Monday, June 8, 2009

Lazy Summer Days

Mikah and Buttons
Summer is here and the outside feral cats are feeling the heat. I tend to worry more about them during the summer months, as it is so difficult for them to try and stay cool in the desert heat.

Prudence and Mikah
I try to keep the ground wet to keep it cool for the cats. I also go through quite a bit of ice during the summer to keep their water bowls cool. I have a feeling it is going to be a long summer.
They look content though, don't they.

Prudence
Buttons
Their favorite place to sleep is underneath the patio swing right outside my back door. I think it is the coolest spot for them. Many times all four would be cuddled together under there.

Cloud
The Karl
The Karl sure is handsome. I still can not get that close to him. He will leave the yard if I go outside, or he will jump on a wall and watch me. I am now a little concerned, but not sure if I need to be. The last couple of days, I was thinking he looked skinnier, so I have tried to get a better look, hard to do with him without zooming in with the camera.

I noticed yesterday his fur on his right side is missing. A huge patch, almost like he was shaved just on the side. I don't see any indication that there is a problem, perhaps he rubbed the hair off somehow. I haven't been able to see his other side yet, so I will try and do that today. He is eating good and hanging out more in the shelter and in the yard, so if I determine I need a better look I may have to trap him again.

Never a dull moment.

22 comments:

RoeH said...

Nothing like watching a sleeping cat in the noon day sun.

Rae said...

The photos are amazing. Such beautiful cats. My heart breaks when I think of the many homeless cats that are abandoned and left to starve or worse. Thank goodness these angels have you watching over them.

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

You know I am not a real cat person. But I do think cats are amazing and beautiful creatures. All of yours are beauties and it looks like they know it, too. I hope The Karl is ok. Keep us posted!

Laura said...

They are beautiful and you would never know by looking at them that they are feral. I just wish everycat could have a home, but I'm glad these have you to help them through the summer heat! Bless you!

Life With Dogs said...

Never a dull moment indeed - lazy days or no! Once you have more than one pet, there are always these fun little issues. And they are so very worth it. :)

Betty said...

I'm always surprised you don't have 50 cats in your backyard...you provide them with such luxuries...shade and ice water...what more could a feral cat want? You are so good to them; maybe they have a pact to keep your yard a secret..haha. Love the pictures!

T said...

Lucy-Sleeping cats always look so content and peaceful with life.

Rae-Thank you, I will always do what I can for the homeless ones.

gsc-I know you are not a cat person, and I always appreciate when you comment on my cat posts too.
They are all special little souls.

Laura, Thank you, people tell me all the time that they look too well kept to be feral. They are just well loved!

LWDs- You said it! Every moment is worth it!!

Betty- sshhh! We don't want the secret to get out. (hehe) Actually, I have never had more then 12 in my yard at one time, but I have had as many as 26-30 travel through, but many have passed, or I was able to tame enough to rehome. Buttons, Prudence and Cloud are 6 years old now, so they have had a pretty decent life, considering they were born feral and never have been touched by a human. Mikah was an adult when she had them, so I suspect she is at least 8 or 9, maybe even older.

I still get others, just not as often, thank goodness.

T said...

oops, I didn't mean to imply Mikah had the babies, only Cloud belongs to Mikah.

Unknown said...

I'll be keeping Karl close to my heart. My gosh, he sure needs someone to love him...

Not that you don't but my heart breaks when I think of the ferals all alone in this world, the dogs, too. Oh, I'd better stop or I'll start to bawl...sigh.

T said...

Mimi- I understand. This is why I do what I do. If I didn't care for them who would? Karl is trying to be part of the existing colony. The other four have accepted him. They are a little afraid, but he spends most times in my shelter or yard under the swing now too.

He waits for me on the wall every evening now, when he knows I will be bringing canned food as a treat for all the ferals, to have on my patio. That is separate from their regular kibble they eat in the shelter.

Karl has come a long way with me in just the past few months.

Thank you for keeping him close in your heart.

♥Caroline♥ said...

they all look very content. Your amazing at what you do.

Dana said...

I think that you are doing a great job keeping the cats cool:)

Phyllis said...

Very pretty kitties!

Hey, last summer I read on BackYardChickens.com that a woman put a bag of ice in a styrofoam ice chest. The chickens would hang out near it to stay cool. Maybe that would work for your kitties.

Unknown said...

You take good care of the kitties. They look so peaceful. Karl is quite stunning. But I don't think you can flip them over and give them belly rubs. So.. more for me.

Norwood

Akannie said...

Hey T...

Bee-oo-ti-full kitties. I have one rescue that is licking or chewing his fur off his own back. He was originally munched by a dog, I suspect, and every time the thing will start to heal it gets scabby and itchy, and he starts licking. It looks completely gross. I have tried everything...Any ideas? The vet is even at a loss. We tried nasty tasting ointments, (licked 'em off) dressings and bandages (well, you can imagine how that went over). Tried the Victorian collar--ohmygawd. He nearly killed himself getting it off. lol I'm at a loss. It doesn't seem to bother him in the least, but it makes ME crazy. lol

Love your blog, girlfriend.

"Caring for animals and feeding wild birds in winter makes us partners with God."

xoxoxox

Carolina said...

They are such beautiful cats. Hard to believe they are feral. I hope they realise how lucky they are to have you taking care of them. Hopefully The Karl is OK. Good luck with trying to find out if he is.

DayPhoto said...

Can you pet some of the ferals? They are all just so beautiful. I am glad they have you.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

Samantha & Mom said...

Oh you are so kind to keep the kitties cool in the summer!! We are very pleased to meet you!
Your FL furiends,

Bruce said...

I have the advantage of coming indoors when I get too hot outside. I am so grateful that I do have a home now. Hang in there cats...at least you have someone watching over you:)

Andrea said...

Just beautiful cats! I wish that I wasn't so darn allergic to them. I want to just reach out and touch them!

Freya's Staff said...

He IS a handome cat! But a patch of fur missing isn't a good thing, I bet!

Freya
xx

Freya's Staff said...

Thanks for your comment on my blog - I'm overjoyed to have a new subscriber, and I'll be checking up on you now for updates on The Karl!

Freya
xxx