fiatlux

For around ten months now, I have been dutifully feeding two grown, near twins, Siamese-like cats that appeared in my backyard. Very handsome. Skittish seems to be their primary and overriding doctrine. Despite all the advice as to how to break them of their wild ways, the closest I have ever come to either is five feet. At this distance, I am unable to establish sexual orientation between these two lookalikes (or their nationality or political preference or their opinion on G****l W*****g).

Every attempt just to reach out or hold them in nearly a year has been frustrated. I give and they give nothing back. For all this time, effort, and generosity, I remain as much an enemy as all the predators in their world. If I managed to grab hold of one to pet or hold, it would most likely bite the hand that feds it to escape. And what is it escaping? Peace and safety for the rest of its life, plus room and board that will err on the side of luxury. Yet both resist such ease or really ever consider it.

Being Christian is feeding feral cats, in analogy. Being a feral cat is a metaphor of being "of the world." A Christian is to give their love, time, effort, life, and wealth freely, without thought of reciprocation or reward, to all those in this world--without being able to decipher who or what they are. Nothing in return is needed. Love is the purpose of t***h!

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

I have often done small favors for elderly people with out their knowledge and without talking about it to win approval from others. When I pick up that overturned trash can or mow that strip of grass I am feeding feral cats.

Alicia Loc: NYC

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I've read your previous posts and overlooked your la-la attitude,but this one is one I can't pass up.

I think you ought to learn a bit about the natural world. I find it interesting that you use the word "break" in attempting to change their attitude. Firstly, the word Catholic means to be worldly. Christian is a takeoff on the initial word.

There have been many, many posters who claim to be Christian who complain that it's alright to help others but not if they must contribute toward that goal.

Evidently you are getting something back or you wouldn't be feeding them. It is your good heart but why do expect a pay-back of allowing you to pet them. You are a means of support but, if you stopped feeding them, they would go elsewhere. Their entire purpose is survival. Why do you expect more from them as if they were capable of projecting a fantasy future. ok

I've always maintained that there is no true "altruism" in that in giving, one receives payment through their own satisfaction.

You may think you are being altruistic but, in your own words, they are not reacting in the manner you prefer. Is one action really based on the other?

Perhaps you should contact a professional who can advise you on how to gain the trust of these cats. It is possible and, not being a professional cat trainer, all I can suggest is leaving your door open while you are away from it. In addition, I would leave a trail of food leading just inside the door.

fiatlux

Very true, rock on.

fiatlux

Thank you. Great observations--and my point! There is true altruism and it has nothing whatsoever to do with feeding feral cats. I was going to add a paragraph about contacting a "professional" but believed it distracting from my point. (A "cat-whisperer" perhaps?)

All your objections to my piece are exactly what I wanted to hear and highlight.

Expecting any payback or reward in giving to those who are of the world is misguided, naive, and missing the mark. Any expectation on a return from giving makes that giving misplaced and a hindrance to true love of neighbor.

Christians, in a real love of neighbor, have no demands, expectations, or thoughts of reward. Though they may look foolish continually giving without any indication of recompense or even recognition, love demands in joy they continue.

Alicia Loc: NYC

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It is sad that so many so-called Christians do not believe as you. These are the ones that cry "victim." when they don't get their way. They stress the "Christian" rather than the "human." I apologize if I've insulted you.

fiatlux

No, thank you again. I was not clear initially; you produced the clarity. It is usually thankless and seemingly onerous and embarrassing to love as Christ commanded yet if it is not, we have missed the mark each day. It appears I can only mark success in the kingdom by how foolish I look in the world.

karpenter Loc: Headin' Fer Da Hills !!

No
Actually, Feeding Them Is NOT Helping Them
And Trying To Lure Them Into Your Home Is Down-Right Dangerous

Find An Animal Rescue That Doesn't Euthanize
They Will Trap Them And Give Them Proper Veterinary Services
(That's Why You Donate To Them, Right ??)
If They Can Be Rehabilitated (They May Just Be Abandoned Strays)
You Can Have Them Notify You For Their Adoption

That Is The Actual Correct Thing To Do

Now Continue With Your Rhapsody On Faux Christians

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

Sorry, I gave you a response on how to help the cats. You were talking about something totally different. I need to stay away from you, you are as confusing as another poster by the name of Rumitoid..... never could figure out what he was talking about either. I guess I am too literal, not your issue but mine. Again...sorry!!

Loki Loc: Georgia

After adopting 3 large dogs and 6 cats, I expect they have my harp and halo on order. (lol)

DamnYANKEE

They Taste like Chicken :-D :-D :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

DamnYANKEE

I H**E Cats . But they Do make Good Targets . And , Chewy toys for DOGS :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

If you can capture the cats and have the money take them to the vet and get them spayed/neutered and give them rabies shots before turning them loose. They are cats, and that is the nature of most cats if not socialized from day one. Cats that are house cats are still domesticated but not tamed. It is the nature of cats, to read anything else into it is often naive or foolish.

jer48 Loc: perris ca

It's called freedom

jer48 Loc: perris ca

the correct thing to do is leave them alone