I feed only if they
    are present, now.  It also cuts down on the number of neighbor's
    cats that spray all over the house, porch & barn.....This is the
    worst year in my neighborhood for "strays".  Good thing I can get
    dry catfood so cheap! (8
    
    Lynne

    Some of the cats that come to my "inn" are neither strays nor
    neglected.  Just plain pigs!!! But I can't shoo them away, becasue the
    morning "putting out of the food" is almost a social thing for them.
    There is one big, mean old tom stray that has been around for at least
    6 years.  I can't get near him, and neither can ANY of the other cats -
    unless it's feeding time.  I've managed to teach him some manners...if
    he growls at any of the other cats while eating, I chase him off.  I
    don't want him fighting with any of the others, and I want him to
    understand my house is not a battleground.  Every once in a while I
    hear a little low sound from him, but he does push over and share the
    bowl, so I guess the other cats aren't so concerned about him anymore. 
    But if you saw him at dusk, strutting around the neighborhood and
    terrorizing the rest of the population, you'd swear it was a different
    cat!  I used to have 5-6 cats at the door in the mornings, but I've
    only had tom and 1 or 2 others since last fall.  I'm not sure to what
    the decline is attributed...maybe the college students stopped getting
    "school-year" pets, maybe they are taking them home and dumping them :(
    who knows.  I did send a note to the dean of students at the beginning of
    last year, and described how the students move out at the end of the
    year and leave their cats behind, so maybe some awareness was
    communicated to the students.  Wouldn't that be nice?  The real test
    will be in June, when the kitties have decided not to meow at their
    home anymore (because nobody is going to answer the door), and go looking 
    for some food.  That's when my Spike goes into high gear!  "Come over
    to my house, my Mom's puts food out!"  I have even found SPIKE munching
    away with the rest of the cats.  Those cats are relatively easy to
    place, because they were used to people, are housebroken, and are
    desperate for some attention.  They are usually young, too...gotten as
    cute little kittens in the fall, kicked out as 1-year olds in June.
    Anyway, we persevere!  With the psychic road signs, and my big
    ambassador Spike out there rounding up those cats who can't read, this
    will never end : )
    Sarah 

    Sandy,
    
    The guilt is difficult.  I'm lucky that my friends and family keep
    reminding me that I'm doing more than my share to help save as many
    as possible.  They also remind me that I am only one person and am
    simply not capable of saving every one of them (lord knows I try
    though).
    
    Hang in there...
    
    Jan
           

    It's SO darn cold out in the East..I have no idea how my strays are
    surviving...but atleast I know that their bellies are VERY full 
    because they eat 3-4 times a day. (usually 4 oz wet per serving, 
    Science Diet dry, along with a slice of chicken...and some Alpo 
    kitty milk...and water!  They sure aren't lacking in fat...
    
    Some ways to help:
    
      o Take a  box and cut out an opening for a door.  Then line the
        entire box with styrofoam.  Styrofoam is one of the best insulators. 
        Place hay or straw (straw is warmer) on the bottom of the box.
        Then cut out pieces of wool and lay that on top of the
        straw.   Take an old rag and cut strips (vertically) and stable
        that rag to the top of the door opening.  This will allow kitty 
        in...but keep some of the cold out.   (this suggestion was printed
        in the Pat Brody Newsletter)
    
      o Someone suggested using one of those "hot seats" that people bring
        to football games to sit on.  I want to try one of these hot seats
        in a box too...
    
        Any other suggestions people are using to try and keep our outdoor
        strays warm???  I'd love to find a way to keep the water
        from freezing so fast.  
    
        Sandy
    

	Put the water out warmish, and put it in a large, deep bowl,
	like a large washing up bowl.

	It will take longer to cool, and the surface will also take longer to
	freeze completely

	Have you got a cool-box that's about the same height (or slightly more)
	as a can of coke and hold about a dozen? fill it up with warmish water 
	- these are insulated quite well, so the heat will only get out 
	through the top, not the sides.

	You could put out two lots, one warmish, that they could drink in the
	short term, and one piping hot, they they could drink later when the
	other froze - I'm not sure about all cats, but mine wouldn't try to 
	drink really hot water if there was cooler water around.

	Heather

    Sandy,
    
     I am a member of a mail service called BIRDCHAT, and get lots of info
    from them about wintering birds. I know this isn't a bird topic, but
    one thing that was mentioned in many notes is something called a bird
    bath heater, which keeps bird bath water from freezing solid, so the
    birds can get water in the winter. This would probably work in a fairly
    large bowl with water in it I would think, to keep kitty water in a
    liquid state. 
    
     I think a couple of folks mentioned keeping one on the ground for the
    squirrels and other critters also. Might be worth a try? UCF might
    carry something like that in your area. (I know it's not UCF anymore,
    but I forget the new name. 8-} )
    
    Yonee
              

    I use to have a dog house that was heated with a lightbulb.... the
    lightbulb was under the floor of the house, and the house was elevated
    about 4".  If there was some way to do this for kitties and possibly
    for a water bowl, it would help.  It kept Casey's house warm, and he is
    a short haired dog.  It was just enough to take the horrible chill off.
    
    Maybe a wooden box with a hole cut to fit a metal bowl, with the
    lightbulb under the bowl... it might work!
    
    M-L

    Sandy,
    
    I printed the house suggestions you gave us.  I like the sound
    of how that box is constructed.  I don't have near the problem
    with extreme cold that you guys have but it would be nice to 
    have a well constructed place for them.
    
    I currently have Dusty's old house sitting on a table on the 
    patio.  It consists of a cardboard box completely covered (inside)
    and out) in the white kitchen garbage bags (to help waterproof 
    it a bit).  I stapled the bags down in places so they don't hang
    or sag or allow kitty to fuss with them.  The box sits on its
    side and I've slipped a wooden orange crate inside of it.  The
    crate has t-shirts and towels inside for warmth.  I've draped
    an old jacket with warm lining over one side of the box, leaving
    an opening for kitty to enter and leave.  I'm thinking of revamping
    it now so that there are some strips hanging in front of the opening
    as you suggested.
    
    This is by far the most popular bed in town.  Everyone wants to use
    it.  Unfortunately, there are more cats than I have beds.  I've 
    often thought of building some kind of kitty condo complex to leave
    on the patio.  The complex would provide warm places to sleep for
    a number of cats.  Right now only the bullies get to hang out on
    the patio.  The cats lower in neighborhood hierarchy are having
    trouble getting to the food and warm beds.  (One drawback to housing
    strays, they each mark their territory.)
    
    Jan
    
    P.S.  I thought I saw the face of the stray tortie I lost track of
          last year.  I was cleaning the windows inside last night
          (the damn things are growing mold from the dampness) when I
          happened to look outside and down below the fence.  She was
          sitting there looking up at the food and at Tuxedo who was
          guarding the food.  By the time I climbed down from the 
          window and got outside Tux had chased her off. 
    

    I have not had to leave water out for my cat because she now (for the
    time being) indoor only.....never thought I'd see the day....
    
    but a suggestion or two on how to keep the water from freezing.
    
    If you go to a grain store (Agway, UCF ect) they sell a black
    rubber (not plastic) feed dish for livestock.  It is very pliable
    and for some reason water takes longer to freeze in it.  
    
    They also sell larger tubs and electric water heaters. believe me, the
    cats seem to prefer to precariously hang over the edge of these
    tubs......I've seen it w/ my ferals.
    
    I use both methods to keep my lives stock watered and they work well
    if you use warm water too!

    I have just been alterted to a needy cat in Shrewsbury.  A colleague of
    mine was dining at JJ O'Rourkes (on the Shrewsbury/Northboro) line,
    Thursday night and saw a small, skinny cat on the windowsill.  She told
    the waitress to package up the rest of her hamburger because there is a
    cat on the windowsill outside that looks hungry.  The waitress said the
    cat had been around for months and the employees occasionally feed it,
    but no one offered to do much else for it.  My friend said the cat
    could barely walk from the cold and was meowing a lot.  She wished she
    had taken it home but like a lot of people, can't afford more animals.
    
    We plan to stake out JJ's this week, and are wondering if anyone out
    there in Feline land would be willing to adopt it if we can catch it. 
    I realize it is a lot to ask since many of us are already way over cat
    max, but now that this has been brought to my attention I can't NOT do
    anything about it.  My apt. is small (and most of my income is "eaten"
    up with my own 3 cats and my pending divorce), but I am willing to
    shelter it temporarily to at least get it out of the cold.  I do have
    my own 3 healthy cats to think about and don't want to do anything to
    jeapordize their health.
    
    Thanks in advance,
    Roberta
    

    Update to .581 -- Cat at JJ O'Rourkes in Shrewsbury/Northboro:
    
    My friend and I just returned from lunch there.  The cat was in his
    usual spot, and my heart just went out to him.  First of all, this is a
    beautiful, flamepoint Siamese with gorgeous light blue eyes, which
    leads me to believe that he was abandoned from the apartment complex
    next door.  He is very frightened (I think it's a he, not sure on that)
    and will not come to me or allow me to touch him, but he cries and
    cries when you call out to him.  I spoke to the hostess in the
    restauraut and she said he has been there since summer; they have been
    feeding him and tried to catch him to no avail.  He spends his time
    huddled in the bushes until food arrives.  He is being fed very well;
    no cat food but lots of steak, chicken, pastrami, etc., and someone
    even left a small cat scratching tree in the bushes for him.
    
    The hostess gave us tuna to bring to him, and while he ate it we
    ordered lunch and brought out our leftover (read that we purposely
    didn't eat half our lunch!) chicken and pastrami to him... a heaping
    plate full.  I crawled into the bushes with my nice suit and nylons :^)
    (crazed cat person I am while horrified onlookers gawked) and tried to
    get him to eat chicken from my hand but he just huddled there and cried
    at me.  Finally, having to get back to work or lose our jobs, I left
    the plate of food in the bushes and he eagerly crept up to it and began
    eating.
    
    Tomorrow during lunch we are going back with my cat carrier to try to
    trap him in that.  It seems with a snowstorm due tonight into tomorrow
    morning, he should be ravenous by lunchtime.  However, there is a good
    chance this attempt might prove unsuccessful.  My guess is this cat is
    not feral; he's very frightened and once caught and "tuned up", would
    make a nice pet.  My plan is to get him and take him directly to the
    Shrewsbury Animal Hospital for an FeLV test and if all is well, proceed
    from there.  I have had a few offers of assistance with the vet bill,
    and also asked JJ O'Rourkes staff if they would be willing to help out
    as well.  I don't know how much support I'll get there, but it was
    worth it to at least ask. (The hostess said she'll pass along the
    message to other staff members.)
    
    Is there anyone out in Feline land in the Worcester area who has a
    Hav-a-Heart trap they can loan?  If not, I'll rent one, but right now I
    can't concentrate on much else because my mind is on helping this poor
    kitty.  I know he is keeping warm and being fed, but I want him off the
    streets.
    
    Thanks for listening.
    
    -Roberta
    
    
     

    Good luck, Roberta.  Crossed fingers and paws here in Calif, that you
    catch him/her and that the vet report is a good one.  If you need some
    help with vet bill, let me know.
    
    Steffi

Best of luck from me too, Roberta.  I hope you can catch him!

Hugs,
Laura

    Thanks.  My friend and I decided to go ahead and rent the Hav-a-Heart
    instead of trying the cat carrier first.  If he escapes from the
    carrier he might be too wary of the trap, so best to just go with the
    trap.  I called Shrewsbury Animal Hosptial and they are willing to take
    him, but they warned me 1) not to abandon him with them (too many
    people have done it and they are stuck with a cat no one wants), and 2)
    that if he is too feral for them to handle, what makes me think I
    could find a home for him?  Good point, but I think it is fear that is
    stopping him, not hatred.  He didn't bolt from me, he acted as if he
    would love for me to touch him but every time I tried, he backed up
    further into the bushes.  I really do think he was someone's pet once. 
    I just can't leave him outside.  As mean as this might sound I would
    rather him humanely euthanized than living outside a restaraunt.  The
    hosptal staff will certainly let me know if he can be handled or not.
    
    Thanks for all the support, and I will be sure to keep you posted.

    Roberta...your instinct is right.   If he was a true feral...there
    is no way you could have got that close to him.  He's a very scared
    kitty...who was tossed out by some stupid human. (sigh!!)  With
    my experience...when they are just scared all it takes is that first
    pat and they will melt in your arms.
    
    I know the pain you are feeling...because it just breaks my heart
    seeing my neighborhood strays walking around in a blizzard.  I find
    it amazing they learn to survive......
    
    Hugs to you for helping.....
    
    Sandy

    Well, I am sorry I don't have good news to report this afternoon.
    
    My friend and I went to JJ's with the trap.  The cat was huddled in the
    bushes and cried at us when he saw us.  We baited the trap with tuna,
    and he went right for it.  Unfortunately, he is a very long cat and
    when he tripped the lever, the door fell down on his back and he
    managed to turn around and escape.  He was petrified, and ran around
    the building into another set of bushes.  I took the tuna and found the
    bushes he was hiding in and climbed back there.  I showed him the tuna
    but he was too scared to hang around and ran away from me.  It is *SO*
    cold outside and my fingers and toes are still numb.  We stayed about a
    half hour (and who should show up for lunch there but my boss, while
    I'm on my hands and knees in the bushes; I yelled, "Marty, please don't
    fire me for this!" and he cracked up laughing and said not to worry.) 
    Anyway, my friend and I decided to go take out lunch at Burger King (We
    put the trap back into the car; at that point too many people were
    arriving for lunch and we just wanted the cat to eat.) and drive back
    to JJ's and sit.  We didn't see that cat but left plenty of food.  I
    was glad I brought dry Max Cat because the canned food was starting to
    freeze in a matter of minutes.  A maintenance guy came out to shovel
    the walk and my friend asked him about the cat.  He had more
    information for us.  He said the cat has been around about 4 months,
    and lives around the building.  He keeps warm by the numerous heat
    vents that blow hot air from the fans, and has been well fed by
    scavenging the dumpster for leftovers, not to mention the employees and
    patrons who feed him when they see him.  When I saw him walk into the
    trap he looked like he had good meat on his bones; while Siamese are
    naturally lanky, this guy had ample padding from what I could see.  The
    maintenance guy also said there has been times the cat has scurried out
    of the dumpster when they throw stuff in there.  They have tried
    numerous times to approach him and catch him to no avail.
    
    My question is this:  Now that he has been freaked out by the trap,
    should we try it again, or will he be wise to it?  I feel better
    knowing the cat is well fed and has ways to keep warm, but my mind
    won't rest knowing he is living on the streets.  I still want to help
    him, but know how difficult it can be trying to catch an unapproachable
    cat.  And in this cold weather, I really do believe he has better ideas
    on keeping warm than I do!  I must admit even I felt warmer huddled
    behind those bushes where the wind wasn't blowing too hard!  If that
    trap didn't close on his back, we would have had the kitty in less than
    5 minutes!  I am heartbroken!!
    
    I do plan to go back tomorrow night and on the weekend.  The
    maintenance guy did warn me that as patrons begin arriving, kitty makes
    himself scarce, and I noticed that today.  We got there before 11:30,
    so there was no one in the parking lot but us, kitty, and trap.
    
    If anyone has more ideas to share I am open to hearing them!
    
    -Roberta
    

    If I understand correctly, this is one of those traps that the
    trappee trips, right?  Is there any way you, the trapper, could trip
    the trap, that is, tie a string on it or something?  You could then
    wait for the lanky body to be fully inside the trap and then pull the
    string to trip the trap.
    
    Just a thought,
    Carl

    Roberta...hugs to you for trying...but don't give up hope yet.  My
    guess is the best time to attempt this again would either be early
    morning or early evening when there isn't alot of people at the
    restraunt.   You'll probably never catch him at lunch because there
    are just to many people around and he is probably nervous.
    
    Don't assume that he has become trap smart...because in most cases if
    they are hungry enough...they will try it again.   Kitty is probably
    on the plump side because he has been eating alot of human food...
    and I'm glad some other people do care about him and have tried
    to rescue him too.   It's not easy...it takes patience...and
    you know you can be successful. (you've rescue other before)
    
    It's so so sad seeing them outside in this bitter cold...I know the
    heartbreak your going through.
    
    Sandy

    Thanks Sandy, and Carl for that tip.  It was a good one.
    
    Well, Sandy, I didn't even read your note until now but did decide last
    night to go there this morning.  I'm never on time for work but I'll
    get up early for a cat!  Heck, I was already up at 4:30 cleaning up
    the mess Taja decided to hurl at that time, so what's another 2 hours
    sleep?  I did manage to get another hour.
    
    Anyway, I got to JJ's at 8:00, and kitty was huddled in his same spot
    in the bushes.  I had on two pairs of heavy socks, leg warmers, gloves,
    a long down coat, and still almost froze my fingers and toes in less
    than a few minutes.  There was a big truck there unloading merchanidise
    but it didn't seem to frighten kitty too much.  I opened a can of food
    and showed it to him but he just sat there talking to me.  He didn't
    seem hungry at all, because usually he'll walk toward the food as soon
    as I back up but didn't.  He just sat there and cried at me.  It was
    getting too cold to sit there and try anything; if the weather were
    bearable I'd sit there for hours and talk to him and try to gain his
    trust.  I am sure I could if IT WASN'T SO FREAKING COLD!  I HATE THIS
    COLD.  I HAVE PMS TO DIE FOR RIGHT NOW AND DON'T NEED THIS!!!  Okay, I
    have to regain my business composure.  I did try to crawl slowly into
    the bushes toward him but he bolted off.  So, I left the plate of
    canned food in the bushes and also a huge bowl full of dry Iams, Max
    Cat, and Purina One (cat eats well!!).  I noticed all the dry food I
    left him yesterday was gone which is a good sign.
    
    The temperatures are supposed to climb this weekend, so I plan to go
    back both Saturday and Sunday morning.  I really feel there are only
    two avenues to pursue here:  try to trap him again, or slowly try to
    win his trust.  The latter will probably take some time, most likely
    right into the spring and summer months, but I'm willing to give it a
    shot.
    
    Sandy, you mentioned in mail you have a large trap.  The next time you
    are in Shrewsbury for work, I'd like to try it out if you don't mind. 
    Perhaps we could go there together.  I don't like him out in this
    bitter cold, but he appears to be a survivor.  I am willing to continue
    to keep him nuroushed until he can be caught.
    
    I'm really sorry if I'm upsetting folks with these updates.  I know
    myself I hate it when people bring these things to my attention; I'd
    rather not know, because it makes me worry too much.  I still curse the
    woman in my group who brought this to my attention.  She cares, but has
    a husband and two children that obviously mean more to her than a
    homeless cat.  Sometimes the attitude "what you don't know won't hurt
    you" works for me.
    
    -Roberta
    

Roberta,

I love your updates, and think what you're trying to do is just great!  I
think the fact that he has a dumpster to go in is wonderful, not only is it
shelter, the food scraps are there for him to eat and also give off alot of
warmth due to the heat of evaporation.

Keep up the good work!!

Hugs,
Laura

P.S. I'm sure people are tired of reading about Gypsy, but I figure if they 
don't want to read it, it only takes one keystroke for them to get rid of it!!

    Anybody who reads this file isn't about to get sick of reading updates
    about rescuing cats!  (Hi Roberta, fancy meeting you here!!).  I
    personally love hearing about Gypsy, and I silently cheer Roberta on
    every time she makes an attempt to capture meow-kitty.  
    Sarah  

    Me too - keep up with the updates!  I feel anxious for the guy but at
    least we know he has a little round belly and some shelter (and an
    inexhaustible advocate, PMS or not!).
    
    Best of luck.  He doesn't sound really feral, and he probably knows you
    by now and is well on his way to trusting you.
    
    Leslie

    Ditto note -.1.  Not only does the kitty have a source of food and
    shelter, but also now a source of love and caring.
    
    Please keep up the good work and keep us informed.
    
    Carl

    Okay you guys, you asked for it!  (Hi Sarah!!), and thanks for all the
    support.
    
    I grocery shopped during lunch and purchased extra cat food.  Stopped
    by JJ's to see "JJ", as he has been affectionately dubbed.  He was in
    the bushes, but this time at the end where there is a large clearing
    for a mental case like me to sit and talk to him.  I plopped myself in
    the snow (it has warmed up a lot outside, thank goodness) and showed
    him the plate of food (he ate the can of food from this morning so it
    didn't freeze up).  He didn't seem to want it, but didn't run away
    either.  He talks a blue streak that cat, typical Siamese.  People
    walking into the restaurant were turning around and smiling at us. 
    When he turned his head, I slithered up and touched his back.  He got
    startled and darted further into the bushes.  I took the food and went
    to where he was (couldn't crawl in; too far under) and pushed it
    underneath.  This time, he sniffed and went over to the plate and ate
    it... almost all of it too.  I talked softly to him the whole time and
    he seemed content.  When he was done eating he went farther back into
    the bushes and we conversed some more.  He still has the entire bowl of
    dry food for tonight, but I will probably take a detour on my way home
    and visit him again if it isn't too cold to hang around.
    
    I really, really think JJ can be caught with a lot of coaxing from the
    same person.  He needs someone he can trust, and if I just keep going
    back with food and sitting with him when weather permits, maybe he will
    begin trusting me.  Perhaps the JJ's staff, although well meaning,
    spooked him by chasing him around to catch him, instead of working
    slowly.  His meowing draws a lot of attention and I do hope no one
    tries to harm him.
    
    More tomorrow!
    
    -Roberta
      

    
    
    	Yahoo! Yay Roberta!
    
    	Obviously "JJ" recognizes a good thing and is smart enough to 
    	figure out who he can trust. Kitties know, and this little
    	guy obviously has quite the story to tell ......
    
    	Though we've chatted off-line about this .... I admittedly
    	know nothing about kitty-catching, but I'll be there on
    	Saturday morning if he hasn't jumped into your arms by then.
    	
    	Now an offer for all other Feliners - wouldn't it be nice for a 
    	group of us to band together to rescue "JJ"? I live an hour
    	away, but its certainly a worthy cause. For any/all Feliners
    	that show up to help I'll buy a round of drinks! ... ummm,
    	coffee/tea of course.... I may even spring for breakfast.
    
    	Come on folks - "JJ" needs us! Drop me a line if you can give
    	us a hand.
    
    		Heidi
    
    	 

    Heidi, as I said in mail, great idea, but I think in this case "too
    many cooks will spoil the broth."  He might become really spooked if a
    group of people rush him, or worse yet, just sit there and stare at
    him in the bushes.  Maybe you and I will have some luck together, who
    knows!!
    
    I'm willing to do coffee/breakfast with you, though!
    
    -Roberta (with no weekend life!)
    

    Roberta...how can anyone in this file be sick of hearing rescue 
    stories.  God...I have kept people updated on my strays for years!!!!
    And just like you I have limited success with traps and usually
    take the time to win their trust.   It's just such a long...slow
    process...and especially tough in the winter.  If you do decide to
    use the trap again...the real key is not to feed him and make sure
    he is very very hungry.   When we trapped the Worcester kittens..they
    had gone from Friday night to sunday without food.  It took us only
    1/2 hour to trap all three separately.
    
    I do agree that too many folks will cause JJ to panic so it is 
    best to keep it at a minimum.   If I do come back to SHR soon...I'll
    be sure to put my trap in the car!  
    
    Keep up the great work.....
    
    Sandy
        

    Roberta, I am following this saga of JJ very closely.  The updates are
    very important to me.  I hope the next time you write will be with
    really good news.  JJ is one lucky kitty to have you worrying and caring 
    about and for him.  
    
    Good luck,
    Steffi

    
    
    	Hey now how can I get bored with reading updates on a kitty
    	with my name!  =)  So Roe, once you catch this guy (and I'm
    	sure you will!), is he going to be added to the already full
    	inn?  Or would it be too difficult of a transition for him?
    
    	I'll be keeping my fingers (and paws) crossed!
    
    	With all this nasty weather coming up I hope he makes it 
    	through ok.
    
    	JJ
    

    Well, JJ, I haven't really thought that far ahead!  My current plan is
    to of course capture him, and get him directly to a vet for shelter and
    evaluation.  I have had many kind folks both in here and in mail offer
    to donate toward his medical expenses, which hopefully will be
    reasonable.  If he receives a clean bill of heath, he can come home
    with me for fostering but my ultimate goal is to find him a good,
    loving home.  Upon closer examination yesterday, he is a flame
    lynxpoint Siamese, meaning he has a light orange face, legs, feet, ears
    and tail, a cream (but dirty!) colored body, and tabby markings on his
    face and points.  Big, light blue eyes.  I am sure he and Taja (who is
    part Siamese) would have plenty of things to discuss, since Taj had
    similar beginnings.  I also don't want to have a situation where
    another cat could cause behavioral problems due to overcrowding.  I
    have know too many people who got in over their heads by caring, and
    are then faced with territorial disputes, spraying, etc., and I don't
    wish to live with that stress.  I guess the only thing I can do is play
    this by ear, but I am certainly willing to put a roof over his head for
    as long as it takes to adopt him out.
    
    Due to the weather, I wasn't able to see JJ this morning; however, my
    friend and I will be taking a ride over around 11:30ish, as we both
    brought food for him today.  I won't go back tonight since Heidi and I
    will be going again at 9:30 tomorrow morning, and I'd like him to be
    hungry for possible capture.  Another major snowstorm is being
    predicted for late Sunday into Monday, at least 12", and I'm worried
    sick about him being out in it.
    
    I'll report back after lunch today.  Because it will be raining and we
    took the trap back to Taylor Rental, we will just be leaving him food. 
    I'll try to touch him again, but don't think it will be successful.
    
    -Roberta
    

    
    Do you think it's a possiblility to slip him a "mickey" since
    he trusts you enough to eat the food?  Then, when he's whoozy,
    you can capture him?
    
    

	What a wonderful idea!!  Maybe I could even do that to Gypsy and then
	pet him!!    
   
	Laura 

    Lunchtime Update:
    
    When we arrived at JJ's once again, there was a large truck unloading
    goods.  This time, a kitchen employee was outside signing for it.  He
    approached us as we were putting the food into the bushes for JJ.  He
    said JJ has been around for longer than 4 months, and as I reported
    earlier, no one has had any success in catching him.  He said patrons
    always remark "Did you know you have a cat out there?" and they have to
    explain the story.  One woman even yelled at them for not doing
    anything.  It really irritates me when people complain but don't offer
    to help, but that's a whole 'nuther story.  Anyway, this guy said that
    even if we don't come by with food every day, the employees always
    leave something out for him, which was obvious because all the dry food
    I left yesterday was untouched!  Why eat that if you can have chicken,
    hamburgers, tuna, etc.!!  Anyway, JJ was in the bushes when we arrived,
    and this time, he hissed at my friend when she pushed the plate of food
    under for him.  He bolted off around the building.  I think between the
    truck and all the people he got spooked.  This is the first time he has
    ever hissed that I've witnessed.
    
    The good part is, there are large awnings around the building, so he
    and the food stay dry.  The dry food I left wasn't even wet from the
    snow and rain, and JJ himself was dry.  I opened two cans onto a paper
    plate and left it under the awning for him.
    
    The guy we spoke to said they have called the Northboro Dog Officer
    twice, but he/she never came by, which is probably good.  I don't know
    how humane that would be for him.  No vet would prescribe drugs for his
    food, because if he wanders off after eating and we can't keep up with
    him, he could suffer a worse fate in the spot he ends up "sleeping". 
    This cat is in a large parking lot that borders Route 9 and Route 20,
    two very busy major roads.  I really do feel he will have to be
    successfully trapped, or a dedicated human must win his trust.  Someone
    suggested throwing a large, heavy blanket over him for capture, which
    is a great idea, but he is always huddled in the bushes, and if he's
    out in the open it's only to RUN to another hiding spot.  That's what
    is so frustrating.  He isn't in a place that makes capture simple;
    those bushes are high and full of branches that stick out here and
    there.
    
    Anyway, maybe Heidi and I will have luck tomorrow.  If not, he has
    proven himself a survivor, is being well-fed, and will make it through
    another storm.
    
    I am really getting tired of people at work reminding me that they
    would never go out of their way to help a stray cat.  I almost answered
    someone with, "Of course you wouldn't; only compassionate people do
    things like that.", but bit my tongue.
    
    -Roberta
    

    
    How about *live* bait, in the shape of another cat?  Maybe the
    sight/sound of another cat (safely held in a cat carrier, of course)
    might bring him close enough for a quick grab to capture him?
    
    

    I thought of that Lynne!  I thought about bringing Taja in a carrier,
    because Taja is so good with other cats and would talk back to JJ. 
    But, Taja is also so petrified of being in a carrier as well as the car
    it would probably be too stressful on him.  I still think about it
    though, but am unsure whether or not to put Taj through it.
    

    
    
    	Roe,
    
    	If Chloe wasn't so sick I'd offer to help with the expenses
    	of JJ once you catch him.  But I already had an outstanding
    	bill *before* the $50 in medication I picked up yesterday...
    
    	Good luck tomorrow!
    
    	JJ
    

	Maybe you can borrow one of those traps to capture live
	animals.  They don't injure the animal since they are
	used for trapping and then releasing [somewhere else].

    (Note to Jeff:  The trap we used is called a Hav-a-Heart, which is
    what you described.  Heidi and I tried it again on Saturday but JJ
    wanted none of it.)
    
    Weekend Update:
    --------------
    
    Heidi and I arrived at JJ O'Rourkes around 9:30.  She borrowed a trap
    from her landlord, which was the same type I rented, and we baited it
    with tuna.  JJ was in the bushes when we arrived and wasn't amused to
    see us.  We chatted with a few restaurant employees, and got yelled at
    by the maintenance man at the 9-20 hotel next door; it was quite an
    eventful morning.  There are so many versions to JJ's story of how she
    got to the restaurant, but suffice it to say she has made it her home. 
    Yes, I think JJ is a she, not a he.  JJ was very upset at Heidi's and
    my presence on Saturday.  She went traipsing out of the bushes
    screaming at us as only a Siamese can.  It was obvious she wanted to be
    left alone, so after a few hours we did.  After seeing JJ's
    surroundings, Heidi agreed she doesn't have it bad there at all.  She
    sleeps at the hotel (in a warm, dry alcove) and eats at the restaurant
    -- and doesn't have to pay for any of it!  I'm not sure I'd want to
    leave either!!  She also has a little cave under the dumpster as well
    as a few other places to crawl into.
    
    I went back yesterday with a can of cat food.  She was in the bushes
    and in a much better mood.  We chatted a bit, and I pushed the plate of
    food underneath for her.  She didn't seem to want it initially, but
    after a time did step forward and ate.  Then she went back to her spot
    and I decided to sit there and talk to her for awhile since it wasn't
    too cold to hang around.  After a time, she got up, moved forward
    toward me, and started rubbing her face on the branches and rolling
    around; it was during one of those rolls that I realized JJ didn't
    appear to be a male at all, having none of the required parts.  Great,
    I thought; now timing is even more crucial before she comes in season
    and a stray male cat finds her (difficult at best given her location
    but not entirely impossible either).  Anyway, I stuck my hand to her
    face and she sniffed at it, but backed away when I tried to touch her. 
    It was hard to even get myself part way into the bushes but I at least
    felt she was warming up to me.  She then started grooming herself (a
    good sign when a stray cat grooms itself; most are so caught up in
    sheer survival they neglect themselves.) and settled down for a nap, so
    I left.
    
    This morning when I arrived, she was sleeping in the bushes and was
    quite miffed that I dared wake her up.  The food I left her yesterday
    was still in the bushes so she obviously had a better meal elsewhere. 
    I opened the new food and attempted to push it under the bushes, but
    she got up and ran off to sit under the dumpster.  I left the food and
    got into my car, and as I was pulling away I saw her sitting by the
    dumpster area watching me.  I decided to get out one last time and try
    to sit with her a few minutes, but she ran away from me.
    
    JJ is a very temperamental kitty, and appears quite happy where she is. 
    Her general attitude seems to be, "Leave me alone you damn humitarians;
    I can take care of myself."  I still would like to catch her and will
    definitely keep trying.  I certainly don't worry about her as much as
    when I first heard of her plight.  The restaurant employees feel as
    badly as we all do here, and also look out for her well being.  They
    did mention she has been there since kittenhood (say about 6 months or
    so), and she obviously has developed street smarts in the process. 
    Both Heidi and I agree she isn't a true feral cat, because the noise of
    the cars and the people don't seem to bother her, and she doesn't mind
    people peering into the bushes to look at her, as long as nobody tries
    to touch her.
    
    I'm going back tonight with more canned food and will see if she'll be
    a bit more receptive toward me.
    
    -Roberta
    

    Keep up the GREAT work Roberta.    My guess is the only way you
    will trap JJ is to actually starve her for a few days. I hate to do
    this but most cats are very scared of the trap...unless of course their
    bellies are very very hungry.   Since alot of people feed JJ...it's
    probably going to be impossibe to get her hungry enough to ever get
    in the trap!!!   She seems to be eating very well.....
    
    I bet if you continue visiting her...and try to show her love...
    she will definitely come around with time.   Roberta...do you still
    need my trap?????  Let me know because I should be in SHR a few days
    this week.  
    
    Sandy

    Sandy, let me know the day before you will be here and I can make a
    decision.
    
    I thought about telling the staff at JJ's not to feed her, but she eats
    right out of the dumpster too!  And they can't cover that up to keep
    her out.  She's one tough little kitty and has proven to be a survivor.
    
    Give me a call when you know your SHR schedule.

    Have you tried catnip yet?  It suddenly occurred to me that it might be
    irresistible to her, and it might "mellow" her enough for you to grab
    her (I still recommend the blanket or big towel if you can get your
    hands on her, to avoid losing her or losing most of your skin!!). Toss
    it to her, and wait until she starts to loosen up.  I'd use fresh, if
    you can get it, but a goodly supply of dried might do the trick.
    Sarah

    If she wasn't always wedged into the bushes with all those branches
    around, the blanket might work.  She's a quick little bugger.
    
    Sandy also suggested the catnip idea, so I'll stop by the Pet Supply
    Depot and pick some up.  It just might entice her out of those bushes
    and allow me to pick her up and plop her into a carrier before she's
    aware of what's happening.  I was warned by one of the employees at
    JJ's that one of the waitresses who is good with cats caught her but
    she scratched and bit while the waitress was trying to put her into a
    carrier and got away.  I was told to be careful of her fiesty
    temperament, so I guess heavy gloves would be a good idea too!
    
    Or maybe I'll put the catnip into the back of a carrier and see if
    she'll go in; then I'll try to quickly close the door.  All this sounds
    very good in theory, but if you have never tried to catch a stray/feral
    cat, it isn't as easy as it sounds.  I'm talking you in the general
    sense, not singling Sarah out (cause I know she's done this before!).
    
    -Roberta
    

It sounds like it will be very hard to get JJ into a hungry condition...she
certainly is one well fed kitty.  I would think if she's been there since
she was about 6 months old that she could be feral.  By now she would be used
to seeing and hearing all the traffic and the people.

Best of luck catching her Roberta, even though she fends quite well for herself
she would be better off in a loving home!

Hugs,
Laura

    Ditto Ditto....is sound SOOOOOOO simple...but never is!!!   I've had
    pretty good luck drugging them with catnip...    I think JJ has still
    had to depend on humans for food...so I think deep down he does still
    likes humans...but lost his faith a little.
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Well, last night JJ was in a better mood.  She actually came out of the
    bushes for awhile, and didn't run from me.  She weaved in and out of
    the cars parked along the front of the bushes talking and pausing to
    occasionally roll around on the pavement.  I was sitting on the curb
    watching and talking to her, and a few times got up to try to touch
    her.  If I crouched down and stuck my hand out she would move forward
    to sniff it, but the minute I tried to pat her or stood up again she'd
    move quickly away.  I stayed with her about 1/2 hour and then went
    home.
    
    This morning when I got there she was in the bushes.  We were the only
    two in the parking lot.  I pushed the food to her; this time in a small
    clearing and she did come out to eat... not right away, but after
    several minutes.  It was very cold so I only stayed about 5 more
    minutes to talk to her while she ate.  I can tell she is definitely
    getting used to my voice and enjoys having a friend to talk to.  :^)
    I feel it is worth it to gain her trust before rushing her into a
    carrier.
    
    I'll go back tonight, and tomorrow will bring my carrier to work with
    me.  Sandy has offered fresh catnip and we'll try our luck with it.
    
    That's it for now.
    
    -Roberta
    

    
    You might also try (if this hasn't already occurred to you) letting her
    rub the side of her face against the back of your hand.  This is less
    threatening than a pat on the head, and for many cats it seems to be a
    natural gesture and the next step after a sniff.
    
    len.
    

    Well I had the pleasure of meeting JJ this afternoon at lunch...and
    even though he did talk away to me...it is very clear that he knows
    Roberta's voice and other people make him a bit nervous.
    
    He has situated himself very close to the building and inbetween some
    heavy bushes which makes it impossible to try and get near him.  There
    is no way you can throw a blanket over him..or try to crawl under the
    bushes to get near him.  Of course Roberta and I looked like nuts
    sitting on the curb...talking to a big bush!!!
    
    My guess is that Roberta will capture this kitty if she continues
    to visit/feed/and talk to him....she will eventually win his heart. 
    You can clearly tell he wants attention and wants to be loved....
    and he is less nervous when there is limited people staring at him!!!
    
    He is a beautiful kitty...with a meow that breaks your heart.  He
    looks very good considering he has spent all of his time outside
    in this weather.
    
    Roberta...keep trying with food, catnip, talking, and love...and
    you'll get him!!! 
    
    Sandy

    Thanks for the vote of confidence, Sandy, and for reiterating how
    difficult it is to get to JJ, who is definitely a female, not a male! 
    Sandy and I have only rescued male cats in the past, so we
    automatically think of every stray we encounter as a boy!!  I'm
    positive of JJ's sex, and do wish she were male cause I don't want to
    be rescuing JJ and baby JJ's too.  Hopefully I can get to her soon; she
    is one scared little kitty.
    
    She did come out of the bushes last night for me and weaved around the
    cars, but every time I try to slow creep up to her (in a crouched
    position so as not to overpower her), she darts back into the bushes or
    underneath a car.  While Sandy and I were there today, JJ came out of
    the bushes into a clearing and I crept over to the curb to sit.  I
    reached my hand out for her to sniff, but she scrunched up her face in
    fear and retreated into the bushes.  Since she has been there since
    mid-kittenhood, whatever human contact she might have had obviously
    wasn't a positive experience.  It is going to take a lot of time to win
    her trust, and I'm still willing to try to do it.
    
    Tonight I will go back with another can of food and hopefully she will
    come out of the bushes again for me.  I'll update again tomorrow.
    
    -Roberta
    

    Another JJ update:
    
    I went to see her last night, and after eating she came out of the
    bushes to me.  I was sitting on the ground and she was weaving in and
    out of the cars.  I got up to go to her, and she went over to the spot
    I was sitting in and sniffed all around.  Then she came back over to me
    and walked around me, sniffed at my boots, and I put my hand out to
    her.  Instead of sniffing at it, she gave me a few soft swats and meows
    as if to say, "I want to get to know you, but we're gonna do it on MY
    terms!"  She did this twice to me, but her claws were not out and she
    did not hiss.  I just sat with her weaving around me and talking until
    it was too cold to do it any longer, and went home.
    
    This morning I arrived with her breakfast.  She was in the bushes, but
    there were also some men unloading trucks near us so she wouldn't come
    out.  She did step forward to eat her food and I watched her from the
    car, but when I got out to try to go to her she went back into the
    bushes against the building.
    
    The good news is that I just got off the phone with my housecall vet. 
    I was making an appointment for my boys' annual tune ups, and asked Dr.
    Breitman (Linda) if she would prescribe something for JJ's food since
    JJ doesn't seem to stray far from the bushes, but she said not in this
    cold weather because JJ could freeze to death once immobilized.  If she
    were to run into a spot where no one could catch her or no one knew
    where she was because she ran away too fast, she could die.  However,
    Linda did offer to come with me to JJ O'Rourkes after she sees my boys'
    on the 17th and assess the situation.  I won't feed her that morning,
    and maybe Linda can get to her with food and grab her, since she has
    lots of experience with ornery cats and knows how to handle them.  If
    she can do this, she'll take JJ back to her clinic and fix her all up
    for us.  I'll just make sure JJ is good and hungry (or at least as
    hungry as she can be without my food; I'm sure she'll get into the
    dumpster) by the afternoon of 2/17.  It would be really great if I
    could get her myself before then, but I don't think it is going to
    happen.  Yes, she does get close to me, but it isn't easy to grab her. 
    She is one quick little kitty, and I can tell she's gonna be fiesty
    once grabbed.
    
    -Roberta
    

    
    
    	Your persistence is bound to pay off sometime soon Roe!
    	Especially with all of us back here pulling for you..... =)
    
    	The other JJ....
    

    Well, for those of you following this story, JJ continues to make
    progress; however, I don't think this cat was every handled by humans,
    and if she was, it certainly wasn't in a loving way.  JJ will run out
    of the bushes to greet me, do pattypaws on the ground while I'm opening
    her food, play with the sparkler toy I brought for her, and even eat
    out of my hand, yet when I try to pat her she backs up and gives my
    hand a swat with her paw.  Her claws are sometimes extended but I
    manage to pull away before she does any damage (or wear gloves, but I
    want her to pick up my scent).  The few times I have managed to pat her
    when she wasn't looking, I follow up with a few "good girl!"
    exclamations which seems to make her happy.  She never retreats far
    back into the bushes against the building after my attempts to pet her;
    she'll simply back up or jump, then come back to walk around me or sit
    at a comfortable distance and talk to me.  I am trying to get her to
    recognize voice inflections; for instance, when she swats me, I give
    her a stern NO!, and tell her not to bite the hand that feeds her or I
    won't come back to visit.  When I am happy with her behavior, my
    inflections will change accordingly.  She's a pretty smart kitty and
    seems to recognize this.
    
    I have always been able to rescue feral cats with patience and kindess,
    and am not at all comfortable with invasive procedures, unless the
    situation is critical and the cat needs immediate medical intervention. 
    JJ has proven she won't use the trap again, and I don't feel
    comfortable starving her in this weather (I brought her lots of dry
    food and canned this morning, but she wasn't in the bushes on
    arrival.).  Also, I don't have the level of confidence needed to try to
    reach out and grab her scruff or throw a blanket or towel over her. 
    She is fiesty, and if I screw up the level of trust I have gained is
    out the window and we're back to square one.  For now, I will continue
    to visit as often as possible and work with her, and hopefully by next
    Thursday when my vet accompanies me she will feel more comfortable
    doing the grabbing, if JJ isn't intimidated by her presence.
    
    Thankfully, JJ is the only cat I have seen while there.  Usually when a
    place is plagued by feral cats you'll see several at the feeding
    station.  Back when I was feeding Nikki in my old apt. complex where he
    was abandoned, soon other strays were eating the food.  JJ's dry food
    has lasted over two weeks so far, so I'm pretty confident she's the
    only kitty owning the restaurant.  Also, upon talking further to
    members of the staff, they really aren't sure if she was a kitten when
    she arrived there, or if she was just so thin they thought she was. 
    They mentioned JJ has really filled out a lot during that time.  She is
    even grooming herself on a regular basis and looks terrific.  I doubt
    she is spayed, but since she doesn't wander farther than the restaurant
    and hotel, perhaps with any luck she won't get knocked up!!
    
    I'll continue to post updates as more progress is made.
    
    -Roberta
    

Roberta,

You're doing great!  Eating out of your hands!!  Gypsy won't do that yet!  And
if I reach out to touch him, he hisses and runs away...still!  It doesn't sound
to me like JJ is feral, she's so trusting already to come so close and touch
you!

Laura

    You'll get her Roberta.....JJ is probably so scared of human hands
    because so many people from the restraunt has tried to grab her
    so she does not associate "goodness" with hands!!!
    
    Keep trying...one day real soon she'll let you pat her and you'll 
    be in total shock.  If you don't catch her by next week...I'm sure your
    vet will have a solution and my trap is available if need be!!!
    
    Sandy

    For those of you who care :^), JJ weathered the storm last Friday just
    fine.  The huge bowl of dry food I left Friday morning didn't get
    snowed on at all, and when I got there late Saturday morning all
    worried about her, she was more excited about having me there than
    eating canned food (or so I'd like to think!!).  Of course she did
    manage to snort two down two cans *and* she actually sniffed my hand
    twice without swatting it afterwards!  Yesterday I snuck in a few pats
    to her back while she ate (she has to eat in the open now because there
    is too much snow in the bushes to put the plate!) and she gave me some
    wicked dirty looks and jumps, but didn't run away either.  This morning
    I got in two more quick pats and she tolerated it.  She really is very
    sweet and enjoys the visits/attention; she's just unsure of my
    intentions, and rightfully so, since I eventually plan to be one of
    those people who attempts to pick her up and place her into a carrier! 
    This Thursday is the day my vet and I go together, and the weather is
    supposed to be cooperative, so let's hope we are successful.  I'll let
    Linda decide whether or not we should lunge for her and risk losing the
    trust I've built if we miss, or just let her be until she is confident
    enough to allow me to handle her.  I'm pretty confident I'll reach that
    point soon anyway.
    
    -Roberta
    

    Roberta,
    
    I'm glad to hear that JJ is doing well and is getting friendlier.  It's
    so nice of your vet to be willing to accompany you.
    
    Keep us posted.  I look forward to my JJ updates.
    
    Steffi

Roberta,

That sounds very encouraging, and if the snow is too deep for JJ to hide in the
bushes now, seems like Thursday might be your day to nab her!  Can't wait to
hear the next episode!

Hugs,
Laura

    
    Roberta,
    
    I too, hope all goes well.  Strays, sigh, ya gotta love 'em and get mad
    at the thoughtless folk who forced the strays into homelessness.  
    
    But your patience will be rewarded.  After all, that is how I ended up
    with 3 cats!  Cinnyman was the neighborhood cat until last winter when
    I couldn't stand it any more and set out to win his trust.  It took
    time and a lot of food.  Take heart,  JJ will come around.
    
    Feline hopeful for JJ and Thankful for Roberta!
    
    Sue & Panther & Spots & Cinnamon
    

    Nice going, Roberta (I owe you a "mail", don't I?), sounds like JJ
    almost has you right where she wants you : ) Keep us posted!
    Sarah

    Good Job Roe!
    
    Sounds like you are getting closer to your end result.  Keep us
    posted... I loved catching up and espicially reading this string!
    	
    
    Michele (Who occasioanlly frequents JJ's and never saw the
    kitty...shame on me! ;^)
    
    

    Well, I am sorry to report that JJ is still at large.  Linda gave it
    her very best shot though.
    
    The first thing JJ did when she saw Linda was look at me and hiss! 
    Linda thought it was pretty hysterical.  JJ is one smart cat; she knew
    we were up to something.  I gave Linda the food and let her take
    charge.  Two factors were inhibiting our efforts:  1) There were cars
    parked along the entire length of the bushes so we couldn't get her out
    into the open to eat, and 2) JJ wasn't being very cooperative!  Linda
    managed to coax her out into a small clearing at the end of the bushes,
    but there was no way to throw a towel over her without it getting
    tangled up in the branches.  So, Linda waited until JJ began eating and
    then made a grab for her.  She got a pretty good grip but JJ turned
    into a wild cat - hissing, screaming, wiggling and clawing; she
    bloodied Linda's hand with two deep scratches.  I offered her my gloves
    but she was overconfident!  Needless to say, JJ won, and where she ran
    off to we have no idea because there was no sight nor sound of her for
    the rest of the time we spent there.
    
    Linda summed up the situation as follows.  She thinks JJ is more scared
    than wild, and if there was a way to get her fully out into the open to
    really get that firm hold by the scruff and hips on her, she is
    catchable.  Linda was able to officially "sex" JJ -- definitely a girl,
    and says she is much too fat for a stray cat, which translates to,
    "Roberta stop feeding her so much food!"  Linda thinks she is a
    gorgeous kitty and offered to continue to stop by when she has time and
    try to help win her trust.  So, we will try individually, but together
    (if that makes any sense!).  I did not go back to JJ after Linda and I
    left; I figure she needs time to chill out.  I think it will be awhile
    before she'll allow me to try to touch her again, but I'm glad Linda
    was able to scope things out and access the situation.  She really
    believes JJ will be a wonderful pet once caught.
    
    Sorry it couldn't be better news, but JJ has all of her senses intact
    and then some!
    
    -Roberta
    

    Roberta......keep the faith, you'll get her.  And my guess is you'll
    be the only one JJ still has faith in (food provider)...so you'll
    probably have the best shot at capturing her.
    
    It's amazing how some strays just have this attitude to survive on
    their own....and can outsmart all us humans.   If she only knew what
    a life she could lead...ie sleeping in a warm house, food everywhere...
    
    Keep trying.....as you know patience is the key. (and food)
    
    Sandy

    Another JJ update:
    
    I think Sandy is right... I'm going to have to be the brave soul who
    captures her.  I spent a lot of time with her over the weekend and made
    some progress.  She is now running right out of the bushes when she
    sees my car and circles around my legs meowing while I get her food
    together.  On Sunday, I played this game with her where I'd put some
    food on a spoon, then try to pet her.  If she swatted me, I pulled the
    spoon away and said NO!; if she allowed me to touch her she got to eat. 
    After a time with this she got really pissed and stood there hissing at
    me because all she wanted was to eat, not play games.  I let her eat,
    and afterwards she came out of the bushes and sat beside me and
    groomed, followed me around the parking lot, but still would not let me
    pet her... just a few quick touches here and there when she wasn't
    looking.
    
    Yesterday morning before work a breakthrough came.  I arrived with her
    food and instead of swatting me when I put my hand out, she rubbed her
    face all over it!  And when she started eating she allowed me to pet
    the whole length of her back several times.  She was a bit jumpy and
    hesitant, but I reassured her I wasn't going to grab or hurt her and
    she continued to let me pet her.  This morning the same thing... she
    rubbed her face on my hand, licked me, and let me pet her while she
    ate.
    
    I am still not comfortable reaching out and grabbing her.  Let her get
    used to me petting her and showing her love, and once we are more
    comfortable with each other, I'll attempt picking her up and placing
    her in a carrier.  I'm still not yet convinced she would be easy to
    handle.
    
    BTW, one of the women who works there made a little house out of a cat
    carrier, thinking JJ would use it (this was before I knew of her
    plight), but JJ wanted none of it, preferring to sleep in the bushes
    instead.  So, I am sure that's the reason why when she saw Linda's
    carrier last Thursday, she freaked.
    
    -Roberta
    

    THIS IS GREAT!!!!!  It won't be long!
    
    Keep up the good work!  She loves you!

    
    Wonderful news.  Wonderful wonderful news!
    
    len.
    

    That's TERRIFIC!!!  I love reading happy things like that first thing
    in the morning. :)  
    
    Roberta, you have such patience.  You're wonderful.
    
    Steffi

    Excellent news 2 days in a row!!  And about kitties, too (my fave
    topic these days)!  Perhaps this week can still be salvaged :>{)
    
    Great work, Roberta!
    
    Carl

    Kitty kisses!  This is GREAT!  She's obviously a smitten kitten ]:3 and
    I think you're right not to try *any* grabbing for a while.  Play
    hard-to-get and she'll chase you til you catch her...
    
    We live in Shrewsbury and for the last week or so whenever we drive by
    the 9/20 intersection we yell out "Hi, JJ!"
    
    Leslie

    Thanks all!  Leslie, you should stop by and meet JJ.  She's really not
    afraid of humans, just humans who try to grab her!  When I arrived this
    morning someone had given her their leftovers from last night's
    dinner... she's somewhat of a celebrity there.  The regular customers
    know she exists and will take a "kitty package" to her on their way
    out.  I've had several customers approach me and thank me for trying to
    help her... kinda restores your faith in humans when that happens!
    
    JJ was still sweet and loving during lunch today and I got to pet her a
    lot while she ate.  It will be interesting to see what she'll allow me
    to get away with without any food in my hands!
    
    I forgot to mention that when JJ rolled over on Sunday to groom, her
    nipples were pink and obvious.  Could this mean she is pregnant?  I am
    hoping she isn't.  I have never owned a female cat so have no idea what
    is normal.
    
    I'll keep the file updated.

I have a black female, who is approximately 3 years old.  She's pregnant and we
need to place her------if there is anyway humanely possible------before she
delivers.

I think she'll deliver soon.

She is our last stay and I didn't think there where any fellows around anymore,
but obviously she was found.

I have worked over the last 6 years, very hard, to clean up our neighborhood and
have been very successful the last 3 years.  We use to be the Dudley Road Gang,
once as many as 25.  We've gone through, 62 kitties.

She is the only one that will continue this and I feel it's too late to abort
the kittens.

If any shelter you know, would be willing to take her, we will make the
appropriate donations as much as possible.  

I hesitated to enter this, cause I know, like Sandy M. ------ has so many of her
own too.  But I thought some help might come my way.  If not, we'll take care of
her after the kittens, if they make it.

					Carol Weston
					35 Dudley Road
					Berlin, MA  01503
				

Awesome progress!!!!!!  You've made alot more progress with JJ than I have with
Gypsy!!  You'll get her soon, I'm sure!!

Hugs,
Lola

    Nice going, Roberta! I hope your patience will soon be rewarded. 
    And I hope JJ knows how lucky she is to have you for a friend!
    
    Linda

    
    Nice job, Roberta!
    
    When I arrived home yesterday, there were 4 cats waiting....but
    not one of them mine!  Some cat has been talking!!!! (8
    
    
    Lynne

    I agree Lynn....I have about 5 new ones this winter!!  (sigh)
    I can't win....I can't even stay on top of it anymore!!!
    
    Roberta....another week...and she'll be yours!!!! Reading your
    stories and updated brings back so many memories!!!!
    
    Sandy
    

    
    Way to go Roberta!  Glad to hear that JJ loves you!  (As long as there
    is no cat carrier nearby!)
    
    On the other side, regarding her belly, yes, the signs of pregnancy are
    there.  Sigh.  You can probably figure 3 - 5 weeks after the nipples
    get prominent that she will deliver.  Sigh, I hope she waits until the
    weather is warmer.  If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
    
    Feline happy & sad (sigh, just what we need *MORE* homeless babies
    
    Sue
    

    
    Well, it looks like that 1 out of the 4 I mentioned IS actually
    a stray!
    
    Lynne

    Wow, Sue, I hope she isn't pregnant.  The fur on her stomach is short,
    so it just might be that the nipples are more prominent because of
    this.  She does eat a lot though; I was hoping it is due to worms, not
    pregnancy.  This cat can polish off 3 six ounce cans per day!
    
    She is still allowing me to pet her.  I'll watch her closely for signs
    of expansion and if she is pregnant, you can bet she is going to allow
    me to handle those kittens!  One JJ to deal with has been bad enough; I
    don't need anymore snotty little kids to worry about!  :^)
    
    This might sound naive, but given her location, I just can't see a male
    cat getting to her.  She doesn't seem to leave the premises of the
    bushes as she is always there when I arrive, and the staff tells me
    they always see her there as well.
    

    
    I sure hope she isn't.  But *NEVER* underestimate the determination of
    the cat population (males & females) when it comes to the mating urge.
    
    I know what you mean though.  It could be either impossible to get her
    after giving birth of even easier, if she decides to trust you.  I sure
    hope we have a case of "resteraunt belly" not kittens.
    
    It does sound like you are making GREAT progress!!
    
    Keep up the good work!
    
    Feline hopeful for a "well fed" stray
    
    Sue & the furry brats
    

    JJ is weathering this storm just fine.  I was able to take her two 6
    ounce cans yesterday morning and replenish her dry food.  I wasn't able
    to get back there until lunchtime today, and she was keeping dry in the
    bushes as usual.  Her dry food was fine, and I gave her two more cans
    which she was grateful for.  Unfortunately there was a lot of commotion
    going on... a beer truck was unloading with two ignorant SOB's saying I
    should just shoot her.  I called them a few unprintable names and
    they said, "Geez, we were only kidding!"  Anyway, JJ was scared of
    their presence, plus my friend who drove me there (the same one who is
    always with me), and she began hissing, so I gave her the food and we
    sat in the car until the beer truck left and I knew JJ would be safe. 
    It is sad that she always has to be on the defensive and can't just
    relax like our spoiled housecats do.  I'm sure that's why she eats so
    much... because she's so scared it will all go away so she must get it
    while she can.  Every night I go home and tell Kelsey, Taja and Furbie
    how lucky they are.
    
    -Roberta
    

    
    
    
    Roberta-
    
    If she is a whole female, then a whole male will find her, no
    doubt about it!
    
    Gee, I wish my stray was smart enough to hide in the bushes to
    stay dry.  This dumb cat sat on the porch railing throughout the
    snowstorm Weds, and the rain Thurs.  I tried feeding her under the
    porch (hint hint, cat!), but when she (and I'm pretty sure it's a 
    she) was done, she would be back on the railing.  She's pretty well
    matted up, too.  And I have noticed the 2 whole males in the
    neighborhood hanging around.   Hmmmm............is it the attraction
    of the food, or the food and a whole female? )8  
    
    Lynne

re determined cats:

Once upon a time a couple lived on a sailboat with an unspayed female
cat. When the cat was in heat, they carefully anchored well away from
shore at all times. Still, the cat became pregnant. One evening while
rowing their dinghy back to their boat, the ownwers met their cat
swimming toward shore. Apparently, the cat deliberately jumped in the
ocean to swim ashore to look for a mate. 

    How's JJ??????    
    
    

    
    Especially since we we're expected to get in excess of a foot of snow
    starting tonight...
    
    len.
    

Yes, Roberta...I've been thinking about JJ too, wondering how he is.
Hope he can get into that dumpster tonight to keep warm and out of the snow!

hugs,
Laura    

    Hi everyone,
    
    JJ is doing fine, though she still won't allow me to pet her for long
    periods of time, and still swats me when I try to.  She will rub her
    face against my hand and occassionally lick me but doesn't really like
    being touched.  My vet feels she may have started this behavior with a
    previous owner and will always be that way.
    
    This morning she was real cute.  Each day when I arrive with her food,
    she weaves around my legs and cries.  This morning, instead of going right
    for the food she followed me to my car and didn't want me to leave.  I
    kept telling her I was late for work but she wouldn't listen; she
    wanted me to stay, but when I reached down to pet her she swatted me
    again.  It's like she wants me there but doesn't.  I've been leaving
    her two cans in the morning and two at night.  I brought extra dry
    today to leave during the storm since it won't freeze and will stay dry
    under the awning.  I hope we don't get the anticipated 2-3 feet of
    snow!  It would be nice to grab her tonight and bring her home.  If I
    had the carrier with me I'd try.  She goes over to the hotel and sleeps
    in an alcove in bad weather so I think she'll be okay.  She sure has
    survived this horrible winter so far -- what's one more storm?!
    
    The good news is she doesn't look pregnant, and doesn't appear to be
    going into heat.  The JJ's staff said when she arrived there she was
    small and they assumed she was a kitten, but also surmised that she
    could have just been thin and fattened up over time.  So, perhaps with
    any luck she was spayed in a previous life and older than we think. 
    Time will only tell!
    
    I haven't deserted her yet!  I'll be glad when the warm weather gets
    here to allow time to really work with her.  It's just been too cold to
    do anything more than bring her food, stay for a few minutes and
    leave.  I don't do cold very well at all!
    
    -Roberta
    

     
    Hi Roberta,
    
    Thanks for the update!  Boy, I sure hope she was spayed too!  (If she
    is from Siamese stock and gets, Ahem, portly, she could look pregnant. 
    Folks have asked me that about the Princess, who has gained weight as
    she has aged.  She looks great, thin legs and tail and round belly,
    perfect for belly rubs! :-)
    
    It sounds like you are making great progress with her.  We can only
    hope for Spring to arrive some time this year!
    
    Feline Snowy
    
    Sue & Panther & Spots & Cinnamon
    

    JJ weathered this storm just fine.  I didn't see her at all yesterday,
    and when I arrived this morning none of the dry food had been snowed on
    and was almost gone.  She was really happy to see me and have canned
    food again!  I am glad a weekend warming trend is coming.  It will give
    me more time to work with her.
    
    -Roberta
    

    My former stray Brutus HATES to be petted or picked up.  He will
    constantly twirl around my legs, if I sit down he is right on the back of
    the sofa, slamming his head into mine (we call them head-butts, and
    he's got a big head - sometimes it hurts!), but if I attempt to return
    the affection he gets quite annoyed and leaves the room.  Guess he and
    JJ are of the same mind where affection is concerned.  Love the
    updates!
    Sarah

    
    
    	Hey Roe, how's my namesake doing??
    
    	JJ
    

    JJ's doing fine... no new news to report.  I am impatiently waiting for
    this awful winter to end so I can start to spend more time with her and
    possibly get her into a carrier.  I will probably need to take time off
    from work to do this, to coincide the rescue with veterinary hours. 
    Once I get her, I want her to go directly to a vet.  Weekdays are the
    best times to do this.  Mike -- I was thinking about what you said last
    week about going there late at night.  It won't work.  Since she is so
    difficult, it is best to have her go right to the vet and then into
    her new foster home.  (I have a place lined up for her.)  As much as I
    love her, I'm not going to bring her home in the interim and stress out
    my own cats, plus I have nowhere to confine her in my small apt. 
    Anyway, this is where things stand now.
    
    I do have a favor to ask of any Feliner who lives local to Shrewsbury
    and might be passing JJ O'Rourkes next weekend.  I have a family
    gathering to attend in CT and am leaving on Friday, 3/18, and returning
    late Sunday evening.  I will leave JJ a large bowl of dry food, but if
    someone feels like taking her some canned Saturday and Sunday she would
    very much appreciate it!
    
    -Roberta
    

    
    
    	Thanks for the update Roe!  Glad to hear you have a foster
    	home lined up.  That's good to know, one less thing you need
    	to worry about once you catch her!
    
    	JJ
    

    For some time, I have had another stray visiting me. He's a black and
    white cat, male (judging by the size of him) and not in good condition.
    Looks like a bruiser to me, with chewed ears, scratched nose and the
    other day, he turned up with a bite wound. 
    He turns up at the edge of the garden and, if I'm around, he'll wait
    patiently for me to bring him a bowl of cat food. If I'm not, he'll
    come through the cat flap. He doesn't fight my own cats, but Jimmy
    (although a smaller cat) will sometimes chase him off. My own two much
    prefer that the cat is fed at the bottom of the garden and seem
    prepared to tolerate this. 
    
    As I said, this has been going on for a couple of months. I've got his
    trust to the extent where he will wait for the food instead of running
    away when I come towards him, but he ALWAYS hisses at me. He knows that
    I'm bringing him food and he'll even let me sit beside him while he
    eats it. I've managed to tentatively stroke his ears, too, so why is he
    still hissing? 

    I just loved your note...it brings back all my memories of dealing
    with my strays.   In just about every case I have dealt with in
    my neighborhood...it always starts off just like yours and I work
    very slowly to gain their trust.   From running as soon as they see
    you...to waiting patiently for food...to the hiss/growl routine..
    to the pat and grunt routine..to the kitty running up to meet me.
    meowing happily!!!  It takes time....
    
    I have been dealing with Capone who is an old big beat up tom cat for 
    two years.  He always looks worse at this time of year...because it is 
    mating season and he fights for what he wants.  Capone will sit on 
    the porch with all my other cats...but as soon as another stray comes
    in sight..Capone goes in Action and is one of the meanest kitties I
    have ever seen.  It's amazing that he won't touch my cats....but I
    think he knows he will not be welcomed if he starts fighting with
    mine!!!  I'm finally getting close to Capone where I can touch him..but
    any inkling that I am going to pick him up...he grunts/hisses/growls
    and turns into mean kitty.   I'll get him before the summer is up!!!
    
    Stray cats who have had a rough life.. tend to take a VERY long time 
    to trust humans..and their defense is the hissing and growling to keep 
    you on your toes!!!   Keep working with him...you'll gain that trust!
    
    Sandy 
         

    I, too, have a stray that I am starting to get close to - a big white 
    male - unfortunately, a "whole" male.  But over the course of the
    winter, he and my Scooter (an outdoor cat who lives under my porch -
    came with the house! - and will NOT come in!) have come to an
    understanding.  They eat together, and I've seen them both come out 
    from under the porch together.  And this weekend ** I got to pick him 
    up and cuddle him!!!!  Now to win his trust enough to take him to the
    vet for shots and a bobbing!  He also is looking a bit ragged, with
    some minor injuries.  And he is awfully thin.  He just showed up about
    two months ago.  
    
    So, I have one *real* cuddly (Scooter), one just coming round (White
    Boy), and one big red that I only glimpse occasionlly.  
    
    Oh, but I do have good news about another.  He had been owned by
    someone who lived in the apartment in our house, who took him when they 
    moved.  The cat, however, decided he wanted to be in our neighborhood, 
    and kept coming back, despite repeated tries to move him to his new
    home.  He would not tolerate my crew, and come back into the house
    however.  I just found out that another family in the neighborhood has
    taken him in, and he is an only cat, much loved!  He comes over to
    visit occasionally, and looks very good!  
    
    Linda - appreciating progress!

That's great news about the other stray that was taken in!  He's very lucky
indeed!

I was told this weekend that I should hiss back at Gypsy so he knows who's in
charge...I tried it, and it quiets him down...he l;ooks at me with a "what's
going on here?" expression on his face.  Is this good advice I should follow, or
is it bad??

Laura

    Ro, my daughter and I met JJ yesterday!!!!  What a chatty little chub
    she is.  Very poor prior planning on my part, though--we were returning
    from an overnight in Maine and didn't have any kitty food with us, so I
    felt like a real jerk making her acquaintaince without an offering. 
    Alexandra and I approached the bushes out front very slowly, crouched
    down and saw her immediately; she started yakking up a storm and
    ventured fairly close, though not out of the bushes.  We talked with
    her for a while and I did what I could for an hors d'oeuvre for her: a
    little chunk of leftover Havarti cheese!  Put it down near her (I was
    aiming for a foot away from her) but she backed away (insulted?) when she 
    saw me reach in.  We said goodbye, hoping that when we left she'd
    investigate the cheese.
    
    What kind of canned food does she like best?  We could do the Saturday
    & Sunday visits (your .357)... do you leave a bowl there we could put
    it in?  I don't want to litter with paper plates....
    
    Anyway, she's a cutie, and she certainly was friendly to this totally
    absurd stranger who dropped in on her!
    
    Leslie  

    Leslie, how kind of you to visit JJ!  Just wait until she gets used to
    you; in fact, if she does, I'm going to make you hide with the cat
    carrier while I try to pick her up!  :^) :^)
    
    I only visited her once yesterday, and when I got there this morning
    she had eaten all of her dry food.  There is always a bowl of dry food
    there; I will replenish it with lots before leaving on Friday, plus
    leave her two cans of moist.  She'll eat anything!  I've been giving
    her mostly 9 lives canned and Whiskas, but she'll even eat the cheap
    store name brands as well.  I have been overfeeding her though -- two
    six ounce cans in the morning and two at night -- way too much!  I only
    left her two cans yesterday which is probably why she ate all the dry. 
    I have to wean her off all this food -- it's getting way too
    expensive!!  If you can get there once Saturday and once Sunday and
    leave two cans each day, she'll live!  :^)  My guess is she has worms
    which is making a lot of the food go right through her.
    
    I am going to call my vet this week and see if she will plan another
    day to meet me there and we'll try again, but this time, I'll try to do
    the catching and Linda can hide with the carrier!  Once JJ sees that
    carrier it doesn't matter who she trusts 'cause she doesn't trust a pet
    taxi!!
    
    Oh, and to the noter who suggested letting her rub her face on my hand
    (I'm sorry; I can't remember your first name.), she will do that quite
    a bit and also give lots of head butts; however, when I physically
    pat her head she swats at me.  I have 3 new scratches from the weekend! 
    My hands look about 10 years older than my age!
    
    Thank you, Leslie!  Now I won't have to worry about JJ all weekend,
    just my own kitties.  Even though I have a pet sitter, I've never left
    them overnights at all!  I even took next Monday as a vacation day to be
    able to spend time with them.
    
    -Roberta
    

    Sorry Leslie, forgot to answer one of your questions.
    
    I feed her the canned on paper plates.  I just keep a plastic bag in my
    car and remove the old ones and put down a new one.  I keep her feeding
    station on the far right of the bushes (if you're facing JJ's from
    Route 20) near the big silver heater.  There's a little alcove with the
    silver heater on the right, and her feeding station is on the left,
    right at the end of the bushes.
    

    This is great, Alex will be so excited that we'll be helping JJ for
    you.  I did notice the silver heater alcove so I know we'll be all set,
    and I'm ridiculously anxious for JJ to see us bearing gifts of an
    appropriate nature!  (Yesterday I hadn't even thought to stop and see
    JJ til we went under Route 9--a completely impulse visit, while it was
    still light out.)
    
    Sad to think that some of that roly-poliness could be worms :-( but I
    remember that the Siamese "girls" I've known turned into little
    skinny-legged *balloons* just from overeating... they don't seem to
    gain weight anywhere but the belly.
    
    I wonder if smelling our "boys" on us (and surely the scent would be on
    our clothes--shoes anyway--after only 24 hours) made her think "Friend
    of Cats" or "Red Alert: Owned by Other Cats of the Male Persuasion"?!
    
    Leslie

    There are a lot of regulars at the restaurant who know about JJ and
    bring her leftovers.  She had prime rib the other night.  She seems to
    know that anyone who sticks their head into the bushes probably has
    food to offer.  She will probably come right up to you and eat out of
    your hand, but try to touch her and she's very over cautious.
    
    The neatest thing is that she knows my car now.  There could be several
    cars parked along the bushes, but as soon as I pull up she runs right
    up to my car to greet me, before I even open the door.  She's such a
    smart little girl!  I love your description of skinny legs and all
    stomach... that fits her to a T!  I am just praying she was spayed in a
    previous life!!
    

    Well, JJ loves us now!  We made our appointed rounds (around 4:30 on
    Saturday and 5:30 yesterday).  Saturday she forgave us our original 
    indiscretion of not bearing edible offerings (though she chastised us 
    vocally) and was very impatient for us to get the @$%^& chicken dinner
    out of the can.  She still had plenty of dry food and had left a little
    of Friday's canned on its paper plate!  What a little porker, and does
    she have all of us Feliners trained well!
    
    Yesterday she practically trotted over to us and **GASP** she
    head-butted us!!!  Yes!  I was too stunned to do anything when she
    first did it; then I turned my hand so she could rub against my
    knuckles, and finally I "snuck" a little touch to her side.  She gave
    me a dirty look but *didn't hiss* so I was overjoyed and didn't push my
    luck any further - she got her dinner pronto and we beat feet out of
    there (to show that we respect her right to a solitary evening of
    dining pleasure).
    
    Wow!
    Leslie

    Leslie,
    
    Thanks for helping out!  I'm sure JJ appreciated it.  I know I did!
    
    Guess what everyone?  I CAUGHT JJ THIS MORNING!!  I'm so excited I can
    hardly type.  She's at the vet right now.  I brought her to my
    housecall vet in Grafton -- Dr. Linda Breitman.
    
    When I saw JJ last night I had a strong feeling she is pregnant, and I
    knew since I have today off I had to get her.  So I called my friend
    Madeline at work (the woman who alerted me to JJ's plight), and she met
    me there and hid behind my car with the carrier.  I fed JJ, and while
    she was head butting me afterwards I just grabbed her by the scruff and
    pulled her out of the bushes while Madeline ran towards me with the
    carrier.
    
    JJ was very scared, and Linda wasn't able to examine her upon arrival. 
    JJ was hissing and lunging, so Linda transferred her to a larger cage
    and will wait until her husband comes home tonight to examine her and
    draw blood for the felv test.  Linda's husband is also a vet so
    together they can handle JJ.
    
    If she is pregnant and too far along to abort, her foster mom has
    agreed to keep both her and the babies until homes can be found.  If
    Linda isn't certain if she's pregnant she'll go ahead and spay her and
    give her vaccines, etc.
    
    All of you who offered to donate, we would really appreciate your help. 
    I would like her foster mom not to be stuck with a huge vet bill, and I
    plan to do what I can to help.  I know JJ would appreciate all her fans
    coming to her rescue.  I know she is going to be a wonderful cat once
    she understands no one means her any harm.  Her foster mom recently
    lost her eldery Siamese, and feels JJ might be the perfect addition to
    her cat family.
    
    Please contact me off-line if you would like to donate, and thanks to
    all of you for cheering me on and giving me the confidence to catch
    her.
    
    -Roberta
    
    
    

    Great news for an otherwise ordinary Monday morning!!  Now I don't care
    what they do to me for the rest of today, my day is already made!!
    Good work, Roberta.  Your patience and caring have been rewarded.  I'm
    happy for JJ, too, who is about to know a lifetime of love and comfort.
    
    Happy vernal equinox to everyone,
    Carl

    Great job Roberta.....I knew you would do it soon!!!!!  Let's pray
    JJ tests all come back negative!!!  You made my day.....
    
    Sandy

    congrats!  I know how great a feeling it is when you finally manage to
    get the feral.
    
    I'm sure she will be spoiled in no time :-)
    
    Deb and THE FIRM
    

    FANTASTIC - I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes - what a saga!
    
    Linda

    Hooray!  Good news on a Monday for a change!!  Fantastic job,
    Roberta!!
    
    Pam

    
    
    	Wahoo!!  Yippeee!!  applaud, applaud, applaud!
    
    	Way to go Roberta!
    
    	Got all fingers and paw crossed that she tests fine
    	for everything and *isn't* pregnant.
    
    	I wish I could help out with the bills but Uncle Sam is
    	taking most of my extra $$$.  Maybe in a couple weeks I
    	can send some along.
    
    	JJ
    
    	

    re: -1
    
    I second JJ's ( the person's ;))happy remarks.  Roberta, you're terrific.  
    I'll contact you off-line re helping with vet bills.
    
    Steffi

	Great news, I'm very happy to hear this!

	Well done!

	Heather

         Fantastic, Roberta, I *knew* you could do it!
    
         Keeping my fingers crossed for good results!
    
    					- Andrea

Way to go, Roberta!!  My fingers are also crossed that all JJ's tests are
negative!!

Hugs,
Laura

    Dr. Breitman called me at home last night to let me know that JJ's felv
    test came back negative, and that she is definitely pregnant!  Her
    delivery date is difficult to pinpoint, but Dr. B. suspects within a
    week or two, possibly less.  However, she is VERY distraught and
    stressed and scared... to be expected... but it doesn't make me feel
    very good about rescuing her.  I wish there was a way to convince a cat
    that what you are doing is for her own good.  Dr. B. said the stress of
    being caught could delay her labor.  Aside from a mild case of ear
    mites she is in good health.  Dr. B. had to give her a mild sedative to
    examine her because JJ was too wild to be handled.
    
    JJ's foster mom is driving down from NH tomorrow, meeting me here at
    work, and we will then go to pick up JJ.  Hopefully once she is in her
    new home and has her own room she'll feel more comfortable.  Dr. B.
    said she has not eaten, drank water, or used the litterbox since
    arriving there.  Poor baby is so upset!
    
    I will post more information as I learn it.  Thanks again for all the
    support!
    
    -Roberta
    
    
    -Roberta

    
    
    	Roberta,
    
    	You still did the right thing!  She's pretty PO'd right
    	now but she'll be much more comfortable giving birth in
    	a nice warm house than outside.  The babies will have a
    	better chance of survival and she'll calm down eventually!
    	She's just had her world turned upside down but it's 
    	definitely for the better and she'll understand that 
    	sooner or later!  =)
    
    	JJ
    

Exactly!!  Feel real good about catching her Roberta, what would those poor
little kittens have to look forward to in their lives being born out in the wild
and being feral?  You've given them a real good chance of having happy, loving
lives!!

Hugs,
Laura

    Roberta, thanks for the update!  So glad she's healthy (if annoyed),
    and it's so great that she'll very soon be in the foster home for her 
    kittens to be born into.  Keep telling yourself how very lucky *they* are
    that you put in all that time and work and love.  It must have been
    very hard to make that grab, but you were on a humanitarian
    (feline-itarian? :-}) mission, and JJ will be so much happier from now
    on.
    
    I'll miss the conversations I had with her, though ]:3
    
    Leslie

    
    I LOV IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER!!! :-)
    
    Way to go Roberta!  
    
    Don't worry, JJ is a smart little girl, she will figure it all out soon
    enough!
    
    Feline So Happy!
    
    Sue & Crew
    

    One more reply from me in here.
    
    Thanks all!!  I have a few scratches but the rescue was worth it!  I
    can't wait to see JJ again and have a human to cat chat with her.  If
    her babies look anything like she does, they will have no problems
    being adopted into loving homes.  I don't think JJ is pure Siamese, but
    that cute face and those big blue eyes are enough to make you melt!
    

    She will hopefully calm down after she has her babies. A neighbor of
    mine caught a feral cat with newborns and I remember babysitting the
    kitties one weekend. The mom was friendly with her babies. When the
    babies got adopted that is when the mother cat got all out of sorts.
    
    Now that JJ has had human contact first, this should help and after
    the babies are born she will devote her attention to them and forget
    about the fact that she was put into a strange environment.  The
    restaurant is her only place of comfort that she can probably
    know/remember. once she gets used to her new home that will be a 
    pleasant place for her.
    
    Sandy
    
    p.s. if any money is needed let me know, I can mail it from GA.

    
    My two beautiful little girls (Robin and Blueberry) are of "mixed
    Siamese" parentage (one year old next week!) so I'm optimistic for
    JJ's babies being similar stunners.
    
    len.
    

    My Panther and Eirene are of a Siamese father and a solid black domestic
    shorthair. They are both solid blacks with the siamese build and skull,
    and are very striking in appearance (especially when viewed togeather).
    
    Deb

    Len,
    
    I am looking at the pictures you mailed, and thought all the Siamese
    mixes were Robin, but now see they are BOTH Robin and Blueberry.  Wow,
    if only JJ's babies are that gorgeous!!  Len's kitties are really
    something!
    

    Roberta Roberta....you know in your heart you did the right thing
    for JJ...and give her a little time and let her gain the trust of
    humans...and she'll think she is in heaven!!!!!  My wildest rescues
    have turned into my most loving kitties!!!!
    
    You KNOW what would have happened to those babies if they had
    been born on Rt 9!!!   
    
    Congrats and thanks to Linda for fostering JJ and babies!!
    
    Sandy

    The Honorable Colonel Sebastian Moran, DROFFC, salutes Roberta on her
    gallant rescue of his distinguished Feline Associate, JJ. As he himself
    was rescued from the vets almost at the moment he was to be put down,
    he understands the importance of being given a second chance. He has
    dispatched his monthly allowance to assist with JJ's bills. A full 21
    gun salute to Roberta from The Colonel!
    
    Sari, scribe to The Colonel

    
    Way to go, Roberta!
    
    We have nicknamed my stray, the "porch monster", because s/he 
    has claimed the 3x3 porch as her domain.  I can now pick hir
    up, and it's a good thing, because I had to use a glove to remove
    the 3 ft piece of bramble s/he had dragging from her hind end.
    S/he follows me up to the barn, where I have been testing the waters,
    so to speak, by brushing her for a few minutes, trying to clean hir
    up a bit.  So far, the reaction to handling is good.  The downside
    is that s/he had a run in with a skunk, and lost!  maybe it's time
    to change the nickname to "Pepe La Phew the porch monster"....(8
    
    Lynne 

    Looks like I may have a new addition to the family. You may recall my
    mentioning a large black and white stray hanging about. Well, for the
    last three mornings I've come downstairs to find him happily curled up
    in one of my armchairs. My own two are ignoring him at the moment
    instead of hissing at him. He's still hissing when I feed him, but not
    for long.
    I'm calling him Napoleon because he looks so battered. 

    I like the way he just came in and made himself at home.  Definitely
    the ruling type.  ;)
    
    Welcome, Napoleon.
    
    Steffi

    This is getting unreal. 
    
    The other morning, I was getting dressed and I heard snarling
    downstairs. 
    "Oh Lord, Jimmy's fighting." I thought. But no, both my two were
    sitting on the bed, looking enquiringly at me. 
    Well, I'm upstairs, and the cats are upstairs...who's making the row?!!
    
    Down I went, to find THREE cats whom I have never seen before IN MY
    LIFE, squaring up to each other in MY KITCHEN!!! All three saw Jimmy
    and me at the same time and all three made a bolt for the cat-flap,
    with predictable results (at which, I'm afraid, I just had to laugh).
    
    I opened the back door for them so that they could all run away
    together, and I haven't seen them since. Napoleon wasn't involved,
    although the next time he turned up, he had a bite-mark on his
    shoulder. 
    
    What next, I wonder? 

    Just a quick update - yesterday morning Napoleon allowed me to rub his
    tummy!! I couldn't believe it. He rolled right over onto his back and
    seemed to like it, but he didn't purr at all. He is STILL hissing when
    I take him food. Perhaps it's a habit with him now. My own cats have
    taken to sniffing at him. 
    
    What really breaks me up is that every time he turns up, he's got MORE
    scratches and bites. He's definately getting the worst of the fights...

    I think the hissing part is just part of their "act" just to
    continue to show you who's boss!!!   Once a kitty allows you to
    touch his belly...you have won his trust!  BUT..just be careful
    and still take precautions...because he could still scratch you
    if you scare him.
    
    It's a tough time of the year for strays!!  My poor stray, Capone
    is all beat up.   Once he starts looking good...he goes and gets
    himself in another fight and comes back looking worse.  He has spent
    over two years outside...and I WILL capture him this summer and
    atleast get him neutered, shots and tested!!  
    
    Good luck with Napoleon....
    
    Sandy

    I finally did it! I finally, after much battling, strategy, patience
    etc. got Napoleon to the vet!
    
    I caught him this morning. Easy. Got him into a plastic catbox and
    phoned the vet to tell her he was on his way. I think he was so
    surprised that he didn't put up a struggle. All this changed when I put
    him in the car. He fought so much he broke out of the box. I had to
    grab him and tried to take him back into the house but, whilst I was
    trying to hold him and open my front door, he escaped. 
    I thought some rude, unladylike words and went in to get a packet of
    ham. I traced him to the garden two doors down and spent nearly an hour
    (and the whole packet of ham) crawling along the hedges, trying to catch 
    him.
    It went something like this:
    
    1. Coax out cat with ham.
    2. Whilst cat is preoccupied stuffing his face, grab cat and hold him
    tight. Ignore all growls and hisses.
    3. Get to front door. Cat escapes while door is being opened.
    4. Repeat from 1.
    
    Added twists were the arrival of my neighbours (I'm sure they think I'm
    mad, but they didn't mind as soon as I explained) and my cat Jimmy, who
    also wanted some ham!
    
    Finally I left the door open whilst catching him and this time managed
    to get him into the house. I left him shut up in my bathroom while I
    dashed round to my mother to borrow her wire lion-proof cage. After a
    little persuasion, Napoleon ended up in the cage in my car, bound for
    the vet.
    
    I walked into the vets, with the cat still snarling and growling, my
    t-shirt torn, bloody and covered with cat-hair, my arms scratched and
    bleeding and said "I think he heard the word 'castration'!"
    
    He calmed down when she took him inside, though. All being well, I
    shall pick him up tomorrow afternoon. 
    I wonder if he'll ever forgive me?!
                        

    Ahhh...the wonderful pleasure of capturing a stray!!!!  Great job..
    and my fingers are crossed that all goes well at the vets!!!
    He'll forgive you as soon as he see's another piece of HAM!!!
    
    Sandy

    Well, he's had a visit to the vet (they say he's fine - I've got to
    pick him up later), but it looks like I'm in for a visit to the doctor.
    
    Some of the scratches are swollen, red and infected and I've got a bit of 
    a temperature to go with it. 
    Serves me right, I suppose. Thank goodness, I'm up to date with the
    tetnus injections.
    
    

    Don't take any chances this those scratches - see a doctor RIGHT
    AWAY, especially since you've got a fever! (cat scratch fever??
    there is such a thing!)
    
    I got bit by a shelter cat about three years ago, and I didn't
    take care of it right away - by that evening, I had the beginnings
    or blood poisoning (the red line was starting to form) and by
    morning, the line was up to my elbow.  Even though you have had
    a recent tetanus, it doesn't prevent blood poisoning!  They almost
    put me in the hospital.  You need antibiotics right away!
    
    I don't want to scare you - but it can be very serious!
    
    Let us know how you've made out,
    Pam

    I'd ditto the advice to take care of the scratches.  I did get cat
    scratch fever several years ago and it isn't anything to joke around
    about.  It gets into your lymph nodes and they swell up and get 
    dreadfully painful.  
    
    Laura

    I've got some tablets and cream from the doctor now, so that's OK.
    Thanks for the warnings. I've heard about cat-fever, but I've never had
    it yet, and I'd like to keep it that way!
    
    The cat is fine! "Keep him inside and give him lots of love and
    attention" says the receptionist.
           
    I reminded her that he is a stray.
    
    "Oh, then just keep an eye out for him and if he looks a bit
    off-colour, bring him in."
    
    He ALWAYS looks off-colour. He's so battered up, he'd need plastic
    surgery to look like a normal well-adjusted cat. Still, I shall do my
    best - If he looks like he's about to expire, I'll try and catch him
    again.
    
    I think he's OK, though. As soon as that box was open, he was tearing off 
    down the garden as though the Hounds of Hell were at his tail! 
    
    Not much wrong with HIM!            
                                        

    Great news about kitty and you!!!  I also have one stray left
    outside that looks awful.  He was "king of the neighborhood" but
    I think his age has caught up with him and some younger cats are
    beating the crap out of him.  His poor face is all scratched...
    he is filthy, getting thin, and his ear is torn for the third time 
    this summer!  Poor guy!
    
    My current cat situation doesn't allow me to capture him and
    confine him right now...BUT I'm hoping I can do it by the fall
    and also introduce him to my household.  I will feel SO guilty if 
    something happens to him in the meantime!
    
    Great job in capturing your kitty...I'm sure he'll do fine and
    is VERY happy to have his freedom back!!!
    
    Sandy
    
         

    
    Hi Julie,
    
    WELL DONE!  Be sure to give him treats over the next few weeks whenever
    you see him.  It will help him to forget being "tricked" by treats for
    his last capture and will make him easier to approach if you ever have
    to capture him again!
    
    I hope you are better soon, please keep us posted!
    
    Feline Fine,
    
    Sue & Crew

    Napoleon's fine - he's been back for food and let me stroke him again.
    I'm glad - I don't quite feel up to another battle!
    I'm fine - scratches are healing nicely. I did spend Saturday morning
    in bed feeling a bit off colour, but there's no problem now. It may
    even have been down to the weather - it's been very hot in the South of
    England and I'm not too good with heat.

    It's becoming more and more difficult to remember that mean, hard,
    street-brawling bad guy that Napoleon was up to a few months ago. Who
    would have thought that his op would have made so much difference? 
    For the last week, he has spent most of his time in my kitchen, either
    sleeping happily on the boiler, on one of the chairs, or mewing and
    chattering to me as I cook/wash/whatever. He allows me to pick him up
    and cuddle him, but not for long. I have also, at long last, heard him
    purr. Frequently. In fact, he's been purring almost all the time. He is
    getting plump, too. He was always a big cat, but was very skinny with a
    large head. Now he's a huge monster of a cat, but very friendly. He's
    been sniffing curiously at my other cats. They are all busy making
    friends at the moment. Jim objected to Napoleon taking root at first,
    but he seems to be accepting it now. I expected a display of tantrum
    and jealousy when he saw me cuddle Napoleon, but he seems OK about it.
    
    Looks like I'm going to find moving them all easier than I first
    anticipated!         

Julie,

What an happy update!  Glad to hear things are going so well with Napoleon!

Laura

    I have been making excuses for it for some time. Of course he's bound
    to be grubby: he's a stray; well, he's a big cat; he can't clean behind
    his head properly; he's probably been in some filthy places, sleeping
    rough. Finally I faced up to the truth: Napoleon stinks worse than a
    pigsty on a hot day. I've also been combing out fleas (think I've got
    most of the so-and-sos now). 
    This past couple of days he's been very relaxed and friendly in the
    house, so last night I decided to try giving him a (shhh!) B. A. T. H.
    
    Whilst he was snoozing in blissful ignorance on the settee downstairs I
    popped upstairs and discreetly ran a bath of warm water. I put LOTS of
    baby oil in it because this is supposed to be good for their fleas. I
    know I'm going to have to do the house and my other cats, but this
    seemed like a good opportunity to zap Napoleon's problem a bit. 
    Then I went downstairs and got ready. Having learned from Napoleon's
    trip to the vet, I put on an extra jumper, an old padded jacket, strong
    gardening gloves, thick jeans and boots. Now for the cat!!!
    Surprisingly, he didn't bat an eyelid at my strange appearance. He
    purred happily as I picked him up. "That's right," I thought "You keep
    purring!" I carried him into the bathroom, talking reassuringly to him,
    and shut the door. He looked a bit suspicious at that, so I put him
    down and let him have a sniff round. Then I picked him back up and put
    him in the bath.
    He stared round, looked at me, then realised that he was knee-deep in
    water, let out an ear-splitting yowl and tried to scrabble back out. No
    chance! I held him firmly and rubbed the water (and oil) into his fur.
    "Miiiiiiaaaaaaaooooooowwwwwwwww!" Howling and snarling, he tried
    desperately to escape. It was then that I made an important discovery.
    Oil + cat = VERRRRY slippery cat. He shot out of the bath like a bar of
    wet soap being squeezed, spraying water and oil liberally across the
    room, and made for the door. I caught him again and put him back into
    the bath. I soaped him well. More yowls. Heaven only knows what
    next-door thought! Again he escaped. Again I caught him. He went back
    in the bath for a nice rinse. When the water poured over him, he
    made about the worst noise I've ever heard from a cat. I'm sure he
    thought I was drowning him. He escaped twice more.
    Eventually I managed to get the soap off him. I wrapped a nice warm
    towel round him and drained out the filthy water from the bath. I
    opened up the door and my two cats peered nervously round the door
    ("What are you DOING to him?"). I put him by the radiator downstairs
    and rubbed the excess water off him. He liked that. Then they all got
    some ham. I left him drying himself by the radiator and went upstairs
    to clean the bathroom.
    
    The floor was sopping. Water was sprayed up the walls. The bath didn't
    have a grimy ring around it - it was just covered with dirt and fur. It
    took me an hour to clean up. 
    
    He smells much better now, though.

    
    WOW! Julie, you sure are brave!  I bet he smells nice now too, just
    like your little baby boy, with the baby oil on him!  :-)
    
    Feline in Awe of Brave Julie
    
    Sue & Furry crew who *hate* baths, unless mom is in there too :-)

    Hey Julie, could I get you to come give Dolly a bath?  Last time
    I tried she brought down two shelves in the kitchen breaking all
    the ceramic stuff on them.  And this was just after I put her in
    the sink and got the tiniest bit of water on her tail.
    
    She used the shelf to brace one paw on as she launched herself
    out of the sink.
    
    Jan

	We gave our new kitten a bath Monday night. She was absolutely fine
about it. She got upset when we tried to use a towel to dry her off. It ended
up the only way to dry her was to hold her in my arms and let my sweater absorb
the wetness. Now I know what the absorbant liner in Pampers feels like. It 
also stopped her from shivering too. 


Glen

    I  would like to know if there is anyone I can call to come and catch
    a few strays.. (11). I started feeding 2-3 last winter, feeling sorry
    for them, and now it has expanded to 11, and with the cold and snow
    coming, I'd like them caught, but not put to sleep. I love cats, my
    X and I used to have 8 house cats, but where I live now, they aren;t
    allowed. So whoever catches them must promise not to put them to sleep.
    
    Please let me know, if possible, A.S.A.P. as MY landloard is getting
    sick of them being around also, and if she has them caught, I'm sure
    she won't care if they are put to sleep or not.
    
    Thanks is advance.
    You can either call me at DTN 223-7918, or mail, or even if you were
    to callme at home I would apprecite it. (508)263-5035.
    
    Dick
    

    Dick...there is no easy solution and very limited help unless of
    course you call the MSPCA or Rescue Leaques for assistance ..BUT 
    please understand these are kill shelters and my guess is as
    soon as they catch the cat they will be put to sleep. I'm not sure
    if there are Rescue Leagues that are no-kill.
    
    You could attempt to call some no-kill shelters in your area...but
    based on experience dealing with shelters, I doubt you will find one
    that will rescue 11 cats, take on the major medical expenses, and 
    be able to accept 11 cats at their over-crowded shelters!!  Most 
    no-kill shelters are so overcrowded and have waiting lists that are a 
    mile long.   There is a listing of no-kill shelters in this file..
    so it's worth a shot calling every one of them!
    
    One suggestion which is going to cause you work and money, would be
    to take on the project yourself and capture one cat at a time, have
    it spayed/neutered, and then find it a good home!!  This will not
    be easy....but it is very difficult to find a cat a home that has not
    been fixed or had it's shots/tests.  Talk to your landlord and explain 
    your plan to solve the problem..and then maybe she would allow you to 
    foster one in your home until you can find it a permanent home.  
    
    The sad part is...once you start feeding 2 and do not get them spayed
    or neutered...you always end up with more the next year.
    And within a few more years...those 11 will turn into 100's. (sigh)
    
    Sandy 
    

    a week or so ago, My Wife and I came home from a friends at around
    1130pm and found this very pretty cat at our back door (must have been 
    talking to Navajo, who was sitting in the window staring at this cat) the
    cat was very friendly, rubbing my leg as I fumbled with the keys to
    unlock the door. the cat was somewhat clean and not matted so I figured
    he was an awol cat and from the area...it was still warm out so I
    thought best to leave it outside, as Navajo would mostly attack it. BTW
    Navajo is what 9 months old and pushing @15 lbs, he is not fat he is
    very big in length and height, the lost cat was very small.....well the
    next day my Daughter was outside and found the cat in the back yard.
    She came to me with the cat and ask if we could keep it (like any kid
    would do as this cat was very pretty) I told her that we should make a
    call to the animal officer (a friend of mine) to see if someone was
    looking for it 1st...and as I was looking for the number, a woman was
    driving by very slowly and notice Julie with the cat in her arms. she
    stopped the car in the middle of the road and came running up the
    driveway...in tears I might add....it was her cat :') he had been awol
    for two days...well this warmed my heart :') she was so happy she gave
    Julie and her friend each $5, which made their day :')...just a happy
    story !
    
    Chris

    I just LOVE a happy ending...thanks for sharing!!
    
    Sandy

    Well the cat count in note 31.413 has risen to 15, 4 kittens came
    out of the bushes last night to eat. Tried looking up the MSPCA in my
    lacal phone book, but couldn't find it, or any shelters, I'm REALLY
    getting worried about the winter coming, and don't know what to do.
    Some of my family members say to just stop feeding them, and my come
    back to that is, would you like it if someone stopped feeding you to
    let you die of starvation??? I personally can't do that, I'd rather see
    them caught and put to rest than let them starve do death, although, I
    really don't want them caught and put to death either, but I have no
    choice in the matter I guess.
    
    Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
    
    Dick
    

    I'm not sure where you live...but I did publish a list of no-kill
    shelters in note 812.1 for the MA, NH area.   My guess is if you
    can atleast capture the kittens, you might have better luck for
    a shelter to take them in.   It would be worth a shot calling
    each one of the shelter and asking for some help!!
    
    It's so sad to see homeless cats.....(sigh).  I have worked on
    my neighborhood problem for over 4 years (19 cats rescued and
    about 5 of them just disappeared) and I now only have ONE left
    who I'm trying to capture!!   Once he's capture...I will no longer
    leave food on my porch because I know more will find me....and I
    just can't deal with more!!
    
    Good luck...I do have the Boston (617-426-9170) and Worcester
    (508-853-0030) Animal Rescue Leaque numbers....but I do believe
    these shelters do euthanzie.  Another place to try is the People
    for Animals Leaque (in Charleton) at 508-248-7342.  Again..my
    list is old so the numbers might not be correct.
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Look in your phone book and see if there's a group called National
    Pet Alliance.  They're not a shelter but at the very least they
    might be able to help you capture the cats.  They have a program
    called TTVAR (trap, test, vaccinate, alter, release) that could
    help with the health related issues.  They test the cats and if 
    they test negative for FELV, etc. then they alter and release 
    them.
    
    Jan

    Well my last stray (Capone) in my neighborhood needs your good
    thoughts and prayers!!   I have been feeding Capone for over two
    years and he was one of the most wildest cats I have had to
    deal with.  Over the last month I have been working with him
    very hard because I wanted him captured by the winter.  He has
    spent atleast 3 winters outside...and I swore he would NOT
    spend another one out there.  I did reach a point where I can
    pat his head...but that was it!!!  He is completely trap smart..
    so that was never an option even though I tried it a few times!!
    
    Well last week, Capone disappeared for 2 days which is very unusual
    for him because he normally is fed at 5:30AM, 5:30PM, and back at
    8:00PM for a special treat. (baby food or chicken).   On Friday,
    we spotted Capone walking VERY slowly and he went into my shed.
    Ernie knew something was wrong..so he bolted the door and kept
    Capone in there until I got home!!   
    
    We don't know what happened to Capone,,,but it appears something
    is wrong with his backend.  It almost looks like he got hit by
    a car, kicked by a human, or got into a bad bad cat fight because
    it appears his tail might be broken...and his backend is low.  We
    tried to capture him and put him in the carrier on Saturday....
    but we did him more harm then good because he flipped out.  He
    is flipping just because he is confined...never mind because
    he is hurt and we tried using a blanket over him to put him
    in the carrier.   He spent the weekend in my shed...and he's eating
    good and resting well.
    
    Priscilla from the shelter...is coming over this afternoon and
    we're going to try again to get him in the carrier and off to
    the vet.  Priscilla has alot of experience with wild kitties...
    so I'm sure she'll have better luck then us.
    
    Please keep Capone in your thoughts and your prayers.  I'm kicking
    myself in the butt...for not being able to rescue him before he
    got hurt...but it's not like we didn't try!!   I just want to
    bring him back home and show him what love is all about.  I always
    said that the inn is full...but I always knew once I captured
    Capone...he would be OURS!!  I just hope he makes it....
    
    Sandy

    Good luck to Capone...keeping my fingers crossed...just a thought
    that came up reading your note...would it be an option to put
    a mild sedative in his food? 
    
    TJ

    We had asked the vet about a mild sedative on Saturday...but
    they would prefer not giving him one until they actually know
    what is wrong with him.
    
    The mild sedative will be our last option...but I do believe
    knowing Priscilla  and her persistance with wild kitties...I'm
    sure she'll catch him!!
    
    Sandy  
    
    

    Sandy,
    
    You did everything you could to get to Capone before he was 
    injured.  Don't let feelings of guilt get to you on this.  I
    know first hand how it feels to kick yourself repeatedly for
    not getting the rescue done before an injury occurs.  It happened
    to me with Dusty.  Unfortunately, his injury was so extensive
    that he had to be put to sleep because of it.
    
    I wish you the best of luck with Capone.  I'm keeping my fingers
    crossed that the injury isn't as bad as it appears.
    
    Jan

    Sandy,
    
    good luck. I know how difficult this is. Every time I captured a ferel,
    I had to make up my mind that once I got a grip on the cat that I would
    not let go until I was in the house (bathroom) with the door shut, no
    matter how hard I was bit or scratched. It is sort of a mind over
    matter thing, and proably not the best thing to do (infection and all),
    but it was the only way that worked with Harry.
    
    good luck,
    Deb
    
    

    Well the GREAT news is...Capone is now at the vets!!  Priscilla
    used a noose to get him...and had very limited problems getting 
    him in the carrier.  He's such a mean bugger-boo...they said they 
    will most likely have to gas him just to check him out. 
    
    I'm sure Capone isn't very happy right now...but boy if he makes
    it through this, Ernie and I will ensure he lives the rest of
    his life as a spoiled kitty!!  The poor big guy probably has
    no idea what is happening to him!!  BUT..I'm thrilled to know
    that after he got hurt..he did come back to seek us out..so
    I'm hoping he knows we're doing this for his own good.
    
    Keep good thoughts coming...I'm a bit nervous to find out what
    is wrong with him and hopefully it will be something not life
    threatening!!
    
    Sandy (who can't imagine what this vet bill will cost!!)
    

    This is good news!  Hope you get work back soon on what the problem
    is.
    
    >Sandy (who can't imagine what this vet bill will cost!!)
    
    Try not to think about it.  Use the Scarlett O'Hara method like I
    do..."I'll think about that tomorrow.  After all, tomorrow is 
    another day." :^)
    
    Jan

    Sandy,
    That is great that you caught Capone!!!  I agree, don't think about it
    today.  See what you are up against first!
    Karen

    I'm just whining about the cost...because I know no matter what
    it cost we will do what we need to do to save Capone!!  I worked
    too hard on the big guy....and he deserves a loving home once
    and for all!!!   I'm use to a VERY high vet bill that constantly
    grows!!
    
    They couldn't work on Capone yesterday because he had ate a big
    meal and got there late, so they will be working on him today.  I'm 
    calling around 1:00 to get the scoop.  My darn stomach is in knots...
    and hopefully I can go visit him tonight so he can spit at me!!!
    
    thanks for all your good thoughts and prayers...
    
    Sandy 
    
                                                                    

    good luck!
    
    think the big guy will be home for Thanksgiving?
    
    Deb

    Wow wow wow...home for Thanksgiving...heck he's coming home
    tonight!!!
    
    They found no broken bones on Capone..and they feel his backend
    is only bruised and it's probably from being kicked.  He was
    neutered, given his shots, and they did draw blood for the Feluk/FIV
    test but I do not have the results yet!!!!  The only bad part is...
    he has poop on his backend...and they didn't bother to wash it
    off so he's pretty smelly!!!!
    
    Wow...I'm so excited and I bet he'll be happy to come home too!!!
    
    Sandy
    

     With the cold weather approaching I have been concerned about a gray and 
    white cat that has been hanging around the Digital facility in Tewksbury. 
    It has been here for about a month now and is loosing weight and looks
    rough, It is usually along the entrance road between the site and 
    McDonald's just on the edge of the woods or in the tall grass. It does
    have water because the pond is here.
     I have tried approaching it but it walks away when I try to get close.
    I would be willing to take it home if it could be caught but it is
    difficult for me because I live out of town and don't have that much
    time to do it, nor do I have a trap. I brought some food in today and a
    cat carrier but couldn't get close enough..
    
    Any suggestions????
    
     

    One suggestion is to contact some local shelters and see if they
    will atleast trap him for you.   They are more apt to help...
    knowing your willing to pay the medical expenses and also give
    him a good home.
    
    Doesn't it break your heart seeing them outside during this time
    of year...sigh!!   Atleast keep his belly full...so he has a chance
    of surviving the cold winter.
    
    Sandy

    Lu,  Hi!  It's Denise from security....I'm down at TAY most of the
    time now, but when I go to TWO I have seen the cat too.  he's been
    around since September when I was still there full time.  Have you
    asked the security people there now if they have tried to feed him?
    If food were presented regularly with a warm smile, I'm sure he'd
    stop by more often.  Even you could put some food out somewhere.
    He does hang out around the back near the dumpster area (probably
    looking for food) and even walks right by the lobby a lot.  I would
    probably put some out front on the side between C and B blg  along the
    front where no one else would see it and he won't get run over since
    not too many cars pass near there.  Just let Scot in maintenance know
    so he won't throw stuff out.  Maybe a box turned on its' side with a
    blanket would be inviting.  He is very skittish and runs but I have had
    a couple brief talks with him on staying out of the roadways.  With
    your help and security's help,  I'm sure you could catch him.  I still
    Chief Kitty, the official TWO mascot of long ago who was a homeless
    kitty we started feeding.  He used to catch mice and rabbits and leave
    the deposits right in front of the lobby doors!  He was  more punctual
    and had better attendance than any of the humans!  Most people really
    liked him, in fact I still have people ask me about him,  but the
    management said NO...so he came home with me.  He's somewhere around
    15 years old now.   He just took some food and someone to talk with.
    
    Denise

 I placed a can of food and a box in the woods by the pond yesterday
(closer to the rotary). When I came in today I checked and the food 
was gone but I have no idea if the cat ate it or something else. I 
dumped some dry food by the box this morning so I hope it finds it today. 
I'm wondering if I shouldn't have placed it closer to the building....but 
everytime I've seen him/her it has been up the road.  I'm worried, with the 
cold weather and the posibility of the site closing, if it will make it 
thru the winter.

 Someone is going to let me borrow a have-a-heart trap next week so
I'll try my luck during the day.
 

    re: Capone
    
    Well my big old man Capone is still resting comfortably in my 
    cellar.  Believe it or not...he tested negative for both Feluk 
    and FIV which shocked both me and Ernie because he is definietly
    the "Tom" of the neighborhood and has come home with way too 
    many battle wounds!!  (no more!!)
    
    The poor guy is still hurting and has lost control of his urine
    and stools so he goes wherever he is laying.  He also has a small
    amount of blood in his urine and the vets say that he is very badly
    bruised and might take a few months to recuperate.  He does walk
    around...but is pretty slow and spends most of his time in his
    basket with a big fluffy blanket which gets washed twice a day!!
    He's eating like a PIG...so he hasn't lost his appetite.
    
    Every time I go in the cellar he spits at me at first...but once
    he realizes its MOM, he lets me pat his head and he'll eat baby food
    from my finger.  I worked with him this weekend and I even got
    hit to stretch out his neck so I could pat him under his chin!!!  
    
    It so nice seeing Capone in my cellar...especially where it snowed
    last night and I remember so many winters watching him slide down
    the street after eating on my porch.  I just hope the big guy
    can heal internally.....has anyone else had a cat that has gone
    through this trauma??   How long did it take to recuperate??
    
    Sandy
    
    Sandy 

    Sandy,
    Twice in my life I have had a cat that was badly bruised.  It can take
    a few weeks.  If he has blood in his urine (almost said urine in his
    urine!), he must have been severely damaged.  Keep a close eye on him.
    Should you re-test again?  I think under the circumstances it might be
    wise.\
    CAn you call me at dtn:226-6856 today?
    Karen

    RE: Update on Capone!
    
    Well it's been about three weeks since Capone came home from
    the hospital after what we believe he got hit by a car!.  For 
    the first week he spent most of his time laying down on the 
    floor in a basket with a fluffy blanket.  He barely moved...and 
    definitely couldn't even walk the stairs.   During the second week
    we notice alot more movement and found Capone up on my husbands work
    bench and sleeping in boxes that were off the ground.  By the third
    week we find Capone up on top of the locker (7 ft locker) and sitting
    in the window sills getting some sun!!!!   He definitely can move
    around more and his back legs have alot more strength!  
    
    There is no more blood in his urine...but he still does not have full
    control of his bowels or urine; therefore he still makes messes and
    his backend looks very dirty!  The vet say this is always the last
    thing to come back...and it may take a month or two to get over it!!
    His poor tail still drags....and if I don't see any improvement soon
    I'm going to have to get him back to the vets.
    
    The good news is..he is eating like a pig and he has started to clean
    his face, neck, front paws and back!  (he's having a very hard time
    cleaning his butt..which needs it the most!!)  The GREAT news is...
    we are becoming buddies!!!   I have been using the Tellington Touches
    to gain his trust, relax him, and hopefully he will soon let me
    touch his injury so I can try to help.   When I walk down the
    cellar I get this mean dirty cat staring at me, growling and hissing
    away!!  I start talking softly and using one finger to do circles on
    the top of his head..and then I slowly start using all fingers and
    rub his ears.  We have reached a point that I can scratch him under 
    the chin and he stretches his neck so I can reach it (his jowls are 
    in the way...they are HUGE) and his eyes roll in the back of his head
    and he looks like he is in heaven!! I think I heard a purr...but he's
    to tough to admit it!!!  I can touch him anywhere on the head, chin,
    mouth, ears, and back of the neck.  I'm slowly trying to make my way
    down his spine...but he really don't enjoy that yet but I'm sure it's
    because he is still sore!
    
    Last night for the first time...I heard him cry to go out and he
    came over to me and rubbed up against me!!  I want to reach a point
    where I can pill him if needed, get him to the vets without having
    to use a noose....and also be able to wash his behind, but I think 
    I still have ALOT of work to do!!! (but hey...we're making GREAT 
    progress!!  
    
    He looks like he has put on a few pounds......and I'm so happy to
    know he is living in my cellar after watching him struggle to live
    through two winters outside..   I know he'd probably prefer
    to be out...but he's not going anywhere until he gets over his
    injury!  
    
    Sandy

Sandy,

I'll say you're making GREAT progress!!!!  Wonderful to hear!!

Hugs,
Laura

         That's fantastic, Sandy - keep up the good work!
    
    					- Andrea

update....

  We were successful this morning in capturing the stray that has been
here since September.

  It does appear to have sight problems and I have made arrangement to
bring it to the vet when I leave for home today so it can be checked 
out.

    Congratulations!  Persistance does pay off...
    
    With the winter weather finally setting in it's good to know that 
    the cat will be warm and fed.  Please keep us posted on it's progress.
    
    Sharon

    Just an update for reply 31.413. The Pat Brody shelter have gotten 10
    of the 15-16 strays I ended up with, the most important thing is, they
    have gotten 7 of the 8 new kittens, still one more to go, hopefully
    tonight so it won't freeze.
    
    Thanks
    
    Dick
    

    Great news Dick...I'm glad the shelter is helping you out!  The
    thought of strays outside in this very cold weather really bothers
    me!!  If you can find out the shelter name Priscilla is going to
    call them...let me know because I do volunteer work for them and
    I can give them some attention.
    
    Sandy
    
    

    	Yesterday My Brother Dave, who lives next to a state forest, took
    in a nice long white haired female to join his other two cats, Bunny
    and Curly (Sis & Bro tag team) the new added cat had been hanging out
    around his house for the past few weeks....Dave tried to get us or my
    Mom & Dad to take the stray (we could not, landlord will only allow one
    cat and Navajo is having a hard time sharing space with the Christmas
    tree) and Mom & Dad are never home to really give it the attention
    cats need....well Dave broke down and took the stray in ! Curly don't
    mind the added feature to the house but Bunny could live without the
    new one (I guess two females just can't get along that well ?)
    
    just felt like sharing the news of another stray getting a warm and
    loving home for the winter....
    
    
    Chris

    
    
    Just a little reminder, when you decide to bring in a stray to add
    to add to the household, if you already have cats, please first bring
    the stray to vet and have it checked. We live on the seacoast and 
    are pretty active in capturing strays and bringing them to the 
    nokill seacoast feline rescue center. Off the lot, a high precentage 
    unfortunately tested possitive with Feline Aids. 
    Also, there was just a bit in the news today, about the incredible
    amount of rabid racoons in the area, there was this kitten that had 
    been bit by one and all the poeple that had contact with the kitten, 
    all the staff at a vets at Hampton had to go through the rabies
    treatment and from what they said it is not an experience that you'd 
    want to go through if you can avoid it. 
    
    Shaw

    RE: Capone
    
    Capone needs your warm thoughts and well wishes once again.  He
    is back at the vets and will most likely have to have his tail
    amputated today.  Poor baby.....if he had been a bit more friendly
    when he first came him I would have had a chance to look at the tail
    more closely and possibly even save it, but it wasn't until last week
    did I really have a chance to get close to his backend and noticed
    how bad it was. (sigh..)
    
    The most wonderful news is...I have reached his heart (and he has
    reached mine) because I picked him up and put him in the carrier
    with no struggle what-so-ever.   Of course when we got to the vets,
    he was growling at the vet assistant, but as I stood by his cage 
    he started rubbing up against my finger.  I'm not sure if he was 
    saying "thanks for helping..or get me the hell out of here NOW"...   
    
    Now...we just have to make it through this operation...and hopefully
    he can come home to stay.   Does anyone know how long they keep an
    animal if it has a tail amputated???  I just want him back home
    where he belongs!   He better be home for Christmas....
    
    Sandy

I believe we'd probably send them home the evening of the day following surgery.

						Trace

    good luck , sandy.
    
    Deb
    

    Poor Capone!  Sandy I hope you have him home for Christmas!
    It is so wonderful to hear that you two have finally made friends.
    It's all worth it when that happens :'}
    Merry Christmas to you and all your kitties (Ernie too!)
    Karen and all the little "moonsta's"

         Here's pulling for Capone, he sounds like a real sweetheart.
    
         Congratulations on reaching his heart, I knew you would!
    
    					- Andrea

	Sandy,

	Best of wishes to Capone, hopefully you'll have him home soon!
	Great news getting so close to him!!

	Hugs,
	Laura

    I just can't give up on the poor guy....
    
    Yesterday afternoon I received a call from the vet who told me
    he didn't amputate the tail because he needed to talk to me first.
    The news was not good...he felt Capone had some nerve damage
    on his backend and that is why he has no control over his urine/stool.
    He felt that since 4 weeks has past he felt Capone should have been
    showing more progress with his control.  Those awful words..."I wanted
    to discuss the option of putting him to sleep before I went ahead
    with the operation" were the next words I heard.  
    
    Well after a very long discussion of the reasons why which are:
      o he may or may not ever get control.  There is a slight chance...
        but it will be a long haul and alot of work on my part. (I have
        time..and am willing to do the work)
      o He may have more problems down the road with bladder infections
        any may eventually have to be put to sleep. (he may not...so I'll
        deal with that decision then)
      o he's an old Tom and is probably driving us nuts trying to go 
        outside. (not an issue at all..he is happy sitting in the window)
      o he's not the friendliest guy around so it will save me from getting
        attached. (too late..he is my buddy!!)
      o save me money on the operation.....when we might have to put him
        down at a later day. (not an excuse in my book)
    
    I also explained to Dr Fallon that this decision would be easier if
    I hadn't seen any progress in Capone in the last 4 weeks, but he has
    gained full control of his legs, his appetite is great, and he is the
    cleanest (other then butt) that I have seen him for 2 years.  
    
    So...you can guess what decision I made!! Dr Fallon just said "I don't 
    want you to get your hopes up too much...because we still have a long way
    to go." And I said.."Mike is there any hope"...and his response was
    there is always hope.  That's all I needed to hear...
    
    Capone was operated on late yesterday afternoon and when I called last
    night they said he was "very alert...and hissing...so that is a very
    good sign"!!!  Hopefully I can talk to Dr. Fallon this morning and
    find out the details of the operation.  If he doesn't come home today..
    I'll definitely go visit him tonight!!
    
    So again...Capone needs your healing powers and prayers!  I'm not sure
    if we made the right decision or wrong decision...but I just know I
    feel good with the decision..and need to give him a chance of living.
    
    Today is my last day and I'm on vacation until after New Years...so
    I won't be providing any updates for awhile. Atleast I'll be home
    to take care of him....
    
    Sandy 
    
    

    
    Sandy, all decisions that you make are the best decisions 'cause they
          come for the heart.  The crew and me have our paws and fingers
          crossed and hope for a wonderfull recovery for Capone. 
      
          Wish you and Ernie and all the gang a very Merry X-mas ;-)
    
    Shaw

    Sandy,
    
    you've done the right thing, for two reasons. First, this cat has come
    so far, it would not be right to give up on him now. Second, if you
    didn't do everything that you could do for him, you'd be haunted by
    that forever.
    
    The worst case is that his bladder control doesn't come back, you could
    always have him wear studpants with a superabsorbant disposable diaper
    inside. 
    
    
    The FIRM is pulling for you,
    Deb

    Sandy,
    There is no such thing as wasting time, money, or effort on a pet.
    Capone needs you to make these decisions for him.  If he had the choice
    to make himself, he'd say "Go for it. What have I got to lose?"  That's
    exactly what you did.  You've given all involved the benefit of the
    doubt, now it's wait and see.  Best wishes and healing thoughts his way
    from our crew!
    Sarah

    
    Floyd tells me he wishes he could donate some of his tail to Capone
    because he has so much more than he really needs...
    
    len.
    

    
    
    Prayers and hugs from California...
    
    

    Ya know...you guys make me feel sane because there are many people
    I have talked to about Capone and they think we are "nuts" in
    trying to save him!!  Of course...I don't listen to them, but
    it's nice to know that there is support in the file!!!
    
    Len...I cannot picture Capone without his tail because we're talking
    about an 18 pound big old brute with jowls that make him look
    like he is storing nuts for the winter!!!  I'm sure he would love
    some of Flyoy's fluffy tail.......
    
    Thanks for your support...and Happy Holidays to all from
    all the cats in "Kitty City"!!!!
    
    Sandy
    

         Here's pulling for Capone ... I know you and he can do it.  He
    became your buddy for a reason, he *wants* to do it!
    
         Best wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a positive
    update when you get back!
    
    					- Andrea

    Sandy,
    
    You've made the choice that you feel is right for you and Capone.
    Let those other folks think what they will.  You know (and we know)
    how important it is for every kitty to have a chance.  Those non-
    FELINErs just don't always understand these things.
    
    Good luck to you and Capone.  Perhaps the holidays spirits will do
    their stuff and bring Capone a full recovery.
    
    Jan & Kitty Kluster (Amelia, Carrie, Onyx, Mac, Dolly, Ashlar, 
                         Joey & Torbie)

    I just called the vets...and the big old man is coming home
    tonight!!!!   They did take the entire tail off...but he
    recovered very nicely from the operation!!!   I can't wait
    to see him and I hope he's not too mad at me!!!
    
    Christmas will be MERRY in Kitty city!!!!
    
    Sandy
    
    

    He won't be mad too long.  Deep down I think they know when we're
    trying to help them.
    
    You should see the difference between the little scruffy Torbie I 
    took from feraldom with a major case of earmites and a scratched 
    cornea and the beautiful full-coated, healthy cat that is Torbie 
    now.  They know.
    
    Best wishes to Capone and the rest of Kitty city!
    
    Jan

    We already spoke off line - but again, you are making the right
    decision for both Capone and your family.  You're giving him
    the benefit of the doubt and giving him a chance.  Many times vets
    have told you "little or no hope" and look how it turned out!
    You really believed that he was FELV positive and that turned out
    not to be true.  I think he's going to surprise you and pull through
    this after all.
    
    And like another noter said - there's always studpants!!  (do they
    make kitty Depends??)
    
    Pam

    So, if someone asks what Capone is, do you now say he is a "manx
    apparent"?
    
    Deb

	Don't listen to the Vet when they say little or no hope...Sabrina
would have died 13 years ago if I had meekly accepted what that cruel vet
said.  Fight, fight, fight!!!!

Laura

The day I found Nikita I brought her right to Dr. Fallon (Sr).  He
told me that if she were to live she would probably end up costing
me a bundle.  He then suggested that I might want to consider putting 
her to sleep.  

Nikita was a semi-feral cat w/ear mites, worms, fleas, a severe lung
infection, sinus problems, poor eye sight, hardly any teeth, and an
enlarged heart.  I chose to nurse her back to health.  It took me 6+ 
months to get her "healthy".  Even at her healthiest, she had limitations.
Despite her limitations she turned out to be the sweetest, most gentle, 
grateful cat.  (compared to the cat who would attack me for no reason)

My only regret is that she didn't live a good life longer.  I had her
for 2 short years before I lost her to kidney disease.  

My suggestion is to follow your heart.  While I appreciated Dr. Fallon's
honest suggestions, I'll never regret a penny that I spent on Nikita.
Capone has proven himself to be a survivor - he deserves a chance to 
live a happy life.

Sharon

    
    Love and Hugs to all at Kitty City and especially to Capone.  Taking
    care of those creatures that can not do for themselves, isnt't that
    what makes us Humane humans?  Especially in this holiday season, hope
    is in the air, and Capone is in very good hands!
    
    Feline Blessed to know such folk as are in this file,
    
    Sue & Furry Crew,
    
    P.S.
    
    The CinnyMan Says, "Tails are not all they are cracked up to be!" (He
    got his tail caught in a door and it *HURTS* Mummie!

    Well Mr Capone is doing fine after his amputation of his tail.
    It so funny because he is this big bad Tom cat...with the biggest
    jowls..biggest belly and the cutest button bunny tail you have 
    ever seen!!!! We go back tonight to have his stitches out!!
    
    He's still not doing too good in controling his urine and stool....
    and we have to wash his butt atleast once a day!!  Considering this
    was a semi-feral cat...it's amazing that I can wash his privates.
    The only thing he does is growl at us the entire time we are washing...
    but once we are done he does purr.  Yup...he even purrs for me now!!
    
    I'm still hoping/praying that he gets his control back but I'm starting
    to lose faith since this is going on the sixth week and the vet said
    it should be back by now or atleast showing more progress.  BUT...I did
    have a little hope the other day because he had two stools in his
    litterbox....so that gave us some hope.  Keep you prayers coming for
    the big guy.....and in the meantime we'll just continue washing his
    bedding twice a day...cleaning the cellar daily...and washing his
    little butt and stump of a tail!! 
    
    We are now best buddies.......and I have total faith in him!!
    
    Sandy

    sandy;
    
    i am so glad to hear that capone is doing well. my ernie was in a 
    similar state when i took him in 2 years ago and he is one of my 
    sweetest babies now. 
    
    they just seems to be so many kitties running around unwanted and
    neglected. at my mother's house in there are two huge tom's that
    we have been feeding since the summer and have been trying to rescue.
    max is very friendly but trucker seems much more leerery. 
    
    but last night when i stopped over to her house to feed them on my 
    way home from work the two had turned to six waiting for the evening
    meal.  oh well, i guess that the cold is finally here there will be 
    many more mouths to feed thru the winter.
    
    just when she had planned to take in max and trucker now there are
    four more to worry about.  just when its seems the situation is finally
    under control.  oh well........ no rest for the weary!!
    
    jeane
    

    Jeane...thanks for your note!!!  Did your Ernie also lose total
    control of his bowels/urine and if so how many weeks did it take
    to get it back????   I do know of one cat that had the same problem
    and it took 10 weeks to see an improvement and that is what is
    giving me hope still.
    
    I know exactly what you and your mom are going through because
    after rescueing close to 20 cats in my neighborhood, Capone 
    being the last one, I now have three new ones that showed up
    one day after I took Capone in!!   My guess is...Capone was
    keeping everyone else away!!  (sigh)  My goal was to remove
    the food before anyone showed up...BUT they beat me to it 
    and in the winter I can't turn down a strays needed face.
    
    Good luck....
    
    Sandy

    hi sandy;  ernie was such a mess as he had been on his own for it
    seemed a long while. i think it was about 5 weeks for him to get full
    control and be able to use the box on his own fully. i always figured
    that as long as he was eating like a chow hound that he was getting
    better all along.  he seemed to make more of an effort to get to the 
    box or try to get to the box with the poop. he would always try and
    make an effort i think he was doing it for me cause he would always
    look at me to see if i was watching him.  then i would always give
    him a big hug and kiss.  i think that he liked that part. 
    
    today thoough he is so big and healthy you would never know he went
    thru anything at all. 
    
    as for the outside kitties,  i have to stop at the store tonight and
    buy xtra for the xtra mouths.  i always think that the people in the 
    grocery store probably think that i eat the catfood myself cause i am
    in there so much.  it is supposed to get real cold tonight with the
    wind chill so i have to stuff them good!!!!  
    
    jeane
    
    
    

    Sandy,
    Did the vet give you a definitive reason for the loss of control? Is it
    muscular damage, or nerve damage? Reason I ask, nerve regeneration is
    extremely slow, muscular regeneration is faster.  Sounds to me like you
    were given the requisite 6 weeks for a muscle problem, when it may be
    nerve-related, which could take considerably longer, say 6 months or
    better.  I don't know if this applies to Capone or not, just something
    to throw out for consideration.  Funny how pleased we get when a cat
    uses the litter box.  Some people just wouldn't understand : )
    Sarah

    Sarah...it is definitely nerve damage and that's why one vet
    in particular says there is only a very slight chance that he
    will ever have total control.  The other vet, that took the stitches
    out, said that only time will tell.   Do nerves regenerate??  This
    vet also could not believe the progress we have made with Capone 
    because he was so good as she examined his bladder and butt!  She
    was amazed at his new loving attitude and figures he has the will
    to survive.
    
    We won't give up easy.....because Capone is not giving up at all.  He
    eats very well, loves attention, and even allows me to pill him with no
    problems.  What we decided to do is give him atleast 10-12 weeks of
    healing time and after that point we will talk to our vets about
    some possible other alternatives such as a specialist or acupunture
    or I might even call Tufts.
    
    Sandy  
    
    

    Sandy,
    I saw a medical report recently on TV about nerve regeneration. I guess
    the rate is so slow that people don't realize it's getting better, but
    it does improve.  I think it was relating to nerve damage in the
    hand/wrist/lower arm area.  The details are very fuzzy, but I remember
    being quite surprised when they said nerve regeneration does occur.
    Maybe it's the type of nerve, or the amount of damage that makes the
    difference.  Considering the amount of trauma to his back end, he
    sounds like he's doing great!  Also, figure it this way - with the
    nerves damaged, he's probably not feeling any pain. That's some
    comfort, anyway.  And he does have some sensation back there, since he
    did use the box.  Keep up updated!
    Sarah

    Thanks Sarah for a little more hope....
    
    He definitely has more sensation back there now then he did 6 weeks
    ago.....because he is NOT enjoying his butt cleaning at all!!!  I
    keep touching certain spots...and I can tell by his head movements
    that he knows I'm touching something.   In the very beginning...I
    don't believe he evenb felt the warm face cloth at all..but now he
    does!!
    
    I just pray he makes it.....I still am living with alot of guilt
    for not rescuing him before he got hit by the car.  I know it's 
    not my fault..BUT the guilt just won't go away!!!
    
    Sandy

    Sandy,
    
    Think of it this way....if he HADN'T been hit by the car, he would
    still be a stray now out in this cold.  Maybe he was meant to get
    injured just enough so that you could rescue him.  
    
    Nerve regeneration can happen but it also can take a very long time.
    You're doing fine!
    
    Linda

    I agree with Linda.  He didn't NEED you then, except for the free food.
    Now he REALLY NEEDS you, and you are there for him.  I don't see any
    place for guilt here.  Focus that negative energy into positive healing
    energy!  Capone seems to respond well to it!
    Sarah

    hi sandy;
    
    just wanted to check in and see how capone is coming along???????
    
    jeane
    

    Capone truly seems to be getting some control of his stool because
    we are finding more in the litterbox or right outside the litterbox.
    What I'm finding is if the stool has bulk...he can feel it, but if
    it is diahrea he usually poops wherever.  Per the vets instructions
    we are adding pumpkin to his food to give him more fiber.
    
    This weekend he also started something new...which I'm still not
    sure it's good news or bad news!!!  He started to climb up to
    my dirty rafters in the cellar...and walks the beams and pipes.
    I originally thought he was hiding from us which scared the heck out
    of me...but as soon as he see's food he comes down from the rafters 
    to eat and get attention.  My guess is...he must be bored and finding
    it great to sit up in the dirty rafters.   Of course..he is getting
    filthy because I don't clean up there to often.
    
    He also escaped from his cage...... The only time I put him in the
    cage is right after his butt washing so it gives him time to dry
    off near the heater and not get dirty.  Well last night after I put
    him in the cage, I went back down to see if he was okay and he had
    escaped through a very small opening in the cage door and he was
    up in the rafters again.
    
    We also opened up the cellar window for him this weekend...and he
    actually meowed to get out...so my guess is he must be feeling a little
    better!!!
    
    I still have hope...thanks so much for asking!!
    
    Sandy
                          

    Sandy,
    That all sounds like really great progress to me!!  I bet you are right
    about the feeling thing.  I suppose you will now have to clean all
    those pipes!  Yah, right 8^}
    
    Take care of yourself and Capone!
    Karen

    Sandy,
    My Brute', also a former stray, just loves those dirty rafters and
    walking along the pipes.  Where do you think the word "catwalk" comes
    from?  : )
    Glad to hear he's using the box and climbing!
    Sarah

    Well it's been awhile since I gave a Capone update so here goes...
    
    Capone still seems to be progressing with his control of his
    stool.  My estimate is about 80% of the time he is using his
    litterbox for stool and he actually has piles of poop now. We
    still haven't seen any improvement in the control of urine.
    We did give Dr. Groby an update last night (while we brought
    another kitty, Rio, to the vet) and from what we told her she
    seems to think he must have some "feelings" starting to come back.
    We were going to make an appointment at Tufts...but since he is 
    still progressing on his own and feeling GREAT, we're going to hold 
    off for a little while longer.
    
    BUT..he is my love and we have completely bonded.  I wash him in
    places my other cats won't even let me see.  We now can even
    blow-dry his butt....and he really seems to enjoy it. We even tackled
    his filthy ears...and that didn't even bother him.   He LOVES
    his nightly brushing...and his soft quiet purr has turned into the sound
    of a trucks engine running.  The only thing he still doesn't like
    is when you pick him up.  He won't fight or claw...but you still get
    a low growl!!!
    
    Both Ernie and I pray and keep our fingers crossed that he will
    fully recover.  The thought of him living upstairs with us (and the 
    rest of our furry family) is a dream come true.     
    
    Sandy

    That is soooo wonderful!!! I can imagine the feelings you are growing
    for each other.
    Karen

    It's really not that I am doing magic...it's just that I am
    willing to give Capone a chance...when alot of people (including
    my vet) had given up hope!!!   My vet was thinking of it from
    a cost issue as well as how much extra work we need to do to
    clean-up after him....BUT those two comments weren't even
    part of my decision process. (never has been!!!)
    
    Thinking back...if I had given up hope, today I would not have
    Dewey, Van Gogh, or Ziggy who are all VERY happy and healthy today!!
    And I sure hope I can add Capone to this list...
    
    Sandy 

    Well I guess were not all the way there yet...because yesterday
    Capone decided to "poop" all over the place again and they
    were individual poops vs piles!!  How can he have feelings one
    day...but not the next????
    
    It's like a roller coaster ride.....he has a few good days..and
    then it seems like we regress.
    
    Sandy

         Capone's probably like us, some days better than others.  But the
    *trend* is upward, so that's encouraging!
    
    					- Andrea

    
    Sandy
    
    Congrats!! Any cat that would let you blow dry his butt, must be in
    love with you!  HAHAHAHAHAHA. What a picture!
    
    Becky

    It appears my next cat project is on the horizon.  Last night while
    I was at Stoddards Brew Pub in Sunnyvale (CA) it was brought to my
    attention that there was a kitten hiding nearby.  The guys from my
    group were attempting to entice it to eat some whipped cream when I
    realized what was going on.  
    
    I got a good look at the kitten and decided he/she cannot be more than
    about 3-4 months old.  There's a problem with its tail too.  The end
    appears to be dead.  There's no fur on it from about half way down to
    the end.
    
    I spent a while trying to get close to the kitty and was able to get it
    to respond back to me with meows as a talked, chirruped did the non-
    threatening blink thing to it.  I went from being able to get within 6 ft.
    of it to within 1.5 ft of it while it was eating or drinking water.  There
    just wasn't enough time to work on him/her trusting me enough to be able 
    to touch it.  Plus there was alot of noise going on as the bus boys cleaned
    up tables and moved them around.  I was soooo close though.
    
    There's a woman who works at Stoddards who has made it her mission to 
    catch this cat.  I've given her my card and offered my help.  An 
    acquaintance of mine has also offered to give the cat a home if it 
    comes down to a choice between a home and the pound.   He is aware of 
    the potential health problems he'll be taking on and that the tail will 
    probably have to be bobbed.  
    
    Now all we have to do is catch this baby.  Unfortunately, I'm leaving
    for vacation tomorrow morning and won't be back until next Monday evening.
    So, in the mean time, I won't have any idea what the status of the
    kitten is.  It's living near the back patio.  I'm told it stays near
    the electrical/pump room section of the patio and shows up around
    closing for food.  And, this area is very close to a busy parking lot
    and road.  One of it's siblings has already been unfortunate enough to
    have had a fatal run-in with a car.
    
    If anyone in the area wants to help in our quest to save this waif, 
    please let me know.
    
    JULIET::CORDES_JA
    DTN 521-6611
    
    Jan
                   

    
    Holly Ventura called today.  (No, she hasn't had the baby yet 8^).)
    
    A friend of hers had three tiny kittens dropped off in her barn - she 
    thinks they're about 2 weeks old, as their eyes are open but their ears 
    aren't.  What she needs is to find someone with the time to wean these
    kittens, bottle feeding them and such like.  If you can help, or know
    of someone who can, please contact Holly at home - her telephone number
    is (508) 343-9611.
    
    Thanks.