TheCatSite.com › Forums › Ferals and Rescue › Cats S.O.S › Can anyone save Harry?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Can anyone save Harry?

post #1 of 41
9/19/11 at 11:09am
Thread Starter 
At my Last Hope shelter, there's this really sweet middle-aged tabby. He's nearly blind in one eye (We're medicating it), and he always wants to be with you, 'helping' you do what you do. He's a huge purr-bucket and I love him to bits!

However...
Here's the sad story.. He's alone in the back shelter room. Harry is getting too aggressive with the other cats, he CANNOT be with other cats at all.. maybe he can be with one other cat, but a room full.. something snaps inside his head and he takes it out on the other cats. He goes completely berserk.

Few days ago, Harry got out of the back room, into the main roaming room, and attacked poor Dori. She's got a nice bite wound on her side and required stitching and an overnight stay at a vet. This isn't the first time he escaped and attacked other cats.. but causing damage to poor Dori and shed blood like this was the straw that broke the camel's back, to say.

He is slowly getting worse. He cannot be at the shelter anymore. No one can foster him since he cannot be with other cats, nor anyone has the room. Even though we're strictly a no-kill shelter.. the owner is at her wits end and is grasping straws to try to save Harry. His outlook is looking very grim now. I believe they even tried kitty prozac or the like.. I believe they tried everything.

He'd be great in a one-pet only home.. maybe with no children. He's extremely affectionate of humans and wants to be with humans all the time.

I am writing here, to see if there's any hope here to save Harry's life. He's on his last leg. He NEEDS to be out of that shelter, he is getting way too stressed out and it's wearing him down mentally.

Can anyone help save Harry?
Reply
post #2 of 41
9/19/11 at 5:47pm
I hope he finds a good home soon
Reply
post #3 of 41
9/19/11 at 6:07pm
Oh, that's so sad, poor Harry!

No one has a separate room where they can foster him for a while to give him a break from the stress of the shelter? There was a TCS member that fostered a cat-aggressive kitty. They kept moving her between the foster home and the shelter. The breaks from the shelter at her foster home really helped her.

Mega that the perfect one-cat person needs a cat and falls in love with Harry.
Reply
post #4 of 41
9/19/11 at 7:39pm
Oh boy volunteering is tough and heartbreaking. Be prepared to make some very special kitty friends. Sending vibes for Harry to find a home he deserves very soon
Reply
post #5 of 41
9/20/11 at 5:19am
Thread Starter 
No volunteers has the extra room, nor do they want to risk Harry going after their current cats/fosters. If I had a spare room, I'd foster in a heart-beat!

I've suggested to the shelter owner to make flyers and post them everywhere. The more people that know, the better.

I think the final decision will be made at the end of the week. not much time
Reply
post #6 of 41
9/20/11 at 12:40pm
Well, the room to separate would be so he doesn't have access to the other cats. But it's not unusual for shelter workers/volunteers not to have a spare, unusued room unless the timing is just right.

Continued
Reply
post #7 of 41
9/20/11 at 2:25pm
Any pics of Harry? Has anyone tried advertising him, like on Craigslist and flyers? It can work wonders in emergency situations. I know a lot of people think that Craigslist is just full of a bunch of irresponsible idiots but there are a lot of sane, good people that read the ads. You also have the benefit of reaching thousands of people. Write a tearjerker ad and include some cute pics. Let people know how super sweet Harry is but that he's time is up soon. I've actually managed to find some great homes for animals at the verge of euthanasia that way. I'd advertise for both an adoptive home and a foster home. People are often more willing to step up when the animal is facing death. You'd be surprised.

Keeping my fingers crossed for Harry
Reply
post #8 of 41
9/21/11 at 6:54am
Thread Starter 
they put me in charge (this morning, lol) to create a craigs list ad for Harry. I want to do all I can to get this guy a home!

How does this look?:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/pet/2609964633.html

Here's a pic:
Reply
post #9 of 41
9/21/11 at 11:09am
The ad copy is good!

The picture is cute, and shows his playful side. However a full face, right side up picture with Harry's beautiful eyes looking straight into the eyes of the viewer is likely to be most effective. The "windows into the soul" look is what you want. A lonely person who needs a friend and needs someone to care for has to look into those eyes and think, "He needs me. I could make him happy. He could make me happy. I have to save him!"

Can't the shelter keep Harry in a big wire playpen or "cat condo" in that back room to protect the other cats and give him more time? For a very loving cat, the right owner will come along, given enough time.

Good luck with the ad and hats off to you for making the effort. I'm another shelter volunteer who can say that it is hard on the heart, but so worth the pain. And sometimes it makes me feel really good.

Robin
Reply
post #10 of 41
9/21/11 at 11:24am
Thread Starter 
the cages in the back are isolation/sick cages. Besides, he's bad enough about being in the back room, caging him would probably make him even worse. We can't do that to him (he does have a cage to come and go as he pleases.)

If he's still around next sunday, I will take a new pic. this is the only one we have
Reply
post #11 of 41
9/21/11 at 12:04pm
Oooooo the ad is perfect Good job. He is a very handsome tabby, that is for sure . I agree with Robin and would add another photo of his full face. The photo is very cute and sweet, a couple of pictures are nice to see though. Good luck and you are doing a great thing for Harry
Reply
post #12 of 41
9/24/11 at 12:30am
Beautiful cat and looks like one of my own. If you have not found a home for him soon let me know and I can ask any listeners on my show if they would be interested and pass on any details.
Reply
post #13 of 41
9/25/11 at 1:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Imissyou View Post
Beautiful cat and looks like one of my own. If you have not found a home for him soon let me know and I can ask any listeners on my show if they would be interested and pass on any details.
That would be really awesome! As far as I know, there's been no interest for Harry
Reply
post #14 of 41
9/25/11 at 2:38pm
We have a cat-aggressive kitty that targets most of the kitties some of the time, but ALWAYS attacks one cat in particular his attacks are terrible. We have to keep those two cats separated at all times and it is a really awful way to live. We love both of the cats dearly and separated, they are both fine. But there is never a time when both of them are happy. Let me tell you, I live in constant worry that the aggressive kitty will get access to the old one.

Also, the tension experienced by the aggressive one is not good for him either. He attacked me once when he got a look at the old one but was caught in tme before he could reach him. He shredded my arm, bit my hand and I spent the week going to Dr.'s due to the awful infection growing in my hand from the bite. I still have scars from the attack.

All that to say, Harry is a beautiful boy. I know you are trying to get him into a single cat home but that is not something you can guarantee about an adopter in the future. Personally, I think it would be irresponsible for the rescue to adopt him out. I think you would probably see him back at your doorstep very quickly.

I am all about rescue, and the rescue of older or less adoptable animals is my speciality. However, there are not too many of us out there. The home Harry needs is probably full up with other rescue cats. Those of us that can manage behaviors like his, already have rescues.

I hope Harry finds a placement that understands his needs. And if not, the love and care he receives at the shelter carries him humanely to the rainbow bridge.
Reply
post #15 of 41
9/25/11 at 7:05pm
The ad is good but I would make some changes to it to make it stand out. Some more info about his situation and his personality would help. I know a lot of people say that ads should be short and sweet but in my experience that has not been what has worked. There is so many ads on Craigslist so yours has to stand out and contain info that makes you really want to help Harry.

Could I try to write a new ad for Harry to see if it could work? I would be happy to give it a shot. I've had pretty good luck with finding homes or foster homes for urgent animals on craigslist. Would a foster home be accepted for him? Let me know if you want me to give it another shot.

Please don't take this as a criticism. It's definitely not meant that way. I hope it didn't come across that way.
Reply
post #16 of 41
9/25/11 at 7:26pm
Hey...have you considered contacting Best Friends? http://www.bestfriends.org/ They take on animals that would otherwise be put down. They even work to re-habilitate them. I donate to them all the time. It may be worth, at the very least, a phone call. They can arrange transports!
Reply
post #17 of 41
9/25/11 at 7:46pm
I sent you a PM.
Reply
post #18 of 41
9/26/11 at 5:04am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueRexBear View Post
Hey...have you considered contacting Best Friends? http://www.bestfriends.org/ They take on animals that would otherwise be put down. They even work to re-habilitate them. I donate to them all the time. It may be worth, at the very least, a phone call. They can arrange transports!
I will certainly look that up, thank you SO much for the link!!!

Thank you to Ziggy'sMom for helping me with a new CL ad. Hopefully this will attract some potential adopters!!
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/pet/2617746768.html
Reply
post #19 of 41
9/26/11 at 5:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RAFM View Post
We have a cat-aggressive kitty that targets most of the kitties some of the time, but ALWAYS attacks one cat in particular his attacks are terrible. We have to keep those two cats separated at all times and it is a really awful way to live. We love both of the cats dearly and separated, they are both fine. But there is never a time when both of them are happy. Let me tell you, I live in constant worry that the aggressive kitty will get access to the old one.

Also, the tension experienced by the aggressive one is not good for him either. He attacked me once when he got a look at the old one but was caught in tme before he could reach him. He shredded my arm, bit my hand and I spent the week going to Dr.'s due to the awful infection growing in my hand from the bite. I still have scars from the attack.

All that to say, Harry is a beautiful boy. I know you are trying to get him into a single cat home but that is not something you can guarantee about an adopter in the future. Personally, I think it would be irresponsible for the rescue to adopt him out. I think you would probably see him back at your doorstep very quickly.

I am all about rescue, and the rescue of older or less adoptable animals is my speciality. However, there are not too many of us out there. The home Harry needs is probably full up with other rescue cats. Those of us that can manage behaviors like his, already have rescues.

I hope Harry finds a placement that understands his needs. And if not, the love and care he receives at the shelter carries him humanely to the rainbow bridge.
Unfortunately, we are very aware of this, and we're doing all we can anyway. The leader is having a hard time with the idea of helping him to the rainbow bridge, though a few volunteers has suggested this several times.

and to your words, I woke up to an email saying Harry bit a volunteer. I don't know the full story of how or why he bit the volunteer, so I can't say if its her fault or Harry's fault. its the first time he bit a human.
Reply
post #20 of 41
9/26/11 at 11:00am
Poor Harry. I wouldn't use the bite against him. He's in a stressful environment and that can make anyone lash out. My cats that are super sweet when they are at home and are comfortable can turn into total nutcases when they are stressed. If someone is interested in taking him I would play down the bite or not mention it. I know that may sound unethical but it would be a real shame if it would lead to his death when it's not really who he is.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for Harry. New York is a big state. Somewhere someone should be willing to take in a little gray boy that wants to be the one and only. Is the CL ad posted on the NYC CL too?
Reply
post #21 of 41
9/26/11 at 10:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Draco View Post
That would be really awesome! As far as I know, there's been no interest for Harry
Sent you a PM sorry for the delay.
Reply
post #22 of 41
9/27/11 at 4:59am
Thread Starter 
The leader told me in email this morning that Harry seriously injured another cat yesterday. I don't know how bad, but it just about made his days numbered.

The leader has a choice now between taking Harry in to her home, but she has 5 cats.. or sending him humanely to the Rainbow Bridge. She will be making the decision in the next day or so

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your help and suggestions and vibes. it really helped a lot. Thank you so much.

I will keep you guys updated on the leader's decision.
Reply
post #23 of 41
9/27/11 at 7:56am
OH NO...... Harry is obviously SO stressed out, the poor guy. What a shame . I am sure he wouldn't act this way under different circumstances. I know of quite a few cats that were so stressed out in the shelter environment that they were quite aggressive to people and other cats. Once in a foster home or in a forever home, the reports were astounding at how the cat calmed down and relaxed. I understand the Leader has a difficult decision now and it is a very, very difficult one at best . At the shelter where I volunteer, we have large cat cages for cats that are not doing well on the floor with the other cats. So sorry and hugs to you for your kindness towards Harry Saying a prayer for Harry
Reply
post #24 of 41
9/27/11 at 8:12am
Were you able to contact Best friends? This sounds just like what they specialize in! I know they are far away, but they do set up transports and such. They deal with dogs all the time that have issues like biting - people and other dogs. They are equipped to deal with these behaviors and have trainers on staff plus plenty of space for the animals. Please, please try them before the owner gives up hope!
Reply
post #25 of 41
9/27/11 at 8:20am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueRexBear View Post
Were you able to contact Best friends? This sounds just like what they specialize in! I know they are far away, but they do set up transports and such. They deal with dogs all the time that have issues like biting - people and other dogs. They are equipped to deal with these behaviors and have trainers on staff plus plenty of space for the animals. Please, please try them before the owner gives up hope!
I gave the information you gave me to the leader. it is her decision to call or not.. I am not allowed to call on my own without her permission. I hope she'd call..
Reply
post #26 of 41
9/27/11 at 8:25am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
OH NO...... Harry is obviously SO stressed out, the poor guy. What a shame . I am sure he wouldn't act this way under different circumstances. I know of quite a few cats that were so stressed out in the shelter environment that they were quite aggressive to people and other cats. Once in a foster home or in a forever home, the reports were astounding at how the cat calmed down and relaxed. I understand the Leader has a difficult decision now and it is a very, very difficult one at best . At the shelter where I volunteer, we have large cat cages for cats that are not doing well on the floor with the other cats. So sorry and hugs to you for your kindness towards Harry Saying a prayer for Harry
I truly believe that once Harry is out of the shelter environment, placed in a home with one or no pets, he'd be the perfect companion. Someone just needs to provide that for him

the leader now feels that Harry is no longer adoptable.

if I had heard about him before adopting my second cat, I'd take Harry in a flash.
Reply
post #27 of 41
9/28/11 at 1:25pm
Still no responses about Harry, huh?
Reply
post #28 of 41
9/28/11 at 4:44pm
Thread Starter 
I haven't heard anything today
Reply
post #29 of 41
9/28/11 at 6:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ziggy'smom View Post
Poor Harry. I wouldn't use the bite against him. He's in a stressful environment and that can make anyone lash out. My cats that are super sweet when they are at home and are comfortable can turn into total nutcases when they are stressed. If someone is interested in taking him I would play down the bite or not mention it. I know that may sound unethical but it would be a real shame if it would lead to his death when it's not really who he is.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for Harry. New York is a big state. Somewhere someone should be willing to take in a little gray boy that wants to be the one and only. Is the CL ad posted on the NYC CL too?
I'm sorry. But I have to address this advice. You have obviously never been bitten on the hand by a cat. Cat bites are second only to human bites. I have received two bites on my hands, the first time landed me in the hospital for 6 days and having emergency surgery that almost cost me my hand....I was lucky in that I only lost movement in the finger that was bit. It is in a permanent hook shape. The second bite was the one I posted about above.

The pain from an infected cat bite is nothing short of excruciating. And for a shelter to knowingly adopt out a kitty that has bitten is absolutely negligent. To even suggest something like that is remarkable. Would you say the same thing about a Rottweiler that bit a volunteer, because I can assure you, the cat bites I've had can rival any dog bite.

Again, I do everything I can to help cats in need. However, sometimes you have to consider just what you are doing. Harry is certainly a lovely cat most of the time, but when he snaps, he injures other cats and now people. That is not good.

My heart hurts for poor Harry, I'm sure the unfair hand he got dealt in life has lead to this point for him and that makes me angry and sad at the people that won't spay or neuter. Sadly, there really aren't enough homes for them all.

Draco - it sounds as though you've formed a bond with this guy so I'm sure this has been especially difficult for you. I'm very sorry. My heart is so sad for Harry. When you see him again, scruff him behind the ears for me and let him know that none of this is his fault.
Reply
post #30 of 41
9/28/11 at 6:48pm
Thread Starter 
RAFM.. thank you for those words. Harry is such a sweetie, that he does not deserve any of this. He deserves a wonderful home. The leader told me the other day that he's no longer adoptable because of his bites, which does greatly sadden me.

I hope he's still there when I go in on Sunday for my volunteer shift, so I can at least hold him one more time.. whether he goes to the leader's home or to the bridge.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Cats S.O.S
TheCatSite.com › Forums › Ferals and Rescue › Cats S.O.S › Can anyone save Harry?