Fostering a semi-feral cat

The shelter only said that they thought she wasn't feeling well a few weeks ago. She's a long haired cat and had messed around her back area. They cleaned it up and that was that. She seems fine from what I can tell... but it's hard to tell. I'm spending an hour in the room with her now, hopefully that will make me look less threatening. I'll change and warm all of her food b4 I go to bed tonight. If in the morning she's hasn't shown signs of eating or using the bathroom I will call the shelter to see what they recommend me to do next. If I could get her to move past this one huge obstacle, I know I have the patience and time it takes to make this work for her

tmatchett said:

 
The shelter only said that they thought she wasn't feeling well a few weeks ago. She's a long haired cat and had messed around her back area. They cleaned it up and that was that. She seems fine from what I can tell... but it's hard to tell. I'm spending an hour in the room with her now, hopefully that will make me look less threatening. I'll change and warm all of her food b4 I go to bed tonight. If in the morning she's hasn't shown signs of eating or using the bathroom I will call the shelter to see what they recommend me to do next. If I could get her to move past this one huge obstacle, I know I have the patience and time it takes to make this work for her

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Has she received any vet care?  I think a vet visit is in order.  

So this morning there doesn't seem to be much progress with Sammie She's moving around the room just fine from one hiding spot to the other. But she didn't touch the food I set out for her last night (all heated up). I did speak with the shelter last night who confirmed that she's been feeling fine. They also told me that they don't usually see her eat throughout the day. My husband is gone this morning to pick up Feliway from our local pet store, I'm really hoping this will relax her enough to eat/drink.

The shelter did suggest taking in a second cat, one that she's familiar with, from the shelter but I don't know if that's something that right for my home or my existing cat...  Could this work?

Before you take in another cat, wait a day or so and give her fresh food and water and plug in the Feliway and observe. I don't think she'll go on a hunger strike. If she's real hungry, she'll eat. Hopefully there's no medical issues with her. My guess is she's still trying to settle in.

Let us know the progress please.

The shelter has also suggested introducing my cat to her. I know my cat is curious to get in the room and she hasn't reacted baby outside of the door, but everything I read tells me to wait.could this possibly be a good thing for them both so soon?

She hasn't been reacting negatively or aggressive outside of the door...

It's better to acclimatize and socialize the kitty before introducing to your other cat.

Take it slow, otherwise the whole operation will be futile.

Bringing another cat into the situation right now would not be a good idea.  It is just too much way too soon.  

Sammie needs to adjust to her new surroundings first.  Yet I would recommend taking her to a vet at some point.  It's always a good idea once you get a new cat that you have it checked over by your vet.  

T tmatchett
You can do scent-swapping with Sammie, even if it is early for introductions.

You could also leave a piece of your unwashed clothing in the room to help her get used to your smell. However, I'd pick a top that I wasn't particularly fond of

Right now, time is your best friend. Work on your laptop, read a book, do anything in the room, but let Sammie do her thing. Let the cat come to you first. You can offer treats or toys, but being in the room will improve the relationship.

Scent swapping. Would I just rub my cat in a blanket and leave it in Sammie's room, and vice versa? Although technically I can't touch her,I can rub a blanket on her cave that she sleeps in. My shirt is already in the room, but I will probably leave a new worn one tonight.I feel like I've followed most of the instructions given and I hope that she'll eat tonight. I've talked to the shelter and they would recommend returning her if she doesn't [emoji]128533[/emoji]

tmatchett said:

Scent swapping. Would I just rub my cat in a blanket and leave it in Sammie's room, and vice versa? Although technically I can't touch her,I can rub a blanket on her cave that she sleeps in. My shirt is already in the room, but I will probably leave a new worn one tonight.I feel like I've followed most of the instructions given and I hope that she'll eat tonight. I've talked to the shelter and they would recommend returning her if she doesn't [emoji]128533[/emoji]

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I was thinking more of exchanging a blanket or towel your cat has slept on into Sammie's room. I don't think Sammie has been to the vet yet, so you probably not take one of Sammie's blankets out for your other cat to smell.

How long have you had Sammie now?

I don't know how this would work for you, but I would probably put a little bit of any cat treats and dry food I had all on one plate, and put the plate in between the hiding places she's using. You can see if she's interested in anything you have or if she's just going to refuse everything

The cats I've had have all been a lot more cooperative when they have come into the house. I wish I could offer you more help. This has got to be heartbreaking for you.

Hope Sammie gets smarter overnight

The shelter insists that she's not sick. I spoke with them yesterday regarding taking her to the vet, but my options are to add a second cat or bring her back. I know that they did have her spayed when she first got to the shelter but I'm not sure of any other vet visits. I'm in the room with her now and have brought her some food. Unfortunately I don't see any progress in the food dept. Unless shes only picking? When she first came she wouldn't even look at me and now she is so I'm taking that as a good sign? Maybe all I need to do is be around her more? I really want her to stay but I don't want to be neglectful. I took her Tuesday and it is now Saturday morning. What do I do?

Please take her to a vet.  Just because the shelter says she is not sick does not mean she does not have an underlying condition.

It is common practice when you adopt a new cat to take it to your own vet to be sure the cat is healthy.

Not eating for this many days is not good.  Before returning her to the shelter, I would take her to your own vet for care.

Shelters can be over run with animals and sometimes miss that a cat is not feeling well.  It is common for cats to not eat when they are not feeling well.  Yet this many days without food is not food at all.  

I would not take her back to the shelter without having her vet checked first.  She may just there and not eat for them either, just delaying medical care.

It is a good sign she is looking at you, but she needs to have liquids and some food.  

If I take her to the vet and she's cleared of being sick will this set her back to the beginning. Will she just not eat all over again if I bring her back to my house. This is what the shelter gave as a reason for not taking her to the vet.

I second what ShadowsRescue mentioned, bring her in to the vet and have her checked. try not to delay the vet's visit. This way, after the visit to the vet, at least you get to know what is the underlying problem of her not eating and you can have a better idea on how to take care of her.

At least, she'll be in good hands. and now you mentioned that she is looking at you is good as she is registering you as not being a threat to her and she is slowly opening up to you. And if she is sick and you are the one that's going to nurse her back to health, the bond between you both will grow stronger. With that, socializing her will be much easier.

Sending her back to the shelter is like serving her a death sentence.

tmatchett said:

If I take her to the vet and she's cleared of being sick will this set her back to the beginning. Will she just not eat all over again if I bring her back to my house. This is what the shelter gave as a reason for not taking her to the vet.

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At some point she will need to go to the vet anyway.  It is often easier now than later when you are in the middle of socializing.  I am shocked that the shelter does not want you to take a cat to the vet.  I hope they are not hiding anything.  It has been way too long that she has not eaten or had liquids.  She may need fluids.  Please try to find a vet today.

They just sent me a message now that says I should make a decision today about keeping her. That she is probably dehydrated. But no mention of taking her to a vet. I can't tell you how devastating this is for me...

Most likely she is dehydrated.  You can call a vet and get her in today.  The vets can give her fluids.

How is Sammie this afternoon?  I hope she has eaten or you were able to get her to the vet.  I am worried about her and hope she didn't have to go back to the shelter.

Sammie is at the vet now. She's there overnight and will have IV fluids and is being treated for a urinary infection.
I spoke with the shelter and they agreed that she needed to be taken in and I offered to pay for a portion of the bill.I pick her up tomorrow.