Need immediate advice on cat

[freezing_in_MO]

Thank you for the update! I have been thinking of you and your little guest all day.

It warms my heart to know that kitty is safe and sound and dry and well-fed. I think she can tell that she now has someone who deeply cares about her.

 

[cmd2014]

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,

I don't mind you asking. I went to see if they would have any use for the hypoallergenic food that I had bought for Max. I wasn't sure if cats with sensitive stomachs were given a chance or not there, so I wasn't sure if I should bring it to them or to a no-kill shelter. But since I got Max from the humane society, it would feel better to give back to them if I could. And they said they would be grateful for it as it is expensive but necessary for some of the fur babies they have there. I'm not ready yet to think about getting a new member of the family. I still just want Max back and if I were to adopt again, I'd want to be able to have a more open heart to someone new than I do right now.

But while I was there, I got talking to one of the volunteers who suggested that if I had some time, and if I thought it might do my heart some good, I could volunteer to be a cat cuddler and spend some time with the older cats and the ones who had been sick, all of whom need extra attention and socialization than the younger cats, but don't tend to get it as easily as the kittens who are cute and naturally more outgoing. Many of them have been owned prior to being relinquished, are 5, 7, 10 years old, and are harder to adopt out because it's a tough transition from their previous home to being in a cage surrounded by other cats and being touched by strangers. They are scared and it makes them hard to get to know. So I spent an hour helping to socialize the ones that are still in their shell. I managed to convince some of them to let me pick them up for shoulder snuggles and lap time (I even got a few pretty good snuggles and purrs). Others were able to be coaxed out of their private spaces for a chat and a pat just at the edge of their cage. I left with only a single scratch, which happened by accident when a feisty little girl tried to take a swipe at her downstairs neighbor and snagged me in passing instead. And one charmer tried to lull me into submission with squeaks, giant belly purrs, and head butts just so that he could use me as a step stool to a high spot he wanted to explore. He didn't fool me, so it was all for naught, but it gave me a good laugh.

In thinking about your situation, it is possible that your cat may be a stressed out street kitty rather than being completely feral. Some feral cat colony cats are actually stray or abandoned cats. So they are skittish around people, but aren't truly wild. They take a while to stop being scared and to warm up, but they can often turn into very loving pets. My first boy was like that, but fancy feast and a comfy bed eventually won him over.

I hope your girl is actually a stray rather than being feral and that she'll eventually come around. I hear how hard it will be for you to have to release her. So far so good, right? All cats hide and refuse to use the litter in a strange new place. Then they gradually come around. It can take a surprising amount of time. I hope she learns to trust you too and then maybe you won't have to release her.

 

[junebug17]

So glad she's eating CJ! I was thinking she might be a stray who's been living on the streets for a while and is stressed out and scared. She's been through a lot these past few days - so have you! Sending good thoughts to you.

 

[CJ2008]

Hi,

First, a couple of pictures for everyone.





She's eating more regularly.

She ate what I left her last night and I put more food out a couple of times today and she ate that too.

Still no pooping or peeing though. I added some soil to the litter but nothing.

Do you think it's the setup? What else could I try. It can't be good that she's holding things in all this time. sad The other forum recommended some Miralax. I thought I had some but I don't. I can go get some. Do any of you have experience with using Miralax for a cat.



When I went in there just now she was turned around facing the other way (with her butt to the front of the carrier) which I have never seen her do. Maybe she was trying to go to the bathroom?

As soon as she realized I was behind her (again, this is still after announcing myself, so I really think she may have a hearing problem) she turned around right away and looked nervous. I'm sure she hated feeling me behind her.



I put a ball in there for her and the cardboard from a toilet paper roll (an article gave me ideas) to entice her to come out of the carrier. Not sure if she has other than to eat. She may have never seen a ball so she may not know what to do with it. I did move it around a few times. I wish I could put a scratcher for her in there I was looking for a piece of wood or something natural she could use but all the wood I have is too big, and so are the scratchers my cats use.

The cage is small but I don't know that I feel ready to let her out to roam around free in the bathroom.

I went as far as to stick my hand inside the carrier to deposit a couple of treats and she retreated a little bit but she did not seem to freak out. At times when I go in there she looks sleepy and she allows her eyes to almost close while in my presence. I am thinking that indicates some level of comfort around me that she doesn't feel she needs to be super alert.

I set up an appointment for the vet for Wednesday morning in case I feel like I need to take her I have that in place.

 

[stracci2000]

CJ, I give my cat Miralax for his constipation issues.
The vet recommended 1 tsp. per day. I give a generous sprinkle over his wet food, which he gets 3x/day, (totaling about 1 tsp.) and after 2-3 days, he will have a nice soft poop.

I'm sure the kitty is upset, not used to people, and confused and scared about everything.
I think in due time she will respond to you. You are so wonderful to be helping her. It is good karma!

 

[CJ2008]

CJ, I give my cat Miralax for his constipation issues.
The vet recommended 1 tsp. per day. I give a generous sprinkle over his wet food, which he gets 3x/day, (totaling about 1 tsp.) and after 2-3 days, he will have a nice soft poop.

I'm sure the kitty is upset, not used to people, and confused and scared about everything.
I think in due time she will respond to you. You are so wonderful to be helping her. It is good karma!

Hi stracci thank you gives me an idea how much to use. I'm going to go get some now. Thank you.

Trust me, I have all the patience in the world for this little girl. Whatever time she needs. I just want to make sure that she is OK in the sense of some things I can wait for as long as they take, other things can be dangerous after a certain time has passed (not eating, etc.)

Nothing gives me more joy than helping an animal.

Thank you so much (((hugs)))

I'll be back to respond to all the other posts! Junie freezing, everyone. Thank you all! xoxox

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Everything you are describing (ETA: other than the lack of elimination) sounds normal for a scared and injured cat who had surgery and anesthesia recently.

I'm surprised that she hasn't eliminated, but I don't know enough to offer an informed opinion. I'll do some amateur research for you.

I haven't tried Miralax. I have tried olive oil for a cat on dry food, and it helped. I make my cat food at home, and I always mix in canned pumpkin (just pumpkin) to it. About a Tbsp a day seems to work well. My understanding is that it regulates the bowels and helps with both diarrhea and constipation. Every grocery store I have been to carries it, usually by the baking supplies, where you would find pie filling.

I would add the pumpkin to a little bit of her canned food, in a separate dish, with something fishy on top to entice her to eat it. Even my picky cat doesn't mind the pumpkin, but cats are weird and you don't want to turn her off her usual food.

I know this little kitty is bringing you loads of good karma.

 

[freezing_in_MO]

P.S. Sorry. I hadn't read that you are heading out to get Miralax.

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Calling @ecf8503 !!!!!!

Could you please advise on whether the lack of elimination should be a cause for concern?

I've snipped what I thought were the relevant parts of CJ's post, in case you don't have time to read the whole thing.

THANKS!

She's eating more regularly.

She ate what I left her last night and I put more food out a couple of times today and she ate that too.

Still no pooping or peeing though. I added some soil to the litter but nothing.

Do you think it's the setup? What else could I try. It can't be good that she's holding things in all this time. sad The other forum recommended some Miralax. I thought I had some but I don't. I can go get some. Do any of you have experience with using Miralax for a cat.

When I went in there just now she was turned around facing the other way (with her butt to the front of the carrier) which I have never seen her do. Maybe she was trying to go to the bathroom?

As soon as she realized I was behind her (again, this is still after announcing myself, so I really think she may have a hearing problem) she turned around right away and looked nervous. I'm sure she hated feeling me behind her.

I set up an appointment for the vet for Wednesday morning in case I feel like I need to take her I have that in place.

 

[freezing_in_MO]

@CJ2008 , is there a vet you could call and ask about the lack of urination?

 

[CJ2008]

i just called the vet's office I made the appointment with for Wednesday. She couldn't really tell me anything. She said the key is to see whether her bladder is full by palpitating. :/ But of course I don't know that I could touch her much less her belly. :/

If it's not full obviously there's nothing to come out. But if it full then it could indicate a blockage. :/

 

[CJ2008]

What I did right now is change the litter box completely. I had a plastic one and instead of putting it on the side of the carrier I took everything out (food and water) and put it right in front of the carrier. I read somewhere else that if she tried to use that litter and felt pain she may have associated it with the litter box itself. So by changing it she may try again.

I am hoping she will be curious enough to want to see what it is.

Maybe she never even tried going to the side of the carrier and didn't see it and just doesn't know it's there. I don't know.

I did run into this article:
https://www.vetinfo.com/cat-behavior-after-spaying.html (snip)

"Your cat may have trouble urinating or defecating for the first two days, or may urinate more than usual. She may also show little interest in food. This is normal for the first few days, but if this continues after two days, you should mention it to the vet."

I also texted the lady who traps all the time to see if she has any suggestions.

That vet is open tomorrow for walk-ins between 9-11 and 2-4 P.M.

I hope the change of litterbox and location works.

I hate that I can't look at her wound to see how it's healing.

How the HECK are these animals supposed to do this on their own, outside?

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Are you sure that she hasn't urinated?

I read this:
https://www.aspca.org/sites/default...aring-for-your-cat-or-dog-after-surgery-1.pdf

The document says: "Contact the postoperative care line if a cat is not regularly urinating or defecating, or is straining to urinate or defecate within 72 hours after spay/neuter surgery."

I read elsewhere that "your cat may not urinate or defecate for a day or two after surgery."

(877) 772-9692 is the number for the NYC ASPCA's post-operative care line. They might answer your questions even though they did not do the spaying. I assume that the ACC is not accessible over the weekend.

 

[CJ2008]

ASPCA said that maybe I should release her.

That she might not feel comfortable going to the bathroom if she is truly an outdoor cat.



I don't know what to do everybody is closed and the local lady is not responding to my text.

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Since everyone is closed, if I were you, I would just give it time. Maybe you will hear from the local lady.

What is in the litter box? I know you mixed in soil. With litter?

One of the web pages I checked suggested shredded newspaper after a spay. Too much information is out there, and yet it's too little.

I hope an expert will chime in. I wish I could help.

 

[freezing_in_MO]

She was spayed on Wednesday? Any emergency vets in your area whom you could see today?

 

[CJ2008]

I'm kind of freaking out FiMO I hope you stay with me.

I made the mistake of reaching out to ANOTHER local lady and she's interrogating me (via FB) about why didn't I release her etc. I am afraid she's going to report me or something and they'll come take the cat away. I don't know. I'm freaking out. She's saying I need to release her that she's probably scared and that's why she's not using the bathroom.

 

[freezing_in_MO]

I doubt anyone can force you to release her, but I don't know for sure.

Are you sure she hasn't peed? I know it's a dumb question. I'm just hoping that there's a chance that she did already.

I really don't know what to suggest. I wish I could help, or that I had the expertise to give you a good answer.

I know that even if you have access to an emergency vet, a visit could be hard to pull off given that she could be feral.

The only other idea I have is calling the other local lady - the one you texted. Maybe she gets tons of messages and checks them a few times a day.

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Another suggestion is to check your TCS thread and direct-message the staff advisor who has responded with your location. You wouldn't want to post it publicly.

S/he may know of someone close to you who could help.

 

[CJ2008]

Thank you for being here with me FiMO you're doing a lot.

you mean the one that has been advising me/responding to my thread? ask her/him?

(the lady I texted said she will probably poop and pee tonight. I'm going to see if she will allow me to call her. keep your fingers crossed. she is nice. I'll tell you more about the conversation with the other lady in a bit. but i kind of asserted myself and she backed down a little bit. there's a LOT of things I don't know. but don't mess w me and my cats.)

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Yes. The person who has responded most recently, about the elimination issue, or any of the other staff members.

If you click on their username, you can "start a conversation." That will be a direct message and not a public post.

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Fingers are crossed all the way. I have never wished for pee or poop before, so hopefully my wish will be granted!

 

[elle_71125]

I can't imagine that anyone would legally be able to force you to give up the cat. They may play on your emotions but stand strong. You are doing what's right for you and for the kitty.

Give her a little more time to see if she goes to the bathroom. Can you tell if she went #1 in her box? Maybe she's still too nervous to venture far out of it.

 

[CJ2008]

I'll tell you more later.

I just put the litter box in there with a lot of soil. Before I had only very little soil.

I hope that works.

If not I will have to take her. I couldn't forgive myself if somehting happened to her.

 

[Matata]

If she is otherwise acting what is normal for her, give her time. In addition to the stress of surgery, captivity, a new environment, drugs, reduced physical activity, and a different diet, her system is likely still adjusting. Miralax as you've already stated or canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix), about 1/2 tsp mixed into food will help in a day or two as long as she's drinking water. The Miralax has no flavor so is probably the better option. I give it to one of my cats who occasionally gets constipated. I think the longest a cat can hold urine is 48 hrs so I would start to be concerned if she hasn't peed within that timeframe.

 

[Matata]

CJ, do you have other cats? If so try putting a pee clump or a piece of poop in her litter box. You can also try adding a thin layer of Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter to the box. And before panic sets in, I'd let her explore the bathroom. The location of the box so close to her sleeping area may be an issue.

 

[CJ2008]

Matata, I don't know what's normal for her. This is a cat I took from the streets because she was injured.

And I can't even tell you for sure she has been drinking water OTHER than what I put on her wet food or dry (I always add a little). So I have no idea if her bladder is full.

 

[CJ2008]

CJ, do you have other cats? If so try putting a pee clump or a piece of poop in her litter box. You can also try adding a thin layer of Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter to the box. And before panic sets in, I'd let her explore the bathroom. The location of the box so close to her sleeping area may be an issue.

I do. And I did put my girl's poop in there.

The litterbox was on the side of the carrier the whole time towards the back away from the food bowl.

I moved it to the front only today when I started to feel concerned she wasn't peeing or defecating.

What if I can't get her back in the cage after though. Or she freaks out to be out.

She has been very calm and tame and even lets me put the food bowl inside the carrier but I keep having visions of her just going crazy because I read for ferals closed and confined is actually better. iIt's probably so stupid to think she's just going to turn and then I will have a huge problem on my hands.

Damn.

This is hard. sad

 

[freezing_in_MO]

Can you place a second box outside the cage (maybe right outside), maybe with newspaper and a bit of soil sprinkled on it, then open the cage door and dash out? Then watch her through a crack in the door.

I think it's really important for her to urinate soon. It's worth giving it a shot. If she's been so calm, you may be able to nudge her into the cage again with a broom handle through the door.

Just brainstorming. I know this is really stressful for you, and you don't have access to a vet, otherwise I wouldn't be sharing my idiotic ideas.

 

[CJ2008]

I actually did just that. Put a second litter box on the floor with crumpled up papers. But I didn't put soil. I'll go back in and do that.

I did open the cage door.

This has been super stressful.

Again, if I knew she was OK, it's a different kind of stress.

Of course me going back in there every 5 minutes is not helping the situation.

They are not idiotic ideas at all.

And yes I agree she needs to pee soon. sad