This is Medallion. She looks to be about five months old, a female calico. And she’ll never be a mother-cat.
I had a feeling that I would have an early success with these youngsters. I thought that, as they kept away from the older cats, socialised only with each other, they may not have learned feline ways just yet. Traps are new to them, and sardines on a dish look like free food without consequences. Medallion now knows better.
While I am pleased to have caught this little girlcat so soon into the operation, I am frustrated, as well. I set two traps and the second one’s bait was eaten without the trap being triggered. It happened a second time - and a third! Upon inspecting the trap, I saw that the chain connecting the ‘false floor’ trigger to the trap door was jammed. Great pressure could have been exerted on the trigger without the trap being sprung. Thrice, I could have captured another cat. My only consolation is that now, perhaps, the other four kittens will feel that there is no danger to entering the trap, even though it is now adjusted and ready to do what it should.
Medallion will be safely spayed today, and then spend the night at my place to recover. She will have to remain in the trap, as I can’t risk not capturing a feral five month old cat, even if she were released in a confined space such as my bathroom. But she will have food and water, warmth, and soaker-pads in case she feels the need to use them. Tomorrow, she will be returned to her brothers and sisters - never to give them nieces and nephews.
What a beautiful cat. It’s so sad to think she’ll live her life on the streets, but at least she won’t create more ferals.
ReplyDeletemedallion; you are one gorgeous gal and I know of what I speak, we all send the best of everything to you and the rest of the community cats ~~~~~~~~~~~ with hugs from dai$y =^..*= ♥♥♥ and the boys ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteHigh five, John! One down!
ReplyDeleteAnd the stuck trap is a gift; the other cats will assume that they can eat with alacrity again, but NOPE!
This is exactly how I trapped Angel Hobo; the trap didn't shut, so he moved onto the next trap, and that trap worked!
Success! She's beautiful, btw! I think the stuck trap was a good thing too, as surely the others will see no danger.
ReplyDeleteI feel a bit sad that they won't have loving homes, but I'm looking at it from my own human perspective. In a managed colony, and spayed/neutered, they should be able to do well--or as well as possible. There are no guarantees for long and happy lives for house cats, either.
I am so grateful she was spayed or will be...and that you persisted. AND discovered the problem. I would like to think you are right on...that others will be unsuspecting after the trap failed those times.
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful. Good luck catching the others.
ReplyDeleteMedallion is just gorgeous, and I'm sure the other cats in the colony will soon be trapped and "fixed". You're doing a fantastic job taking care of the ferals, John. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteIt is sad she is without a home but that she will not add to the problem is great news. Good about the second trap too as that may have taught the others that a free lunch is just that
ReplyDeleteShe is lovely, and will have a much better life not having endless kittens.
ReplyDelete