By TerrieLynn Bach
In early July, Bastrop C.A.T.S. was alerted to a situation in Cedar Creek about two small kittens who had lost their mom and siblings. The homeowner of the property where they were found is very allergic to cats and was unable to handle the kittens or bring them inside but could only provide wet food for them outside. As a result, these two kittens were not very tame. One of our fabulous volunteers trapped these two, and took them to be neutered and vaccinated.
It just so happened that about this time, a lady in Smithville was looking for a pair of barn kitties to raise as a part of their family, but with a working purpose. She needed Vermin Patrol in her horse barn! Keeping mice out of the horse’s feed is important on a horse ranch!
It was a match! These two went to their new home where they were crated and closed into the barn with their new horse and cow friends. It’s important to acclimate any barn kitties to their new home for 3-4 weeks; otherwise, if they are just released into this new and strange environment, they would run away in terror and confusion. (Read more about acclimating cats to their new role as vermin patrol: Barn Cat Acclimation Guide.)
Bastrop C.A.T.S. is happy to report that Milo and Felix are thriving in their new home, and they have bonded with their new cow and horse friends!
August 6th was their first open-crate day. The best part is that, immediately, Felix caught his first mouse! What a wonderful outcome for these two brothers. They have now officially graduated to Vermin Patrol Officers!