Lost Cat - Dean St.

dailyheights · January 2011

It's definitely lost pet week. @Herrick just posted this on sister site Daily Heights:

Did u lose a white and brown tabby cat? As of 3 pm he was on front of 590 dean st. He’s still there at 7pm. I fed him but cannot take him home.

This was yesterday, and just now reposting on Brooklynian... so not sure of cat status. Will check with Herrick.

caseopele · January 2011

They couldn't put the cat in their bathroom for a couple days? The weather is deadly to feral cats never mind a house cat with no winter coat. Hope this poor cat was picked up by someone who actually cares.

dailyheights · January 2011

OY. Isn't that a little judgmental of somebody trying to help? OK, maybe so I'm judgmental for saying so. But didn't Herrick at least post about it? I was back and forth with Herrick over at least 5 emails trying to help him post this because of an account issue. Also, I would assume that "I cannot take him home" is not "because I don't feel like it." I suspect it has to do with an allergy, a spouse or SO who can't deal with cats, or some other very legitimate reason. Sorry if this is coming out harsh but I think Herrick is just trying to help.

dailyheights · January 2011

Also, I'm having trouble imagining a cat photo exuding more cuteness.

caseopele · January 2011

There are tons of people who want to "help" as long as it doesn't inconvenience them. Posting about the cat is very nice but taking the cat in would have actually saved the cat. It's not hard to keep a cat in your bathroom for a couple days. I've done it countless times, many other people have done it as well. That picture is adorable but all I think of when I look at it is how cold it was last night, tonight will be worse with all the rain turning into ice. Feral cats that have spent their lives outside die during the winter and they have thick winter coats. That cat is a house cat and has no winter coat, imagine spending tonight outside wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. Who knows the last time the cat ate?

I'm sorry if I'm being harsh but I rescue cats and take care of several feral cat colonies. We have winter shelters and feeding stations set up for our guys and it's still no guarantee they'll survive. I've also dealt with people who want to "help" before, they have no problem with me taking yet another cat into my home but it's just "not possible" for them to do it. The bottom line is this person left a friendly house cat on the street in the winter, that's not helping.

herrick · January 2011

Case,

Thanks for your concern and your immediate assumption that I didn't want to help. For the record, get off your high horse.

You knew exactly where the cat was and could have gone to rescue it yourself in the time it took you to write the above. My reasons for not taking in the cat (I did feed it) are many. 1) I have 2 16 year old cats who already have some medical issues and aside from the psych stress of bringing another cat into the house, I fear that any illness or fight might mean the DEATH of one of my pets. (Yes even behind a bathroom door) 2) I flew to vegas yesterday at 7am even before HOPE vet was open and if I had seen the cat I was prepared to take it to HOPE. 3) he was in front of someone else's house and I was hopeful that his owner might find him. LIfe is hard on cats and people. Insulting people's attempts at charity is no way to ensure future acts of kindness. Good luck to you in your endeavors.

domino · January 2011

Herrick - do not let one person's negativity impact your decision to be kind. Even the smallest kindness is appreciated by those in dire need. I can understand Case's frustration at the treatment some animals receive, you are trying to help this little guy - do not be discouraged. I can only hope that someone else can get there and possibly take him in.

MOD · January 2011

Give Caseo some slack, she's one handedly saved many dogs and cats lives through her volunteer work. I can understand the frustration of seeing so many abandoned animals and people talking about it, but no one stepping up to the bat.

Herrick, thanks for at least posting. PLEASE, send out the call to your neighbors and friends. This cat looks domesticated. If you can catch it and keep it for a little while, then there are many resources to place this cat in an adoptive home till it's owners are found or till it is placed in a permanent home. Check the pets board "sticky"

caseopele · January 2011

Herrick, I saw this post late last night after feeding my many ferals and rescue cats in my home (a lot more than 2, of varying ages). I do way more than my fair share of rescuing cats so there's no way I could go rescue that cat. I have no money for myself, I don't travel, don't ever get a vacation, haven't gone to the movies or to anything in years, or bought myself something that didn't come from the dollar/thrift store. That's my choice, I choose to spend all my money and time rescuing cats because it's what I need to do. It's the animals I care about, people can deal with their own problems. I really do hope that someone found the cat and took it inside.

If my opinion deters you from "helping" animals in the future I think that says something about your character.

booklaw · January 2011

Caseo, your concern for animals is admirable. Your rudeness to humans is nevertheless unfortunate. Rude fundraisers find their efforts unsuccessful. No matter how much I may care about animals, I'm not going to donate to their caretaker if I find that person distasteful.

dailyheights · January 2011

Damn. I thought we were heading toward a big Group Hug. Please... won't someone think of the kitties??

caseopele · January 2011

I'm rude? Because I didn't praise someone for leaving a house cat with no winter coat outside on the street in freezing conditions? Posting about the cat only makes the person feel good, makes them feel better. Taking the cat in is actually helping. I'm sorry I've offended you but I'd rather be considered rude while actually helping animals. This is why I stopped posting here, the people that pat themselves on the back for doing absolutely nothing. I should have stayed away, I don't have the stomach to watch more animals being "helped".

Mama, thanks for understanding. It gets really frustrating being one of the people expected to step up and help, take yet another cat in when you have too many already. Seeing idiots dump their cats on the street or at the kill shelter because they refuse to be inconvenienced in the slightest bit. I'm beginning to understand why rescuers start hating people, maybe I'm burning out.

domino · January 2011

Case - you are definitely burning out and you are denying yourself a respite. Please take care of yourself so that you can continue your work with the kitties. Although I can understand your frustration, this poor soul was just reaching out to see if someone lost the little guy. The cat looks too friendly (and clean) to be a feral.

Although I do not care for the people who think they are saving the animal planet by donating $18 a month to a bloated organization (where much of the money goes to administrative costs) it is still better than total apathy.

Lost Cat - Dean St.

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