I find myself in a moral quandary. A feral cat gave birth to four kittens in my 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5-speed (aka the “Holy Grail”). I have a choice to make: Do I just leave the family alone, or do I seize this opportunity to try to adopt-out the kittens while they’re young, malleable and cute? I’ve chosen to do the latter, but I’m still a little conflicted.
I feel a bit weird saying I’ve “rescued” a second kitten; there’s something a little arrogant about that expression. No, I captured another kitten because I’ve decided that it’s better for the kitten if it lives indoors with a family than in a business parking lot. I’ve decided that I know best in this situation. I feel weird about that, though I understand that logically, these doubts are silly: A cat in captivity can get healthcare, it gets consistent food, it’s protected from predators (like cars), and it’s statistically going to live much longer than an equivalent feral cat. But I’m also taking two very important things from these cats: family and freedom.
I struggled with that last night as I set down a cat-trap in the Galpin Media parking lot and watched as the remaining three kittens that once lived in my Jeep approached.
You can see all three kittens in the photo below:
The mother, Zee, lurked closeby:
It took all of 30 seconds between me setting the trap and this cute button walking right in:
The photo above shows Jaws, our first “rescue” (if you want to use that word) meeting its sibling (Jaws he hissed a bit)— tentatively named “Mango” — for the first time in weeks. Mango, it’s worth noting, knows us from a few weeks ago, when my friend picked her up (we put her back in the Jeep, since we were going on vacation, and because we didn’t want to take her from her mother, who might have still been nursing her).
Upon bringing Mango home, my friend and I placed the kitten in a bathroom; she was scared, cowering in the litterbox:
View this post on Instagram
Mango was quiet, though, and let me pet her (I wore gloves just to be safe):
Curious, Jaws snuck upstairs and sniffed around the base of the bathroom door:
d
We left Mango in the bathroom all night, and awoke to find: Mango was gone! How?! The bathroom was tiny, the windows were closed — there was no way out!
Well, cats are clever; mango managed to find a tiny crevice underneath/inside the toilet. Look at this!:
Look at how small that space was under the throne:
As my arms were too large to fit back there, friend donned her skiing gloves and snagged Mango. We then immediately washed the kitten with Dawn dish soap and water.
There were fleas all over Mango — big ones right next to her eyes! My friend and I picked off as many as we could. Mango was really gentle — never tried scratching or biting. She’s a truly lovely kitten.
The water in the sink after washing her was disgusting — dark gray. No wonder that bathroom had smelled so bad when we’d walked in that morning. She was filthy and flea-covered. Poor kitten.
We just got back from the vet; Mango seems to be healthy. She might have an upper respiratory infection, or at least the beginnings of one, so we’re treating her for that. We’re taking care of the fleas, we’re going through all the vaccination stuff, etc. Sadly, we have to keep Jaws and Mango separate for a couple of weeks while the medication does its thing.
I can’t wait for them to hang out.
View this post on Instagram
I hope I’m doing the right thing, here. In my opinion, Jaws looks happy, so this feels right. Right? I’ll likely keep Jaws and one of the other kittens (maybe Mango), then adopt the other two Jeep Kittens out. Then I’ll have Zee, the mom (and other cats in the colony) fixed so as to keep the population under control. I’ve decided this is the right thing to do, though again, who am I to make such big decisions in a living being’s life?
But alas, one moves forward and does one’s best.
Announcement to pet owners!: An Autopian reader works for Weruva, maker of excellent cat food. After reading my story, this reader sent me a box of free cat food! The kitties are big fans! Thank you Derek!
Just when I thought I couldn’t like you anymore!… You’re doing God’s work, saving old Jeeps and adorable stray kittens. Keep it up!
Our cat used to sleep/hide in the engine of my wife’s 81 Impala. Especially in the cold weather.
We were driving 700 miles one time and stopped for gas after about 3 hours on the interstate in below zero temps. Popped the hood to check the oil. Damn cat flew out and ran into the field behind gas station. Took forever to catch the bastard.
Good times.
Cats are social creatures, when I volunteered/fostered, we always recommended adopting out kittens in pairs because they keep each other company. I’m gonna laugh if you go from collecting Jeeps to collecting cats.
So David has 2 kittens, an Opossum and a flea circus. Oh and of course a “friend” too
3 kittens
We just rescued a little murder muffin of our own from an engine compartment of some shoppers at a local WalMart. My kids coaxed it out. It probably wouldn’t have lasted a day, as it was hungry and scared and acting irrationally. Good for you for doing this – particularly spaying the mother. Also, that cat looks SO unhappy snuggling you…
It seems like David’s story could head in this direction….
https://youtu.be/98M9w5H5Ti0
RE: photo captioned “The mother, Zee, lurked closeby”
What’s on those pallets? Looks like stacks of computer equipment in plastic shrink wrap, which seems odd for a dealership parking lot.
Now we know the real reason for the chip shortage.
Just think that you are taking away their freedom to be in a completely cat-unfriendly and cat-unsafe environment. Cars to drive them over or where to hide and get caught by pulleys. Assholes to poison them or shoot them with BB guns. Sweet anti freeze to drink. Other cats carrying parasites and severe/deadly infections to share drinks/meals, fight or mate with (including siblings or close relatives). Giving birth twice a year to kittens that will suffer the same fate.
There used to be a feral-ish cat colony at a church yard next to my block of flats. It was one pregnant female back in early 2019. It got up to 18 cats in 2021, not counting some others that died or where caught and adopted until then. Then someone poisoned and killed 17 of them at once.
I have seen too many cats dying and suffering to think their freedom living on city streets is in any way better than living with a human slave.
I think the bigger story here is that David Tracy apparently found a human woman who finds owning a rusty jeep full of feral cats an endearing trait.
Given that he probably no longer perpetually smells of petroleum based lubricants, and has a domicile that isn’t half junkyard, half carpeted mechanics shop with a dishwasher full of auto parts, a project car stored out of sight, and being able to call yourself an “animal lover” are leaps and bounds of progress with regards to social status.
I wouldn’t worry about their freedom. Cats are basically dorm-room libertarians. When confronted with the realities of life without the welfare state they get better haircuts.
#cotd and life lesson at the same time!
I’ve been so pleased following this series. Cats are wonderful companions and Jaws seems thrilled to have you. You are absolutely doing the right thing.
Once they’re a little bit bigger, you (or any other cat owner/ownee, I suppose) might be interested in this self-cleaning litter box, the Litter Robot. (I am not affiliated with them in any way, but I do have the third version of the device.)
They are EXPENSIVE, I won’t lie. But after the initial purchase, there’s nothing special you need — it uses regular self-clumping litter, and regular kitchen-sized trash bags for the waste collection drawer liner, and no subscription to use the app. I even have it connected to my home automation system so I can control the box and view the waste drawer’s level through there. Nothing proprietary, like a lot of other self-cleaning litter boxes. Instead of scooping for ten minutes every day, I just change a trash bag roughly once a week (with two cats, probably every 3 to 4 days), which takes about 5 minutes maximum.
It was a game changer for me. I’m happier, and my cat is happier. I don’t regret the purchase at all, and wholeheartedly recommend it.
That being said, the box isn’t for kittens. They need to be big enough to trigger the cat detection in the first place, as well as trigger the safety shutoff if they jump back in while it’s in a cleaning cycle (which happens surprisingly often, I’ve found).
Another great (and cheap, this time!) product is Arm & Hammer litter box deodorizer powder. It’s basically just baking soda, but it works wonders to keep the smell down.
They still sell the version 3, which is a bit cheaper, but obviously has less features. The “connect” version of V3 connects to wifi and then lets you control and otherwise check on the box through their app. V4 has connectivity standard. I don’t think the warranty is worth it — it comes with 1 year standard, and I’ve had mine for nearly 4 years without any issues. And a 90-day return period if they just won’t use it. I think my cat took about 2 weeks to really get comfortable with it — they have tons of tips and tricks on their site for transitioning.
And if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind scooping litter every day, then more power to you! But as somebody who dreaded the task, I’d never want to go back.
Looking forward to hearing more about your journey together!
The obligatory links.
https://www.litter-robot.com/litter-robot/litter-robot-4.html
https://www.amazon.com/HAMMER®-Litter-Deodorizer-Powder-Pack/dp/B01F4TJFLQ
And so it begins. What’s the over/under on how many cats DT has 12 months from now? I’m putting it at a baker’s dozen. We’ve seen how he hoards jeeps!
He’ll be showing us the letter from LA County giving him 2 weeks to get the number of cats down to a reasonable level
You fool! Now that you have two orange cats in your house they’ll have to share the brain cell.
D’awwwwwwwwwwwwww.
Unfortunately, I think this means you’re gonna have to de-flea the Holy Grail, but I’m glad to see you doing right by these sweet, sweet kitties.
The fleas are the least of the problems. Nothing a good shop vac, some quality bacterial enzyme cleaner and SoCal sunshine can’t fix.
Good on you for doing this. My wife and I recently did the same thing with the three kittens that mom abandoned inside my buick apollo. We ended up keeping one as an outdoor cat. We live in a fairly rural area so he likes to hang out in the barns with the goats and horses and is working hard to keep the invasive collared doves and starlings in check while also keeping the mice out of the feed shed.
Gotta love a good barn cat.
Two thumbs up. Animals make people better.
I my current frame of mind, I would argue that animals make better people.
Not only my favorite Jeep nut, but an awesome human being as well. Being a feral cat is not a great life, so you are definitely doing the right thing.
You are absolutely right in the actions you have taken so far and your plans to adopt and farm the rest out is a very humane thing to do. Keep it up and you will have a “string” that needs to be continued.
I think rescued is the correct term. Give yourself some credit for doing the right thing! Indoor living keeps cats safe and protects wildlife. I love cats, but they’re a fucking disaster for bird populations if left to their own devices.
Blablabla
Sure, a few outdoor cats are the disaster destroying bird populations (I reply on my cellular phone with the help of cell towers that are quite literally a disaster for song bird migration and populations).
Humans complaining about how much any other animal is negatively affecting any particular ecosystem that humans live in has always seemed like a silly argument to me.
Yup, it’s the damn outdoor cats that are severely impacting the flora and fauna of our suburban sprawl and cityscapes.
You nailed it. If only we could get rid of outdoor cats we could all just walk around in a perpetual state of wide eyed biophilia. One with nature. (exaggerated eye roll)
Yeah, but them fuckin cats are murderers! They should get the chair with no appeals process. Wussy! S/
And I don’t want to see any tax payer money spent on sponges and water to help conduct the deadly electricity! They can all lick themselves!
I believe they are responsible for global warming as well as the cheap home values on my street. screw em.
Perhaps my hatred for them stems from thousands of years of my ancestors early hominid evolution.
The damn outdoor cats were probably one of our biggest predators and therefore problems back then. Killing our game birds, killing us.
I guess I still can’t bring myself to forgive them for that.
Cute and cuddly my ass!
They can’t be trusted.
My grandpa Hungry Joe was killed by his bombardier squadron roommate Huple’s cat in WWII.
Definitely don’t let them sleep on your face.
Totally different species. Hating on felis catus for the evils of ancient saber tooth tigers makes less sense than hating on your neighbors for the evils of ancient Neanderthals. There’s lot of other, better reasons to hate your neighbors.
“My grandpa Hungry Joe was killed by his bombardier squadron roommate Huple’s cat in WWII.
Definitely don’t let them sleep on your face.”
Hate to break it to you but Hungry Joe was smothered by Huple in a jealous rage with a pillow. The poor cat was just a convenient scapegoat.
Aw man! Please don’t make me read that terrible book all over again. It’s easier for me to simply acquiesce to your understanding of what happened to Hungry Joe.
You’re most likely correct, but I prefer my interpretation of the story.
*terribly sad
(Great book)
Now please tell me about these “other”, “better” reasons to hate my neighbors, I’m listening.
They exist. Isn’t that enough?
There can be more than one cause of a problem. Not letting domesticated cats outdoors is one of the easiest things we can do.
You do understand that the proliferation of domesticated cats across the world was caused by human activity, don’t you? Take a look at Australia if you honestly don’t understand how destructive domesticated cats can be.
I love sarcasm as much as anyone, but it isn’t very effective in a debate if you have no relevant points to make. So besides a red herring and eye rolling, did you bring anything else to the party? I ask because your childish and insulting response inspired me to bring the facts in and destroy it.
https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/47868/PDF/1/play/
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=83791
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/faq-outdoor-cats-and-their-effects-on-birds/#:~:text=of%20bird%20deaths.-,It's%20estimated%20that%20cats%20kill%201.3%E2%80%934%20billion%20birds%20each,to%20feral%20or%20unowned%20cats.
“Not letting domesticated cats outdoors is one of the easiest things we can do.”
Have you ever tried denying a cat it’s freedom? I have. Its awful. The cat has no idea why you’re being such a jerk and lashes out worse than an angry, hormonally challenged teenager. Hope you’ve got a good wet/dry vac and a few gallons of enzyme cleaner. Whatever can be shredded will be shredded and there will be no sleep for the wicked.
Fuck that literal noise. You want to help the birds? Your source claims habitat loss and degradation are the biggest threats. Its much easier to put up a cat proof birdhouse + feeder and call it a day.
I have had many cats, and I’ve never allowed them outdoors. None of them have been destructive. This mythology that domesticated cats have some innate need to roam outside is why we have so many feral cats in the first place.
Then again, some people can’t be reasonable.
Im sure a life spent in captivity is captivating for a cat.
None of yours ever tried to get outside through an open door?
Are you really this proud to be a kitty prison guard? Or do you really just not pay much attention to anything that isn’t your own opinion.
YMMV. My cat had enjoyed a decade’s worth of outdoor freedom and wasn’t about to give it up without a fight.
“This mythology that domesticated cats have some innate need to roam outside is why we have so many feral cats in the first place.”
No, the reason we have so many feral cats in the first place are assholes who dump their unwanted cats and assholes who refused to spay and neuter their pets, or worse want their children to experience the miracle of life, then dump the miracles on the street. Don’t even get me started on kitten mill surpluses/rejects.
I have also had many cats, all indoor/outdoors and I’ve seen how the life of a cat properly introduced to a safe outdoor environment is greatly enriched for it for all the reasons I listed previously and how a cat used to that reacts when this privilege is taken away.
“You do understand that the proliferation of domesticated cats across the world was caused by human activity, don’t you?”
Ding ding ding.
That was kinda the point of my sarcastic reply. I wasn’t implying that outdoor cats don’t cause problems.
I was pointing out that humans complaining about them is a hypocritical display of virtue.
Unless you’re out actively building or restoring bird habitats and catching and finding homes for cats you’re just being pious. And all the facts you brought actually help prove my point. Not destroy it.
Impetuous internet argument aside.
I actually agree with your main point that keeping cats indoors is the easiest way to protect them and other wildlife. However as Cheap Bastard has pointed out the easiest approach in this case is not necessarily the right one as it can be detrimental to the mental health of the cats to keep them locked up their whole life.
I have an indoor cat that likes to go outside. I take him out in the yard regularly and keep an eye on him the whole time. He gets to sniff around, do his business, lie in a sunspot and do outside cat things.
Then I bring him back inside with me. I also screened off my patio so he has easy access to a safe place where he can enjoy birdwatching and communing with nature harmlessly. He loves it.
I don’t mean to be offensive, debating on the internet makes me more peevish than I already am.
(and I find arguing for arguments sake kind of fun)
This isn’t a case of one side is right one side is wrong. These are just opinions.
I think we all agree in a way that we need to be better stewards of our feline and feathered friends.
I mean, if you want to have a civil conversation then don’t be a dick. You could have disagreed with me or asked if I had anything to back up saying that outdoor cats are bad for bird populations without the sarcasm or trying to change the topic.
My first reply: Humans complaining about how much any other animal is negatively affecting any particular ecosystem that humans live in has always seemed like a silly argument to me.
My latest reply: I wasn’t implying that outdoor cats don’t cause problems.
I was pointing out that humans complaining about them is a hypocritical display of virtue.
I never changed the topic. You imagined I did because you can’t seem to grasp my point to begin with. You claim to love sarcasm but I don’t think you fully comprehend its usage here.
Anywhoo.. it’s been fun chatting.
I sure hope you manage to improve your reading comprehension and critical thinking skills before I ever come across another one of your bull headed comments.
In the meantime, like you said “don’t be a dick.”
“However as Cheap Bastard has pointed out the easiest approach in this case is not necessarily the right one as it can be detrimental to the mental health of the cats to keep them locked up their whole life.”
I’ve watched a lot of “My Cat From Hell” and the one thing all those cats have in common is being stuck inside all day with nothing to do. Sure the recommended 20 minutes of play is something and it works for a while but for how long? How long till the owner gets too busy or is too tired or goes away for a few days and the cat becomes too much of a bother? If the cat gets to go outside it gets all the stimulus and exercise it needs.
I’ll die on this mole hill!
All animals require outdoor freedom to live meaningful lives.
Humans included.
I was a feral child myself.
I’ve also been locked up as an adult.
It was a terrible experience.
I’ve lived on both sides of locked doors.
There can be a middle ground.
But it takes work and attention.
I can’t imagine never allowing my pets as much freedom as I can possibly allow them while still keeping them safe.
It’s pretty sad to me that people keep cats locked in an apartment their whole lives. But I’m a bird in a cage is depressing sort of person.
I guess some folks can’t see that denying an animal it’s freedom is cruel at best.
Addendum: The type of person that keeps cats locked indoors for their entire existence is only one step removed from the type of person that chains “their” dog to a tree in the yard or clips an exotic birds wings so it’s easier to handle and cage.
I just can’t abide to that way of thinking.
That type of “pet ownership” is intolerable to me.
It’s such an obtuse and anthropocentric way of thinking.
(drops sippy cup, overturns bowl of SpaghettiOs®)
Easy my man.
It’s not that important.
Oh thank the gods you’re here!
I’m not sure what I’m even..
Overreacting about?
Me neither.
Just stop being such a weirdo. These are good people here.
But some of them are so annoying.
Look in the mirror my friend.
You are making this way more awkward than it needs to be.
It only gets awkward when you act like an idiot.
But that’s how I was raised. As an idiot.
I guess you’re in the right place then.
You’re doing it again.
Doing what?
That Icarus shit!
The egotistical display of feathers like a peacock.
Right now?
Clearly.
Knock it off. Other people are here to read about cars and car culture.
Not your nonsense.
You’re right. Sorry.
I’ll shut up now.
Sure you will?
Good on ya David, I married Jan and 2 cats 48 years ago-we’ve never been without at least 2 through those years. They are great, giving pets-Enjoy the girls & give a good shot at taming the Mom too.
48. That’s amazing, John! An inspiration.
Good on You! You got blessed, John! my late wife once sheltered 14 in our 2 bedroom apt. God bless her! And 3 dogs at the same time.
(not a cat guy!)
We’d be 40 year years this month but lost her a year ago. Now she works at the big shelter in the sky….
Aww, cute kitties!!! You’re absolutely doing the right thing…making decisions like these is as much a part of having pets as cuddling them every day (or, in the case of the feral colony, observing them at a distance that’s comfortable for everyone).
The bumper sticker said, Cats are just small people in fur coats! We have three cats and now a dog…OMG. Good on ya David!
This is the first time in his life David hasn’t fixed something himself.
If you will allow me, I shall now formulate Tracy’s Law of Catropy: given enough time, all internet publications become cat publications.
You’re doing it right, and it’s awesome that you’re also getting the adults fixed.
I was really hoping that Jaws would get one of his siblings to come live with him, cats are very social and love to be together once they form a bond.
So glad my Autopian membership money is going to things like this!
I think I took it as, after the 2 weeks of meds he said he would likely keep Jaws and Mango (well, he said maybe/or another one of them)
They would be good companions! My wife & I have had 2 cats & a dog before and they all got along (it can happen & actually the cats ran the household)