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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 3, 2008 21:00:21 GMT -4
I am just back from the kitten rescue operation. See the "backyard cats" thread. While walking downstairs I saw the trap had already been set up in the backyard. Yes, the "cat people" were already there. With much experience and expertise, they managed to capture at one try FOUR kittens! Although we waited in hopes the two others, and maybe the mother or father (both of whom were there), could also be trapped, the weather started getting old and drizzly and the cats would not come out again. At least not tonight. Meredith, one of the trappers, took the kittens home in the cages they were moved into for de-fleaing. After that, I get them: they stay in their cages to be socialized and adopted. they are likely seven weeks old, tops. I think. I will ask them to confirm that. The kittens are adorable. Here is the trap set before kapturing the kitties, and Meredith and Carl, working on the trap. It was hard to take sharp photos as the light was failing fast and the shutter speed was too slow. We try again tomorrow for more kittens. Later, we start trapping the adults for the spay/neuter and release operation. Things are looking good. I got really worn worrying about the cats; there have long been far too many in the backyard.
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Post by Dezzi on May 4, 2008 1:50:57 GMT -4
That's awesome DF! I would help out if I could.
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 4, 2008 20:47:50 GMT -4
We spent two hours tonight waiting around in the backyard without success. The mom was there, and she eventually ate the sardines and tuna we left out for the two remaining kittens. But there was no sign of the kittens who we assume were fast asleep. It is a task moving the cage and trap over the fence and then climbing over it, but we do what we have to. Other cats were spotted, and one fed. Food is left out by others, also. We planned some strategy. The four kittens kaptured the night before are caged and doing OK. More on them in due course.
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 5, 2008 20:21:12 GMT -4
We could not get there tonight--long day for us both. Maybe good as the super was roaming around. However, at 7 PM I did see both remaining kittens playing in the usual area. Tomorrow we try again. We get both or none. We will not get the mom until we have the kittens. That is the update!
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 6, 2008 21:41:03 GMT -4
I just finished the latest episode in all this. Whew!
The four kitties captured above? They are now in a cage next to me!! They are adorable and rather friendly, and not skittish. Photos in due course.
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Post by Andrea on May 7, 2008 0:31:27 GMT -4
WOO HOO! Way to go! You'll have to post new pictures
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 7, 2008 0:38:21 GMT -4
I have to take them first! The kittens are not really skittish, and so adorable. And to think they'd be outside in the backyard if not for me and Meredith the cat person. she was holding them for a few days in her secret Cat Room (actually several rooms) in the basement of an apartment house. The room is clean, bright, and filled with toys and cat beds. There is one feral cat there (Toro) and Lily a scared cat, scared of strangers--she hid in the sink. The kittens were in an other room. I set up the cage easily enough and am about to feed and water them. Playing with them will be great fun. For the past two days they were mostly alone in a dark room in a huge carrier, with plenty of food and water of course.
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 8, 2008 1:18:16 GMT -4
They are doing fine, and their photos have just been posted in the Photo Gallery.
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Post by Hamsters82 on May 8, 2008 17:32:32 GMT -4
Good thing there are great people in this world who care about the strays! Question: Animals in foster cares do help with socialization. But I don't think keeping them in a cage 24/7 will help with that no matter how much you take them out. So how is it that you will socialize them with the kitties being locked up a lot? Sorry just worrying about them and the socialization they're about to receive.
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 8, 2008 18:16:54 GMT -4
You want them to do what?? Roam loose in here and disappear?
I handle them regularly. They seem calmer already, not that they ever were very nervous with me. We have new toys and so long as they get used to people they are fine.
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Post by Hamsters82 on May 8, 2008 18:19:39 GMT -4
No, I wouldn't want them to go back to where they were. I'm just saying when I see foster homes, usually the cat (or kittens, etc) are out of their cages exploring and socializing that way. Not for some however many hours and then they're back in the cage.
That's all I was saying, don't get upset.
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 8, 2008 18:27:50 GMT -4
Who's upset? More in a quick PM.
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Post by Hamsters82 on May 9, 2008 8:01:16 GMT -4
I thought you would be by me asking that. Never mind then. Back on the subject.........
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 10, 2008 22:15:14 GMT -4
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Post by Hamsters82 on May 10, 2008 22:28:23 GMT -4
Aww. The second one is my favorite.
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