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#1
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
Yes, dh and I may need to have our heads examined. We really do not
have to have another cat. Especially having one boy who was dx 3 months ago with renal failure :-( It pushed us over the top though on Monday when "Whitey" was out in the rain and finally found some underbrush in the back of our yard. Thoughts were the cat slept in a drainage pipe adjacent to the woods at the back of our property, so needless to say, in rain needs to go elsewhere. Dragged out the Hav-a-hart late yesterday and dh was out of practice. Set the trap, Whitey went in at the wet food AND tuna, turned around and split. We couldn't leave the trap out over night because we would have ended up with oppusum instead. Set out 2 traps this a.m. One where we trapped it yesterday in our backyard (under the bird feeder of course) and the other on our front porch where the food is placed every morning. When I awoke, Whitey was already in the trap. Usual amount of ugly reaction on his part. Thankfully a very calm quiet ride to the vets. Left him there with instructions for checking him out. Called me about 45 minutes later to say that he was a SHE, about 3 years old and very sweet, but VERY scared AND declawed in the front (grrrrrrhhhh!). We've been feeding this stray since the end of November, but had no ideas about the claws. Also the cat is also spayed. The vet is wondering if perhaps the cat was "dumped" because it had been spraying??? I am praying that the cat was dumped because someone was just not interested in keeping her any longer. We already have 1 cat with spraying problems and is on Paxil for that :-( Vet called again 2 1/2 hours later saying the leukemia and FIV were negative. Besides vaccinations and de-worming, I asked them to "try" to bath her to rid her of some of the Georgia clay, but that evidently did not go over too well. Rather than sedate her just for the bath, we figure we'll skip it. Put some Advantage on her and ready for pick up in a couple of hours. So...do you all think Whitey is an appropriate name for a female cat? She has all white underneath and at the base of all 4 paws with tiger stripes all over her top. Is there a chance, (actually there has to be because I don't know what to do if not), that ONE female can co-habitate with FIVE males, TWO of whom are in a constant power struggle to be the leader? When I bring Whitey home I will set her up in our smallest spare bedroom. For some entertainment, she will have a beautiful window to view her old stomping grounds bird feeder and all. Knowing that she is scared, except for food and water what else can we do to comfort her and not make the situation worse? No way will we even consider introductions to the 5 gentlemen until she feels comfortable in her new environment. That hurdle we can tackle when the time comes. Just need some ideas on how to make her feel most comfortable, less frightened. Any suggestions? Thanks all in advance __ http://www.hoosierkitties.com Resource Links for You About Your Cat |
#2
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
On Wed, 15 Mar 2006 09:26:45 -0800, Arubalisa wrote:
Yes, dh and I may need to have our heads examined. We really do not have to have another cat. Especially having one boy who was dx 3 months ago with renal failure :-( It pushed us over the top though on Monday when "Whitey" was out in the rain and finally found some underbrush in the back of our yard. Thoughts were the cat slept in a drainage pipe adjacent to the woods at the back of our property, so needless to say, in rain needs to go elsewhere. Dragged out the Hav-a-hart late yesterday and dh was out of practice. Set the trap, Whitey went in at the wet food AND tuna, turned around and split. We couldn't leave the trap out over night because we would have ended up with oppusum instead. Set out 2 traps this a.m. One where we trapped it yesterday in our backyard (under the bird feeder of course) and the other on our front porch where the food is placed every morning. When I awoke, Whitey was already in the trap. Usual amount of ugly reaction on his part. Thankfully a very calm quiet ride to the vets. Left him there with instructions for checking him out. Called me about 45 minutes later to say that he was a SHE, about 3 years old and very sweet, but VERY scared AND declawed in the front (grrrrrrhhhh!). We've been feeding this stray since the end of November, but had no ideas about the claws. Also the cat is also spayed. The vet is wondering if perhaps the cat was "dumped" because it had been spraying??? I am praying that the cat was dumped because someone was just not interested in keeping her any longer. We already have 1 cat with spraying problems and is on Paxil for that :-( Vet called again 2 1/2 hours later saying the leukemia and FIV were negative. Besides vaccinations and de-worming, I asked them to "try" to bath her to rid her of some of the Georgia clay, but that evidently did not go over too well. Rather than sedate her just for the bath, we figure we'll skip it. Put some Advantage on her and ready for pick up in a couple of hours. So...do you all think Whitey is an appropriate name for a female cat? She has all white underneath and at the base of all 4 paws with tiger stripes all over her top. Is there a chance, (actually there has to be because I don't know what to do if not), that ONE female can co-habitate with FIVE males, TWO of whom are in a constant power struggle to be the leader? When I bring Whitey home I will set her up in our smallest spare bedroom. For some entertainment, she will have a beautiful window to view her old stomping grounds bird feeder and all. Knowing that she is scared, except for food and water what else can we do to comfort her and not make the situation worse? No way will we even consider introductions to the 5 gentlemen until she feels comfortable in her new environment. That hurdle we can tackle when the time comes. Just need some ideas on how to make her feel most comfortable, less frightened. Any suggestions? Thanks all in advance __ http://www.hoosierkitties.com Resource Links for You About Your Cat Do you have a small radio that could play soft music? This might help and perhaps a couple of boxes to nest in. MLB |
#3
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
"Arubalisa" wrote in message ups.com... Is there a chance, (actually there has to be because I don't know what to do if not), that ONE female can co-habitate with FIVE males, TWO of whom are in a constant power struggle to be the leader? Absotively! One of my partners has 6 males and a female- they get along fine. I have 5 females and one male- it took awhile, but they get alone fine. Here're a few tips on introducing cats: http://maxshouse.com/introducing_cats.htm |
#4
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
What about naming her Sugar? I think she will get along fine with the
boys! The soft music idea is great! My kitties always relax to classical music! Just doze right off! She will probably hide under the bed. Some nice soft, gentle petting never hurt either! Good luck! |
#5
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
On 15 Mar 2006 09:26:45 -0800, "Arubalisa"
wrote: Yes, dh and I may need to have our heads examined. We really do not have to have another cat. Especially having one boy who was dx 3 months ago with renal failure :-( It pushed us over the top though on Monday when "Whitey" was out in the rain and finally found some underbrush in the back of our yard. Thoughts were the cat slept in a drainage pipe adjacent to the woods at the back of our property, so needless to say, in rain needs to go elsewhere. Dragged out the Hav-a-hart late yesterday and dh was out of practice. Set the trap, Whitey went in at the wet food AND tuna, turned around and split. We couldn't leave the trap out over night because we would have ended up with oppusum instead. Set out 2 traps this a.m. One where we trapped it yesterday in our backyard (under the bird feeder of course) and the other on our front porch where the food is placed every morning. When I awoke, Whitey was already in the trap. Usual amount of ugly reaction on his part. Thankfully a very calm quiet ride to the vets. Left him there with instructions for checking him out. Called me about 45 minutes later to say that he was a SHE, about 3 years old and very sweet, but VERY scared AND declawed in the front (grrrrrrhhhh!). We've been feeding this stray since the end of November, but had no ideas about the claws. Also the cat is also spayed. The vet is wondering if perhaps the cat was "dumped" because it had been spraying??? I am praying that the cat was dumped because someone was just not interested in keeping her any longer. We already have 1 cat with spraying problems and is on Paxil for that :-( Vet called again 2 1/2 hours later saying the leukemia and FIV were negative. Besides vaccinations and de-worming, I asked them to "try" to bath her to rid her of some of the Georgia clay, but that evidently did not go over too well. Rather than sedate her just for the bath, we figure we'll skip it. Put some Advantage on her and ready for pick up in a couple of hours. So...do you all think Whitey is an appropriate name for a female cat? She has all white underneath and at the base of all 4 paws with tiger stripes all over her top. Is there a chance, (actually there has to be because I don't know what to do if not), that ONE female can co-habitate with FIVE males, TWO of whom are in a constant power struggle to be the leader? When I bring Whitey home I will set her up in our smallest spare bedroom. For some entertainment, she will have a beautiful window to view her old stomping grounds bird feeder and all. Knowing that she is scared, except for food and water what else can we do to comfort her and not make the situation worse? No way will we even consider introductions to the 5 gentlemen until she feels comfortable in her new environment. That hurdle we can tackle when the time comes. Just need some ideas on how to make her feel most comfortable, less frightened. Any suggestions? Thanks all in advance __ http://www.hoosierkitties.com Resource Links for You About Your Cat Good for you for taking in this stray. For awhile, we had *7* males and *1* female. Heh. Our female was not that happy, but she basically made herself Princess and it her right to hiss at the boys if she so chose. I'm sure "Whitey" will find some place in the pecking order that will work. Best of luck to you! Ginger-lyn Home Pages: http://www.moonsummer.com http://www.angelfire.com/folk/glsummer (homepage & cats) http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb....mmer/index.htm (genealogy) http://www.movieanimals.bravehost.com/ (The Violence Against Animals in Movies Website) |
#6
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
Just wanted to say that you are terrific to take this girl in.
Gail "Arubalisa" wrote in message ups.com... Yes, dh and I may need to have our heads examined. We really do not have to have another cat. Especially having one boy who was dx 3 months ago with renal failure :-( It pushed us over the top though on Monday when "Whitey" was out in the rain and finally found some underbrush in the back of our yard. Thoughts were the cat slept in a drainage pipe adjacent to the woods at the back of our property, so needless to say, in rain needs to go elsewhere. Dragged out the Hav-a-hart late yesterday and dh was out of practice. Set the trap, Whitey went in at the wet food AND tuna, turned around and split. We couldn't leave the trap out over night because we would have ended up with oppusum instead. Set out 2 traps this a.m. One where we trapped it yesterday in our backyard (under the bird feeder of course) and the other on our front porch where the food is placed every morning. When I awoke, Whitey was already in the trap. Usual amount of ugly reaction on his part. Thankfully a very calm quiet ride to the vets. Left him there with instructions for checking him out. Called me about 45 minutes later to say that he was a SHE, about 3 years old and very sweet, but VERY scared AND declawed in the front (grrrrrrhhhh!). We've been feeding this stray since the end of November, but had no ideas about the claws. Also the cat is also spayed. The vet is wondering if perhaps the cat was "dumped" because it had been spraying??? I am praying that the cat was dumped because someone was just not interested in keeping her any longer. We already have 1 cat with spraying problems and is on Paxil for that :-( Vet called again 2 1/2 hours later saying the leukemia and FIV were negative. Besides vaccinations and de-worming, I asked them to "try" to bath her to rid her of some of the Georgia clay, but that evidently did not go over too well. Rather than sedate her just for the bath, we figure we'll skip it. Put some Advantage on her and ready for pick up in a couple of hours. So...do you all think Whitey is an appropriate name for a female cat? She has all white underneath and at the base of all 4 paws with tiger stripes all over her top. Is there a chance, (actually there has to be because I don't know what to do if not), that ONE female can co-habitate with FIVE males, TWO of whom are in a constant power struggle to be the leader? When I bring Whitey home I will set her up in our smallest spare bedroom. For some entertainment, she will have a beautiful window to view her old stomping grounds bird feeder and all. Knowing that she is scared, except for food and water what else can we do to comfort her and not make the situation worse? No way will we even consider introductions to the 5 gentlemen until she feels comfortable in her new environment. That hurdle we can tackle when the time comes. Just need some ideas on how to make her feel most comfortable, less frightened. Any suggestions? Thanks all in advance __ http://www.hoosierkitties.com Resource Links for You About Your Cat |
#7
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
Arubalisa wrote: Yes, dh and I may need to have our heads examined. We really do not have to have another cat. Yep, I think you "have to have" another cat! So...do you all think Whitey is an appropriate name for a female cat? I think Whitey is okay, but I read it as "Whitney." I kinda liked Whitney. You get to pick whatever name you want, she's your new baby! Is there a chance, (actually there has to be because I don't know what to do if not), that ONE female can co-habitate with FIVE males, TWO of whom are in a constant power struggle to be the leader? The most issues we've had were between two boys. I don't think the sex matters all that much, I think she'll be fine. That's great of you to help that poor cat. She probably wouldn't have lasted too long out there, being declawed. Rhonda |
#8
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
Yes, dh and I may need to have our heads examined. We really do not
have to have another cat. Yep, I think you "have to have" another cat! So...do you all think Whitey is an appropriate name for a female cat? I think Whitey is okay, but I read it as "Whitney." I kinda liked Whitney. You get to pick whatever name you want, she's your new baby! Is there a chance, (actually there has to be because I don't know what to do if not), that ONE female can co-habitate with FIVE males, TWO of whom are in a constant power struggle to be the leader? The most issues we've had were between two boys. I don't think the sex matters all that much, I think she'll be fine. That's great of you to help that poor cat. She probably wouldn't have lasted too long out there, being declawed. Rhonda Name her anything you feel like. Blessings on you all for having mercy and caring for those in need. I have one suggestion: either keep this window you mention closed entirely or open just a tiny bit for air circulation if needed. I still feel bad about this: back in early 80's, I had a feral male cat in my apt. and the room he was in shortly after we got him had a tiny window about 6 feet off the floor (a bedroom). Some time while I was watching a noisy football game in l.r. nearby, he actually jumped up and broke through the screen, escaping through the bars on outside of window......never to be seen again. Since then, I have never left windows entirely open anywhere in home unless I am in the room. When I leave room, window gets closed except for opening much smaller than a cat head (few inches). Talk about guilt. |
#9
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
"Buddy" wrote in message oups.com... What about naming her Sugar? Sugar is a great name for a white female: http://maxshouse.com/Ours/sugar-5-12-05-4.jpg I think she will get along fine with the boys! I think you're right. I don't think sex makes much of difference when all the cats are neutered. When there's no sexual competition or competition for food, they seem to develop their own little community. I think the cat hierarchy is more like a wheel- rather than like a ladder as with dogs. There's really no alpha cat- they just seem to time share the hub at the center of the wheel. lol The soft music idea is great! My kitties always relax to classical music! Just doze right off! My cats are partial to Beliotz - "Requiem" in particular, probably because the soft kettle drums sounds like cats purring. She will probably hide under the bed. Some nice soft, gentle petting never hurt either! ...or treats-- a lot of treats. Phil |
#10
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Taking In Our 6th Stray Cat
"Phil P." wrote in message news:N51Sf.13009$o41.6909@trnddc06... "Buddy" wrote in message oups.com... What about naming her Sugar? Sugar is a great name for a white female: http://maxshouse.com/Ours/sugar-5-12-05-4.jpg She is beautiful Phil she has a look at royalty I think she will get along fine with the boys! I think you're right. I don't think sex makes much of difference when all the cats are neutered. When there's no sexual competition or competition for food, they seem to develop their own little community. I think the cat hierarchy is more like a wheel- rather than like a ladder as with dogs. There's really no alpha cat- they just seem to time share the hub at the center of the wheel. lol The soft music idea is great! My kitties always relax to classical music! Just doze right off! My cats are partial to Beliotz - "Requiem" in particular, probably because the soft kettle drums sounds like cats purring. She will probably hide under the bed. Some nice soft, gentle petting never hurt either! ..or treats-- a lot of treats. Phil |
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