I finally heard from the people who own the four cats brought here over a month ago for a “short two week stay.” Apparently, they have been besieged with one traumatic event after another. I heard the whole story tonight and the family is now homeless and looking to be living in their car until they can figure things out. There is no place for these cats to go other than here, and so I have given them one option to keeping them here and that is to sign them over as owner surrenders. That way, if a cat gets sick (and the calico is pretty sick at the moment) I can legally treat them with my vet- otherwise, I have to call a number they gave me that only goes to voicemail and wait for them to give me permission to treat their cats. I did tell them that it is doubtful they are going to be adopted out any time soon. Very rarely do we get calls for someone wanting older cats- most people want the youngsters. I told them if they ever do get their feet on the ground again and contact me IF the cats are still here- I will be more than happy to turn them over to them.
But I also told them if they can’t agree to it- then they will need to take these cats away from here and put them somewhere else (even when saying this I knew I was going to be keeping these cats regardless) These people are in a pretty bad way.
So paint a big “S” on my forehead. I am sure there will be tears, but I believe the forms will be signed and we will do our best for these cats as we do with all under our care.
I have to say, I do feel like I was tricked into taking these four cats- but what do you do?
I think your terms are very fair and proper. You can’t be left with the responsibility for something but not the power to do things about it. (That sounds like my job, really…)
It is bizarre that people don’t want older cats. Mine are all middle-aged, and I have a foster-cat, Noah, who is under a year. Let me just say, ‘no more kittens!’ Only oldsters for me.
I have a question. I took in a feral mom Friday night with her three newborns. I have her in a large plastic dog kennel. She is doing fine with the babies. My questions is lights…I tend to want to keep the light on so she is not in the dark. I am wondering if this is a good idea. Should I turn it off at night for her and on in the day? There is NO natural light in the bathroom that I have this kennel. Thanks! Janice
I would just install a nightlight and when you really want to check on the status of the new family, use a low-beam flashlight. I would also lower the wattage of the existing lights in the bathroom just to keep her not so anxious and help her relax and trust you faster. Cats need very little light even at night- thank you for opening your heart and this home to this needy family.