Strange happenings

Insomnia... up all night, 6am now.  We may not even be able to keep any, as it is this week's grocery money went to buying the basics for them.  We know some people who may take them in if we can't figure something out.  The monthly care costs aren't hugely different with multiple cats, it's just the vet bills.  $200/cat if everything is perfect which we know it's not (cat #2 has something on it's chest - a smooth raised bump that's soft to the touch like it might be filled with puss... no irritation though so we're hoping it's just from excessive licking, cat #4 has something by it's back leg, couldn't get close enough to tell what though)  Any which way it plays out though they'll get a good home, we'd never take them on if we didn't have at least one good option for them.

How long have you lived in that apartment @JMJimmy  ? Is it possible the people who lived there before you used to feed these cats? There are a lot of feral cats in my neighborhood too, but these sound more like abandoned pets than ferals.

The test for worms is just a fecal test and the same kind of medicine that treats fleas is used for worms too.

Cats have a pecking order, irrespective of male/female size or age. These guys have obviously decided who's boss, but if the boss cat allows the more submissive cats to eat they get along well with each other.

Keep us posted, I'm interested to hear what the vet has to say.

Just coming up on a year.  I think you're right that they're abandoned but it was only in the past month or so for 3 of them.  Prior to that we didn't see them.  Long haired kitty has been here since we moved in but only started showing interest in us after Boss Kitty moved in. 

Found out some good news today, unbeknownst to us kitty #4 has been sneaking into our yard to keep warm.  She's been hiding under the tarp that covers our BBQ!  I just happened to hear an ever so slight rustle of the tarp and for whatever reason it didn't sound like it was from the wind.  On the off chance it was a racoon I poked it with a broom and out pops kitty #4.  It's good news in that it'll make it easier to entice her in in the future but I feel bad because it's -17 with the windchill today and she's now wandering instead of protected from the wind.

If you have the space and you're feeling handy you could make her an outdoor shelter. Lots of ideas here.

 [article="32458"]How To Help Feral Cats Stay Safe Warm During Winter​[/article]  

 [article="32879"]9 Practical Ways For You To Help Feral Cats​[/article]  

 [thread="305019"]Best Winter Shelter For Feral Cat​[/thread]  

Even a dog house lined with cardboard and straw will do.

We're going to try to get her off the streets.  The tarp sits next to the patio door so we're going to place a carrier under the tarp with the back against the glass.  We should be able to see her come in without her seeing us.  It should allow us to trap her in the carrier and bring her inside. 

Normally I'd want to take a more patient "enticement" method but the temperature is dropping to -27C on Saturday and she's looking pretty lean despite a very mild winter.  If we can't get her first try we'll setup a temporary warming station.

This is such an interesting - and sweet - story! I love that you've never even had cats before but are so willing and caring that you're concerned about all 4!!!! Very few people would be.

I'm glad you're checking around/making flyers. It does sound as though it's very possible at least several of these have been dumped or abandoned, but it is possible 1 or more have gotten out/been lost, etc. Although my bet is more being dumped. Possibly several as a unit - or they've at the very least formed their own little family while trying to make it outside. Most are taking way too easily to the good life indoors to not at some point have been at the very least outdoor pets, but more likely indoor guys who've come across misfortune (and those pictures and descriptions are priceless - particularly the sleeping ones!). It is possible "the word's gotten out" you're a soft touch - but obviously they were already banded together somehow. But definitely at least the first three sound like they very much existed as someone/multiple someone's indoor pet at some point. Ferals  - and most kitties raised almost entirely outside - don't just walk in so suddenly.

Definitely would be very unlikely you'd feel a microchip. They're VERY small.

I totally understand worrying about affording a new pet - let alone 4! We had 6 indoors of our own until this year (we lost 2 to very old age)...but this summer we had five show up as ferals outside in our yard. We kept adding shelter, food, trapping/neutering and releasing - - -and by early fall we were up to 5 outside (they're definitely all related - - one that we know has to be from this family we took inside permanently last summer - -and she's the light of our lives!). We don't have a ton of money to spare either (my husband and I are both self-employed, so we never know what the money situation will be month to month) so the last thing we wanted was to pick up feeding and caring for another 5!!! So totally understand your concern. Know that there are ways you can get help. Obviously one way is to not keep all (although making them safe initially and bringing them in - particularly in this extreme cold - would be preferable). Check with local shelters (obviously, check that they're no-kill or they won't necessarily be improving their little kitty lives!) - - explain what's happened. Yes, most shelters are very overwhelmed, but most desperately want to help as much as possible. You can talk to them not only about possibly taking 1 or more in and finding them new homes, but about low-cost veterinary work. Most shelters would rather steer a very kind, generous person like yourself to low cost veterinary help rather than taking the kitty/kitties into their probably overcrowded shelter. Some shelters will even let you come in and they'll scan for microchips. Most will also let you put up/post "found cat" info. In some areas of the US (not sure where you are) - places like Pet Supplies Plus have low cost, periodic vet clinics. Ours does - I think every Sunday in our town (they don't spay/neuter obviously because they don't do surgeries) - - but they do microchip scans & implantations, basic vet checks, basic vaccinations, and flea treatments. For spaying and neutering - - definitely check online or with your local shelter to find other area low-cost clinics - particularly spay/neuter clinics. In our area, we have one that does very low cost spaying/neutering (ours is around $25 for spaying or neutering, and you can add on very inexpensive rabies & other vaccines, worming, etc - as in for just a few dollars each). Ours right now even has a special where they'll spay/neuter cats for $5 each!!!

And as far as ongoing expenses - shelters also may be able to steer you in the direction of low cost food sources. I know our area even has a pet food bank. Don't be afraid to get help with all of this!

I will say you'll want to get spaying/neutering done as soon as possible - - or you'll end up with MORE kitties! Not what you need It's a myth that amongst a family unit of kitties they won't breed with each other because they "wouldn't do that with their mom or brother/sister" - - - very, very not true. And they don't just get pregnant in the spring or summer. Our shelter has multiple litters of kittens in it right now! 

If at all possible, I'd keep them inside (particularly in this awful cold) but I understand if that feels overwhelming. Know that letting them in and out does expose them to more dangers (obviously) from outside. Plus it lowers your chances of them coming back in pregnant, or bringing little treasures inside  - be it fleas or a little mousey present for you

YOu're obviously very kind and concerned. And it sounds like you've been adopted! Keep us posted!

Snugglecat said:

 
I had to chuckle at your new instant family. They are all so adorable, how could anyone say no to them.

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I agree. It's wonderful to have such friendly cats. The expenses may be high right now, but once everyone is healthy, all you need is food and litter. You've just got to keep those first two!

Thanks for that lengthy @kittychick reply!  Very helpful!

The local vet said they'll scan them for free so that's good.  We've got to schedule them for checkups & spaying/neutering, just a matter of timing - the only place we might be able to afford is the humane society which is $70 for spaying/neutering but they're booking towards the end of March for that and early march for a general checkup/vaccines ($45).  Just trying to decide what the appropriate length of time is before claiming them as ours & performing medical procedures (assuming no microchip).  Carrier training is going well, they're now sleeping in them so it won't be a huge ordeal getting them in there.

kittychick said:

Definitely would be very unlikely you'd feel a microchip. They're VERY small.
If at all possible, I'd keep them inside (particularly in this awful cold) but I understand if that feels overwhelming. Know that letting them in and out does expose them to more dangers (obviously) from outside. Plus it lowers your chances of them coming back in pregnant, or bringing little treasures inside  - be it fleas or a little mousey present for you

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I used to help tag turtles with the chips so I've been taught how to find the tags by feel   Boss Kitty won't let me pet her back well enough to check though.

As to letting them out, Boss Kitty never goes out for long, usually 10-60mins tops - more often than not she takes a few steps out, decides it's too cold, and goes back to bed.  Jr. is proving to be a bigger problem in that regard.  He's very much a tomcat at the moment and wants to do his rounds.  The first few days he'd leave in the early evening and not come back until 2:30am-6:30am.  We put a stop to that last night and aren't letting them out after 5pm - he really didn't like that and let us know ALL night long (he's rather vocal).  We do want to give them a chance to decide they want to go back home, in case they're just on vacation.  They always seem to come back here though, even when there's chaos going on (our apartment looks like it blew up today due to pest control preparations).  We moved their beds and they were none to happy but as soon as they found them again they snuggled up.

kittychick said:

 
This is such an interesting - and sweet - story! I love that you've never even had cats before but are so willing and caring that you're concerned about all 4!!!! Very few people would be.

YOu're obviously very kind and concerned. And it sounds like you've been adopted! Keep us posted!

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We love animals, we've had a bunny, dogs, hamsters, turtles, & fish.  It breaks our hearts to see them so fearful & in bad situations.  I just can't comprehend how anyone could dump a cat or not be concerned when they see one suffering.   We're getting less concerned about kitty #3, while she comes inside daily (sometimes multiple times) she seems a little too well fed.  I'm not ecstatic that her owner keeps her out so much & in such cold but she is cared for it seems. 

Black kitty (#4) came in again today and finally ate & drank her fill.  She did some exploring and got warm but when I tried to get up to close her in she got a little spooked and ran out.  Not too spooked though as she only went a few feet out, took a long look back, and then decided to go back under the tarp.  We're getting really worried though, the forecast was changed and it's going down to -37C (-35F) for the next two days.

Sigh.  Major setback today.  We got #2 in the carrier and got him to the vet to be scanned, super easy, no issues at all and no microchip.  Came back for Boss kitty and tried every enticement method we could, she knew something was up and refused to go in.  We decided to try a cat-burrito and eventually got her in the carrier after a bit of a battle.  I open the doors to get her to the car and the little devil knew exactly how to break out of a carrier.  She pushed on the bottom as hard as she could causing it to stretch just enough to release the bottom bars.  Not only did we lose the trust from having to force her into the carrier, but now she's out in the cold somewhere.  Just gutted.

Wow, she's a smart one. I'm sure she knows when she's got it good. She'll be back for food and warmth after she's "punished" you by going AWOL for a while.

With my cats, who are all semi-feral and can be difficult to handle, I put them in a laundry net before I put them in the carrier. It's easier for the vet to get them out of the carrier that way, no chance of them biting and your vet should be able to scan for a chip without taking the cat out of the net.



Use one of the large zip-up nets. You have to wait until the cat is distracted, taking a nap or eating some treats. Scoop them up in the net from behind, zip it closed and put her in the carrier. Practice a few times on a soft toy so you feel confident about doing it in one smooth motion.

Good luck. 

Interesting, I would have thought the net would allow for claws and teeth to come through.  We've got a drawstring one we could use... I read a pillow case works too.  I just hope she comes back soon - worst possible timing to go AWOL.

With the draw string nets you have to make sure you knot the string really securely so she can't force her way out. I'm not sure about a pillow case, I think she'll be out of that in no time. The net will let their claws through so they can still scratch, but it's difficult for them to bit you through the net. 

I'm sure your vet knows better than to leave his/her fingers in reach of an angry cat though.................

Boss Kitty will trust again - 99.9% sure she'll be back - she knows where the life is good! Even the ferals who have no reason to trust us - because often at this point they don't know us - they generally come back after spaying/neutering. Not always the next day- but over the years we've only not been "repeat visited" by maybe 2 cats out of all we've trapped and fixed. 

It is a setback though. The carrier will be tougher to make happen. Part of me says don't even worry about worrying about getting her to be scanned. Yes - its the best thing for her if she's truly lost, and it's wonderfully responsible of you. But chances are huge she's a dump. If you were doing the scanning at the same time as the vet visit, I'd say it's worth the wrestling and fear - but now knowing she's that terrified of the carrier - I personally would wait. You can still check with local humane societies - and check lost pet boards in your area (most cities/towns have someone/some group doing a website listing lost pets). But -and maybe everyone will disagree - but now knowing how hard it's going to be with her, to me the vet visit in a month is far more important. And she can be scanned then. So just keep a watch for her - I bet she'll be back shortly. 

Do know that outside kitties (particularly ferals - which Boss Kitty isn't) often disappear from their usual  haunts to hunker down when weather is really extreme. So if you don't see Boss Kitty for a bit - it may be instincts telling her to hole up somewhere, versus distrust and fear. So don't give up hope. I would say don't worry, but I know that never works for me

Know that the being overly vocal may be fixed not just by time (which it most certainly will be) - but being fixed will also in all likelihood fix the kitty sonatas

Keep us posted on Boss Kitty and the rest.

Boss kitty did come back!  Sort of.  We're back to square one with her, she needed frequent "exit checks" before settling down.  Unfortunately the trauma is definitely there.  When we were putting her in the carrier we were dressed in our coats/hats etc so that once we got her in it would be as quick as possible to get her to the car/vet.  She now associates that 'look' with the trauma so as soon as I put on my coat she started freaking out & scratching frantically at the door.  Taking it off didn't help, she was too worked up, so rather than further traumatize her we let her out.  Thanks to the advice here, we are now confident she'll be back. 

...And as I'm typing this post she shows up Only one exit check before heading straight for the sauna.

Black kitty is coming along nicely.  Today she came by and requested to come in (coming right up to the door and waiting for me to open it) which is a first for her.  She still ran when I opened it but not too far and quickly came back for a large meal (half a cup easy) and some water well inside the apartment.  She then hunkered down just inside the door for a nap.  I froze but she was quite content for a good hour.  Just happy we could get calories in her.

I love this photo!!!  And what a bizarre and cute/sweet happening. lol.

Update:  Boss kitty has forgiven me it seems - she spent some time sleeping with me. 

The big development is with Black Kitty.  I was about to head to bed last night when the tabbies started acting weird & wanting outside.  Sure enough, Black kitty was there wanting to come in.  I opened the door which spooked her but both tabbies went out after her.  About 5 minutes later Black kitty comes wandering in and settles in the doorway, followed shortly after by Boss Kitty who walks right by her like it's nothing, sits down and watches her from a few feet away.  Then the strange behaviour starts again with Boss kitty walking back between the door and Black kitty, turning around and giving her a little swat which causes her to move further inside, then Boss sits down to block the exit.  She did the same thing with the tabby when he first arrived.

That was what it took to get Black to settle in a bit.  She explored, ate, and then curled up in the sauna bed beside Boss Kitty and slept for 3 hours.  I tried to get to the door to keep her in but she still spooks easily and ran out.  Within 20 minutes she was back, wouldn't quite commit, left, back 5 minutes later and comes right in when I open the door and goes directly (if a bit cautiously) to the bed to sleep some more this time with Junior.

I'm freezing, tired, and hungry being stuck on the couch (or she bolts) but so happy that she's inside for now.  A few more days (or weeks) of this and I think we might have a 3rd cat.

Well that happened a LOT faster than I thought.  The very next day Black Kitty was back in the morning followed by Longhair Kitty - all four kitties hung out for 4 hours but then got spooked when I got up.  Later that day Boss Kitty did her thing again - she wanted out and did something she'd never done before and went under the tarp - moments later out pops Black Kitty who enters again and stays.  Around 1am a 5th cat, White Kitty, showed up - Boss Kitty and Junior did not like White Kitty at all.  Battle lines were drawn up right away - lots of posturing and hissing going both ways and so I got up to scare him off before there was a cat fight.  Black Kitty stayed in bed so I was able to close the door and trap her inside.  She spent the night without issue - she wants out right now obviously, it's past time for her prowling, she's handling it very well though.

At this point I'm out of my depth.  The first two cats were such a breeze and we could let them prowl but Black Kitty still isn't used to humans walking around.  Anything closer than 5 feet at the best of times and she wants to run for a hiding spot or out the door.  Are there any good threads I should read on how to get her used to us?  Do I keep her trapped or try to let her out to build trust?  Since it's looks like she's had babies in the past, I also want to try to spot if she's lactating - don't want to trap her if she has babies somewhere - any threads that discuss how to do that from a distance?

Thanks for any advice/reading suggestions!

She's trying so hard to find a way out but not panicking - it's caused a couple behaviour corrections from both tabbies.  She got her first taste of cat nip today and it was gooooood.    

These cats are sending us on a bit of a roller-coaster. 

Junior (2nd tabby) has been missing for 3 days now, he went on patrol 2 nights ago and never returned.  We're hoping he just hunkered down due to the storm but we're worried someone scooped him up as he's very friendly and most of the other cats have found their way back at one point or another.  Edit: Right as I'm finishing up typing this, the little stinker shows up at the door!  yay!

Sissy (black cat) made her displeasure at being trapped known by spraying a dozen different surfaces on her second night with us.  (Protip: expensive cat urine cleaner isn't needed - standard toilet bowl cleaner cut with water does the trick)  After that I had to let her out as she was clearly stressed.  A couple days later she was back though.  We eventually had a breakthrough with her where Alpha Kitty (as my better half is now known) tricked her into receiving pets by covering her hand in catnip.  What a mistake - not because it scared her off but because now she won't leave us alone!  She's constantly wanting to be pet now!  She no longer cowers under the "sauna", no longer runs away from us, and we can let her out and she comes back within a few hours.  Adoption successful I think, though I'm pretty sure she's pregnant - her midsection is a little too wide.  She's super happy now - currently playing with her tail.

Mamma (boss kitty) is a mixed bag.  She absolutely adores Alpha Kitty, follows her around/sleeps on the bed with her, but still fears me (likely due to the carrier incident) so runs downstairs when I head up to bed and is generally standoffish.  She's been really dominant/territorial/food aggressive though, especially with longhaired kitty, who continues to come in but freaks out so easily.  I honestly think Mamma is just correcting bad behaviour but it resulted in a cat fight already.  The fight was my fault though, longhaired kitty wanted in from a really bad storm and I forced her to walk by me so I could close the door behind her.  As soon as I did she freaked and that's when mamma came charging in.  Mamma has also decided that we do not like shorteared kitty, longhaired black kitty, and the white tabby cats that come around regularly.

We need a 3rd bed!