Need immediate advice on cat

[CJ2008]

Thank you for your kind words. But Gypsy I REMEMBERED I knew it every time I didn't do it.

I am upset with myself.

I wish I had just forgotten I would still feel guilty but not in the same way.

 

[LaylaR]

I know. But seriously, it is highly unlikely anything irreversible happens. ((HUGS))

 

[CJ2008]

OK.

Thanks.

I know you have a lot more experience than I do.

ETA I missed sending ((((hugs)))) back to you.

 

[CJ2008]

My little girl sounds congested.

 

[ecf8503]

Breathe...

It's possible they could have caught an upper respiratory virus from her, but I assume they've been vaccinated, so the biggies should be protected against. URI's area annoying, but aren't the end of the world. Clear discharge is usually viral, but if it turns colored that can indicate a secondary bacterial infection, and at that point an antibiotic may be helpful. Just watch them.

I'm glad about the new girl - that's good that she ate. If she's truly been an outdoor cat her whole life she may not know what a litter box is for yet. Believe it or not, "seeding" it with a scoop of urine and some feces from your other cats' boxes may help her learn "oh that's what this is for" as her instinct to mark her territory may kick in.

I'm so happy you are helping her! Keep up the great work - it will all work out.

 

[junebug17]

CJ, sorry to hear about this added worry! You can't seem to catch a break here. If your kitties did catch something it sounds like it can be easily treated. Very glad that the new kitty is eating! Everything is going to be ok. Sending (((hugs)))

 

[CJ2008]

Breathe...

It's possible they could have caught an upper respiratory virus from her, but I assume they've been vaccinated, so the biggies should be protected against. URI's area annoying, but aren't the end of the world. Clear discharge is usually viral, but if it turns colored that can indicate a secondary bacterial infection, and at that point an antibiotic may be helpful. Just watch them.

I'm glad about the new girl - that's good that she ate. If she's truly been an outdoor cat her whole life she may not know what a litter box is for yet. Believe it or not, "seeding" it with a scoop of urine and some feces from your other cats' boxes may help her learn "oh that's what this is for" as her instinct to mark her territory may kick in.

I'm so happy you are helping her! Keep up the great work - it will all work out.

There is one vaccine I don't do every year / every time though I forget which one it is.

I'm used to thinking that because it's an enclosed patio that they're strictly indoors (it's not just a screen, we put like lattice behind the screen so there's an extra physical layer) but my girl spends a LOT of time out there. And I have never seen a stray cat or raccoon by the patio. But of course I am sure there are.

I just called my vet to find out when they were both vaccinated against the upper respiratory thing.

ETA: OK my boy had distemper shot 3/7/2012 and leukemia 2/1/2011. And my girl distemper 9/25/15 and leukemia 9/12/14. She said the distemper lasts 3 years, the leukemia 1. These are the shots that based on their lifestyle we don't do every time.

She hasn't sneezed again in a while.

I know I'm probably overreacting but I'd feel so guilty if something happened to them because I did not do something I should have done.

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Yay for eating!!!!!!!!!!

I REALLY doubt that the sneezing is from the new kitty. It's usually from an acute URI, or from a chronic feline herpes virus. It would be extremely difficult for either to transfer through indirect contact.

I suggest that you pick up some powdered lysine from a health food store and give each kitty 250 mg a day, sprinkled on their food. It's perfectly safe. It's boosts their immune response. If you want to go all the way in caution, get some bovine lactoferrin too. 125 mg per day for each kitty, sprinkled on their food.

Many, if not most cats carry the feline herpes virus. Almost all shelter cats do. Both of mine have it, even though one is a purebred from a very respected breeder. I know buying from breeders is an awful thing to do and I will never do it again - nothing to do with the herpes,only with the number of shelter kitties. That one was a long story.

The purebred gave it to his volunteer kitty sister, but it took a good four months of wrestling and eating out of the same dish and grooming each other.

ETA: both of my cats were vaccinated, but still got the URI issue. It doesn't confer full immunity, but that's not a big deal because the illness itself isn't.

 

[CJ2008]

@freezing_in_MO I meant to say this to you yesterday, but never did.

Where did you come from? All of the sudden I see you in all these posts and it is so just nice to have you here. Thank you for all your posts they have helped me a lot.

One thing I haven't mentioned that is adding to any anxiety is that DH is not here. Sometimes I forget just how much I rely on him to get things done, you know? He's so handy and just smart with space and how to set things up depending on what we want to accomplish. And he's calm and rational. I am all the opposites of that. Plus, he told me to keep the cat in the garage, that I was risking a lot by having her in the bathroom being that I know nothing about her. And I feel like I can't really say "yes, I do know about her, she tested negative for this and this, and I know x and x and don't worry, I've been doing the hazmat thing and have been super careful." And now our two cats are sneezing. :/ I haven't told him that she's still in the bathroom.

I have to make a phone call and will come back to do what I promised and answer each person better, including you, and the other post I put up on fleas, which people have helped with a lot too. Thanks again (((hugs)))

 

[cmd2014]

I was at the humane society yesterday, and if it makes you feel better, the only precaution they ask you to do when moving from the quarantine units (where the kitties are all recovering from URI's and other minor ailments) and the normal units where everyone is healthy is that you wash your hands (they have hand sanitizer but soap and water has been shown to work just as well). I suspect your babies are reacting to the soap/bleach that was used to clean their bedding and whatever products you used to clean your house, rather than to anything contagious.

The other thing they do is use aprons - I think it's more about us not bringing things in to infect the cats than anything else, because they don't ask you to change them between cats the way that they ask you to sanitize your hands, use fresh toys, or use single use brushes. They just ask that you change aprons between the quarantine rooms and the regular ones to prevent droplet transmission (URI's are transmitted like colds for us, and are about as serious for a cat). So for ease of future use, maybe put an apron in the room with the new kitty? Easier than changing all of your clothes.

I've also done my share of rescuing strays (mostly holding them until we can find their owners or taking them to a shelter when it's obvious that they are not owned), and casual contact with the cat (carefully washing my hands after handling the other cat, but not changing my clothes) has never resulted in transmitting anything to my own pets.

 

[ringo865]

CJ, What you're doing is so awesome. I wouldn't worry about this sneezing, because incubation periods are generally seven days or longer. So if you brought the cat in on Tuesday, that's only three days. It's probably fine.

Do keep us posted on how she's doing. And if she lets you come near her or if she comes out while you're in the room. Sit on the toilet in there with the door closed, and just talk softly to her several times a day.

My third cat was somebody's house cat that they threw out of a moving car, into a trailer park, in a bag, with another cat. The trailer park residents including a friend of mine) kind of adopted them as outdoor kitties and fed them. They stayed outside, and one day to everyone's surprise (because she was anorexic) this one had a litter of kittens. My friends neighbors let them in her house to nurse the kittens, and then one by one they adopted out all but one of the kittens.

We adopted the mother. She was a very malnourished and skittish of people because of her time "in the wild". But we had two other cats, and after she came out of quarantine, she would just observe as I pet and brushed the other two. It took a long time for her to sit still while we petted her. She was always very jumpy. But now she's a big lazy blob, and she lets us pet her all day

Keep it up CJ. She needs you to be strong now.

 

[junebug17]

CJ, try not to second guess yourself - you're doing your best, and even if you feel you weren't as careful as you should have been, I'm sure you were still pretty careful. Don't be hard on yourself. I think there's a good chance your kitties will be ok. Just keep an eye on them and see how it goes. I know this is stressful, I'm keeping you and the whole situation in my thoughts, hang in there.

 

[CJ2008]

First, a picture.

She has been in that same spot the whole time.

She has not eaten again. She seems tired and sleepy.

I added some poop to her litter like ecf8503 recommended now I'm waiting to see if she uses it.

But as far as I can tell she has not pooped or urinated all this time.

I would like to be able to check to see if by any chance she pooped or peed inside the carrier but I don't know how I would do that without having to take her out of it obviously.

 

[ringo865]

Cats generally don't like to sit in their own filth so if she did poop or pee, in her carrier she probably would come out. She's probably just still a little nervous maybe hasn't eaten a lot. If you don't eat much or often, you don't poop or pee much or often.

If you sit in there and talk to her, what does she do? Does she watch you? Did she move further away in her carrier so she can't look at you?

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Apologies to @ecf8503. I did not remember her username and did not realize that s/he had responded about the URI when I added in my amateur advice. I have asked that my previous post be edited by the mods to clearly indicate that I am not a vet and to recommend that anyone reading it seek expert advice.

CJ, I am your fairy amateur cat-mother. I flew here in a (new, unused) litterbox and will turn into an ignored cat bed at the stroke of midnight

I am running a work event today and may not check PS if things go wrong. I will check my email regularly though. I made an LT listing so you could contact me directly if I can be helpfui:
https://loupetroop.com/listings/other/contact-freezing-in-mo

ETA: The listing needed a price, so I put in $1,000,000,000. LT decided to change it to the completely arbitrary value of $21,474,836.47. I find that hilarious, so I left it there.

I haven't had a chance to investigate PS's direct messaging capabilities. For all I know, it has a messaging function.

I was mostly lurking on PS until recently. I try not to dispense uninformed advice - recent veterinary presumptuous-ness excepted. Everyone here knows so much more about gemstones and jewelry than I do that I rarely have anything to add. One thing on LT led to another and I discovered the Hangout, where I occasionally have something useful to contribute. I used to think that chiming in to compliment other people's jewelry was a waste of their time, then I realized how happy it had made me to receive similar compliments, so I try to do that too.

I can't speak on behalf of anyone else, but please don't worry about replying to my messages unless I can be helpful. I know you have a lot on your plate right now.

My husband wasn't home when I brought in our volunteer kitty either. He is calm and rational (unlike me), but it was good that he wasn't around, because our other cat is his spoiled little brat. After a whole year, he is still worrying and complaining about volunteer kitty infringing on first kitty's space.

I really wouldn't worry about the sneezing. My COMPLETELY UNQUALIFIED and anecdotally-based guess is that your resident cats have the dormant kitty cold virus, and it has been triggered by the stress of smelling another cat in the house, not by a viral transmission. I say kitty cold because I know "herpes" sounds alarming to people who don't know that feline herpes isn't zoonotic and worry that they might catch it from a cat. Postings become part of the eternal Internet unsubstantiated knowledge base, hence my caution.

@freezing_in_MO I meant to say this to you yesterday, but never did.

Where did you come from? All of the sudden I see you in all these posts and it is so just nice to have you here. Thank you for all your posts they have helped me a lot.

One thing I haven't mentioned that is adding to any anxiety is that DH is not here. Sometimes I forget just how much I rely on him to get things done, you know? He's so handy and just smart with space and how to set things up depending on what we want to accomplish. And he's calm and rational. I am all the opposites of that. Plus, he told me to keep the cat in the garage, that I was risking a lot by having her in the bathroom being that I know nothing about her. And I feel like I can't really say "yes, I do know about her, she tested negative for this and this, and I know x and x and don't worry, I've been doing the hazmat thing and have been super careful." And now our two cats are sneezing. :/ I haven't told him that she's still in the bathroom.

I have to make a phone call and will come back to do what I promised and answer each person better, including you, and the other post I put up on fleas, which people have helped with a lot too. Thanks again (((hugs)))

 

[freezing_in_MO]

I agree. If you are a worrier like me, that won't be good enough for you. You can turn off the lights for a second and use a black light to check.

Cats generally don't like to sit in their own filth so if she did poop or pee, in her carrier she probably would come out. She's probably just still a little nervous maybe hasn't eaten a lot. If you don't eat much or often, you don't poop or pee much or often.

If you sit in there and talk to her, what does she do? Does she watch you? Did she move further away in her carrier so she can't look at you?

 

[CJ2008]

You have a response from a vet, so I have nothing informative to add.

I am writing only to thank you for the care and compassion that you are showing this helpless cat. You have restored my faith in the human species (at least for today)!

Thanks FiMO.

Love to you, CJ, and this cat. Glad to hear from ecf, Housie, and Sonnyjane.

Thanks Azstonie

I'm on the try to domesticate it side of the coin. I know there will be plenty of people who disagree with me but I don't think there is a cat who would rather be outside struggling to survive than inside a loving home. You can't save everyone obviously but you can save one.

To be fair, I'm not the kind of person who could trap and release anyway. I'm too soft. I can't even go to the pound without crying (it can't just be me. right?). I will always try to "save" animals. That's just who I am. That doesn't make me right or wrong. It's just me.

I'm attaching a couple articles I found. I hope they help.

https://www.quora.com/Can-feral-cats-become-domesticated

http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/can-a-feral-cat-become-a-friendly-house-pet

http://www.theluckyfew.org/site/feral_cats.html

You know, Elle, I was thinking just yesterday or the day before that we all need to figure out our "path" with animals. What prompted me to think about this is that I was in touch with a guy on the inside from my local ACC. He was super helfpul and nice and I owe him so much. But he is ALL about quantity. Saving as many as possible. He really emphasized releasing her, that the other cats there need my help too, that it's not fair to her to keep her confined because she's an outside / community cat, etc. His whole focus (understandably so) is on quantity. He even said something along the lines of if I spend all my energy etc. on this one cat it is taking my energy/time etc from other cats. And he's right. But after thinking about it I am realizing I am more about giving my all to one at a time. Don't get me wrong. I have NOT forgotten the other cats that are still there. The mom, and the babies. I think of them several times a day. And I am *almost* emotionally ready to ask for help to see if another trapper will help me trap them. I just know that doing this again on my own won't be healthy for me. Plus it's so inefficient to try to trap one cat at a time. And I want to be super careful with how we trap a mom and her kittens. So I need someone experienced to help me. But my point is, my way, what brings me joy, is to dedicate my all to each cat. Until the next one finds me. That's after I make sure every cat in this particular parking lot is neutered / spayed and looked at. Even if I don't do it all by myself I know I cannot continue to drive by there every day knowing there are cats there unaltered. I don't know if I could take on the emotional attachment (or financial commitment) to becoming their feeder / caretaker. I just don't know I could handle if they got hurt, etc. But I don't know if I'm already too far in to turn away.

I am the same as you by the way. While I was waiting to pick up the cat (I have to name her but the name has not come to me yet. Please don't offer any name ideas anyone i want it to come to me. Thanks for understanding.) I didn't even want to look at anyone because I didn't know if they were there to surrender their animal. I felt upset just being there.

ETA: and thank you so much for those articles! I skimmed them because I didn't feel like I had the time to really read them, but will do so.

CJ thank you for taking care of this little kitty and for doing everything you can to help her. Don't release her yet until you know if she is feral. Ann (the woman who helps us do TNR) has kept kitties that might not be feral for weeks and weeks (she even kept 2 kittens for a few months while they were nursing their babies and while she was evaluating if they could be socialized) before releasing them if we weren't sure they were truly feral. And they were none the worse for their time in captivity.

Some thoughts.

We all start somewhere. We were completely inexperienced before we took this feral kitty project on and believe me it is worth it if you are saving lives and improving the quality of lives. No one *wants* to do this but if one doesn't step up to the plate one just becomes part of the masses who don't want to get involved and don't do anything to help the feral cat population and problem that exists all over. IOW please don't give up and please continue helping. Any help is wonderful and the only way to gain experience is to do it and learn on your feet and it isn't easy but it is worth it because remember without you this kitty (and others many others) are doomed.

Most importantly the feral cats need to be neutered/spayed and then if truly feral released and if you could provide food and outdoor shelter they have a good chance at a decent quality of life.

Have you researched if there are feral cat experts in your area who can help you with hands on help? There are many organizations all over who might be able to help with their expertise advice and even hands on assistance. IDK where you live so I cannot help you research but just google feral cat population and help and see what pops up in your area.

How old is she? Did the vet give you an estimate?

If you can keep her under observation and see how she reacts and see if she allows you to get closer to her and if she is receptive to you. If she is young enough even if she isn't domesticated/social now she could become so. However if she is truly feral you will realize it soon enough. But please if you can don't release her yet without knowing for sure. You aren't causing her any damage or harm by keeping her until you have evaluated if she is feral or has the potential to be socialized. I swear. As you know a feral kitty's life is hard and short but of course it is better than the alternative especially if you are providing her with food and shelter.

Anything we can do to help please let us know. I can send you info re how Greg built the feral feeding station and outdoor kitty shelters we have on our property. There are ways to make their lives as good as possible even if she is feral and you end up releasing her to your property. As long as they have food and shelter they can lead a good (albeit shorter than a domestic kitty's) life.

(((HUGS))) and thank you for taking care of this sweet kitty!!!

Missy as always thank you for always being so kind and generous with your words and actions. (((hugs)))

As you know, she is still here with me. I couldn't bear to release her without finding out more. I would have felt like I took the easy way out on this little girl.

She is not reacting to me at all. She just sits in the back of her cage. I cannot read her.

ACC told me that the owner of the plaza would have to be OK with the cats being there. And when I asked her how I could find out who he/she was she told me in so many words not to "open that box." What I already figured out is that I have to encourage these cats to hang out more towards the part of the parking lot away from the activity of people. I don't trust that someone out there who doesn't like to see them might try to cause them harm. sad

But yes, I definitely need to reach out to some local feral groups. I do need help.

Just a link to get you started CJ. And remember I am here for you to help anyway I can.

http://www.safehousepets.org/get-pet-help/tnr/

OK just sharing a few photos. We have 3 cat shelters on our property but I only have photos of one of them and we bought 2 of them and Greg made one of them. I am sharing the photos of the one Greg made. And the feral kitty feeding station that holds 39 lbs of food. You might remember this if you read it in the NIRDI thread but I cannot recall if you did so I am sharing it here and we can help you re how to do this if you are interested.


The feral kitty condo Greg made that is 2 levels. It has to be filled with straw and more than is pictured but this photo was taken as Greg was creating it. Not expensive to do at all. You want to put it where the kitties feel safe and hidden from view.



Here is a feral kitty hanging out on top of it LOL.


And then the feral feeding station that holds 39 lbs of food. It has 2 doors so cats can enter and escape 2 ways so they feel comfortable and safe. We have 3 gravity feeders in there that we fill once a week. As you know this is in our part time home so Greg makes the trip every week during the off seasons so the cats have food even though we don't live there much of the year.



OK so just sharing to illustrate it really isn't hard to make the ferals as comfortable as possible on your property where they will have food and shelter and be safer than just anywhere out in the wild. So even if she turns out to be a true feral she can have a good life CJ. Please don't give up on her or the feral kitties in general. They need you sweetheart. Not everyone has a good heart and cares about the animals like you do. You are a sweetheart for taking this on and doing your best and I promise you your best is good enough. (((HUGS))).

I won't give up on them missy I promise you. Even if I tried, my head and heart won't let me.

But it will be a bit more complicated since it's on someone's commercial property (see above.)

But with the right help, we can do something.

And as others have said, thank YOU for all the wonderful things you and Greg have done for these kitties. You are so wonderful and I appreciate you both so much.

Have you posted on https://thecatsite.com? They have an entire forum on ferals. The posters are knowledgeable and caring. They are very likely to know of resources local to you.

https://thecatsite.com/forums/caring-for-strays-and-ferals.9/

That is an awesome forum FiMO, thank you for that.

Thank goodness for caring people like you @CJ2008 the easy thing would've been to walk away, but you didn't.

Thanks Austina Soft spot for any animal.

I know she's scared right now but just give her a chance. My cat hid a lot when we brought her home. She also ran away anytime I tried to pet her. It took a long time but I was persistent. I made sure she knew she was safe and I started petting her more and more until she got used to me. Now she lets me hold her belly up (no petting the belly though or I get bites ).

She still occasionally runs away when I lean down to pet her but she's come a long way.

She will most likely freak out. She's scared. Constant food and attention from you will help with that. It just takes time. She will acclimate. She'll probably hide somewhere for now. Just bring in food at intervals so she associates that with you. You don't have to be silent around her. I wouldn't go screaming or anything but a soft voice won't hurt. I actually sing a lot around my cats (I pretend I'm like a Disney princess but, in reality, my singing is a little less appealing ).

You should keep her away from your other cats until she has been tested for anything contagious. I learned this the hard way!

I have been doing that as much as possible. Not the singing, just the talking. I just speak softly I want to minimize anything that will feel "strong" or threatening to her. I feel like I cannot go too slow with this girl. LOL on the Disney Princess. I am so not feminine enough to come even close to feeling like I can even pretend to be a Princess.

She's officially a she?

Looks good! I wouldn't worry about the lack of drinking or eating until roughly 18 hours. You don't want her to go 24 hours without food. The medications might have made her queasy, and she wouldn't want to eat. Tuna water has done wonders for me in getting cats to eat.

My little volunteer doesn't eat food. She inhales it. I could go on for pages about her food-related antics, which were way worse in the beginning. It might set your mind at ease to hear that even she didn't touch food or water for a good 12 hours after I brought her home after she was spayed.

We already had a healthy indoor kitty when I brought our volunteer inside. I too was worried that I might be compromising his health by keeping her in a bathroom and visiting her in there to check on and feed her.

Our vet told me to wash my hands carefully after I handle anything related to the volunteer. He said that it was unlikely that I could pass anything on from one cat to another, because most serious illnesses were passed on through bodily fluids.

I'm compulsive about these things, so I kept a "hazmat suit" in a bag by the door of the bathroom. It was a pair of old long-sleeved pajamas with pants (not shorts). I would put them on over my clothing before I went into the bathroom. I also had a pair of slippers that I wore only in there. If it makes you feel better, wear disposable gloves.

Our vet (who is excellent) estimated our volunteer to be around a year old. I think that was an overestimate, based on her behavior.

Kudos, and the best of luck!

One more suggestion, in case she doesn't eat: try Fancy Feast. My understanding is that their "classic" line, which is widely available and inexpensive, has the best composition and least junk.

I have yet to find a cat who turns it down. My brother didn't believe me, and spent two days trying five kinds of expensive canned food on a cat in circumstances very similar to yours. He finally relented and tried Fancy Feast. She ate it immediately, after two days of hunger strike.

Thanks again FiMO. And yes, Fancy Feast Classic is actually what I feed my kitties. Either chicken or turkey and giblets. I do feel a little guilty about that I know it's on the cheaper end, but yes, based on my research, that's why I chose it because it's the better one ingredients wise.

Good going, Ceej, the set up looks good to me. OUTSTANDING

Thank you! DH gets the credit. That's the setup he had come up with for the last kitty we tried to save.

Yay for eating!!!!!!!!!!

I REALLY doubt that the sneezing is from the new kitty. It's usually from an acute URI, or from a chronic feline herpes virus. It would be extremely difficult for either to transfer through indirect contact.

I suggest that you pick up some powdered lysine from a health food store and give each kitty 250 mg a day, sprinkled on their food. It's perfectly safe. It's boosts their immune response. If you want to go all the way in caution, get some bovine lactoferrin too. 125 mg per day for each kitty, sprinkled on their food.

Many, if not most cats carry the feline herpes virus. Almost all shelter cats do. Both of mine have it, even though one is a purebred from a very respected breeder. I know buying from breeders is an awful thing to do and I will never do it again - nothing to do with the herpes,only with the number of shelter kitties. That one was a long story.

The purebred gave it to his volunteer kitty sister, but it took a good four months of wrestling and eating out of the same dish and grooming each other.

ETA: both of my cats were vaccinated, but still got the URI issue. It doesn't confer full immunity, but that's not a big deal because the illness itself isn't.

OK thanks FiMO I'll see if I go and pick up some of these things.

Neither of them have sneezed again that I heard. I hope they haven't. Both are eating normally although my girl did hesitate this morning and she NEVER does that. So it's possible she is a little congested - she sounded it last night.

I was at the humane society yesterday, and if it makes you feel better, the only precaution they ask you to do when moving from the quarantine units (where the kitties are all recovering from URI's and other minor ailments) and the normal units where everyone is healthy is that you wash your hands (they have hand sanitizer but soap and water has been shown to work just as well). I suspect your babies are reacting to the soap/bleach that was used to clean their bedding and whatever products you used to clean your house, rather than to anything contagious.

The other thing they do is use aprons - I think it's more about us not bringing things in to infect the cats than anything else, because they don't ask you to change them between cats the way that they ask you to sanitize your hands, use fresh toys, or use single use brushes. They just ask that you change aprons between the quarantine rooms and the regular ones to prevent droplet transmission (URI's are transmitted like colds for us, and are about as serious for a cat). So for ease of future use, maybe put an apron in the room with the new kitty? Easier than changing all of your clothes.

I've also done my share of rescuing strays (mostly holding them until we can find their owners or taking them to a shelter when it's obvious that they are not owned), and casual contact with the cat (carefully washing my hands after handling the other cat, but not changing my clothes) has never resulted in transmitting anything to my own pets.

Thanks for stopping by cmd and for your advice I know you're hurting right now over your fur baby. I have been washing my hands religiously. An apron is a great idea and yes, for those moments when I want to just walk in there quickly...I don't have one but I'm sure I can pick one up...actually, where would one pick one up? Supermarket?

Were you at the society to see if you can open up to another fur baby right now. (if you don't mind answering)

CJ, What you're doing is so awesome. I wouldn't worry about this sneezing, because incubation periods are generally seven days or longer. So if you brought the cat in on Tuesday, that's only three days. It's probably fine.

Do keep us posted on how she's doing. And if she lets you come near her or if she comes out while you're in the room. Sit on the toilet in there with the door closed, and just talk softly to her several times a day.

My third cat was somebody's house cat that they threw out of a moving car, into a trailer park, in a bag, with another cat. The trailer park residents including a friend of mine) kind of adopted them as outdoor kitties and fed them. They stayed outside, and one day to everyone's surprise (because she was anorexic) this one had a litter of kittens. My friends neighbors let them in her house to nurse the kittens, and then one by one they adopted out all but one of the kittens.

We adopted the mother. She was a very malnourished and skittish of people because of her time "in the wild". But we had two other cats, and after she came out of quarantine, she would just observe as I pet and brushed the other two. It took a long time for her to sit still while we petted her. She was always very jumpy. But now she's a big lazy blob, and she lets us pet her all day

Keep it up CJ. She needs you to be strong now.

Thank you so much ringo for your kind words and encouragement.

You're right, she needs me. That's all that matters.

And what a terrible story but with such a happy ending because of you.

CJ, try not to second guess yourself - you're doing your best, and even if you feel you weren't as careful as you should have been, I'm sure you were still pretty careful. Don't be hard on yourself. I think there's a good chance your kitties will be ok. Just keep an eye on them and see how it goes. I know this is stressful, I'm keeping you and the whole situation in my thoughts, hang in there.

June thanks so much I know you checked on me a few times. Yes I second guess myself so much. (can you even imagine how I would be if I had CHILDREN? Thank you again it meant a lot to me each time you checked in on me (((hugs)))

 

[rockysalamander]

I've been rescuing and rehabbing cats (and occasional dog and bird) for a long time. I was a vet-tech at an exotic & domestic animal clinic and surgical tech during high school and college. Hang in there. You are a kind soul to help out this little sweetie. She may be feral or she may be abandoned. At least two of our rescues (1 teenage kitty and 1 adult) were clearly previously owned. We plastered our town with signs for months, but nobody claimed them and the adult was a Russian Blue per a breeder that contacted us. Even among those that were feral, many of them just wanted safety and a home. We found about 70% of the ferals could join a home. About 10% needed a cat-free home. The remaining had to be re-released. Like PP, we have cat shelter and a feeding station for them. We put doors on both so we can capture anyone that needs medical care or shots (we try to make sure everyone has a rabies and distemper). If you just hang out near her, read a book or something that will make you feel calm. You might be surprised at how brave she will become.

On the sneezing...my experience is that cats sneeze for many of the same reasons as us. Dust, pollen, bug crawled up nose, hair poked in nose, etc. Unless I start to see mucous in the eyes or they act different (lethargy, change in thirst level), I don't worry too much. Even then, it usually lasts for a week and then goes away.

Big hug to you!

 

[azstonie]

So many Pricescopers here, ecf at the forefront, with education, expertise, experience and encouragement and support! This is what I love about Hangout, no one has to be alone in something.

CJ, you're doing a yeoman's job for this cat, bless you and everyone who is helping.

 

[ecf8503]

Have you tried interacting with her yet? Is she confined to the cage with the carrier inside it? You could try taking just the lid off the carrier, still leaving the base in the cage.

 

[CJ2008]

No I haven't...

I just keeping going in there and just talking to her for a few minutes.

I'm afraid to scare her before she's ready.

She did not eat again.

All she's doing is sleeping. I don't know that she has gone out of the carrier at all.

A couple of times I went in there she hardly opened her eyes.

In a way I took that to mean she's not threatened by me. At least not enough to freak out.

But it could just be lethargy...

ETA: yes, same setup I took pictures of. She's inside the carrier, with the carrier's front door open so she can come out. I put some food INSIDE the carrier at one point and she did not seem to retreat.

 

[ecf8503]

She may be literally exhausted. Living outdoors means constantly being on the lookout for danger, then she went to the vet, had surgery, and she's likely just enjoying her "down time". Did they vaccinate her? Has she been tested for FeLV/FIV?

 

[CJ2008]

I thought of that. That maybe in the one year or so she's been on this earth, it's the first time she gets to relax. I would LOVE it if that is the reason she's sleeping.

She got RCP and Rabies.

I don't think they tested her. They didn't mention it, and it doesn't say it in the paperwork.

I can try calling over there and see if they did that test. Originally the flea and RCP was not in the notes either but they assured me it had been done, and they then amended the notes. :/ Maybe it's the same with the FeLV/FIV?

ETA remember this was supposed to be strictly TNR...so I think their testing on ferals is limited.

ETA I can call the guy on the "inside" who has been so helpful...I've been afraid to call him for anything though because I am SURE he will ask me if I have released her, and I feel bad lying to him since he was so nice to me throughout. I think the fact that he has not reached out to me at all indicates he suspects I have not released her.

 

[rockysalamander]

She may be literally exhausted. Living outdoors means constantly being on the lookout for danger, then she went to the vet, had surgery, and she's likely just enjoying her "down time". Did they vaccinate her? Has she been tested for FeLV/FIV?

Time to think like a cat. Cats really don't vocalize constantly to show their love and affection. They don't "talk" to each other...some become more 'talkative' to talk to us humans. Among cats, they purr or are quiet. They may chirrup. They, eventually make eye contact, and close their eyes (shows trust). So, if you go in, say a quiet hello and just be in the room without trying to make eye contact. Let her know you are not threatening. Sit lower than her so she has the comfort of height. Each few days, you can move a little closer. If she seems anxious, back to the previous location. It takes time, but it will come.

 

[ecf8503]

I thought of that. That maybe in the one year or so she's been on this earth, it's the first time she gets to relax. I would LOVE it if that is the reason she's sleeping.

She got RCP and Rabies.

I don't think they tested her. They didn't mention it, and it doesn't say it in the paperwork.

She may be a bit lethargic from the vaccines as well. Just give her some time.

 

[elle_71125]

She just had surgery so I don't think it's unnatural that she's not eating or coming out of her box. After my cat was spayed, she really didn't eat for a couple days. She just hid away and slept frequently.

Just watch out for if it goes on too long. One of my cats developed a fever after she was spayed and I had to bring her back to the vet for fluids, etc. In my case, I was able to touch her so I could feel she was too warm. She was very lethargic and wouldn't eat. That was days after she was spayed though.

 

[LaylaR]

CJ, you remember my Harry, right? His is the furthest thing from a feral cat (seriously, it's shocking) but whatever happened to him in the time he was outside was not easy to shake off. It took him days to trust us. He slept a lot too. It will be a while till you know more.

If she's a true feral it she may cut off her nose spite her face at the start. Ferals I've rescued can do that, they just conserve energy, paranoid until they have no choice but to really start eating, peeing, etc.

Talk to her softly, move slowly in the bathroom so she can track you, and do your best... it will be enough.

As for resident kiddos, just keep an eye on them. Two of my kids sneezed this morning after I swept the kitchen (which says a lot about my housekeeping).

I've missed trading ((hugs)) with you too.

 

[CJ2008]

Guys,

I just went into the bathroom and she was eating!

She got startled though, even though I had to open two doors and announced myself after opening each one.

I've suspected she's slightly deaf, because a few times outside in the wild when I would feed her I would get really close to her and I could tell that she had no idea until she looked and noticed me.

Poor baby.

I left real quick so she could relax and eat.

 

[CJ2008]

She just had surgery so I don't think it's unnatural that she's not eating or coming out of her box. After my cat was spayed, she really didn't eat for a couple days. She just hid away and slept frequently.

Just watch out for if it goes on too long. One of my cats developed a fever after she was spayed and I had to bring her back to the vet for fluids, etc. In my case, I was able to touch her so I could feel she was too warm. She was very lethargic and wouldn't eat. That was days after she was spayed though.

All I keep thinking about is how these wild/feral cats get released the next day a lot of times, even the females. So on top of being in pain, they have to be out battling the weather, trying to find something to eat, watching for danger. Breaks my heart.

I am so so so so so glad she is here.

What I'm going to do tomorrow is set up an appointment at a vet that's feral-friendly and have it in place in case.

I might just want to take her anyway, get her a more thorough checkup.

But she's eating! Yay.

 

[CJ2008]

CJ, you remember my Harry, right? His is the furthest thing from a feral cat (seriously, it's shocking) but whatever happened to him in the time he was outside was not easy to shake off. It took him days to trust us. He slept a lot too. It will be a while till you know more.

If she's a true feral it she may cut off her nose spite her face at the start. Ferals I've rescued can do that, they just conserve energy, paranoid until they have no choice but to really start eating, peeing, etc.

Talk to her softly, move slowly in the bathroom so she can track you, and do your best... it will be enough.

As for resident kiddos, just keep an eye on them. Two of my kids sneezed this morning after I swept the kitchen (which says a lot about my housekeeping).

I've missed trading ((hugs)) with you too.

Is Harry your last baby, the one that you had to amputate the tail? The orange cutie?

She looked pretty alert when she was eating and darted back into the cage pretty energetically so we'll see what she's like if she is now indeed more alert.

I'm a little afraid of what I'm going to find. But I just have to focus on having her understand I will not hurt her and worry about nothing else.

I vacuumed again today there's no other house chore I hate more. But I had to do it. I put it on a lower setting to not scare her in case she could hear it at all. And I thew out the bag with only a little guilt and regret compared to what it would have been thanks to missy.

Thanks Gypsy.