Daily Kitten Chat Forum » General Chat

1. 

   Volunteers are needed to help socialize very shy cats.

   http://network.bestfriends.org/nyecounty/news/19886.html

   "So this week we are urgently seeking volunteers who have a gentle touch. Sherry explained the strategies the team is using to help the cats come around: “Cats are animals, and they do what works. When they hiss and spit, people usually become visibly frightened and back off. What we are doing is changing the reaction – giving the cats a very small reaction, or no reaction to their behavior.

   “We just keep gently and slowly offering to touch them with a wand and, if they allow it, go on to give a gentle stroke. The main thing is to show the cats that no matter what behavior they exhibit to us, nothing bad will happen to them."

   Posted 4 years ago by AnnF #

2. 

   Wish I did Ann. Sorry

   Posted 4 years ago by artistabobbi TX 1/17 #

3. 

   I have a feral Siamese with 4 new kittens doing that to me now. I talk to her as I'm feeding her & ignore her hissing & spitting. It seems to be working because she almost rubbed up against my leg this morning.
   I've had a MAJOR breakthrough with Prettygirl(her daughter from last litter). She let me pick her up twice this week. It's the first times I've touched her since she was 5 weeks old. And she's now about 16 months old. It took that long to be able to touch her.

   Posted 4 years ago by feral #

4. 

   Hi Susie,
   You sound like you might be a "cat whisperer"-you do so much for the kitties and they seem to love you. How are you doing? Anything we can do to help?
   How is your man friend doing?

   Posted 4 years ago by MaxandCali'sMom #

5. 

   Wow, Susie, what a breakthrough with Prettygirl! You rock! Hugs and purrs, Cindy

   Posted 4 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #

6. 

   Way to go, Susie! Isn't it wonderful when the breakthroughs happen? I'm so thrilled to hear about the progress.

   Posted 4 years ago by anncetera2 #

7. 

   WOW! Those breakthroughs must make you feel wonderful!

   Posted 4 years ago by AnnF #

8. 

   in one sense it does feel wonderful,but,then to look over my shoulder at 4 new feral kittens knowing I don't have the mental energy to deal w/them,just about wipes that away. If it weren't for my dilemna w/all the ferals here,I probably would be doing volunteer work for these organizations that need it.
   I just don't understand how people are lucky enuf to get these places to take these cats & kittens off someone's hands. I haven't found a place yet that will do it. And I don't like to lie,so, I'm assuming that some are resorting to that w/these orgs. so they will take them.

   Posted 4 years ago by feral #

9. 

   I'm sorry to ask a dumb question, but do animal rescue organizations not accept feral cats and kittens?

   Posted 4 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #

10. 

    KW...they've all said the same thing...overcrowding w/no opening in site. With the exception to the pound...and you know what they do after 3 days...there are only 2 organizations that will take them in my immediate area. The Delta Humane Society...most the animals there live their lives in cages w/very little physical contact w/people except when being fed. And then there's Pets & Pals. Always over-crowded. I took 2 gorgeous kittens to them once,begging them to take them,& they said they couldn't...the kittens are now almost 8 yrs. old. I've always been given the'It's kitten season & we don't have the room right now' statements from them. And because I'm not an aggressive person, I get stuck w/the animals.

    Posted 4 years ago by feral #

11. 

    Thanks for the clarification, Susie. I wonder if you were to do the math on all the cats you've trapped and spayed or neutered, what the total number of kittens prevented would be. That would be something to be very proud of. I admire your efforts. You are one of my "sheroes!"

    Posted 4 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #

12. 

    Susie, In the beginning of my rescuing I too tried to take some to a no-kill shelter. Same thing, full up and they could not take mine. The filled to capacity is true, but where do the ones they have keep coming from if they tell everyone they are full. I tried during kitten season and again during the winter when not kitten season. Not sure how you can get around that issue, but under the circumstances I think a little white lie would be very acceptable.

    I know you can't keep them all, and with 21 in my house neither can I. Susie, what you are doing is so valuable and having more impact on the welfare of ferals than volunteering would. I do volunteer only because my ferals are now down to 2 and so far no new ones to worry about. Once the ferals are spay/neutered you too will be living a much calmer life. It really does get easier when you only have to worry about basics and the occassional new addition that needs TNR.

    Posted 4 years ago by Elene_YorkPA_7/21 #

13. 

    I see you understand my dilemma Elene...That's where "Happy Pets" comes into the picture. The woman running the TNR program is to be commended on her efforts. But at the same time,she Promised months ago that she would take any kittens I trapped & give vouchers for any adults that needed fixing. I managed to get 2 (Naughty & Runt)fixed thru her. But she kept putting me off taking Runts kittens because she kept accepting newer kittens from other people. I was only able to find a home for 2 of Runts kittens & was stuck w/the 2 black males. I offered to take them in for her to get them nuetered. Ever since they have lived off & on in a cage I borrowed from her months ago. Then she acted amazed to find out the other day that I still had them. She says she needs her cage back. I said I hoped she was ready to take them w/her as well. Her attitude was of "they would be better off being euthanized rather than living in a cage". So you can see the mentality I'm dealing w/here. I'm a very shy person,but,it raises the hair on my neck to deal w/people who don't stand behind their word of promise. I also didn't mention that this woman is quite "Well-to-do" financially & her house sets on alot of acreage. So it's not as tho she can't afford to feed them. She can. She just doesn't want to be bothered.

    Posted 4 years ago by feral #

14. 

    Susie, I know you have been having some trouble with this woman off and on for awhile. Sorry she isn't coming through for you. I thought she ran a no-kill, and if so why would she even mention euthanizing these babies. If she wants the cage back she will just have to take the kittens too.

    How many more of the ferals need TNR? Is she able to help you with more vouchers?

    Susie, I really would like to help you, e-mail me at elene1 @ comcast . net.

    Posted 4 years ago by Elene_YorkPA_7/21 #

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