Blog 10/06/14 to 10/12/14     

Relocations and In Take

Our Cats after Release

September Closeout

Bad Calls/Emails:   Always use a Cat Carrier

BMG (Bitch/Moan/Groan):  We Cannot Help Everyone   

OMG (Oh My God):  Cat House at a Church – WHAT?

    

Relocations and In Take:   Placed 21 this week with intake at 15.       

2          Barn in Richland (Thomas, Oriele)

2          Barn in Melissa (Linda, Elaine)

1          Workshop in Blue Ridge (Randy)

1          Barn/Backyard in Aubrey (Nell)

2          Brick Shed with Windows in Wichita Falls (Mittens, Pickles)

2          Garage in Ennis (Mama, Miss Kitty)

9          Church in Flower Mound (all from same colony)

2          Bonham Rescue

Our Cats after Release:  Picked up equipment in 2 locations this week.

1.      Sherman:  Rebecca, Elena, John Ross, Bobby, and Christopher are mostly hiding above the tack room but one was spotted when I came to pick up equipment.  BUT – he was headed UP to his safe place as you can tell. 

                       

2.      Palmer:  Jinx and Pipsqueak went to this barn in Palmer.  They are living the good life thanks to Carol.

3.      UPDATE -- Palmer:  Honey Bear, Soldier, Clyde, and Rascal were all discussed in last week’s blog.  BUT – I have received an update and I quote:  “Soldier is very happy in his new home.  He is gaining weight and loves hiding under the old wagon wheels in our garage.  He and his pals sometimes come check us out when we come to visit but most of the time they play hide and seek.  The other day, he even came to visit us on our back porch.  Soldier and his young comrades-in-arms are doing a fine job in the fight against the evil rodents.  We haven’t seen a single critter yet even through the weather has turned cooler.  Our home and barn are safe thanks to our new employees from Barn Cats!”  (picture of Soldier below)

 

September Closeout

We placed 94 in 8 North Texas counties:

            Collin               Denton            Fannin             Kraufman

            Dallas              Ellis                  Grayson           Smith

When I returned from vacation in early September, we had 21 barns waiting for cats.  So – we got after it and placed a BOAT LOAD in September.  This is 578 for 2014 at the end of the month.

Bad Calls/EMAILS:  Always Use a Cat Carrier

I guy had a cat problem and I told him to leave it at the vet we use for evaluation.  I think there was some problem with a leg…???  Anyway, he started walking out to his car with THE CAT IN HIS ARMS, something spooked it, and back under the shed it went.  Besides, you do not want a cat loose in your vehicle:  get loose when you get to the destination OR get stuck inside the dashboard OR get under your feet while you are driving – ALL BAD SITUATIONS!  If you don’t have a carrier, borrow one from a friend, relative, or neighbor or just purchase one at most Dollar Stores, pet stores, or WalMart. 

   

BMG:  Sorry – We cannot help everyone! 

I wish I could but we cannot help everyone who calls or emails with a feral cat situation/problem.  We fill openings as cats are placed but currently there every cage is full and there are 13 in my family room.  We get over-stocked sometimes just because of situations like hoarders.  Also, we try to take cats from KILL SHELTERS whenever we can just to give them a second chance.  I took cats from the Tri-City Shelter this week as well as Lewisville Animal Services.  Highland Village has one vetted for us and Flower Mound is holding 2 others.  SPAY NEUTER IS THE ANSWER!  If less are born, there are less to place. 

OMG:  Cat House at a Church – WHAT? 

In the middle of the summer, I received a request from a local Flower Mound church who wanted us to release some cats for rodent control.  About the same time, a young scout contacted the church looking for a project for his Eagle Scout designation.  It was a match made in heaven – HA HA!  The project took several months to complete…drawings, approvals, raise money for construction, build, and then populate with 9 cats from the same colony.  All of this was completed on Sunday afternoon, 10/12/14 when the Cat House was set up with rugs, beds, hidey boxes, feeder, waterer, and litter box.  The cats will be contained there for 2 weeks then released to roam the property and “take care of business”.  Thanks to Charlie. a former Barn Cat recipient, who provided direction to the scout and to Rhonda who trapped and held the 9 cats throughout the summer to keep them safe.  Now Crazy, Crooked Tail, Round Face, Yatzi, Domino, Lewis, Clark, Lucky and Smudge have a great enclosure and people to look after them.  LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

“Thanks” for following the Barn Cats Blog.  See you all next week.          Peg