I was greeted by this this morning.
I know, Misty. Just one more day, okay?
This evening.
Cats are different from dogs in that while dogs follow humans and do not care so much about the environment, cats are very affected by the environment. Misty is totally okay with me in our porch, but look at her now.
Hey, Misty, it’s still me, okay? Don’t you remember me?
She’s too scared because the environment of the room is so foreign to her. I understand.
She also hides behind the headboard.
At the time of writing this, it’s just another 10 hours or so, Misty. You will be free soon.
I know I will miss having Creamy around when Misty is released. I think Misty will take back her spot in our porch and Creamy will not come anymore. But I am comforted that Creamy has another food source. Such is the CNRM-environment, we do not have total control anymore and we can only do our best. The bonus is that the animals are back where they belong and where they are most comfortable – their home.
Where they are born is where they belong.
Not every street animal will be comfortable inside a human’s house. We can try, but we should not force. Ultimately, I know it is a dilemma between the safety and the happiness of the animal, and there is no correct answer.
CNRM is a means to control the street animal population, but the neutered animal will be subject to some dangers on the street. But some animals are actually happier being free. Rehoming and adopting the animal ourselves will ensure the animal’s safety and wellbeing but it will create a vacuum on the street and another unneutered animal will take this place. And how many can we rehome, how many can we adopt?
My personal rule of thumb is: If it is an adult, I will neuter, return to colony and continue looking after. If it is a young animal, I will rehome or adopt the animal myself for the simple reason that a young animal might not be street-wise enough to survive outdoors. That is the best I can do with my limitations.