This past summer, I noticed a gray tabby lounging on our patio chair. Then a few days later, I saw him eating some stale bread I'd put under the bird feeder. It broke my heart to see this cat reduced to eating bread. . so I've been feeding him.
I named him Graystripe, after a cat in Erin Hunter's series of Warrior Cat books. I'm not sure of this cat's sex; he is so elusive and I've never gotten very close. I'd see him maybe once per week.
With winter on its way, I was concerned for his safety, so I bought a plastic storage organizer to make a shelter. I removed the shelf and tipped it on its side.
I used a brick to make an overhang, and put a blanket and food bowl inside. To my delight, he is using the shelter to access his food daily. It gets dark early here, so I don't see him much, as he comes at night. Tucker inspected the shelter before I took it outside.
I know several of you have trapped and spayed/neutered ferals, and I hope to eventually do this.
10 comments:
I have a gray tabby on my patio, too. I made a shelter last year, but I think my neighbor has a better one. She always comes from his yard when I call her at meal time. I know he feeds them, too! After a year, I can pick her and love on her. She has a friend that comes almost every day to eat. WE call Blackie 'he' but have no idea about his sex. I feel these are abandoned pets and have been spayed/neutered because we have not had any kittens. I know I should get her into a shelter, but then what will happen to Blackie!
Awww, poor sweetie. We're glad "he" has you to take care of him! Fingers crossed you'll be able to trap him for vet care.
BTW, is he actually feral? He could be abandoned and wary and distrustful of humans, but not actually feral. Regardless, we're sending him purrs and purrayers!
That is just so sweet and nice of you! Mom was always feeding the ferals at work and making shelters for them for the cold winters.
Awwww poor Graystripe!! :-( But me and Charlie are so happy that you are all there to look out for this poor sweetie! We hope he returns and uses this amazing shelter! We hope he has a safe and warm winter!
Hugs to Benny, Tucker and Sadie! take care
x
If Tucker gave his paw of approval, you know he thinks it's a great shelter. Graystipe is one very lucky kitty.
Oh Rene...what a heartwarming story...bread of life...our first shelter was a large rubbermaid container with wheels on the back...dennis cut a hole in one end and we filled it with blankets and a heated pet pad. Hunny Bunny raise her 3 kittens in it over the cold months until we could get them caught and fixed. I would watch at night b4 I went to bed...they would play in the snow then run inside to get warm.
Big hugs to you for your love...Karla
I'd say Graystripe certainly has an angel!
Another thing we have done is wrap the plastic shelter in blankets and then cover the whole thing with a big garbage bag (except the entrance. This really blocks the snow and ice and wind.
Your pal, Pip
P.S.: There are also these warming disks that you can heat in the microwave and then put in the cage. I have a couple of them that we are not using and would be happy to send them to you.
Oh, poor kitty! It's so kind of you to feed him.
How heartbreaking to hear about furbabies outside. We are so glad you are giving him shelter and food! Hopefully you'll be able to catch him!
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