I Made A Decision Today That Makes Me A Little Sad

I know people will think me silly but I made a decision today that makes me sad. Maybe I’m being selfish or just too sensitive about it. I had to call the Animal Shelter about the cats in the neighborhood and the three cats I take care of (Fluffers, Baby and Sylvester). These three I’ve posted about before and I love them dearly. I wish with all my heart that I could take them in but my husband’s allergies are so bad with the cats we currently have inside (Tiger and Friendly) and I think they would go after Jimmy (the sun conure) because that is what they are used to from being outside. They live outside but we take care of them as far as food, water, shelter and love/pets/attention. They trust us and love being loved. I wrote before that they follow me everywhere when I’m outside.

I talked to somebody at the Animal Shelter today to sign up for the TNR program. TNR stands for Trap, Neuter, Release and it is a great program. I’ve hesitated before because they have to “tip” their ear before they will return them. I talked with a lady today about alternatives and there were none. It’s what they do. They pick up the cats, get them their shots and any other medicines they might need (flea treatment), spay/neuter, tip/clip an ear, let them recover and then they return the cat from where they pick them up from.

Why do I feel so guilty to the point that it makes me cry. I just think of their little faces and I lose it. If I had the money and space then I would go another route but I’ve run out of options. The cat population is just getting out of control here. I’m not complaining about it. I just feel sad for them and can’t find homes for any more. If they are spayed or neutered then at least they won’t keep having babies that again I’ve run out of friends and family to take anymore.

I just feel so sad for Fluffers, Baby and Sylvester because they are like family to me and would make great pets. Is that silly? Does it make me a crazy cat lady? Truth be told, I may have been a little crazy before the cats so I can’t blame them. I know I have to do it for them but why do I feel so bad about it.

Many years ago there was a cat in the neighborhood that had rabies which we think got it from a fox. There was a den of foxes in the block above ours. Animal Control picked up a lot of strays in the week or two after that and I’m sure every one they caught was put down. If their ears are tipped/clipped then they know that the animal is okay and will leave them where they are. All around it is a sad situation. I know of two stray cats in the area that people just moved and abandoned them. A couple other people offer food and shelter to the cats as well so they are being taken care as far as food and water but they continue to have babies that in many cases don’t make it or grow just old enough to get pregnant and so on.

For the last year, I’ve been putting medicine in their food once a week that keeps them from going into heat and have been lucky that the main three that eat it have not had any litters but they have to come around to eat and Fluffers hasn’t come around so chances are that she may become pregnant. I hope not but the possibility is there. There are so many cats right now in the area that you can hear them "carrying on" just outside the door.

Anyway, I know I have to do it for them. My friend who helped me find homes for so many has said that chances of finding good homes for Fluffers, Baby and Sylvester are next to none and they will probably live their lives out at my home outside which I’m fine with unless there comes a time that we can take them in. I would like for them to have an inside home but right now that just won’t happen. A few people said they would love to take them but don’t have the space or they already have their hands full with other pets. So, starting tomorrow the Animal Shelter will leave a humane trap to catch the cats and then pick them up to do what they do and needs to be done. They will look a little different after they are returned but they will still be loved very much and I will continue showing them off in my posts. I know I have to be strong for them but it still makes me sad. I love you Fluffers, Baby and Sylvester and I’m sorry they have to clip your pretty little cat ear but you three will always be beautiful to me! ❤