OCTOBER 26, 2023 🐾 TRAPPING & RAINBOW REPORTS 🐾

BLACK PANTHER CAPTURED ON CUMBRE

Trapper Report

For over a year, one of our devoted caregivers had been attempting to capture a beautiful and extremely friendly black male CumbreCat named Panther in the Monte Cala zone. Despite numerous efforts, every strategy proved unsuccessful. Even when we tried to acclimate him to eating in a deactivated trap, Panther remained elusive. Other cats would wander into the trap, but Panther never did.

Given that the caregiver could pet him, she decided to employ a homemade drop-trap to catch him. However, Panther was always cautious and circumspect whenever he spotted this contraption, skilfully evading it. Frustrated but determined, she reached out to me for assistance. 

The breakthrough finally came when he wandered into her flat one morning, and she swiftly closed all the windows and doors, leaving Panther in a state of heightened stress. He attempted to flee through the bathroom windows, only to discover they were also closed, and the caregiver managed to lock him inside the bathroom.

The situation was delicate because Panther had never shown a willingness to eat in a trap. Our only option was to use the drop-trap. With Panther growling and hissing as I entered the bathroom, I approached cautiously, taking one step at a time. As he attempted to escape, he leaped into the bathtub, providing the opportunity to lower the trap over him. I immediately called the caregiver, and with her assistance, we placed him into a metal transport box. It was a stroke of luck.

Our compassionate caregiver then took on the responsibility of driving Panther to the veterinarian, Veronica. She handled the cat's pickup, ensured he had time to recover in a peaceful environment, and released him in the evening. Our caregiver, the true cat whisperer, saved the day! 🐾😺💫

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LONE MALE TRAPPER STRIKES AGAIN!


Once again, our lone male member of the trapping squad proved his skills in the Lirios area. After a few months of not handling a trap, he showed he hadn't lost his touch. His first attempt was a triumph as he identified a 6-month-old CumbreCat ready for neutering. Our adept trapper effortlessly set up the trap, captured the young feline, transported him to the vet, retrieved him post-surgery, ensured a watchful recovery, and finally set him free. Hats off to our successful man of action in Lirios! 


In the heart of Pueblo de la Paz, tragedy struck once more in the form of a hit-and-run accident. Providentially, a compassionate neighbourhood resident stumbled upon a white and brown tabby cat, sans a picture to capture its essence. The cat was in dire straits, grievously injured, bleeding, and wailing in pain. The resident's heart overflowed with concern, urgently attempting to reach our veterinarian, though the late hour posed a challenge.

Finally, the Vet clinic in Benissa answered the desperate call, and without hesitation, the resident and her partner embarked on a journey of compassion, transporting the injured feline to Benissa. Their unwavering dedication to these precious creatures is truly remarkable, a testament to their profound love for cats.

The veterinarian, determined to save the cat's life, planned for an operation the following morning. However, tragedy struck in the dark of night, as the cat passed away, leaving a void of sorrow in its wake.

In this tale of heartache and resilience, the kind-hearted resident not only bore a portion of the medical expenses but also sought support from the townhall's cat charity, Gatos Felices, which graciously reimbursed the incurred costs. It is with immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation that we extend our deepest thanks to this exceptional resident, whose boundless love and generosity illuminated a path of hope in the midst of darkness.


Once again, a heartless hit-and-run incident claimed the life of an innocent white CumbreCat with a brown-tipped tail, this time in the Panorama zone. However, amidst this tragedy, a compassionate neighbour emerged as a guardian angel for the little feline.

Moved by empathy, this caring neighbour carefully lifted the precious cat from the unforgiving street and immediately contacted Arturo from the Townhall. Despite the day being a Saturday, Arturo responded with swiftness and compassion, ensuring the gentle soul was taken for a dignified and respectful cremation.

This is a poignant tale from our trapper in the Pueblo de la Luz zone, a story that tugs at the heartstrings.

A few short years ago, a loving mother cat chose our shed as the birthplace for her litter of three. Tragically, one of her kittens never returned after an outing with the family, and another of the remaining two came back one day, bearing grievous wounds to its neck, face, and ear. Veronica, our compassionate veterinarian, considered it a miracle that the little cat survived these injuries. We lovingly dubbed her Tina Bailarina. 

When I inquired with Veronica about the possibility of sterilizing Tina Bailarina, she deemed it irresponsible during or immediately following her extensive surgeries. Tina Bailarina decided to carve out her life in the valley, visiting us every two or three days for a meal. Regrettably, my attempts to trap her were in vain, while her mother and brother were successfully trapped and neutered. 

A few weeks ago, Tina began to visit nearly every day and even sought refuge under a couch in my office. I initially thought she might be wounded again, but to my surprise, I discovered she was pregnant. Despite my repeated efforts to secure her in a trap, Tina remained elusive. Realizing she was in our house and garden most of the time, I prepared several nesting spaces for her. Then, on a heart-wrenching Friday and Saturday, Tina began to cry, and her wails persisted. It became evident that the kittens were not emerging.

In her final moments, I was able to gently touch and stroke Tina. It was clear that the kittens were not going to arrive as expected. I provided her with a shelter in the garden, which she accepted, and I sat by her side, comforting her with soothing words until her last breath. I believe she returned home to give birth or sensed that something wasn't right, choosing to pass away in a place of safety. 

Arturo from the town hall kindly came to collect her, and it has taken me some time to find the words to express my sorrow. My heart aches as I bid farewell to the dear Tina Bailarina. May she rest in peace.

***

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