Cat Catch Fever

Gertrude of Nivelles is the patron saint of cats, but I think I will nominate Ann of Glenmont as her backup.

This is a picture of Lucky, who just a week ago was living in the wilds of Albany with her two cat siblings and cat mom. My wife, Ann, had for weeks been putting out food for the little feline family who’d taken up residence in the woods at the edge of her parking lot at work.

Feeding them is nice, but it doesn’t do anything to break up the sad cycle of a booming feral cat population; that requires dramatic action. And dramatic action she took.

Over a period of several days, she managed to catch both the mother cat and the kittens. One at a time she picked them off, patiently setting a trap baited with cans of 9Lives. Mom is now at the shelter, recovering from being spayed. The kittens? All three will be spending time with the new families Ann found for them.

Rescuing some unwanted cats is a little thing that alone won’t really make a huge difference. But I think if we all claim responsibility for something in this world, even something insignificant, that is a good thing. Too many people claim responsibility for nothing.

Note: I have to admit that I’m also happy they aren’t all living in my house; that would put us way over the quota for sane cat ownership.

12 thoughts on “Cat Catch Fever

  1. We’ve been adopting them in twos lately, older mother and son dogs from one shelter, and brother and sister feral cats (for the horse barn) from a spay-neuter shelter. Now if we can just get the mother dog to “get along” with (not chase) the cats! Rescues and adoptions are the way to go, if you can. (We do not need another ______, we do not need another ______. <— Insert horse / dog / cat)

  2. Can’t wait for one of ours to die. She’s just such a bitch. Other one is very, very nice. We’ll let her live.

  3. Ann IS the patron saint of stray kitties! She spent so much time trying to save those sweet little critters – I couldn’t believe she got them all. I am the new owner of Lucky and he is enjoying his new home. He is warm and well fed and adorable. He will not be freezing his paws off this winter thanks to Ann. Adopting a pet is a wonderful experience – more people should do it!

  4. Ann deserves sainthood not only for her work with cats, but also for being Mrs. Madeo!

    That is such a beautiful picture. How I miss having a cat! My boyfriend has been having allergy shots for the past seven months. I keep praying that maybe one day he will be able handle having a cat in the house. This is the longest I’ve gone without a pet since 1966!

  5. I believe you also helped out with this little project, Rob. But I know how shy you are when it comes to talking about yourself!!! You both done good.

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