Critter Corner: Born to be Wild?

What do Tarzan, Romulus and Remus, Jody Foster's character Nell and Mowgli all have in common? They all needed the benefit of human company.

Unfortunately, the situation is much the same for the growing population of suburban feral cats. These are not cats eking out a living in a rural field, but are the shadows you see darting toward the dumpsters, or stalking scraps from restaurants. They were once somebody's pet, but were often abandoned to fend for themselves. They remember a home, but need a patience and love to return to lap cats. Their kittens however, are eager, inquisitive and very impressionable.

A local cat rescue person wrote the following about an urgent situation.

A motel guest from NY discovered a cat colony living off a dumpster at the Super 8 motel in Beachwood, Ohio. We believe all the cats/kittens have been trapped and, as of today, have been fixed, tested and micro chipped.

The Super 8 cats turned out to be the Super 12, mostly kittens. This has been a hefty expense for a couple of us independent rescuers and there are still needs for these critters. From what we learned through observation and talking with motel guests, these cats seemed to have the dumpster as their main food source. We do not intend to return them without a caretaker. Only 2 have permanent foster/rescue and are doing well with socialization. So here's what's needed.

URGENT PLEA FOR - Socialization foster homes for seven kittens needed!  I know you're out there!Kittens may be divided up, three, two....or all seven! The estimated ages range from nine weeks to 14ish weeks old. They all have shown potential for being social, except for one handsome little stinker still hissing and spitting (there's still hope though). All kittens have rescue offering to adopt out, but do not have foster homes. 

If you are willing/able to offer some intensive socialization in your home, please contact (katherinekpatch@aol.com). As you know every day is crucial during this time. Currently, they are being housed at a vacant storefront in Cleveland's Tremont district, with minimal interaction and no air conditioning...it's toasty in there!

 Also, if anyone would be willing to work with the three adults (one year or younger) they also need foster homes. They are scared, but not hissing or showing any threatening behavior. The rescue will also adopt out, if socialized. If no foster homes found for them, I'll be looking for someone willing to introduce all or some to their yard (would be nice for all three to stay together). You must be willing to follow appropriate reintroduction procedures if so.

These kittens need a place-a place they can hear laughter, a place they can feel safe, a place where people will love them....a place like they will call their forever home. 

Contact the author for ways to make direct donations.