I should have named my cats Lucky, Fortunate, and Charmed. All three were rescued from stray-dom, and now live a dry, protected, well-fed, and healthy existence. They receive regular scruffing and head pets if they so choose. There is no chance that, as they lay in a sun puddle by the window, anything dire will happen. My cats even have an outdoor room built just for them so they can go out to watch the birds and roll in the dirt, despite the sideways looks from some of my neighbors.
So, when I encounter stray cats like this sweet, little black kitty, I feel sadness and shame. Sadness because I can tell she’s not getting the health care she needs, or the best nutrition, or shelter from the heat or rain. As far as I know, she’s the only kitty who lives in this culvert, at this gas station, in this wealthy, gated neighborhood area in San Antonio, Texas. Shame because my cats live the feline equivalent life of the 1%.
Black kitty could be considered lucky among the feral and stray cats. I asked the gas station attendant who tended to her, and was told that she gets plenty of food and water from the kind people who work there, and from people in the nearby neighborhood. That’s good. There are many, many people who care about animals. This black kitty is a true feral. She would not respond with purring to a scruff on the head, even if you could approach any closer than about 8 feet.
I can’t possibly help every kitty in the world. I understand that change comes one kitty at a time. I also know that this black kitty’s story plays out in thousands of culverts, parking lots and abandoned buildings all over the country, and that not every kitty is faring as well as this San Antonio gas station kitty. I try not to be overwhelmed, and give my support where I can.
Here’s a scruff for all kitties, everywhere.
My neighbor and I feed and fix feral cats that find their way to our doors. We’re up to about 17 now. We don’t live in a rural area either. I can start to feel overwhelmed too. I don’t know where these little precious kittens come from, but I can’t turn them away. So we feed them. We both have covered porches with kitty doors so they can get out of the shelter. Some have even come to enjoy being petted!
Yay! It’s always nice to hear good news about ferals who are being cared for. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing your story as well!
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As I can’t too help every kitty in the world I try to help those who come near my house and little garden: I regularly take care of Ari, Simba and Bigio (3 male adult semi-feral cats). Home my own I have 3 male cats that cannot run outside because this big city is too dangerous 😀
Ciao
Sid
It sounds like you take good care of your cat friends! 🙂