My Feline Friends

Tommy quickly became part of the family. He reigned over our home and everything in it. I felt bad about leaving him home alone in the evenings and on weekends, so I would slip him into a harness, attach a long rope and off we’d go to soccer practice, or a picnic. He enjoyed these outings immensely. However, he was terribly lonely when we were all at work/school during the day, and he cried for company.

I mentioned this state of affairs to my friend, the lady who had rescued Tommy and his litter from her garage. One day she called to tell me she had found him a feline friend. A family in her neighbourhood was going to surrender their 2 year old calico to a shelter due to cat allergies. I was able to step in, and give the cat a home, so that she was spared that fate. And that is how Missy came to live with us.

Tommy and Missy had completely different personalities, yet they were good company for one another. Tommy no longer cried when we went out, he was once again a happy boy. (Go here for part 1)

Nova Scotia’s feral cats were in the news again this week. The Chronicle Herald newspaper had published a story last Friday about a non-profit group that was attempting to save a cat colony in Harbourville, Kings County from being euthanized, in favour of a trap-neuter-release program.

When members of the group returned to the area after the Easter weekend, not one of the estimated 2 dozen cats could be found. The members of the group are devastated over the missing cats, and concerned that someone may have taken the law into their own hands. The SPCA will be investigating the incident.

The newspaper followed up the story a couple of days later by publishing a human interest (or should I say feline interest) piece about a lady who rescues cats and cares for a colony on the property of a fish company. Nice work, Chronicle Herald.

In the spirit of the Herald’s story I’m adding a few sources where you can read about more folks who are committed to helping our feline friends.

To find out more about the feral cat population in Nova Scotia and the unsung heroes who are working hard to bring about changes check the website Reigning Cats and Dogs.

Do you know that there is a colony of cats that lives behind the Parliament Buildings in Canada’s capital? The Cat Sanctuary has been a home to strays since the 1970’s, which are lovingly cared for by volunteers. To learn more here is the link: Ottawa Cats.

There is one more link I’ve just got to share. It is for the Caboodle Ranch down in Florida, a non-profit cat rescue society that was started by one man, who didn’t like cats to begin with. It’s a fascinating story of how he went from one to over 100 cats. His website can be found here: Caboodle Ranch.

Thank you to all the folks everywhere who work towards the humane treatment of cats, and who give of their time and finances to care for strays.

Cat Colony (courtesy of petfinder.com