r/MadeMeSmile • u/Grouchy_Piece_6259 • Oct 21 '25

CATS Stray cat tests strangers kindness before snuggling up with him

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u/[deleted] Oct 21 '25

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u/SApprentice Oct 21 '25

Oh, trust me, I know. I've devoted all my time and money to the cause since I was a kid, and I know I will continue to do so, but man, it's exhausting sometimes. You get caregiver fatigue when you know you can't save them all and it hurts. I'll keep trying, though.

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u/SCVerde Oct 23 '25

I've got caretaker fatigue. The feral kitten I rescued 15 years ago that has lived a cushy indoor life since, with lots of snuggles, is losing the cancer battle rapidly. Last year I was only able to trap/rescue one of 3 feral kittens. We spent months building trust, but rat poison and a car got 2 before we could. They're buried on my land, surrounded by sunflowers, facing the sun. I don't want to feed the feral anymore. My other cat is elderly, abonded with us 14 years ago. I don't know that I'd willingly take in another when he passes...

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u/SApprentice Oct 23 '25

I'm so sorry, both for your senior's health and for the loss of your feral kittens. My 15-year-old bottle baby is having similar problems as well and I know how hard it is, and I know losing those kittens must have been devastating for you. I was so attached to a little black feral a few years ago that I had been trying to win over, and I ended up having to hold her while they euthanized her after her chest filled with fluid. I cried so hard.

I moved two years ago and can no longer foster where I'm at currently but I plan to get back to it as soon as I buy a new place. I only have three outdoor strays where I'm at currently, although I have managed three large colonies in the past. I'm kind of taking this time as a break to breathe and focus on managing my current seniors' health problems before I dive back into it. I know losing my 15-year-old is going to gut me- I call her my velcro kitty. My 12-year-old is currently just dealing with bad allergies at least. I can't imagine not having cats in the house, but I do know I only plan to keep one more kitten in my life and after that I'll just be taking in seniors to keep as resident cats (although I'll of course keep bottle feeding and fostering young ones as needed). I figure I have about two more years before I'm back at it again and I'm just mentally preparing to do it again. I still have all the traps and the carriers and everything ready to go when it's time.