NEPA What to do about Feral Cats? (Honesdale, Luzerne: environment, work)

[Summering]

I have posted this here rather then in "pets" because I am wondering if there is NEPA information. My googling brings me into Lehigh but not in the Monroe County area.
So, here is the problem.
All of a sudden there was a grey cat roaming around. Having a farm off in the distance ,and a home back beyond the wood..........I thought it must have a home.
Now..........a few months later...........I guess it does not.
The worst part is, early one morning, I find her with two kittens.
As time goes on.........I see three sets of ears. Then, while looking in the binoc's ........all of a sudden FOUR! Black little kittens........( I hope this doesn't mean bad luck four times over for me......oh golly)
I did my best to look up what to do. It said be humane and feed them once a day. I am doing that.........food and water.
But..........now...........
From what I hear I might find a place that will take them and get them fixed...but....they RETURN them to their environment!
Sad part about that is I am not here in the coldest winter months.
I won't be here to shovel a path for them, or to FEED them.
I also realize that FOUR cats can turn into tons more!!!
So..................my question is................what does someone do in NEPA?
Who do they call? Is it really true they will bring them back here?
Also...........should I be trying to befriend them, so maybe they might get adopted?
They did stay out in the open with everyone here yesterday.
It took them a bit, but.......then they seemed to ignor us.
I'm concerned for their welfare........as time goes on.
Thanks to Coart who did tell me to give water and not milk.........
I love animals, but when winter comes and I have to leave.......there is no one who could climb this hill in a storm to feed them. ( no close neighbors)
So...........now what? Anyone know of a Save A Pet place that takes these cute little fellows in?

[TheHighHat]

Summering, don't know about any save a pet - but we tried to rescue 2 ferels several years ago. Tried bringing the cats into the house to tame them down but it never worked and we were afraid for our 2 cats. Called the animal rescue and they said that once cats become ferel it is too hard to turn them around so we released them to where the rest of the litter was.

[EnyaGirl]

We currently have 2 feral kittens, about 8 weeks old that I trapped a few days ago from a litter up the street. Unfortunately, there aren't places to "drop them off", and if you manage to catch them and bring them to the SPCA, they WILL be put to sleep. Having them spayed and then releasing them is what's known as TNR, Trap, Neuter, Release. It is a very good way of controlling the population. That is what I originally wanted to get into, hence why I bought the trap. However, instead of catching cats that are old enough to be fixed, I ended up with two kittens in the trap. TheHighHat, I am praying that we don't have the same outcome as you. How old were your kittens? I already took my two the vet to be checked out, have shots, etc. I'm really hoping they are young enough to be tamed. Anyway Summering, this is really something that people need to take into their own hands if they want to make a difference. I understand your worry about them starving in the winter...that is a real possibility and happens all the time to ferals. The only thing anyone can do is start controlling the population by getting them neutered. The way I caught mine was by using something called a Havahart trap (sold at Lowes, Home Depot, Agway). It is a humane trap, where you put cat food towards the back (it's a long trap), and when they step on the trigger towards the back, it closes the door behind them. There is a program in Wilkes Barre called Spay A Stray, part of the Wilkes Barre Animal Hospital, that spays/neuters cats and gives rabies shots for $50, which is a great deal. They are open from 8pm til midnight, so you drop them off one night, and pick them up the next. Their number is 570-821-9390. You might be able to call them (after 8pm) and ask if they know of anyone in Monroe that does the same thing. You might also be able to ask them advice on what to do about the kittens you're feeding if you're not going to try catching them. They might reccomend you stop feeding them and get them used to finding food on their own so they can survive when you're gone in the winter. It's a tough, sad situation. The Luzerne SPCA puts at least 50 cats a WEEK to sleep....kittens included. Until people start realizing this and spay and neuter their cats that are let outdoors, the problem will continue.

[greentown]

Originally Posted by Summering

I have posted this here rather then in "pets" because I am wondering if there is NEPA information. My googling brings me into Lehigh but not in the Monroe County area.
So, here is the problem.
All of a sudden there was a grey cat roaming around. Having a farm off in the distance ,and a home back beyond the wood..........I thought it must have a home.
Now..........a few months later...........I guess it does not.
The worst part is, early one morning, I find her with two kittens.
As time goes on.........I see three sets of ears. Then, while looking in the binoc's ........all of a sudden FOUR! Black little kittens........( I hope this doesn't mean bad luck four times over for me......oh golly)
I did my best to look up what to do. It said be humane and feed them once a day. I am doing that.........food and water.
But..........now...........
From what I hear I might find a place that will take them and get them fixed...but....they RETURN them to their environment!
Sad part about that is I am not here in the coldest winter months.
I won't be here to shovel a path for them, or to FEED them.
I also realize that FOUR cats can turn into tons more!!!
So..................my question is................what does someone do in NEPA?
Who do they call? Is it really true they will bring them back here?
Also...........should I be trying to befriend them, so maybe they might get adopted?
They did stay out in the open with everyone here yesterday.
It took them a bit, but.......then they seemed to ignor us.
I'm concerned for their welfare........as time goes on.
Thanks to Coart who did tell me to give water and not milk.........
I love animals, but when winter comes and I have to leave.......there is no one who could climb this hill in a storm to feed them. ( no close neighbors)
So...........now what? Anyone know of a Save A Pet place that takes these cute little fellows in?

Summering, please do not feed these cats. If you do, they will come to depend on you, and as you said you will not be there during the winter, it will only make it harder on them when their food source disappears. (Also, you will attract other cats if you start to feed one.) If there is a farm nearby, they probably came from there and will eventually find their way back. Sometimes a mother cat will move her litter away to a secluded area until they grow up a bit. Don't worry about them starving; there are plenty of rodents for them to eat.

If they seem wild, don't try to get too close. I had a friend once that tried to help one of her barn cat's kittens and got bitten. She ended up in the hospital the next day, very sick with an infection and not knowing whether she had rabies or not. Some barn cats can become pets if they are acquired as kittens, but some are just always wary of people. We have one that we got as a kitten and she is now 4 years old and it took at least a year or two before she really started to like people.

I think your best bet is to try a local animal shelter or possibly Pocono Wildlife Rescue. Dessin Animal Shelter in Honesdale had the following article published in one of their newletters. I know Honesdale is a bit far for you, but maybe they could help you find a shelter closer to you that could help.

STRAY CAT ISSUES?
We Need To Work Together
by Sarah Hiller, Customer Service Supervisor
In my last article I attempted to explain what
the defi nition of a Stray Cat is. In short the
easiest way to remember the defi nition of a
Stray Cat is IF YOU FEED IT, YOU OWN IT!
So what is a caring, thoughtful, animal
loving person to do with that kitty that shows
up on the porch?
The number of cats and kittens adopted
from the Dessin Animal Shelter has been fantastic.
So with that in mind, we need to work
together and deal with the stray population.
Kitten season will be in full swing by the end
of April, so if you have a cat situation please
call us and make an appointment to bring the
cat or cats in. The chance of a cat being adopted
into a loving home is much higher without
the competition of the little bundles of fur
that nobody can resist. When you call us, we
can help determine when and how to bring in
the cats, and also give you other options if you
can’t catch them. Please act now when we
have the space and the kittens aren’t here yet.
Together we can make a difference, but we
need to address the situation NOW.
The quantity and quality of our cat and kitten
adoptions could be because of word of mouth,
advertisements, or that our clients realize that
they are getting a great deal when they adopt
an animal at our adoption fees.
If a cat comes into Dessin already spayed or
neutered we can reduce that animal’s adoption
fee. The cost of a cat previously altered
is $40. That includes initial vaccinations,
worming, testing for Feline Leukemia, and the
fi rst month Advantage put on the cat so that it
is leaving here fl ea free. The adoption fee also
covers microchipping. The standard adoption
fee for cats and kittens requiring surgery
is $75 and includes everything in the above
package. If you do some shopping around for
prices you will soon realize that the fees are
defi nitely reasonable. The other added bonus
is that we will always be here to help if you
have any questions and/or if a situation comes
up that you can’t keep your cat we will always
take them back.
With all that being said the bottom line is
that we need to work together to help the
cats in our community so please call as
soon as a stray shows up so we can come
up with positive solutions.
By the time you receive this newsletter, kitten season should be well on
its way. I am so happy with the amount of cat adoptions that are happening
here at Dessin. In order to really make a difference in the cat population,
we need to continue working together. Always remember that you can call
with any questions and we will keep trying to offer the Spay/Neuter Voucher
Program, and at the same time make quality adoptions. Working together on
this, the number of cats entering our shelter should start to come down.

[Summering]

I had been googling like crazy.........to see what to do.
Now, on one site they said " don't be inhumane" feed them!.......
And it said just ONE meal a day so that they remember how to forge for their own food. ( so that is what I paid attention to)
So of course my heart broke and I grabbed a tiny box of cat food along with my dog foods this week.........
Really.........I was not wanting to be involved with the grey mother cat.
I left her be. I honestly thought it was our neighbors in the back, she came from that direction all the time. I called her " my neighbors cat"
Seeing her that morning with two kittens beside her..........stunned me.
They are on the border of the property chasing each other and playing in
pure fun........
But, from this batch.........to who knows how many. I wonder if the mother cat was a feral cat to begin with or someone tossed her to the farm.......to forge on her own.
They are awfully cute, but..........really...........I just don't want to stave them. I don't want to have to take them to a ASPCA place that will end their lives either.
Except for looking at them and having a laugh at their antics.........I'm quite sad as to what to do........
Plus, you mean it could cost $300 and more to get them fixed,and they'd be returned right back to me.........to worry about while I'm away.
Its just too much for my soul to think about right now.......
I've never had this situation before. Here is one quote I came across on a pet site..........Gosh, There is so many different thoughts and I'm trying to wrap myself around the issue. This really is so new to me.........and not easy to come to terms with.


"How You Can Help Feral Cats

• Feed. Feeding feral cats is not only an easy way to help them, but regular feeding makes trapping easier (more about this later). It is best to feed the cats once a day at the same general time. Some people supply only dry cat food, while others mix in canned food as well. Fresh water should always be available. Place dishes under shrubs, behind bushes, or near walls because cats feel more comfortable eating in a sheltered, private area."
  

[SifuPhil]

Here's a link to a list of no-kill shelters in the US - Pennsylvania seems to have quite a few.

Comprehensive List of No Kill Animal Shelters in the United States

[Summering]

Originally Posted by SifuPhil

Here's a link to a list of no-kill shelters in the US - Pennsylvania seems to have quite a few.

Comprehensive List of No Kill Animal Shelters in the United States

Thanks so much Phil.........
Wow, most of those if not all of the towns are far from Monroe Cty.
The one I did find in Wilkes Barre.........I looked up. It seems they get tons of calls per week and only take some of the hardship cases.
It also is going to be very difficult because these are not the average, home friendly cats.
But..........I am still looking and searching for the right direction.
Thanks a bunch ( of kittens).......LOL

[Rick323]

If they are still young (kittens), they can easily become home friendly cats.

Someone dropped off 4 or 5 kitten and their mom on my property. A gal who walks her dog down the road and I caught them (except for mom). She took the kittens to work and they all found new homes. As far as I know they are doing fine.

My cat was also abandoned at a near by farm. He's a great little cat (aka the grey cat) thats had a tough life. He's terrified of people (I most not be a people), doesn't have any front teeth and now has diebetes. He's my best friend.

[SifuPhil]

Originally Posted by Summering

The one I did find in Wilkes Barre.........I looked up. It seems they get tons of calls per week and only take some of the hardship cases.

There was one place in W-B that I adopted cats from years ago - don't know if it's still in operation. The lady's last name was Ballister - I believe she was the wife of the owner of Ballister Optical - but for the life of me I can't remember the name of the place. I think it might be the Valley Cat Rescue that's on that list???

Hold one...

OK, looked it up - yep, Valley Cat Rescue - 824-4172. Don't recall her policies on taking in cats, but if you're in the area you might give her a call - she was a wonderful lady.

[WayneMeyers]

It is a very sad situation, and not much can be done. People bring cats home then abandon them. The no kill shelters are full but you may have luck with kittens. There is an epidemic of unwanted or feral cats and take it from me, you can't save them all. I tried to save one, had him neutered, but I could not keep him in the house, he wanted his freedom more than anything. At least he will not make any more wild kittens.

That is the best option, in the end - have as many males neutered as possible and that will help drive down the numbers who are out there.