Need some help - am I making the right decision with regards to these animals?

Well, kind of stuck on what to do. I have noticed a few strays in the area, and have actually fixed a couple on my own dime (will more than likely take these with me when I move), and feed them. As of late I have noticed some other strays coming in, which had kittens, and these animals are not fixed. I thought about taking them to the humane society - oxymoron since they actually euthanise animals after a fixed time, but then started looking at some local groups that are non profit and non kill shelters, work with some of the larger pet suppliers for home adoptions, etc. I took a few kittens to them, and their facility was nice. I need to take about 8-10 more cats and kittens next week. I feel kind of bad, because what if no one ever adopts these animals? Living your life in a cage would suck. I heard that they have foster families they can loan them out to, so maybe the cats do get additional freedom. I know its the right thing, because breeding non stop can't be good, and I know by feeding them I am not helping matters out.

It all started when some wack jobs moved in across the street, only to find out two years later - after they were foreclosed on, that they horded animals and released a bunch before animals services could come to their home. Now the area is dealing with the fall out.

Can someone more familiar with these non kill facilities please give me some additional info, or perhaps put my mind at ease for taking them in? I'm all for freedom, but unwanted births is not helping... thanks!!!

I can't help with your question on the non kill shelters, but couldn't resist posting and thanking you for "fixing" the ones you have. Overpopulation kills so many animals and it is a stand up, thankless job you are doing. In the grand scheme of things it may not seem like much, but if we all did these things...we wouldn't have these issues.

Thank you for helping these animals. I hope that you can find a good place for them to go, or help make the best decision for them.

Thanks. I really don't know if i should give these animals to a shelter, or continue this cycle that I know is not fair to them or me. This sucks... seems like I am the only one that cares in the damn neighborhood...

You should look at local rescue groups that foster the animals with no shelter involved.

At least try to get them all fixed, a lot of places will do it for free or low cost if you are not going to drop them off at a shelter.

Originally posted by pityocamptes
Thanks. I really don't know if i should give these animals to a shelter, or continue this cycle that I know is not fair to them or me. This sucks... seems like I am the only one that cares in the damn neighborhood...

Feeling like you are the only one who gives a damn, definitely makes it more stressful. I know there are a lot of non kill shelters that do not leave cats in tiny boxes, but it is hard finding those. Like you, I would hope they could all be saved but at what cost? I would have the same exact dilemma. You don't want to take them out of a bad situation and put them into another bad situation. I wish I had an answer for you, as I am an avid animal lover myself.

I do hope someone here can help you more than I.

reply to post by pityocamptes


Look around for some homes for the others, I feel the same way. One of my neighbors has over 30 cats so I always find kittens in my garden. I've cared for around 4 now but it seems like there's no end to it, I had them all dewormed and treated but never tied.

You could also look around and see if an alternative type of shelter is near you. There is one by me that has no cages, just the cats all in a big room with toys and such.

I have rescued many cats in my lifetime. Here, all our shelters are always filled to capacity and even the foster homes for them are filled. I came to the realization that you just can't save them all no matter how hard you try. It is so sad to see a homeless animal. Kudos for having some of the cats fixed.

Originally posted by RealSpoke
You should look at local rescue groups that foster the animals with no shelter involved.

At least try to get them all fixed, a lot of places will do it for free or low cost if you are not going to drop them off at a shelter.

This is what the local shelter was. It was a house that was converted to a non profit shelter. The back yard has runs, and other things but the animals cannot leave the yard. The inside of the house had cages, play rooms, etc.

I should add that many of my neighbors have dogs and I am afraid that letting these cats free may result in death (which it has already - due to animals or people just being cruel).

reply to post by pityocamptes


Thank you for having a heart! Some shelters are better than others. The no kill shelters are the only way to go, that way you do not have to worry about them being euthanized. Also, some shelters have better facilities than others, my local shelter does not have cages. They have open play areas for the animals, with an outdoor facility so the animals can go outside and run. A little research goes a long way. Keep up the good fight bro.

The woman that has been working with us is very kind and works primarily with Pet Smart, etc. She indicated that it was easier to find homes for kittens (thus my need to try and wrangle these guys while they are still small) than adults. I asked them if they could fix the animals (adults) and return them to the area, and they said no, once they take the animals they try and locate homes. The cats looked healthy and happy at the place we visited, so maybe its not all bad. I guess its better than worrying about your next meal. Plus I plan on moving in a few months and I know no one will be around or want to take care of the cats that seem to come by everyday - especially some of the older ones. I offered to make a sizeable donation to the shelter and the "owner" was very happy, and has been really working with us to round up the strays. I hope its not all about money. Maybe instead of money I should ask them what supplies they need, and donate that? I don't know, maybe this is the best thing? What a $hitty world. Gandhi was right...

reply to post by pityocamptes


I find that bringing supplies is very helpful. My local humane society has a "wish list" of items that they are in need of. Things that you wouldn't even think as useful sometimes are! Blankets and padding for them to lay down is a real big one. I sponsor the local dogs so that they get the vet help that they need. If you feel uncomfortable giving money, by all means ask what supplies they need.

So are most under the impression, that given my circumstances, that it may actually be better in the long run to turn these animals over to a no kill shelter, support them, than just continue to feed the strays and watch the population explode?

I have already taken in one stray, best damn pet I have EVER had - I have a couple of pure bred persians:





but the stray is by far the most friendly and happy. I have a couple others I fixed that I will probably take when I move in a few months... but i really cannot take anymore in, nor do I want to saddle someone else with trying to take care of them, or have the population explode.

Maybe it is the best thing...

reply to post by pityocamptes


Saving as many as you can is all that matters. You cannot save them all, I'm sorry but you can't. You can save the ones you can, and at the end of the day you can't feel bad. If we had more people like you then there wouldn't be a problem.

There are groups that trap, neuter or spay, and then release them back where they found them. I feel this is the kindest way to deal with feral cats, since they are not adoptable. If people do not handle kittens by a month old, chances are they will be too wild to be good pets.

Please see: www.feralcat.com...

You are doing good work by caring for these poor kitties!

Originally posted by Covertblack
reply to post by pityocamptes

 

Saving as many as you can is all that matters. You cannot save them all, I'm sorry but you can't. You can save the ones you can, and at the end of the day you can't feel bad. If we had more people like you then there wouldn't be a problem.

Thanks, I appreciate everyones answers/comments...

reply to post by pityocamptes


Keep fighting the good fight brother.

Originally posted by FissionSurplus
There are groups that trap, neuter or spay, and then release them back where they found them. I feel this is the kindest way to deal with feral cats, since they are not adoptable. If people do not handle kittens by a month old, chances are they will be too wild to be good pets.

Please see: www.feralcat.com...

You are doing good work by caring for these poor kitties!

I think this would work of it was only a couple but I'm starting to see quite a few. I had also heard about the one month thing, however, when I took the last bunch of kittens in, the volunteer at the clinic said not to worry, they can be brought around, it just requires a little more one on one contact. The "feral" cats that seem to come by are all very friendly - only a couple are very skittish. For the most part they seem to come right up to you, which I am starting to think they may be someones pet that was booted after getting too big, or the pet owner simply does not care and never got them fixed and allows them to stay outside, etc. contributing to the problem of kitties!!!

Originally posted by FissionSurplus
There are groups that trap, neuter or spay, and then release them back where they found them. I feel this is the kindest way to deal with feral cats, since they are not adoptable. If people do not handle kittens by a month old, chances are they will be too wild to be good pets.

Please see: www.feralcat.com...

You are doing good work by caring for these poor kitties!

I dunno bout that, my little guy was about 2 years old when he used to sneak into our house and eat our other cats food. He'd skitter all the way out if he saw us coming, but over about 2 months, I slowly got him used to being around me when feeding, and then giving him a good scratch and pet after he was finished - he was definitely not used to it as the first time he got purring like crazy he went bonkers when I tried to leave and attacked my feet. lol

The next thing I knew he's by my side almost 24 7, before we had him spayed, he'd go out at set times and do what he did with the ladies, but sadly he was by that point already infected with feline leuk. and it was only when we had him spayed did we find out.

But he was the most loving cat, literally amazed me how he changed once he realised affection can be had at the hands of those towering monsters that shoo him out most other places.

Miss that little guy....

reply to post by pityocamptes


I would say giving them to a shelter would be the better thing to do. Living as a feral cat really isn't all that glorious, you have to dodge cars, cruel people, predators, be infested with fleas/ticks + other parasites, and produce more kittens that the world doesn't need.