Cats in need of homes

Quietly we approach the picture window of my ground floor home office and carefully peer around the corner to check on our new outdoor guests.

Late in the summer we noticed a couple of cats were visiting our 14-year-old Beagle's house, which was located in her pen. As the leaves started to fall we moved the house out of the pen and placed it in front of the picture window. After they got comfortable with our food and water at that location, we determined that there were at least two momma cats. One was still nursing her very small kittens.

We kept trying to catch them so that we could perhaps ensure that they had a better place than our exposed front yard for the upcoming cold winter. As we have not yet been successful, we have created an enclosure of bails of hay around the old doghouse. In this enclosure, daily we place rations of food and make sure that the hay bed in the house is clean. Our goal is still to eventually capture them and have them neutered. But this will work for now.

As a child, I can remember walking into the cow barn or hayloft and finding many cats and kittens delightfully playing. Cats on a farm had a very special purpose. They functioned as a natural rodent control for the feed.

My mother and I are not very fond of rodents, so cats have a very special place in our hearts.

These cats are different. They were not agricultural support staff. They are most likely the decedents of domestic cats or kittens that were unwanted. They or their ancestors were discarded in the same manner as most of us drag our garbage to the bin, hence they are wary of humans.

They are alone in their struggle against predators, the elements and hunger. Our window sanctuary has become their refuge. We feel honoured that they have developed enough trust to allow us to observe their daily struggle.

This scenario is all too familiar to our Friends of Ferals group, which includes Chair-Sue Davis, Peggy Ballantyne, Gloria Reid and my angel Marilyn Stanton. When I called Marilyn I was very unsure of how to meet the needs of our guests. I also wanted assistance in trapping them so that they could potentially have a better life in a loving home.

Marilyn explained that in many cases a feral cat cannot become a pet and it is just best to ensure that they are neutered, well fed and sheltered. We now have a plan. After the New Year we will trap them, if possible, for those who have that potential, we will find homes. The others will continue to dine at our “Kat Bistro’’ and sleep in ‘‘Hotel Amber.’’

The Friends of Ferals Society has a very ambitious mandate. They want to assist in the humane care of these delightful creatures. Their work is difficult, as they must have the funds to spay or neuter their cat clients. They also feed colonies of wild felines all over the Digby area.

This can be costly and you can help. They have a booth in the Evangeline Mall where they sell cat toys and craft items to support their work. They also readily accept donations of food or money.

If you would like to help please contact Gloria Reid 245-5035 or Marilyn Stanton 834-2205.