[seebrown]

I'll just mention (and this is my logical side speaking), I do think working farm cats serve a purpose (mousers) - but on the farms I've known with outdoor cats, they usually get eaten by wildlife quite often (owls, coyotes, etc.). I'm not trying to convince you otherwise, just be prepared to lose a few cats in the next year.

 

[Criosphynx]

They were living behind my dad's work and were going to be put down. Dad rescued them and brought them out here so they can live outside here and be safe from traffic and stuff.

can you clarify what you mean by this?


They also look very clean and well fed. So basically som' little old lady is likely wondering where her cat is. Im not saying it wasn't well intentioned, but your dad probably "rescued" som'one elses pet.

 

[MakeShift Heart]

Yes we are aware of the wildlife dangers but most we can do is hope for the best. It really depends on the animal, like my friend's cat is out there in coyote country, hawk haven etc. She's lost MANY cats to wildlife. However, she took in one that she now calls Miss Kitty. It has to stay outside due to her step mom's allergies. They have now had Miss Kitty for 5 years and still holding strong.

I'm not saying it will never happy but I have known coyotes to stay more towards on the other side of the road than to come over here. My bigger concern is actually along the lines of foxes and hawks than coyotes. I've only ever heard coyotes in the far back timberlands where there's more "prey" for hunting and what not.

I know there is always the possibility of one wandering and taking off with one of the cats, I just don't see it ever happening anytime soon.

 

[MakeShift Heart]

can you clarify what you mean by this?


They also look very clean and well fed. So basically som' little old lady is likely wondering where her cat is. Im not saying it wasn't well intentioned, but your dad probably "rescued" som'one elses pet.

No it was not someone else's pet the ladies that were working at dad's work as secretaries were feeding them.

Basically they have always had cats there and once a new business moved in next door someone called animal control and complained. When AC stopped by and talked to my dad he explained that once captured they would put the cats to sleep and not give them a chance for adoption so dad said he would just take them home instead.

 

[Criosphynx]

I guess Im not familiar with the laws where you are, but that doesn't seem...um...legal. To seize them like that on one complaint.

anyway. good luck with them. I personally would just find unwanted adult cats that are going to be put down to be barn cats, vs highly adoptable kittens. But im a rescue nut.

 

[MakeShift Heart]

I guess Im not familiar with the laws where you are, but that doesn't seem...um...legal. To seize them like that on one complaint.

anyway. good luck with them. I personally would just find unwanted adult cats that are going to be put down to be barn cats, vs highly adoptable kittens. But im a rescue nut.

Yeaa when dad said "Cats" i was expecting CATS..not 5 kittens. Now i'm going down there around evening times etc to try and make sure they're okay and wigging out worried that something's gonna take off with them.

I'd do the same and get CATS..but well i wasn't there when all of this was going down it was sort of a..oh you're home..btw we have cats now deal for me lol.

I can't complain though I love them and I am spending a lot of time with them. About to go back down to the lake here in a few actually to check on them.

 

[MakeShift Heart]

PS: I found it odd they were just gonna put them down as well. I wonder if it has anything to do with our no-kill shelter constantly having cats. It still seems odd though but Idk.

 

[cornetto]

PS: I found it odd they were just gonna put them down as well.

It's probably due to the numbers of dumped and stray cats. We have a very good cat home here, and they put down an enormous number of cats straight off the bat because there is no possibility of rehoming the numbers they find. Only the luckiest, prettiest, cats get a chance of a home. That's why the cat rescue organizations are so vocal about neutering cats.

 

[pawzaddict]

I would try and let your dad know that kittens that stay together can develop behavior issues, maybe it will sway him to find them homes

 

[MakeShift Heart]

called the humane society today and they directed me to a place that will do low income spay/neuter. Left a message and was told I'll hear back in about 2 weeks.

 

[fawkese1]

wow, 2 weeks is a LONG time...she is likely to already be pregnant again:
http://www.sacanimal.org/cat_reproduction_FAQ.pdf

Can cats become pregnant while they are nursing kittens?
Yes, absolutely! It is typical for cats to go back into heat one to two months after giving
birth to kittens, and they can easily become pregnant at this time! Some cats may go
into heat and become pregnant again as soon as one week after having a litter!

no offense, but this situation seems to have disaster written all over it. again, no offense, but doesn't your family have financial struggles (who's doesn't nowadays but...) has everyone considered the cost of food and vet care for outdoor cats? wish the best for you all, and the cats... but maybe you can share this info with the family so they can make a more educated decision... also, i thought you talked about how they lived near a busy street in your past posts, iirc, you were worried about belle?

 

[pawzaddict]

Where do you live again? There are clinics that do spay/neuter weekly...2 weeks is too long. I would find a rescue that has room for more kittens.

 

[MakeShift Heart]

All cats get fixed July 5th

 

[pawzaddict]

Is there a way for you to keep them contained until then? Mom especially...she is bound to get pregnant and you will have to pay a lot more to have the babies aborted....

 

[MakeShift Heart]

No there isn't and I don't think she can get pregnant when there are NO other cats around here.

 

[pawzaddict]

Cats travel far...and a cat in heat will drive males from miles around