I just had a nice, feral related surprise.

[Siwsan]

I was headed out to check the mail, and there was Bruiser, the BIG feral tom cat, sitting on the step and staring through the window. Bruiser NEVER comes close. He's a very nervous cat. I rarely even see him eating from any of the bowls, but he's back there, this afternoon chowing down. Maybe if he finally associates me with food, he'll be a little less shy. Guess I might have to increase the food volume, too, but that's fine by me.

[CurtEastPoint]

1. baby steps!

[2naSalit]

2. Bad cold is coming...

And he probably can tell. Is there shelter for them? I know you said something about making one for them.

A friend has taken a bunch of styrofoam containers that covid vaccine was shipped in and made little warm houses with them, They collected funked out blankets and clothing from the "free box" at the thrift store for padding... in case you need an idea for one.

Anyway, Bruiser is probably looking for better shelter than he's had up to now. It's really good that you can give them food and attention to some degree. And I like hearing your adventures with these two sets of cats.

[Siwsan]

3. They are all sheltering in the same place

It must be good. My suspicion is it is an old ground hog burrow. I'm supposed to be getting some straw, but if that doesn't happen, soon, I'll head out and get some on my own. I'm worried it might be too heavy for me, but if I can get it put in the back of my station wagon, I can deal with it when I get home.

I've been looking for some styrofoam but, damn, it' not easy to find. I have weather proofed an old, very big carrier that they use, on occasion, and that's one of the places I want to reinforce with some straw.

[Walleye]

4. I just found a heating pad and put it in the little house for my outdoor cat

Out on my deck on the second floor. I sure hope he shows up soon and I hope he isn’t intimidated by something a little bit new inside his house, he’s funny about it. The last couple of nights he has been up for supper and then goes back down to hidey-hole wherever it is. He was here about 3 AM ate a couple of bites and then left. How we worry about these critters

[2naSalit]

5. My friend works at a healthcare facility...

So has access to the containers. Sounds like you have a plan.

My dear friend, who passed last year) was the neighborhood stray cat home. The cats she let in the house would let strays stay in their "room" all the house cats inhabited at night. They tell each other who will take care of them when they need it. Many of they invitees were about to have kittens when they moved in. Then they'd all get fixed and homes found for them. We had yard sales to cover the costs. But that was some time ago since either of us were involved in that.

Good luck with getting close enough to catch and fix the strays, it's an endeavor but worth it.

[KT2000]

7. Pharmacies have styrofoam

containers. In the summer they are all spoken for but in the winter they have to throw them in the trash.

[Siwsan]

8. I'll have to check that out - thanks!

[Butterflylady]

6. Love your stories, I look for them everyday!

[Siwsan]

9. Thanks! ALL of these cats and kittens have been sanity savers, over the past two years

I'm lucky to have ended up with Madoc and Gryff, because they are VERY tolerant of my need to snuggle them, and give them pets and kisses, every time I pass by them. Not to mention my singing to them, every morning.

[SheltieLover]

10. Maybe Mittens told him Madoc lives behand the glass.

Wth is goung on in there?

Happy he came for a meal!

[niyad]

11. Ooh, that is wonderful news. Thank you for all that you do for our felid friends.