This is how fast cats detect the absence of a CNRM-cat.
Gerald was inside our house for about two hours and another cat had already come to take his place in our porch. Imagine that.
That is why we keep saying, removing an animal from the colony will only invite another animal to come in to fill the space.
This is absolutely true when we moved to this neighbourhood 11 years ago. We brought all our seven cats over and the next day when we went back to the old house to collect some things, the whole street was filled with other cats!! Before that, for 6 years, Cow and Bunny guarded the entire street, one at each alley and no other cat dared to come in. But the moment we left, everyone moved in!
But to make ourselves clear here, we are not asking you not to adopt a street cat/dog. Please adopt, by all means, if you are able to adopt one and if the cat/dog wants to be adopted and to live indoors. But be prepared that when you remove one animal from the colony, another unneutered one will come and take their place. It’s their law. It’s how they operate. We are saying that when the authorities remove animals from a colony to the pound, they are not solving the problem. Other unneutered animals will just come in and fill up the vacuum. But haven’t we said enough about this?
Back to Gerald now…
So while Gerald was sitting next to me, I heard the sound of cat fight outside.
I quickly went out and saw Creamy engaging with another cat under a car right outside our porch.
By then, Gerald had already come to the door, waiting to go out.
I came in, took the gate remote control and went out to check and help Creamy. But Creamy did not need my help. Gerald came to the rescue of his friend and fellow CNRM-member.
Gerald chased this other cat down the road and he was fierce too.
This other cat, I think, is a female tabby with a very pretty face, but Gerald was not going to be friends. The two had a fight in a standing position as well.
I went after both of them to ensure they would be safe. There were cars going on the road.
After reaching about four houses down, I told Gerald that was far enough and to stop chasing that pretty little cat. What do you know, Gerald listened to me. Then I told him to follow me back home and he did!
So Gerald and I came home after that episode.
What a hero, right?
When we neared the house, I saw Creamy going to the park. Creamy is no fighter. He just wants to be alone in the park. That is where he is happiest.
Gerald entered through the door and was greeted by Tabs and Riley. I think Tabs likes Gerald. She has attempted to touch noses with Gerald too.
I guess everybody likes Gerald and Gerald likes everyone.
Samantha did not come out to greet Gerald, though. Where is she now? I don’t know. But she is definitely somewhere in the house. I think cats do a moving hide-and-seek. That is why you cannot find them. They don’t stay put in one hiding place. They move.
Our hero for the day, Gerald!