End of Life for 17-Year-Old Feral Cat

 The end of life has come for feral cat Lucy who has been in our care since 2008.  This feral cat was born in a limestone opening in a bluff in the woods by my home.   In her lifetime she had two small litters before being hunted and attacked by a wild animal who wanted her kittens.  Lucy fought off the wild animal that injured her and her one kitten.

2008 Lucy lying outside the garden shed with one of her kittens

2009 2nd litter  Lucy injured and brings kittens to my shed

Injured Lucy brought her two kittens to my garage where we trapped the nursing mother and all her kittens for medical care.  The cats needed medical care for 21 days and when they were released from the medical clinic Lucy had been spayed. 

All of Lucy's kittens were trapped, socialized, and adopted. Lucy could not be socialized so she was released to the colony that my husband and I oversaw.

Lucy the feral cat lived a very long life as the average age for a feral cat without human intervention is about two years.  Many feral cats that live in colonies that have human caretakers have lived 7 to 10 years.  

My husband and I take care of the cats in our colony and we watch them daily to make sure they are not sick or injured. We feed them and provide fresh water twice a day, in the rain, in the snow, or in the heat.   We also provide well-insulated cat houses and in the summer months, we have cooling mats for their houses.  But despite providing care to the cats many cats did not survive the feral cat lifestyle.   

I think Lucy the feral cat survived due to her camouflage coat, she could be lying on a rock and you would not see her.  She was very cautious and an excellent tree climber.

Lucy as a young adult cat lived in the woods adjacent to my home.  She took refuge in a thicket den which I located after a blizzard. She was snowed in and could not come to the feeding station so we took her food and water to her.

When Lucy was age 10  a red-tailed hawk airlifted Lucy and we were certain that her life had come to an end.  We did not see Lucy for a week but we had hope that she was still alive because we found a dead red-tailed hawk on the side of the hiking trail close to our home.  Lucy survived the hawk. 

 Then last spring while working in the yard and garden I heard a deer snorting in the front of my yard.  It was not a normal snort it was more of a warning. The doe deer had a fawn in hiding a few hundred yards from my side yard and I was worried that the fawn might be in danger.  I picked up my string trimmer and walked to where the warning was coming from.  On the edge of my property there is a rocky terrain with a steep drop off I saw Lucy the cat sleeping on top of a large rock that was about 6 feet off the ground and 30 feet away was a large adult coyote.

I quickly turned on my string trimmer and waved it above me to make look larger than life with a strange noise the coyote took off. The doe deer behind me took after the coyote and two other deer in the woods followed suit and chased the coyote out of our area.   Lucy slept through the entire episode she was age 16 and her response to danger had weakened.    

Here are a few photos of Lucy when she lived closer to our home 

We respect Lucy the feral cat and prepared her for winter with a wonderful insulated house that was donated by a friend of mine.   We set it up close to our side door and also set up a warming water bowl to keep her water from freezing. 

Lucy left the woods and did come to live close to our home.  She sunned herself on our patio chairs and made friends with a gray cat.  The two of them slept together, hung out together and the gray cat groomed Lucy.  

Other photos of Lucy 

             

Then in the winter of 2025, the weather was bitterly cold the temperature dipped to below 0 and there was snow.   Lucy and the gray cat spent 2 nights in the insulated cat shelter and on the 3^rd bitter cold night  Lucy the feral cat entered our house through our side door that was opened when my husband was bringing in groceries and she went and sat on the kitchen floor. 

My husband picked Lucy up she did not hiss, she did not snarl and he walked her to our enclosed side porch.   I set it up with a litter box, food, and water.  My husband brought in her insulated outdoor house. We also added an oil-filled space heater and a K&H self-warming cat mat.  Lucy lay down on the self-warming mat next to the heater.  

The gray cat that loves Lucy searched for her, he called out to her all night long and I feared that his distress calls would cause this cat to be hunted by coyote.  So, I trapped him and brought him into the room where I had Lucy. 

The gray cat was distressed but then Lucy picked up her head and he went to her and sniffed the gray cat relaxed.   United again, the gray cat groomed Lucy and then laid down next to her.  The gray cat will stay with Lucy until it’s her time to pass. Lucy is approximately 4 pounds and is eating and drinking very little.

Lucy enters the caregiver's home for end-of-life care

Lucy passed away on January 28th. at age 17. She had stopped eating and we took her to the veterinarian where we were told that she had cancer.  We euthanized her and buried her on the land where she was born.  

Lucy is the oldest living Feral Cat in history.  I have dedicated this blog to her as she was the first feral cat that we trapped and then cared for throughout her life.   Our hearts are broken and we will miss the feral cat that we called Lucy.

Best Litter for Stray Feral Cats / Feline Pine

Stray cats that have been living outdoors will shy away from fragrant clay litters but when I filled litter boxes with feline pine that the stray cats that I was socializing had no problem using the litter box.

Even feral cats that have been born outdoors will try to use a litter box that has been filled with pine litter.

Honestly, I think its due to the scent of the natural pine.   The cats attribute the scent to being outdoors, and going to bathroom in pine needles.   Maybe they like the texture as when this litter is wet it will breakdown to sawdust.

All I know is stray cats that have lived outdoors for an extended period of time prefer a natural pine litter and will go outside the litterbox that is filled with clumping clay that is fragrant.

Feline Pine is the brand name and it does come in clumping or non-clumping  pine pellets.  The pine scent will add a woodsy fragrance to yo9ur entire house.  It does a good job at eliminating litter lox odors.

Unlike other litters feline pine is chemical free, with no added fragrance.  Its naturally pine scented.  If you buy a seven-pound bag this bag should last a month for one or two cats. 

Note even though this litter is natural please do not dump it outdoors or in your garden or other location.  Instead place the used litter in a bag, tie the top of the bag and put in your trashcan.  By doing this you will prevent the spread of Toxoplasma.   

 Shop for Feline Pine at  Chewy, Amazon or Pet Smart or other online stores. 

How To Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home

 

 

Its summer and you and your cats are going in and out of the house.  Chances are that even if you have a flea treatment on your cat your home has fleas.    

Flea image by > Andrei Savitsky

During the summer months fleas seem to be in the air, they are everywhere. And if you have wildlife in your yard then you will have more fleas than your neighbors.

Wildlife in your yard will bring you more fleas

Fleas are tiny insects that feed on the blood or your pets and on humans.  If you have seen tiny bumps on your skin that are really itchy then chances are you have been bitten by a flea.  If you want to get rid of the fleas in your home then follow these how to tips.

 

Fleas are attracted to humid areas in your home like the kitchen and bathroom. Since fleas are attracted to moisture keep your bathroom dry, towel dry the shower after you use it Turn the fan on, and leave the door open. Try using a dehumidifier to remove the moisture in that area of your home.

 

Get rid of fleas with your vacuum.  Set the vacuum on high, run your vacuum over rugs, hardwood floors, sofa and your mattress.  By doing this you will suck up the fleas, the eggs and the larvae.  Empty the vacuum outdoors to prevent any fleas from getting back into your house. In an apartment empty the contents of the vacuum into a plastic bag and tie it closed and remove that bag from your home.  Put in the trash dumpster.  

Empty your vacuum bag each time you don’t want any fleas, eggs or larvae left in your vacuum.

 Wash your bedding and all sofa throws in hot water, the sanitary cycle is best.  If you have pets wash your bedding as often as you can.  And dry bedding on hot setting.

Check your cats litter box for fleas.  Get rid of litter box fleas by mixing your cat litter with diatomaceous earth food grade. 

Keep your litter boxes clean. If you house has fleas then you will see them multiplying in your cat’s litter pan.  Litter boxes provided a cozy environment for flea eggs.

 

Put Diatomaceous earth food grade in a “powder sugar shaker” and sprinkle the earth on your carpets, hard floors, pet bedding, and mattress. This natural treatment is a good way to dehydrate the fleas.  Okay to vacuum in a few days.  (Always cover your nose and eyes when you are treating home with diatomaceous earth.   Keep cats away until the earth has settled (no longer airborne)

 

Get rid of fleas on your cat

Get rid of cat fleas with flea treatments.  Give cats a topical or tablet once a month to prevent fleas, ticks, mites and worms.  

Another way to get rid of cat fleas is to groom your cats daily to remove any fleas that might be on them. Best way to do this is do use a “flea comb” that is dipped in warm water that is mixed with original dawn dish soap.   The comb and the dish soap solution is a great way to catch fleas that are on your cat.

 

Other information

 

Fleas will hitch a ride on humans clothing so always spray your clothing, shoes, and socks to prevent flea, ticks, mosquitos and other nasty bugs from bothering you when you are outdoors.   Humans can bring the fleas into the home.  Here is a photo of a natural insect repellent that i use.  I bought it at amazon.

Proven is effective of repelling fleas and ticks on humans.  Lasts 12 hours

Spray the entrance of your home, your porch, around your home and your yard with a natural flea and tick solution. Repeat monthly and after it rains. 

I like natural Wondercide because of the ingredients and because it works. But there are many for you to choose from and you may want to shop for them at Chewy.com or Amazon.

Ginger Cats are Good for Families

  

Over the years I have rescued and found forever homes for many ginger cats. Overall  the ginger cat is good with families, single people and with seniors.  This cat is easy going, affectionate and friendly. Fact is I never met a ginger cat that I did not like.

I have placed the ginger cat with families with kids because the cat’s personality is easy going, calm and playful.  The cat will cuddle with your kids or they will play with their toys. Plus its not uncommon for the cat to snuggle with kids during nap time.  Unlike other cats that may be afraid of kids, the ginger cat affectionate and easy-going personality is well suited for a family setting.

Ginger cats are known to carry on conversations with their owners.  Yes, this cat can be talkative. And they may tell you a long story while they are sitting on your lap.  They also may sit by a window and talk to a bird or a squirrel.  They will make chirping noises as if to mimic the bird.

Ginger cats are not all male; however, females are rare. I read that 80% of the ginger cats are male while only 20% are female.  My one friend has had a female and now has a male and told me that his male ginger was more active whereas the female is more laid back and quieter.

Here are my photos of ginger cats.

It makes little difference as to whether the ginger cat is a female or a male because  both are affectionate cats. So, if you like sweet cats that are playful and talkative then you will want to adopt a ginger cat.

All photos are of ginger cats that we have cared for over the years. 

Successful Trapping for Stray Cat

 Last fall one of our neighbors released her 5 little kittens and then  refused to let them return to their home for food, water or shelter.  The neighbors tried to catch them but kittens are fast.  Out of the five only three survived. 

One of the kittens had reached mating age and kept getting beat up daily. So my husband and I decided we would trap and pay for him to be neutered. From the looks of this skinny, dirty and beat up kitty we thought that he may have Feline Leukemia or Feline Immunodeficiency Disease. The sooner we trapped him the better. 

It took me ten days to get him dependent on us feeding him.   And once he felt safe with us we were successful in trapping him. 

He was negative in cat disease, he was neutered, given shots and a dose of revolution for mites in his ears, and infestation of fleas and ticks.   They also gave him a bath and he is recuperating at the veterinarian over the weekend.    

We will pick him up on Monday and after a few more days of rest we will pursue responsible cat adopters. 

I am not sure why people release their kittens like this but do think that there should be a law to prevent this type of abandonment.   

       

How Fat Cats Benefit from Cat Trees

 

 

Today the cat tree that we bought at Chewy arrived and my husband is putting it together.  We bought the tree for our 4 older and fat cats.  The cat tree will benefit all of our fat cats because it will stimulate them to move, play and jump around.  An increase of movement will burn calories and aid in weight reductions.

 

Cat Tree for Large Cats

Any movement is better than no movement. All of our cats are rescues that were abandoned when their people moved away.  We tried to find them homes but because of their older age nobody wanted them. 

My 3 rescued cats

We ended up keeping them and we love them very much. However, as soon as these cats got comfortable they stopped being active. Its as if their purpose in life is to eat, sun themselves on the windowsill and sleep.  The sluggish behavior has caused them to put on weight so we bought them a cat tree to stimulate them to want to play and exercise.

 

Sally my calico seems happy about the cat tree

Our one cat Sally the Calico has been watching from afar and she seems generally interested in the cat tree. Our other bored cats have not moved from sleeping on the bed.

 

Sally and sibling Larry being lazy fat cats

We are hoping that after we cover the tree with spray on catnip that our fat cats will stretch to climb on the tree, rub on the tree and scratch their nails on the tree.  This activity would be much needed exercise and would benefit their shoulders, hindquarters and back.

 

All activity is exercise for a Fat Cat

This cat tree comes with a toy that is dangling from one of the ledges. This toy will encourage the cat to stretch their paw to play with the toy.  Another way to exercise.

 

The location of the cat tree matters.  My husband set it up in the laundry room next to the large window.  The placement will entice the cats to climb to the top post so they can look out the window at the birds and the squirrels.  This location should keep them interested.  Nothing better than a cat tree with a view or nature.

If you have a cat that is putting on weight, or has a slow metabolism you can stimulate the cat to be active with a cat tree. Exercise along with low carbohydrate diet is best for a fat cat.

 We bought ours at Chewy but you can find cat trees at many online and offline stores like Pet Smart, Amazon, Walmart and I think eBay has cat trees also.  Do check the product reviews before you buy to make sure that its quality made, and if the size is right for your cats.  Some trees are made for kittens or small cats other trees are made for large cats.

What to Consider Before Adopting an Older Cat

 

I think it’s wonderful that you are considering adopting an older cat rather than a kitten but there are some things you should consider before you adopt.

 

In the past I have matched up older cats with senior citizens in my neighborhood.  I have also adopted older cats to people who work out of the home eight hours a day. The older cat is more laid back and do not require attention like a kitten. As long as you spend quality time with the cat when you are home  the older cat will probably sleep when you are at work.

 

Older cats seem to be better with adults and kids.   They are calmer, they have manners, you don’t have to train them to use scratching posts or litter box.  Many older cats that are being rehomed do not jump on counters. They like to be petted and some will cuddle up next to you to sleep.

 

Older cats know how to entertain themselves

Before you adopt an older cat its smart to ask for a veterinarian health report.  This report will tell you if the cat is up to date with vaccines, if they have any serious illness and if they have been sterilized.  

Inquire about the cat’s personality, if it needs a special diet, and if the older cats get along with kids, other pets’ cat or dogs. 

Consider that cats that are rehomed or adopted from a shelter will need an adjustment period. Don’t expect them to be affectionate and loving toward you as soon as you bring them home.

Why Cats Eat Grass

  

 

 

We have been taking care of a colony of outdoor cats for a long time and in that time, we have observed the cats eating grass.  The cats do not eat any type of grass they seem to know what grass is best.  After they consume the grass the cats’ vomit so I assumed the grass was to cure stomach upset.

 

outdoor cat eating grass

On other occasions the outdoor cats will eat grass and they do not vomit.  My veterinarian told me that grass is high in fiber and that it can help the cats with digestion and constipation. 

 

In addition to high fiber content, grass also contains folic acid.  Without enough folic acid, cats can develop anemia and a lack of oxygen.

 

cat grass I grew my cat likes it

When I learned this I decided to grow grass for my indoor cats so I bought the grass seed package and planter that was being sold at Pet Smart and Amazon.  What I noticed is that my cats really like grass.  They seem to like the taste.  I like the grass because the chlorophyll in the grass helps to keep their breath fresh.

 

Very easy to grow water once and seeds germinate

If you have indoor cats then its best to grow grass for them.  Its not wise to just let your cat outdoors to grass in your neighborhood because many lawns are treated with chemicals, pesticides, weed killers and those chemicals will hurt your cat. 

Senior Citizens Should Adopt a Cat

Recently I was asked if senior citizens should adopt a cat and I said yes because cats are wonderful companions for senior citizens.  Many of the seniors residing in my community are living alone their adult children and grandkids visit them during the holidays. My neighbors are lonely and I think a cat is good company for them.

 

But not all cats should live with a senior citizen.  They may ask for a kitten but kittens are a lot of work, they may be cute but they are not socialized, and can be too much work for a senior citizen, especially when they go through their biting stage. 

 

I never recommend kittens for a senior citizen because kittens may be too much energy for a senior.  Kittens require a lot of attention and physically may be too much for a senior citizen.  Plus kittens require vaccines and sterilization and those costs might be too much for a senior citizen that is living on a fixed income. 

  

 

I do recommend adult shorthair cats that are older. An adult cat is a good match because they are calmer, have good manners, and major expenses for vaccines and sterilization have already been taken care of.  And the short hair cat does not require so much grooming.  Seniors or retirees may have arthritis and brushing a longhair cat might be too much for them.   

 

The life expectancy for a cat is 15 years, that’s a long commitment should a senior citizen adopt a kitten. Whereas an adult cat aged five or older life expectancy is better suited for a person who is a senior citizen.

 

I also think that an adult cat would be a wonderful addition to a nursing home or another facility for the aging.  The cat would provide stimulation and joy as the cats may curl up on the bed to sleep with the residents, or they would lie on their laps.  The resident cat would impact the lives of the residents in a nursing home positively.   Plus cats are easier to take care of than a resident dog.

Cats are Carnivores Not Vegetarians

 My veterinarian told me to feed my cats high-protein food that had meat as the number one ingredient. That cats were carnivores, not vegetarians.  He used the example that you never see stray cats eating an ear of corn but you will see them eating a mouse. 

So whenever I shop for cat food I remember what my veterinarian told me and look for foods that have animal protein, chicken, fish, beef, or lamb as a primary ingredient. 

Lately, I have been finding a lot of food with corn, in fact, many of the foods have corn as the primary ingredient.   I feed the outdoor cats a kibble that was said to be Complete Essentials but that food has filler foods including corn gluten, grain, and soy.  

Corn, soy, peas, potatoes, and wheat are filler foods to make the bag heavier I guess.  These filler foods are substituted for protein and they are high in carbohydrates. 

Cat food that is high in carbohydrates usually makes my cats fat and causes them to have digestion issues. Some cats are allergic to corn and grains, and cat food high in carbs may cause some cats to become obese or get diabetes.  

Remember my veterinarian said that carnivore cats need to eat animal protein and that it should be the number one ingredient. 

I know it's hard to find cat food that has high animal protein so I would recommend shopping for limited ingredients. Shop for cat food that has no fillers’ corn, wheat, soy, peas, and potatoes.  Remember that less expensive cat food has corn that is the first ingredient and that corn is flavored to taste like chicken.