In this time of technological complexity, real connections seem more difficult but more important than ever. In this memoir, author Alwyn Moss describes the unexpected relationships of her and her neighbors in a rural retirement settlement with a colony of feral cats. With the aid of committed volunteers and animal professionals, the residents vision of harmonious coexistence becomes an amazing reality. The fear of wildness, so common in humans, is one of many obstacles the residents have to confront. Day by day, Moss and her friends come to know the cats as bright individuals and to accept them as worthy creatures who deserve to be cared for. Timid at first, the ferals slowly grow tamer as barriers of mutual mistrust are bridged and the shadow of mass euthanasiathe fate of so many feral animals in sheltersfades. So why should we care about creatures we dont own or control? Whats in it for us? The human-animal relationship beyond pet ownership has much to offer. As the dark image of ferality is replaced with experience and understanding, these cat ladies learn courage and independence and come to experience more aliveness and joy. Read how Fluffy, Grumpy, Pet Pet, and others enrich Mosss life and the lives of her dear friends.

When aspiring screenwriter Andrew Bloomfield moved into a bungalow in Southern California he soon discovered that he shared the property with a large colony of feral cats — untamed, uninterested in human touch, not purring pets in waiting. But after a midnight attack by predators that decimated yet another litter of kittens, Bloomfield decided to intervene. He began to name and nurse, feed and house, rescue and neuter. Drawing on his time living in Asia among spiritual teachers, he takes us on the contemplative, humorous, and poignant journey of saving these cats, only to find it was they who saved him by revealing a world of meaning beyond his unrealized Hollywood dreams.

"Finally, a book that deals with stray cats; a how-to guide to trapping and dealing with a stray cat. As a pet owner, animal lover and director of a humane organization that deals with stray cats every day, this book gives us one more tool to offer to people who want to help the thousands of strays that wander our streets. Bravo!" Joseph J. Sprague, Jr., Executive Director, Tree House Animal Foundation "Tamara Kreuz cares about the plight of stray and feral cats and gives practical ways to help them. Individuals and shelters can benefit from this book. If those who find stray animals can themselves set about to help by finding homes for domestic strays, or by creating safe havens for feral cats, this will make life a lot easier for shelter personnel, who are all too often overburdened by the number of animals they receive. We highly recommend The Stray Cat Handbook." Louise Holton and Becky Robinson, Co-founders, Alley Cat Allies: The National Feral Cat Network "This is a must read for those considering animal rescue work. The information and suggestions provided are first rate and are based on actual experiences." Linda A. Heller, Division Manager, Orange County Animal Services (Florida) A Howell Cat Book of Distinction

A heartfelt, funny memoir about how a kitten rescue project changed one cynic’s life… Journalist Heather Green was finally putting down roots: in shiny, buzzing Manhattan. She loved her work and threw herself into sixty-hour weeks—once walking into a subway pole, getting a concussion, and still going to the office. Her new boyfriend Matt lived across the river in a New Jersey town that had none of the glamour of New York. She liked Matt—a lot—yet she wasn’t sure what to make of weekends in gritty, dilapidated Union City. But things changed the summer morning Heather discovered a beautiful stray cat and her three black-and-white kittens in Matt’s neighbor’s backyard. When she made eye contact with one of the kittens, she felt something she’d never felt before. She and Matt had to save the little animals. Because if they didn’t, who would? The crazy world of cat rescue soon drew Heather in. As she and Matt worked together to figure out how to trap, tame, and find homes for their foundlings, she began to question the life she had back in Manhattan. This is the story of how three furry beings taught one woman about love, community, and what truly matters in life.

What do our pets do when they're not with us? Caroline Paul and Wendy MacNaughton used GPS, cat cameras, psychics, and the web to track the adventures of their beloved cat Tibia.

The story of a special feral cat and the love he shared with a little girl.

Feral cats need love, just as all cats do. Most have never known care, affection, or touch from a human. But, they can be tamed, and even become members of an indoor family, with a patient & loving game plan. Michael Gorman tells the stories of Squeaky and Hoover, two feral cats who eventually agreed to adopt him. Both now live happily and safely indoors. In addition to chronicling what is it took to gain their trust, perform a bit of cat training, and integrate them into the household, there is an ending summary of 10 Easy Steps that a cat lover can use to be adopted by a feral kitty that may walk into your life. Fun photos add to the stories. Kids will love this book, too.