I finally let them go...

5/15/09

Yesterday, Torao managed to attack Puff. Torao found Puff trespassing our yard. From the sound of it, they were fighting. Puff immediately run away. I hope he won't come back again.
Later Torao came inside. I held him to see if everything was OK. Then I noticed blood spots on my white shirt. I couldnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t find where he was bleeding from, though.
This morning, he was limping. It looked like his right paw hurts or something. He had his right paw up even while he was sitting on wooden floor.
I chased him (he is always more tense in the morning ) and manage to hold him to check his paw, but I was not able to see any wounds. I will definitely keep eyes on him.

My daughter was blaming on my for chasing Torao and making him uneasy this morning. She said he may not come in tonight. But I think he understood my intention….. I think he knows me worried about his paw.
I think he knows me feeling proud of him to stood up and defended his yard.

5/26/09

We went for 2 nights of camping trip and our cats stayed out during that time.
We had 80 degree day few days before that and I let them stay out for one night, too. They enjoyed it.
When we came home, all 3 cats greeted us.
From the CatCam footage, they like going out for patrol after 9 PM and don't come back until 2 am or so.
I kind of wanted them to come inside that night, but they were all gone for night patrol and no one responded to my call. When I checked back again around 11PM. Then, Leo was chasing something white. I think it was opossum. I saw it run quick in the yard. So, I decided to keep him out since he was having fun.
When I called them on Monday morning, Torao came to eat just fine, but Leo came back with tail injury.
It looked like his neck of tail has been bitten and He couldn't put his tail up either. I don't think it was broken.
Then there is no sight of Torako.
I tried to communicate with her and I get them message that she is resting somewhere and she would come back for dinner when it's cooler. I was anxious, but sure enough Torako showed up for dinner just like I imagined.

Leo slept all day Monday. He wanted to go out late afternoon, but I didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t' let him. I managed to get hold of Torao and I brought him inside as well as Torako so that Leo has company. Later on, Leo really wanted to get out. I know he needed to go potty. He sniffed litter box but didn't go in. (It's clean and Torao went just fine though.) So, I put leash on him and took him up to his potty spot. As soon as I put him on there, he started to dig and went. He has been holding. I think he developed the habit of going potty outdoor. Torao and Torako use indoor potty, though.

I hope they will adjust to regular routine. But we are expecting more warmer weather this weekend. I wonder kitties want to stay out for that or not… I wouldnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t let Leo stay over night though….

After all kitties were inside, my daughter saw another gray stripe run by at the patio. It was Torami (sister cat who didn't stay)!! I guess she is still alive!

I have sat here and read all your threads the past two nights and have really, really enjoyed them. Thanks for sharing!

5/29/09

I took Leo to the vet yesterday. He seemed OK on Tuesday and Wednsday, but he was not feeling well on Thursday. Scar on his tail becmae abscess and it was draining already. But vet needed to add drainage to heal better. He has to wear Elizabeth collar until drainage comes off. He is not happy. But I think he understands our intentions.
He is on antibiotic and I need to clean the drainage every 12 hours.

He is feeling much better today and ended up escaping outside when I took his collar off. While he was on his own in the yard, he managed to rip his drainage off. I had to take him back to the vet and insert drainage back in. I will take him back on Monday and hopefully, drainage will come off that time.






Torao always butters up to Leo, but he didn't do that last night. His collar looked little too weird for him to snuggle up with him. But both of them came inside at night despite very mild evening temp. We are having 80+ degree day today and it will be hot.
I think he likes petting time with me more than food. That's what's brining him inside!
(That's what I believe…)

Thanks, cococalypso.
I am glad you enjoyed it.
I feel like this thread no longer blong to this section since my kitties are not ferals anymore. But I will keep posting as long as someone is enjoying it.

I don't think I'm the only one who's read it! I have a tomcat I am going to try and move from my old house to my new one and there is one here already and I'm just not sure how to go about it all. It takes my vet forvever to get in for a neuter and I can't really make an appt until I have the cat, but don't want to let him get in fights, uuugghhh, no idea what to do! Plus, he won't come near me, so I guess I have to trap him? We have tons of racoons over there, so I'm freaked out about it too.

Thank you for taking the time to write so much. It has been a journey to read through it, following your ups and downs, your concerns and happiness, thank you.

6/16/09
I am glad people are enjoying my post.

I expected our kitties to stay totally outside as summery weather progress, but they all come in frequently. 2 nights ago, Leo and Torako didn't come back in time, but Torao came in.
That was the first time he came inside without other kitties there. I kept telling him that I was proud of him of doing that. He was content and enjoyed brushing and petting. In the morning, I have noticed carpet under the door has been scratched up. Probably Torao wanted to get out and join Torako and Leo outside. Leo's tail is totally healed. I hope he remembers the experience and not to make opposum or bigger animanls mad at him.

Last night, both Torako and Leo came in around 10:30pm. Thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s pretty early for our sunset being 9PM. Torao didn't come in though. I kind of knew he was not coming inside.

Even when kitties don't come in, they always stay in the yard. When I get up and call them, they always show up for breakfast.

7/5/2009


Kitties keep brining bunnies.
I usually catch then bunny they bring and keep it in the cage. I will let my kitties sit next to the cage and watch their bunny. After that, I release it in the different location.
I wonder kitties are thinking that bunnies please us. I catch it and keep it in the cage = contribution to the food supply???
Ah, if that's the case I understand their effort.

I have bee using tiny fish tank as bunny holding pen. But finally upgraded to little larger one. (LOL)

We came home late last night and I was ready to go to bed around 1:30am. Then I started to hear hissing of bunny. (They make very high pitch sound as a defense. It almost sounds like bird) Sound was coming closer and closer and there came Torao jumping over the gate. I needed to catch the bunny to make it quite. We have been having very hot weather and neighbors had windows open. I am sure they heard the hiss.
I was able to catch it. But kitties were so excited that they didn't want to come inside. So I just went to bed.

When weather is hot, they tend to sleep during day time and become active during the night. They have been doing that last few days. Cool breeze came in tonight and we will be having cooler weather starting tomorrow. It was 90 degrees today and it will be only 66 tomorrow. That's too drastic....
Kitties my feel the same way and I am sure they will want to come inside.

8/4/09

We have been having heat wave in Seattle area and cats are pretty much staying outside.
I kind of miss having they come inside. Interesting thing is that they DO come in when they miss me!
Leo comes in and out more often than other kitties. She was former indoor cat and I understand that.
Torako comes in for affection. She spent night in her room for 2 nights, but she seems to want out very early in the morning. (like 5AM.) I think hearing boys having fun outside will make her want to go out after enough rest. I sometimes wake up hearing her scratching the door. She doesn't do that if other kitties are in the room with her.
It seems like they come in and spends night at least once a week. Last Friday, all three kitties came in. Torao was hungry for affection. But he wouldn't let me tough him outside.
Whenever Torako and Torao comes in, they don't go straight to food. They always wait for me to pet them.

We are pretty much over with heat wave. Night time temp is as low as 60 degrees now. I was surprised to see Torako coming out of Cat House. I guess 60 degrees is too cold compare do 75 degree night temp.
Rain is forecasted for next few days. That would be a welcome relief. I wonder kitties will want to come inside at night.

8/12/09


It must be autumn here already.
We were having 100degree days just few weeks ago, and now it's like October in here.
Daytime high is only 68 degrees and it's been raining on and off for few days.
Forecast is saying 80 degree weather will be back but I know true summer is over by looking at my kitties.

They are acting like it's fall. They eat more, they sleep more and they all come inside earlier now.
Torao is usually timid or prefers to stay out, but he is coming in baldly. For 2 nights in row, my husband was using kitchen computer right by the sliding door. But Torao came in without any hesitation.
When weather was warmer, kitties couldn't wait to get out of the room early in the morning. Torako often scratched the door. But now, they are very slow to get out. Leo and Torako was very slow to get out but quickly came inside. I was ready to keep them inside, but then they finally decided to go out.
Leo chose to stay inside yesterday, but seemed like he really wanted to get out when sun break came in the afternoon.
Seattle summer is short, but it was way too drastic to end like this.
I wonder kitties are feeling too cold? They must have shed a lot of fur during hot time.

Krazy, I read your blog from start to finish in one sitting. I couldn't help it! What a story you have told! My heart ached for you in the early stages, and then I cheered you on as things started working out. I am so happy for you and for your kitties. What an adventure you've been on! I send hugs to all of them, and to you for sharing.

Could you tell me the title of the animal communication book you mentioned. You've inspired me to want to learn more.

Thanks again!

Thank you for reading my blog.
I hope my blog would give encouragement to those who are in same position as I was.

Books I have read were:
Kinship with All Life
The Language of Animals
I found both books at local library. I ended up buying "The Language...".
It is good one to keep.

Any animal lover would enjoy both books. Quite few pet owners around me have read "Kinship...".

Thanks, Krazy! I will make a trip to the library tomorrow!

I wanted to tell you also that your blog has taught me several lessons, which I wanted to share back with you. I'll bet you didn't even know you were teaching a girl from Idaho, did you?

#1. Follow your passions. You went through an awful lot to help your kitties, even though there were times you were discouraged by yourself or others. Even when it seemed very difficult, you just kept pressing on.

#2. Be persistent. You didn't cave under the emotional stress or external stressors.

#3. Be creative. You came up with many plans and devices to help your kitties do well outdoors. If something didn't work the first time, you found ways to make modifications to make it work. And sometimes you did this over and over again. (Tell your husband that he made a very beautiful cat house!)

#4. Most importantly -- Support your spouse/friends even when you don't completely understand what they're going through. I am definitely not criticisizing your husband, but it sounds like there was some tension pulling you in two different directions. It also sounds like he eventually came alongside to help you with your endeavor. But what I learned is that if my husband has a passion that is driving him, it is best for me to encourage and/or join him in that passion. For instance, my husband loves politics, which I confess is not top priority on my list. But once I realized how much he loves history and following political issues, I knew I would love him best if I tried to keep up with this interest. It makes him so happy, and I'm learning a lot in the process.

Thank you so much, Krazy, for those precious lessons! Hope you, your family, and the kitties are all doing well. Especially now that it's cooling off for you. We were in Seattle last weekend, and everyone seemed quiet relieved that it was in the 70's instead of the 100's!

9/10/09

Torao was missing for over 24 hours.
He didn't come in night before.
If he didn't come inside at night, he usually shows for breakfast.
He is pretty much always comes for dinner, too.
But he didn't show for both meal.
I tried to meditate and tried to contact him. I didn't pick up any distress. It looks like he will be coming home fine.
But I still worry. When I checked CatCam from work, I thought Torao was on there, but it was actually Torako.
I wonder what happened to him.
Is he stuck somewhere?
I have meditated and tried to contact him few times. Every time, message I got in return was "I am fine. I will be home soon."

I tried to believe my instinct but I was still restless.
Then, he came back around 10pm with Leo and Torako.
He seemed little timid. Maybe he was little restless because I was restless. I may be feeling "What happened??? Why are you worrying about me? Did I do something wrong??"

I guess it is normal for cats to go for long patrol. I sometimes read that cat goes missing for few days but come home eventually.

10/02/09

Seattle area has been rainy and cold. I turned on the heating pad in the cat house.
Cats seem to like warmth inside, but they still have urge to go out at night. What's so good about patrolling on the wet ground?
Yesterday, it started to rain heavy around 5 pm. As soon as we came home, Torako and Leo came inside. Torao was at the porch, but didn't come in until 9PM.
Then Torako wanted to go out around 10PM then other kitties also. Rain stopped but it's all wet outside. What's out there anyway?? Oh, maybe Torako needed to go potty? We have jumbo size litter box in the room, but may be she wanted to check outside. Around 11PM. Torako and Leo came inside. Torao didn't show.

I am noticing very interesting trait. I think Leo is our Alpha cat. He definitely acts like he is looking after Torako and Torao. He makes effort to bring both of them inside. He is the first one to engage in play chase with other two. He doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t follow other two but Torako and Torao seem to follow Leo's lead. Torao always mews for Leo. He likes buttering up to Leo.
When I brought Leo home from the shelter, I was wishing him to be a conduit between human and Torao. He is definitely doing a good job of being one. I am glad we brought him home.

10/07/09

It looks like Trao goes for looong patrol once a month. It was just about one month ago that I didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t see him for 24 hours. It happened again last night.
He was not on cat cam all day long. He didn't come for dinner, and it was obvious that Leo was searching for him at night. Torao was finally on CatCam about 12:30am. He was at the porch looking inside. That means, he was hungry and wanted to come inside.

I wonder why he does this every month? I decided t o keep record of this. Is there neighborhood cat meeting at every full moon?? (LOL)
I wonder how far he travels. It would be interesting to be able to tack his territory by embedding GPS on him. (I know some one has done that to their kitties. I am no going to, though. LOL)

Does your indoor outdoor cat do something like this monthly?

10/23/2009

Torao is having bladder infection.
2 days ago, he came inside at night. I quickly noticed him being restless and going to the litter box every 5 min. I knew right away what was going on. (I felt exactly the same when I was having bladder infectino!) He was very anxious to go outside again, but I didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t let him out. I took him to the vet next morning. Thankfully, his bladder was empty, but that meant to have him stay at the vetâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s office until being able to get some urine sample.

So, he is inside since Wednesday night. I canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t afford to let him out. Vet told me that if his condition gets worse, he may not come inside. I will keep him inside until Sunday night. I promised to let him go out on Monday morning. Hopefully, he would come back in at night so that I could give him meds.

I could tell Leo is sensing some issue with Torao and Leo is definitely making effort to comfort him. He spent most of the night lying right next to Torao after vetâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s visit. Poor Torao wants to go out. He even ventured out to the door and scratched and meowed. (He never does that since he is too scared).
I was thankful that it was not crystal. Torao prefers dry food and I heard dry food kitties have more chance of crystal problem.

To accompany Torao, I decided to keep other kitties inside longer. Both Leo and Torako only went outside few hours today. Weather was miserable today anyway.

Hi Krazy. Good to keep up with you and your kitties. I am sorry that one is having urinary trouble. Definitely keep an eye on it, as we nearly lost our cat Smokey to crystals. We were in Seattle for a weekend getaway, but my husband and I decided we missed the animals and came home about 6 hours early. Thank goodness we did, as we found Smokey in terrible shape. He had blocked while we were gone. He was in the vet hospital for 7 days and had to have surgery. But he made it! He's on Hills C/D food now and doing very well.

I saw in a cataloge the other day a pet collar that has a video camera on it. Maybe you could put one on one of your kitties to see where the neighborhood cat party is. I always wondered what a kitty party looked like. Something tells me catnip would be involved.

Thanks, Paws.

Thank goodness it was not crystals! I guess many kitties have idiopathic bladder infection. Cause is unknown but they sometimes have one. I think he was having one of those.
I let him out today in the morning. Weather is really wet here and Leo didn't even want to go out. He decided to stay inside. I could see Torao peeking through sliding door (via catcam). I am sure he missed Leo.

I hope he would come inside tonight. That way, he won't miss the dose of medicin.