Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Rescue & Rehoming => Rescue & Rehoming General => Topic started by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 08, 2007, 12:03:46 PM

Title: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 08, 2007, 12:03:46 PM
I just took a call on our CP line from someone reporting ferals living in a residential area. This is the first time I've had an actual case to go deal with... I've got the collywobbles!  :Crazy: :Crazy: :scared:

Dawn! Dawn! Help..! :evillaugh:

I'm going to do a site visit later and get the full picture.

Wish me luck?  :innocent: :scared:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Angiew on August 08, 2007, 12:05:23 PM
good luck - you'll probably find that they are ex-pets more than feral so won't be fierce - just scared.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Sabrina (Auferstehen) on August 08, 2007, 12:06:05 PM
good luck!!!!

 :)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: clarenmax on August 08, 2007, 12:13:22 PM
Best of luck  ;D
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Liz on August 08, 2007, 12:27:16 PM
Good luck you just have to remeber good stout gloves and nice things in the trap - 8 of our ferals are from the same colony and 4 nice and 4 nasty - had to bring them when we moved as nobody wanted to feed them!!!

They are also more scared of you!!!!! :Crazy:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 08, 2007, 12:35:46 PM
I absolutely love ferals. I only just lost my Tigger  :( He was from a feral colony and I tamed him down. I caught him at about 6 weeks and he lived to be 13.  :sneaky: But I''ve never had this kind of task before.  :innocent:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 08, 2007, 16:38:03 PM
I've now been to the site, and I think this may be just a case of an abandoned litter. No one has seen any sight of ferals before, and only this one report of kittens wandering around last night.

I'm going back to stick posters up asking any sighting to be reported to me, and I'll of course take all the gear and give it a couple of hours waiting... so we shall see.

Hey ho!  :innocent:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 08, 2007, 19:52:09 PM
"Good luck" with catching these babes  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 09, 2007, 00:55:47 AM
 :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :drink: :yesss: :yesss: :birth:

I did it!! I did it!!

I caught 2 beautiful tabby kittens!!  :yesss: They're about 8-10 weeks, I'd say. I think there may be 1 or 2 other kittens as well. I also saw Mum. All of them semi long haired tabbies and so, so pretty!  :Luv:

Fingers crossed I can get the other kittens and Mum tomorrow. I know I did everything wrong - I'm covered in scratches as I had to transfer them by hand, but at least I got them and they are off the roads.

I'll get some pics as soon as they've calmed down, but at the moment they are really, really cross with me!  :Crazy:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: MBll on August 09, 2007, 01:24:01 AM
Well done you, its no easy catching somethin that dosni want caught lol  As you said ' I know I did everything wrong' ...ya got to start somewhere lol half a dozen more & yall be a wee pro lol
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 09, 2007, 01:33:21 AM
I must say I couldn't believe how BLIND the people are that live in that place.  :scared: :Crazy:

These wee things were living in a communal car park. Darting in and out of parked cars. Or sitting on the pathway... as I sat in the car, people were walking within feet of Mum and a couple of the babies and they just didn't see them!  :-: When I was up there earlier today, I asked around and no one - apart from this one guy - had ever seen any sign of the kittens.  :tired:

Well done to the bloke that DID see them, I say. He's saved an awful lot of suffering!  :wow:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: MBll on August 09, 2007, 01:36:37 AM
Ooooooohhhh your going to have your hands full & be busy for the next few weeks lol
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 09, 2007, 02:14:05 AM
 :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: MBll on August 09, 2007, 02:15:04 AM
MEGA CUTE
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 09, 2007, 07:30:40 AM
Aww, good luck with the others.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: clarenmax on August 09, 2007, 08:46:20 AM
Aw, they pretty, well done and good luck in finding the others  ;D
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 09, 2007, 09:13:22 AM
About 3.30 they started to try to head butt their way out of the pen.  :scared: :Crazy: One of them managed to bloody his ickle nose.  :-: But it's alright now.  :Luv: I remember Tigger doing this kind of thing the first night inside.

I need some proper gloves... I've got to them to the vets this morning!  :Crazy: :shify:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Liz on August 09, 2007, 09:23:22 AM
Re gloves - we use welding gaunlets as they don't seem to be able to penetrate them - we got them from a Safety clothing company and are much cheaper than the ones on cat equipment sites

They also come in nice colours we have lilac and turquiose in use currently  they also go up the elbow should they flip round when you need to scruff them - we have a couple of those and no scratches!

Good luck with the visit and aren't they fluffy cuties if you ognore the hissing!!! :innocent:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on August 09, 2007, 10:25:52 AM
Well Done Julie, you do realise you are on the slippery road of rescue addition.  :)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 09, 2007, 11:51:53 AM
 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I've just returned from the vet. It was a student!!  :rofl: :rofl: I warned him! I warned him! "Do they scratch?", he said before I could stop him opening the basket. Up the wall they flew like a ruddy bazooka.  :rofl: :rofl: Poor soul flapped and panicked and had to get on his hands and knees to retrieve them from behind the bench.  :rofl: :rofl:

They're being kept in to be sedated and will be given the once over and wormed, ect...  ;D
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 09, 2007, 11:57:54 AM
re: the vet.....he is young he will learn!!!  :evillaugh:

bless, the kittens are gorgeous....good luck with the mum & other 2 kitties  :Luv: ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Millys Mum on August 09, 2007, 16:31:03 PM
Well done PB  :ok:  :1st place: :ok:

Quote
re: the vet.....he is young he will learn!!!
Maybe not, i took a feral in and said to a vet in his 50's "it's feral" so what does he do, opens the box and whoosh   :rofl:
I think he hears so many cats labelled as feral when they are not he didnt believe me  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Ralph's mum (angie) on August 09, 2007, 17:00:24 PM
 :Party 3:  Well done, good luck with the rest of their family
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: ronandcats on August 09, 2007, 17:24:35 PM
 hi Julie whos a clever girl, Good on you babe, what lovely little kitties, By the way i have a pair of Gountlets if you want i will post them to you i will sort them out, Got rid of the little ferels yesterday they went to the vets to be done one of the poor Babes had a kitten in the night so she was put on hold she had another stillborn this morning, she is tucked up in  a spare room for the time being, well babe happy hunting with the rest of the family talk soon Ron
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Millys Mum on August 09, 2007, 17:53:31 PM
They dont look too scared in that pic   :Luv:  at 8-10 weeks they should tame nicely.

RIP little stillborn baby  :(
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Angiew on August 09, 2007, 18:00:01 PM
He may be a young and experience vet..... But is he handsome? :evillaugh:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on August 09, 2007, 18:07:15 PM
He may be a young and experience vet..... But is he handsome? :evillaugh:

We await with baited breath for the answer  :waiting:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 09, 2007, 18:17:31 PM
He was incredible handsome, wavy black hair, firm square jaw and a perfect botty - I got an eyeful of that whilst he was scurrying around the floor trying to catch the escapee!  :rofl: :rofl:

These babies are now called Apache and Squaw - Apache has a thick black line under his eyes like a Red Indian. And Squaw... is his sister.  :shy:

Vet reports they really healthy and foresees no problems.

Now... for the rest of them!  :Crazy: :scared:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Sabrina (Auferstehen) on August 09, 2007, 22:00:23 PM
Other names for when you catch the rest keeping in theme,

Cherokee
Cheyenne
Istas
Navajo
Kickapoo (it was a tribe name!)
Maricopa
Mohave
Ponca
Wichita
Yakima
Yuma


Matoaka - One of my ancestors also known as Pocahontas.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 10, 2007, 06:34:52 AM
Apache and Squaw had me crying at bedtime last night. 24 hours after they've been trapped, AND had their first ever visit to the vets, they let me tickle their foreheads.  :'( :Luv: Sure, they were still shaking, and Squaw was still hiding behind her brother, but no hissing, no scratching and no making a run for it when the cage door is opened...  :shify: :Luv:

This morning, I went back in and realised that ever since they've come back from the vet, they've been using the tray!  :wow: They had covered up their little jobbies so well, I hardly saw it.... Next trick is to get them NOT to sleep in it as well.  :rofl:

I was too exhausted to go out last night. But I'm off to try get Mum and any others tonight. (Not sure about there being others as I only ever saw 2 kittens with mum at one time.) Hopefully, the gap of 48 hours will mean Mum has forgotten about the trap...  :sneaky:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on August 10, 2007, 08:35:05 AM
word of warning,when you get your first purr have the Kleenex ready  :)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Sabrina (Auferstehen) on August 10, 2007, 08:45:54 AM
word of warning,when you get your first purr have the Kleenex ready  :)

Seriously, I bawled my eyes out the first time Harley purred for me.

My OH thought something was terribly wrong :)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 10, 2007, 09:15:16 AM
I've already shed a few tears.  :evillaugh:

They weren't too crazy about me doing it, but I've now managed to shift Squaw off the tray so I could remove it and change it. ALL their pee pee and poo was in the tray and not on the paper.  :Crazy: :Luv:

How can they know what a tray is for? They've never seen one in their lives! Incredible..!   :-:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 10, 2007, 11:33:18 AM
Well, nothing changes!  :rofl:

They had another bowl of chicken for breakfast. Again, without me watching. But when I went back to sit talking to them for a bit, Apache timidly walked right up to the bars and started sniffing my fingers. He wanted more chicken, didn't he!  :evillaugh:

Seeing that at least Apache seems to have got his appetite back, I thought I'd give them a small bowl of kitten biscuits to nibble on. I placed the bowl in the cage and Apache went straight up and stuck his nose in it and eat nearly all of them.

Men will never really rule the world all the time women stick meals under their noses.  :rofl: :rofl:

I wish Squaw would come out from the corner, though...  :-:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Sabrina (Auferstehen) on August 10, 2007, 11:43:12 AM
It takes time!

When I had my two in the cage, Harley stayed in the litter box when we were around and Quinn in the far corner.

They eventually came around a bit and then I moved them to the library where I swear a herd of large animals lived (they were really loud!).

Now they're everywhere and enjoying it, though Harley has taken to laying on any book she can find and gets pretty annoyed when you move them (she picks the one my OH wants to read!).

Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 10, 2007, 12:05:00 PM
It sounds like yours are ready to go soon then, Sabrina..?  :sneaky:

Yes, I know it'll take time.

And I am astonished how well they're doing after just 2 days.  :wow:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Sabrina (Auferstehen) on August 10, 2007, 12:09:14 PM
It sounds like yours are ready to go soon then, Sabrina..?  :sneaky:

Yes, I know it'll take time.

And I am astonished how well they're doing after just 2 days.  :wow:

Harley is just about ready, Quinn still needs work. He's coming closer but still doesn't like to be touched.

I thought with the whole nail clipping thing of the other night he'd be terrifed of me (I've had questions about my arm today at work as its black & blue), but no I even tried again last night chasing the poor thing around the bedroom he hid under the dresser and came out for treats.

They both love my cat Peguin which annoys him ;)

I'm going to cry buckets when they go.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Nick (Peanut & Boo) on August 10, 2007, 12:42:10 PM
Well done Julie  :Luv:  hope you get the others tonight . I keep missing all the best threads ?  >:(
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 10, 2007, 16:51:31 PM
 :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:

I'm just besoted....  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Sabrina (Auferstehen) on August 10, 2007, 16:53:09 PM
Oh you're not going to let those cuties go are you?

They are so sweet looking.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Ralph's mum (angie) on August 10, 2007, 17:03:29 PM
 :Luv: :Luv: :Luv: They are adorable, can I have them Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Millys Mum on August 10, 2007, 17:08:11 PM
If they are doing so well so quickly maybe they were dumped at 6 weeks or so, so they have had some contact and just forgotten about some of it. They look reasonably content in that pic  ;D i bet ya mum is a domestic   :shake:  :rofl:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: hOrZa on August 10, 2007, 17:09:23 PM
I want them too, any chance they can be cloned :)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Nick (Peanut & Boo) on August 10, 2007, 17:27:30 PM
According to Tabor these tabbies are the genetic origin of all European  cats the original wild cat ...not many people know that lol  .. :)     I'll get mi coat
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 10, 2007, 17:58:40 PM
Well, I've been lucky and caught these babies before they were too old, i think. But then again, if they were older we wouldn't have got the report...  :tired:

I dropped a line to the coordinator at CAT77 whom I'd written too months ago offering to help with ferals. She told me that at this age, these kitties should show a rapid improvement which kind of explains why they've done so well.

Funnily enough, although I'm rooting for them and really want them to do well, I don't want to keep them. Once they go to a nice, loving home, perhaps I can do the same for more little orphans...  :wow:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Nick (Peanut & Boo) on August 10, 2007, 18:01:22 PM
Are you  going to try catch the rest tonight ?  :-: ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 10, 2007, 18:40:00 PM
Are you  going to try catch the rest tonight ?  :-: ;)

I've failed to find a vet to spay mum over the weekend. I've nowhere to keep mum so she'll have to stay in the trap overnight.(The vet will take her at 8.30am).. but she can't stay in the trap too long.  :shy: She may be feral. She may be domestic. If she's domestic Sharon will probably take her on CP's books and she'll go to an emergency fosterer. But if she's feral, she'll have to go back. Thing is, I won't know til I've got her and she's settled down a bit.

Either way, I can't trap her til sunday night....  :(
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Nick (Peanut & Boo) on August 10, 2007, 19:09:01 PM
try some cheapo frozen prawns, nice and smelly .  Mine will kill for them  :Crazy: ;)  good luck
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Millys Mum on August 10, 2007, 19:20:38 PM
Could you get hold of another dog cage? She can live in one of those for the weekend, i use a carrier as their bed, makes it easy as you can shut the door  ;D
Where will she go to recover from her spay?
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 10, 2007, 20:44:48 PM
MM, I seriously don't have room for another cage. It's college holidays and there's OH's kids visiting this weekend...  :(

I've twisted it every way I can in my head, and the only option is to wait til sunday. Once she's been to the vet, if she's really feral I'm just gonna have to release her back to where she came from. But knowing me, I'll think of a plan B if I think she may tame down a bit.  ;)

BTW, the latest on the kittens it that I caught OH feeding them sardines from his fingers. He can't get over how much they've come round in 2 days.  :evillaugh: ;D
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on August 10, 2007, 20:55:38 PM
Could not mother cat be given the farm home after spay and kittens tamed and rehomed as domestic?
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 10, 2007, 21:12:38 PM
Lovely idea, Teresa, that was plan A. But they're going on holiday today and not back for two weeks.  :brick:

Mum should be fine in the original location once she's spayed. If she's too feral, that really is the best I can do for her...  :(

Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on August 10, 2007, 23:08:26 PM
Is there anyone in the area that could let you know whether there's any more kittens or not before you trap mum?  I know when I did the mum and kittens in the greenhouse, it was a few days before I saw both kittens together.  It's also possible because the mum will still be in milk, that the vet won't spay her.......mine prefer them to have dried up first.  It's a shame you haven't got anywhere to keep her really, I always try and keep mum and kittens together for a few days after trapping them.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 11, 2007, 07:05:47 AM
Have you thought about putting two cages on top of each other (with board in between) i know you prob have  ;D
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Millys Mum on August 11, 2007, 19:20:46 PM
2 cages on top of each other worked fine for me as long as they are both sturdy  ;)

After a spay you need a min of 48hrs to make sure theres no major problems with the wound etc.

I cant remember if it was someone on here or it was in real life about a cat who was released straight after her spay, the wound opened and "bits" started comming out and got infected and the cat died  :(
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 11, 2007, 19:59:46 PM
Well, I may be on the trail of a second cage (it'll have to go in the bathroom, though) and I'm collecting a second trap tomorrow. But our branch is rapidly running out of this gear and I gather there's another case on the horizon this evening...  :(

Meantime, Apache is enjoying his new found voice and has miowed three times today...  :Luv:

Both of them are eating from my fingers, but only with sardines.  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on August 12, 2007, 06:10:07 AM
After a spay you need a min of 48hrs to make sure theres no major problems with the wound etc.

I cant remember if it was someone on here or it was in real life about a cat who was released straight after her spay, the wound opened and "bits" started comming out and got infected and the cat died  :(

Yep, that happened to a friend of mine and the recommendation is 10 days.......I won't release mine until they have been done minimum 7 days, but ideally 10 if they are not too stressed.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 12, 2007, 06:17:04 AM
If that really is the case then I have a problem.  :-: If she's feral, there is nowhere to keep her... unless I could keep her in a kitten pen in the garden for a week? Is that feasible?

Why did I start this!  :tired:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on August 12, 2007, 06:51:07 AM
Kitten pen is fine  ;)  If she's released too early and something happens, you'll never forgive yourself.....make sure they use dissolvable stitches as well.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 12, 2007, 11:43:57 AM
Well, I got the second kitten pen organised. But keep your fingers crossed there aren't any more kittens as I really don't want to put them in with Apache and Squaw because I think it'll set them back.

Apache now seems to enjoy a good old fuss and will let me lift him up breifly without complaining. He's going to be a big cuddlebum - I can tell!  :Luv: Squaw allows me to stroke her but would rather I didn't. A bit of a diva in the future, I think.  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 12, 2007, 12:33:39 PM
Re: kittens in pen together.......kittens are so quick learning....the trust you have gained wont be lost....it will help the kittens settle in they'l be a doddle  ;)

Thats after the initial calming down period.....
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 13, 2007, 01:10:57 AM
Frustrating night!  :brick:

The mum is really a moo! She ate the front bait twice, then walked off....  :tired: But she doesn't look pregnant so that's a relief.  :innocent: And there aren't any more kittens!  :wow:

Managed to nab someone's ginger.  :evillaugh: Pool soul! He was so upset I gave him his own tin of sardines when I released him, and then he jumped in the car and curled up purring next to me.  :Luv:

So, I'll try again later in the week... :shy:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 13, 2007, 11:19:08 AM
Aw what a shame  :(

Glad there's no more kittens though.....less stress to the situation.....next week just use the smelly pilchards in tom sauce inside the trap, dont bother with the leaders  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 13, 2007, 11:55:27 AM
We had a wee accident cleaning pen this morning.  :-[ Squaw legged it out of the pen door and started darting all around the bathroom.  :scared: Poor Apache didn't know what to do and just sat good as gold in the middle of the pen watching the commotion.  :evillaugh:

First she wrapped herself around the toilet outlet, then ran up the curtains. Eventaully, she went into the shower cubicle and ran up the shower curtain. I got a towel and prepared to grab her, but she was just the right height to leap straight into my eyes.  :scared: :doh: It was then I realised it does take a bit of courage, this lark, doesn't it? And yes, I know she was more scared than me but at least I haven't got little razor claws.  :tired:

After a short while I did manage to grab her, turned round to shove her back into the pen.... then saw that Apache had legged it too!  :rofl: :rofl:

They're all back and settled now, but I've lost some ground, sadly.  :(
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: hOrZa on August 13, 2007, 12:09:51 PM

haven't got little razor claws.


I think most girls have :)

 :poke:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Sabrina (Auferstehen) on August 13, 2007, 12:12:36 PM
They're all back and settled now, but I've lost some ground, sadly.  :(

i'm sure you'll gain back the lost ground!

Once they settle back down and have some treats.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: hOrZa on August 13, 2007, 12:23:56 PM
They hopefully enjoyed the runaround anyway :)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 13, 2007, 12:42:00 PM
I'm sure I'll make peace with Apache easily enough. Brains in his belly, that one!  :evillaugh: But Squaw has started to tremble again when I sit next to the pen.  :-:

Time to pull out the artillery - liver sausage!  8)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 15, 2007, 19:17:38 PM
Anyone got any thoughts of when I can start tempting these two out of the pen?  :-:

Apache is as soft as treacle now. Sqauw still has Diva moments... but both of them will now let me touch them anywhere, and I can even groom them with a comb.

I just have a fear that they are getting agoraphobic in there as they seem to not even try to get out.  :shify:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 15, 2007, 19:48:26 PM
Sounds like now is the right time.....prepare for the uproar lol  ;)

As long as you know you can get them back in i cant see any probs x
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 17, 2007, 16:35:19 PM
How did it go? or are you still trying to get em back in lol x
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 17, 2007, 18:47:59 PM
How did it go? or are you still trying to get em back in lol x

Well, I got Apache out but he ran straight into a corner. I left him there for about 20 mins or so, then I went to try tempt him out. He just hissed and spat... :scared: I guess they aren't ready yet.  :shy:

I bought them some toys.  ;D A wooley mouse and 2 pin pong balls. Every morning I find them half drowned in the water bowl.  :evillaugh: Squaw enjoys a game of footy with me, though. I roll the ball to her and she bats it back. She purrs while she's doing it as well...  :Luv:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on August 17, 2007, 20:47:25 PM
Peacock feathers are wonderful for putting kittens like this at ease and for drawing them out of the corner :)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 17, 2007, 21:24:41 PM
i also used a laser pen with Shadow, in the beginning it was a nice stress free way of getting her to go back into the cage - she did suss it out after a couple of days mind!!
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 17, 2007, 22:30:21 PM
I do think that they are as ready as they'l ever be.....there world has just got a little bigger.....is their cage on the floor? Maybe put it there so they can get used to the height of everything.....remember to lay down on the floor as you wont seem so scarey to them.....they are coming on leaps and bounds tho you must be proud  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 17, 2007, 23:20:55 PM
I'm as proud of them as if they were my OWN kids.  :evillaugh:

Squaw actually rolls over for a tummy tickle now. She purrs and purrs like a diesil train. Apache has now reverted to the strong, silent type, but he still likes a fuss when he thinks no one is looking...  :sneaky:

I'm starting to think about whether this stable place is good enough for them. I don't think anyone is good enough for them!  :) Only wish I could keep them...  :(

I will try the feather idea... and see if I can get a lazer. They do need some encouragement to play I think.  :Luv:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 18, 2007, 15:40:47 PM
If they are starting to tame down, I wouldn't want to place them in a stable, I am sure there are cats more suitable for that environment than such young kittens. Dont forget, by letting them go, you free the space up for the next needy cats, and sadly, there is never not a next one.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Millys Mum on August 18, 2007, 17:37:20 PM
I agree with Desley, the great progress you are making will be wasted if they are let back out at a stables. The tummy tickles is that of a cat destined to live a life of home comforts  ;D
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 23, 2007, 21:18:42 PM
They are doing my head in... :Crazy:

I gave them a couple of little footballs to play with, but they won't play in front of me. I hear the ball rattling around the cage, but when I open the door to go in the room, they scurry off to their respective corners and do this book end act.  :evillaugh: Why don't they want me to watch them?  :shy:

The lady from the stables in coming to see them on Monday. I've made it clear these are house kittens now and will need the support and shelter of a pet cat, not a farm cat. She still wants to see them!  ;) Imagine if my babies could go from the comfort of a warm duvet then outdoors for a stroll round 3 acres of garden!  ;D
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 23, 2007, 23:23:26 PM
Maybe you have a poltergeist  :Crazy:  :evillaugh:

Im glad that you have decided to let these babes have a home life.....i guess with 3 acres also they will have the best of both worlds  :Luv: :Luv:

Deep down i think the prospective new owners want more interaction with the kitties......and they will still be able to hunt  :wow:

"Good Luck"  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 24, 2007, 07:59:52 AM
Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Millys Mum on August 24, 2007, 17:19:33 PM
What they need with all that land is 2 tabbys in the house and some real ferals outside  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Ralph's mum (angie) on August 27, 2007, 17:41:11 PM
What they need with all that land is 2 tabbys in the house and some real ferals outside  :evillaugh:
:rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 28, 2007, 11:08:16 AM
Well....  :innocent:

She didn't come. I think she may have forgotten.  :shify: I emailed her and no response yet. She also wasn't answering the phone. Not very efficient or thoughtful as I altered my Bank Holiday plans to suit her.  :tired:

Maybe Apache and Squaw might be up for grabs after all....  :)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 28, 2007, 11:11:17 AM
I hate it when people do that!! she obviously wasn't the right person for them though
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 29, 2007, 13:08:42 PM
What a kind person you are PB to give the benifit of doubt.....sorry but iv of been banging your door down to get them kits  >:(

Well better to find out now i suppose  ;)

I know it wont be long for these babes to be in their forever home......and with you a bit extra  :Luv: ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 29, 2007, 13:19:19 PM
I suppose I'm a mug, Ruth.  :shy:  :evillaugh:

She wrote to me today - full of apologies. Her Grandma's funeral was yesterday....  :-:

I'm still battling to get them more confident. They get scared about the room outside their kitten pen and will only come to the door if I tempt them with a feather. I'm going to have to get tough and make them eat outside the pen, I think...  :tired: Either way, they're still a week or so off being ready, so I can afford to give this woman a wee while to get her act together - she's waiting for her BF to get back off hols before making a final decision.  :innocent:

I'll see if I can get some more pics later today.  ;D
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 29, 2007, 13:31:52 PM
When you let them out of the pen to play.....i'd take the pen out of the room so they can learn confidence away from the cage  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 29, 2007, 14:56:10 PM
 :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on August 29, 2007, 22:09:23 PM
 :Luv :Luv: beautiful  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 30, 2007, 08:06:44 AM
Do you happen to have a spare room?
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 30, 2007, 16:06:46 PM
I did have a spare room but it's full of kitten stuff, now...  :evillaugh:

I've just spent the most glorious 10 minutes snugging Squaw into my neck. And I got one of those extra special high pitched squeeky purrs - you know the ones.  :sneaky:  :Luv: :Luv:

The odd thing is that next time she may not be in the mood and I'll get a hiss and a spag instead. I shall never figure cats out...  :-:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 31, 2007, 08:09:57 AM
Ah right - when I was taming down a kitten, I had her in a pen initially, then transferred her into the cat room, where she came on really well, she would hide, but as long as you laid down on the floor, she was happy to come and cuddle with you.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Hippykitty on August 31, 2007, 19:19:56 PM
Pinkbear, just in case you don't read my thread: can I pinch the picture of Squaw drinking milk, please? It goes well with the song.
Thanks.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 31, 2007, 19:31:27 PM
Pinkbear, just in case you don't read my thread: can I pinch the picture of Squaw drinking milk, please? It goes well with the song.
Thanks.

Cerpinkly!  :Luv:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on September 10, 2007, 09:39:35 AM
 :brick: :brick: :brick:

After faffing me around for 4 weeks, the woman from the stables has now written to say it's a definate NO.  >:( >:( >:(

So... these babies will be going on Catchat later today or tomorrow. They are still under socialised and will need time and patience, but....

Anyone want a pair of kittens?  :gimme: :blow kiss:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on September 10, 2007, 21:04:21 PM
 :gimme: :gimme: :gimme: < I wish  :tired:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Hippykitty on September 11, 2007, 09:54:58 AM
So sorry about this. At least Squaw is famous. Do you want me to put a note with the youtube vid (though I'm not sure you'd find the kind of home you want through there)? Good luck.  :hug:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on September 11, 2007, 10:28:18 AM
Thanks, HK, but the odds of someone local enough and serious enough wanting a pair of ex ferals without first looking on rescue sites are pretty remote.  :shy:

Sharon our rehoming officer (canterbury cats) has now put them on Catchat. She's really good at finding ace homes so I'm sure it won't be long.  :)

I was just cross that someone can behave like that. She and her BF have decided to up sticks and move to somewhere up north because of their jobs. I only found out after I prodded them a week and a half after they said for sure they were taking the kittens - what would have happened if we'd given them a bunch of true ferals as they first said wanted? That's if anything she said was actually the truth....   :Crazy:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on September 11, 2007, 13:31:50 PM
A little bit of patience and effort and these two will be the purfect furbabes......

I am glad they never went to them ppl....how indecisive they were  >:(  ;)



below is what you need  ;) ;D

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Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on September 15, 2007, 22:37:29 PM
Well, they are being visited my a prospective new family on Sunday afternoon, after being spotted on Catchat.

I'm a little bit nervous as I want the visit to go well, but I also want the people to be fully aware of the help Apache and Squaw are going to need.

Fingers crossed!  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on September 15, 2007, 22:40:51 PM
Good Luck you gorgeous furbabes......i do hope this will be your forever home  :wow:

>PB...you are so brave to let them go.......room for the next one's i suppose  :Luv:

Have to say i admire all you folks who do what you do for the puddy's  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 16, 2007, 10:30:32 AM
Fingers crossed for this afternoon.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on September 16, 2007, 18:06:13 PM
Well, an hour late and no sign, nor even a call... >:(  And I'd scrubbed their pen, cleaned the room and gave them a good brushing in the hope they were going to meet their new Meowmy and Daddy. They looked such a picture.  :Luv: :innocent:

I wish I didn't take things so personally.  :'(
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: blackcat on September 16, 2007, 18:29:37 PM
If they are that unreliable, then its probably best the kitties stay right were they are!! >:(
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on September 16, 2007, 18:39:27 PM
The problem is, blackcat, I know they were going to the open day at Bredhurst shelter this afternoon before they were due at mine. I suspect they may have seen a cat or kittens they prefered there. It would have been nice to get a phone call, though.  :tired:

They had better not be coming to us asking for a home check.  :P

As you say... if they are that unreliable and thoughtless, Apache and Squaw are staying put til someone better comes along.  :snooty:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 16, 2007, 18:43:03 PM
I hate it when people do that, they dont seem to think of the fact we have a life and might have other things to do, and that we might have put ourselves out for them, and they dont even have the courtesy to call - it might not be too bad for those running shelters with open hours, but for those of us who do it in our homes, it is frustrating, but I try to think these things happen for a reason.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on September 17, 2007, 13:49:37 PM
Apache and Squaw are staying put til someone better comes along.  :snooty:

 ;)

What is the matter with people these days???  >:(
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on September 22, 2007, 00:55:00 AM
Any more suitable owner's for these two babes PB? Third time lucky if so  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on September 22, 2007, 01:10:08 AM
I'm afraid not, Ruth.  :(

Our rehoming has gone dead quiet. That, plus the combination of our CP being innundated with cats this week (I collected yet another pregnant girl and took her to a fosterer today), on top of the fact I'm about to start trapping the Chislet colony, means I've also caught the general malaise that's going around.  :tired:

Apache and Squaw are doing really fine, though. They are perminantly out of the cage now and starting to come up to us. The rest of the time they like 'chilling' against the wall, or hunting flies. They've also 'killed' 4 catnip mice and my OH's favourite jumper.  :evillaugh: We've got them on the Kent page of Top Cats in Catchat now. I really need to find somewhere else for them urgently. I'm about to get an avalance of kittens from this farm...  :shify: :shy:

We should have a special rescue peeps Fun Day to get us all feeling good again!  :wow:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on September 29, 2007, 00:55:56 AM
Ladies and Gents!

I want all fingers, toes and paws crossed for Apache and Squaw at 11am this morning.  :luck:

Finally, a deadly serious and very keen sounding lady is coming to view them. She has teenage children, a rather soppy, daft alsation, a massive detached 4 bed house... and about two acres of grazing land at the back of her house for them to play in!  :wow:

I've never wanted something so bad as they really are ready now. They've worked so hard and deserve their own home!  :blow kiss: :na na naa na:  :yesss:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on September 29, 2007, 01:03:55 AM
Fingers crossed PB i really hope this is it  :) bless them as they have come on leaps & bounds and its all down to you......so give yourself a  :pat:
(not sure of that piccie lol!) Good Luck to you all  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on September 29, 2007, 10:34:28 AM
 :brick: :brick: :brick:

Next time, I'm not going to say anything....  :tired:

Apparently, the dozy  :censored: forgot to ask her husband if they could have 2 cats rather than the 1 agreed...  :boxer:

I'm hoping they will move on to another fosterer next week after they have been neutered and vac. Squaw is now such a little confident minx, she's perches herself on top of the hand basin and stares people out when they go to the loo. OH says he can't 'perform' with her watching him and has to go to the outside loo.  :rofl: :rofl:

I'm really going to miss them, but I've now got other little souls needing the PB touch.  :)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on September 29, 2007, 10:43:07 AM
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr  :sick:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: blackcat on September 29, 2007, 10:45:53 AM
ah, the old, 'he will change his mind when he sees them' routine. Not fair on you. Not fair on the kitties. How annoying for you PB
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 29, 2007, 11:21:20 AM
How annoying, I do hope they find a good home soon.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on September 30, 2007, 02:02:15 AM
Well im in total shock yet again  :Crazy: Oh guess its a case of more fool them  :P

Good Luck furbabies  :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Hippykitty on October 01, 2007, 14:09:43 PM
They're gorgeous. If I wasn't already owned by two cats, I'd have them yesterday!!  ;)
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on October 04, 2007, 22:17:23 PM
Apache and Squaw have made it to the front page of Catchat.  :ok:

They are going in to be neutered, chipped and vac'd tomorrow, and will be all official like proper grown up cats! I'm so proud!   :blow kiss: :birth:

No more pickey kittens in this house!   :poke: :heeee heeee:
Title: UPDATED! Apache and Squaw
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on April 09, 2008, 19:30:11 PM
Today I was forwarded a lovely letter and photos from Apache and Squaw's new Meowmy. She sounds a dedicated woman and has certainly done my first 2 feral rescues proud!  :briggin: :Luv2:

I am so emotional right now, I can bearly type. Don't they look stunning now!  :naughty: :naughty: :innocent: :evillaugh:

Quote
Why are cats so hard to photograph, they never seem to look as lovely as they are, anyway here are a couple of pictures of "Apache & Squaw " or Rosie & Dill. They have grown somewhat especially Dill. I know that Julie worked really hard with them and I hope that I have continued that work. After spending the first couple of weeks hiding they gradually started to explore the house and now are quite happy anywhere. I have just started to let them into the garden, not that they go very far but hopefully now the weather is improving and we can leave the door open they will decide its fun out there. The really surprising thing is that it is Rosie who has become the real lap cat, as soon as I sit down she is there, purring like a traction engine, this is the cat that scratched my hands to pieces the first time I met her. Dill is much more laid back, likes a fuss when he wants it  and his tummy rubbed but as long as you feed him he is happy. Neither of them particularly like being picked up and anything noisy or unexpected spooks them but I guess they will always be like that. Julie, you did a terrific job.
   

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Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on April 09, 2008, 19:32:33 PM
They are so stunning and you must be very proud  ;D
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Bazsmum on April 10, 2008, 02:47:12 AM
>PB...they look so well.....so glad you got an update on this gorgeous pair!  :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 10, 2008, 08:08:01 AM
Aww, what a lovely update, it is wonderful when you get such a nice update on cats.
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Millys Mum on April 10, 2008, 17:31:23 PM
They look fantastic, you must be so proud  :hug:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on April 10, 2008, 18:40:18 PM
The lady said she had some goods for us to sell at the forthcoming Spring Fair, so who delegated herself to go get them this afternoon.  :evillaugh:

They look every bit as beautiful as they do in the photos.  :briggin: They are so big now!!  :wow: I think they will always be shy cats and Apache spent most of the time under the table, but Squaw came over to have a good sniff at me. There wasn't even a flicker of recognition in their eyes, but I'm not at all bothered by that. I did my bit for them and that's part of their past now. They are really happy where they are. A nice little garden to play in and a mum and dad who clearly are so proud of them. But I do have a kind of closure now that I've seen them again and that was missing before.  :Luv2:

Isn't this rescue lark really fulfilling at times?  :innocent:  :) Wish it was like that every day.  :tired:
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 12, 2008, 20:42:51 PM
IT is wonderful when you see them in their new homes, all content, and knowing that their outcome could have been so different. It can be fulfilling, and I do wish it were like that every day!!
Title: Re: I'm all nervous - ferals
Post by: Hippykitty on April 13, 2008, 09:45:13 AM
They look so different. Squaw is in one of my vids and doesn't look like the same cat. Well done!  ;D