Thinking of adopting neglected sisters...need help/insights please

mservant

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If I were you I'd call the vet and ask for advice. Mention to him/her your issues with Onyx and see what they have to say !!! If my cat ever had any potential problems pertaining to him and I was concerned about him, I'd call.Good luck !
I agree that calling to chat with the vet is a good idea, without rushing in to action that could distress Onyx more.

Also, it the food and water out in the open or available where Onyx is sheltering?  Can you offer biscuits / treats where Onyx is hiding as well as regular food, and leave water in bowl, plate, cup as options to see whether there are any preferences?

Big postive vibes in hope Onyx settles very soon.   
 
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chris gadbois

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Jinx has her own food bowl on the other side of the house....which she uses. She doesn't tend to go behind the couch much. 

I still use some of the shelter dry food (all corn and wheat grains), and started mixing it with a much higher end dry food (no grains, soy or carragean) but Onyx hasn't put a dent in the bowl in days.

I had a Feliway difuser on one side of the room, I set it up closer to the couch where Onyx hides under. 

The shelter I got them from gave me a few bags of the litter they had been using, but my vet had mentioned using Cat Attract ....says it may help. 

I got her a new set-up today and we'll see if it helps.

I placed a call to the vet, she'll get back to me in the morning. (I know this posting is in the 'wrong' subgroup, but thanks for all your attention and kind words.
 

mani

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Jinx has her own food bowl on the other side of the house....which she uses. She doesn't tend to go behind the couch much. 

I still use some of the shelter dry food (all corn and wheat grains), and started mixing it with a much higher end dry food (no grains, soy or carragean) but Onyx hasn't put a dent in the bowl in days.

I had a Feliway difuser on one side of the room, I set it up closer to the couch where Onyx hides under. 

The shelter I got them from gave me a few bags of the litter they had been using, but my vet had mentioned using Cat Attract ....says it may help. 

I got her a new set-up today and we'll see if it helps.

I placed a call to the vet, she'll get back to me in the morning. (I know this posting is in the 'wrong' subgroup, but thanks for all your attention and kind words.
  It's fine to keep posting here @Chris Gadbois. It's quite appropriate.


It's wonderful that Jinx has made herself so at home.  It's just a matter of time for Onyx, hopefully.  Good to keep contact with the vet.   Keep us posted!
 

mservant

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  It's fine to keep posting here @Chris Gadbois. It's quite appropriate.


It's wonderful that Jinx has made herself so at home.  It's just a matter of time for Onyx, hopefully.  Good to keep contact with the vet.   Keep us posted!


It sounds like you are doing everything to help them feel as safe as possible.  Here's hoping Onyx starts to feel safer soon.  
 

crazy4strays

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Are you offering wet food? Some cats like wet better than dry, especially if you offer a really tempting variety. My cats love sardine based canned cat food.
 

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Like I stated in other threads....I've had Puss now for nine months ! He was like my own personal rescue after I absolutely could not locate any owners. Anyways, I NEVER had any signs of problems in him since I've had him, but I decided it was time to get him a general check-up for the vet tomorrow ! It's a good thing to do maybe every soo many months if they aren't displaying signs of sickness. Finally, I can ask the vet questions like how much he weighs, about how old he is, and have the vet's imput on him. It's worth $70 for me ! Good luck Chris !
 
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chris gadbois

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Hi everyone, 

First off, thanks for all the kind words and support. I thought I would drop in and give an update. 

     Jinx (the Calico) took about 2 days to break from her shell. Quickly she made herself comfortable all around the house, including sleeping on the bed at nite.  She can't have much wet food as she gets the 'squirts" pretty badly. Over the last few weeks both cats have been weened off the grain and Carragean(sp?) filled dry foods and onto a high end food diet. 

     Onyx (Black Tiger) on the other hand took about 15 days before she emerged from under the couch. About a week in I captured her and brought her to the vet so we could get a baseline for her health. The vet says she is likely Jinx's mother, not sister. But health wise she is doing fantastic, mostly just unsure of her new surroundings. She is a little fat from inactivity, but I will trim her belly down with a better diet and some good playtime.

     Onyx went from peeking out behind the couch, to sitting in the middle of the room. I could walk by her without her taking off for her refuge. For awhile I was putting her food and water under the couch so her could just relax and get situated. She would only come out when I was sleeping to poop or pee. Now she plays and lays on the floor, She's even hopped up on my bed a few times and sat in the windowsill to take in the views.

With a little bit more time and lovin I think she'll be allright. Side notes - now that  Onyx is socializing she is asserting herself as the dominant cat. Poor Jinx, after two good weeks the party is over for her! Here is a couple pics of my girls. Thanks again for listening everyone and Happy Easter. 
 

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Chris
I just read your thread from start to finish...my heart is happy to see these two girls blossom in your love and care. I'm so sorry for the loss of your two beloved kitties but I think they made sure that Jinx and Onyx found their way to you and their forever home [emoji]128062[/emoji][emoji]128062[/emoji][emoji]128062[/emoji][emoji]128062[/emoji]

Hope to be able to read more stories of the adventures of Jinx and Onyx in the future!
 

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Hello Chris,

I've just stumbled across your thread and read all the way through it. What beautiful cats! They're so lucky that they were given a new home by you. I'm glad they were able to stay together. I just wanted to say thank you for giving these girls a second chance.

Looking forward to hearing more about how they settle in, and lots more photos too of course.

 

mservant

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What a wonderful update.  I am so happy for you that both Onyx and Jinx are now settling in with you, and what's more starting to take over your bed.  
  It is great to know that Onyx is healthy other than a slightly more cuddly belly than she should have - but you are right, that can be worked on. Mouse is a good example of that now as he has managed to get back his waist line over a 4 month period of strict rations and play encouragement, and now races about and bounces happily off the walls again on a regular basis.   

I hope that Onyx doesn't make Jinx's life too much of a misery now she has come out of hiding.  Perhaps she is just being especially strict at the moment in order to reassert her self over her young companion.  


Please do keep us updated on how these beautiful cats get along over time.  
 

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Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I think they were meant for you and you for them!
 

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Hi, I brand new to website. I am a long time cat owner, however I just lost both my cats in the last three weeks (Cancer-19 yr old, and Kidney Disease - 15 yr old). 

I was at a shelter today looking for possible adoptions. I want 2 siblings, not kittens, There is a pair of GORGEOUS Maine Coon sisters, approx 3yrs old. That were removed from a neglected home. I do not think they were physically abused, as their long coats were beautiful and they looked well fed too. They were cowering under their cat beds and could not be seen at all. They were in separate cages too which I'm sure only adds to their anxiety.  

I have no idea what kind of neglect/abuse these two babies were exposed to. I was told by the shelter that one of the neighbors called and complained...and in the following welfare checkup the Animal Control Officer removed the cats from "deplorable cockroach like" conditions. The homeowner was said to be home very infrequently and that the neighbors had been feeding them. A note was left for the homeowner that they were now in the care of the shelter, and to this day the homeowner has not called to inquire about the cats (almost 2 months now).

I carefully picked one of the girls up, and she is just so scared. She didn't claw or bite, just clammered to get back in her cage and under the blankets.  I didn't want to ajitate her, so I helped tuck her in under her blanket and let her be. 


My question is this - can these two 3 year old sisters be saved, and if so, what kind of timeline do you think I should expect. 

I would love to save them both, and maybe they can heal my broken at the same time. 

Thank you for your time  ~ Chris 
You have my condolences for your loss.
 

Mamanyt1953

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So happy that both are settling in well!  They are lovely cats. and needed someone to take some time with them.  It is heartbreaking to see all of the older animals left in shelters because everyone seems to want a kitten (or puppy).  That's two. now. who have forever homes.
 
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chris gadbois

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Hi one and all, 

   I figured I would check in and say hi and give a 5 month update. 

First off, I found out that the woman at the shelter lied to me, these 2 are not even sisters, or even mother n daughter. This shelter is a 'no kill' and I guess she decided to lie to me to help move a few of the adult cats that had been in the shelter for months out. The two girls get all just fine so I'm net even mad.

Onyx (Black Tiger) hid under the couch for the first two weeks, never saw her at all. It took awhile to gain her trust, but now she is quite a different cat. She is very quiet, I've never even heard her meow. She follows you from room to room and sits quietly and watches EVERYTHING. She loves when you scratch the top of her head or the bridge of her nose. About 2am every morning I awake to her nuzzling up to me curling up in a ball next to my head. She has become a very happy and loving girl. 



Jinx is very playful and kitten like. She became very shy once Onyx came out from hiding (I think she came from a only cat house). Jinx has a collection of about 20 fuzzy mice which she hides in a pile under my bed. She does not like when I go to work in the morning (separation anxiety?). When I take take my socks out for work she either steals them or lays on top them and wants me to rub her belly. She's also a great lap cat....(I'm very happy with that, as my old cat was a lap cat too).



Life is good once again in my house. These two chase each other, play, sleep and eat together. I'm happy I could save 2 adult cats from a shelter and give them a happy home.  While not sisters as I was told at the shelter, they are every bit sisters now.  Hope everyone had a great summer.   ~ Chris   

 

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Oh I'm so happy to read this update! I vividly remember the photo of the girls huddled together at the shelter [emoji]128575[/emoji]
And now look at them [emoji]10084[/emoji]️!
Both Oynx and Jinx look happy and healthy...clearly well loved. It's wonderful to see that the girls get on so well and have learned how to share their Dad! Thanks again for letting us know how you and your girls are doing.

That poem "To My Cat" is one of my favorites. I have it posted on my refrigerator.
 

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Fantastic to hear!  They are both so beautiful. What a good soul you have to take them in.
 

ondine

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Oh, this made my day.  Just got back from an adoption fair and not one kitty was adopted.  It is so sad but it really makes a difference when people like you adopt!  Thank you and God bless you, Jinx and Onyx.
 

kittychick

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This made my day too! Their - and your - story is so heartwarming (even if there was perhaps a little deceit). And the pictures are STUNNING. Just know - having volunteered and/or worked at no-kill shelters all of my adult life - the workers often are given stories by people that surrender, and the stories end up having no validity, but they've become such a part of the cat(s)' rhetoric - or not all workers know the story changed - that the stories perpetuate. Know that, at the very worst, you were slightly deceived by very well-meaning people into taking adult cats home that otherwise likely would have lived for ages and ages at that shelter. And now you - and they - have a wonderful, loving relationship to look forward to! I know it sounds like you're not really upset - I just want you to know that VERY rarely does a shelter person try to knowingly deceive. They know if they do - the poor kitties have a decent chance of being returned in frustration, which, in the end, is often more traumatizing for the kitties than never leaving the shelter.

I'm SO Happy that this story has such a wonderful ending. It sounds like they love you very much - and they've already added tons of love (and fun!) to your life. Knowing you gave adult cats (GORGEOUS ones at that!!!!) a home they wouldn't have otherwise had has to be a wonderful feeling!
 
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