An update on Theo (the foster-turned-resident cat).

Before I start, here are the links to Theodore's other threads:
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=218607
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=218611 (pics)

Well, it appears that my little foster has now weasled his way into having a forever home here with my roommate and I. And, let's see, it only took him 16 hours. That just might be a new record . He's officially been named Theodore (Theo) and will be going to the vet at 2:00pm this afternoon.

Theo did really well overnight. He finished his dry food, drank a good amount of water, and used his litter box like a pro. I'm still estimating him at about 9-10 months, but my roommate thinks he's younger. He's long and lanky like when kittens hit that "teenager" phase, but he's very thin so it's difficult to get a good read. I'm about 99% positive that he was dropped off in the area by his previous owner (if you can call whoever dumped him outside to fend for himself an owner ). There is no way that a cat as friendly as he is has lived on the streets for very long. And, since he shows no interest in darting outside when the door is opened, I highly doubt he was a runaway -- especially considering the neighboring areas. I'm in an area where responsible pet ownership is, well, lacking. For many people, dumping an animal is easier than getting it vaccinated and altered. But, I can't focus on that too much. Whoever got rid of Theo is missing on a terrific kitty. And, my roommate and I have just found ourselves a diamond in the rough. He's already making his mark on us...

Theo is going to be my roommate's kitty (formally), but I am helping with the cost of his vet care. I'm footing the bill today for his vet check and vaccinations and have already agreed to take on the cost of his neuter. It's going to be somewhat difficult financially, but it will ensure that Theo will have a forever home. And, for that alone, it's worth it. I'm amazed by how sweet and laid back Theodore is. He allows you to groom him (he's had his nails clipped, been de-flead, bathed, brushed, and given Advantage) and loves to be handled and loved on. It's funny watching him -- it's as though he can't decide whether he wants more to be petted or to eat! He's just a love and is so calm. I've looked him over and he looks good aside from a small scratch on his neck that has healed and scabbed over. I'm sure he has worms, but we'll be dealing with that today. And, of course, even after his vet visit, he will be quarantined for at least 2 weeks. But, for today, he'll get started with his vaccines and he'll have his FeLV/FIV testing done. I'm really hoping he's negative . I also suspect ear mites and so he will be treated, if necessary, for those as well. Otherwise, he's in good condition. A little meat on his bones and he'll be one handsome kitty (though I think he's a looker already)!

I'm really impressed with the little guy. I was concerned he'd spray as he's an intact male, but he has done fabulously so far. And, his demeanor and personality are such that it's hard not to fall in love with him . He's just a great kitty all around and, after his vet appointment, he'll formally be part of the family (in quarantine, of course).

So, wish us luck! I'll update later on when I can with how his vet visit went as well as with some pictures (hopefully). Theo's definitely a lucky boy. And, you know what? My roommate and I are lucky too...

Did you get much dirt off him when you bathed him? In his photos, he looks "dirty," as if he had been in some dusty place.

The first thing I check on a stray is the fur between his toes. If it's long and sticking out, he hasn't been outside very long. If it's short and worn down to the level of the pads, he hasn't been on carpets recently! Just kind of a "rule of thumb," so to speak.

By the way, we ate breakfast this morning at "Theo's Grill and Bar," in Grand Prairie, TX.

How funny that you ate at "Theo's Grill and Bar" this morning !

When I bathed him, I did get quite a bit of dust and dirt off of him. Some of the pictures look misleading because of the lack of light on the porch when I photographed him, but he was dusty. I didn't think much of it as a good portion of our front yard is currently torn up and waiting to be redone by the landscapers in the next two weeks. So, a lot of the yard is very dusty -- especially since it's not rained much this season. Before we ushered him on to the porch, he was lolling around on the dirt in the garden and my roommate said that he was there earlier in the morning as well. But, yes, he was quite the dust-bunny and looks a good deal cleaner now.

As far as the fur on the bottom of his paws, it's so odd that you mentioned that. My roommate looked at me like I had 2 heads last night when I asked her to hold him so I could see his feet. I remembered that trick from when I volunteered at the local animal shelter. And, Theo has quite a bit of fur down by his paw pads. It looks much the same as my indoor-only DSH cats' paws. That also made me think that he was recently dumped. We also have a fairly large feral colony in our neighborhood. I've seen many ferals and have never seen this little guy. Also, I'd have suspected he'd have looked rougher if he was out and about for any length of time. Most of the tom cats in this area look the part and it would be doubtful that he'd have been able to come out on the winning side of a tussle with one of them.

It's all a guess, though. Really, I'm very likely to never know what brought Theo our way yesterday. I'm just glad he happened upon us and not someone who would cause him harm. I imagine he'll enjoy being a loved house kitty. But, first, to the vet! I'll update later. And, thanks again for the suggestions and reminders -- had I not been aware, they'd have been incredibly useful!

Sounds like Theo picked the right people! Congratulations and best wishes for his health and happiness.

His story reminds me of my Tiger, a young female we took in after she was apparently dumped outside our old home Thanksgiving weekend of 2003. She's now spayed, chubby and the platonic lover of our alpha male.

I am really so happy for Theo, your roommate AND yourself sweetie!! He was so meant to be... Sending lots of luck that his vet visit goes well!