Neighbor's senior kitty

I've already mentioned this to a few folks, but am so frustrated and angry right now that I need to vent. My neighbors have essentially abandoned their 13-year-old, declawed cat Ricky. He's a very sweet, handsome long-haired gray boy.

To make a long story short, there has been a history of neglect and indifference on their part regarding Ricky. The last straw was when his so-called owners went away for Thanksgiving and left him outside to fend for himself with no food, water or shelter. I left for a work-related trip the following Mon. and when I came home learned from my downstair's neighbor that Ricky had been at our house pretty much 24/7. She fed him and he took up residence in the shelter in our yard in the midst of snow and the coldest weather we've had so far. Phone messages and notes in the neighbor's mailbox have yield no response. Suffice it to say, Ricky is now in my spare bedroom, safe and warm. His owners know where to find him, but apparently don't care.

Next step is getting Ricky to the vet at the rescue, which will be happening Mon. He seems to be in pretty good shape. Was sneezing a bit earlier in the week, but has a good appetite. Looks like I'll then be fostering him until the rescue has the space to take him.

I normally don't like to get involved in situations regarding people's pets because it's enabling them to be irresponsible, but Ricky is still a cat in need and there's no way I'm leaving a senior, declawed kitty out in the cold to fend for himself.

Ohio does have a law against abandonment (falls under animal abuse), but it's rarely enforced, at least not where I live. Our local SPCA, which investigates cases of abuse and neglect, is pretty ineffective in that area. I actually called yesterday to make them aware of the situation and ensure there would no legalities in me taking Ricky, since he is a known pet and not a stray like most of the cats I foster, and the woman I spoke to could have cared less.

It does sound similiar to your experience with Grace. Bless you for helping her.

It's a misdemeanor in Ohio too, but rare enforced, unfortunately. Thanks!

My house is that way too. Sadly, Ricky's owners haven't fed him for a while. Poor guy deserves better.

Got some clarification on the Ricky situation today from his original owner who's living now living out of state. She apparently entrusted his care to others, who couldn't be trusted. She's unable to take him, so has given me the okay to find him a new home. Turns out, though, that Ricky has a brother, Merlin, a long-haired black fellow, who also needs a home. He's in good hands for now, but it's only temporary. The rescue I work with may be able to take both of the boys, but I can only foster one, so we'll see what happens.

The rescue is going to be able to take both of boys, so I'm currently working on getting ahold of Merlin. If the plan comes together, both he and Ricky will be going to the rescue's vet Thurs. morning for the royal treatment, including blood work due to their age (turns out they're probably 11 years old, not 13).

I'm looking forward to meeting Merlin. Have heard he's a real sweetie. His brother sure is.

Ricky and Merlin were reunited last night when the latter was dropped off at my house. I'll be taking them to the rescue after work today. Merlin is gorgeous - a fluffy, soft, shiny solid black boy. And he's so sweet - just loves attention. He was a little stressed last night and this morning - understandable under the circumstance. He and Ricky seemed very happy to see each other, though.

Their age does present a challenge regarding adoption but, on the plus side, the boys have looks and personality working in their favor. The rescue has found that big, fluffy cats tend to be very adoptable. Both are also front declawed, which is a plus for some potential adopters.

Will try to take a few pics before taking them to the rescue.

I posted about this in Cat SOS, but wanted to post and update here too. Merlin went to his new home yesterday afternoon wtih the family member of a longtime volunteer at the rescue.

That leaves Ricky (known as "the Godfather) by the volunteers. We would have liked to have seen the boys go to a home together, but they're not that closely bonded so it's not a big deal. We're just filled that a sweet senior kitty found a home!

Please send vibes that Ricky's turn come soon. Thanks!