Outsiders

I worry about the outsider-cats. There is a feral colony at my work-place, as readers may recall. There are about half a dozen regulars who always show up for meals - Bijou, the handsome grey-and-white; Fresca and Shasta, the twins; Bauble, with the white ‘scar’ on her face (actually a crooked line of white fur); Philo and Nocturne, the black ones, and Mirko the Somber - and a few others who join in at various times.

Though they are called feral, the term ‘community cats’ is better suited in this instance, because, while unsocialized, they are no longer completely feral. That is the sad thing about this colony. Because they are always fed by the same people (myself and a colleague), the cats are accustomed to us. We can touch them at feeding time, while they mill about, eagerly waiting to eat. I am certain that these regulars can become socialised.

Unfortunately, it would take a dedicated person or persons to do it. I don’t believe it would work as well - and therefore, it wouldn’t work, period - if there were other cats in the home. I think these would prove a distraction and force the ferals to remain on the defensive; a feeling of danger or hostility would be counter-productive. As well, spending an hour or two with the ferals each day would not prove successful. I can do that with new cats I bring in to the Cosy Apartment because these ones, no matter how distrusting or frightened they may be, are nonetheless socialised. For the ferals to be brought around, the person would need to live with them and among them all day and night.

I could be wrong in this. In fact, I could be wrong in believing they could be socialised. I would love to see them, at the least, brought into a safe haven, like a cat-house, with comforts and toys, and a safely secured outdoors area for them. Even this is an unlikely future.

I believe they would thrive best as a group but certainly in pairs, as they are all friendly with each other, except for Mirko the Somber. Though a part of the colony, he is aloof from the others, despite his colour scheme suggested a family relationship with many. Mirko could be brought in alone. But even in his case, the previously mentioned conditions - especially around the clock contact with his person - would be a necessity.

For now, we will continue to feed and water them. There may come a day with a fortunate change in circumstances, some development that will alter the course of the ferals’ lives. But they will never know all the possibilities contained in the magical words ‘may’ and ‘if’. It’s just as well.