Wherever humans reside in great numbers, especially at resorts/dorms, feral cats seem to follow. Firstly, the cats discover the vermin (rats, roaches) to live off of; secondly, human garbage often contains uneaten food cats like; lastly, people suck and many just throw their animals away. Over the years, I have watched the feral population around my timeshare evolve and see the staff’s reactions. Most cats live in the garage where the Facilities and Maintenance people care for them. This year I noticed they’ve got a few “trained” to roam about the towers/pool areas. They often congregate near the barbecue pits where people throw them scraps (and people say dogs are smarter). When we had our owners meeting, the rep told us the resort keeps the cat population to six but some guests keep kidnapping them due to how tame and well-behaved they are. I could see this since giving them treats in the morning became part of my daily routine. To help offset their expenses (the caretakers), I donated a bag of dry food and a twelve-pack of wet for when the cats are good.
I hope to see them again next year. Below is a little gallery of them.
Tux, he lives near the food in the garage.
Jefe lounging on the outgoing furniture. He likes to go into the maintenance offices and sleep on the managers’ desks.
Maud’Dib seems to be the Alpha of the tower cats.
The Reverend for his white patch. He’s relaxing on his favorite manhole cover at Tower 2.
Nien Nunb! Look at those jowls! How can you say he doesn’t resemble Lando’s co-pilot.
Cici was the only cat the housekeepers had a name for. He is the sweetest of the bunch. Always looking for treats, hovering outside the doors and he was the only one to speak when he saw me.