A Safe Haven Feral Cat Colony

01/07/2025

Because the Feral Cat that was killed by a speeding driver is in a TNR program, Animal Control will not take them. We cannot bury him because the ground is frozen. I have found a crematory that will take him. They will charge $100 for his cremation or a little more depending on taxes and fees.

We are asking for help in paying for his cremation as we really do not want to put this sweet soul in the trash. Because he was loved as much as he would allow us to, and he was never trash.

Unfortunately all of our funds go to feeding and keeping our ferals warm right now. We are seeing lows of 9 degrees or less for the next week, and our space for them is running 6 Heated beds and milkhouse heaters 24/7 so the electric bill is going to be impressive.

Please share this post and help if you can!

We have a Venmo set up for A Safe Haven Feral Cat Colony or we can provide you with

If you are local I can come pick up any donations you may want to give, or you can contact the crematory directly.

https://www.foreverrememberedpetcremation.com/cremationfees.html

01/07/2025

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: "feral"
What is a feral cat, and why should one be careful when using this word? 🤔

A feral cat is AN OUTDOOR CAT THAT HAS NOT BEEN SOCIALIZED WITH HUMANS; they have not had human interaction by being spoken to, played with or held. These cats fear humans and prefer to live outdoors, away from people.

📢PLEASE NOTE: "feral" does NOT refer to any cat living outdoors. "Feral" refers to DISPOSITION only.

Feral cats typically live in colonies with other feral cats and are not suitable as indoor pets. They tend to be nocturnal, coming out overnight to avoid interacting with and being detected by humans. You will not be able to catch a feral cat without a trap; they will never allow you to get close. They will not make eye contact with you, will not meow, and will usually appear well-groomed and healthy. Feral cats want nothing to do with you!

There are varying degrees of "feral." A cat that has never had human interaction and refuses human interaction might be labeled "totally feral." Another cat that has had some interaction--perhaps with a feeder--and will allow a human to come close might be described as "semi-feral." Sometimes, semi-feral cats are taken into foster care for socialization. Success depends on the cat and the person doing the socializing. Socializing a semi-feral cat is a long-term proposition requiring tremendous patience.

👉Are all outdoor cats feral? NO.
👉Can the terms "stray" and "feral" be used interchangeably? NO.
👉Should we use the word "feral" for ANY cat that lives outdoors? NO!

BE CAREFUL of using the term "feral" when describing a cat, as the word has negative connotations. Describing a cat as feral could lead to its immediate demise. Feral cats should never be taken to a shelter; they will be immediately euthanized there as feral cats are considered unadoptable.

What can we do for feral cats? TNR them and let them be. If possible, provide food and shelter to make life easier. 🐈💙

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project.

01/07/2025

❄️As the temperatures drop, please remember this tip from Planned Pethood about only using STRAW in outdoor cat shelters.
-----------------------
Outdoor Cat Shelter Tip!

Create an outdoor cat shelter and fill it with STRAW, not hay!

An outdoor cat house filled with STRAW will keep your feline friends warm and cozy during the chilly winter weather.

Straw and hay look similar, but while straw makes for excellent bedding, hay becomes a soggy mess.

❎️Hay soaks up moisture, making it cold and uncomfortable.

✅️STRAW repels moisture, making it the best bedding for outdoor cat shelters.

Learn more about the difference between straw and hay: https://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/straw-not-hay-for-outdoor-cat-shelters/

01/07/2025

01/07/2025

01/07/2025

How does Fierce celebrate New Year's?

We saved a cat, of course!

Meet Sparky! Sparky appeared at a feral caretaker's home toward the end of the summer. It was quickly apparent that he was nowhere near feral. This sweet boy begged to be brought inside.

He is a purr monster and a cuddle bug! Such an amazing boy!

Sparky needs a bit of TLC before he will be available for adoption. His ears are a mess, and he had several embedded nails that needed treatment. Thank you SO much to Dr. Tammy at Animal Hospital of McHenry for seeing Sparky right away. He is feeling better already!

It's because of your support that we are able to raise our hands when a boy like Sparky needs help.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of the support we have received!

01/07/2025

We are heartbroken 💔 One of our ferals was just killed by a speeding hit and run driver.

10/21/2024

Much sadness today, one of the TNR cats did not survive sedation. Hopefully the rainbow 🌈 bridge welcomes ferals. I'm sorry Morris.

There was also a deceased black cat on the road near the campground, couldn't identify by face. So had to take it to animal control to check for a microchip. It was an un-chipped female. Still sad. 🐈‍⬛

09/17/2024

How Do Cats Get Worms?
Cats most commonly contract worms after coming into contact with parasite eggs or infected f***s.

A cat may walk through an area with eggs or infected f***s, and since cats are often such fastidious groomers, they will then ingest the eggs or f***l particles as they clean their fur and feet.

Cats that live outdoors and regularly hunt small rodents are also at a higher risk of contracting worms because the worms can live in the muscle tissues of their prey.

After eating a rodent that’s infected with worm larvae, a cat can develop a worm infestation as those larvae develop to maturity in the cat’s intestines.

Can Cats Get Worms From Dogs? Yes, through their fleas and feral matter.

Types of Worms in Cats
The most common types of worms in cats are:
* Roundworms
* Hookworms
* Tapeworms
* Whipworms

Less commonly diagnosed worms in cats can even be fatal, including:
* Lungworms
* Stomach worms
* Bladder worms
* Liver flukes
* Heartworms

Common signs of worms in cats include:
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Tarry f***s
* Weight loss
* Distended abdomen
* Skin lesions
* Generally poor body condition and a dull coat

As infestations worsen and symptoms progress, you may see signs such as:
* Weakness
* Dehydration
* Pale lips and gums due to anemia
* Low blood pressure
* Shock
* Death, in the most severe cases

Are Worms Painful for Cats?
Worms in cats can potentially cause pain. The migration of larvae through the liver, stomach, eye, or lungs would cause discomfort as the affected tissues become inflamed from the disruption.

This could present as:
* Belly pain, including gastritis due to inflammation of the stomach lining (potential nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, food aversion)
* Eye irritation
* A change in your cat’s breathing rate/pattern

How to Get Rid of Worms in Cats
For the best results, contact your veterinarian.

What Happens if Worms Go Untreated in Cats?
Left untreated can be dangerous, even fatal.

08/24/2024

08/24/2024

It cost nothing to be nice to Animals…!!