Help me prevent Cat World War III?

My feral Burmese adoptee (Sept 15) is finally coming out of her shell. Today she is roaming around the room (with me in it) for the first time. She has spent 3 weeks in her hidey-hole I built her, only coming out when she was alone. Right now it is still too early for her to be let out of the room as she can't be petted or handled yet, but it looks like she may be ready in a month or so to see the rest of the house. However, I also have a Tortie, Minja, which I adopted 3 weeks before Hershey Rose (long story as to how I ended up adopting two cats). The Tortie has, in the last week, started to antagonize Hershey Rose by trying to get under the door, hissing and growling and clawing the bottom of the door, and just lying in wait outside the door. Minja is a very sweet, gentle cat who has been around other cats at the adoption agency. Can she sense Hershey Rose is a feral cat? Hershey Rose, being feral, would surely do some damage to Minja, and vice-versa should they come face to face. Can anyone give me suggestions on how to slowly get these two to know each other without actually being in the same room? I am already doing the rub a cloth on each cat and put it by them. They can see and touch feet under the door, but Minja starts a fight every time she gets near the door. Help?

Slow and slower is the way to deal with this. I would not even worry about this right now and just let Minja go through this hissy fit by the door. She will give it up in time. Sometimes, it can take them a very long time to accept another cat. I have a clear plexi glass slider instead of a regular door on my foster room. The cats cannot stick paws under the plexi glass divider or sniff. They can only see each other. This has worked out beautifully for me and it was actually my hubby who thought of the idea. Minja is stressing because she knows there is another cat in there and she can't see her. It is very frustrating for a cat.

Hershey Rose is no where ready to even leave that room to investigate the rest of the house as you already mentioned and know. Not until you are able to pet her and she completely trusts you would I recommend even going to this next HUGE step. So you have much time to start scent swapping. I would also switch out their beds every few days. That way they can REALLY get a good smell of each other. Hopefully in the next month things will progress with Rose trusting you and allowing pets. The other thing you could do with Minja is if you can get Hershey Rose in a crate in her room, you could then leave the door open for Minja to come in and sniff around. Minja will most likely hiss and spit, but this is at least a start of the long intro. process for a feral cat being acclimated into a household of other cats. Some take much longer than others. OH and I highly doubt there will be a cat fight. Most feral cats will actually bond with a resident cat before the human, IF that resident cat allows it. :lol3: Let's hope Minja will realize that Hershey Rose is not a threat and won't hurt her. Good luck!!!

Other scent-swapping ideas: catnip toys, if they both like them. Let each drool and rub all over one. Remove them. 3-4 days later, give each kitty the one the other already drooled all over.

Sometimes feral kitties will end up accepting a brush before a human hand-petting. If you get to a point that you can brush Hershey Rose, swapping brushes (and letting them smell them before you start brushing) is another good one.

Another thing we started doing before actual introductions was taking .... litter box deposits and swapping those. :lol3: Sounds nutty, but cats are so territory and scent-driven, it helps to lower any potential litter box aggression. It also takes big steps toward desensitizing each cat to the scent of the other kitty in their territory. But as Lauren pointed out, you've a long time before you even consider doing this.

LDG said:

Another thing we started doing before actual introductions was taking .... litter box deposits and swapping those. :lol3: Sounds nutty, but cats are so territory and scent-driven, it helps to lower any potential litter box aggression. It also takes big steps toward desensitizing each cat to the scent of the other kitty in their territory. But as Lauren pointed out, you've a long time before you even consider doing this.

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:lol3: YES YES!!!! It really does work!!!! Great suggestion, Laurie. :bigthumb:

Thank you both for the suggestions. I like the litter box idea, but at this time I do not feel safe doing it. Hershey Rose is aggressive, and can't be handled. She will bite without hesitation. Her last bite gave me sausage finger and a week on antibiotics. She has had diarrhea since I got her (her foster mom said it started about the day before I picked her up). It is now a month and she still has it. I have tried rice, pumpkin, probiotics, etc., everything my vet suggested. Her vet and I want to get her in there for more tests (stool tests were done a week after I got her, allowing time for her to adjust in case it was stress related). They were negative for parasites. However, since we don't know what is wrong with her, I don't want to chance passing anything on to Minja. Hershey Rose has become increasingly nasty, and my guess is it is because she is in pain. Hey, if I had diarrhea for a month I'd be nasty too. I have had Feliway going for several days now (is the dispenser supposed to get that hot?), but the instructions say it takes 1-3 months to be effective. I can't transport her to the vet at this time. I can't chase her around or try to trap her in her carrier, which she probably won't fit in now as she has grown quite a bit in the month I've had her. I am scheduled for heart surgery (unexpected) tomorrow. After I heal up from that, I will have to drug her and get her in a carrier and take her to the vet. In the mean time, we have her on .125 Xanax. She gets it in her breakfast. She has started to act like a cat now, and as long as you don't approach her or try to pet her she will play chase the toy on the end of the stick with you, walk freely around the room, and even sniff my slippers. When the Xanax wears off, she is back to her nasty self. The Xanax is a temporary thing, just until I can get her to the vet. Hopefully, that will be soon. Since she is eating and drinking without any problem, the vet feels she is not in immediate danger, but she definitely needs to be seen as soon as possible. Once they figure out what is causing the diarrhea and correct it, I will do the litter box swap. Thanks ladies!

I'm sorry, I don't remember what food you're feeding her.

But since we're fairly certain it isn't parasites, I would begin working to figure out what in the food is bothering her. Are you giving her a probiotic?

There is also a product you can use - IF you can get it into her. No way to get a quick syringe of paste into her mouth, right? If so, this would need to be used up to 3x every 12 hours. I've never had it not work inside of 2 treatments. It resolves most environmental problems causing diarrhea: http://www.revivalanimal.com/DiaGel.html

Another option to stop the diarrhea is the herbal our vet prescribed for Chumley. It isn't a cure, but it helps stop the diarrhea, so stops taking the toll on his body and gives the GI system time to heal and calm down. I don't know if I've provided a link to it to you before, but this is the product: http://www.easyhealthzone.com/consolidate-qi-2oz-p/cm0011.htm

With this product, you initially give two drops 2x a day in wet food. If that doesn't work, increase to 2 drops 2x a day. If that doesn't work, 3 drops 1x a day, keep the other 2 at 2x a day. If that doesn't work, 3 drops 2x a day. Then 3 drops 3x a day. Etc. This resolved our Chumley's diarrhea inside of four days. He needed 3 drops 2x a day. And he'd had explosive diarrhea for a month - our traditional vets got it down to "just" watery diarrhea. But after 6 months, we went to a holistic vet. She "prescribed" this product. It solved the problem in four days. It will give her body the break it needs. :nod:

I know finances are tight for you. But I would definitely try SOMETHING to give your girl a much needed break. Or I'd get a humane trap to trap her and get her to the vet. This is not a happy situation.

BTW, how are you? Are you going to require heart surgery, and will you be laid up for some time?

Hershey's Mom, first good luck on your heart surgery tomorrow!!!!     You've got to take care of you before you can take care of them.    I had a few ideas to throw out there for Hershey Rose.   I have a long-term indoor feral who cannot be handled, my only option is to trap her in a humane trap in the house just like when trying to get an outdoor feral.  You can probably rent a trap if you don't have one already.   Also if your vet was willing you could give her a course of metronidazole hidden in pill pockets, if she'll eat them, it works as an anti-inflammatory to stop diarrhea even if there are no parasites.   Wishing you and Hershey Rose well!
 

OH MY GOODNESS.... heart surgery tomorrow?!!!!! Please, please know we are thinking of you and will be praying that all will go well. Must take care of yourself so you will be able to take care of those kitties. for you tomorrow.

I agree with Laurie that the diarrhea could very well be caused from an allergy or intolerance from the diet she is eating. OR it is possible that she has coccidia or giardia or Tritrichomonas Feotus. One of my cats had that and those parasites won't show up in a fecal. Ask your vet about this. The metronidazole would work well BUT you have to be able to pill them as it is extremely bitter, VERY bitter. So that won't work well with a feral cat, unfortunately.

Bastfriend said:

  Also if your vet was willing you could give her a course of metronidazole hidden in pill pockets, if she'll eat them, it works as an anti-inflammatory to stop diarrhea even if there are no parasites.  

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Great suggestion, the metronidazole. BUT the pills are extremely bitter! If she were to put it in a pill pocket, the kitty would most likely crunch on the pill and then start frothing and foaming which would be no good. There is a way to compound metro in a chicken or fish flavored liquid. I think the liquid metro could then be mixed in a small amount of really stinky wet food or even tuna just to get the cat to take it's medicine.

Feralvr said:

....BUT the pills are extremely bitter! If she were to put it in a pill pocket, the kitty would most likely crunch on the pill and then start frothing and foaming which would be no good.

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It's be taking a chance no doubt, but if Hershey is a "gulper" of food instead of a chewer the pill pocket might work.   My cats are unfortunately chewers and no longer trust me with pill pockets but I used to have a gulper and he'd eat anything.

First, thanks to all of you for your prayers and good wishes. I am home, and very fortunate. There was no blockage that required a stent, and no bleed-out from the incision. The next step is going to a sleep specialist at the end of the month as when I sleep or lie down my oxygen absorption rate declines rapidly. My lungs are fine, and now we know it is not my heart. We just have to find out what it is. Yes, I have sleep apnea, but the C-Pap machine they gave me gives me extreme hangovers (like I were partying all night) that last 12-14 hours. So using the machine means spending 22 hours in bed. We have tried different settings but it is always the same result. Anyway, back to the babies. Hershey Rose is about 18" from me and fast asleep. She is now comfortable enough to sleep in the open. About 30 minutes ago she "explored" my fingers, which were on the floor, palms down, but her nails are so long and sharp her exploring started tearing my skin. But it was the first time she made contact with me so I can live with the sore fingers. No blood shed, just lots of little holes. She had her first solid bowel movement yesterday, right before I left for the hospital. Her diarrhea seems to be diminishing (finally). My plans were to take her to the vet Monday if the latest treatment did not work, but it seems to be helping. I should know my Monday. If her diarrhea stops, then we know it is stress induced. The most recent treatment is .125 mg Xanax in her breakfast. This drug is extremely bitter tasting, but the dosage is so low not much is required, and she doesn't seem to notice it's mixed in her food. This was a last resort measure as she is still not approachable. She is just now exploring me, but if I move she runs. We have tried pumpkin, rice and probiotics. No help. I have fed her Wellness, Hills I/D and Science Diet. No help. Thanks to everyone suggesting different foods, but most of the suggested foods are not available here in El Cajon. My pet store just started stocking Wellness about a month ago. I have tried pate, tiny bits, tiny chunks, etc. but it doesn't seem to mater what I feed her, the result is the same. She eats like my late Burmese, very dainty, slowly, and definitely chews her food. I have even tried boiled chicken and rice I made myself but that didn't work either. I have tried, in the past, the pill pockets, but none of my cats would go near them. Since I can't get near her, I can't use a syringe to squirt medicine in her mouth. So, my vet and I decided to try the Xanax. It has calmed her down, but not made her dopey at all. The dosage is low for her weight, the idea was to reduce her stress, not make her drunk. It wears off in about 6 hours and she gets mean again. I have Feliway defusing in her room, but the directions say it takes 4-12 weeks to work. But while the Xanax is working, I can get her to play with dangling toys and balls with bells in them, and she enjoys it. With her stress reduced, we are hoping the diarrhea will stop long enough for her to calm down and be handled. Otherwise I will have to attempt to drug her so I can put her in a carrier and get her to the vet for tests when I heal up. Will let you know if the Xanax continues to control the diarrhea.

Oh my goodness, I read the post too fast and didn't see you were going in for heart surgery so soon! :heart2:

I'm SO GLAD all went well! Now many you can get the sleep apnea sorted!

And what great news about Hershey Rose! That's just wonderful she's doing so much better with her .... "happy pills," let's call them.

I am so glad to hear that your heart surgery went fine.  It is amazing what they can do so fast these days.  I hope they find out what is happening with the sleep apnea quickly. for you and Hershey Rose.

I'm glad your surgery went well too!   Live long and prosper! 

Adding in my happiness that your surgery went well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mother has sleep apnea as well and that is not a simple fix - not at all. I do hope you get it all worked out. :cross:

I am also very glad to here that Hershey Rose is doing so well. for the Xanax to make things easier for her AND for you. :nod: :cross:

Bastfriend, Love it. Love Spock! If your a Star Trek fan, let me know, I have tons of stuff starting from 1973 from the series - including the original Aurora models, and I need to clean out my storage shed! I love your screen name. I have a beautiful picture of Bast that is quite unusual, along with several sculptures of her. I am sending it on to you. Hershey "found" my fingers yesterday. I slowly put my hand, palm down on the floor and she started to run her paws down my fingers, exploring them. It was such a great feeling to have a "first contact" with her, although very painful as her nails are sharp as razors and she does not know how to pull them in yet. She walks around the room and sleeps in the open now, though you still can't touch her. Ocassionaly, she will eat treats from my hand. The Xanax is really helping, her diarrhea is going away and she seems much happier. I am hoping I can wean her off it as soon as she will let me touch her. Thanks again for the best wishes for the surgery.

Blessed be,

Lei-Ann

Feralvr, my biggest obstacle with the apena is the C-pap machine. If I use it, I get horrible hangovers that last for 10-12 hours. Just found out while searching the internet that there are alternatives to this machine, so will discuss with sleep specialist at end of month. My mom is concerned about my caring for TWO cats with my current health issues, but Minja is no problem, she had be "re-trained" from a total nut case to a sweet young lady. The only concern I have is the only room suitable for Hershey Rose was the small computer room, which I spent most of my time in before I got her, with Minja on the window seat. Now Minja is not allowed in "her" room (every room in the house is "her" room), and thinks I am in here playing all day with the other cat that she can smell but not see. So I just make a special effort every day to set aside play time with Minja (plus she sleeps on my bed) and take breaks from the computer to go out in the living room and pay attention to her. She gets fed first, and I try to give her extra attention so she doesn't feel left out. It is my deepest wish that these two will become sisters once HR is socialized. Thank you for your kind words.

Lei Ann

Lei-Ann, what a Bast beautiful picture, excellent!   I read somewhere that people are generally a little kinder to feral cats in Egypt than in other places because of the ancient history there.    Star trek, I'm a sci-fi geek for sure but I'm not much of a collector - thanks for the offer though!   You should sell that stuff on E-bay and make a bundle!!!

Today, I am going to try to tranq Hershey and get her to the vet. Diarrhea going on way too long. Food stays in her a very short time. Will let you know if I get her in the carrier and how it turns out.

Hershey Rose went to the vet. She sprouted wings and flew out of her carrier about 4 foot in the air, where my vet promptly caught her in a net. They had to put her out to examine her, but except for the diarrhea, she seemed fine. Blood work came back and showed she is one very healthy cat. So my vet gave me a milky liquid to add to her food that will kill worms and parasites that don't show up in stool samples, and we have her on Amonium AD. So far, I don't see any change, but the vet says it takes 8 days for the meds to work.

Yesterday we had the most amazing breakthrough! Hershey Rose did not eat for a day after her anethesia, not unusual since she was probably nauseous. The next morning I came into her room and she was in her cube. I did not want to disturb her, so I jumped on the computer real fast to check out something for night school, when I felt this gentle stroke on my rear. Shivers ran down my spine - my first thought was it was Minja - that somehow she snuck into the room, then I realized that was silly, I am too careful when I open the door. Then it suddenly hit me that it was Hershey Rose! I said "What's wrong sweetie?" and she came over to the side, stood on her hind legs, and meowed softly. I said "What do you need Hershey?" and she walked over to where her food bowl usually is. It was then that I realized a major miracle just occurred! She recognized me as the one who brings her food, not a scary human! It brought tears to my eyes. I went and got her breakfast, and she was waiting just inside the door for me, looked up, and followed me as I put the food on her placemat. She did not hesitate to eat, right then and there, 6 inches from me. She now goes to her food mat when I come into the room each morning - I am offically recognized as the source of food. We play with the funny animal on the end of the fishing pole every day, and sometimes she will play with the crinkle ball if I roll it to her, then swat it back to me. Still not able to pet her, but I am slowly running the fishing pole over her body very softly when we play, so she get used to being touched. She came up to my hand when I was holding the pole, and I was prepared for the sharp teeth, but she didn't bite, just took my fingers in her mouth. I had been handling meat earlier and forgot to wash my hands with the bacterial soap, so she probably smelled me and the meat and was trying to figure out if my fingers were something to eat. Anyway, just wanted to share the good news.

Blessed be.