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Frustrated but not sure how to proceed.

post #1 of 6
1/4/12 at 10:59pm
Thread Starter 

I have been caring for a cat i thought was abandoned, but it turns out it's my neighbor's cat that they just let roam the streets.

 

it's a 13 year old male. when I first started working with him he was very skinny. I fattened him up after a month of solid feeding (he would eat 3 to 4 cans of wet food per day) and now he does 1.5 cans, and I can no longer feel his spine.

 

But the problem is this. He's left to fend for himself at night. yesterday it was 18 degrees. I came outside at about 3 am to see him laying on the concrete under the car at his house.

 

is he safe at that temp? I must admit, first, he's a long hair so he's insulated, and frankly, when I brought him over last night he wasn't shivering or anything, and actually seemed quite comfortable

 

On the other hand, my wimpy cats act like it's amageddon if I let it get below 65 degrees in here.

 

Do I need to address the cold? that's as cold as it will get here, and it's not common at that.

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post #2 of 6
1/4/12 at 11:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fastnoc View Post

I have been caring for a cat i thought was abandoned, but it turns out it's my neighbor's cat that they just let roam the streets.

it's a 13 year old male. when I first started working with him he was very skinny. I fattened him up after a month of solid feeding (he would eat 3 to 4 cans of wet food per day) and now he does 1.5 cans, and I can no longer feel his spine.

But the problem is this. He's left to fend for himself at night. yesterday it was 18 degrees. I came outside at about 3 am to see him laying on the concrete under the car at his house.

is he safe at that temp? I must admit, first, he's a long hair so he's insulated, and frankly, when I brought him over last night he wasn't shivering or anything, and actually seemed quite comfortable

On the other hand, my wimpy cats act like it's amageddon if I let it get below 65 degrees in here.

Do I need to address the cold? that's as cold as it will get here, and it's not common at that.

Hummm...... that's so sad..... I don't think any cat would be fine at 18F laying on the concrete without appropriate shelter....... That poor kitty frown.gif
You are feeding a cat that was obviously malnourished.... now it is left on freezing cold temperatures..... Frankly, I would not consider this cat my neighbor's cat- I would consider it abandoned agree.gif
That is painfully cold frown.gif
Do you have the means to add this kitty to your family? Any other alternative? hugs.gif
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post #3 of 6
1/4/12 at 11:14pm
Thread Starter 

No unfortunatelyl I can't take him in. multiple reasons. but I've been feeding him daily for a few months.


I was thinking of getting a heated outdoor cat house. I thought about it initially but once I found out he's the neigbor's cat I decided not to. But that was because I assumed they didn't leave him out when it was freezing cold.

 

He's SO friendly, and when it was warm i spent time daily picking tics off him. It's really wooded here. the neighbor didn't seem to care, so I helped him. I know they aren't deadly, but have to be annoying.

 

I'll keep feeding him, but I'm not sure what else to do. I picked him up and put him on my lap when it was so cold, figuring he would like the warmth of my legs on his feet, but he really didn't seem to care at all about the cold.

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post #4 of 6
1/4/12 at 11:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fastnoc View Post

No unfortunatelyl I can't take him in. multiple reasons. but I've been feeding him daily for a few months.


I was thinking of getting a heated outdoor cat house. I thought about it initially but once I found out he's the neigbor's cat I decided not to. But that was because I assumed they didn't leave him out when it was freezing cold.

He's SO friendly, and when it was warm i spent time daily picking tics off him. It's really wooded here. the neighbor didn't seem to care, so I helped him. I know they aren't deadly, but have to be annoying.

I'll keep feeding him, but I'm not sure what else to do. I picked him up and put him on my lap when it was so cold, figuring he would like the warmth of my legs on his feet, but he really didn't seem to care at all about the cold.

Here you go - you can try the insulated KatKabin - that would be faster, easier, and works! I have one, but I use it inside as my kitties have no need for the extra insulation.....
http://www.katkabin.com/premium-combination-katkabin.htm
Here is the insulation, if you buy the standard KatKabin by itself: http://www.katkabin.com/pre-october-2008-style-winter-warmer-in-stone.htm
Here is the electric heater pad for it, for added warmth: http://www.katkabin.com/katkabin-ecoglow-pet-warming-pad.htm
Bless you for helping this kitty hugs.gif
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post #5 of 6
1/5/12 at 2:19pm

There is also a microwawed heated pad, holding warmth for 10-12 hours. It was mentioned in a couple of treads very recently.

 

Tx a lot for caring for this guy!

 

*vibes*

 

 

ps   As he is used to roam outside 24/7, his hairs are much better prepared for the cold than the hair cover of your (our) inside kitties.  And having access to good food every day, so he manages. Although surely not comfortably.

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post #6 of 6
1/6/12 at 12:51pm
I agree in that you should provide some sort of warming shelter for this neglected kitty. How very sad frown.gif. BUT I am glad this cat has you caring for him. Put's a pain in my heart when I hear about people neglecting their cat's and not providing for them outdoors. He is an elderly cat and needs comfort, warmth and shelter. If at all possible, could you gently bring this up with the neighbor's? Are you sure it IS their cat? There are also FeralVilla's http://www.feralvilla.com/ I just bought one this year - and it is working out perfectly. Great insulated houses and fairly priced. vibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif
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