Sheri I live in Elkhart, KS and this cat was shot around 22 miles by highway from town. Closer as the crow flies. He was verified a cougar/cat and picked up by the wildlife dept. Said they plan to mount him in their office after all the necessary checks are performed. I do want to clarify a few things. The person who shot him tried to scare him away. He had killed at least one chicken I'm told and he wouldn't leave even when shot close to. He would just stare at him. The only thing that could make him move were the dogs. He didn't seem that scared of the people trying to scare him. I understand he would just growl. When they pulled the dogs back he would head to the chicken pen. So finally after all else failed they shot him. There have been reports of a few others around this spring. But this is the first confirmed. Which is a lot less than the two previous years. It seems once they get a taste of domestic animals it is hard to get them to stay away. The female that visited the Campo area two years ago with the cubs was the same way. I visited the NE NM area during the Memorial day weekend. My 88 y/o uncle talked about them. Understand they have saw an increase in that area also. A female and at least one baby was trapped in that area and relocated I believe two years ago. The one in the picture was a young male. Another problem now that maybe forcing some to look elsewhere along with an increase in numbers is outsiders are buying some of the ranches where populations have existed for years. The remote, rugged canyons on those big ranches were a perfect home for them. Now the new owners are concerned about trophy deer hunting so many are making efforts to eliminate the cats. They are either trapped or scared to the point where they start looking elsewhere. Whatever the reason there is an increase in confirmed sightings. The wildlife dept officials doubted this was a cat till they got there and seen them. What they forget is that many of the older men west of here and in NE NM like my uncle have seen more in their lives than they have. I understand it has basically removed the sense of security the lady had. Dawn knows all too well about that. I also know there have been some sightings that haven't been reported. And I don't blame them for not reporting. In NM and even CO to some extent if they relocate a cougar many times there isn't much ever said. Once the word gets out then the roads are filled with those hoping to see another. And those who criticize livestock owners for protecting their livestock. Jay

often the trunk will grow new leaves. also try cutting the trunk back & allow to air dry then take the piece of trunk lay on side & cover 1/2 with soil. as for the tip allow to air dry then apply 0.1% IBA (Rooting hormone) stick in well drained soil & mist. will form new roots.

You are all wonderful - thank you for your responses! This forum always amazes me. Bestyears - thanks for pointing out the hand feeding. I will do that for sure. I think one kitty is good for us with the dog but maybe once he passes, another kitty might be in order. I can see how people adopt mucltiple cats. They are so much easier than dogs. (But I adore my dog) :) Busybee - I did not know that about the purring. I hope she wasn't purring at the shelter because she was stressed although I am sure it is possible. She purrs when she eats and plays so I think that's a happy purr. Aunjen - how kind of you to adopt feral cats! I would want to love on them too. I agree that no matter her disposition, we will love her and it will be a rewarding relationship. Thank you. teacats - I will use all of your suggestions. Chijim - She is doing a lot better with my husband - I think it is going to be fine. I have had him feed her. He has taught her to drink water from the faucet. So, they're bonding. My 16 year old son is the next one who needs to feed her. Kiki - really good information - I am going to get her some treats today and start with the rewards immediately! It makes sense about the hands. She does let me pet her - when she's in the mood. I am really gentle with her and try to avoid sudden movements. I also pick her up when she lets me hoping that she will get used to it. I put her down right away once I sense she's had enough. HIIWTHI - more reassurance - thank you and thank you for the kind words. I'm glad I did too even if the adjustment takes a bit longer. There were beautiful cats at the shelter that had been there for 2 years. That would really be a tough adjustment! Thank you again. You have helped so much! Dawn

Unfortunately, I've had considerable difficulty integrating adult males into my existing clowder. In my experience, the cats most likely to display this sort of aggressive behavior are males who were neutered after reaching sexual maturity. My males who were neutered before 6 mos of age have rarely demonstrated a problematic degree of aggression toward other cats, though a couple of them can be aggressively playful. My guess is that your new boy was neutered late, after having developed tomcat behaviors. He may or may not mellow out any time soon, though it's too early to give up on him yet. When I integrate a potentially aggressive adult male into my pride, I put the aggressor into a kitty harness (NOT a collar) and light leash, and keep him leashed to me when he is at liberty in the household. I allow him to lead me around the house at his will, but the leash allows me to instantly stop any aggressive behavior toward any of the other cats. It doesn't take long for the harnessed cat to learn that aggressive behavior is not allowed. Once the aggressor is reliably minding his manners on-leash, I drop the leash and allow him to drag it behind him as he moves freely around the house. This is done strictly under my supervision so that I can make a quick grab for the leash if misbehavior ensues. If the newbie continues to integrate smoothly, I will remove the leash but keep the harness on the cat when he is at large in the house (again, to make it easier for me to grab him, if need be). If all remains peaceful, I will ultimately remove the harness, as well. This process may take hours, days, weeks, or months, depending on the individual cats involved. Until the integration is complete, the newbie is kept separated when not under my close supervision. Even if the integration is accomplished successfully so that there is no more significant aggression, Tucker may not ever trust the new boy to the extent of developing a close relationship with him ... or he may. It'll depend on how forgiving Tucker decides to be, how much he wants to cultivate this new potential friendship, and how successful you are at preventing any future aggressive attacks by the new boy. Laurie