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- Jun 12, 2013
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My husband and I have 5 indoor cats, and this spring, we became the protectors of three ferals.
We now look after two males and one female. With the help of the local humane society, we trapped them all, neutered them, and got them rabies shots. We've been feeding them since March.
The eldest is around 2; the two younger ones are less than 1 year old, and are probably siblings. We've named them Simon (the oldest), Brighton, and Esther.
I have three problems.
1) Simon has an upper respiratory infection. When the vet had him, she washed out one of his eyes and gave him an injection of antibiotics. Since April, his eyes look red-rimmed and rheumy. His appetite has decreased as well. I think he has trouble smelling his food. He is active, though, and we have seen him grooming and goofing around near our property. Is there anything we can do to help him be more comfortable?
2) The two younger cats have insatiable appetites. Our indoor cats eat around 1 5.5 ounce can of wet food per day. Esther has been known to put away up to 5 in a day; some days, Brighton will match her. We feared they might have worms, so we gave them de-worming medication yesterday. Does anyone have an idea how much food a feral should eat in a day?
3) My indoor kitties have been dealing with the interlopers fairly well, but we are getting some marking around the doors. Is there some way to calm them and keep the spray down?
I find the care for these cats fulfilling, btw. My own kitties will never know the pure joy of running top speed outdoors, chasing prey, climbing trees, or other such activities. They trade freedom for comfort and a good life, but I wonder what they would choose were they offered the opportunity to run free. I will never pet these kitties or hold them or hear them purr, but watching them be free as they are gladdens my heart.
Thanks for any advice y'all might have.
We now look after two males and one female. With the help of the local humane society, we trapped them all, neutered them, and got them rabies shots. We've been feeding them since March.
The eldest is around 2; the two younger ones are less than 1 year old, and are probably siblings. We've named them Simon (the oldest), Brighton, and Esther.
I have three problems.
1) Simon has an upper respiratory infection. When the vet had him, she washed out one of his eyes and gave him an injection of antibiotics. Since April, his eyes look red-rimmed and rheumy. His appetite has decreased as well. I think he has trouble smelling his food. He is active, though, and we have seen him grooming and goofing around near our property. Is there anything we can do to help him be more comfortable?
2) The two younger cats have insatiable appetites. Our indoor cats eat around 1 5.5 ounce can of wet food per day. Esther has been known to put away up to 5 in a day; some days, Brighton will match her. We feared they might have worms, so we gave them de-worming medication yesterday. Does anyone have an idea how much food a feral should eat in a day?
3) My indoor kitties have been dealing with the interlopers fairly well, but we are getting some marking around the doors. Is there some way to calm them and keep the spray down?
I find the care for these cats fulfilling, btw. My own kitties will never know the pure joy of running top speed outdoors, chasing prey, climbing trees, or other such activities. They trade freedom for comfort and a good life, but I wonder what they would choose were they offered the opportunity to run free. I will never pet these kitties or hold them or hear them purr, but watching them be free as they are gladdens my heart.
Thanks for any advice y'all might have.