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HELP, need to know what

post #1 of 26
9/21/10 at 1:58am
Thread Starter 
to do with a big orange cat. My friend called me last night to borrow my have a heart trap to catch a pretty white cat that is around her apartment complex.

To make a long story short, we caught the wrong one. This is a tough looking male who she has seen for the last couple years. She says lots of people have tried to catch him and she was releived we had caught him.

But he is feral, probably has health issues, bits of his ears are missing, you guys know how it is. She wants to take him to the SPCA and I know it is a death sentence for him. I brought him home to keep overnight in our garage as she has no place for him. He is still in the trap with a box, and food, covered partially with a tarp so he has a little place to feel secure. He does not seem mean, just scared.

What should we do....part of me says to take him back and let him go, another says that is not the life for him. It's going to get cold here soon. Oh I hate this.....I cried myself to sleep and am crying now.

Please any suggestions. Its 5 am here how and she will be here at 8. I know she will listen to my opinion. I was thinking TNR, but then he is back to that awful life.

Thanks so much.
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post #2 of 26
9/21/10 at 3:33am
so he is whole tom as yet?
TNR is of course a way if you dont have anything else. Surely better than pts.

But if you DO have possibilites so.... Althogh fostering of a grown up semiferale / ferale does takes time and effort, so you know... It IS possible, but it is not easy and takes lotsa time.
It may be easier IF he is sick, and he knows it...

So, I agree with you. PTS unless he is very ill or otherways in a totally hopeless situation, is a very bad solution.

TNR, isnt so bad. He did already managed two years, so he is a survivor. And especielly if you have some possiblility to help him - we will manage OK.

Best, although most difficult, is to proceed on with neutering - and fostering him.
After neutering and the necessary quarantene period + fall of the hormone halts, you can prob have some help by your residents too.

Good luck!
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post #3 of 26
9/21/10 at 4:21am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StefanZ View Post
so he is whole tom as yet?
TNR is of course a way if you dont have anything else. Surely better than pts.

But if you DO have possibilites so.... Althogh fostering of a grown up semiferale / ferale does takes time and effort, so you know... It IS possible, but it is not easy and takes lotsa time.
It may be easier IF he is sick, and he knows it...

So, I agree with you. PTS unless he is very ill or otherways in a totally hopeless situation, is a very bad solution.

TNR, isnt so bad. He did already managed two years, so he is a survivor. And especielly if you have some possiblility to help him - we will manage OK.

Best, although most difficult, is to proceed on with neutering - and fostering him.
After neutering and the necessary quarantene period + fall of the hormone halts, you can prob have some help by your residents too.

Good luck!
Thanks for your support and info. I think I am going to try to convince her to do the TNR for this kitty. Actually, it could be a female, couldn't get a good look last night and this am just as difficult.

Calling the lady at TNR at 8 am to see when next clinic is. I can foster him in my barn until then.

These things just break my heart. But like you say, he is a survivor. And I know my friend will feed him. Still.....

Thanks again StefanZ
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post #4 of 26
9/21/10 at 4:52am
I too think TNR is the best option here hun. It really is better than the alternative, and once neutered, he shouldn't be inclined to fight so much and get so beaten up. Having him neutered should make a much more peaceful life for him, and he'll find food. He's done so thus far. Thanks you SO much for helping this baby hun.
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post #5 of 26
9/21/10 at 5:32am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kailie View Post
I too think TNR is the best option here hun. It really is better than the alternative, and once neutered, he shouldn't be inclined to fight so much and get so beaten up. Having him neutered should make a much more peaceful life for him, and he'll find food. He's done so thus far. Thanks you SO much for helping this baby hun.
Thanks Kailie, My friend is on her way here, and is concerned about the coyote problem where she lives. One tried to get her cat through the window.

That is a terrible fate for a kitty, just a sitting duck for this coyote. Sigh.
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post #6 of 26
9/21/10 at 7:07am
Can he be TNRd and released where you live instead? To "rehome" ferals, they're usually TNRd and then kept in a large cage/crate for about 3 weeks and fed at regular times so they learn to stick around and make the new area their territory.... don't know if you want to take on his feeding. But wanted to throw that out there as an idea.
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post #7 of 26
9/21/10 at 7:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kailie View Post
I too think TNR is the best option here hun. It really is better than the alternative, and once neutered, he shouldn't be inclined to fight so much and get so beaten up. Having him neutered should make a much more peaceful life for him, and he'll find food. He's done so thus far. Thanks you SO much for helping this baby hun.
So well put Kailie. I agree. I know it breaks your heart because you want him/her to have a better life, but this may be the only life he's known...but with your love and patience anything is possible!!
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post #8 of 26
9/21/10 at 8:08am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LDG View Post
Can he be TNRd and released where you live instead? To "rehome" ferals, they're usually TNRd and then kept in a large cage/crate for about 3 weeks and fed at regular times so they learn to stick around and make the new area their territory.... don't know if you want to take on his feeding. But wanted to throw that out there as an idea.
I live on busy road....don't think he'd make it here. Such a mess. Since I posted earlier, my friend talked to some people at her apartment complex. He definately is an intact male. He attacked a stray female (the one we were originally trying to capture). Obviously trying to mate. People have seen him for 5 years in the area, in blizzards and sub zero cold. Honestly, I don't know what to do. She is on her way back over after talking to all these people. I think she is leaning toward "SPCA. Her heart is broken too. I told her my feelings and she is of like mind. She is just so worried about the coyote and that is "no way to die, cold and at the mercy of this preditor". UGH.....this was going to be such a nice day too.

Have a headache now too, to go with the heart ache.
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post #9 of 26
9/21/10 at 8:11am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bellaandme View Post
So well put Kailie. I agree. I know it breaks your heart because you want him/her to have a better life, but this may be the only life he's known...but with your love and patience anything is possible!!
Thanks for the kind words...I sure need them. I am trying not to get attached and am keeping my distance while talking to him.

I know how you all feel....I feel the same. He hasn't eaten very much and is stressed I know. I had a new cage all set up in case she decides to TNR. She should be here any minute. I just want to cry. I wish wi lived in a high rise apartment in the city and never knew anything of animals.

They have broken my heart so many times. I wish I didn't care.
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post #10 of 26
9/21/10 at 8:34am
If he did make out even 5 years out, with coyotes and blizzards and all, so he apparently does manage this!!!

In such a case it is a shame AND a sin to pts such a cat, because "you feel sorry for him".

If you necessary must pts any cat, so it should be cats who do NOT manage the situation - say abandoned cats slowly dying off, and there is no other possibility to help them. None.

Do this TNR. And if your friend doesnt manages to help him with the daily living, she dont need to bother.


Come back in 5 years, when he begans to be older and perhaps not so moveably any longer... But first in 5 years.


I do forbid leaving him into this end station. I do forbid.
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post #11 of 26
9/21/10 at 12:16pm
Thread Starter 
Well, here is the deal. He peed and it was blood. We took him to our vet and he discovered a mass in his abdomen. sigh.

It has been a frightfull day. The vet recommended pts. I have seen this before in one of my own cats and there was nothing to be done.

He did not suffer, the last thing he knew in this world was kindness.

This all happened on the 2nd anniversary of the passing of my Baby K (baby kitten) even tho he was 14 when he died. He was also an orange fellow.

I hope they are together at the bridge. Thanks for everyones responses. Sometimes it is out of our control, but what brought us to that spot last night? Trying to trap one cat and getting another sick one. It kind of makes you think does it not?

Please say a prayer if you are inclined for this dear fellow. Again, thanks so much.
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post #12 of 26
9/21/10 at 12:58pm
RIP, brave cat-man. You did survived a loong time fighting successfully against severe odds, but the Death did found you anyway...

At least you did died with your cojones on.


RIP
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post #13 of 26
9/21/10 at 1:20pm
That poor boy. He'll definitely be in my prayers, as will you. I'm sorry this didn't have a happier outcome, but at least he knew kindness at the end thanks to you and is now at peace. Bless you for caring.
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post #14 of 26
9/21/10 at 1:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by eilcon View Post
That poor boy. He'll definitely be in my prayers, as will you. I'm sorry this didn't have a happier outcome, but at least he knew kindness at the end thanks to you and is now at peace. Bless you for caring.
Amen. Eileen is right. Play happily at the Rainbow Bridge, orange boy!
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post #15 of 26
9/21/10 at 2:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StefanZ View Post
RIP, brave cat-man. You did survived a loong time fighting successfully against severe odds, but the Death did found you anyway...

At least you did died with your cojones on.


RIP
Thanks so much for your advice. Yes, he did die with them. I managed a smile when I read that.
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post #16 of 26
9/21/10 at 2:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by eilcon View Post
That poor boy. He'll definitely be in my prayers, as will you. I'm sorry this didn't have a happier outcome, but at least he knew kindness at the end thanks to you and is now at peace. Bless you for caring.
I think it is important to have kindness and love surround an animal or person at the end. I think it means more than we will ever know.

Thanks for the kind words. This caring is pretty hard on the heart, but I guess I am doomed to do it till I die.
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post #17 of 26
9/21/10 at 2:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AddieBee View Post
Amen. Eileen is right. Play happily at the Rainbow Bridge, orange boy!
I sure hope he is rolling in catnip. He wasn't interested in it when I gave him some earlier.

I picture him with a "smile" on his face.

Thanks for the kind words, they're really appreciated and needed.
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post #18 of 26
9/21/10 at 2:37pm
I'm so sorry this happened. I cried just reading about it. We've been lucky enough that all the cast/dogs we've ever found have been healthy or have minor problems we've been able to help ourselves (mom knows a lot of home remedies thank god!). You've done a wonderful job by helping him and being there in the end. It's hard but it's better than him dying alone out on the street. You are very precious for helping animals. I send lots of love your way.
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post #19 of 26
9/21/10 at 9:05pm
I am so sorry for what happened to this poor kitty, but am so happy for him that you found him, gave him some love and care, and he didn't have to suffer. Imagine him outside getting sicker and becoming defenseless, that would be cruel.

You were an angel to care for him as you did. And I hope you can catch the white cat soon and get her taken care of.
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post #20 of 26
9/22/10 at 3:10am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mailyn View Post
I'm so sorry this happened. I cried just reading about it. We've been lucky enough that all the cast/dogs we've ever found have been healthy or have minor problems we've been able to help ourselves (mom knows a lot of home remedies thank god!). You've done a wonderful job by helping him and being there in the end. It's hard but it's better than him dying alone out on the street. You are very precious for helping animals. I send lots of love your way.
I wouldn't have been able to live with myself knowing he was ill and out in the snow. UGH, I wish I could save them all.

I hope your luck with your cats continues..what would we do without our moms?

Thanks for the kind words. I need them now.
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post #21 of 26
9/22/10 at 3:13am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by KRZ View Post
I am so sorry for what happened to this poor kitty, but am so happy for him that you found him, gave him some love and care, and he didn't have to suffer. Imagine him outside getting sicker and becoming defenseless, that would be cruel.

You were an angel to care for him as you did. And I hope you can catch the white cat soon and get her taken care of.
My friend called at 8 last night....she has the white cat.

He was a tough guy to have gone through all the cold and winters he did. We also found out the lady that had been feeding him had moved away. Just a sad situation for him.

Your words mean a great deal. I knew that the family here on the site would be there when I needed them.Thanks so much.
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post #22 of 26
9/22/10 at 10:12am
It DOES make you think. I know how hard it is to care. But it was a merciful quick end, and he is free of pain and fear now. He was one tough fella, and though a sad situation, it isn't nearly as sad as it could have been because of you two.

I managed a smile at Stefan's comment too.

...and congrats on trapping the white kitty!
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post #23 of 26
9/22/10 at 10:25am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LDG View Post
It DOES make you think. I know how hard it is to care. But it was a merciful quick end, and he is free of pain and fear now. He was one tough fella, and though a sad situation, it isn't nearly as sad as it could have been because of you two.

I managed a smile at Stefan's comment too.

...and congrats on trapping the white kitty!
Thanks, I keep telling myself that...my head knows it, but my heart just takes a bit longer. I think saying goodby to an animal is the only thing that never gets easier. Practically everything you do gets easier the more you do it. Not this.

My friend is at the vet now getting her checked out...she is cringing because it's going to be a huge bill and she can't keep the kitty. But she won't let her go to just anyone. She is like me.....references to the hilt!! She may be a persian (sp?).
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post #24 of 26
9/22/10 at 12:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by farleyv View Post
He was also an orange fellow. I hope they are together at the bridge.

I wish wi lived in a high rise apartment in the city and never knew anything of animals. They have broken my heart so many times. I wish I didn't care.
Those of us who live in cities have our hearts broken too. The tougher the city (like Hartford), the worse it is for animals. I wish I didn't care too.

You did a wonderful thing for your orange fellow. I think he is now running round heaven with our orange fellow, Goldie, who was killed at the weekend.
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post #25 of 26
9/22/10 at 4:03pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primula View Post
Those of us who live in cities have our hearts broken too. The tougher the city (like Hartford), the worse it is for animals. I wish I didn't care too.

You did a wonderful thing for your orange fellow. I think he is now running round heaven with our orange fellow, Goldie, who was killed at the weekend.
I read about Goldie, I am so sorry that happened. What is it about an orange cat that tugs at the heart?

You are right, heartbreak doesn't stop at the city limits.

Thanks for caring about all the kitties and thanks for the nice words.
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post #26 of 26
9/22/10 at 5:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by farleyv View Post
j\\What is it about an orange cat that tugs at the heart?
We had another orange cat, Listy, but DH had her PTS because the vet said she was very very ill and would only suffer. That was the first time I ever saw DH cry and Goldie was the second time he cried.
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