topic Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two in Community Chat

Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

lvenjay — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 20:12:53 GMT

Hi,

On 9-15-13, I posted on this forum about a black cat that I trapped and had spayed. I had to release her because she was nursing babies and when I released her, I lost her when she went over a wall, so I couldn't rescue her babies or her. Since that time, I have not seen her or her babies and feared for the worse. (the post was entitled "Just another abandoned cat".)

Two weeks ago, a friend was helping me drop trap a new cat in my backyard. I hide in the shed and pull the rope to bring the trap down around the cat that is eating. Then she helps me transfer to cat to a regular cage so I can transfer to the vet for spay/neuter, shots, etc. Before I could get the new cat, I saw this little female go under the trap, so I pulled the rope and got her.

It was the little black female! She looked okay, was still pretty friendly. I took her to my vet for a check up, making sure she didn't have any diseases or parasites to transmit to my cats. I have her in a kennel in my home, where she can interact with my cats, but still be safe. I am hoping to find her a home, but so far, no takers.

However, if I can't find her a home elsewhere, I will keep her. I recently had an old female tabby pass who was also a rescue, so I guess it is poetic justice or karma. I had been so worried about ever seeing this cat again! (She is about a year old now.)

So I guess this is the end of the story for her, unless I do find her another home. I just thought you might want to know, since so many of you were supportive, kind and encouraging when I had to release her the first time because of the kittens.

I did trap the new cat last night and he is at the vet's getting neutered, shots, etc. I think he is wild, but I will keep him in a cage for a couple of days and see how it goes. If he is feral, I will release and feed him.

Thanks to all for the praryers and good thoughts for this little girl - they worked!!!

lvenjay

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

happycat — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 21:29:14 GMT

I remember this story! Glad you got your girl back God Bless you for spaying and neutering these animals.

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

Topaz Gem — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 21:33:11 GMT

That's great news! She deserves a home and secretly I hope you end up giving her one, as it seems meant to be. I think that the tabby rescue that you lost must have guided the little black female back to you to take her place.

Thanks for the update. I'm not sure if I responded to your last thread, but I read them all and am always looking for updates.

Thanks so much for all you do for these critters. Keep us updated on the male who is having his doodads done as we speak. I hope he is somewhat tame so that he can find a home, but if not, at least he won't be able to make any kittens.

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

lvenjay — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 21:33:34 GMT

Thank you, happycat! I was so relieved! I really didn't want/need another cat, but I am so glad to get her off the streets again!

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

lvenjay — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 21:37:15 GMT

Thanks, Topaz! I wondered if Kenya had a paw in this, too! I also had a little black female cat I adored that passed from cancer about two years ago. I miss her so much.

Yes, I will give the male cat a chance. If not, he does get food from me and shelter, if he sticks around in my backyard. I have a few dog houses set up out there for them with blankets and towels.

But the feral cat population in LV is never ending. The whole plan is to someday have only wanted, loved cats in homes and none on the streets.

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

Topaz Gem — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 21:41:14 GMT

On 2/27/2014 lvenjay said:
Thanks, Topaz! I wondered if Kenya had a paw in this, too! I also had a little black female cat I adored that passed from cancer about two years ago. I miss her so much.

Yes, I will give the male cat a chance. If not, he does get food from me and shelter, if he sticks around in my backyard. I have a few dog houses set up out there for them with blankets and towels.

But the feral cat population in LV is never ending. The whole plan is to someday have only wanted, loved cats in homes and none on the streets.

I can just imagine. You have an endless job taking care of these babies. LV is a pretty transient place, with people moving in and out all the time. Reminds me of Florida, when my parents retired there. There's a huge homeless cat population down there too, because of all the people coming and going.

Looking forward to many more positive updates!

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

kittymomNC — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 00:18:50 GMT

I just saw this thread and had to say what wonderful things you are doing for the strays in your neighborhood! I seem to have a "cat trail" across my back patio, because I see one go by once in a while, or my cats alert me that there is one outside. I did manage to rescue a little black and white one last winter - I have a sick cat that is costing me so much that I can't adopt another one (I actually have two) right now. I took that one to my vet and turned him over to their stray program - he was adopted within two weeks after they made sure he was healthy and had shots, etc. and put him out front to be seen "in all his cat glory"! The receptionists tell me he is doing well in his forever home. Again, thank you for all you do!

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

lvenjay — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 00:58:52 GMT

What a neat thing you did, Kittymom, for that little stray! So many people don't care.

Believe me, I wish I had two! They are expensive and a lot of work. Especially when they get old and/or sick. I totally understand.

Thank you for what you do! We are all in this together.

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

beastielove — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 02:24:57 GMT

Ivenjay..

I do remember your posts about this kitty last year and I truly believe that Divine Intervention played a part in making sure that this precious little girl came back to you.

I also believe that you are meant to be her forever mommy!

If at all possible,please make her an indoor cat. I have five kitties (all rescues) and they stay inside 24/7.

God bless your beautiful heart for everything that you're doing for this sweet kitty and for all of the other kitties as well.

Please keep us updated.

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All of my children have paws =^..^=

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

lvenjay — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 19:32:14 GMT

Thanks, beastieluv!

Yes, all my cats stay inside. However, I have a feral cat colony or feeding station in my backyard for the feral cats. If I find that a cat is tame when I trap it, after it is spayed/neutered and given shots, I find it a home or unfortunately, I add it to my cat herd.

However, if it is wild, after it recovers from surgery for a few days, I release it. Yes, feral cats can be tamed and I have done it several times. I still have two feral cats that live in my house and will never go outside. But I have learned over the years that it is better to try to save the tame ones and let the others live their lives as best they can. I have a few outside cats that I have fed for years. Perhaps if I didn't find so many tame ones, I could work with the feral cats more.

In my neighborhood, people come and go and leave their pets. They aren't microchipped, no one ever puts up "lost pet" flyers and no one ever answers found ads. These are abandoned animals. Or second generation pets that were born wild.

When I first started this volunteer work twenty years ago, I used to think people wanted these pet cats back. I would hang posters, put ads in the paper, etc. Then the rose colored glasses got lost and it seems to be a rare cat that is wanted where I live.

Well, we all just do what we can. I haven't named the black female cat yet, but unfotunately, I have been thinking of names! My cats all have names that start with "K".

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

beastielove — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 02:07:56 GMT

Ivenjay..

Here are a few name suggestions for your new furbaby!

Kaleigh... means Lioness in Swedish

Kali... means Dark Goddess in Sanskrit

Kama... means Love in Sanskrit

My kitties are named Sophie,Tabitha,Samantha,Henry and Jack. Samantha had a sister who I had named Maggie. I rescued the two of them when they were about two months old when I found them on a sidewalk (across the street from my office), up against a building where they had been dumped.

Maggie was solid black (Samantha is a beige and brown Tabby) and when she was a kitten she looked just like a little bear cub. Sadly I had to send my beautiful girl to The Bridge on October 27,2012 (exactly 2 days before Sandy hit) when she became ill with a fast moving form of cancer.

I know that I stated this in my previous post but God bless your beautiful heart for all of the TLC that you've been giving to all of precious kitties who are in desperate need for the past 20 years.

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All of my children have paws =^..^=

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

lvenjay — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 23:51:25 GMT

Thank you, beastielove - those are cute names! I really like the ones you have for your babies. It sounds like you are in the rescue "business" too!

I am holding off naming her for a couple of weeks, but am working with her in my bathroom. She is shy, but purrs a lot. She is now playing a bit with toys - she didn't know how before. She is also playing with some of my cats under the door, which is a good sign.

I want to make sure she is litter box trained in her cage before I let her out in general population. I rescued a little tortie last year that I adored. Couldn't find a home for her, so she stayed with me. However, she began having "accidents" around the house - on my bed, sofa, everywhere. I tried to retrain her to the litter box, but she was very stubborn.

She went to live in an outside shelter with a friend of mine in a small town nearby. My friend has an enclosed shelter, even on the top, with chicken wire, etc, so the cats can't get out and nothing can get in to them. She also has a couple of big dogs that are watch dogs, in addition to being family pets. I help her out with some of the food and other expenses, since she took Kaluna.

I was very upset, but it was much better than putting her back on the street or taken to a shelter. Her litter box habit may be why she was on the street. She gets food, shelter and playmates at my friend's shelter and also human companionship once or twice a day. My friend says she uses the litter area fine and plays with the other cats. I have visited her a couple of times, she doesn't recognize me, but seems fat and happy there.

I just hope this one does ok. My friend said she could take her if she doesn't, which is very kind.

I believe the black male cat is feral. He survived his neuter fine, got his ear tipped, and they shaved some mats out of his fur. I am keeping him for a few days because it is cold and rainy here. It is supposed to be sunny and warmer next week and will give him a chance to heal. He is pretty wild and even though I used gloves, he managed to get me with a claw. Feral cats can really inflict some damage, but I am fine.

Life revolves around cats!

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

beastielove — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 03:07:45 GMT

Hi Ivenjay...

Thanks for the update. I am praying with all of my heart that this sweet little girl adapts very quickly to using her ""sandbox"".

I'm so glad that she's making progress in the other areas that you mentioned...learning how to play with toys and attempting to make friends with your other kitties.

Based on your weather I'm assuming that your live either in the Northwest or even down south. I live 25 miles NW of NYC and all we've been getting is snow and/or freezing temps!!!

Looking forward to hearing from you again and wishing you a peaceful night.

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All of my children have paws =^..^=

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

lvenjay — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 04:22:02 GMT

I live in LV, Beastielove, thus the first two letters of my name. It was supposed to be cold and rainy here today, relatively speaking, for us. The rain is still stuck in CA, but it is chilly for us. Would be warm for some.

Thanks for your support and interest in "my cats"! A lot of people and many of my friends are not all THAT interested! I can see their eyes start to glaze over...

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

beastielove — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 16:15:19 GMT

Hi lvenjay..

Just wanted to check in and see how your little girl is doing today and to wish you a pawsome day!

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All of my children have paws =^..^=

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

hyacinth003 — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 23:45:15 GMT

That is great news! Nice if you ended up keeping her!

There's no ""just a"" in my vocabulary. They are all beautiful.

Hyacinth

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

lvenjay — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:20:15 GMT

I agree with you, Hyacinth. But to many people, feral cats are vermin, trust me.

beastielove, she has gotten so she sometimes lies in front of the cage, watching my cats. Before, she always hid in the back. She is making progress. She talks to me and I carry her around the house, which she doesn't like. She needs to be hand held more and I am working on it.

It just takes time. I am willing to give her that time.

Re: Just another abandoned cat, Part Two

kittymomNC — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 23:25:04 GMT

On 3/1/2014 lvenjay said:
I live in LV, Beastielove, thus the first two letters of my name. It was supposed to be cold and rainy here today, relatively speaking, for us. The rain is still stuck in CA, but it is chilly for us. Would be warm for some.

Thanks for your support and interest in "my cats"! A lot of people and many of my friends are not all THAT interested! I can see their eyes start to glaze over...

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone felt the way we do about these sweet babies? I have started putting people into four categories in the way they are about pets (I don't count the ones who abuse animals-they should be put away in some dark dreary dungeon!): 1) People who don't care about animals much at all. 2) People who have pets, and that's what they are, "pets". They may care about them, but they are still "animals". Get my meaning? 3) People who love their pets a lot, and take good care of them. 4) And then there's the rest of us (and I may be "assuming" here), who are absolutely fanatical about our love for animals and would do anything in our power to help them and take care of them. Mine in the last few years have just about broken the bank for me - I could have paid for a fairly nice used car. However, I still really like my old one (a red sports car although I guess in car years, it's as old as I am!) I tell my little Baby Cat with kidney disease that I need her a lot more than I do a car! I read a lot of stories here and can only imagine the emotional and financial commitment so many like you have made, either to their own or to strays. So thanks again to all those who care so much!!