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I haven't written anything here in awhile so I thought I would. All I have to say is I've taken a deep dive into a passion of mine: caring for cats, especially community ones. Specifically what we've decided to call "The Wharfies", because they exist on the Wharf Promenade in Port Hueneme. They haven't been looked after and have shown the worse for it, though people do occasionally feed them. When I started there were about 35 or so, including kittens. I managed to bring 11 home (including 6 kittens) and sought medical help for them through the county animal services, which involves spay and neutering, and meds for upper respiratory infections which they all have. I also went through what it takes to be an official foster caregiver and volunteer. I'm connected with the rescues and am a member of the Coalition for Community Cats. All that's well and good but when you see what's needed to be done and no matter how hard you try it seems hopeless, it wears on you. I can see why serious animal caregivers are the most likely to commit suicide. I am so burned out I can't think straight anymore and sometimes forget what I'm doing or even what time of day or what day it is. My task is especially fun as no one else wants to do it because of the area, which is scary at night and there's not even cell phone coverage sometimes (it's next to a port and CB base). Also there's a homeless/vagrant situation that's getting dangerous; people and animals are getting attacked. What fun, huh? The upside is how some of the cats roll with the cards they're dealt and have a great attitude. I'm surprised that feral cats can have the wherewithall to trust any human considering how we bannish them to starve out there. Some of these cats are abandoned pets too, who've known better times, though I can't imagine how great it was if those humans abandoned them. I see how the ones I've brought home appreciate their new digs, and I try to make them at home. I even turn on wave sounds because that's one nice thing about where they were... the natural atmosphere. Well, that's all for now and I don't know if I'll follow up. It looks like agnostic.com is struggling to exist as well. I don't see much going on here anymore, and only one serious poster.

AlbertSchepis 7 Sep 1
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17 comments

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Quick update Jan 2022: I still have six of the cats I rescued from the wharf. It's been costly for me and a drain, but that's how I roll - I commit to things and beings that are worthwhile. We're one big happy family and love abounds, and though a couple of them just don't like humans (but tolerate me) they're still better friends/companions than I might ever see from humans... even here at agnostic.com where I can't even earn the status of acquaintance. Everyone here is too cerebral to waste time just being friendly I think...

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We had a feral cat colony in our neighborhood. Local groups helped us get them all spayed and neutered, then we let them continue to hang out while providing food and water. They gradually died off, and I don’t live there any more. Now I just have a home filled with foundlings of various species, but not in vast numbers. I admire your commitment.

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Thank you for doing such a lovely thing caring for these creatures.

LB67 Level 7 Sep 1, 2019
2

i live on van isle where the cat span & spca have done such a great job of getting feral cats neutered & spayed that there are very few up for adoption these days.

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You are doing a great job, however in all of that you need to look after yourself. Letting it take over your life is not good as you know. Take a break, look after the cats you have. Put an ad at your local library/community center and see if anyone wants to join you. But look after yourself first.
As far as agnostic.com is struggling, I very much doubt it. I find a lot of join being here and I am sure many more do too.

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I used to like cats, but after the last cat we had briefly who was a stray and was really evil and awful, I have just given up

an evil, awful cat? must have been a reincarnated politician.
we've had several cats & i can't quite imagine an "evil" cat. if a cat is badly treated it won't be the most cuddly cat but i don't think it will try to cast spells or somehow harm it's owner.

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Many serious posts - I am now protesting with Never Again vs ICE and this administration. Look under the groups - things haven't changed-you have. Kudos for what you're doing.

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I volunteer weekly at a no-kill animals shelter that has cats, dogs, and on occasion, guinea pigs and rabbits. I work only with the cats. They mainly come from the county animal shelter. It's a rewarding passion of mine, doing what I can to help these wonderful creatures. Good luck to you. Take a break every once in a while; they survived when you weren't helping them, and they'll survive if you skip a few days.

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When we were kids we had several cats and one, B & W Persian (we named her Pussyfoot) female had a couple of litters a year. Some of the kittens were adopted and some left. Often there would be one that hung out a while and became part of the family. Eventually even that cat would get run over. We complained for years for my mom to get them fixed but she never did. This is too common and it really angers me.

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I helped care for a couple of feral cat colonies here in Florida. Good luck.

MizJ Level 8 Sep 1, 2019
1

Thank you for doing this. Hugs to you and the kitties.

9

"Time spent with cats is never wasted" Sigmund Freud.

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What a wonderful human being you are to help these poor abandoned cats. I hope you will continue posting about what you're doing as it is important for more people to know about the problem of abandoned animals. Perhaps your stories will encourage others to help as well.

2

You kick much ass.... And that's all I got ta' say on that subject.

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First off, Thank you!!!

I myself have two feral cats which have adopted me. I feed between eight to ten every day, along with two raccoons who are now five, and two possum.

I had now been able to adopt out two litters of kittens, eight to decent homes.

One of my first mommies which had adopted me was killed by two dogs which I fought off, hence reinjured my back, I am on a limited retirement.

Also one of the other males and a couple of the younger cats have disappeared, that is always heart breaking.

I only state so you see other do try in this world!

Thank you for your dedication to those who are without the resources we take for granted!

Thank you!!!

I added some photographs of my feral group, I do not have anywhere near the problems you endure!!!

Thank you!!!

There is a Feline Fanatic group with Agnostic.com.

2 dogs killed a cat !!?? I read in a psychology book that there's no evil in the animal kingdom...that when they kill it's for food or survival. They were wrong it seems... Why do you think they did that ?
Congrats for your work by the way !

@Nathalie_Quebec Years ago 2 dogs killed one of my cats, it was horrible to witness.

@Nathalie_Quebec ,
there are psycho dogs just as psycho humans which just enjoy killing.

4

You are my hero. Very few people - no matter how caring and well intentioned they are - could or would do what you are doing. I totally get the burn out - because its true that no matter how many animals we save or help there seems to be an endless supply of "incoming". I live in a very secluded area that is known to be a "drop off" for unwanted animals - really hard to get my head around mankind's inhumanity. 😟 Hope you can hang in there!

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Love what you're doing for those kitties, wish I could do something to help you out with it. We actually have a few kittens out here in Somerville that my cuz and I are trying to find homes for. I desperately want one of them but alas I'm renting a room in a house with 3 dogs that would treat it like a toy, so it wouldn't survive. But yeah, you have my respect and care for what you are doing with those cats.

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