Cats and humans have enjoyed a close friendship for almost 10,000 years – a cross-species bond widely considered the closest in the animal kingdom.
In the neolithic era, cats would be buried alongside their human companions in death. The Prophet Muhammad cherished his favourite feline, Muezza, and consequently cats are held in high esteem in the Islamic faith. Ancient Egyptians were in awe of cats, depicting them in paintings and sculptures. In Belgium, a yearly parade, Kattenstoet, or Festival Of The Cats, is dedicated to cats. (I plan on attending someday.)
At Toronto Animal Services, however, there’s been a sharp break from that cat-loving tradition. I found this out recently when I asked the association for help with a feral cat living in my backyard. The animal had been involved in a nasty tangle with some raccoons, who tore apart his leg.
It was still sub-zero temperatures out, so my wife and I built a hut for the little guy to recover in. But soon it had been invaded by the raccoons, and my feral friend was left more homeless than before.
This was all very funny to the TAS staffer who mocked us when we phoned for advice. “We need to help this injured cat in our backyard,” I said. “Oh yeah? How do you plan to do that?” he asked sarcastically. He didn’t give us so much as a clue what to do. I’ve since figured out where I can take the cat to get cared for and neutered, no thanks to TAS.
It should be obvious by now that I care about these creatures. I do realize feral cats are considered lowly critters and a nuisance to the city. (There are anywhere from 100,000 to 250,000 such animals in Toronto.) I know they’e not people.
But as wild and unsociable as feral cats are, they’re a step up from the guy who answered the phone at TAS.
Whatever your views on animal welfare, it’s next to impossible to look out your window at a starving, frozen, battered and bleeding cat and not do anything to help it. That is a rare form of ruthlessness.
Through this experience, though, I’ve gained the utmost appreciation for the many volunteer-run organizations like Annex Cat Rescue and the thousands of people helping ferals survive. I’ve also taken up the cause for the city to fund low-cost spay and neuter clinics – truly the only solution.
joshuae@nowtoronto.com
