Feral Friends

I've gone from a kitty cuddeler at the local Humane Society to cat caregiver to some feral friends.

Sometimes cats just show up on your doorstep. We were reluctant to adopt them as inside pets. Our house cats have since past on and we decided not to adopt any for the time being. These new feline friends were so irresistible. With winter upon us, we began providing water, the least we could do. Which led to offerings of scraps, then buying bags of cat food. We were hooked. My husband then began the challenge of creating shelter for the colony that was developing.



Young Honey Mustard

Our first friend was Mustard a young male who was very curious about us and even circled the rim of our hot tub curious to know who we were. Just a fearless feline. Many others have come and gone but Mustard also known as Honey by the neighbors has remained and he fathered two great girls who have now been added to the list of neighborhood residents. Bunny and Bob (short for Bobcat kitty). The girls were of concern because they quickly got pregnant and during that summer, as nature would have it, there were kitties everywhere.








Bunny the Medicine Hat Cat and Bob

After doing the math we knew something must be done but what to do. We didn't want to take on the expenses associated with fixing and vaccinating dozens of cats. Ultimately we knew the right thing to do was herd the kittens for a trip to the shelter and hopefully they would find there forever homes.

The three adults were another matter, they were technically feral with a bond toward us for giving them shelter and food in the winter months. We sought out the help of a local organization called Alley Cat Allies. They assisted with the spaying of the two girls and we released them back to the woods here where they grew up. We also had their ears tipped indicating they been fixed and released.

We appreciate their company when they decide to show up and even more for their efforts in controlling the rodent population. There are lots of myths and misinformation about feral cats being a nuisance. For more information check out www.alleycat.org.

I hope you find this site helpful if you find yourself just loving the creatures outdoors.



 



Hybernation

Its been awhile since I blogged last, you could say I've been hibernating.

My latest state of inactivity and metabolic depression in order to survive the Midwest winter extremes has overwhelmed me since we parked "Harvey the RV". He got winterized and quietly awaits the arrival of spring.

I've gone through my own winterizing since October. First stage NESTING- by thoroughly cleaning house, then the STORING OF BODYFAT by consuming unnecessary quantities of sugary treats during the holidays, and finally COCOONING with layers of blankets and pillows while reading books. In particular I'm still reading James Michener's "Alaska", maybe not the best choice to take my mind off the long nights and cold hardships.

After the proverbial hump of daylight vs nighttime has passed and the January thaw is here I'm back to outdoor spas and enjoying blue skies. Something has just clicked.

What sparked my awakening to reenter the blogosphere was a DNR Monthly Phenology report. The Baby Bear Cubs are being born in their wintry dens. I just had to let you know.

Phenology is the study of plants and animals as they respond to weather, climate and seasons. 

So here's my response ONLY TWO MORE MONTHS TIL SPRING.

Another favorite site by the DNR is the Natural Area Spotlight. It features Wisconsin State Natural Areas, which are truly unique areas and special places to visit.

P.S. No bears in Perrot State Park, go figure, they do however occasionally show up in my neighborhood.