strays

[Ken_PA]

Once again I seem to have found myself feeding some stray cats. A white one and a tabby. The white one comes around less, usually in the daytime, and is bigger. I'm guessing that it does have a home but sometimes likes to dine out. Somehow I just think it looks more well fed; but really, how would I know?

The tabby is less skittish. IOW, it runs away less, plus it absolutely knows the sound of a bag of cat food being shaken and slowly comes after I go back inside. It was also around last winter.

One time I heard them tussle on the back porch at night. I put the light on and saw the tabby there alone with that look on its face that cats get. You know, not so much anger but more like being upset and disgusted. Sneering. Funny for me but not for the cat :)

So, should/could I feed that tabby only? How do I do that? Putting out the food only after dark? Deliberately chasing the white one? I don't want to own a cat, I just want to get it through the winter alive.

I think of that little vignette you might have heard... As I walked along the seashore, a person there was tossing a stranded starfish back into the sea. I said, "Why do you bother, why do you waste your time this way. There's a million stranded starfish, it doesn't matter anyway".

And he answered, "It matters to that one".


P.S. Hello J & O  :)

[LindaTX]

You really do sound like a very compassionate guy, Ken. I just want to say thank you for being so thoughtful and concerned for the kitties you are helping. :)

[Jade59]

You could put a few kernals of food in each box.  If food is gone, at least you know they went inside although whether or not they stayed is another matter.  

If they're not finishing the food you leave out, I would think they are satisfied.  You SURE you don't want a cat...or two : )

[Ken_PA]

Good ideas, Jade.

I don't know if they're in there at night (I have two boxes set up now.) I need to devise a way to know, other than putting on the porch light and opening my door to see if they run away. That'd put them unfortunately out in the weather for a while until they return.

Maybe if I sprinkle some powder at the entrances to check for footprints... but too windy lately for that. One thing is sure: the food is gone every night - except they feel obliged to never quite finish it.

[Jade59]

Great idea with the box. In addition to the towels inside the box, if you have an old rug, you might put that Under the box and if you have an old blanket or more towels, put those Over the box. All will insulate a little more.  I'm afraid I don't have a clue at the measurements you left.  I'm sure it's fine and way more than they had to begin with.  How did it work out?  They use it?

[margypops]

awww I feed some aswell, I am in CA so it doesnt get too freezing at nights my problem is they are not strays they are just neglected also dogs come by ..they are really pretty cats I was telling the great folks here I wouldnt mind adopting one but the dh doesnt want another kitty, we have a calico he is a dog person, anyway I bet the people that own them wouldnt give them up, I am unfortunately living in a rural area ,it seems to make for neglect of all animals that are here , and even if I speak to the people they dont or wont speak English ... .,

[Ken_PA]

thanks to everybody for the advice and also for the friendly reception  :)

The low is going to be around 10F again, so I put a cardboard box on the back porch with some old towels in it. The porch is small, about 6' x 6'. I put the box on the floor in a corner as far from the steps as possible, with the opening facing the steps so the cat can keep an eye out for any approaching danger. I have the top flap of the box hanging down so as to block off the opening a little. The box itself is roughly 18" x 12" x 12", which I chose because it's not too big.

Should the box be even smaller? Is everything else okay or should I adjust anything? Maybe put the box up on a low table? Thanks.

[wvtxpen]

Nice to see that my Northern neighbor Ken_PA has compassion for these throw away cats.  I am in the same boat ken, I have ppl who dump cats all the time.  I told my wife once not to name the stray so she just called it KittyKitty.  So that became its name, no win situations...Lol.  Best 2 U and Ur's Ken

[nancyjac]

They may be feral cats.  Many area have programs where you can trap them, have them spayed or neutered and rabies vaccinated and then released again.  Feral cats are food aggressive out of necessity.  If you don't get them spayed/neutered, you will end up with more each winter.  

[opus88]

well can I please send you some SNOW than?...

they'll have a fight sure, established their pecking order, perhaps maim but shouldn't kill no...gosh I sure hope not..♥

[Jade59]

Hi Ken, welcome, glad you made it.  When I first glanced at your post w/o my glasses,  I thought you were saying "Hello Jello" (yes, I am a blond, lol).  

Very sweet and kind of you to put food out for those hungry cats.  You might even be feeding more than two and not know it.  They'll work things out between them like Opus said.  OR...you could put out two plates...

Love the quote, too.

[Ken_PA]

Thanks, Opus. I'll take it that they won't kill each other then. I'll go feed them in a minute, it's going to be a cold night. Please stop sending your Canadian air, we have enough for now  :)

Keep up the good work.

--

Ken

[opus88]

hi Ken and welcome!!...............to bad your not interested in 'owning' a cat....btw you can never truly 'own' a cat..they own you.lol.

IMO, it would be impossible to feed one and exclude the other....set the food out as you do and let them sort out the table manners..they will!

great quote, no you can never care for them all but thats wonderful of you to be trying to do so for the two of them...yes it matters very much.
I recently read a quote from Mother Theresa, 'in this world we cannot always do great things. but we can do small things with great love'

♥Opus