Sounds like he is doing great and making some huge strides. Having another cat in the house is probably helping him see that this whole human interaction thing isn't that bad afterall.
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My new foster is a feral kitten - I need support please!
- Thread starter Lyzzie
- Start Date
What a great series of updates!
He does look pretty big to me too, and pretty healthy, so maybe he wasn't entirely feral, but did have some unpleasant experiences that made him fearful of people. It doesn't sound like he's afraid of other cats at all though, so that's great!
When I had a feral kitten foster we made the most progress as soon as he started playing and we found his favorite toys. The toy under the towel was his favorite game! He soon learned that people meant playtime and he got very excited when someone came into his room. He was even more motivated by play than food, and he bonded with my sister through play even though she never fed him.
Boo is a really cute name, and it fits him well! I'm curious, if you had named him Socks, would that have been Socks or Chaussettes?
He does look pretty big to me too, and pretty healthy, so maybe he wasn't entirely feral, but did have some unpleasant experiences that made him fearful of people. It doesn't sound like he's afraid of other cats at all though, so that's great!
When I had a feral kitten foster we made the most progress as soon as he started playing and we found his favorite toys. The toy under the towel was his favorite game! He soon learned that people meant playtime and he got very excited when someone came into his room. He was even more motivated by play than food, and he bonded with my sister through play even though she never fed him.
Boo is a really cute name, and it fits him well! I'm curious, if you had named him Socks, would that have been Socks or Chaussettes?
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #23
@Kieka I think watching us interacting with Sparrow does make a difference. He is still really afraid of feet, but is doing better with fast movements. I mind how I move around him a lot, but John not so much. Plus he's noisy, what with all the guitar playing, even if he uses headphones.
And as I type this, Boo just came up the stairs! What a cutie, I want to cuddle him ALL the time. He's sooooo soft.
@Molly92 Thanks, I love the name too. If we had kept the name Socks, that would have been Socks, there are way too many cats named Chaussette already!
His sister is still at the vet, she has a broken pelvis, either from a car or someone kicked her. That may be why Boo is so afraid of humans.
So, more updates then!
Today we kept with the program, we played a lot, especially when he went in his cubby in the bathroom. He's really easy to coax out with play now, and he went in the middle of the room without problems. It took 5 minutes, and a real feather. Then he played by himself with the two cat-it games. He loves them, and I put part of the covered circuit under a scratching wave. He liked it, he could stay a bit hidden and still play, and he didn't even think about it when he got out to play with the other one. He does make some really good progress, I'm happy for him, he seemed so sad and afraid on Monday, I don't want to see him like that again.
When I came home from work, he was under the table, I didn't know and he bolted when I came in. He didn't go in his room, but stayed at the base of the stairs. I tried to get him to come to me, but he wouldn't. I approached slowly, and let him smell my hand. I petted him a bit, and went about my business. I saw him get back under the table. I served Sparrow's wet meal, put it down, and was about to serve Boo his meal in his room, when I saw him eating Sparrow's
. He got out of under the table and hopped on it to eat. He's getting braver!
When he will be comfy enough with us, we'll start introducing more humans. I don't how what the plan will be, probably along the lines of telling them to give him a piece of tuna, letting him smell their hand, and that's it at first. Then maybe play, and petting for last?
I'm going to try to weigh him, because I didn't get a weigh when he came in Monday, he seems so big, I want to know. Any guesses?
And as I type this, Boo just came up the stairs! What a cutie, I want to cuddle him ALL the time. He's sooooo soft.
@Molly92 Thanks, I love the name too. If we had kept the name Socks, that would have been Socks, there are way too many cats named Chaussette already!
His sister is still at the vet, she has a broken pelvis, either from a car or someone kicked her. That may be why Boo is so afraid of humans.
So, more updates then!
Today we kept with the program, we played a lot, especially when he went in his cubby in the bathroom. He's really easy to coax out with play now, and he went in the middle of the room without problems. It took 5 minutes, and a real feather. Then he played by himself with the two cat-it games. He loves them, and I put part of the covered circuit under a scratching wave. He liked it, he could stay a bit hidden and still play, and he didn't even think about it when he got out to play with the other one. He does make some really good progress, I'm happy for him, he seemed so sad and afraid on Monday, I don't want to see him like that again.
When I came home from work, he was under the table, I didn't know and he bolted when I came in. He didn't go in his room, but stayed at the base of the stairs. I tried to get him to come to me, but he wouldn't. I approached slowly, and let him smell my hand. I petted him a bit, and went about my business. I saw him get back under the table. I served Sparrow's wet meal, put it down, and was about to serve Boo his meal in his room, when I saw him eating Sparrow's
When he will be comfy enough with us, we'll start introducing more humans. I don't how what the plan will be, probably along the lines of telling them to give him a piece of tuna, letting him smell their hand, and that's it at first. Then maybe play, and petting for last?
I'm going to try to weigh him, because I didn't get a weigh when he came in Monday, he seems so big, I want to know. Any guesses?
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #24
Boo updates!
I weighted him at 2.387 Kg yesterday. He is SO NOT 3 months old. I knew it! I told this to Marie-Laure, my contact at the rescue, and she said he's probably around 6 months old. Boo needs to get neutered fast! It will be done within the next two weeks.
Boo hasn't slept in the bathroom since last Wednesday! This morning he was on the couch, right next to our bed. Sparrow was on the bed, as usual. These guys are living well together. We think that since Boo lived with his mom and sister from birth, he learned not to bother his elders too much...
Boo-Boo has finally explored the apartment. He sleeps on top of the cabinet, on the futon-type thing we have (Sparrow stole that from me actually, I let him have it, he was always stealing the seat every time I was getting up...), on a comfy blanket on the floor, on the couch, and in the little hammock I made. It's actually a wood thingy to put dishes to dry on, the kind you put on the sink? I just put a big folded soft sheet over it, and presto, cat hammock! The only place he doesn't sleep on is the bed. Maybe later, if Sparrow let him...
He is also very playful now, last night he made so much noise, it lasted a while too. He even likes to go in the cat tent! I thought he wouldn't because there's just the one hole to come and go, but he did.
Our neighbors have asked us to cat-sit their 4 mo black kitty until Tuesday. His name is Amé (I have no idea on how to explain how to pronounce it, sorry), and he and Boo have met twice. Poor Amé was home alone, so I decided to try and get him in the house with Boo and Sparrow. Well, that was an awesome idea!!! They played together for almost two hours! I've never seen Boo so confident. And Sparrow got a little peace (no quiet tho). He was on top of some boxes, watching the young'uns play. He even fell asleep
Which brings me to this news : I learned that Boo's sister (her name is Milky) should be released from the vet soon, and the rescue needed a home for her. Since it went well with all three cats this afternoon, we talked about it, and John and I have decided to take on Milky as well. I told the rescue, and they are happy with that! I should have more info soon, and hopefully a pic to share with you all.
Three cats. Wow, I never thought it could be possible considering the size of the apartment, but it is! We are having so much fun, it's great!
I have two new videos that I will post tomorrow. One of Boo exploring and playing upstairs, and one with all three cats this afternoon. The changes in Boo's behavior are visible. I think he really needs a furry friend, it's going to help him a lot!
I weighted him at 2.387 Kg yesterday. He is SO NOT 3 months old. I knew it! I told this to Marie-Laure, my contact at the rescue, and she said he's probably around 6 months old. Boo needs to get neutered fast! It will be done within the next two weeks.
Boo hasn't slept in the bathroom since last Wednesday! This morning he was on the couch, right next to our bed. Sparrow was on the bed, as usual. These guys are living well together. We think that since Boo lived with his mom and sister from birth, he learned not to bother his elders too much...
Boo-Boo has finally explored the apartment. He sleeps on top of the cabinet, on the futon-type thing we have (Sparrow stole that from me actually, I let him have it, he was always stealing the seat every time I was getting up...), on a comfy blanket on the floor, on the couch, and in the little hammock I made. It's actually a wood thingy to put dishes to dry on, the kind you put on the sink? I just put a big folded soft sheet over it, and presto, cat hammock! The only place he doesn't sleep on is the bed. Maybe later, if Sparrow let him...
He is also very playful now, last night he made so much noise, it lasted a while too. He even likes to go in the cat tent! I thought he wouldn't because there's just the one hole to come and go, but he did.
Our neighbors have asked us to cat-sit their 4 mo black kitty until Tuesday. His name is Amé (I have no idea on how to explain how to pronounce it, sorry), and he and Boo have met twice. Poor Amé was home alone, so I decided to try and get him in the house with Boo and Sparrow. Well, that was an awesome idea!!! They played together for almost two hours! I've never seen Boo so confident. And Sparrow got a little peace (no quiet tho). He was on top of some boxes, watching the young'uns play. He even fell asleep
Which brings me to this news : I learned that Boo's sister (her name is Milky) should be released from the vet soon, and the rescue needed a home for her. Since it went well with all three cats this afternoon, we talked about it, and John and I have decided to take on Milky as well. I told the rescue, and they are happy with that! I should have more info soon, and hopefully a pic to share with you all.
Three cats. Wow, I never thought it could be possible considering the size of the apartment, but it is! We are having so much fun, it's great!
I have two new videos that I will post tomorrow. One of Boo exploring and playing upstairs, and one with all three cats this afternoon. The changes in Boo's behavior are visible. I think he really needs a furry friend, it's going to help him a lot!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #25
Here's a little video of Boo and Amé. It's a little dark, and there's not much going on, but they are cute anyway!
Amé prononciation for non-francophones: a(h) may. Short 'a' like in 'car' then the month.
(Sorry that this is my first comment on your thread. I love it and read it regularly
)
(Sorry that this is my first comment on your thread. I love it and read it regularly
)- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #27
Thank you! And no need to apologize, I also "shadow" threadsAmé prononciation for non-francophones: a(h) may. Short 'a' like in 'car' then the month.
(Sorry that this is my first comment on your thread. I love it and read it regularly)
Some more videos, here's Amé and Boo playing this afternoon. Boo is quite the wrestler, but Amé is the fastest of the two :
And this is what happened tonight at dinner time :
SO John is working with Boo to get him to come when called. We think he understand his name. If I call him, he looks at me, I then wiggle my fingers close to the floor a little. I've been doing that since day 1, always right before petting him. If I'm too far away, he just plops on the floor and roll around
Ooh la la. Beaucoup de plaisir!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #29
Boo had been very good about not touching human food, and I let my guard down yesterday evening and didn't put my plate in the sink. I woke up to the sound of Boo licking some cheese, ham and potatoes off of it
And as I type, Boo got too excited in his cat tent, rolled over in it, and fell off the couch
We're waiting to see when his sister will be released from the vet, and what kind of care she will need. I thought her name was Milky, but it could be Milka. I don't like either, but I hope she's not named after a chocolate brand... We already decided to call her Mimi, but we'll see when she gets here. We are so excited!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #30
I forgot to tell what also happened two nights ago! Sparrow was on the bed, and I went and got Boo upstairs for a little loving. I put him on the bed, and he settled not too far from Sparrow. They looked at each other, John and I braced ourselves, and then... Sparrow extended his paw gently towards Boo. And then Boo did the same thing! They didn't touch paws, but what was that? Really really cute, and unexpected, but I've never heard of cats doing that before. Have you? Was it some kind of welcoming gesture?
So glad you're getting Mimi too! Kittens love having a friend.
I think that paw thing is some sign of affection. My cat has done that to me a few times, and I was always very touched. It looked like she was saying I like you, but I'm too comfortable where I am to get up and cuddle but it's nice that you're here. Or something like that. I'm sure there's a more official cat behavior explanation that I haven't heard though.
I think that paw thing is some sign of affection. My cat has done that to me a few times, and I was always very touched. It looked like she was saying I like you, but I'm too comfortable where I am to get up and cuddle but it's nice that you're here. Or something like that. I'm sure there's a more official cat behavior explanation that I haven't heard though.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #32
I would love to know the social meaning behind that paw thing! But it's probably a good thing, because last night, Boo spent the evening with us upstairs, on the bed! Sparrow was not happy at first, but he quickly came back, and chose the best spot in the house : John's lap! Boo was on my lap, and then on the bed, playing and sleeping. He even came back during the night, Sparrow was sleeping on my belly, and I felt Boo jumping on my feet. So much progress in a week and a half, I'm proud of these guys!
Even more, my mom came for coffee today, and met Boo. That's the first person to approach him besides John and me. He was scared at first, but we let him get used to my mom's voice and let him be.
When he settled on his bed on top of the cabinet, I went to pet him, and made my mom come slowly, smell her hand, and pet him with me. Then I stepped back. It went great! Boo is such a cuddle bug, he kept head butting her hand for more pets. After that she gave him a FD chicken treat, and came back in the kitchen. She did the same thing before leaving.
I could tell she was smitten, so we talk a little, and I told her we are also taking his sister in. She's thinking about it, and is waiting to see what kind of cat Milka is, but there's a good chance she's going to take them both! That would be awesome, she has a big apartment, she lives alone, she's not a noisy person, and is very loving of animals. This would be the perfect environment for a cat like Boo. She wants me to "teach" her how to properly take care of the cats. She already knows a lot, I think she's just scared. I talked in another thread about her last cat, Pinceau (Paintbrush). Poor baby was scratching his head and neck so bad he lost fur and hurt himself. She tried everything she could, she saw 3 different vets, and after she thought she tried everything, she had him put to sleep. He was only 1 year old. We talked about it a lot since, and we did realize that vets doesn't always have the answer. I firmly believe we could have helped that cat, if we knew what we know now about food and behavior, and if I had found TCS sooner. She's letting go of the guilt, and I think she's be ready to be loved by a cat again soon. Well, two cats
I'm waiting on info about Milka still, I don't know how she's doing a the vet, or the seriousness of her injuries. The only thing I know is that she had a broken pelvis, but even that's not sure.
Even more, my mom came for coffee today, and met Boo. That's the first person to approach him besides John and me. He was scared at first, but we let him get used to my mom's voice and let him be.
When he settled on his bed on top of the cabinet, I went to pet him, and made my mom come slowly, smell her hand, and pet him with me. Then I stepped back. It went great! Boo is such a cuddle bug, he kept head butting her hand for more pets. After that she gave him a FD chicken treat, and came back in the kitchen. She did the same thing before leaving.
I could tell she was smitten, so we talk a little, and I told her we are also taking his sister in. She's thinking about it, and is waiting to see what kind of cat Milka is, but there's a good chance she's going to take them both! That would be awesome, she has a big apartment, she lives alone, she's not a noisy person, and is very loving of animals. This would be the perfect environment for a cat like Boo. She wants me to "teach" her how to properly take care of the cats. She already knows a lot, I think she's just scared. I talked in another thread about her last cat, Pinceau (Paintbrush). Poor baby was scratching his head and neck so bad he lost fur and hurt himself. She tried everything she could, she saw 3 different vets, and after she thought she tried everything, she had him put to sleep. He was only 1 year old. We talked about it a lot since, and we did realize that vets doesn't always have the answer. I firmly believe we could have helped that cat, if we knew what we know now about food and behavior, and if I had found TCS sooner. She's letting go of the guilt, and I think she's be ready to be loved by a cat again soon. Well, two cats
I'm waiting on info about Milka still, I don't know how she's doing a the vet, or the seriousness of her injuries. The only thing I know is that she had a broken pelvis, but even that's not sure.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #33
I have some news about Milka. First, she IS named after a chocolate brand
Well, Mimi will probably be her new name. She's recovering nicely, she is limping a little still, but otherwise is in good health. She will be with us in 10 to 15 days, AFTER her spay. That's good news, since Boo is not neutered.
Boo is getting more and more confident, he is upstairs right now, playing with anything he can find, despite the bed being full of toys. He now come and see us upstairs on his own, instead of me going to get him multiple times a day.
Boo is getting more and more confident, he is upstairs right now, playing with anything he can find, despite the bed being full of toys. He now come and see us upstairs on his own, instead of me going to get him multiple times a day.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #34
I was doing a routine flea check on Boo, and found a BIG one! I have some spot on Advantage, but it's for cats 4Kg +. Dosage is 0.80 ml. That's too much for Boo. I can go and pick up some for cats Boo's weight, but he got some kitten stronghold 11 days ago. Which probably wasn't enough since he was NOT 3 months old. Darn it!
I also have a cat calming shampoo, but I hesitate to give him a full bath.
I tried my contact at the rescue but no dice. I don't know what to do. Given his age and weight, I think giving him Advantage is the best thing to do. that flea was huge, and feisty.
EDIT : I ordered Advantage 2-4 Kg from Amazon. In the meantime, I'm going to wash everything, and comb Boo daily. I also will give Sparrow a spot on Advantage. that should take care of it.
EDIT2 : I MAY have overreacted... After a full combing, I didn't find anything on Boo. I treated Sparrow just in case, and I have authorization from the rescue to treat Boo as soon as the order arrives. Sometimes, I call myself a drama queen. I'm working on it, promise
I also have a cat calming shampoo, but I hesitate to give him a full bath.
I tried my contact at the rescue but no dice. I don't know what to do. Given his age and weight, I think giving him Advantage is the best thing to do. that flea was huge, and feisty.
EDIT : I ordered Advantage 2-4 Kg from Amazon. In the meantime, I'm going to wash everything, and comb Boo daily. I also will give Sparrow a spot on Advantage. that should take care of it.
EDIT2 : I MAY have overreacted... After a full combing, I didn't find anything on Boo. I treated Sparrow just in case, and I have authorization from the rescue to treat Boo as soon as the order arrives. Sometimes, I call myself a drama queen. I'm working on it, promise
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- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #35
Here's a cute video I took this morning. Boo is trying to initiate play with us! He's been here for 11 days, and he made so much progress!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #36
So, my work contract has been extended, I'm working until approx. December 15th. YAY for my wallet, and for the cats, they always are first in line when I have extra money ! I'm going to get on catifying, Sparrow needs the extra space!
With the hours I'm keeping, I'm not of much use from Thursdays to Sundays, so I'm going to do more detailed updates on Mondays.
Here's a little update anyway : Boo now weights at 2.600 Kg (5 lb and 11.7 oz). The rescue will get his neuter scheduled somewhere in the next two weeks I hope. He gained 200 gr in a week, he's eating like a horse! Still no fleas, but I get the Advantage on Monday, I'll give him a treatment then, just in case. I have some dewormer, I need to check the dosage and see if he can get some.
Right now, he's playing at my feet! He's getting more comfortable, coming and going as he pleases, spending more and more time with us upstairs. yesterday when I came home from work in the afternoon, he was not far from the front door, and stayed there when I got in! He used to go and hide. Things are going pretty well!
With the hours I'm keeping, I'm not of much use from Thursdays to Sundays, so I'm going to do more detailed updates on Mondays.
Here's a little update anyway : Boo now weights at 2.600 Kg (5 lb and 11.7 oz). The rescue will get his neuter scheduled somewhere in the next two weeks I hope. He gained 200 gr in a week, he's eating like a horse! Still no fleas, but I get the Advantage on Monday, I'll give him a treatment then, just in case. I have some dewormer, I need to check the dosage and see if he can get some.
Right now, he's playing at my feet! He's getting more comfortable, coming and going as he pleases, spending more and more time with us upstairs. yesterday when I came home from work in the afternoon, he was not far from the front door, and stayed there when I got in! He used to go and hide. Things are going pretty well!
Adorable!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #38
Today, it's been two weeks since Boo arrived. And boy, is he a great cat! He is shy, and still afraid of feet (or shoes, he doesn't seem as fearful when I'm barefoot or in socks), but he's been getting more and more adventurous! He has the cutest meow, but you will miss it if you're not listening close, it's so soft. He now spend most of his time with us, wherever we are.
I took a lot of pics today, it's sunny and warm outside, so we went in the courtyard. Boo got out of the house by himself, and he loved it! Sparrow was there too, as was Amé, watching from behind his glass door.
Here's Sparrow. He's always trying to get past me to the hallway. He knows how to open doors, so that's a big no-no. I'm trying to make him stop with treats. It's working, but he's stubborn, and will require a LOT of FD chicken
Sparrow's favorite spot, the community cat tree :
He smelled something, don't ask me what :
Sparrow and Boo :
Here's Boo. I had a hard time choosing between the pics, so I kind of didn't
And here's Amé, the neighbor's 4mo black kitty, watching all the fun :
I have news about Mimi, I'm going to the clinic tomorrow to see her! They don't normally do that, but they've worked with the rescue for a long time, so I'm allowed. I will take pics, and get an update on her health, and character. I'm impatient!
I took a lot of pics today, it's sunny and warm outside, so we went in the courtyard. Boo got out of the house by himself, and he loved it! Sparrow was there too, as was Amé, watching from behind his glass door.
Here's Sparrow. He's always trying to get past me to the hallway. He knows how to open doors, so that's a big no-no. I'm trying to make him stop with treats. It's working, but he's stubborn, and will require a LOT of FD chicken
Sparrow's favorite spot, the community cat tree :
He smelled something, don't ask me what :
Sparrow and Boo :
Here's Boo. I had a hard time choosing between the pics, so I kind of didn't
And here's Amé, the neighbor's 4mo black kitty, watching all the fun :
I have news about Mimi, I'm going to the clinic tomorrow to see her! They don't normally do that, but they've worked with the rescue for a long time, so I'm allowed. I will take pics, and get an update on her health, and character. I'm impatient!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #39
I forgot to add that I gave Boo his Advantage yesterday. I checked him to day, and found no fleas at all, and no flea dirt either. Yay!
I'm waiting a few day, and then will give him some worming medicine. I have some left, it's called Strantel Cats. I got it OTC for Sparrow, it's pyrantel and praziquantel. 1 pill per 4Kg, I have 1/2 pill left. Boo is almost 2 Kg, so I checked the label, and 1/2 pill is for cats between 1 and 2 Kg, so we're good! Sparrow didn't have any adverse effects, but I'm not sure I should give that to Boo. Do you gals/guys think it's OK?
I would also like to wash his eyes, the fur below is getting a bit stained. I have baby saline solution, can I use that with a washcloth to wipe his eyes?
I'm waiting a few day, and then will give him some worming medicine. I have some left, it's called Strantel Cats. I got it OTC for Sparrow, it's pyrantel and praziquantel. 1 pill per 4Kg, I have 1/2 pill left. Boo is almost 2 Kg, so I checked the label, and 1/2 pill is for cats between 1 and 2 Kg, so we're good! Sparrow didn't have any adverse effects, but I'm not sure I should give that to Boo. Do you gals/guys think it's OK?
I would also like to wash his eyes, the fur below is getting a bit stained. I have baby saline solution, can I use that with a washcloth to wipe his eyes?
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- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #40
Ok, so Boo is almost 3 Kg, not 2 Kg. Thankfully, I was waiting a few days before giving the wormer to him. I will buy some more, and give him the correct dose, which is 1 pill.
