Chickadee Photo Art

Ferals – A subject dear to my heart . . .”Just think about it”

// October 4th, 2009 // Information Items, Mammals

Think about this . . . I want you to imagine being outside during a Manitoba winter where temperatures can reach -30 celcius  or more with an even colder wind chill factor  and this weather can go on for as long as three – four months.  This is what feral cats (and other stray or discarded domestic animals) suffer.  Their ears freeze and fall off, their foot pads freeze and bleed, the tips of their tails freeze and fall off and many will simply die.  This is unacceptable in our society.  Cats, contrary to popular belief, cannot completely fend for themselves.  They are not meant to be outside in this climate and in fact, in my city, Winnipeg, it is against bylaws to let your animals run free.  It is dangerous  for any domestic pet to run free. Some cities have well established  and well run TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) programs but I am saddened to say Winnipeg does not.  Our TNR program is in infancy stage and not always available as the needs arise. There are other people, like myself, who take it upon themselves to do what they can, at their own expense, to help these animals.   In an earlier blog, I showed some really cute photos of kittens – all kittens are cute and yes they grow up and some may think they are not so cute anymore.  I had mentioned there is a sad side to the story so today I will not mince words.  Some people just discard the cats when they are not cute any more.  These same people never bothered to get their animals spayed or neutered when they did own them.  These same people think that its OK to discard an animal, thinking they can fend for themselves.  This is how our feral cat population starts and becomes a problem in communities.  I am angry and saddened at the thought that people are so thoughtless and cruel.  I am saddened that this year I have not been able to find homes for the kittens born this spring (see previous post June 2nd)  and for the kittens I just found born about a month (today’s photos) ago who are still nursing. Winter is fast approaching here.   In the past, I have been fortunate to find homes for the ferals I have come across and am happy to report they are in loving homes and thriving.  They do in fact make excellent and loving housepets and are not “wild”.  I am angry that people will go out of their way to harm or even kill them.  If you think Ferals are not in your community you are walking with blinders on.  This is a problem everywhere, in all neighbourhoods, from the wealthiest to the poorest.  Do the right thing if you live in a climate with extreme cold.  If you see an animal in need of shelter would it hurt to provide it?  Would it hurt to provide some food during these months of bitter cold?  Would it hurt to try and contact someone who may be able to help?  My personal experience has been that shelters and ”Humane” societies are not much help.  Our Winnipeg Humane Society puts down these cats as well as others who are not feral on a regular basis. Our no-kill shelters are usually full of animals waiting for adoption.   I could go on an on about this subject but I won’t.     The photos posted today are of the recently found kittens in a neighbours yard.  You can see they are under an old piece of machinery. I know this person has put the wire in place to try and keep the mother out and discourage her to leave.  It looks like the grey kitten has an injured eye possibly from the wires sticking out all over.  As of this date I am still trying desperately to find homes for them before winter sets in.  This will involve trapping and socializing them, along with some basic veterinary checks before they can be adopted out.  I know there are many responsible pet owners  who provide the best care possible for their “family member(s)” be they cats, dogs or other.  Unfortunately, we all know there is a flip side with many irresponsible pet owners.  For the people out there involved in animal rescue, care or shelter and do show kindness and compassion to these special animals I have nothing but admiration for what you do because I know what is involved.

You don’t have to be a “cat person” to have compassion for animals.  Just think about it – please.

For today,  I will not say “enjoy” as there is nothing enjoyable about today’s topic.

~Sharon