As a cat I live an interesting life
I’m not as lazy as humans seem to think
But that might just be because I live outside
In a world fraught with danger
There is a reason many of us are up at night
Humans are usually asleep when it’s dark
And with less vehicles driving around
We’re not as likely to be hurt
If I were to get hurt I’d be in big trouble
I’ve got nobody to take care of me
Because I’m just another stray on the street
Nobody is going to have me looked at
It’s a beautiful world that I live in
Full of freedom to do whatever I choose
Life is dangerous for a cat though
So I’ve got to be careful how I enjoy it
Maybe someday I’ll find a permanent home
A place I won’t be chased away from
Living in the yard would be good enough for me
As long as I’m wanted and loved
- By David.
This beautiful poem is written by David, a big friend of mine. He’s also a big cat lover, and his poems are always beautiful! He’s a really nice, with the heart on the right place, just like a kitty..!
The poem itself? It really did get me thinking about what stray animals have to go through, which is something I’ve never given a whole lot of thought before. They truly do live tough lives. We do a lot for our pets, but only if we’re responsible, loving owners. Animals in abusive situations, or unhealthy situations just might be better of as strays, as sad as that sounds. The topic is certainly food for thought. – David
There are so many organisations in the world who try to raise awareness about stray cats. I have huge respect for those organisation, who are trying their very best to save those cats, to neuter them, and give them a good dose of love. And even help kittens that are young enough to get them socialized and adopted. But why do stray cats need your help? Left unaltered, free-roaming cats continue to reproduce creating more homeless kittens. According to scientific studies, free-roaming cats gain weight and live healthier lives after being altered. By limiting free-roaming cat populations, fewer unwanted and homeless cats are taken to shelters and euthanized.
Organisation you can donate to are:
Stray Cat Alliance
Feral Cat Project
Psst, why don’t you check out his Deviantart too?
Picture by catpictures5.blogspot.nl
We had a fabulous stray who used to come to our yard sometimes. He was utterly wild. All my cats were terrified of him. He never let anyone touch him. But he turned up every now and again for several years. He knew he’d get fed. And if he had an injury, I used to sneak some antibiotics into the food. Then he’d just sit in the yard for a while. Never knew when he’d arrive, but I always knew one day he’d be gone forever. I think he’s gone forever.
Awe, that’s sad. Maybe he did know he’d get fed when he was in your yard. Maybe he did feel at home there a little bit? Sounds like he at least had someone who’d take care of him. I hope he’s still alive and will come back to your yard one day.
We had a cat who used to come when hungry, my father is also a cat lover and we used to provide food everytime she used to come. Ultimately that was our first pet cat.
The poem is heartwarming and sad, but that is the truth too. Sad truth indeed. Warm wishes to the poet describing the strays we often see who are alone but not always lonely. Thanks for sharing. Rgds
When they find out where to find food, they will usually come back to that place. We don’t have much strays here — thank god for those kitties –, but it’s time we raise awareness for those homeless cats.
Thank you very much!
We have three rescue cats and recently took in a stray that had been hanging around for about the past 3-4 years. He comes and goes as he pleases even though we have to let him in and out by the door. (there’s no cat flap as our other three are house cats) He also has no idea about the litter box so he does his business outside. I make sure he’s in at night and he’s more of a lapcat than the other three! He’s very loving and enjoys sleeping on the bed with us. He wasn’t too happy about going to the vet though!
I don’t think there are much cats who are happy to go to the vet!
So he’s a free cat, but is able to have a roof above his head, and with a lap to nap on. That’s so sweet! I think you’re doing a perfect job!
Thanks so much for helping to raise awareness for the plight of strays and ferals everywhere… Our home is filled with rescues, and we’ve been TNRing strays/ferals in our community. (I have no words for the humans who abandoned them.) I recently lost a few, and it hurt me as much as if I lost my own babies — each being with its own heart, its own personality. Tremendous thanks to all of the individuals and organizations caring for these guys, through rain and shine, and against ignorant protest…
Your comment is heart warming, Feygirl! I have huge, HUGE respect for people and organisations who try to rescue ferals/stray cats. Who offer them a roof above their head, a bowl to eat out, and a pillow to sleep on. Even though they’re not in an organisation, but people like you. People who know what they’re doing. Losing a pet is always difficult, everyone experiences it different. But the pain and the loss will always stay.
I love this. The sanctuary I volunteer at take in as many stray cats as they can – we have a boy with us now (Gandalf) who was found in the street, partially sighted and terrified. Now he sleeps in the house (even if he won’t have cuddles!) and he’s going to have one of his eyes fixed soon. He’s wonderful and deserves so much love.
The poem is gorgeous, too.
Awe, how come he is partially sighted?
I love the poem, it makes very clear where stray cats have to go through, and I feel so sorry for them. When we were in Turkey last year, I’ve seen lots of strays begging for food, and I saw how people kicked them, I can’t understand how people can be so cruel, it breakes my heart.
It IS heartbreaking. Those cats can’t help it they’re living outside, and they’re trying everything to survive the harsh world they live in.
That’s a beautiful poem, and it really makes us reflect on the lives of stray cats and dogs.
Nini was a stray kitten too when we adopted her on a cold wet night. It was during the monsoon season and we believe that the heavy rains caused her to develop chronic flu which lasted throughout the rest of her life. She used to shiver whenever it rained… i guess the lightning and thunder reminded her of her childhood days out in the field without shelter. Our neighborhood has plenty of stray cats. And it’s nice to see that every evening, people place huge portions of cat food to feed them. The cats also get snuggles too. 
It would be nice though, if they too had a warm place to rest in the night..
I guess it shows that cats have memories too, and remember things just like we humans?
Awe, and that’s a sweet thing to do!
Our pampered pussies often bring home neighbourhood cats for a party!
We have lots of stray cats here Dianda
Send some my way, Bassa. I’ll take care of them!