When will the crying diminish? :)

gloriajh

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Finally, after almost 2 years - all the "outside cats" are now inside.

That's a total of 8 cats inside the house.

It's been a very gradual process because the mommy and her kittens were feral. Gray, the daddy, was a stray/lost, and for some reason, decided I was THE One.
(He follows me around like a puppy dog, and wants to be with me wherever I am.)

As the others watched Gray with me - they would start to trust me more. Gray's son began allowing me to stroke him if I was also stroking Gray, or brushing Gray - his son (Jr.) wanted to be brushed, but was still too afraid to really give in and let me stoke him more.

Last week, Jr was attacked by another tom cat, and fortunately he came inside the house to try and recover. He wasn't recovering on his own, so I, somehow, was able to get him into a carrier - and off to the Vet.

With a 107 temp, boy! was I glad he came inside instead of hiding someplace outside! After his vet treatment, I knew he wasn't going outside anymore.

Gray had been suffering with a cold, he was no longer allowed outside (diagnosed with FIV, his son, Jr., now inside. Mommy (Gigi) and daughter would come inside to eat - and one night they came in, I closed the door and ended their freedom to the out-of-doors.

It's now been a week, the crying is pitiful !!! Especially the little girl (Pippy) who has the most piercing cry of all.

Sometimes I wonder if we'll make it. We've had so many phases of transition, and learning curves to overcome - and, I know there is yet more we'll be learning.

But, I am hoping that the sad faces will subside - just hope it's soon! The crying is very difficult to listen to knowing they'd have a lot more fun outside.


The next issue may be getting the mommy to the vet - she'll be a real wild cat I'm almost sure - I'm trying to wait for more socialization to take place, but, I heard her sneeze tonight, perhaps catching Gray's cold, ugh!

If you have advice about keeping 8 cats inside please let the advice flow!

We have one rescue diagnosed with FeFV - he is confined in a "guest/storage" room, our First Three are confined in our bedroom, hall area, and the Gray Family in our family room/laundry areas. When I change their room assignments (except for Buddy), I sanitize the floors, and walls, etc. before I let the First Three into an area that has been inhabited by the Gray Family - hoping to cut down on any health issues until I get the rest of the Gray Family tested.

Whew!

This is Gigi and her daughter, Pippy - in June 2010 - I was letting them come inside as part of preparation to having them inside full time.
Gigi is the one with the orange in her color scheme
 

farleyv

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You certainly have your hands full. But what a good heart you have!

Like you, two years ago I brought in the last feral female. She was pregnant and had six babies shortly afterward. J found homes for 4 kittens. So Slick and two of her kids now live with us. We had seven at the time, all seniors. I was thrilled to be down to a single number after hovering at 10 for a while. sigh. But we do quite nicely with organizaiton. That is the key.

Just keep them as preoccupied as possible. Lots of stimulation with the inside things. In my experiences, the crying will stop. You are not keeping them from the fun of outdoors. You are keeping them from the horrors that can happen to them. We don't let 2 year old children play with knives. They don't understand the danger. Neither do cats left outside.

You are to be commended for your work to save these beautiful creatures. Loved the pics. I have 11 cats indoors and you would never know it by walking in. So it can be done!!
 
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gloriajh

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It's been 16 days since the "lock down" - most of the loud crying has subsided.

I've had to put up barriers on the patio screen door or else they would have already been out.



Gray has gotten over his cold. Gigi and Pippy struggled through, and are now doing well, but poor Jr. - he's now separated from everyone - he started sneezing two days ago - I could kick myself for not being stronger and keeping him separate from the others while they suffered through the cold symptoms, but, on the other hand, this was nearly impossible. I think the cold virus is also airborne, so -- ugh! Just seriously trying to keep the FeFV (Buddy), and the other three as far away from them as possible and hope (pray) for the best.


So, farleyv - how do you work it when/if one of your cats gets something contagious?

Who takes care of YOU & the cats if you become ill and can't take care of yourself or the cats? How does that work?

When you say that you have ELEVEN inside - I'm encouraged to know it can be done.


We are making progress in the socialization department - I mean, like, what choice to they have - we are now LIVING together.


Some days I have more hope than others, it's like one step forward, and if we're not careful, two steps back.


ANY,
ANY,
insights as how I can maneuver through this process is very welcomed!
 

katkisses

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I don't have time to make a long reply so this will be short!

Teddy had been living outside for a long time (his coat was SO matted, we live in a rural area & this house was unoccupied for 4-5 yrs... so I am guessing outside for at least 4-5yrs.) It took him a month to get over it & accept being inside. Fast forward to yesterday, I decided to see how he would be on a leash.... he did great. So I took him outside & omg LOL! He wanted back in! He was scared of everything. He is offically converted lol.

I am glad yours are starting to settle down, it just takes a lot of time.

I had to giggle at your patio door set up, the things we do for our cats! I have no right to giggle though, I use the exact same shelves to block the window screens when I open windows.


I have 6 indoor cats, it's hard but it can be done! It does get easier, don't get so worked up over the "what if... what if" just take it one day at a time. If something ever happens to you there will be a neighbor, friend, family member, someone to help take care of them.
Just think about today and how happy and healthy your kittys are.

That said, it is good to have a plan. What I am saying is don't obsess over it, things have a way of working themselves out.
 
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gloriajh

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Originally Posted by LadyHitchhiker

Awww mommy, but I want to play with knives!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, every time I begin to feel sorry that they are now confined, and they cry at me with those big eyes I just think of your post.


Thanks.
 
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gloriajh

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Originally Posted by KatKisses

I don't have time to make a long reply so this will be short!

Teddy had been living outside for a long time (his coat was SO matted, we live in a rural area & this house was unoccupied for 4-5 yrs... so I am guessing outside for at least 4-5yrs.) It took him a month to get over it & accept being inside. Fast forward to yesterday, I decided to see how he would be on a leash.... he did great. So I took him outside & omg LOL! He wanted back in! He was scared of everything. He is offically converted lol.

I am glad yours are starting to settle down, it just takes a lot of time.

I had to giggle at your patio door set up, the things we do for our cats! I have no right to giggle though, I use the exact same shelves to block the window screens when I open windows.


I have 6 indoor cats, it's hard but it can be done! It does get easier, don't get so worked up over the "what if... what if" just take it one day at a time. If something ever happens to you there will be a neighbor, friend, family member, someone to help take care of them.
Just think about today and how happy and healthy your kittys are.

That said, it is good to have a plan. What I am saying is don't obsess over it, things have a way of working themselves out.
Your post is really very encouraging - I do see them gradually getting into the routine of living with humans - we can even laugh out loud now and they don't run for their hiding place.


Your last paragraph was especially point on - I do fight not obsessing over them, and it IS a daily battle.


I have no life right now other than giving attention to each cat, - cleaning out litter pans, - providing food and water, etc..

I'm sure the routine will get into a groove and I'll be able to reclaim some of my "personal time".
Hopefully sooner than later.

Screen Protection: the shelving is working perfectly - I thought they would try to climb it, but so far they haven't. And, like you, I'm already looking at different sizes to fit in our windows for the other cats' windows.
I don't trust window screens - they don't seem to be made sturdy enough to keep a cat safely inside.

Thanks, again!!
 
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