Not that I ever have swum with dolphins or anything else for that matter but...............I stroked Triangle, the feral kitten this morning! He is getting so confident now, coming inside the kitchen while I prepare his food and not running to hide when he sees me. I put the food down in the usual place and as he was eating I gently stroked the top of his head. He carried on eating as if nothing was happening. :)
Theres nowt like it when you gain the trust of a wild or ferrel animal. I can understand how thrilled you were ;D
I know what you mean, but if I went to Dolphin World and the bloke said - we got rid of the dolphins, it's much better to stroke this mangy cat, I *might* want a refund :D
Quote from: Bugloss2009 on September 27, 2010, 13:58:55
I know what you mean, but if I went to Dolphin World and the bloke said - we got rid of the dolphins, it's much better to stroke this mangy cat, I *might* want a refund :D
;D ;D ;D
Trust you!!
Squash I've really been enjoying reading about your lovely cats.
I can appreciate how you felt as I used to work where there were feral cats and I always patiently waited for the more friendly ones to get used to me and very occasionally ended up stroking one. As Shirl says there's nothing like gaining the trust of a wild animal.
A few weeks ago Triangle would have run and hidden under the pavilion if he saw anyone coming near. Today he sat on the bench outside and posed for the photo.
[attachment=1]
[attachment=2]
Triangle's great, Betty - keep up the good work!
why do you call him triangle?
he's lovely, you'd not think he was wild, looking at him in that pic.
Sadly, we lost our cat 2 weeks ago, he was 17, he had a tumor on his back leg and it burst. He bled on and off for 3/4 days, the vet had no choice but to operate. Sadly he suffered a stroke the day after his op. 2 days after that I had to take him to be PTS. Poor thing was just lifeless, he still meowed when I spoke to him but his body was limp and he couldn't move or eat. He seemed to be healthy before the op, appart from his bleeding leg, which I am sure he wasn't really aware of it. Bless him x
Good luck with triangle tho x x
Brilliant Betty, I would have felt so chuffed too.
Quote from: jesssands on September 27, 2010, 22:55:56
why do you call him triangle?
he's lovely, you'd not think he was wild, looking at him in that pic.
Sadly, we lost our cat 2 weeks ago, he was 17, he had a tumor on his back leg and it burst. He bled on and off for 3/4 days, the vet had no choice but to operate. Sadly he suffered a stroke the day after his op. 2 days after that I had to take him to be PTS. Poor thing was just lifeless, he still meowed when I spoke to him but his body was limp and he couldn't move or eat. He seemed to be healthy before the op, appart from his bleeding leg, which I am sure he wasn't really aware of it. Bless him x
Good luck with triangle tho x x
So sorry to hear about your cat. I have two dogs, aged 11 and 13 and I know that sooner or later we will have to face losing them. I suppose we should try to remember the happy times we shared but it won't make it any easier.
Back to Triangle....because there are quite a few feral cats at the allotments I have given them names which also describe something about them. Triangle has a triangle of white on his face.
I feed 4 cats on my plot every day, they are Fluffy Tabby Tail (tabby and white with a lovely fluffy tabby tail), One (the first cat which ever came for food) E.T. (a bit strange-looking) and Calico (someone told me that cats of her colouring - black and tortie - are known as calico in the U.S.)
Quote from: Flighty on September 27, 2010, 14:32:48
Squash I've really been enjoying reading about your lovely cats.
I can appreciate how you felt as I used to work where there were feral cats and I always patiently waited for the more friendly ones to get used to me and very occasionally ended up stroking one. As Shirl says there's nothing like gaining the trust of a wild animal.
Thank you Flighty, I do tend to go on a bit about them ::)
I used to feel a bit sorry for our ferals but I've started to think that they have quite a good life really.
My only thought on the 4 wild cat situation is that next year you could have so many more, if they are not neutered. Then it might be the start of a problem.
I think you are doing something really special looking out for them but wondering if you could get some advice from your local cats protection league on neutering.
I know when I was at the vet with our cat our local one had a poster up and was doing a special deal, offering neutering for free.
Hope you don't mind me saying.
Quote from: jesssands on September 28, 2010, 19:40:13
My only thought on the 4 wild cat situation is that next year you could have so many more, if they are not neutered. Then it might be the start of a problem.
I think you are doing something really special looking out for them but wondering if you could get some advice from your local cats protection league on neutering.
I know when I was at the vet with our cat our local one had a poster up and was doing a special deal, offering neutering for free.
Hope you don't mind me saying.
No, I really don't mind you saying :) I am not at all clued up about cats, I did have them when I was young but none since I've been married. I need all the advice I can get.
We are working with the Cats Protection to get the cats neutered. They have given me a trap so that I can take them to the vet (who also happens to be the vet I use for my dogs) We won't have to pay to have them neutered but we do support the CP by helping with fund-raising.
I put cat food inside the un-set trap every day so they go in it quite readily now. I can't set it until I am certain I have transport if I catch one.
Last year we caught a ginger tom, had him neutered and then brought him back to the allotments. He was never seen again! We have also caught two kittens in the past which were young enough to be re-homed by the CP.
I never thought I would get so fond of these cats.......
Ah, cool. I am glad you are doing all this for them. I am an animal person and do some fundraising for dog rescue.
At the begining of the year, I had a tenant who left my property and left his cat behind. I had to get the cat people in to help me, she was a very cute, very affectionate, little black one. She did have rather a snotty nose mind! I could not take her home as I already had a cat (my old boy) and 2 staffys. Which wasn't harmonious at times! I had to let her go and try to be re-homed. I never heard anymore about her.
Keep up your good work with Triangle and the others x
Triangle update - he/she is going to be neutered on Friday. Our Cats Protection man is coming to see if he can catch her and he will take her to the vet and bring her back again the next day.
good luck for friday!
Quote from: 1066 on October 06, 2010, 07:00:04
good luck for friday!
Thanks 10, I feel strangely nervous about it. The CP chap is coming early to be there when I feed the cats as Triangle is always waiting for food. Of course, she won't be able to have any that morning because of the op. I just hope he can catch her without frightening her too much because she has never been picked up before.
Aw, I'm sure the CP guy will be experienced, and maybe have a few tricks up his sleeve to tempt Triangle into a cage..... well I do hope so! It will be so much better for Triangle to be neutered
Don't worry Betty.Triangle will be ok.
How did it go? Or should I say has "it" gone yet ;)
Oh 10, what a game we had!
The CP man told me to coax her inside the pavilion which was easy because she thought she was going to be fed. She was fine until he came inside then she took one look at him and did a runner and hid. It was as though she had vanished into thin air. We spent at least 15 minutes looking for her but it was no good and he had to go to another appointment.
So, next Tuesday one of our plotholders, Ken, is going to have a go. She trusts Ken because he always gives her food before he goes home every day and has even managed to pick her up twice. The CP man left a cage for her, so if Ken can pick her up and get her in it, the CP man will come and take her to the vet for us.
The funny thing was that I thought she would have been terrified by the experience but the minute the CP man left, she came strolling out of the pavilion and settled down to eat her breakfast as though nothing had happened.
I really like this kitten. I could say she has b*lls but even if she did have, she wouldn't have for much longer!
Aaaaawwww - hope the 2nd attempt goes better. It sounds like she enjoys human company - and she's got you all well and truly sussed!
Good luck Ken!!
:)
Quote from: 1066 on October 12, 2010, 09:03:37
Aaaaawwww - hope the 2nd attempt goes better. It sounds like she enjoys human company - and she's got you all well and truly sussed!
Good luck Ken!!
:)
Thanks 10 - absolutely no problem this morning. We put a bowl of food down and as she went to eat it Ken stroked her, got her by the scruff and put her in the cage. She didn't struggle and wasn't frightened. I phoned Cats Protection and Jenny came to collect her and take her to the vet.
Jenny just phoned me to say she had rung the vet and Triangle has had her op and was recovering well. I thought that was so nice of her to ring me. Mind you, I think I looked like an anxious parent when Triangle was taken away this morning. :(
Thankls for thinking of her. :)
dear anxious parent,
well done Ken!! and yes that was nice of the CPL to phone and let you know
10 :)
Triangle had her op yesterday and was brought back to us by the CP this morning. Apart from the patch of shaved hair on her side and a few stitches you would never dream that she had just had an operation.
We let her out of the cage having been warned that she might hide for a day or two. No chance! She went straight over to the food and started eating then had a play with Janet the tabby kitten.
She doesn't seem to have been put off us at all and is even more friendly today, coming near so we can stroke her.
Janet is going to be next, but we will have to catch her in a trap because she is much more timid than Triangle and doesn't let us come close.
The Cats Protection have been so helpful to us, lending us a cage and taking and fetching her back from the vet. They told me they will do the same for Janet and the four adults I feed on my plot. There is no charge for neutering feral cats, but I gave them a donation and we do help with their fund-raising.
A happy ending!! :) :) :)
Well done you and the CPL
Good news ;D
That's great, do please keep us happy with news and photos of her and all the others! :)
Well done, Betty - Caesar and I are very grateful!
[/img](http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/caesarasj/caesar/DSCF0198.jpg)[/img]
Caesar is lovely!
Thanks Betty - please keep us up to date with Triangle and the others ;D
Btw - I know Caesar shouldn't really be on this thread, he just wanted to express his appreciation for all you do for his fellow felines! ;D
Quote from: asj on October 15, 2010, 11:37:42
Btw - I know Caesar shouldn't really be on this thread, he just wanted to express his appreciation for all you do for his fellow felines! ;D
Caesar is more than welcome to be on this thread ;)
Triangle has gone from letting me stroke the top of her head while she eats to letting me stroke her properly from her head to the tip of her tail. She lets me rub behind her ears which makes her purr. She takes titbits of food from my hand and rubs against my legs while I'm getting her food ready. I haven't tried picking her up because of her operation but I might manage that in a few weeks.
Hard to believe that this is the same kitten who ran to hide only two months ago.
I wonder if in time she could be found a home Betty ??
We're loving Caesar ;D But it does make me realise how much I miss having cats around :'( but maybe next year........ :-\
Quote from: betula on October 15, 2010, 14:23:30
I wonder if in time she could be found a home Betty ??
It would be lovely if she could have a 'real' home and if I didn't have two cat-hating dogs she would have one with me. Quite a few people at the allotments really like her but unfortunately they either already have cats of their own or dogs who hate cats.
If she doesn't find a home I'm sure she will be alright with us. She has regular food, shelter, another kitten to play with and a massive 'garden'. ;)
It sounds to me like she already has a home - food, shelter, space and lots of friends. Not that that means she wouldn't like a "home of her own", it just means that she's probably already a pretty happy little moggy ;D ;D Just as long as care goes on during the winter - my old lotty used to be deserted in the winter, which is obviously not what Triangle deserves!
The cats still get fed, even on Christmas Day. I don't live far and it is no problem for me to go over to look after them. I've been feeding the ones who come to my plot for over a year now. If I go away for a few days then Ken takes over.
Our allotments are a bit like a social club in some ways. We are lucky enough to have a meeting-room and kitchen where people can make drinks and toast, or use the microwave. Some people are very lonely at home on their own so they still go there even if the weather is awful.
We are very lucky, and I suppose the cats are too. :)
Thats why Tony and myself and our friends have taken a plot on Bettys site.
Felix and Triangle were sharing an old coat that someone had left for them outside the pavilion today.
[attachment=1]
Triangle doesn't run away any more when we go close to her
[attachment=2]
Janet is still a bit nervous, but getting much better. I love the orange colour in her stripes
[attachment=3]
But the best news of all - Triangle came completely on my lap today! Only because I had put a bit of bread and butter there for her but she wasn't frightened and came to get it. I'll do that every day and stroke her while she is there.
Lovely Betty. ;D
Triangle knows who her mum is ;D
So glad to see that Triangle loves her mum! ;D
I made a weatherproof shelter for Felix, Triangle and Janet yesterday. It's a cardboard box with a hole cut in the front and then totally wrapped in an old advertising banner from Asda! I put an old fleece jacket inside and I can tell by the cat hairs on the jacket that they have been going inside.
[attachment=1]
I put the old anorak they had been lying on, on top of the box.
[attachment=2]
Nice one, Betty! Is Janet getting any less timid yet?
Quote from: asj on October 21, 2010, 14:19:25
Nice one, Betty! Is Janet getting any less timid yet?
She is getting a bit better. She sits on top of the box and doesn't run and hide when I walk past (but she does run away from people she doesn't know)
I managed to get her to take a piece of toast from my hand the other day, so things are improving.
We are going to try to catch her on Monday so she can go to the vet for her op. I have started feeding her inside a pet carrier so hopefully we will be able to creep up on her while she is eating and close the door. The Cats Protection have been so helpful, they are going to take her to the vet and keep her for a day after the op and then bring her back.
[attachment=1]
The best news is that I have started picking Triangle up! I started by lifting her just a few inches off the ground and she didn't seem to mind so I went for the full lift and she let me do it. No struggling, just quite relaxed while I stroked her. As soon as she began to wriggle I put her down. I have never thought of myself as a 'Cat Person' but I would take Triangle home in an instant if I didn't have my two terriers. Just knowing that she recognises me and trusts me is such a wonderful feeling.
Squash I bet that Triangle was purring and you were smiling! If there were cats like that on my site I'd never get any gardening done. :)
Betty - my Caesar (non-feral, 8½ yrs) runs away from people he doesn't know!! That's just good sense ;D. The CPL are really good - I make a point of donating every now and then when I have a bit of spare cash. (And to dfordog.co.uk.)
Sounds like in Triangle you have a friend for life! Enjoy her ;D ;D ;D.
Is there any news on Janet, Betty? Did she get to the vet?
Cheers
Quote from: asj on November 17, 2010, 12:03:41
Is there any news on Janet, Betty? Did she get to the vet?
Cheers
Yes! We managed to catch her really easily while she was eating inside the pink carrier and the Cats Protection took her to the vet for her op yesterday. The CP kept her overnight and brought her back this morning. So she is 'done' now, and she is a girl - which is fortunate really because I would still have called her Janet even it she'd been a he!
When she was brought back and let out of the carrier she dashed underneath the pavilion and hid for half an hour, then came out and started to eat.
Now we just have the four adults I feed on my plot left to be neutered.
When I went to feed them this morning I had the fright of my life - a fox was inside the dilatidated polytunnel just next to where I feed them. It ran out when it heard me. There was no sign of any cats and I'm worried now that the fox might have had them. Is it possible for foxes to catch cats?
That's good news! How nice for Janet to have it confirmed that she really is a girl!!
Having had cats and foxes for the last umpteen years my own experience is that they tend to leave each other alone. It is possible for a fox to catch a cat, but unlikely. I bought something called Foxy fox repellent, in granule form, from B&Q, which you sprinkle on areas where you want to keep the foxes away. It works fine for me, but I'm not sure if they still stock it. It might be worth trying to find something you could put around their feeding area, just in case!
Best to you and all your cats ;D ;D ;D
The Birmingham and District Allotments Council (BDAC) have put a page about our cats on their website
http://bdacallotments.webs.com/catsonallotments.htm
I loved that Betty and the look around your site and its multi-cultural members was a pleasure!!! :D
I too loved it, you do a wonderful job.
Smashing! I love your cats - and what a happy-looking lot of allotmenteers, too!
Thanks!
The lovely thing about our site is that nobody has complained about the cats.
(Not to my face anyway!)
;D
Your cats are beautiful, Betty - keep up the good work ;D ;D ;D
Shirl took this photo of Triangle sitting on my lap today. I've trimmed off the rest of me because as Shirl pointed out, I might get mistaken for one of the scarecrows.
[attachment=1]
Well done - hope you're planning a good Christmas for all of them ;D ;D
Sorry - meant to say that Triangle is obviously loving her mum ;). Haven't yet figured out how to modify a post :(.
I couldn't believe it when she jumped up on Betty's lap. I think that she should really be called the cat lady from hereon. ;D
Wonderful! :)
I didn't realize that I liked cats quite so much until recently. Triangle would make someone a perfect pet (me, me, me) but I suppose she is happy enough at the allotments, she doesn't know any other life.
She actually seems to like being picked up, or sitting on my lap. She purrs all the time, sometimes she starts purring before I even touch her.
One of the cats from my plot followed me over to the pavilion this morning. Felix, Triangle and Janet were not impressed. Calico, the plot cat wasn't a bit bothered by seeing three other cats though.
Hope they are all well, in this bitterly cold weather.
A lovely photo :)
I hope they are ok too Sinbad. I've become an anxious parent and find myself wondering what they are doing when I'm not there and if they are cold. Felix, Triangle and Janet have their boxes with warm bedding next to the pavilion and under shelter but the four I feed on my plot don't. There are plenty of sheds and greenhouses where they can go so hopefully they will be alright.
I've just got up and it's snowed here overnight but doesn't seem much at the moment. I live near enough to the allotments to walk over if the roads are bad and Ken goes there on the bus every day so they will be fed whatever the weather.
Calico came to the pavilion again yesterday at feeding time. The strange thing is that even though I offered her food, she wouldn't take it. She followed me around, even coming inside while I got the food ready. She doesn't do anything to the pavilion three but Janet is scared of her and won't eat if she's there. When I got back in my car to drive over to my plot I looked in the mirror and Calico was running behind the car. I put her food down in the usual place on the plot and she ate it. I think I will have to start feeding the plot cats first, before the pavilion ones then maybe Calico will stay on the plot and not put Janet off her food.
I think I'm becoming obsessed.......... ::)
I think I would be obsessed already. I haven't even seen them and I worry if they are alright, so they'd be no hope for me ;D
Glad you've seen them all though.
Thank you for the update.
Glad to hear they have shelter and bedding - it's snowing quite hard here and I was wondering about them ???. Caesar went out for about 20 mins but is now back indoors fast asleep. ;D
Quote from: Squash64 on November 27, 2010, 14:11:16
I didn't realize that I liked cats quite so much until recently. Triangle would make someone a perfect pet (me, me, me) but I suppose she is happy enough at the allotments, she doesn't know any other life.
She actually seems to like being picked up, or sitting on my lap. She purrs all the time, sometimes she starts purring before I even touch her.
One of the cats from my plot followed me over to the pavilion this morning. Felix, Triangle and Janet were not impressed. Calico, the plot cat wasn't a bit bothered by seeing three other cats though.
This is a lovely thread. When I visited, one of the cats stood on its hindlegs, paws on the table and had a good look at what you were doing Squash :) and you were surprised and delighted by that :)
The cats love you for defiinite ;D
The man who feeds our allotment cat does worry about him when it snows, but the Council toilets/store room has a cat flap in the door (don't tell the Council). Also he has an old settee in there and various cupboard boxes with blankets in. The man was thinking of taking him home but he has two cats already and would have to keep the allotment cat indoors or it would probably run away. Think it is kinder to leave it where it is, as long as it has shelter and food. I suppose it you are going to rehome an allotment cat best do it as a kitten.
As always it's lovely to hear your updates Squash, or should I say Cat Woman!
(Shirl does she wear a cat woman outfit???!!! :D )
1066 :)
Quote from: 1066 on November 30, 2010, 22:47:01
As always it's lovely to hear your updates Squash, or should I say Cat Woman!
(Shirl does she wear a cat woman outfit???!!! :D )
1066 :)
No but she is starting to grow whiskers ;D
puuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: shirlton on December 01, 2010, 07:08:10
Quote from: 1066 on November 30, 2010, 22:47:01
As always it's lovely to hear your updates Squash, or should I say Cat Woman!
(Shirl does she wear a cat woman outfit???!!! :D )
1066 :)
No but she is starting to grow whiskers ;D
Shirl, you promised you wouldn't mention them!
Maybe that's why I like the cats so much? ;)
Quote from: evelynz8735 on November 30, 2010, 08:53:11
Thanks you for the post.
Hi guys, Im a newbie. Nice to join this forum.
Hi Evelyn, welcome to A4A.
Quote from: Borlotti on November 30, 2010, 11:52:32
The man who feeds our allotment cat does worry about him when it snows, but the Council toilets/store room has a cat flap in the door (don't tell the Council). Also he has an old settee in there and various cupboard boxes with blankets in. The man was thinking of taking him home but he has two cats already and would have to keep the allotment cat indoors or it would probably run away. Think it is kinder to leave it where it is, as long as it has shelter and food. I suppose it you are going to rehome an allotment cat best do it as a kitten.
What a good idea. I wish we could do something like that but the door to our Stores is metal so I don't think we could put a cat flap in.
I find myself constantly thinking about how the Pavilion Three are coping in this weather. I put extra bedding in their boxes yesterday so I hope they are alright.
None of my four Plot Cats were there yesterday when I went to feed them but there were pawprints in the snow so I know they must have been around. There were also prints which I think might have been from the fox.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s121/shirlton/design_missCrazyCat_wh.jpg)
Betty do stop worrying. They all have fur coats and as long as they are dry they will be ok ;D
Don't worry as they'll have found several cosy places where they can curl up to sleep out of the cold, wet and wind!
What with being fed as well they really are being pampered somewhat! :)
If you look up 'outdoor cats in snow' on internet or feral cats in snow its gives loads of information. Says that straw is good for bedding. I have shut Dulce out and hopefully he has gone home, but have left the door of the leanto open so if desperate he can get in there. I have always loved animals, wanted to be a vet but wasn't clever enough.
Shirl and Flighty, you are both right of course.... I suppose I'll get used to being a crazy cat lady in time....
I walked over (good grief, I can't believe I actually walked there) to the allotments this morning and the Pavilion Three were all waiting for me. After I fed them I went over to my plot and Felix followed me
[attachment=1]
[attachment=2]
Calico came as soon as I called the Plot Cats
[attachment=3]
and Derek was waiting
[attachment=4]
I feed him inside a trap which the Cats Protection have lent us, so that we will be able to catch him and have him neutered. He is quite happy to go inside it
[attachment=5]
E.T. was waiting, she doesn't show up very well in the snow
[attachment=6]
and Calico went in the other shelter for her food
[attachment=7]
I want E.T. very pretty cat. Apparently I am the 'mad woman' who steals cats and locks them in and OH I call 'the nasty man' who kicks the cat out. Glad I live in north London or would be tempted to ask if I could take one home. It is blo.dy cold out today, Charlie is asleep on the bed and have given him a cat litter tray, well he is 19 years old. I will light the imitation coal fire for him in a minute, but will get rid of the litter tray and turn fire off before 'moaning nasty man' gets home.
I told you that they would be ok. So pleased that you liked the clip enough to use it as your avatar Betty. There is no better feeling than to be needed even if it is just by cats and in my case rabbits ;D
Haven't you got any meerkats, Shirl ;D
I have a stuffed one that I won on the save a swan stand at Walsall rds open day
Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh
Quote from: Borlotti on December 01, 2010, 10:43:33
If you look up 'outdoor cats in snow' on internet or feral cats in snow its gives loads of information. Says that straw is good for bedding. I have shut Dulce out and hopefully he has gone home, but have left the door of the leanto open so if desperate he can get in there. I have always loved animals, wanted to be a vet but wasn't clever enough.
Thanks for that. I did google it and saw that they are much better off having straw as bedding, rather than blankets etc. I'm expecting a delivery of straw this weekend so I'll use some of that in their boxes.
I've always loved animals too. I remember telling a teacher at school that I wanted to work in the zoo but she just laughed at me....
Quote from: Borlotti on December 01, 2010, 11:30:15
I want E.T. very pretty cat. Apparently I am the 'mad woman' who steals cats and locks them in and OH I call 'the nasty man' who kicks the cat out. Glad I live in north London or would be tempted to ask if I could take one home. It is blo.dy cold out today, Charlie is asleep on the bed and have given him a cat litter tray, well he is 19 years old. I will light the imitation coal fire for him in a minute, but will get rid of the litter tray and turn fire off before 'moaning nasty man' gets home.
E.T. is the shyest of the Plot Four but she is getting better and will sit and wait quite near me while I get the food ready now. She used to run off before.
My husband has never thought he liked cats until I was converted. I think he has seen the light now and he said that when we no longer have dogs he would like a cat. Alleluia!
Quote from: shirlton on December 01, 2010, 12:20:03
I told you that they would be ok. So pleased that you liked the clip enough to use it as your avatar Betty. There is no better feeling than to be needed even if it is just by cats and in my case rabbits ;D
I'm sure you are needed by more than just your rabbits Shirl ;)
I like my new avatar very much, thank you.
Update...
I went over this morning to feed them and suddenly realised how big Triangle has become. She is almost the same size as Felix now. I think she is about six months old.
[attachment=1]
Mind you, she does eat more than he does. When she finishes her food she 'helps' him with his and then moves on to Janet's and eats that too.
Three of the Plot Four were waiting for me on the plot. Keith is becoming so tame now that I'm sure I could stroke him. He starts eating the food as soon as I put it down and doesn't back away from my hand.
[attachment=2]
[attachment=3]
Calico the tortie and black cat is very funny to watch. She comes close to me too, and rubs herself on every stick on the plot. I thought at first that maybe she had fleas but I was told that it is a sign of friendship.
[attachment=4]
E.T. is getting a bit more confident with me. She is not nearly as brave as the others, but there is progress. My husband was with me this morning and I noticed that she kept further away because she doesn't know him.
[attachment=5]
Lovely pictures, they all look very healthy. I still love E.T. One word of warning, cats can communicate, and they might bring all their friends and relations to your allotment to get food from that nice lady.
They are all beautiful, and they are so lucky to have you to look after them. Calico rubbing herself on the sticks is her way of saying that it is her place!
Like Borlotti it's E.T. who's my favourite as well, although they're all lovely looking cats.
Seeing them I realise just how much I miss having a cat or two around at home even though it's been many years since I last did. :)
They are coming through this cold spell just fine and look so well and well cared for. Calico is a beauty. :)
They look great. I really like the look of calico. I just love the black and tan with white trimmings. What a lovely welcome you much get when you arrive at the allotments. Do they keep the site clear of mice etc?
Delighted they are all okay. It is lovely to see their photo's.
I have thought of them every day and every night in this bitterly cold weather and hoped they were all well.
They all look great..but E.T does it for me too.. ;D Have you got any mice left on whole lottie anymore..
When I drive up to the pavilion Felix is always waiting on the grass near the path and Triangle a little behind him. Janet usually sits on top of her box. It is so nice the way Felix runs over, he looks like a little rottweiler because he hasn't got a tail and he sort of swaggers.
When I go over to the plot Calico appears from nowhere, she knows my car and comes running. She comes up the path with me, and Keith is usually waiting half-way up, all excited and with his tail straight up and bushy. E.T. often waits under the fig tree which is near where I feed them. I haven't seen Wanda for a couple of days now but last time I saw her she looked fine.
My biggest concern is that they will be cold but I know I am being an over-anxious mother. There are sheds and greenhouses they can go into and so long as they have regular food I'm sure they will be ok. (doesn't stop me being an anxious mother though :()
As for the rats and mice - the only one I've seen for ages was a dead rat outside the pavilion. In the past I used to see rats running across the plot but since the cats moved in I haven't seen any at all.
The only downside is that I have to keep checking the area outside the pavilion for cat poo. I don't mind doing this at all, I have dogs which I clean up after, but my worry is that non-cat lovers will see poo and complain. I did put a litter box down for them but I don't know how to train them to use it or even if they would use it with all the alternative places they have available.
Thanks for your replies and concern. I bet I'm boring the socks off the non-cat-loving people!
I love to read your post Betty, when my dog passed away last year we decided no more pets or rather OH did. I am :-\ . I enjoy hearing about this surrogate cat family and I think a lot of others do judging by the replies. :) :)
Betty you are a very caring remarkable person ;D
Quote from: pumpkinlover on December 06, 2010, 16:45:03
I love to read your post Betty, when my dog passed away last year we decided no more pets or rather OH did. I am :-\ . I enjoy hearing about this surrogate cat family and I think a lot of others do judging by the replies. :) :)
That's nice of you pumpkin :) but I'm sorry about your dog. My two are getting on a bit now, 11 and 13 and I don't think we will have any more once they are gone.
I've never had a cat since I was a child but looking after them at the allotments has been an eye-opener for me. Triangle is amazing. Considering that she was born to a feral mother and had no human contact until she was at least two months old, she is just so friendly with me. As soon as I sit down on the bench outside the pavilion she jumps up on my lap and starts purring. It's difficult to walk sometimes because she weaves in and out of my feet.
I wonder if Triangle would settle with you at home, when you haven't any dogs anymore.
I don't think you would be able to train them to use a litter tray, they probably have their favourite places of going to toilet already.
I was delighted to read your post today as it has been an awful time here as we had to have our Sam put to sleep last week and life has been very strange. The place is so empty without him but I am lucky as we are going to get a rescue puppy even though my OH said we would never get anymore dogs.
Your post's are never boring even if you aren't a cat lover.
Hope you see Wanda soon.
Beautiful pics, keep the good work up Squash
Quote from: Sinbad7 on December 06, 2010, 17:05:15
I wonder if Triangle would settle with you at home, when you haven't any dogs anymore.
I don't think you would be able to train them to use a litter tray, they probably have their favourite places of going to toilet already.
I was delighted to read your post today as it has been an awful time here as we had to have our Sam put to sleep last week and life has been very strange. The place is so empty without him but I am lucky as we are going to get a rescue puppy even though my OH said we would never get anymore dogs.
Your post's are never boring even if you aren't a cat lover.
Hope you see Wanda soon.
I'm really sorry about your Sam, you must miss him very much. :(
Good news that you will be having a puppy though, have you been to look at any yet?
I think we all say 'no more animals', so sad when they get old and ill. I will have a tidy lovely animal free house but it doesn't last very long before another pet decides to honour one with its company. Don't think a tidy house would suit me anyway.
Wish I lived nearer then I would take a turn in feeding them. You are an exceptional lady Betty and I take my hat off to you. More so when we get weather like this.
You are all very kind, thank you. But I'm sure I'm not doing any more than most of you would do. :)
This morning Felix wasn't there. Hopefully he was just off for a walk somewhere. I didn't leave his food down because Triangle would have scoffed the lot.
All the Plot Four were waiting and E.T. even came running halfway towards me, unusual for her.
Quote from: shirlton on December 07, 2010, 08:18:13
Wish I lived nearer then I would take a turn in feeding them. You are an exceptional lady Betty and I take my hat off to you. More so when we get weather like this.
Couldn't have said it any better. Couldn't agree more!
I thought you might like to see the shelters on my plot -
This one is a small kennel which someone gave me, I've put dry straw inside.
[attachment=1]
I don't know what this was originally, it was being thrown away so we rescued it. I've put a bit of an old duvet in it, I also feed the cats in here.
[attachment=2]
This one is made from a large cardboard box, covered in Asda's throwaway banner material. I put it on top of a bread crate to keep it off the ground and under an old table. There is polystyrene packaging inside which is nice and warm. I feed them in here too.
[attachment=3]
[attachment=4]
I'm not expecting anyone to be impressed by these shelters because they are very much botched-together jobs (especially the cardboard box!) but they seem to work and the cats use them.
I took this of Triangle today. I just missed a lovely one of her dismantling the Christmas decorations inside the pavilion but then she jumped up onto the table and I took one.
[attachment=1]
Looks good to me, especially the kennel. Cats have so much trust in people and give so much affection, but perhaps it is just the food they love, but I think they need human love too. How's that beautiful E.T.
It's not what we think that counts but if the cats find them comfortable, which they obviously do, that's important! :)
Cats love being inside containers. They don't seem to care what they're made of. Looks to them like individual architect designed residences!
The cats obviously love their homes and the food and care they get from you. Well done :)
Their little shelters are magic and bet they think so too :)
What beautiful markings on the back and sides of Triangle.
Have you seen Wanda?
We did get a puppy will post his photo on a new thread, as I don't want to stop Better than swimming with Dolphins with telling Alfie's story.
Sinbad
Quote from: Sinbad7 on December 12, 2010, 17:50:11
Their little shelters are magic and bet they think so too :)
What beautiful markings on the back and sides of Triangle.
Have you seen Wanda?
We did get a puppy will post his photo on a new thread, as I don't want to stop Better than swimming with Dolphins with telling Alfie's story.
Sinbad
Wanda was there today, together with E.T. and Keith.
A new puppy - how exciting! Tell us all about him and we need photos too of course!
Good news, I was starting to worry about Wanda :) :)
The shelters are great Betty.I can't help but smile at the names you have given the cats.
Gosh, did you see Countryfile yesterday by any chance? About the genuine wild cat that still lives in the highlands. They said that is is endangered because the breed can cross with ordinary moggies and many feral cats they see are actually ordinary cats or hybrids and not the endangered wild cat.
All of those cats have just been through the -20C or colder in the highlands and the snow, without any help from humans. Your allotment cats on the other hand are enjoying quality accommodation and your wonderful tlc.
Triangle is not little any more!
Thanks for the pictures.
Yes I saw Countryfile and the wild cats. Enjoyed it, always mean to buy their calendar.
I've just watched Countryfile on cable catch-up, thanks for telling us about it Galina. I wonder where the wildcats go for shelter?
I sat down outside the pavilion this morning and Triangle was in one of the shelters. She spotted me, ran out and jumped up onto my lap, and she was as warm as toast! Triangle and Janet were in one shelter and Felix was on his own in another.
I had a bit of a surprise today when one of our plotholders who is well-known for being a bit of a moaner told me that he thought we should have more cats on the site. At first I thought he was being sarcastic but then he said that since we've had cats he hasn't seen so many pigeons on the site. I don't think this is true, but I didn't argue with him.
But there was a dead 'rodent' outside the pavilion this morning. Obviously killed by a cat, and left there as a present for us. It looked too big to be a mouse and too small for a rat. I showed this to the man and he was impressed.
It's good that the cats are appreciated by people........even if it's only as killing-machines.
Glad the cats are 'earning their keep' as far as your fellow plotmoaners are concerned ;D.
[attachment=1]
This is Janet today.
We are moving very slightly forward with her. She doesn't run away from me now, but she doesn't come too close either. When I put her food down she is about a foot away but if I try to touch her she backs off. She almost took some bread and butter from me once, but then changed her mind.
She has such a different personality to Triangle, but she is such a pretty little cat.
Janet is beautiful - she'll eventually come to you, I'm sure.
I think she is a pretty little thing but then I like tabbies. felix is still me favourite though. ;D
Janet looks as though she may have a touch of wild cat in her which perhaps explains why she's more cautious.
I've just reread the whole of this thread. It's great! And the cats are so zen!
Quote from: Squash64 on December 13, 2010, 14:50:17
But there was a dead 'rodent' outside the pavilion this morning. Obviously killed by a cat, and left there as a present for us. It looked too big to be a mouse and too small for a rat. I showed this to the man and he was impressed.
Now that is a huge compliment - when cat's bring you (the owner / friend) a present!
Lovely to see updates of them, and I love the shelters :)
Quote from: 1066 on December 31, 2010, 16:10:35
Lovely to see updates of them, and I love the shelters :)
My daughter thinks the shelters make a shanty town look posh!
My son in law is going to make one out of wood which should be much better than the cardboard one they have on my plot at the moment.
BTW, it's true what they say about Naughty Torties - Calico scratched me yesterday!
She had been prancing around my feet and being really nice and friendly while I got the food ready but as I put it down, she lunged at me and scratched my hand. Not a bad scratch but it did shock me a bit because I wasn't trying to touch her, just putting the food down. I don't know if this is a normal thing for a cat to do or not, or if Calico is just living up to her colour.
That was just in case you ate the food Betty. We went yesterday to inspect the broad beans and saw the cats. All in the pavilion with Ken.The kittens are really big now aren't they
Naughty Calico :(
Hope you have up to date Tetanus jab,something I think everyone who gardens regularly should have.
I love reading about the cats.
Next year when we vote for who we want to be the beneficiary of our A4A Christmas appeal I will put up the Allotment cats with other suggestions for the vote.
I am sure they deserve it for giving us all a lot of pleasure for starters LOL ;D
Happy New Year to the Allotment cats ;D
Quote from: shirlton on January 01, 2011, 11:50:52
That was just in case you ate the food Betty. We went yesterday to inspect the broad beans and saw the cats. All in the pavilion with Ken.The kittens are really big now aren't they
Yes, they are really growing now. Triangle has an enormous appetite - she eats her own food then gently nudges Felix away from his and eats that too. Then she goes over to Janet and helps her out as well.
Felix is like a little Rottweiler, I took this the other day
[attachment=1]
Ken is such a help, he comes up on the bus every day to do the afternoon feed. He even walked the couple of miles when the buses weren't running because of the snow. His grandaughter had a calendar made for him with a photo of one of his cats on every month - lucky that he has twelve :o
Quote from: betula on January 01, 2011, 11:51:55
Naughty Calico :(
Hope you have up to date Tetanus jab,something I think everyone who gardens regularly should have.
I love reading about the cats.
Next year when we vote for who we want to be the beneficiary of our A4A Christmas appeal I will put up the Allotment cats with other suggestions for the vote.
I am sure they deserve it for giving us all a lot of pleasure for starters LOL ;D
Happy New Year to the Allotment cats ;D
Ahh, that is really kind of you but there are such worthwhile causes out there that I think the lottie cats might not be all that popular. But it's lovely of you to think of it. :) Thank you.
He is one lovely cat. ;D
They'd get my vote! :)
When I was a boy and got scratched by one of the cats mum always said that it was a sign of affection, and I always replied in that case I wish they didn't like me!
Yes I know Dulce loves me, but bringing a pigeon in the cat flap at night and then killing it in the living room is not good news. I also do not appreciate frogs and mice running about my kitchen. My hands are bleeding where I picked him up and put him over the back fence to send him home. Much as I love cats, I don't think I would give next year. Think ill/disabled people should take priority, am sure the allotment people feed the cats and that Cats Protection League helps. Just my opinion, may get shouted down, but if I give up smoking will have loads of money to give away. Dream on. Love to ET.
Thats why we have a vote isn't it.
We used to sing carols at the local Tesco to raise money for the Childrens' Hospital, which was just opposite back then. When we had competition from animal charities, in a worse position across the way, they always raised a lot more than we did. Personally I'd give money to people every time.
I must admit we sponsor a dog with Dogs Trust.The plight of innocent animals always gets to me.
You are right Betty every charity is deserving and it is so hard to choose but in this case I know feeding those kitties must cost a lot ...plus it would be nice to be able to give them some A1 accommodation LOL ;D They are Allotment cats after all ;D
My instinct tells me it would be better not to debate to just vote on each one that is suggested at the time as I would hate to turn the cats into a subject for argument.
My only stipulation at the time I started the A4A Christmas gift was it should be something connected with Gardening
Allotments etc as that is what we are about on here. ;D
The first time I've ever been able to get all four Plot Cats in the same photo.
Calico is nearest, rubbing herself against a stick. Keith is walking away from me with his bushy tail in the air and E.T. is opposite him on the left. Wanda is sitting near the table at the top of the photo.
[attachment=1]
I've come to the conclusion today that Calico is the boss. I wondered why the other three didn't go close to her and now I know why - she bats them if they do! Since she scratched me the other day I'm a bit wary of her myself. I have visions of her launching herself onto my chest like Felix did a few weeks ago. :o but at least he did it in a friendly way.
Cats are very mysterious.
I think that rubbing against post thing (like what Calico is doing) is about leaving scent to mark out territory.
Quote from: grawrc on January 03, 2011, 14:33:44
I think that rubbing against post thing (like what Calico is doing) is about leaving scent to mark out territory.
She is the only one of the four that I've seen doing this. Do you think it is because she sees herself as the Top Cat? (or isn't there this sort of hierarchy in the feline world?)
From what you've said about her I think she probably does. There is some info about it here:
http://www.cats-and-behavior.com/articles/cat-behavior/social-behavior.php (http://www.cats-and-behavior.com/articles/cat-behavior/social-behavior.php)
When my neighbour had a new cat the resident cat was not a happy puss,I think they are very territorial :)
Glad to see that they have all turned up today, Betty. Happy New Year to everyone.
Nice pic of the 4 Betty.
Quote from: grawrc on January 03, 2011, 14:48:29
From what you've said about her I think she probably does. There is some info about it here:
http://www.cats-and-behavior.com/articles/cat-behavior/social-behavior.php (http://www.cats-and-behavior.com/articles/cat-behavior/social-behavior.php)
Thanks for the link Anne. I like to read about cat behaviour because as you know, I am just a beginner when it comes to cats.
Something that Janet does is puzzling me - when I put her food down she follows me at a short distance, half crouching down and moving her tail quickly from side to side. The other cats don't do this. I wouldn't have thought this was a sign of anger as she knows the food is coming. Any ideas about this?
She is much more confident than she was but still keeps her distance from us.
hmmmmm, sounds like Janet is tracking her prey and getting ready to pounce on her food. Well that's my initial thought! When I've watched my cats over the years they have all done something similar, whether it's to try and catch a bird or to jump on some crumpled paper to play with it.
Could of course be totally wrong tho!!
Yes, that makes sense Ten. It seems strange to see her doing it though because she is so timid normally. Maybe she is a killer when we have all gone home. :o ;)
Quote from: 1066 on January 04, 2011, 07:36:44
hmmmmm, sounds like Janet is tracking her prey and getting ready to pounce on her food.
Yes, that's what it looks like. There's a big difference between cats and dogs here. Dogs don't so much kill their prey as simply eat it, which kind of ammounts to the same thing I know, but that the creature dies is really just a consequence. With cats it's different, they kill they're prey, and that's their drive, so it's not surprising to see cats stalking their dinner.
Dogs will definitely kill prey, whether it's foxes, rabbits, rats or sheep. They've got a different way of hunting though.
Quote from: Squash64 on January 04, 2011, 07:40:24
Maybe she is a killer when we have all gone home. :o ;)
Squash have you come accross Simon's Cat on YouTube? I always love cartoons of cats playing / living when no humans are around. I think you will enjoy them - here's a link to the official site.
http://www.simonscat.com/
I came across Simon's Cat from a poster on here, I think it was Betula, but whoever it was originally I still want to say thank you :)
I reckon that Janet is more closely related to a wildcat cos I cannot get anywhere near her.(well don't get very close to triangle either)
When she gets bigger she will be a good ratter.
At our Court lane site we had loads of rats and they would sit under the netting eating the strawberries. I couldnt eat em after they had been in there.We saw what looked like a feral there when we went last week. Lets hope that it stays and gets the rats down.
Another Simon's cat fan here!
Simon's cat is brilliant, thank you Ten for the link. I haven't seen it before, it's really funny.
;D 8) ;D
I made some of the cat shelters out of old cardboard boxes and my daughter said they looked like a little shanty town.
[attachment=3]
so my lovely son in law made this for them
[attachment=1]
[attachment=2]
I told him it looks too posh to be on my plot and so I was going to move it to the pavilion but he said he would make another one for there.
How great of your SiL! I'm sure the cats are going to love their chateau ;D ;D
Theyare really lovely. Just need some roses around the door Betty
...or cat mint?
[attachment=1]
Calico is one of the Plot Cats which I feed on my plot every day. While I was feeding the Pavilion Three this morning Felix suddenly started growling and when I went to look what was the matter, I saw that Calico had come inside the pavilion and was strutting around as though she owned the place.
Triangle and Janet kept out of her way but Felix didn't like her at all.
She rubbed herself all around the tables and chairs, not a bit frightened and not at all put off by me being there. All of a sudden, as I walked past her, she lashed out with her paw and caught my leg. Luckily I was wearing thick trousers but I still felt her claw. I think she is nuts. Can cats be nuts?
I have two dogs (Border Terriers) aged 13 & 11 and they have never, ever bitten or even growled at anyone in their whole lives.
I didn't trust Calico since she scratched my hand when I was putting food down, and now I trust her even less.
She appears to be the friendliest of the four on my plot but she is Over The Top.
I am going to re-name her 'Psycho'.
My Caesar usually tries to grab me as I walk past him, but very rarely do claws connect. One thing you can do with cats is stare at them without blinking - they hate that and will back away.
Heeheehee ;D. It must be yer perfume Betty ;D ;D
As someone who has had almost nothing to do with cats until the past few months I can't believe how attached I am becoming to Triangle and Janet.
I think Janet is such a pretty kitten, but unfortunately she is still shy and doesn't come close enough to be stroked. But at least she doesn't run and hide any more.
[attachment=1]
Triangle might not be so pretty, but she is the sweetest cat and has a really lovely nature. She loves to be picked up (but only by me) and stroked.
[attachment=2]
Shhhs,Triangle is very preety ;)
Anne x
They're both pretty, as indeed they all are! :)
These cats are now definietly posing for their photos! Progress?! :)
... and another poser, E.T. this time
[attachment=1]
She is the most timid of the Plot Four and sits and watches me while I put the food down.
She's lovely, so a thick coat, yet it looks so clean and tidy. She must groom herself well.
I can't get over how clean they all look, and they all have really thick coats. I suppose it's living outdoors that makes their coats thick?
We are going to try and trap the Plot Four (one at a time) and have them neutered, hopefully starting next week. I am not looking forward to it.....
So that's not a task for Saturday morning then?
Not the real reason you've got 50 odd people coming to your site! ;D
(Well 50 and one odd one -that's me) ;)
Hi Betty... I'm sure OH has better things to do on Saturday but if she wants to come along and hang around can she? :-\
Quote from: pumpkinlover on February 01, 2011, 13:38:59
So that's not a task for Saturday morning then?
Not the real reason you've got 50 odd people coming to your site! ;D
(Well 50 and one odd one -that's me) ;)
;D
Now there's a good idea!
Quote from: saddad on February 01, 2011, 14:02:27
Hi Betty... I'm sure OH has better things to do on Saturday but if she wants to come along and hang around can she? :-\
Yes of course she can. She can pretend to be on kitchen duty if anyone asks. ;)
She's good at "special diets" ;D
I'll bring my own lactose free biccies...
I managed to catch Keith in the trap this morning and he is at the vets now. Our wonderful Cats Protection volunteer came and collected him from the allotments and will bring him back once the op is over.
She will probably phone me this afternoon to let me know how he is because she knows that I am an Anxious Mother.
When she saw him close-to in the trap she said that he looked like a female. I might have to re-name him...
[attachment=1]
Is that 3 to go now?
Quote from: grawrc on February 07, 2011, 13:32:29
Is that 3 to go now?
You can just see them telling each other-watch out-you're next! ;D
Quote from: grawrc on February 07, 2011, 13:32:29
Is that 3 to go now?
Yes, four done, three to go!
Just had a phonecall to say that all went well, Keith is still Keith and he will be brought back to us later this afternoon.
Phew!
Quote from: pumpkinlover on February 07, 2011, 13:42:07
Quote from: grawrc on February 07, 2011, 13:32:29
Is that 3 to go now?
You can just see them telling each other-watch out-you're next! ;D
Yes, I know what you mean ;)
I was hoping that Psycho would be caught today and that the op might calm her down a bit but Keith was first into the trap.
We are going to try again tomorrow.
So pleased that they are being neutered Betty. It will mean no more kittens but you will soon get used to it.
Keith is so pretty, I thought he/she would be a girl.
Janet is my favourite!
Quote from: Borlotti on February 07, 2011, 15:21:10
Keith is so pretty, I thought he/she would be a girl.
He is lovely. Our CP volunteer said that she stroked him through the bars of the cage this morning and he didn't panic. Not bad at all for a feral cat who has never been stroked before.
A new cat has appeared on my plot. I don't think he is a feral, I have never seen him before.
[attachment=1]
He is very chunky, with really beautiful eyes and he only has half a tail.
[attachment=2]
He is following Wanda around so I think she must be in season (is that what it's called for cats?)
[attachment=3]
We are setting the trap again in the morning so hopefully we will catch another one. It would be best if it was Wanda but we will just have to see what happens.
Me thinks that the news has travelled about the cat lady Betty. It's one beautiful moggy though isn't it. Lets hope he stays around the plots and not with the others at the pavilion. Perhaps Physco will turn her attention to it rather than you ;D
I don't think he will go far from Wanda, she is acting all tarty around him and he follows her everywhere, waiting for his chance.
I managed to trap Psycho this morning and she is at the vets now, being neutered. As soon as the trap door closed behind her she leapt up and started clawing through the bars so I covered it up with a blanket till our Cats Protection lady called for her. She is being brought back later this afternoon.
What we don't want!! Caesar tripped me up Monday night - result 01:00 - 06:00 in A&E - hole in head mended with superglue!! My head, not Caesar's :-\.
http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/caesarasj/8%20February/DSCF0582.jpg
Glad Keith did so well - hope all ok with Psycho ;D.
Quote from: asj on February 10, 2011, 14:24:17
What we don't want!! Caesar tripped me up Monday night - result 01:00 - 06:00 in A&E - hole in head mended with superglue!! My head, not Caesar's :-\.
http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/caesarasj/8%20February/DSCF0582.jpg
Glad Keith did so well - hope all ok with Psycho ;D.
That's awful - hope you are ok now? Did your head cause that damage to the glass?
Ouch!!
Yes, it was my head that did the damage! Last time it was 3 cracked ribs - again mine, not Caesar's! The joys of companionship :). Is Psycho back yet?
I suppose Caesar never gets hurt, just causes the damage and runs off? ::)
Just had an email from our CP lady,
" I have just rung the vet.Calico has come through with flying colours,and hasn't killed anybody yet"
She is bringing her back to us at about 4. We are very lucky to have someone like her, she is so generous with her time.
You guessed it! Best to Calico/Psycho :). Who's next for the chop ;D.
The new chap is beautiful isn't he Betty. Like shilton says, news has got out.
asj, that looks like a nasty accident, I hope you're on the mend.
asj - we just have two left to do now, E.T. and Wanda. Wanda should go into the trap to feed without any problems but E.T. is quite shy and might not. One of them is booked in for Monday if we can catch one.
Simon - the new cat is stunning. He has a great big chunky face and beautiful eyes, he looks completely different to our ferals. Our CP lady thinks he is a domestic cat who has got scent of Wanda and is trying to have his wicked way with her.
The CP lady said that when she went to collect Psycho this afternoon the vet nurses were smiling and told her that Psycho was "lively". ::)
Hopefully happy endings for everybody - except the poor domestic who is after Wanda ::). Thanks Unwashed, apart from forgetting passwords due to bang on head I'm doing fine now ;D ;D
Hope your head soon gets better asj
Thanks Shirlton!
asj, hope you are much better by now.
Perhaps Calico will quieten down a bit now and lose a bit of aggression. Good luck catching a puss in time for the next procedure.
Yes Simon is a good looking cat and you are a super photographer, Squash64.
Calico/Psycho was the same as usual on Friday, just one day after her operation and she came running to me just like she always does.
I managed to trap Wanda this morning and she was taken to the vets by our Cats Protection volunteer.
[attachment=1]
That just leaves E.T. and I have a feeling she will be the most difficult to trap. She is not as brave as the others and I have never seen her go into the unset trap to feed like the others do. It will be such a relief to know that there will be no more kittens.
Great news catching Wanda. I have a bit of a soft spot for her.
Hope Simon never managed to have his wicked way with her :)
E.T. is the clever one (my favourite). My cat was very clever heard me make an appointment with the vet and went missing an hour before, but he wasn't that clever cause I told next door and he went there and she kept him in so I could collect him. He did this more than once so was a very clever cat.
Quote from: galina on February 14, 2011, 11:05:47
Yes Simon is a good looking cat and you are a super photographer, Squash64.
Err, so we're calling the big handsome chap Simon are we? Figures. 8) 8) 8)
;D
Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 14, 2011, 14:30:21
Great news catching Wanda. I have a bit of a soft spot for her.
Hope Simon never managed to have his wicked way with her :)
Wanda is beautiful and if it wasn't for Psycho putting me off, I would be very tempted to try to stroke her. She is always round my feet while I put the food out every day but she doesn't have that manic behaviour that Psycho has. I'm still getting used to handling cats, dogs seem much easier to me.
"Simon" didn't have his wicked way with her, the vet told the CP lady that she (Wanda, not the CP lady ;) ) wasn't expecting. Simon hung around all morning looking for her, he even came over to the pavilion which is something he's never done before. I hope he goes back home now.
Quote from: Unwashed on February 14, 2011, 15:03:54
Quote from: galina on February 14, 2011, 11:05:47
Yes Simon is a good looking cat and you are a super photographer, Squash64.
Err, so we're calling the big handsome chap Simon are we? Figures. 8) 8) 8)
Obviously Galina knows more about you than we realized ;), Simon it is then!
As Dulce cost £70, so the owners say, and not a pedigree cat, perhaps you should let them have kittens and sell them for funds. (Only joking, of course), but when my cat had kittens, many years ago, only too happy for them to go to a good home, no money involved. Charlie has been done and is too old (19 yrs) and he got accused of fathering kittens, (perhaps they wanted maintenance) may be I should get a female cat, but don't think I could be able to sell (give) the kittens away, would probably end up with hundreds of cats. Put ET in a box and send him to me.
Quote from: Squash64 on February 10, 2011, 18:47:21Simon - the new cat is stunning.
Doh! I see how that happened. I thought you HAD named the cat Simon. And misread. You addressed 'Simon' (is that Unwashed's real name?) to tell him the cat was stunning to look at.
Oh well, if nobody objects, I will treasure having inadvertently named your new moggie :) :) :)
Quote from: galina on February 15, 2011, 09:22:33
Quote from: Squash64 on February 10, 2011, 18:47:21Simon - the new cat is stunning.
Doh! I see how that happened. I thought you HAD named the cat Simon. And misread. You addressed 'Simon' (is that Unwashed's real name?) to tell him the cat was stunning to look at.
Oh well, if nobody objects, I will treasure having inadvertently named your new moggie :) :) :)
Galina, I think this is so funny, I can't stop giggling every time I think about it. ;D
I don't object at all, and I'm sure Unwashed/Simon will be honoured to have such a handsome cat named after him. ;)
I think Simon is smashing, and I'm honoured. It has to be said, he has quite a bit more hair than me, though I do have the whiskers. ;D
http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z284/sunnyday_012/Shed/
I hope this link takes you to the photo's Betty, otherwise I see I can share it on Facebook, I think.
keep up the fantastic work Catwoman !!
So only one more to go, and as you say no more kittens, good luck!.
10 ;)
Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 15, 2011, 12:35:23
http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z284/sunnyday_012/Shed/
I hope this link takes you to the photo's Betty, otherwise I see I can share it on Facebook, I think.
Yes it did, thanks. :)
Sorry for being thick, but I can't see where the key goes! ???
Quote from: 1066 on February 15, 2011, 18:08:22
keep up the fantastic work Catwoman !!
So only one more to go, and as you say no more kittens, good luck!.
10 ;)
I'm going to need a lot of luck 10 - E.T. was nowhere to be seen this morning. I called her and within seconds flippin' Psycho appeared, as manic as ever despite only having had her op. a few days ago.
I can't try tomorrow because the vet is fully booked so it's going to be Thursday for the next attempt.
crossed fingers for Thursday :)
Quote from: Squash64 on February 15, 2011, 18:17:03
Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 15, 2011, 12:35:23
http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z284/sunnyday_012/Shed/
I hope this link takes you to the photo's Betty, otherwise I see I can share it on Facebook, I think.
Yes it did, thanks. :)
Sorry for being thick, but I can't see where the key goes! ???
The bottom of the "Box" is open and you have reach up with the key. It means they cannot get to the lock or hasp.
No you are not thick!!!
On ours the lock just pokes down and you can get the key in fairly easily.
Anne x
Quote from: pumpkinlover on February 15, 2011, 20:36:20
Quote from: Squash64 on February 15, 2011, 18:17:03
Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 15, 2011, 12:35:23
http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z284/sunnyday_012/Shed/
I hope this link takes you to the photo's Betty, otherwise I see I can share it on Facebook, I think.
Yes it did, thanks. :)
Sorry for being thick, but I can't see where the key goes! ???
The bottom of the "Box" is open and you have reach up with the key. It means they cannot get to the lock or hasp.
No you are not thick!!!
On ours the lock just pokes down and you can get the key in fairly easily.
Anne x
Oh yes, silly me!
So both of you have this type of thing over your locks? It does look good and very strong, any idea how much it costs?
I managed to get E.T. into the unset trap this morning, the first time I've ever seen her go in. Wouldn't you just know that today is the one day this week that the vet is fully booked and can't do any of our ops!
Never mind, I'll put a tiny bit of food in again tomorrow and see if she goes in again. If she is there of course.....
sod and his law springs to mind !! But if ET gets a treat for going into the box / cage then what the heck if it works.
Fingers still crossed :)
So both of you have this type of thing over your locks? It does look good and very strong, any idea how much it costs?
[/quote]
We have it over the container lock and it is part of the container.
I don't know if someone can take some sheet metal and make something like that for you.
Oh... are there any engineering firms left anywhere in this country :-\
Oh noooo, about ET, bet you couldn't believe it. Hope it's not too long before she ventures in again.
Our shed as you can see is a shed and we had the boxes welded on. It is so long ago I can't remember how much it cost us but will try to get hold of the past receipts and see if I can find it.
We have a self locking padlock in that box that goes through the door hasp. So, you have to fiddle a bit but it really does work and then the extra expense of getting everyone a key cut so it's not cheap. But if you have the funds I would certainly recommend it.
Hooray - I trapped E.T. this morning and she is at the vets now, being 'done'.
[attachment=1]
She went mental in the trap until I covered it with a blanket then she calmed down slightly.
That's all six ferals neutered now, thanks to our local Cats Protection volunteer Jenny. She has collected every cat, taken them to the vet and brought them back again afterwards. Nothing was too much trouble for her, she has even phoned me every time to let me know the op was successful.
There has been no charge to us for this. I tried to give Jenny a donation but she refused, saying that CP has a special fund for feral cat neutering.
Jenny makes preserves and sells them to raise money for CP so I have told her that my rhubarb plantation ;) is all hers now! I'll also grow courgettes and chillies for her and Ken will grow caulies. The CP will be having a stall at our Summer Fayre in August.
I am so relieved it's all over now, and that there will be NO MORE KITTENS! ;D
Gret News Betty. I must agree that Jenny is one great woman. She works tirelessly for the CPS. She deserves a medal. She works wonders with the produce she collects. I think she has at least 5 friend with freezers to put the fruit in until she can use it.
Brilliant news Betty, you can breathe easily now.
I think you and Jenny both deserve a medal if only there were more people in this world like you both and not forgetting Ken either.
Hope Wanda was well today. And ET is fine tomorrow.
Yaaaaayyyy!!! Well done Betty! and a huge yaaaayyy to the lovely CPL! ;D
Job well done! ;D ;D ;D
Now has Pyscho calmed down at all?
You could try making a false hand to lower down on a stick and see what the reaction is!
That should be easy with your scarecrow making skills!! ;) ;)
Makes you wonder how they coped with ET once they opened the door of the cat cage :) Jenny must be a special lady and I am glad you got them all 'done' before kittens. Good news Squash. Hope ET will not lose her trust for long. Just Psycho Calico's bad behaviour to sort out now. Hope she'll change quickly.
Well done, Betty!! and the lovely Jenny from CPL ;D. Look forward to hearing more about the cats!
I just got back from the vet with Caesar who had to have his flea jab - he won't take pills even from the vet! - and his worm drop-on. He had to be weighed for dosage - 6.5 kilos ::).
I haven't seen E.T. at all since she was brought back on Thursday. Not all that unusual because she was the shyest of them all so maybe her trip to the vet has made her even more timid. Fingers crossed she will be there tomorrow.
The cats are taken to the vets in the trap, and then transferred to a special cage which has sides that move inwards, gently holding the cat against the bars so an injection can be given. There is no way they would be able to take a feral out of a cage unless it was sedated.
I saw Wanda and Psycho on my plot this morning. They are both fine, and their wounds look to be healing nicely. Psycho has not calmed down AT ALL. I have to have the water spray with me all the time, it's the only way to control her. I think I will make a false hand on a long stick and try touching her -she'll probably fly up the stick and bite me!
Our lovely CP Jenny brought us some cat food today which had been donated to them. Not just one or two cans, but over a hundred, plus lots of boxes of dried food. I couldn't beleive it when I saw how much there was. The CP have collections outside Tesco and Sainsburys and the public donate food.[attachment=1]
I've been writing so much about the Plot Four recently that I almost forgot to say that the Pavilion Three are doing really well. Triangle is getting quite big, but she does have a big appetite, and Janet is getting a tiny bit braver every day. We still haven't managed to stroke her yet, but she doesn't run away from us any more, just keeps out of arm's reach. Felix is his usual self, he's very friendly but doesn't appreciate being picked up.
This is Triangle and Janet the other day, the pic isn't too good because I had to use a long zoom on it - if I'd gone any closer they would have got up.
[attachment=1]
Good news all round which is good to see, and must be pleasing for you.
While I was there today a young man came in and dropped 3 tins off and another lady brought some food in. Renews yer faith in mankind it does.
Quote from: shirlton on February 20, 2011, 15:51:13
While I was there today a young man came in and dropped 3 tins off and another lady brought some food in. Renews yer faith in mankind it does.
It really does.
Betty and Shirl
Hope ET will be fine.
What a lovely donation of cat food from the CPL. And also from a strangers. There are some horrible people about and also some very lovely ones and I am glad you are getting to meet lots of the second type.
What a clever idea the cage with the moveable sides. So this is how they can handle the ferals without risk of being mauled.
Thank you for the pictures.
Your lovely Jenny brought a tear to my eye, what wonderful kindness of her to bring all that food for them.
Great news that all are doing well, will be nice just to see ET, hope you do today.
Did Jenny have any idea why Psycho had gone the way she has?
Glad that's all gone swimmingly!
Has Simon gone home now the ladies are no longer so attractive to his roving eye? ;)
Expect E.T. will be back when he sees all that food. He/she is probably lurking about nearby watching. Do Cats Protection also inject them against feline flu, and I assume the op is easier for toms than female cats. Come back E.T. we all miss you, think that is one clever cat.
Is ET back yet.
Good news - my husband saw E.T. on Friday afternoon, more than a week since her op. She wasn't there yesterday morning when I fed them though, I think she is avoiding me now.
A photography student from the local university came to take photos of the cats on Friday. The Pavilion Three were all there, but on my plot - only Psycho, who wasn't a bit shy at having her photo taken by strangers. ::)
How kind of people to donate all that food,it is amazing how kind people can be.
:)
Delighted ET's been seen.
So glad to hear that E.T. has been around. I'm sure she'll soon get back to her normal behaviour ;D.
Tell E.T. we all love him. Welcome home.
good to hear ET has been spotted!
That sounds like a nice project for the student, do you think we'll be able to see some of the photos? :)
Quote from: Borlotti on February 27, 2011, 17:16:41
Tell E.T. we all love him. Welcome home.
I told her this morning but I'm not sure if she believed me. She's probably still thinking about how that nasty trap closed on her.
She gets on really well with Keith, here they are sharing their breakfast
[attachment=1]
Quote from: 1066 on March 01, 2011, 13:32:35
good to hear ET has been spotted!
That sounds like a nice project for the student, do you think we'll be able to see some of the photos? :)
The student said she would send me some photos but she hasn't yet. She also said she would come back to try and see the other cats because Psycho was the only one on my plot when she came. Hope she remembers.
Another 'dolphin' moment this morning ....
I managed to stroke Janet very lightly on her back and she didn't seem frightened although she did give me a funny look as though to say "Oi, what's going on?" She has been coming a lot closer to me lately so I just took a chance this morning and was lucky. :)
[attachment=1]
I can't imagine she will ever be as tame as Triangle who just loves a lot of fuss and purrs as soon as I look at her, but even so, being able to touch her is a big step.
Two of the cats on my plot, Keith and Wanda are also showing signs that they are more confident with me. They both come to me, and stay just at my feet while I get the food ready. One day I'll pluck up the courage and try to stroke them too.
[attachment=2]
Wanda
[attachment=3]
Keith
So pleased that Janet is getting less timid. She is such a pretty little thing.
what a beautiful photo of Janet, who needs a photography student when you can take such lovey photos :).
Also love the image of Wanda on her back showing her tummy - you do realise when they do that they feel VERY secure and happy! A real compliment to you and the plot holders / cat feeders :)
Thank you Ten, that's very kind of you. :)
It does help having a camera with a good zoom because Janet and E.T. are so shy there is no way I would have got close to them in the past. Wanda is lovely, there doesn't seem to be any nastiness in her.
This morning I tried the suggestion of a glove on a stick to stroke the cats with. I tried first with Wanda, who backed away then sat and watched, but didn't let me touch her with it. Then Psycho came to see what was going on. She walked straight up to the hand and batted it with her paw about four times! I don't think I'll be trying to touch her, but Wanda is a possibility. :)
yes a good camera does make a lot of difference, but then with such lovely subjects how could you go wrong!
I'm not convinced by the idea of a glove on a stick - I'd think they would as you say bat it away or jump on it! but what have you got to loose, and besides think of the gain!
Quotebut what have you got to loose
Fingers? :-X
Quote from: saddad on March 04, 2011, 16:26:41
Quotebut what have you got to loose
Fingers? :-X
:D
It's a lovely sunny day here today and the Plot Four seemed to be enjoying the sunshine. E.T., who has always been the shyest of them now comes running towards me when I feed them..... but then runs away when she sees Psycho, and I don't blame her.
I stroked Keith today, and touched Wanda lightly on her back. E.T. doesn't come close enough and I value my hands too much to attempt to touch Psycho. ::)
Here's some photos I took this morning...
E.T.
[attachment=1]
Wanda
[attachment=2]
Keith
[attachment=3]
Psycho
[attachment=4]
E.T. Keith and Wanda
[attachment=5]
Four lovely looking cats! You didn't try tickling Calico's tummy then! :)
Quote from: Flighty on March 08, 2011, 16:27:20
Four lovely looking cats! You didn't try tickling Calico's tummy then! :)
I haven't got a death wish!
It's taken a long time, but I can now stroke Janet, the timid little tabby kitten at the pavilion. :)
Every morning Triangle comes for a fuss and Janet has started coming with her. As I was stroking Triangle I moved my hand over to Janet and she didn't jump away like she used to. I've tried to stroke her when she's on her own but she moves away, it seems that she is much more confident when she is next to Triangle.
Colin came with me this morning to try to get a photo of her, and managed this through the car window.
(ignore date under photo)
[attachment=1]
[attachment=2]
You'll soon have them snuggling up to you!
All they need is love, and food.
Thats lovely Betty.
When I took your wheelbarrow back this afternoon Keith was there and he didn't even move when he saw me
That's wonderful, you must be so pleased!
Janet comes on her own now for a fuss every morning.
I took these photos this morning, not too brilliant because I had to hold the camera in one hand while stroking her with the other
[attachment=1]
[attachment=2]
She often rolls on her back in front of me
[attachment=3]
I've started lifting her a few inches off the ground and she doesn't struggle when I do it.
I'm sure she misses Triangle. She walks around meowing quite a lot, she never used to do that before.
I thought you might like an update on how the cats are getting on....
[attachment=1]
Keith is a lovely soft lad. He comes to me for a fuss when I feed him but keeps just out of arm's reach the rest of the time. He loves Wanda and they rub their heads together a lot.
[attachment=2]
Wanda stays with me all the time while I'm on the plot. She rubs herself on my legs and loves me to stroke her.
[attachment=3]
E.T. is still the most timid of the plot-cats but she's become so much more confident
lately. She was sitting outside the greenhouse waiting for me when I took this photo. Not so long ago she would have run off if I'd gone close but she stays put now.
[attachment=4]
Psycho is still the boss. Not just my boss but the other cats' too. She is definitely stalking me because no matter where I go on our quite large site she will suddenly appear.
Janet and Felix are both doing well over at the pavilion. I don't have a recent photo of them but I will post one when I do.
Lovely to see them all again. And that they are getting so much more domesticated, thanks to the good care they receive. A big step for feral cats. All look so well with lovely shiny coats.
They all look so beautiful and well, lovely :)
what beautiful cats so contented looking ;)
They're so beautiful and then I thought, Oh, winters coming, I hope I don't start worrying about them again.
They really are a credit to you.
Thanks everyone, I do feel quite proud of 'my' cats :)
Sinbad, don't worry about the winter, they were fine last winter and it was really bad here in Birmingham. They have their own shelters with lots of bedding so I'm sure they will be fine.
Yesterday when we were judging the giant pumpkins, Psycho suddenly turned up and strolled past them, not a bit bothered by the people standing around. I kept quiet and hoped she wouldn't notice me, and she didn't. ;)
[attachment=1]
Another cat turned up this week, a ginger and white tom. I noticed it had its ear tipped so that means it is already neutered. It is fairly tame and came to me when I called it and I stroked the top of his head.
[attachment=2]
[attachment=3]
He doesn't look very clean and our CP lady thinks that it's because he wasn't being fed regularly and that he is probably a stray. I've noticed that 'my' cats all wash themselves as soon as they finish eating so if this poor thing isn't eating often he won't have that routine.
Cats Protection have added him to the Found cats on their website, but if nobody claims him he can stay here.
He's been about three times this week and I've fed him, of course. ;)
Well done with the ginger and white tom!
You've become a real cat lady haven't you! :)
Thanks for the update, Betty I was wondereing how they are getting on, none anywhere to be seen on the open day- except for the kittens. ;)
Lovely to see them all again - they're a handsome bunch, aren't they? The new arrival has obviously heard about the first class hospitality 'chez Betty'! Do you have a name for him yet?
A couple of photos of the Plot Four taken this morning.
I think it shows that Psyco considers herself to be Top Cat, she's on top of the compost bin looking down on the others...
[attachment=1]
[attachment=2]
Magic.
Psyco just needs some love. I want that cat.
Lovely photos, and I like Borlotti's comment! :)
Quote from: Flighty on November 03, 2011, 16:55:33
Lovely photos, and I like Borlotti's comment! :)
Thanks, and I like her comment too. ;)
Quote from: Borlotti on November 03, 2011, 16:37:58
Psyco just needs some love. I want that cat.
She is a total nutcase. Wherever I go on the site, which is quite big, she will suddenly appear at my feet. I think she is stalking me. I had to shut myself in the greenhouse today to escape from her so she sat on top of the desk near the door and tried to nudge it open.
When can you collect her?
Shirl came to see me on my plot today and, taking her life in her hands, decided to try to get Psycho to go on her lap.
[attachment=1]
Luckily, Psycho is very fond of treats and ate them, rather than Shirl's legs. :o
Well done Shirl, I think that Calico must be mellowing a bit! :)
Lovely picture and I guess the trousers were claw resistant.... ;)
your so lucky,when we lost out 2 boys we decided that for the time being "no more puddy tats"... :-\
That said,we do get a couple roming around the allotments but the buggers wont come to me,mores the pity.
Ive left food out but I think the foxes mop that up,afore the tabbies get a look it.
Gazza
Perhaps one day she will be able to get her old name back. Its just that she is so fussy and wants to be with Betty all the time. She doesn't leave her side while she at the plot.
A few weeks ago as we were driving in we saw Betty coming down the path of someone elses plot and she was being followed by three cats. ;D
Quote from: gazza1960 on March 01, 2012, 17:42:14
Lovely picture and I guess the trousers were claw resistant.... ;)
your so lucky,when we lost out 2 boys we decided that for the time being "no more puddy tats"... :-\
That said,we do get a couple roming around the allotments but the buggers wont come to me,mores the pity.
Ive left food out but I think the foxes mop that up,afore the tabbies get a look it.
Gazza
Gazza, are the cats feral? Ours were, but I wouldn't really call them that now. I started off by leaving dried food in the same place on my plot every day at the same time. They were really scared of me to begin with but I tried to ignore them and not make them frightened and they are all used to me now.
Quote from: shirlton on March 01, 2012, 17:42:37
Perhaps one day she will be able to get her old name back. Its just that she is so fussy and wants to be with Betty all the time. She doesn't leave her side while she at the plot.
A few weeks ago as we were driving in we saw Betty coming down the path of someone elses plot and she was being followed by three cats. ;D
I don't mind Wanda and E.T. following me, but Psycho flings herself down at my feet so I can brush her (with a long-handled brush ;)) and I have to be careful I don't tread on her.
I rarely see the plot cats sleeping but today Wanda and E.T. were stretched out in the sunshine.
[attachment=1]
Ah!!!!!!
I thought that some of you might like an update......
As most of you will know I started this thread because I was so thrilled that
the feral cats on our allotments were starting to trust me. I had never had
anything to do with cats since I was a child but I've always liked them.
Three years ago we gave a home on the allotments to Felix, a 'tame' cat who
was not happy living in a house. Sadly, he had to be put to sleep in September.
On my plot I have the original three - Psycho, E.T. and Wanda, and a newcomer -
Red Fred. Red Fred was re-homed to us from a bad domestic situation earlier in
the year and is not really feral. He spent his first month with his brother in a
large cage in Shirley's shed but once they were released, they both disappeared.
A couple of months ago, I realised he had moved into my shed and he started
appearing every morning when I fed the others. To begin with, he would not
come near me but now I find it very difficult to walk as he tries to wrap himself
round my legs like the other three do. He is very big and chunky and completely
ignores E.T. when she growls and spits at him.
Another cat decided to join us last year, but he is not friendly like the others.
I've called him Johnny Cat. He wanders all over the allotments but mainly stays
over by the pavilion with Janet, the sweet little tabby.
I've attached some photos, the four cats on the path are - nearest the camera -
Red Fred, Wanda, Psycho and E.T.
Johnny Cat is the black and white one. When I tried to get a photo of Janet the
tabby she kept coming to my hand for a fuss so it's not a very good photo.
(//)
Lovely pictures Betty, they all look very content. It's funny to see pictures of cats I've never met but recognise them!
Red Fred is so gorgeous isn't he.
Quote from: Unwashed on November 22, 2013, 19:10:59
Red Fred is so gorgeous isn't he.
He is such a beautiful cat. All I know about cats is what I have learned in the
past few years at the allotments but he seems different to the other cats there.
He won't approach strangers yet, but with me, my husband and Ken who also
feeds him he is really confident. He sits on the table while I put his food out
and starts eating before I've finished doing it.
He is very confident with the other 3 cats on my plot and doesn't seem to bother
when E.T. spits and hisses at him. Even Psycho is getting used to him!
Lovely photo's Betty. I was only thinking of them the other day, wondering how they all were.
They look in wonderful condition, Betty, Red Fred is positively glowing. They probably have happier lives than many a pampered indoor cat-gym-and-toys type moggie. Well done.
We need an update Betty - pretty please :sunny:
Quote from: galina on June 19, 2014, 23:06:45
We need an update Betty - pretty please :sunny:
How nice of you to think of us Galina :wave:
Wanda, E.T. and Red Fred continue to live happily on my plot.
The girls sleep in their special shed (I'll take a photo later and show you) but
I'm not sure where Red Fred sleeps, he just appears as soon as I pull up in
the car.
Psycho mainly stays by the pavilion and big greenhouse. Our Cats Protection
friend Jenny actually picked her up and cuddled her the other day - and lived
to tell the tale!
I don't see Janet very often. She was missing for at least a month recently
but then suddenly appeared as if nothing had happened.
Johnny Cat is getting used to me and stays quite close while I get his food
ready. He also stays by the big greenhouse and tolerates Psycho so long as
she doesn't go too close. The strange thing about him is that he always
makes a snarly face and hisses at me. Maybe trying to tell me something?
A new cat appeared last month. Very timid, but I managed to get photos of him
and when I looked at them closely it was obvious he had a very tight collar on.
There was no way we could have taken it off so we managed to trap him and
our CP friend took him to the vets where it was removed. Poor thing must have
really been suffering. He wasn't microchipped and although I had registered him
with a lost pets website nobody had claimed him. We had him neutered and
chipped while he was at the vets and then he was returned to us. He kept out
of my way for a few days and then I saw him again. I've called him 'Otto' because
he is our 8th cat.
Ken has a cat living on his plot - Virginia, but she is very shy and never wanders
round.
Some photos - Johnny cat showing his not-so-friendly face
Otto - before the collar was removed
Psycho asleep in a tray inside the greenhouse
(//)
I've thought of them often, so it's nice to see an update of them all.
So many new names though.
Thanks for the update, I love to read about 'your' cats. Aren't they lucky.
Gosh yes, Otto's collar was tight! He has 3 colours and long, thick fur just like Calico/Psycho. So she is calming down now! About time too. Didn't Shirley manage to stroke her a while ago and she was ok with that?
I see what you mean about Johnny. These white whiskers, moon-round face and close together eyes do look sinister! And snarling too! Strange. Another character.
Maybe Janet got herself 'adopted' for a bit, or found a local cat flap she could get into and pinch food? None of them are really feral any more.
They all look so well cared for. Thank you for showing us. It's a cat's life (At Wallsall Rd Allotments) :icon_cheers:
Squash64 thanks for this update and photos. xx
Quote from: galina on June 20, 2014, 09:34:33
Gosh yes, Otto's collar was tight! He has 3 colours and long, thick fur just like Calico/Psycho. So she is calming down now! About time too. Didn't Shirley manage to stroke her a while ago and she was ok with that?
:icon_cheers:
Everyone can stroke Psycho, she loves people to make a fuss of her
but I am a bit cautious about picking her up. I can pick up Wanda and
Janet, they are both very sweet. E.T. loves me to stroke her but she is
more nervous than the others. Red Fred head butts me to get my
attention and loves to be stroked too.
As you know, I have no experience of cats apart from what I have
learned from these allotment cats. I find them quite hard to 'read'
sometimes, dogs are much easier!