My feral cat problems might be winding down

[stxrus]

Some of you may remember my issue with one neighbor and feral cats.

Long story short they began feeding feral cats over 10 years ago. At first it wasn’t a big thing until they began feeding and not fixing or getting them medical.

Overbreeding, constant feeding, not getting fixed, not treating for diseases made our life a living hell. On our roof at night, using planters and gardens as a latrine making it almost impossible to eat outside, howling at all times of the day or night, having multiple litters of kittens, and dying in our yard. Like I said a living hell.

I began trapping and relocating them near Point Udall, around 6 miles from the house. I don’t know the number trapped but it is well into the hundreds.

Around Halloween we noticed the population was well over 40. I reset the traps with a vengeance. Just after Thanksgiving the cats were becoming more brazen, approaching the house and finally coming inside for the dogs food bowls. The cats were also looking thin.

I starting baiting with dry dog food and since then I’ve trapped 22 since 12/27/22. We haven’t seen a cat since 1/12/23. They all seem to have moved someplace where are finding food.

It has been quieter than usual since just before Christmas. The exterminator said she has cancer and doesn’t look good. We saw them driving away on 12/23/22.

She died on the 10th. There’s a good chance he will come back to close up the house and put it on the market and move back to Florida.

I guess I should feel something about this but I really don’t. I’m sorry she got cancer but I’m empty regarding her death. No emotion…nothing

I know many of you will condemn my actions but you need to walk in my shoes. If you are going to feed ferals then you need to take care of their needs besides just food and water

I needed to vent about this and thank you for reading…if you did

Hopefully, in a few months we’ll go to the shelter and adopt a brother-sister. I do miss our cats Cassie and McGuinn

 

[Short on cash]

No problem here. You did good.

 

[Manual Slim]

You aren't obligated to feel anything about anyone. Cancer stinks, and we all have to go some way sometime, but you don't really know her, right? Maybe I sound cold too. So be it.

As for the cats, you're right that feeding them is only one part of the deal. When we bought our house it came with a well-established feral clan so we signed on with the city to be a part of their TNR program. A few neighbors were involved as well and now the clan is down to two cats, a brother and sister. The rest have either been adopted, relocated, or killed. I just saw a new guy at the trough, though. Time to set up the cage and get him neutered.

 

[Nightclub Dwight]

It is always a nightmare when other people's actions make it difficult to enjoy one's own property.

You did what you had to do, and you should feel no shame for that.

Animals are a huge responsibility. Your neighbors may have thought they were helping the cats, but they were actually contributing to their abuse.

I hope these developments allow you to enjoy your little slice of paradise in St. Croix.

 

[teleman1]

Feral cats are a nuisance and not good for the environment. They destroy bird species & habitats. They are not a natural in our eco system. People have no business having an outside cat, it just contributes to the problem. I will never understand people saying they love their cats, but let their cat outside. Coyotes & owls love outside cats. Get the picture.

 

[Tarkus60]

Yes sir you did a good thing.
Is there a listing for that house?
I would love to talk my wife into moving.

 

[Dan German]

I love cats dearly, and we are currently assimilating a former feral cat into our household. The colony she came from is steadily being trapped for spay/neuter and re-release, or fostering where adoption is a possibility (not always the case with feral cats). Feral cat colonies need to be managed in such a way so that they disappear, because they are an invasive species. The only other option is euthanizing. Not pretty, but needs must. @stxrus , I know you are fond of cats, and I do not envy you your difficult position. While I am not glad for the demise of a fellow human, I am glad that a possible end to your situation is in sight. It is not mandatory that you feel emotional about a stranger’s passing. I hope you find some cats that suit your home.