There's not just cats who live at the boatyard

I've neglected to mention that in addition to the feral cats who live at the boatyard, there is Harry, an actual biped, who lives there year round. It is Harry's boat that the cats live under and where we store our supplies. It's hard to know what is true and what is myth about Harry. He lives on a boat that has never, nor will ever, been on the water. He seems to have lived there for many years, without running water, but he does have a heat source and keeps up on the news. He's sixty-three and must have some form of income, because I've seen him with cigarettes and a disposable camera.

He's quite the character, calls all the men Johnny and speaks to the ladies in a sing song voice so we'll bring him something, which we do. Every week I bring him a care package of soups and some other treats. He's not shy about telling me what he needs, this winter it was a coat and a backpack, and he's clear about what kind of cookies he likes. When I brought him a winter coat he complained that it was the wrong size so I've learned to do what I can for him but not to become his personal shopper.

On Sunday he was very excited, just having come back from Toronto Island on his bike, with a huge bag of cans.

This is the tortishell who we very rarely see and who unfortunately hasn't been spayed yet. We can't get anywhere near her - just hope I can trap her before she has kittens.

Another weekend at the yard

After almost a week away from feeding we were happy to get back and see our feral friends. The boatyard is busy now, people readying their vessels for the water. Clayton, whose stray cats we were feeding, is back from Jamaica, laden with rum and hot sauce. It still seems unclear as to whether we are still feeding Minsky and Ziggy or if Clayton is now. Apparently Ziggy's real name is Clyde.

Here I am with Jackson and Tina, saying hurry up and open the can.

Even feral cats like to bask in the sun.

Over at the pontoon, MC seems overwhelmed by the food choices.

Stumpy, who stills needs to be fixed (check out his intact ears), doesn't have the same problem. He (or she?) is happy to dig right in.

Oddly, we see less cats now that the weather is nice but I think that's just because of the increased activity.

Sam goes home

Well, it turns out that the black cat we caught was male so his name is Sam. Two days after he was trapped and neutered I picked him up at the vet and returned him to the place he knows as home. He raced out of the carrier as soon as I opened it. They always return to where the food is, though.

Poor Biff has had a cold for pretty much the whole winter. Hopefully the warmer weather will help him heal. I was happy to see him eating.

Here is MC looking around for her buddy Queenie. The yard has been much busier in the last week. With the weather warming up, people are preparing their boats for the season. The cats are certainly more skittish as a result.

Finally Queenie shows up, dirty, as usual but MC is just happy to see her.

I have to say a huge thank you to Global Pet Food on the Danforth. They've been incredibly generous with donations.

So in the last six weeks that's one female spayed and two males neutered, and many kittens prevented from being born into a harsh life. Time for a short break to replenish my bank account. Apparently it looks as though there will be a free spay/neuter clinic for ferals that may open as soon as this summer. How wonderful would that be! I'm crossing my fingers.