Since 2018, when five kittens were discovered in what is now CATpassionate Village, there
has been one perceived challenge after another, causing frustration, worry, concern and even heartbreak. But after four years, we have grown to learn from and resist less these difficult times.
We had no idea what would evolve out of trapping, caring for and adopting out the five kittens, but we accepted what was put before us and began our journey which has no end.
Today, we have spayed/neutered and vaccinated nearly 100 cats and kittens, adopted out over a dozen, provided vet care for those with a UTI, a damaged eye and injuries sustained from being hit by a truck. We feed and water about 35 cats twice daily and support others, when we can, that are on the same path.
We've embraced the area wildlife, too. Raccoons have frustrated us by barging into the Village during feeding time, causing the cats to disperse and not have food to eat. We've tried many humane tactics to ward off the raccoons to only be met by their unwavering persistence. We've considered having them trapped and relocated, but learned that relocated raccoons often don't live long in new surroundings.
Eventually, we discovered that they love peanuts in the shell better than cat food. We toss peanuts in their direction upon arriving to the Village to feed the cats. The peanuts keep them busy while the cats eat in peace. Everyone is happy, except our pocketbooks as we purchase and distribute close to 50 pounds of peanuts a month, but it is worth it.
The birds in the area can be a similar nuisance. When feeding the cats, they perch in the trees and squawk loudly, waiting for the dedicated feeder to walk away so they can swoop in to eat the cat food, many times pushing the cats out of the way. The cats seem to accept the birds and let them eat what they don't eat.
Sometimes a turkey vulture or two will accompany the birds. Recently, for more than two weeks, we've had an adolescent turkey vulture that decided the Village was a good place to heal after an injury. We felt certain he needed professional care. We called five wildlife rescue organizations and no one would help us. We accepted him into the Village and began feeding him raw meat as we were advised. He seems to be recovering and today is the first day we have not seen him. We're hoping he is able to now fly.
Time and again we're reminded by each challenge, that we are up to the task as soon as we accept it. It is a beautiful thing. It is validating that we can do anything when our intentions are focused and good.
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