I mentioned in my bio that I live with a tabby cat named Perch- but she’s just part of my indoor family. Caring for her is easy- fresh water and dry food in a couple of bowls around the house, cleaning the litter box, and petting her in my lap. Outside in my back yard, however, I have another family that comes and goes with the seasons, and some who live here full time- and caring for them can be a full time job!
I love animals, and when I moved into this house 16 years ago I started feeding a feral cat who lived out back. Our neighbors below us had been able to take in her kittens, but she wouldn’t come in, and when they moved away I made sure she was still fed and had shelter through the winter. Word got out in the neighborhood (and by this I mean communication among the animals), and ever since then I have had a full menagerie to care for! Once animals find a safe place to stay (and in many cases to have their babies), they tend to return each year, so I have had several litters of kittens born in and under our shed, and lots of possum and raccoon families take up shelter there as well. I’ve been able to trap/neuter/return almost all of the cats to make sure they don’t have MORE litters, and several of the kittens have been adopted while they’re still young enough to socialize. The wild babies? I tend to leave that to Mother Nature
Feeding this crowd in the summer months is quite an endeavor. Right now I have 4 feral cats who come regularly- one I’ve been feeding for 10 years!- 3 skunks, 2 possum, a woodchuck, and in the height of the season there were 2 raccoon families of SIX cubs each, not to mention the usual squirrels, birds and an occasional fox. In these sad days of restaurants closing because of lack of business, my backyard outdoor dining is fully operational and constantly at max capacity, and I am the hostess, the cook, the waitress, AND the dishwasher! What’s on the menu? Friskies, Meow Mix, Fancy Feast Creamy Delights,
sunflowers seeds, peanuts, water, and half and half.
As long as there is enough food available, everyone gets along for the most part. I can look out at dusk and see a skunk, a feral cat, a possum and a couple of raccoons eating within inches of each other, quite politely. Two of the ferals and both families of raccoons come for a second feeding on our upper deck, and during the summer once the cubs are out, they are an unending source of laughter as they roll around wrestling, climbing and trying not to tip the water bowl over. I’ve learned that all species love to drink half and half, that possum prefer wet cat food and skunks dry food, and raccoons will eat just about anything!
As I write this in early October, all but 2 of the raccoons have gone, there are still 3 skunks and a possum, and my ferals are waiting for me to update their individual shelters in the shed for the winter. Soon it will be just me and the cats, ready to tackle the cold and hunker down until Spring when it all begins again. The Circle of Life!
In 16 years I’ve missed a handful of feedings, and I can count on one hand the number of times I haven’t brought food out at least once in a day- usually because of snowstorms. When my husband and I are away, we have 2 stalwart friends who stand in for me, and I know the first time they saw the list of who gets what and where to put it all, they probably wanted to rescind the offer….but I’m grateful they understand that’s it’s all about consistency. These critters depend on me, and I won’t let them down as long as I am able!
Here is a gallery of my outdoor family over the years:
Oh, and I also love event decorating, designing Christmas cards, and creating gifts for my ringers- but that’s another blog altogether! 😊😊
Diane Burke