Last night, Mr Grey, the Tom cat that we managed to catch and neuter was released to where he was living and happiest. Whilst in an ideal world he wouldn't be a feral cat, he was really unhappy not being free and it was the right decision to let him return, healthier.
A team effort to catch him, organise neutering and transporting, with a special thank you to Rachel who gave him warmth, food and a safe place post-op and funded anti-biotics needed due to a respiratory infection discovered by the vet.
TNR is a scheme supported by Cat's Protection. We thank them for covering the cost of his neutering and assisting in the prevention of further feral kittens being born.
Venture Farm have been wonderful in caring for the three kittens that we also managed to catch, who are now looking to be adopted (already neutered).
As many have offered help throughout, I have created a GoFund page for Venture Farm, a feline charity run by volunteers, who without we would have not been able to help the three kittens. The link will be posted to the following page/next post.
We now have eyes on two 💕
I was in the barn this morning to feed. Tabby was peeping from behind some pallets watching me & moved in to munch as soon as I was at a safe distance. Kat returned just after lunch to feed again and managed to video two. A little grey/white one. We're feeling optimistic that we might catch them tomorrow as we've been putting the food further in to the trap, gaining their trust and hoping they'll stay around with regular feeding. They've been going in without hesitation.
We're now upping efforts to actually catch them with a cold spell forecast.
Thank you Kat for taking Mummy to the vet. I had laid her in the barn for the kittens to see and not frantically be searching for her, but also to say goodbye 😢 still upsets me. We told Mummy we'll do everything we can to look after her babies.
Maybe we should name the kittens now? 🤔
I spotted an adorable Tabby, about 8 weeks.
Food & milk from last night and today all gone. Sainsburys may be soon needing to re-stock kitten food and milk, as myself, Kat & Julie Wells (Joops) all got some today. Thank you for everyone's very kind offers of food and help. We are OK for now.
I've also picked up a wildlife camera which I took down & set up, checking it in a mo.
The 'trap' is manual operating, we have to hide up with a 'crab line' and pull the door shut when they enter the cage. We're currently getting them used to venturing further and further into the cage. Kat & I are going to 'try' and catch he/she/them? at the weekend when have more time.
The joy of being able to freely run....
This is how gorgeous ginger boy has met me every day for the past week. I've nearly tripped up when stepping forwards more than once 🤣
He is selective about which humans he allows to get close, thankfully I'm one that he trusts.
A very special time last week was spent, for the second year, visiting my dinky beautiful BLIND feline friend.
He is just incredible. Oozing personality, cuddly, playful and clever!
His favourite toy, a teaser with a bell inside a ball. Using the sense of hearing he can follow it and pounce on it. I could have stayed for hours playing this with him.
Video 2 - after play.
4 dogs, tired and relaxed enough to be apart from each other. Post physical exercise, mental enrichment is encouraged, a good sniff!, essential for well being.
If the dogs were to play/chase non-stop, their adrenalin & subsequent cortisol levels could peak, possibly bringing undesirable behaviour and bad choices. Over-stimulation can create over-whelmed dogs, even aggression.
2 posts today.... a special Saturday favour.
Video 1 - Fabulous play. 4 dogs matched by similar confidence, energy, social skills/playstyle.
Playbows, taking turns, side by side, bouncy movement, natural pauses facing each other, returning to play some more.
Positive body language - open mouths, high wagging tails, loose wiggly bodies.
It's really great to have videos to watch over & over as canine play can be so fast and it's difficult to spot everything in real time.
An example being....
Up to 53 seconds the brown/white dog was enjoying mutual consensual play but then paused and 'shook off', releasing tension in both emotions and muscles, a signal to the Lab, "taking time out", who then swapped to play with another dog, the Lab being younger.
Tunnel fun!
I should add.... the smallest dog 'prefers' to BE chased than do the chasing. They're not bullying her 😆 I know these dogs very well, I have zero concerns over their temperament. After play, straight to a calm sniff and water - whilst fabulous fun, too much of this and I've got dogs with high levels of adrenlin/potentially cortisol to deal with. Everything in moderation is key.
