This email exchange took place this summer between an HCC client and an HCC volunteer/master trapper. It’s a great example of the many people involved in the TNR process and how it changes lives, both human and feline.
July 28
Client: The [local vet clinic] suggested I contact you. There is a colony of at least eight feral cats/kittens that could use some rescue/assistance. For the past year I’ve been providing some food/water about 3 days a week, when I’m out bicycling. The rest of the time they forage and dumpster dive. I think other people feed them on occasion. Recently, four 3-month-old kittens have also appeared. My thinking is that the kittens are the ones most needing rescue. The others could be neutered and released back there. The site can probably support three or four adults, but not a colony that large. Can you help? [Client went on to describe each cat and the specific location.]
August 19
HCC Trapper: Yesterday I drove near the site and happened to have a trap in my car. I was hoping to get the old man cat or the two moms, but a young orange tabby got in first. We have a run scheduled to Austin Humane Society feral clinic today, so I sent him. Living Love [shelter] has said they would try to socialize him for adoption. We have space for more cats to be fixed at AHS next week, so will try to get more. We can use a drop trap and get a bunch at a time, but I will need some help. Maybe you could send me your work schedule and we could make a plan. We will get this done.
Client: Just let me know the day and time you want to meet and I can be there. Also, I saw what I think is another male tabby/white cat in the area. He would explain some of the other kitten colorations. BTW, the youngest very small kittens (one is all white) are still hiding most of the time, they don’t feel safe venturing out yet. The young calico mother is almost tame. I haven’t seen the black tuxedo for a while.
August 27
Client: I bicycled up and fed the remaining cats this morning. Tom, Calico Momma, and fuzzy Baby Orange Tiger Kitten were the only ones to show up. Does that by chance mean you had success with one of the traps yesterday? Calico Momma was being very flirtatious with Tom this morning. It would be best to get one or both of them trapped ASAP to shut down the factory. Thanks for providing all the traps and experience yesterday morning. Three more kittens are on their way to happier lives – productive day!
Calico Momma was subsequently trapped! No more flirting for you.
August 28
HCC Trapper: Yes, all the adolescent cats are now fixed and at Living Love for adoption. That makes five down and only a few – but most important ones – to go. The little white kitten [we trapped] is doing great. We need to get the other kitten very soon, for she is lonely. Thank you so much for your help. As you experienced, TNR is labor intensive and involves a lot of folks working together to get it all done: trapping, feeding, staging overnight before surgery, transporting to and from surgery, rehabbing overnight after surgery, returning cat to site after recovery, continuing to feed, and monitoring colony for any newcomers. You are now a certified trapper!!
August 29
Client: Friday I caught the last remaining tiny Orangesicle Tiger Kitten, and reunited him with his equally tiny Flame Point Siamese Sister. There have never been two cats that were happier to see and be with each other again; they’re not homeless any more.
Kittens happy to be reunited
September 16
Client (Facebook post): A warning to all those considering retirement: fostering homeless kittens could be a factor for your future planning.
The client and HCC are still working together to trap and TNR the last few cats in the colony. He’s fostering the kittens until they’re old enough for surgery and then adoption.