A Backyard Colony
from Shelby
It all began when a small group of cats took residence in my backyard. At first, they were just a few stray felines roaming around, and I quickly grew fond of them. I created a little haven for them, putting out food and fresh water, and before long, they became a part of my daily routine. However, one day, a new cat appeared. His name was Milton, and it was clear he wasn’t fixed.
I remember feeling a mix of concern and uncertainty. I wanted to help Milton, but I was unsure about how to approach him. I wasn’t even sure if I could touch him! Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I turned to Google for answers, which eventually led me to a wonderful organization called Friends of Feral Felines.
With their guidance, I borrowed a trap and successfully caught Milton. The experience was both nerve-wracking and rewarding. Once I had him fixed and vaccinated, he became a beloved member of my backyard family, living happily with me for over the past five years. My heart swelled with joy as I watched him flourish and interact with my little community of cats, affectionately named "The Straycies"
At one point, my backyard/porch was home to eight feral cats, all of whom I fed and cared for. Thanks to help from Friends of Feral Felines, I was able to have each one fixed, preventing unplanned litters and the struggles that often accompany feral overpopulation. I even managed to find loving homes for some of the super friendly cats ensuring they would thrive in their new surroundings.
But my journey didn’t stop there. Friends of Feral Felines empowered me to rally my neighbors, and together, we undertook a mission to get around ten more feral cats fixed in our neighborhood. It was heartwarming to see our community come together for this cause, transforming any initial stress over the cat population into collaborative efforts towards a solution.
Through this initiative, not only did we control the feral population but we also created a friendlier environment for everyone. My community learned the importance of compassion towards these misunderstood creatures, and as a result, we formed bonds over a shared goal.
One of the most beautiful aspects of caring for these feral cats is witnessing their gradual transformation. With consistent feeding and care, many of them began to warm up, revealing their personality. They remain feral cats, but they also became more comfortable, allowing me to pet them and bask in the love they had learned to trustingly share. It’s a testament to the power of patience and understanding.
Today, Friends of Feral Felines is more than just an organization to me; it’s a lifeline. Their resources not only helped save Milton but continue to enable me to educate others in my community on how to trap and care for feral cats. Sharing this knowledge equips others to create their own stories of compassion and growth, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
By supporting Friends of Feral Felines, we can all play a part in creating a better world for our feral friends, earning their love and trust, one paw at a time.