I have disagree with her view on cats they are friendly animals just as friendly as dogs. And I have my 2 senior trained on voice command they go into their carrier and they know when they have done wrong! They let me give than enemas pills are essentially under me.
Jean, thank you for sharing this! I love hearing about your two seniors and how well-trained they are—that’s a huge testament to the trust you’ve built with them. 🐾
I think what Deb was getting at in this clip is that cats, in general, just approach relationships differently than dogs. Some cats can definitely be as friendly, affectionate, and even trainable as dogs (yours are a perfect example!). But for many, especially community cats or those who’ve had tough pasts, that trust and friendliness takes a little more time and patience.
I appreciate you adding your perspective—it’s always valuable to hear real-life stories of what’s worked with other cats.
Yes Scott i understand that these are cats that have more problems especially fearal cats but I have always had cats that are dog like which are the best. You should check out black man have cats instagram facebook that cat stinky is just like a dog he gives him high five lets him do everything even dance. Gray tabby male like mine are nerver attack me and I tell them off scolding them they just seem to understand me. Almond even purrs when he gets his suppository or enemas or meds teeth cleaning pecan too. Hopefully I will always get cats like these. Apple was the same way.
I had a stray male cat show up last summer. I began feeding him and slowly gaining trust and being allowed to pet him only on the head at first. By winter we were snuggling for a bit after I fed him and tidied up his heated house. Then it’s spring a female began joining for feeding times eventually brining her 3 kittens. I cannot catch them altho they know I’m the human who offers food and shelter. Now mama kitty has 6 more tiny babies under my deck. While I absolutely love all the kitties, THIA has quickly gotten out of hand and I know I must do something. I could take kittens to my daughter’s farm/barn but catching them would require a live trap and a lot of work. I know I should get the adults fixed …….which would be a huge hurdle to get done as I’m the only one they trust. Even my husband can’t get close. I live in a small rural community so there’s no TNR program and I’d have to pay for it all. I’m willing to do that if I can figure out how to make it all happen without major trauma to the cats or the vets.
Keri, thank you so much for sharing this. First, thank you for stepping up and caring for these cats. I know how quickly things can feel overwhelming when one stray becomes a colony.
You’re absolutely right that the next step is spay/neuter, otherwise it will only continue to grow. Since you don’t have a local TNR program, you might want to call around to nearby vet clinics or humane societies—even if they’re not right in your community, some will loan live traps or offer reduced spay/neuter rates for ferals. There are also national organizations (like Alley Cat Allies) that can sometimes connect you to resources or vets familiar with TNR in rural areas.
It will take some work with traps and patience, but the payoff is huge: healthier, happier cats and peace of mind for you. And you don’t have to do it all at once—sometimes even getting one adult fixed at a time is progress.
I can hear the love you have for these cats, and that’s the most important part. You’re already the person they trust, which means you’re in the best position to help them. Please keep us posted
I swear, I was just going into the pet store for cat treats for my Tuxedo, Mrs Weasley, when our eyes locked: his and mine. Another Tuxedo, this one with a crazy more-white-than-black pattern and olive green eyes. He was a rescue from a shelter and he became mine. Or I became his. He is a cat as crazy as his coat and he makes us laugh daily. His name is Dumbledore.
Several years ago an adorable black kitten showed up in our yard. He had no collar or tag but we did everything we could to try to find his owner. Eventually we accepted the fact that he had probably been dumped there and the owners didn't want to be found. Not prepared to look after a kitten, we decided to try to find him a good home. A lovely family came to see him and decided to take him. The next morning they were back out our house with the kitten. They felt they couldn't keep him because he had serious health issues - he couldn't move his back legs and dragged himself around using his front paws. They had young children and were worried that they would be devastated if the kitten needed to be euthanized. Of course we took him back and wished the family well. As they pulled out of the driveway, the kitten jumped up and went running madly around the house. He chose us. He was the sweetest, smartest cat and we loved him every day that we were lucky enough to have him with us.
I have disagree with her view on cats they are friendly animals just as friendly as dogs. And I have my 2 senior trained on voice command they go into their carrier and they know when they have done wrong! They let me give than enemas pills are essentially under me.
Jean, thank you for sharing this! I love hearing about your two seniors and how well-trained they are—that’s a huge testament to the trust you’ve built with them. 🐾
I think what Deb was getting at in this clip is that cats, in general, just approach relationships differently than dogs. Some cats can definitely be as friendly, affectionate, and even trainable as dogs (yours are a perfect example!). But for many, especially community cats or those who’ve had tough pasts, that trust and friendliness takes a little more time and patience.
I appreciate you adding your perspective—it’s always valuable to hear real-life stories of what’s worked with other cats.
Yes Scott i understand that these are cats that have more problems especially fearal cats but I have always had cats that are dog like which are the best. You should check out black man have cats instagram facebook that cat stinky is just like a dog he gives him high five lets him do everything even dance. Gray tabby male like mine are nerver attack me and I tell them off scolding them they just seem to understand me. Almond even purrs when he gets his suppository or enemas or meds teeth cleaning pecan too. Hopefully I will always get cats like these. Apple was the same way.
I had a stray male cat show up last summer. I began feeding him and slowly gaining trust and being allowed to pet him only on the head at first. By winter we were snuggling for a bit after I fed him and tidied up his heated house. Then it’s spring a female began joining for feeding times eventually brining her 3 kittens. I cannot catch them altho they know I’m the human who offers food and shelter. Now mama kitty has 6 more tiny babies under my deck. While I absolutely love all the kitties, THIA has quickly gotten out of hand and I know I must do something. I could take kittens to my daughter’s farm/barn but catching them would require a live trap and a lot of work. I know I should get the adults fixed …….which would be a huge hurdle to get done as I’m the only one they trust. Even my husband can’t get close. I live in a small rural community so there’s no TNR program and I’d have to pay for it all. I’m willing to do that if I can figure out how to make it all happen without major trauma to the cats or the vets.
Keri, thank you so much for sharing this. First, thank you for stepping up and caring for these cats. I know how quickly things can feel overwhelming when one stray becomes a colony.
You’re absolutely right that the next step is spay/neuter, otherwise it will only continue to grow. Since you don’t have a local TNR program, you might want to call around to nearby vet clinics or humane societies—even if they’re not right in your community, some will loan live traps or offer reduced spay/neuter rates for ferals. There are also national organizations (like Alley Cat Allies) that can sometimes connect you to resources or vets familiar with TNR in rural areas.
It will take some work with traps and patience, but the payoff is huge: healthier, happier cats and peace of mind for you. And you don’t have to do it all at once—sometimes even getting one adult fixed at a time is progress.
I can hear the love you have for these cats, and that’s the most important part. You’re already the person they trust, which means you’re in the best position to help them. Please keep us posted
I swear, I was just going into the pet store for cat treats for my Tuxedo, Mrs Weasley, when our eyes locked: his and mine. Another Tuxedo, this one with a crazy more-white-than-black pattern and olive green eyes. He was a rescue from a shelter and he became mine. Or I became his. He is a cat as crazy as his coat and he makes us laugh daily. His name is Dumbledore.
Several years ago an adorable black kitten showed up in our yard. He had no collar or tag but we did everything we could to try to find his owner. Eventually we accepted the fact that he had probably been dumped there and the owners didn't want to be found. Not prepared to look after a kitten, we decided to try to find him a good home. A lovely family came to see him and decided to take him. The next morning they were back out our house with the kitten. They felt they couldn't keep him because he had serious health issues - he couldn't move his back legs and dragged himself around using his front paws. They had young children and were worried that they would be devastated if the kitten needed to be euthanized. Of course we took him back and wished the family well. As they pulled out of the driveway, the kitten jumped up and went running madly around the house. He chose us. He was the sweetest, smartest cat and we loved him every day that we were lucky enough to have him with us.