Featured pets....
The Cactus Cats...
as told by Jenny Burgess...
Early March 2013, I took an impassioned phone call from Geri and Bob who described their desperate situation of a mama cat and “lots” of kittens that would be left high and dry after she and her husband (gate guards at the oilfield) left the area. The area in question was between Carrizo Springs and Asherton, TX. Little did I know what I was getting into, but as the story unfolded it was obvious that this feline family were heading for terrible trouble. Geri explained, “She (mama cat) depends on us giving her food and water daily, and spends most of her time with her kittens. We will be leaving this area the end of this month and it breaks my heart to abandon her and her kittens.” I naively prompted her to ask neighbors if they’d take over the feeding not realizing there isn’t a building or structure as far as the eye could see!
The couple had trapped mama cat and five of the kittens the night before we arrived but they’d seen another kitten hiding in the excellent den mama cat had picked for them under a huge prickly pear cactus! Bob had started digging but the kitten kept retreating. While Lynda started in bottle-feeding, I used two of the kittens to try and encourage the remaining kitten to come out. Their mewing noises took effect quickly and he ventured out towards his buddies. I was able to reach down with a grabber stick (essential equipment when reaching into a cactus bush!). But… what was that noise? More mewing? Two more rushed up under me and my trusty grabber proved successful again. Needless to say, we searched high and low until we were sure there were no more kittens so the count ended at 8 kittens born to such a tiny mama. What a relief to know we were not leaving any behind to perish.
On the long ride home, Lynda continued her labor of love, feeding kitten after kitten and tweezing cactus spines from all over their tiny bodies. When we got home, mama cat (now named Carri) settled in to continue feeding and the little family have thrived. Carri has not become sociable so we are looking for a safe backyard, farm or ranch for her. The kittens are into the rambunctious play stage, eating like horses and ready for adoption just as soon as they are spayed/neutered in a week or two.
If you are interested in giving Carri an outdoor home or adopting one of these precious cactus kitties, email
rescue@gvtc.com or call 210-474-0083 and leave a message.
Come see our adoptable cats at PetSmart at Highway 281 and Evans Road. An adoption counselor is on duty 5-7 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Help support our work by donating
Animal Rescue Connections' Helpline:
210-474-0083 (leave a message)
Address: P.O. Box 239, Bulverde TX 78163
The RedRover Relief grants for emergency vet care provides funding, advice and other resources to thousands of applicants each year.
