Craig Street Cats

My bathroom is no longer kitten world. Thanks to the kind people at Pet Traders, the 5 kittens that have been in residence have moved to where they will, no doubt, be snatched up by kitten lovers.

I miss the little guys, terribly, but I’m glad to have my bathroom back. It’s truly wonderful to be able to walk into the room without having to make sure that nothing scoots out between my feet. Taking a shower whenever I want, without having to store kittens in a crate, is a revelation.

I’m enjoying all this while I can, because I’m sure there’ll be another litter before long.

To date, 6 adults have been taken into the Humane Society for sterilization, and 5 kittens are currently waiting for homes. Several cats belonging to various neighbours have been trapped, and one accidentally made the trip to the Humane Society clinic, where she was identified as an owned cat and returned to her family.

This month saw the distribution of flyers explaining the Craig Street Cats project to all homes on the street, and placement of cards in various local businesses. The response has been underwhelming. It seems that the vast majority of the people who have been complaining about the feral cat problem for years now are not able to contribute to the solution. In a neighbourhood whose residents organize protests over every tiny environmental issue while espousing a crunchy granola, protect the planet, take care of all God’s creatures attitude, this is disheartening.

What makes this lack of response especially disappointing is the fact that the solution is so very inexpensive. If every house on the street contributed just $5.00 per month, all of the cats could be trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, fed, and sheltered. The kitten issue would disappear. New cats would be kept out of the area. The expense is more than one person can reasonably be expected to bear, but is tiny when spread out over the entire block.

Moral support has been plentiful. Many neighbours have thanked me for what I am doing, or told me that I’m doing a great job. That is appreciated, but some more concrete support would be very welcome, as well.

This is Felicity. She was born under my next door neighbour’s front porch last summer, and is directly related to all of the “Lucky Craig Street Cats” referred to in the right hand column of the front page of this website. She is sister to Tia, and mother to Boots, Misty, and Mitten. She is also the mother of the 5 kittens currently living in my bathroom. Fortunately, Felicity will not be having any more kittens. She was spayed on May 16/08, and is residing on my front porch while she heals.

This photo really does not do justice to Felicity. She is a beautiful, long haired lady. Her coat is black and white, and very smooth. Green eyes, long, silky tail, and fashionable tatoo (#UA2135) all add to her allure.

Say hello to Ed, the first adult male in the trap. He’s a very dirty fellow, but I’m sure you can make out that he’s black with white feet. His coat is medium long and smooth. Ed has green eyes, and a long, black tail. He now sports tatoo #UA2125 in his ear.