a head bop from Scraggles

scraggles

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Hello all! -

I'm new to this forum and would like to introduce myself and my Scraggles, my little alley-cat stray.

Scraggles first came to the house as a stray a few months ago - very frightened and very hungry.  To cut a long story short since then I've just been doing my best to look after him the best I can - and I came across this forum while looking for answers for all the questions I've had since -

So myself and Scraggles look forward to learning more and to getting to know you -

The photo attached is not long after when he first arrived - and this was when he first started coming up to me and allowing me pet him - even without a good brushing or feeding he was already such a handsome cat..!
 

tabbytom

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Welcome to the Catsite to you and Scraggles :wavey:

Thank you for taking him in :clap:
He's beautiful! :heart4:

Great that you found your answers here and hope that you post more photos of Scraggles ;)
 

2Cats4everLoved

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Mr. Scraggles is gorgeous.  I can't wait to see more pics of this sweet heart.

Welcome to TCS.  I am confident in saying, you will find all the info you need, along with the support of fellow cat lovers.  TCS has saved me on more than one occasion. 

Do you plan on making him an indoor cat or will he remain outside.  Has he seen a vet yet.  You want to make sure you're not opening up yourself to any diseases and you want to make sure he's healthy, and most important, neutered.

I wish you health and happiness with this bundle of fluff.

Thanks for giving him a forever home.
 
 

hellomisskitty

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Welcome to TCS! Mr. Straggles is indeed very handsome [emoji]10084[/emoji]️ You are obviously doing a lot of things right because Scraggles clearly trusts you and cats, especially strays, don't just automatically trust humans. You've earned his trust and that's a beautiful thing.
If we can ever help with anything regarding Scraggles, please let us know. There are so many kind, knowledge people here.
 
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scraggles

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Thank-you all for your lovely replies and welcomes!

It's been so lovely to watch Scraggles' progression I have to say -

When, for example, he first arrived he was afraid of toys - very confused by them and would run away thinking I was teasing him.  But then one morning he tried to play with my sleeve as I got ready so I got him a toy that has strings coming out of it which he has started playing with bit by bit (although in teaching him that it's O.K. to play with that he now he thinks that any sort of cable/cord/wire is a toy and I'm worried he's going to end up electrocuting himself...)

He also never cleaned himself - but now he does quite often daily - and allows himself to be groomed also - although not yet too comfortable with the paws and still won't let me near his belly...

@2Cats4everLoved  I also do plan bit by bit to make him a fully indoor cat - he wouldn't come inside at all at first - then bit by bit he would come into the kitchen - then upstairs - then more often when it was raining... - now he's at the stage where he's spending maybe half the night indoors - which is huge progress - but I still think at this stage he'd panic if I closed off his outside access - we'll get there though :)

I brought him to the vet when he first arrived - he was quite a fighter and had a huge gash behind his ear that really needed to be looked at.  So he got a once over and the vet was happy enough.  I use that vet visit as my kind of official "arrival anniversary" date - three months ago now.  He wasn't neutered - and I gave it a month after that first vet visit to allow myself begin to call him "mine" and then I booked him in to get neutered and chipped.

And as it turns out I have another vet visit today - which is how I found myself on this forum earlier - I was seeing if there were any posts on nervous cats as poor Scraggles got a bit traumatised last time with the whole ordeal and wouldn't come inside for ages after... let's hope today goes better..!

Another photo for you: this was Scraggles when he first preferred being outdoors the majority of the time - but when it was raining he'd content himself with just looking at it..!
 

2Cats4everLoved

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He's very sweet and he's very lucky to have found you, as well as you.  I have no doubt he will be a very affectionate fellow and love you unconditionally.

I personally am a big fan of boxes, to make homemade cat houses.  I think if you get a perch or box, and create a small area, he will establish a safe zone that's his and his only and he will be more trusting.  It's always worked for me.  This way, they have a "hiding" place, and won't find a place of their own, like under the sofa, bed or behind any furniture or appliances. etc.  He will think he's hiding but you can keep an eye on him. LOL

I love this story and I hope you continue to share him with us.

Good luck today...
 

ganesha0

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Hello all! -

I'm new to this forum and would like to introduce myself and my Scraggles, my little alley-cat stray.

Scraggles first came to the house as a stray a few months ago - very frightened and very hungry.  To cut a long story short since then I've just been doing my best to look after him the best I can - and I came across this forum while looking for answers for all the questions I've had since -

So myself and Scraggles look forward to learning more and to getting to know you -

The photo attached is not long after when he first arrived - and this was when he first started coming up to me and allowing me pet him - even without a good brushing or feeding he was already such a handsome cat..!
Welcome to the site. I like the orange spot around his nose.
 
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scraggles

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Great idea 2Cats4everLoved - will definitely be trying that box idea out! -

Vet visit went O.K. - apart from the heart-breaking wailing that came from Scraggles - heath-wise the vet was happy - gave him his vaccinations and we've to go back for more in three weeks time.  Getting Scraggles into the carrier was easier this time - but once we were in the car and waiting in the vet the meows were gut-wrenching. 

Although what I will say that is slightly comforting is that I had Scraggles meowing in his carrier while waiting at the vet's, I stood up briefly to look at the food/equipment etc that's for sale there - when I walked towards the shelves Scraggles started absolutely bawling, so I obviously very quickly returned to him.  I could be wrong, but in a small way it does show, I think, that he did think he was safer with me there - so there's some connection with his feeling safe/secure and me - which is comforting.

And, yes, Ganesha0 - I love those little dots myself.  One of his own little distinguishing features  :)
 

catlover73

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Welcome to the TCS Forums. Scarggles is beautiful.  Here is some information that may help you for future vet visits.

My oldest cat Starbuck hates the carrier and being in the car.  She has actually peed on herself on the way to the vet.  A few years ago when I switched vets we found a new vet that sprays Feliway on herself between patients.  When we discussed the issues about getting Starbuck to the vet she gave us a sample Feliway wipe.  We used it to wipe down the carrier for Starbucks last vet visit. She is usually really hard to get into the carrier.  My hubby said he had an easier time with it.  Once she was in the carrier in the car she only complained a little and did not pee on herself.  She tends to scream like she is being murdered in the car and pee on herself.  She was much calmer and only complained a little.  She actually took a nap in the carrier on the way home from the vets.  She had never taken  a nap in the car outside of when she was a baby kitten and is now 9 years old.  She did not run and hide for hours after she got home.  She was out and about hanging out with my hubby.  She also was much calmer at the vets.  She did not protest loudly during the exam.  This may be something you can try for Scraggles.  You can get them at  pet stores or online. They are much cheaper online.
 
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scraggles

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Wow catlover73 - I can't believe feliway would have such a positive result from its use! - will definitely be trying that as have to go back the vet in three weeks and hearing Scraggles howling like he's in horrible pain in the back of the car is just horrible - it makes for a heart breaking drive - and when you can't explain it's for their own good... definitely on the to-buy list!
 

hellomisskitty

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In addition to Feliway I would try these things:

-put a shirt or something you have worn but not yet washed in the bottom of the carrier: it will smell like you and your scent will be comforting to Scraggles.

-once Scraggles is in the carrier, cover the carrier with a towel: the towel will block his sight of everything around him and help calm down this sensory overload

-if it's possible, I would suggest leaving the carrier out in a common area so that he associates the carrier with home and safety. I leave my girl's carrier out and often find her napping in it. I have a nice cozy blanket in the bottom and she just loves it!
 
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