IS this even a farm? Canesister's 2026

[fuzzi]

WOAH -- get this -- DH said we could now have a barn cat --- because we now have the annex barn and I had "windows" put on the ends of the barn for ventilation - those "windows" have bars over them that would let the cat(s) get in and out and have a safe place to retreat to when needed! Never had barn cats -- time to make something to keep a newbie in so it learns this is "home".

Road trip to @canesisters to pick up kitties!

 

[canesisters]

Road trip to @canesisters to pick up kitties!

YES!!!!!!!

 

[RR Homestead]

We've TNR here for decades. On average we only see the cats a few times and they are gone. Sometimes we see carcasses on the road but I suspect most are taken out by traveling and getting into trouble with the coyotes. It's why we've tried so hard to find as many homes as possible. We still TNR because it prevents the spread but it's sad and frustrating to continue to put the time, effort and expense in just for them to be gone soon after. We've had many barn cats over the years and they are fantastic to have but few stay away from the now deadly road. We stopped after the last two who lived nice long lives and mostly stayed away from the road. We'd get after them when we'd see them heading for the road so they learned that was the wrong way. We stopped even trying having barn cats here after them. Just not worth the heartache of the road. We're planning on trying to have some at our new place.

 

[fuzzi]

YES!!!!!!!

I know @SageHill will love your kittens.

 

[SageHill]

That's a LONG road trip!

 

[Baymule]

I don't have cats, but I see them from time to time. They don't last long around here. I call them coyote snacks.

 

[canesisters]

My mower is kaput. Or... at least, it doesn't want to start. A week of rain & lovely warm humid weather has the grass visibly growing each day. Eva is enjoying it, but it's quickly getting to be well over my ankles & heading for my knees.
IF I can get the grass down to reasonable levels, it's time to get a few veggies in the ground. Planting before June is almost always a mistake here. We can be guaranteed several cold nights before then.
Trudy had been MIA for several days & I was fearing the worst. The food was disappearing... but that could be going into just about any passing critter. Yesterday she not only showed up, but came almost within reach. She was meowing a lot. Those babies are putting a strain on her & she was HUNGRY. I've doubled the food & have seen the same 2 kittens 2x now. She has a spay appt on the 25th. My friend is back in town & we're meeting tomorrow. She needs to make some decisions about the babies & make arrangements to pay for Trudy's spay & rabies before she is moved to my barn.
A friend gave me a whole trash bag of broccoli!!! Has anyone canned it??? For use in casseroles or soups????

 

[Ridgetop]

I don't can broccoli, I blanch it and freeze it. I like the taste better that way.

As to the kittens, see if you can put the cat food into a live trap and catch the babies with Trudy.

 

[fuzzi]

In case you didn't know...clip the trap door open so it cannot close, and feed cat food at the back. It gets them comfortable going in. When I'm ready to trap I remove the clip (carabiner, ziptie) and put a slightly opened can of tuna fish in the back.

 

[canesisters]

Yep, I've been feeding her in the trap for a while.
They have no trouble going in.
Problem is.... they don't rush in together. Trudy goes right in, while I'm still there. The torti, as soon as I get back a safe distance. Then the orange a minute or so later.
I have a 2nd trap & will probably set them both the night I need to get Trudy for her spay & move.
We'll make a plan today about what she wants to do with the kittens.