I keep getting reminders in my in-box that October 16th is Natural Feral Cat Day. Events are planned nationwide with many areas opening up free spay and neuters on that day to try and curtail the ever-increasing number of stray cats in the United States.

These strays have the misfortune of being labeled “ferals.” I suppose, labeling is a way of trying to control something that is a bit out of our control. Similar to how the people displaced from their homes or kicked out of failing mental institutions are now called “homeless.” I have to wonder if putting such things under a classification makes them somehow easier to manage. Compartmentalizes them in some way? Who’s to know?

What I know is as I sit here in my living room at 4:00 a.m. while Mike is snoring away, I am surrounded by such cats and each makes me smile. I look across the room and I see the once “feral” kittens; Willow and Sullivan perched on top of the couch asleep. They are only a few inches apart, this brother and sister. They are identically poised and look like a pair of perfectly matched book-ends with their mackerel tabby pattern marching across the couch cover. Toad, also once labeled “feral” is lying on the top of the cat condo. Tandem is sleeping on my feet and Taylor and Reese are tucked in close to Mike- Taylor riding the waves of Mike’s snores snuggled down on his chest. McGee who is feeling much better after his recent experience is actively hunting spiders out of the cord of firewood brought in the night before. The spiders don’t stand a chance!

I think back to when these cats arrived- no place left for them as no one seemed to want them. That’s what CATS Inc., is all about. I take the cats others won’t. I remember the shape of them when they arrived, all of them. McGee left on a farm when a farmer lost his land due to foreclosure. Shut off into a pen with several other kitties in a remote part of the field- open to predators at any time. Reese, who was simply dismissed by her owner, stuffing her into a mailbox on a near abandoned scrap heap. The door of the box firmly closed on this little black kitten who was now an abandoned stray.

These cats had little choice but to become “feral” just to survive the terror of their reality. But “feral” can sometimes be a temporary time and is not always permanent.

These “once feral” kittens and cats challenge me on a daily basis. I have discovered that you can sleep comfortably reclined on a recliner with four cats on your lap. When two more join in, the chest gets a bit heavy, but it can be done. When two or three more join the party, the chair magically un-reclines and you and kitties find yourself on the carpet.

I have found that if you ignore the hissing, swatting and growling of a terrified kitty when he first arrives in your home and you don’t expect instant kitty gratification- the kitten will relax quicker and bond faster than if you forced him to do lap duty so you can pet him on a daily basis.

I have established that “feral” cats can be quite relentless when they are pursuing pettings and chin rubs, once they discover what a wonderful feeling it is to be touched with respect and love. They will become socialized, they will NEVER be tamed.

I have discovered how loving and wonderful these cats can be, when you work with them instead of against them.

So, do I need a reminder in my emails that October 16th is National Feral Cat Day? No- because for me, I celebrate these cats 365 days a year and will continue to do so until God calls me home.