IN LOVING MEMORY OF HERSHEY
Georgina Feral Cat Committee are known, mostly, for the work they do with feral cats: trapping, spay/neuter, treat illnesses and injuries, foster, rehabilitate, and rehome kittens, and feed and monitor entire colonies. Although this is their primary focus, the committee also looks out for abandoned, neglected, and often-times abused, street cats.
Kit Kat is one of those cases, and a tail of how the community came together to ensure the safety, and wellbeing of their cats.
When the head of our local Military Museum received a call from someone stating they had seen six kittens running around the property, he and his wife drove there immediately. The couple found five of the kittens. One of their volunteers is also a volunteer with GFCC, so, the couple reached out to her for advice and assistance.
Georgina Feral Cat Committee found a foster parent, who went and collected the kittens. No one knows who made the initial call, but tips like this from the community are much appreciated.
The kittens were too young to be on their own, so members of the committee suspected the “sixth kitten” was, in fact, the mom. Founder Eva states:
I went over the next evening and saw a cat run off. We had volunteers going to feed. I went back the following evening and baited the trap. We sat in the car waiting, and before too long we trapped a cat. We didn’t know anything about here, but since she was a grey tabby, the same as the kittens, I suspected she was the mom. I took her over to the foster’s home, and we soon determined that she was not feral and was indeed the mom.
A couple of days later, Eva received a call from the local animal shelter. Someone had found the actual sixth kitten at the military museum.
They knew we had the rest of the family and asked if we wanted this kitten too. Of course, we did. We were able to reunite the little family.
The kittens were nicknamed ‘The Chocolate Kittens,’ and all received chocolate bar names.
Sadly, Hershey recently became ill. He was taken to the vet and given medication. His foster mom believed he was not improving; in fact, he was getting worse, so he went back to the vet that afternoon. Eva was in the vicinity of the clinic when the vet called, so she stopped by the office.
Little Hershey was looking good – running around exploring the exam room
The vet gave Hershey new meds, but he was not acting ill. Foster mom even reported that he was nursing from his mom and seemed to be doing okay. The next morning, she was heartbroken to discover that he passed.
The reality of the situation is that there would likely have been more tragedy for this little family if the community had not been there for them. The loss of Hershey is sad; it is upsetting to lose one of these precious beings. The work done by Georgina Feral Cat Committee makes a positive difference for many more.
Thank you to the committee for your dedication to the cats within our community,
I am always in awe of these kind souls who care for the feral cats that are ignored by too many. These caretakers do so much to help end suffering, the abuse they sometimes are subjected to is really sad. To be honest it makes me furious.
It can definitely be frustrating/infuriating. Knowing how many people are trying to make a difference, helps.
I am so sorry to read about Hershey but in his short life he was loved. People that rescue are heroes in my eyes and so are the people that foster – they do such amazing work tirelessly and all deserve awards.
I am so happy to have read that Mom was caught and that the rest of the chocolate kittens are doing well.
Thank you for sharing this story
Ruth Epstein recently posted…Weekend has arrived and Give Away time
Thank you, Ruth. As a foster parent, I believe the reward comes in seeing our fosters find loving, forever homes.
I give people who do rescue so much credit. It takes tenacity and strong composition to do it consistently. I wish I was one of those people. I do what I can by donating and spreading the word.
Lola The Rescued Cat recently posted…Lola on the Road: Orlando Cat Cafe (Clermont, FL)
Spreading the word – generating awareness is equally important! Thank you!
The Chocolate Bar kittens are so precious. I really admire the community looking out for these animals and all those that do TNR and rescue to save lives. So sorry to hear about Hershey. 🙁 It’s really hard to form a bond and then have the unexpected happen. Bless those that help to give animals a second chance at a happy more comfortable life. I for one am happy I’ve taken up fostering to help in any way I can too.
Fostering is one of the most important aspects of rescue – thank you, Kamira!
The courage of those on the front line of rescue is never EVER acknowledge enough by anyone.
TNR is vital. Cats are in terrible situations due to humans we WE need to put it right. These kittens are so lucky and we owe a massive debt to the rescuers and fosters.
The Dash Kitten Crew recently posted…Celebrating Cat Close-Ups
Hershey’s loss was felt by everyone in the group. I wrote the piece to remind them of the important work they do. Thank you for recognizing the importance of their efforts.
Aww, they are so adorable. And so lucky.
Jana Rade recently posted…Symptoms: Recognition, Acknowledgement, And Denial
Yes.
I’m glad that most of the kittens and mom will have the opportunity to thrive because of their rescuers. They are adorable. I’m sorry Hershey didn’t make it. TNR is important work.
Emilia recently posted…Cheap or Free Puzzles to Enrich Your Cat’s Life
Thank you, Emilia.
How wonderful the community was willing to help with the feral kittens and mom. I don’t think we have as supportive of a community where I live.
Maybe you could share this story; and, hopefully inspire some individuals in your community!?
The kittens are adorable! And such great photos. I’m in awe of so many volunteers that helped these beautiful kittens – something that not enough people take the time to do. If the mother was not feral was her owner ever found? I hope she was spayed. I’m so sorry to hear about Hershey.
Sandy Kubillus recently posted…Our pets are often our “canaries in a coal mine”
Hi, Sandy. Mama has been spayed. Sadly, it seems she had been abandoned by her owners and left to fend for herself (and her kittens).
Your photos are so beautiful! I am grateful that your community is there for the cats. It is a shame about Hershey, but I am glad that the rest of the kittens have a chance for a wonderful life.
Beth recently posted…Engagement Photos with Dogs: Inspiration and Tips
Thank you, Beth. I hope to be able to share a photo-session on your site, in future!
Oh, my, the Chocolate Bar Kittens are so beautiful…and very lucky to have wonderful people help them. I love their names! Having adopted an abandoned neighborhood cat and caring for a feral, I am always stunned at how cats are so abandoned. Makes me very sad. I am so sorry to read Hershey did not make it, but glad he knew love for his short little life. Bless the hearts of the amazing folks who rescue and care for those animals who are abandoned.
Thank you, Dorothy, for adopting an abandoned neighborhood cat and caring for a feral!
Aww.. I love all of these beautiful pictures of the “Chocolate Kittens”. That is great that there are some people being kind and caring for feral cats in need. Sorry to hear about poor Hershey.
Dachshund Station recently posted…Collectible Dachshund Figurines
Thank you xx
They are super cute!
BCP Veterinary Pharmacy recently posted…REFILL THE EASY WAY!
Aw look at these beautiful babies! I love feral cats and kittens, they need a special kind of love!
Tara recently posted…4 Best Flea Shampoos for Cats
They absolutely do. It’s incredibly satisfying to see them come around and respond to that love.