Brought in a stray much sooner than I had planned

So, I am hoping that some of you here might be able to offer some advice, and give me your insights.

I have a full grown cat that I had seen around the apartment complex for at least three years. I always thought he was feral because he was unapproachable. But by happy accident, about 6 months ago, my husband was cleaning fish on our patio, and the smell enticed him. I offered him some cooked fish, and he began to come around regularly in the morning and the evening to be fed.

Not long after this, my conclusion that he was feral changed to the conclusion that he was an abandoned or lost former pet because it didn't take long for him to warm up to me and hubby and he really loves being petted. He will headbutt and get up on his hind legs to reach my hand for some ear scratching.

We have slowly been working on getting him inside, but anytime we have brought him in, he has freaked out, (by that, I mean scratching wildly at the door and yowling). I was hoping that with time and patience we could get past this. But then something happened that forced my hand. Our city got hit with some arctic weather that dropped temps way below normal. Last night, with the wind chill, it was close to zero. So, when he came for his afternoon meal, I catnapped him. I used a towel to pick him up (which surprisingly, he didn't resist too much). I brought him into our bedroom (I don't have a spare room.) I had the food, water, and litter set up. Of course, immediately the meowing commenced. He's not really yowling. Instead he's doing a loud meow at about 2 second intervals. You would think at this point, his little voice would be croaky and hoarse!

I have another cat, Sasha, who was a feral kitten that I was able to tame, and that went completely differently --I'm guessing, of course, due to the fact that she was feral. (I am keeping them separate, although they actually have met briefly at the patio door, and they instantly got along, giving each other head butts.) But I digress. Taming Sasha was a completely different experience, so I am at a bit of a loss on how to deal with my new boy (we haven't given him a name yet). Here is what he is doing: he will do his meowing thing, but I can go in the room, pick him up and set him on the bed. If I start petting, eventually, the meowing subsides, and he starts getting really affectionate (major bread kneading and head butting). He will go to sleep, but then after awhile, he starts up with the loud meowing again. I was actually able to lay next to him on the bed for a couple of hours and nap last night.

My husband and I took turns lying in the bedroom with him, petting him despite the meows, while the other one took the couch for some sleep. (We were joking that it was like taking care of a newborn baby.) But here are my questions (sorry about taking so long to get to them):

1. Should I let this cat back outside when the weather gets warmer? If I do, will it be likely that he will never come back again?
2. How long will this meowing go on? Is there anything I can do to help him get past this stage?
3. Should my husband and I continue to take turns keeping him company, or should we let him alone for awhile?

thanks for looking out for this guy! sounds like he's just nervous to be confined after living outside for so long. once he realizes he's safe and protected inside he will relent. sounds like you're doing the right things to calm him down. if your other cat gets along with him, have her in the room with him. for cats that like other cats it can be soothing to see one who's relaxed in the same situation.

i would keep him in despite his protests, he will get over it one way or another. keep spending time with him if it seems to calm him down but be realistic too, you can't be in there 24 hours a day!

Get him to a vet as soon as possible to have him tested for FIV and FeLV, and get him vaccinated. Then start introductions. If he gets along with your other cat, he might settle down when he has a buddy to play with.

Is he fixed? That might be part of the problem... not completely. He's scared and unsure of being inside. I would get some Feliway... local big box and the smaller boutique pet stores carry it. That should help make the room smell "friendly" for him.

Originally Posted by GoldyCat

Get him to a vet as soon as possible to have him tested for FIV and FeLV, and get him vaccinated. Then start introductions. If he gets along with your other cat, he might settle down when he has a buddy to play with.

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yes very important to get him tested, and, have him checked to see if he has a chip - oh,

and if he's been around your other cat, make sure he doesn't get out until you can get him tested to find out if he's contagious.

We just completed bringing our stray and his feral family inside - after less than a month they've settled in just fine - yes, there was some crying, etc., but unless you think he belongs to someone who just isn't caring for him (and that's why he wants out - to go "home") keep him inside is my suggestion.

Do you think he's been neutered?

RE: FIV and FeLV - I now have two cats with one of these diseases. The FeLV stray was in and about the house, and was able to get very close to one of my other very friendly cats - in fact, KiKi got licked by Buddy (FeLV), and that was before I knew better. So, by all means, keep them separated until you know. Our FeLV now has his own room and is thriving. The FIV is the stray that we just brought in with his feral family - and he isn't as contagious as the cat with Leukemia. So, going to the vet is the key.

After you've been to the vet, and he can be with your other cat, he will really settle in, I'm sure.

I think this website has some pointers as to what to do, or not do when introducing cats - I think the main thing is to take it slow.

As for the babysitting schedule - you guys probably will identify that solution on your on as you get more experience with him. You both sound so neat - this little guy, and his new sister are so fortunate to have you guys caring for them!

Bless you and your husband!!

Be sure and let us know about the vet visit, too.

I've made him a vet appt. for next Tuesday (soonest I could get him in), but since Sasha is up to date on her vaccinations, including feline leukemia, I am thinking about letting them interact sooner. Something about her presence really seems to calm Peacher down (I know it's a silly name, but we started calling him that because he is sweet as a Peach). I also discovered that he likes to lay in his litter box (my guess is because it's similar to the ground that he is used to). I am going to need to get him a second litter box!

So what do you all think? Since Sasha is up to date on all the vaccinations, do you think it would be safe to let them interact before he goes to the vet?

Originally Posted by AddieBee

Is he fixed? That might be part of the problem... not completely. He's scared and unsure of being inside. I would get some Feliway... local big box and the smaller boutique pet stores carry it. That should help make the room smell "friendly" for him.

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He is fixed, which is part of the reason why I am convinced he was lost or abandoned. Unfortunately, people in my apartment complex like to move and leave their cats behind. I recently rehomed a big beautiful tabby and white colored guy.

Unfortunately, I'd still keep them separated. The FeLV vaccination is only 70-something percent effective about preventing vaccinated cats from contracting the disease.

The other problem is that Peacher may have fleas or internal parasites that he can pass on to your Sasha. It's really safest to keep them separated until he's been to the vet and gotten the "all clear."

While it may be an issue of Peacher not being neutered - it also may be him crying about his confinement, being in a new territory, being scared, feeling alone... this is all VERY normal. But as you can pick him up and he enjoys pets, and he kneads - all of this says to me he just needs a little time to adjust, and he'll be so happy about having a new home.

Here's a thread you may find helpful: http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=210849

Originally Posted by MaryInBoise

I've made him a vet appt. for next Tuesday (soonest I could get him in), but since Sasha is up to date on her vaccinations, including feline leukemia, I am thinking about letting them interact sooner. Something about her presence really seems to calm Peacher down (I know it's a silly name, but we started calling him that because he is sweet as a Peach). I also discovered that he likes to lay in his litter box (my guess is because it's similar to the ground that he is used to). I am going to need to get him a second litter box!

So what do you all think? Since Sasha is up to date on all the vaccinations, do you think it would be safe to let them interact before he goes to the vet?

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Up to date on vaccines - great!! Even leukemia - , - some resources say that the leukemia vaccine isn't 100% at protecting your cat.

One link that may be of some interest: http://vetsnyc.com/apage/84457.php

What are the down sides to vaccinating? Letâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s be clear. Any vaccine can cause a reaction. They can tax the immune system. They add cost to veterinary care. The vaccine is not 100% effective. Most importantly, there are other vaccines that are urgently needed, so if my clients need to make choices, my job is to help them prioritize.

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Is there a way that they could be close to each other, but not in actual contact? It's good news to read that he likes the other cat - a sure sign that they will become fast friends.

Maybe all you need is another box for him to use as a bed instead of the litter pan. BTW, since I require so many litter pans, instead of buying litter pans, I buy the Rubbermaid Rough Tote, 10 gal containers.

Do we get pictures soon?

Thanks again for the advice. Sounds like I do need to keep them separate until we can get Peacher to the vet. I had Sasha get all the vaccines, even though she is an indoor only cat. I worry about her getting outside by accident.

In the meantime, I do have one picture of him that I took last fall. He wasn't really in the mood to pose, but it still gives a good idea of what he looks like. He's a beautiful boy.

Originally Posted by MaryInBoise

Thanks again for the advice. Sounds like I do need to keep them separate until we can get Peacher to the vet. I had Sasha get all the vaccines, even though she is an indoor only cat. I worry about her getting outside by accident.

In the meantime, I do have one picture of him that I took last fall. He wasn't really in the mood to pose, but it still gives a good idea of what he looks like. He's a beautiful boy.

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Oh, he is beautiful !! I'm so glad you've adopted him. Thanks for the pic!
g

He really is gorgeous! He's a lucky boy to have you caring for him and even though he's not completely happy right now he's better off inside with you than out in the cold where he could be harmed. It's also best in the long run.

The other people are right, you have to keep him separated from Sasha a little while longer. One thing you can do though which may help a bit is to bring her scent in. Take a towel or something and rub it on her, especially her scent glands, and then bring it in to him. This is also a good way to get him used to her before you re-introduce them.

The reason he's laying in the litter box may have more to do with the box than the litter in it. Cats like to lay in boxes, especially if they are a bit scared. It's comforting. Try getting him another box that is just about his size for him to lay in. I've taken in a couple of strays that have done the same thing - laying in the litterbox - and they moved over once I got them another box.

It may take a while for him to get used to the indoor life. He's been out there for a long time and this new environment is scary to him. But he will get there. I would not let him out again. The last stray I brought in was miserable at first. She spent the first few weeks on a desk and only came down to use the litter box. She's the one that has taken the longest to settle in but now she's doing great and is definitely enjoying the indoor life. She's not even interested in going out anymore. She just want to hang out in my lap. And she is so much healthier. The vet believes that she may have been hit by a car in the past (something has happened to her) and it's just not worth letting them back outside to risk something like that.

Another thing you can do to help him calm down for now is to get him some Rescue Remedy. GNC stores sell it as does some well stocked pet stores.

Have you checked him for fleas? If he's been out for three years chances are good that he has fleas. If I were you I'd get him treated for fleas as soon as possible. It can spread to your other cat even if they don't meet. I would recommend treating Sasha with some preventative like Frontline or Advantage just in case. Frontline and Advantage is what's best to use for Peacher too and you can get it at Petco and even some big box stores like Meijer so you don't have to wait until you get to the vet.
You can also deworm him with some OTC stuff. They do sell wormer with Pyrantel Pamoate at some pet stores. Don't bother with anything else though.
If he has fleas ask your vet for some tapeworm treatment too. Almost all cats that have had fleas for a while have tapeworm and unfortunately it usually doesn't show up on fecal tests. I treat all my rescue cats for tapeworm, repeating it once, even if I haven't seen any because most of them do have it. For some reason many vets neglect to offer tape wormers so you have to ask.
And don't forget to have him scanned. Many previously owned strays are not abandoned but lost.

Thank you for helping this little guy. I bet you this is going to be the best holiday season he's had for years.

Originally Posted by MaryInBoise

I
So what do you all think? Since Sasha is up to date on all the vaccinations, do you think it would be safe to let them interact before he goes to the vet?

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Sasha is an ex-feral? born by a homeless mom, you took him in as a young cat?

So he is of tough wood, and thus - the risks are somewhat lesser then with a typical home breed, inside kitty.

But better safe than sorry, so I agree with all the other. Vet etc first...


IF you were desperate, and letting them meet now was your best option - you could perhaps take a chance "calculated risk". Some rescuers do (their residents are also typically rescued ex homeless, and or freely outgoing cats).
But here you arent desperate, things are going on well anyway.

With the help of Feliway as suggested earlerlier it will go even easier.

Another tip, when you leave him alone, put on some calm music on.


Good luck!

Yes, Sasha is an ex-feral. Except he is a she.

Also, I have a Peach Kitty update.
He went to the vet this morning and had tests. They say he is negative for both FIV and Feline Leukemia!

They did test his stool sample and he does have worms, so we are treating him for that. Also, the vet estimated he was between 8 and 10 years old. I wonder how long he's been outside, poor little guy. He will need to have a dental, and will probably lose about 1/2 of his teeth. That's why he has such bad breath, of course.He's been such a brave kitty, and I wonder how much pain this has been causing him. They want to get him a little more fattened up and have the treatment finished for the worms before they do this. I have been giving him nothing but canned food in hopes that he will have less pain when he eats.

Also, no microchip, so we can officially claim him. He's calmed down quite a bit. He likes to hang out in the bedroom on the bed, or sit on the couch with me and Sasha. He will meow loudly if either one of us leaves, but fortunately Sasha tolerates him pretty well and will even groom him a little bit when he headbutts her. So everything is going great! I'm so glad he is in relatively good health.

ETA: Although I wasn't able to tell, he hasn't been neutered either! He's so mellow though, I am wondering if that fact that he's so old isn't why he doesn't act like a typical tomcat. We are going to have that done after he recovers from the dental.

sorry to hear about the teeth but at least he's healthy otherwise! sounds like he will settle right down once he gets his bearings. he's a good looking fella!

Can he be neutered at the same time as the dental? Then he only needs to be put under the anesthetic once. Something to consider.

I'm so sorry about his teeth - but otherwise great news! He's so lucky to have walked into DH's fish!

Great news on the tests. Also, it sounds like introductions are going well if they're head butting and grooming each other.

Originally Posted by LDG

Can he be neutered at the same time as the dental? Then he only needs to be put under the anesthetic once.

Something to consider.

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That's a good point. I will talk to the vet about it. I realize when I reread my post that I forgot to mention that in addition to being treated for the worms, he is being treated with antibiotics for his mouth as he has pretty inflamed gums and the vet is worried about infection. (Again, the poor little guy. I wonder how long he has suffered with this. It breaks my heart a little.)

Luckily, I don't have to traumatize him by pilling him, because we have a pharmacy here that will compound animal prescriptions into treats, which he eats right up. It is the coolest thing. The only thing is, I have to distract Sasha with a pile of regular treats so she doesn't try to get Peach's.

Also, he has started doing the cutest thing. He will walk up to Sasha and headbutt her side until he almost knocks her over. Sasha is pretty tolerant of this, although a few times, she has given him a gentle bat. This freaked him out at first and he'd go hide under the table, but now when she bats him, he starts grooming her head! It's like he's saying, "OK, if the headbutting isn't OK, how about this?" I am amazed at how well they are getting along. I've never had a cat introduction go this smoothly!

Aw that just makes me smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (at the kitties, not his poor hurting mouth!).

Here's an update on Peach Kitty. He had his tooth surgery and his neuter and he's doing much better. His breath is so much more fresh now. He lost 12 teeth, including two of his canines (one upper and one lower) but he still has no trouble with hard food. I mix it with his soft food and he eats it all with gusto.

I discovered that his drooling wasn't due to his mouth problems like I thought. He's just a drooler. I had another cat that would drool when I petted her, and apparently he does too. I put a towel on my lap when I pet him now.

Also, he's shedding like crazy! I am guessing it is because he was always outdoors and had a really thick coat built up and now that he is inside all the time, he doesn't need it anymore. It's a good thing he enjoys being brushed.

He and Sasha are getting along well. Sometimes she will give him a little hiss and swat when he tries to love on her too much, but he always backs down so there has been no fighting. He is the biggest love bug on the planet. When I feed the kitties in the morning, Sasha goes to her dish and then comes for some petting after she eats. Peach does the opposite. He rubs on my legs and gets up on his hind legs to push against my hand. Then when he is eating his breakfast, he takes a few bites, comes over and rubs against me for petting, takes a few more bites, gets some more petting and so on.

He hasn't been interested in playing much, but that could be because he's still getting used to being indoors, and because he's an older gentleman (the vet thinks he's around 10). It's OK, though, because Sasha isn't as interested in playing as much as she used to be either. It's kind of nice that they are close to the same age.

I am just so grateful that this special little guy will get to spend his golden years with us and we with him. As soon as I can figure out where my dang battery charger for my camera went to, I'll try to take some pictures.