Two cats in Sunnyside, who were already TNR'd years ago, are losing their yard to renovation/reconstruction/sale of building. The lovely woman, Robin, who cares for them found a new place for them 1 block away in a beautiful back yard in Sunnyside Gardens. Neighborhood cats asked me to coach Robin because she is a new trapper. I am always thrilled to assist a new recruit!
Robin introduced me to Mr. Miyagi and Red Cat on Friday night. They are, indeed, a bonded and loving pair. I wish I had a better picture of this, they were so loving to each other, note the tails!!!
I chalked night one up to "Recon" because I did not know what I was up against. He was a complete mush and she was a smart, skeptical, and trap savvy female.
Did I mention Mr. Miyagi was a mush?
I set up 2 box traps and the drop. Mr. Miyagi helped himself to the buffet in the drop, tripped the box traps and then trapped himself. I was not concerned about trapping him, I needed to get her, so I just sat and watched him ruin a full night of trapping by showing her how all the traps work.
By the way, when he trapped himself, I pulled him aside to get him out of the way, but he howled the WHOLE time in the most pathetic, neurotic way (stay tuned for videos later), I had to let him out. Robin informed me he calls her like that when he can't find her. Red Cat was NOT going into a trap Friday night. We packed it in and met again on Saturday.
I don't have any pictures or videos of the trapping because it happened so fast I couldn't get any!
I set up the drop, Mr. Miyagi walked straight in and helped himself to dinner. My eyes rolled, "Males." Then, Robin says, "She's going in!" I look up, and there she is in the drop. I pulled the string and trapped them both in one shot. Fastest trapping effort ever!
I showed Robin how to transfer them from the drop to box traps.
Now, this is NYC, and you know how we roll here...with push carts!
Yep, we walked down the street with ferals in traps on push carts. Welcome to Queens, baby. Then, we rolled them through the gardens to their new home.
Robin had the crate set up, all we had to do was transfer them.
That's one.
Voila! Ready for their new life! They will stay in this relocation crate for a few weeks, then they will be released...
into their beautiful new home!
Their little house will be making its way over there too. Yes, they sleep in it together! Awwwwww!
Robin walked away with her reward...
The Mark of Meow!
Robin also takes in, fosters and finds homes for many cats she finds dumped in the neighborhood. She has such a big heart and I'm so happy I had a chance to meet her. I love coaching new trappers because it is such a beautiful thing to see people step up, instead of walk by. I'm always excited to be a part of it.
Thank you, Robin. You are such a wonderful person to care for Mr. Miyage and Red Cat. You've gone above and beyond in relocating them. Blessings to you.
I just loved this story and the photos that went with it. I am so impressed and thrilled with what you and Robin have accomplished. I love the entire new set up, too! Poor Robin! That is one big gash on her palm. I hope she heals fast!
Best wishes to you both for Mr. Miyage and Red Cat.
I do cats and dogs, Alabama. glad to hear you are helping NYC. thank God for people like you. wondering on the trap that falls down on the cats, no flooring? how do you get the cat out without being hurt or him running out?
Awe, Aisling, I'm so glad! Martha, thank you! Thanks for holding it down in Bayside! Donna, thanks! The drop trap is a gem. One of the videos in this post shows how we transfer from the drop to the regular, box trap. Here it is on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrMNDBmTKBk&feature=c4-overview&list=UUQ503gnJobCxP6C3SuwMdSw
THANK YOU! Timing could not have been better. We do a lot of TNR, fostering, socializing, placing . . . but one very smart female in the colony we manage will not go into a trap. We just started learning about the drop trap and I told my husband I would try to find a video, and VOILA! One appeared. Keep up your good work,
The male cat is not feral, and I doubt the female is. I would have delivered them directly into their new, safe, indoor life. I have done TNR work for years and would never relocate a friendly cat. The outside life is very dangerous.
In my experience in TNR work, and it is only mostly with one colony by a rail road in NYC, but also in my very own neighborhood, there are so many completely or mostly tame abandoned cats that there is not much hope of finding homes for them. I have already, and some of my TNR colleagues also, have taken inside a number of these cats but adoptive homes are not always found and we usually have no more room to foster them. The shelters and rescues are overloaded. There are, I have read, a million free roaming cats in NYC alone. Imagine! So, not knowing the story here, it may well be that these ladies have done the best they could and must allow these cats to live outside with human caretaking.
Anonymous - Of course we'd them all to have a "new, safe, indoor life," but that's not always possible. Trappers in urban environments like New York City do the best they can in very challenging situations. Thank you Stephanie, Robin, Martha Anne, and all the TNR soldiers out there doing the hard work for community cats!
IN Georgia- have been feeding a colony of 10 for 2 yrs. have people that help now but me and one other guy are the only 2 that can pet them. They were feral but with food, a lot of baby talk and just sitting with them they can be petted. I love them wish I could bring them home with me! We did trap and spay and neuter the first 4 and the guy took them to his home, well they disappeared and went back to there old camp1 We trap and fix and then return them to there familiar surrounding.
Hi Anonymous, I'm not sure if all 3 comments are the same person or 3 different people, so I'll just group them.
-Yes, I know Mr. Miyage is friendly, it took a very long time for his caregiver to develop this relationship with him. He would not come near me. Red Cat is absolutely feral, I can confirm this. They are a bonded pair, never apart and constantly snuggling each other; a package deal. I would love nothing more than to place every cat I encounter on the street "directly into their new, safe, indoor life," but that just isn't the reality here. My friends and I (and everyone else doing rescue in NYC) really struggle to place the numerous cats and kittens we help, and feel for those we can’t help. I pulled a great cat off the street 2 months ago, he still has not found a home. My petfinder page is full of our furry friends all in search of their forever homes. Red Cat and Mr. Miyage's caretaker is actively seeking a home for them to go to together, but her first priority was to move them out of a bad situation. We do our best here in NYC, if you do have a lead on new, safe, indoor homes for friendlies and/or ferals, please let us know. You can email me at bigcitylittlekitty@yahoo.com, I can pass on the information to their caretaker and wherever you are, we will try to arrange transport. Thousands are killed every year here in NYC alone. It is heart breaking.
-I'm so glad you practice TNR, congrats on your success! We're all working toward the same goal.
-Red Cat is an orange tabby, not one of those full orange cats who are almost exclusively male. And yes, she is a special kitty, each of them are;)
-Best of luck to you in your TNR efforts and to your colony/colonies.
Your experience mirrors what I have found here in Queens, sadly, Stephanie. We all do our best. I am currently fostering an equally bonded brother and sister, aged 7 months, the boy is totally tame and the girl is not and so what can I do? A home is very hard to find! Not one response to my many ads. But they would have not made it where they came from by a glass strewn area next to the railroad.
Thank you, Martha Anne, for doing your best! And another Queens trapper/rescuer! Great! Best of luck with the kittens. Adoptions are slow this time of year, paws crossed for you.
Anonymous, I have been the caretaker for last three + years, Stephanie has depicted the situation correctly. Of course I want a home for them. I did not place them outside, they were outside(one for years) and I cared for them when I saw them. There's a cat not on the video that was in the yard too. I took her in to foster and the home I thought she was going to backed out. I also contacted all of the adjoining houses to see if I could feed them their and even offered to take care of their yards. All answered with no's or didn't respond at all. It is heartbreaking and frustrating situation. The only thing that makes it bearable is the outstanding help from TNR members and assorted mini feeders in the neighborhood that look after these guys.
There are many homeless cats (probably more than 60 cats) living in Arverne (lower Queens near A train Beach 69) right now. I don't have much money, don't have a car, and don't have a place of my own. As much as I wanted to help, there is nothing I could do besides emailing to rescuers. But all rescuers are busy trapping cats in and near their own neighborhoods. Besides, there are just not enough money and volunteers to help trap. I am very worried that the cat's population over there would double in the next few months because people there are willing to feed but not wanting to do anything more even after I explained to them the consequences of not spaying/neutering. People are not rich there and also just don't have that kind of compassion for cats. They do like cats but just not enough to want to do more for the cats.
There are many homeless cats (probably more than 60 cats) living in Arverne (lower Queens near A train Beach 69) right now. I don't have much money, don't have a car, and don't have a place of my own. As much as I wanted to help, there is nothing I could do besides emailing to rescuers. But all rescuers are busy trapping cats in and near their own neighborhoods. Besides, there are just not enough money and volunteers to help trap. I am very worried that the cat's population over there would double in the next few months because people there are willing to feed but not wanting to do anything more even after I explained to them the consequences of not spaying/neutering. People are not rich there and also just don't have that kind of compassion for cats. They do like cats but just not enough to want to do more for the cats.
Well earned war wounds there, Robin! Well done you guys, this really lifted my heart today. :)
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
ReplyDeleteI just loved this story and the photos that went with it. I am so impressed and thrilled with what you and Robin have accomplished. I love the entire new set up, too! Poor Robin! That is one big gash on her palm. I hope she heals fast!
Best wishes to you both for Mr. Miyage and Red Cat.
Your friend (TNR Certified in Bayside)
Martha
I do cats and dogs, Alabama. glad to hear you are helping NYC. thank God for people like you. wondering on the trap that falls down on the cats, no flooring? how do you get the cat out without being hurt or him running out?
ReplyDeleteAwe, Aisling, I'm so glad!
ReplyDeleteMartha, thank you! Thanks for holding it down in Bayside!
Donna, thanks! The drop trap is a gem. One of the videos in this post shows how we transfer from the drop to the regular, box trap. Here it is on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrMNDBmTKBk&feature=c4-overview&list=UUQ503gnJobCxP6C3SuwMdSw
THANK YOU! Timing could not have been better. We do a lot of TNR, fostering, socializing, placing . . . but one very smart female in the colony we manage will not go into a trap. We just started learning about the drop trap and I told my husband I would try to find a video, and VOILA! One appeared. Keep up your good work,
ReplyDeleteDanya
Thanks Dayna! The drop is a gem!
ReplyDeleteThe male cat is not feral, and I doubt the female is. I would have delivered them directly into their new, safe, indoor life. I have done TNR work for years and would never relocate a friendly cat. The outside life is very dangerous.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
DeleteIn my experience in TNR work, and it is only mostly with one colony by a rail road in NYC, but also in my very own neighborhood, there are so many completely or mostly tame abandoned cats that there is not much hope of finding homes for them. I have already, and some of my TNR colleagues also, have taken inside a number of these cats but adoptive homes are not always found and we usually have no more room to foster them. The shelters and rescues are overloaded. There are, I have read, a million free roaming cats in NYC alone. Imagine! So, not knowing the story here, it may well be that these ladies have done the best they could and must allow these cats to live outside with human caretaking.
Anonymous - Of course we'd them all to have a "new, safe, indoor life," but that's not always possible. Trappers in urban environments like New York City do the best they can in very challenging situations. Thank you Stephanie, Robin, Martha Anne, and all the TNR soldiers out there doing the hard work for community cats!
DeleteIN Georgia- have been feeding a colony of 10 for 2 yrs. have people that help now but me and one other guy are the only 2 that can pet them. They were feral but with food, a lot of baby talk and just sitting with them they can be petted. I love them wish I could bring them home with me! We did trap and spay and neuter the first 4 and the guy took them to his home, well they disappeared and went back to there old camp1 We trap and fix and then return them to there familiar surrounding.
ReplyDeleteand Red Cat is a girl?!! very rare...but each and every one is special. >^..`<
ReplyDeleteI know...I was thinking the same thing! I was so surprised she is female, but Robin must know!
DeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if all 3 comments are the same person or 3 different people, so I'll just group them.
-Yes, I know Mr. Miyage is friendly, it took a very long time for his caregiver to develop this relationship with him. He would not come near me. Red Cat is absolutely feral, I can confirm this. They are a bonded pair, never apart and constantly snuggling each other; a package deal. I would love nothing more than to place every cat I encounter on the street "directly into their new, safe, indoor life," but that just isn't the reality here. My friends and I (and everyone else doing rescue in NYC) really struggle to place the numerous cats and kittens we help, and feel for those we can’t help. I pulled a great cat off the street 2 months ago, he still has not found a home. My petfinder page is full of our furry friends all in search of their forever homes. Red Cat and Mr. Miyage's caretaker is actively seeking a home for them to go to together, but her first priority was to move them out of a bad situation. We do our best here in NYC, if you do have a lead on new, safe, indoor homes for friendlies and/or ferals, please let us know. You can email me at bigcitylittlekitty@yahoo.com, I can pass on the information to their caretaker and wherever you are, we will try to arrange transport. Thousands are killed every year here in NYC alone. It is heart breaking.
-I'm so glad you practice TNR, congrats on your success! We're all working toward the same goal.
-Red Cat is an orange tabby, not one of those full orange cats who are almost exclusively male. And yes, she is a special kitty, each of them are;)
-Best of luck to you in your TNR efforts and to your colony/colonies.
Your experience mirrors what I have found here in Queens, sadly, Stephanie. We all do our best. I am currently fostering an equally bonded brother and sister, aged 7 months, the boy is totally tame and the girl is not and so what can I do? A home is very hard to find! Not one response to my many ads. But they would have not made it where they came from by a glass strewn area next to the railroad.
DeleteThank you, Martha Anne, for doing your best! And another Queens trapper/rescuer! Great! Best of luck with the kittens. Adoptions are slow this time of year, paws crossed for you.
DeleteAnonymous,
DeleteI have been the caretaker for last three + years, Stephanie has depicted the situation correctly. Of course I want a home for them. I did not place them outside, they were outside(one for years) and I cared for them when I saw them. There's a cat not on the video that was in the yard too. I took her in to foster and the home I thought she was going to backed out. I also contacted all of the adjoining houses to see if I could feed them their and even offered to take care of their yards. All answered with no's or didn't respond at all. It is heartbreaking and frustrating situation.
The only thing that makes it bearable is the outstanding help from TNR members and assorted mini feeders in the neighborhood that look after these guys.
There are many homeless cats (probably more than 60 cats) living in Arverne (lower Queens near A train Beach 69) right now. I don't have much money, don't have a car, and don't have a place of my own. As much as I wanted to help, there is nothing I could do besides emailing to rescuers. But all rescuers are busy trapping cats in and near their own neighborhoods. Besides, there are just not enough money and volunteers to help trap.
ReplyDeleteI am very worried that the cat's population over there would double in the next few months because people there are willing to feed but not wanting to do anything more even after I explained to them the consequences of not spaying/neutering. People are not rich there and also just don't have that kind of compassion for cats. They do like cats but just not enough to want to do more for the cats.
There are many homeless cats (probably more than 60 cats) living in Arverne (lower Queens near A train Beach 69) right now. I don't have much money, don't have a car, and don't have a place of my own. As much as I wanted to help, there is nothing I could do besides emailing to rescuers. But all rescuers are busy trapping cats in and near their own neighborhoods. Besides, there are just not enough money and volunteers to help trap.
ReplyDeleteI am very worried that the cat's population over there would double in the next few months because people there are willing to feed but not wanting to do anything more even after I explained to them the consequences of not spaying/neutering. People are not rich there and also just don't have that kind of compassion for cats. They do like cats but just not enough to want to do more for the cats.