October 16th is National Feral Cat Day. This post is dedicated to all of the feral cats around the world who struggle every day to eat, find water to drink, stay warm and dry … and to stay alive. Particularly thinking about Mr. No Ears who was abducted from his home and caretakers in Albufeira, Portugal, just over a month ago. And to the millions of ferals under attack in Australia, we pray that the officials in Australia stop their attack on feral cats and find a humane way to deal with the overpopulation.
A special thank you to the numerous shelters and rescues who practice trap, neuter, release (TNR) and the caretakers who show up, rain or shine, to care for feral cat colonies, ensuring their health and safety.
TO THE WOMAN WITH THE CAT TRAPS – A LETTER FROM A FERAL CAT
At first I was scared of you
Because you bring these box-like contraptions
I have seen cats go in them
Most come back
But the kittens I have not seen again.
While other Humans yell at us
And see us as a nuisance,
You bring us food
And I am very hungry.
Hungry enough to come out and eat it.
(Although not always when you are around.)
Without you
My stomach would be growling
And there would be so many kittens,
Kittens everywhere.
I trust that when you take our kittens
They are safe
And will never have growling tummies again.
When it rains
When it snows
When the heat is unbearable
You are always there
With food
And your gentle tone of voice.
So even though I may hide
And won’t let you pet me
(Yet)
I am grateful you care.
I may not trust you fully
(Yet)
But I wait for you
And not just for the food
But to hear you voice
Because you give me hope
And make me believe
That life might not be so bad
After all.
Signed, A Feral Cat
