Some ideas for "Emma" please?

Freedom

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My aunt died, and I have taken in her cat, Emma.  Emma is mostly white, age 12 years, and very overweight.

I already have 7 cats, plus 4 dogs.  Emma had been adopted from the SPCA just 2 years ago, so we have no info on her past life, if she ever lived with other cats, or dogs.  Emma was in Auntie's apartment alone for about 3 weeks (Auntie went to hospice at the end of her life).  Someone would stop in morning and evening to feed her, change litter box, maybe pet her a bit.  I was told that when Emma first arrived with Auntie, she (Emma) took some time to settle in and 'warm up.'  Cousins remember receiving a phone call from Auntie the first time Emma jumped up on the sofa and settled down, just out of arm's reach.  Later she was a lap cat.

In the past, I have done cat introductions by keeping the cat in one room for a few days -- depending on current residents, the newbie may be in a room with one other cat, but that is all.  I recently moved (May 6th) to a smaller house, and I do not have that luxury here.   When I relocated, my 7 cats spent about 24 hours hiding, not eating or drinking, which I expected.  Slowly one by one they started coming out and exploring, and within 3 days all was normal.  I kept tabs but didn't really worry -- they had all THEIR beds, blankies, toys, food, etc.  And I know cats need time to adjust to major change.

So I brought Emma home on Thursday evening, opened her carrier door.  She slowly came out, looked around a bit, moved under a bed (full, not twin sized).  To my knowledge, she has not left that spot, has not eaten, used litter box, etc.  "But I can't be sure!"  The other cats are regularly in and out of the room where she is.  Food, water and litter boxes are in that room.

This morning, I did use a broom to check if in fact she is still under the bed.  She moved out on the far side to under a small table, so I did see her.  Without the broom I walked over talking to her, used her name, and she just hissed then moved back under the bed.

Much as I hate to 'scare' her, I'm thinking I need to use the broom and get her to relocate to another room, which has no big bed. (It also has food, water and litter boxes). Plenty of hiding places, but I will be able to see her and keep better tabs on her.  (BTW both the room she is in and the one I want her in have gates so the dogs do not go in those 2 rooms.)    I had some of her food, which I put down after 24 hours, giving her time to adjust.  That food disappeared but I've no way of knowing if she ate any of it.

Ideas, suggestions?  I don't want her to stop eating, go into that liver disease, become anemic and die, not without trying to get her to come around. 
 
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rubysmama

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Poor Emma.  She is probably really confused right now.  First missing her "Mom" and home.  And now meeting a new "Mom" with lots of other siblings around.  She's lucky to have you to take care of her, otherwise she would have been back at the shelter.

I'm sure you'll get some replies from experienced "cat intro" folks, but you might also want to peruse the behavior forum for other similar threads:  http://www.thecatsite.com/f/5/behavior

Good luck!
 

betsygee

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So good of you to take this little girl in, she must be really scared and confused.  

Getting her into a room where you can keep a better eye on her is a good idea, if you can reach her.

We took in some cats when a friend died and one of them made a beeline for the couch, hid under there and I couldn't reach her.  I put treats about two feet away from her.  I knew my other cats wouldn't get that close to the newcomer to take the treats, so when the treats disappeared I could reasonably assume the newcomer was at least eating something.  

After a couple of days, she let me catch her and I was able to get her into another room where she couldn't hide out under furniture like that.  
 

Sarthur2

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Having been an only pet for two solid years in a quiet environment, this has got to be tough for Emma. Is there any way you could keep your other cats completely out of the room she's in long enough for her to come out to sniff around and eat some food? Maybe for 24 hours or so? She is terrified!

And if she has not eaten since Thursday, you need to slide a dish of wet food under the bed for her to eat in the safety of her hiding place so she at least has nutrition.

Even putting her in the room with no bed may leave her cowering initially. She is older and so will naturally take much longer to adjust than a younger cat. So you may want to set up a small table with a cloth over it so that she can still "hide" but you can get to her to pick her up for special petting and loving until she feels comfortable. I'd say you may be looking at a few weeks here for her to adjust.

You are so kind to take her in rather than giving her to a shelter. However, if the situation proves too stressful for her over time, you may need to consider re-homing her to an environment where she is the only cat, or maybe only a second cat.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes! :)
 

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Thank you for bringing her into your home.  If possible, put her in a separate room and allow her to get acclimated to you, your home, the sounds, and smells slowly. Provide her some small hiding places, like a box or even leave the door of the carrier open so she can go in/out.   If you can't do that, you might try putting her in a very large wire crate (think for large dogs) with a blanket thrown over one end for a dark spot.  Get a Feliway diffuser and run it 24/7.  They are a bit on the expensive side, but really help with most kitties who are stressed.  You need to be able to monitor her eating and litter box habits.  It's so important that she eat since she's so stressed.  Also, due to her age and the fact that she's probably also mourning the loss of your aunt, she could become sick just from the stress and all the changes in her life.  Basically, go slow and easy.  Let her decide when she wants to socialize, if ever, with the others.  Sit in the room with her and quietly read to her.  You can try an interactive toy (wand type) to draw her out.  I wouldn't leave food down for her 24/7, but take food for her each time you go to visit.  She'll associate you with a good thing (food).  If you have one, set up a radio in her room and play some classical music for her.
 
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Freedom

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Well, for the moment, Emma is in a room by herself.  A room with no bed in it, so I can see her.  I managed to get her to this room about 4 PM, but 5 other cats were in there as well.  I had to close the door, as Emma just wanted back under the bed.  About 7 PM I got the other cats out.  So now Emma is in one room with 3 litter boxes, and the other 7 cats have 3 litter boxes.  Got to sort that out!  (I just recently moved, and some boxes were packed to use right away, others were packed in boxes and I haven't located those yet)

I had to do some paperwork, and Emma is in the bedroom which is the 'home office,' so I was in with her for a bit over an hour.  For all of that time she remained huddled in the corner, where she'd been since 7 PM (and maybe since 4 PM).  So I lifted her up to the cat tree, gave her some petting which she immediately leaned in to.  Then she moved to the window, and I got a few photos.  When I finally left the room for the night, she had returned to the cat tree.  She has some food in there and 7 treats.  The food is canned, so I will know in the morning if she eats anything.  Emma's coat is thick and has a few mats.  I suspect she does not self groom?  I was told she needs to be brushed to get her winter coat off.  (Well, I think the winter coat should be gone by June!)  So will have to see how that goes.  I feed a high quality grain free food, and that will have some effect on her coat in a few weeks time.  (My auntie was feeding Fancy Feast cans and Iams kibble; I use Instinct with Raw Boost for kibble and Soulistics for canned).

FINALLY, here are the photos.  She kept closing her eyes for the flash, so I turned it off.






Thanks for looking!
 
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Sarthur2

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She looks very sweet! What is your plan from here? It's great you've moved her, and hopefully she will eat tonight. But more than one of us advised a slower procedure and giving her a hiding place. You have clearly decided to do it differently, so I am curious as to your next step.
 

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She has been alone with minimal human interaction for almost the past month.  She's been through so much in the past month.  Imagine all of a sudden, your human is gone and you're left alone for the majority of the day.  She's scared and unsure of her future.  That's very stressful for a kitty and it can show in health problems as well as coat and skin issues.  If you can get one (or more, but one for sure for her room), plug in a Feliway diffuser to help lower her stress level.  Also, provide her a box or something she can hide in.  You might also want to continue feeding her what she was eating previously until she's settled in your house and then gradually switch her to the food you feed, especially if you feed dry.  Switching dry too quickly can cause tummy upset and gastrointestinal problems.  The classic Fancy Feast varieties are actually grain-free, so that might be an option.  If you still have access to any of your Aunt's clothing or belongings, bringing a bedspread or something like that with that scent on it will help her transition as well.

Please keep us posted on her progress.  She's a beautiful kitty.
 
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Freedom

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She looks very sweet! What is your plan from here? It's great you've moved her, and hopefully she will eat tonight. But more than one of us advised a slower procedure and giving her a hiding place. You have clearly decided to do it differently, so I am curious as to your next step.
Not really.  She has many places to hide in that room.  Behind a file cabinet, under a desk (has a shelf low down near the floor). That cat tree has 2 small houses on it, it is a large unit.  First step was to get her in a room alone, so I can be sure she is eating.  Takes time to shift things around just now, here. I still have packing boxes in each and every room.   It took me a bit over an hour to get her out from under the bed and in this other room; the first time I put her in this room she was out and back under the bed before I could close the door.    I was working slowly, talking to her, I didn't want to scare her even though I had to use the broom under the bed.  I moved it slowly, not just wildly pushing her out. 

I had to clean all the litter boxes, prep the food and water bowls, so I could be sure what was in with her was going to tell me something worthwhile.  Then the dogs felt neglected (as only dogs can ha haa) so I had to take them out in the back yard.  After that, I was in with her over an hour, talking to her as I was doing paper work. 

Anyway, I won't know my next step until morning, when I can see if she is eating or not.  And using the litter box or not.  I may need to back things up a bit, or just leave things like this for a few days / week(s). 

I did get frustrated reading the replies.  This house is much smaller than where I was living before.  I thought I explained I really couldn't set her up in one room alone; yet everyone insisted I had to do that.  Well, I've done it and now I have the other 7 cats with access to only 3 litter boxes.  So that will likely get addressed next; in the morning.  By then I'll have to scoop those 3 again, I realize that.
 

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You did a great job!  I'm sure this will help her.  Now everyone can take a deep breath and start the acclimation process.  I'm so glad she has you to care for her.
 

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Sorry you felt frustrated. Some replies may not have understood that you downsized. You are facing a frustrating situation as well. Understand that each of us has ideas and opinions, and are only offering help from our own perspectives. Please sift through the replies and use what works best for you! We are here for support. Wishing you and your household all the best. Let us know how it goes. We work with the information you give us. I thought your aunt's cat would have nowhere to hide in this room. Turns out there are hiding places after all! We're rooting for you and your aunt's cat! :)
 
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Freedom

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Sunday  morning update:  I went in to see Emma.  Could NOT find her (obviously she found an excellent hiding place ha haa).  She had licked around the edge of the canned food, and she did pee in the litter box.  Treats untouched.  So I don't feel we are in the clear yet, I'll have to keep finding yummy things to tempt her to eat.

Only mistake I made:  as I have so many cats, I buy the 5.5 ounce cans.  Well, ONE kitty does not need that amount of food, lol.  And we all know once it is 4 to 6 hours old, it is no longer 'acceptable to a cat.'  "My food bowl has 6 licks missing, my water bowl has 4 laps missing, and my litter box has one use -- and you think you are ready to sit down, Human?!"  Typical cat.  I'll have to give her less canned but in a way that I can monitor what she is eating.

When I get up in the mornings, the dogs go out, then the cats get treats (usually Temptations), the dogs come in and get their treats.  I could hear Emma moving about in the room as I passed it to let the dogs out.  I think she feels confident enough to move about the room now she is in there alone, based on that, and the eating and peeing.   I would like to see her eating more, and have a poop, before I feel comfortable with her adjusting.  THEN I'll just let her be, in that room, for a week or so.  Until then, I'll keep close watch and bring her tempting foods.

BTW, I think she would be described as "cream and white?" And a Van pattern (color only on head and tail).   Even though there is very little cream.  First picture, on the left, on this link:  http://www.seregiontica.org/Colors/withwhite/withwhite.htm
 
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Sarthur2

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Ah, a little progress! I'll bet she will be eating more very soon. :)
 

stephanietx

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You're doing all the right things.  Remember, that she'll pick up on your stress, too.  She's making a little bit of progress, so right now, it's baby steps. 
 
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Freedom

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Overnight Emma peed again in the litter box.

This morning I took a look in her mouth.  Emma has 3 teeth:  the 2 bottom fangs, and one tooth upper right, behind where a canine tooth would be.  The gums are all healed, so this is not a new situation.

She is more matted than ever, so later today I will spend some time with her and give her a brushing.  I may not get 'all' of the coat clear, but I will give a start and see how she responds.   She is clearly NOT a happy cat just now. 

How long do I wait before seeking advise from a vet?  Would she benefit from an appetizer stimulant?  Thoughts please!
 

stephanietx

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I wouldn't hesitate to get her to the vet.  She might need a good check up and the appetite stimulant.  You might also ask for some Science Diet a/d.  That's chock full of good nutrients and is like kitty crack.
 

rubysmama

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I agree perhaps a vet checkup would be a good idea.   She may constipated, which would explain the non-deposits in the litter box and her lack of appetite.  

She is very pretty but does look unhappy in the pics.  Good luck with her.   And condolences on the loss of your aunt.
 
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Freedom

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Update:  Emma has finally settled.  She was in the one room with the door closed for several days.  Got to the point I could go in, talk to her, pet her, she didn't jump off the cat tree and hide.  She is usually on the tree looking out the window any time I open the door either to go in or just to check on her.  She has the windows open (screens down) so she can see and smell out there.  Hear the birds, etc.  She seems to pay attention to them, so she hasn't withdrawn into herself.  Also good.

Normal routine here, I feed the cats canned, refill kibble and scoop just before going to bed.  So last night I did all that and left her door open.  This morning she was on the cat tree!  I know some of the other cats went in and out during the night, so this is good. 

While she was in there with the door closed (5 + days), I found pee in the box daily, only found poop once.  Not sure what this means.  She isn't really moving around much, and no exercise often means no waste production.  She eats alright, licks the canned food over night, eats some kibble and her treats.  So perhaps she just needs to have more space and movement.  I'm glad I got to the point of opening the door and she doesn't hide. 

This morning, since I opened her door, 2 of the other cats had a spat in another room -- yes, my calico was involved ha haaa.  Anyway after making sure those 2 were over it (they were), I checked on Emma as I walked past her room.  She was in her spot in the cat tree, but facing the door rather than out the window, ears up and forward.  So she paid attention to the commotion but didn't jump down and hide.  I think this is also good.

Overall I guess we have passed the critical time frame.  Thanks everyone for the ideas, suggestions and support.  
 

Sarthur2

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What a great report! Room alone did the trick. It sounds as though she is beginning to engage with the household just a bit. This has really moved along well. Turns out she may enjoy the company and increased activity level after all! :)
 

stephanietx

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Excellent update!  I'm so glad she's adjusting and finding her place in her new home.  TIme, patience, and TLC will win her over.
 
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