Feral kittens in Ireland - rescued last night

[wendyr]

Thanks for the vibes! Much appreciated and seem to be working! Niamh has realised over the past day how nice it is to be out from under the bed and basking in the sunshine cast by the window. She only goes under the bed when she is really scared. Small step, but very encouraging nonetheless. She sat there with us the whole time during a morning play session as well. Didn't participate, but was very interested. We are taking steps to prevent accidents. We moved our second litter tray so it is easier for her to access in emergencies.

I have a quick question for y'all though. I didn't want to post another topic, but it is something I have just been wondering about. Are their any side effects for the worming treatments? Our vet gave us Milbemax, and though we haven't had any problems, I just wondered if anyone knows or has experienced any? Like I said - there has been nothing out of the ordinary, so I am not wondering for that reason (just personal curiosity!), but shortly before I gave the kittens their first dosage, I tried to do some research on the topic and all I could find was 'some side effects may occur' with no explanation of what those side effects might be. Just got me wondering!

 

[ldg]

I'm not familiar with Milbemax, but I think the side effects of any worming medication can be diarrhea or nausea. All de-worming meds are, in fact, poison - just in doses that kill the worms but not the cat.

I'm so glad little Niamh has discovered the wonders of sunshine in your home! Yesterday was a very sunny day here, and we have these large deck doors - but with trees that cast shadows. We found all six kitties lying in a spot of sunshine. I think it's a rule that cats must pass out in a ray of sunshine!

Laurie

 

[wendyr]

You are so right Laurie! They love the sunshine. The kittens have also discovered the wonders of the window sill.

The husband and I came home the other night after a friends birthday and were (happily) surprised to find all three kittens asleep on our bed! This was a big step. Then, today, the husband went upstairs to do some work (sitting on the bed - he is an academic and has to read lots of papers) and two of the three kittens remained on the bed with him.

They are settling into a routine very well - I feed them dinner at 6:30 and they are learning about 'dinner time'. I was on the phone with my folks in the States at that time, and they sure let me know it was time to eat. It is nice to see them settling in so well.

Niamh is now regularly out and about and plays with us often. Still more timid than the others, but she seems to learn from them. So much progress in only two weeks. It has been so much fun. The only slightly weird thing recently is that Niamh had started drinking from the toilet! I know cats are attracted to running water, but it was only after I saw little kitten prints from the bathroom to the bedroom and a cat with wet back legs that I realised what was going on! I have started leaving another bowl of fresh water in the bedroom, where they spend their days, and that has somewhat relieved the problem...

Thanks for the info on the worming meds as well - I figured those were the side effects. We noticed slightly loose stools in two of the kittens (Niamh and Paddington) and after research and a chat with the vet, he said that was normal. He said as long as they are eating, drinking and playing normally, we shouldn't be concerned. I just wanted to check in with the online friends as well!

I have photos of Niamh - will have to post when we get them uploaded. And, the husband took photos of Conor after she fell into a trash can (nothing really in this particular can but old fabric scraps - it is under my sewing table). She was so sleepy that even after she slipped in, she just chose to stay. Silly kitten!

 

[wendyr]

Just an update...the past few days have been a bit trying, so just need to vent a bit, I guess! The kittens are definitely getting bigger, healthier and happier in a lot of senses. They are playing a lot, getting more vocal (which is a great surprise - previously, only one of them made any noise, and now all three of them are making the same kind of chirping noise when they play). I suppose the difficulties have come from my own life as well - totally external of the kittens - but dealing with that and dealing with three kittens has been tough.

Two steps forward, a step back. They have discovered the comforts of our bed, so they regularly sleep there. The days of hiding under the bed are over, which is nice. But, at times, they have been more skittish than normal. The husband and I just keep reminding ourselves that they too have good days and bad days, so we are just trying to keep the playing and stimulated to distract them from their bad days. It seems to be effective. I suppose the other issue is the husband is so busy with work this week, it has been me dealing with all the little issues that come up. His load will lighten in the near future, so I am sure that will alleviate that problem.

Other than that, not much to report. Just wanted a little vent, I suppose. I am so happy to have them here and love being with them, and I just keep remembering that when times get a bit tough....and find comfort in the successes of others on this thread!

 

[wendyr]

After the minor 'setbacks' of last week, things have been fine the past few days. The kittens are once again acting like the happy and strange little creatures they once were! Phew!

No big breakthroughs, but just a general sense of being comfortable. Paddington sits with me on the sofa frequently in the morning and Niamh is making progress on feeling more and more comfortable, which is great. The only big thing this week was I (accidentally!) picked up little Conor! I was feeding them their dinner and I am trying to teach them that they each have a different bowl (because I worry about Niamh not getting to eat her fill of dinner!). Anyway, I had put out Conor and Paddington's bowls and had just moved Niamh's over to her. Conor immediately abandoned her food and ran over to eat Niamh's. We had guests over at the time, so I was not totally focused on the kittens (but still feeding them at the regular time to ensure routine), and so I just kind of reached over and scooped her up! She didn't move at all. I put her in front of her food bowl and proceeded to stroke her for ages. We only stopped when they heard one of my guests coming up the stairs. I sat there, amazed, trying to call out to my husband without disturbing little Conor! Our poor guests - they are not cat people and then they had to listen to us go on and on about what a big deal this was. It felt great and keeps me motivated!

They were great with our guests around as well. They stayed in a hotel, so there was no problem there, but we were aware that last time we had people over they got a bit freaked out. We moved food, water and a litter dish into our room and they had no problem at all. Phew. Our new worry - we have to go over to England in two weeks time for a wedding. I am starting to worry about this now! We are trying to decide if we are going to have our friends (who have three cats of their own) to come over twice a day and feed, change water and clean litter or if we should put them in a kennel. I am leaning towards having the friends come over - I just don't think the kittens would be ready for the kennel yet. We will only be gone for a weekend, so we shall see...

 

[ldg]

Originally Posted by wendyr

...No big breakthroughs, but just a general sense of being comfortable. ...The only big thing this week was I (accidentally!) picked up little Conor! ...I put her in front of her food bowl and proceeded to stroke her for ages.

I love it when the general sense of being comfortable is no longer a breakthrough!

And picking up Conor and not having her freak out is pretty big in my book!

...as to the being skittish? Sometimes it's partly just the personality of the kitties OR the timing of the moment. All of our cats sleep on the bed with us at various points. Last night, Gary woke up and coughed - and Lazlo went FLYING off the bed. This is almost 6 years later now!

Other times he'll sleep through it - so ?????????

Originally Posted by wendyr

Our new worry - we have to go over to England in two weeks time for a wedding. I am starting to worry about this now! We are trying to decide if we are going to have our friends (who have three cats of their own) to come over twice a day and feed, change water and clean litter or if we should put them in a kennel. I am leaning towards having the friends come over - I just don't think the kittens would be ready for the kennel yet. We will only be gone for a weekend, so we shall see...

I would DEFINTELY have the friend come over if that's an option. We've put our kitties in boarding while we go. We had them put two each in pen (with small kittens, we would have put all three together) and we leave them with their beds inside of a covered hidey thing. All of them just hunkered down inside their hidey thing. They barely ate and only came out to pee or poop. We had to leave for a week once, and they all lost weight. They were miserable.

The scents of home are so much more comforting.

They may hide from visitors - but at least they'll know the kitties are OK from the food and scooping.

I know how frustrating it is sometimes. But it sounds like things are really going so well! They're sleeping on the bed with you! That's just HUGE! Does that include Niamh?

Laurie

 

[wendyr]

My accidental scooping of Conor was such a triumph - I felt so good about it for days! My husband was amazed as well. They are all doing so well, it just makes me really happy. They are playing like madmen and settling into a routine so well.

They love to sleep on the bed - all of them, including Niamh! We were amazed. The other two have always been bolder, so to have her up there as well is just great. They definitely view me as their play buddy and food provider, which makes me feel good. Since I work from home, I am with them all day, so I can take breaks for play and food. The husband and Paddington have a great bond, so it looks like they are really settling in well.

We don't mind the skittish part so much anymore as they are getting comfortable. Since I have never had cats, I am not fully used to how they operate, but since the husband has always had them, he doesn't find this all to be too odd. His family had taken in a feral kitten when he was really young, so he can't remember how they socialised her, but I did know her (Rosie was her name) and she was a great cat - but still a bit skittish and not a 'lap' cat. I have hopes that our kittens will turn out like her and I think they are definitely on the road towards that.

Our friends said (when we first got the kittens) that they would be more than happy to come and feed them if we went away for a few days, so we are going to just ask them this weekend to make sure they are available. If they are not, I have another friend who might do it, but he doesn't have cats so the litterbox might freak him out a bit (though, he did ask me if I knew where he could get his own cat, so this might serve as practice for him...)! Anyway, I am sure we will get it sorted. I wouldn't feel comfortable putting them away, just because they are still adjusting. I totally agree - they might hide but at least our friends can keep tabs on them! Our friend is a huge cat lover, so I am sure she would be more than happy to come over. I bet they would get tons of play time as well! Fingers crossed that they aren't going out of town that weekend!

Conor is off to the vet to get fixed and then the others will soon follow. We are planning on getting them all taken care of before we go. It will be quite an ordeal as we don't have a car, but our friends (the ones who might watch them for us) are letting us borrow one of their large cat pens (they are huge - the cats travelled in them from Canada to here in Ireland in them!) so we can transport and then keep them comfortable in them while they recover.

 

[ldg]

that your friends will be in town while you are going to be out - AND that all goes well with the transport and spaying and neutering.

They sound like such little loves - and it seems that things couldn't be going better, really!

Laurie

 

[wendyr]

The appointment is all set up for Conor to get fixed - Tuesday morning. We are going to chat with our friends tonight over a drink to see if they will come by for the kittens whilst we are away. If not, I already have another person lined up (the one who doesn't have a cat, but is interested in getting one) - he agreed to be our back-up if our other friends can't do it. Relief! At least I know we won't be stuck in the lurch!

The sun is shining here today, and Conor is sitting on the windowsill, basking in the glory.

Here is a new photo album of the kittens! Niamh is even pictured (yay!).

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...4&id=601440867

 

[trixshar]

Wendy -
It is such a joy to see your pictures of these very happy little kittens. Who says ferals don't play with toys?

 

[wendyr]

Thanks for the comment on the photos! We have stopped taking photos of anything BUT the kittens...they are so sweet and lovely, we just can't help it.

Only a few things - they have been a bit annoyed today as yesterday was spring cleaning day, so there was a lot of movement in the house. Sleep disturbances! Ah! I also finally managed to purchase a domed litter box - Paddington was throwing the litter everywhere, so our stairs were just covered in litter. We still have the two plain boxes, so we will see how the domed on goes over before we invest in other domes. So far, all three kittens have used the new box. Phew.

Conor is off for the spay tomorrow. I introduced her to the cage that she will be transported in and she loved it. Luckily! She hopped straight in for a nap, so hopefully tomorrow we won't have any trouble getting her in. I know it is going to be plenty traumatic, so I hope to minimise it as much as I can.

In other news, it looks like Niamh is actually a little boy! We are so bad at determining their sex - first Conor, now Niamh....I don't know why, but we were just convinced Niamh was a little girl, but today while she (he!) was having a good clean, I got a look...and I am nearly 99% sure she is actually a he. I am going to have a look again today after dinner - Paddington has very obvious testicles, and whilst I don't see the same on Niamh, it definitely looks different than Conor (who we are 100% is a girl). Hm. Going to have to decide if we should change names or if we should just have two cats with opposite gender names!

 

[ldg]

OMG they are SOOOOOOOOOO adorable! We LOVE black and white kitties, but even Niamh is too cute! I love the pick of Paddington & Conor sleeping together. Oh they are so sweet. I'm glad you're taking so many pics - they do grow up SO fast!

Thank you for sharing.

....and as to their names? I wouldn't worry about it!

Laurie

 

[kittylover4ever]

Just wanted to let you know I just read through this thread and I'm so happy these wonderful babies found a home with you! They are gorgous! Paddy kind of looks like my Petals!! Do you ever see thier feline mommy anymore?

 

[wendyr]

Laurie - my husband has always been partial to black and whites as well! Steve (or the cat formerly known as Niamh) is just too cute and so pretty. One of my friends in England has taken a liking to him - always wants pictures.

Kittylover - you are right! Paddy does look a bit like your Petals. So adorable.

As for the mother cat - I have seen her a few times around our neighborhood. She is such a pretty cat - totally black. I know the pub takes good care of her - feeding, vet appointments and whatnot, but still. I worry about her, but that is just my nature.

 

[wendyr]

I seem to have two threads going - one contained a question about spaying little Conor, but I thought for clarity, I would post updates on the general being of the kittens here. Much easier! Anyway, the husband and I went away for a few days (just got back last night). We had some friends over to watch the little devils, and by all accounts things went very well. They ate happily, all their toys were hiding when we got back (from all that play!) and there was very little destruction. Phew! I was really worried - at first, I didn't want to go, but they seemed fine. Though, I must say, they have been a bit confused today. Hopefully we will get them back on their normal routine. They have been letting me pet them at feeding (not Steve, but I am being patient with him!), and I was a bit concerned that they wouldn't be okay with that tonight (my first dinner feeding back) but they were fine. They have proven to be fairly adaptable, so I am happy for that.

The kittens have also discovered the greatest toy known to man - the humble bug. We live very near a river so we get a few flies now that spring is coming and the kittens have lost all interest in anything but those little winged creatures. Lots of rough and tumble (I think this is how the lamp got knocked over!), but it keeps them very happy!

 

[ldg]

We've got ladybugs right now!

Have you ever seen one of those "red dot" laser toys? Most cats absolutely go bonkers for them. At various points TCS members have started threads about whether or not the laser toys are cruel, because there's nothing for kitty to catch. I always laugh, because while I see the basis of concern - our kitties are so spastic they probably catch about one out of every 10 or 20 bugs that finds its way into our home. I really see no difference between a "red dot" disappearing and a bug making its get-away!

I'm so glad all went well while you traveled. Even better, I'm glad things are getting back to normal!

Laurie

 

[wendyr]

Oh the laser pointers! I have one on the end of my key chain, which, unfortunately, makes a noise (my mom got it for me when we were back in the US - in the shape of a pig and it 'oinks'). The kittens do like it, but the noise kind of freaks them out. I am going to have to get a proper one because I know they would just go mad.

They are going through a stage of extremely high activity right now - I think it is the bugs (Steve is the best hunter amongst them - the other two are pretty hopeless and they just pretty much jump around). We have been providing a lot of toys for them, but they all get batted under bookshelves - luckily Paddington knows if he mews at me, I will come retrieve them for him.

One thing I have noticed since coming back is that the kittens are spending a lot more of their 'awake' time downstairs - with me! When the husband comes home they are a bit more hesitant, but yesterday, after afternoon nap and feeding, both Conor and Paddington came downstairs and just hung out with me while I cleaned and prepared dinner. My husband was out late last night for work, so they spent pretty much the whole evening downstairs - Conor even sat on the sofa with me (granted, about as far away as you could possibly get, but still). I think being away made them feel almost more comfortable and territorial about the house, which is good. Steve appears to be making an effort to fit in - he is quite good with me (I think I am being equated with food/treats/play - good!), but still a bit skittish with the husband.

We have also been transitioning over to clumping litter. Our reasoning is actually very simple - our local pet store was out of our normal litter and a friend recommended this particular brand. We gradually introduced it, but there was no problem. Phew!

Our weekend was a bit sad - my husband's family cat, Spike, died whilst we were in England. He was very old - over 19 by the vets records - but he was the last of a family of cats to die, so it was particularly difficult for my husband and his family. Spike (and his mother, Rosie) were my introduction to cats. Before them, I had always only had dogs, and I consider them to be my first cats. Spike was a gorgeous big boy - black and white, loud, big meow and a big personality. My father-in-law said he was waiting for my husband and me to come to say goodbye - he died two days after we arrived. I spent a lot of time with him - lots of cuddles and affection, and my father-in-law was with him when he was put down. That makes me happy to know that he died knowing he was loved.

 

[kitten_smitten]

At various points TCS members have started threads about whether or not the laser toys are cruel, because there's nothing for kitty to catch.

Interesting perspective I don't know about cruel - just about every kitten I have has at one time or another taken a dive head first into my monitor trying to catch the cursor or a changing page there really isn't any thing there for them to catch either -

How many times the dive approach is done varies from cat to cat - some have to be dazed by the impact only once to discover this leap approach isn't the best and will then sit next to the monitor or my key board and bat at moving things with their paws - like Ferocious is doing now - which by the way can make reading a little more difficult some times

I think it took Fussy a few more times than average but eventually even he decided the monitor crashing to be unpleasing

In my opinion if the cats find a particular activity unpleasant they normally quit participating in it



wendyr have ya tried string? - I began interacting with Ferocious playing string - as she became used to me the string got shorter and shorter so she had to get closer and closer - I didn't leave the string down but broke it out only when I was there to play with her - I kept her in a single room for the first month she was here. speaking of computer cats I can't see a thing Ferocious is telling me it is time to get off the computer and give her her bed time snack . . . Ferocious was a feral kitten we caught Dec 30th 2007 - now she is working on running the show -

 

[wendyr]

Ah, the wonders of string! Yes, that was the first toy we introduced, actually, before we had even taken the kittens in formally! Now, they love it. Paddington was the first to respond - within a week of him living here, he was rolling around in between our legs chasing the string. Steve (the kitten formerly known as Niamh) shyly started to join in and now Conor is in on the act. That has been great - ever since we got her fixed, she has really started to settle in a bit more.

We went out today and purchased some Rescue Remedy. I had read good things about it, and even though the kittens are coming on leaps and bounds, Steve is still quite nervous. I worry about him and want him to really realise this is a safe place. I know that some cats are just nervous (my husband has had a few!) but we want to help him through it a bit. I put some in their water dish tonight whilst they ate dinner and rubbed a bit on the back of Conor and Paddington (because they are happy to let me stroke them during feeding), and they all have been much calmer and less nervous. We shall see how things go, and the husband and I are going to purchase some Feliway (we have to buy it over the internet), but I am pleased so far with the RR.

Other than that, there are some very promising signs that they are doing well socializing. I mentioned Steve playing - and he is far more playful with me than he used to be, which is just great. As for the other two...well, they are just doing really great! Conor loves to be stroked during her dinner - she likes a full body massage and a good 'ol cheek rub. She purrs away while she is chowing down, which is just amazing. My husband has also managed to stroke her quite a bit outside of mealtimes, which pleases him to no end. And Paddington is just adorable and playful and very, very vocal! He purrs whenever he knows dinner is about to come and lately, whenever I enter the bedroom, he comes out from wherever he is sleeping to just sit near me - even if he is really sleepy. Paddington is happy to have a bit of a stroke during dinner - he likes to have his head and neck stroked, but backs away if you accidentally brush his ears. Both Conor and Paddington like to come downstairs and just sit with us - at a distance, mind, but still it is encouraging!

 

[ldg]

I'm so glad the Rescue Remedy is helping! It never seemed to help our cats - but I've seen people here report really good things about it too. So when I suggest people try it, I always say - it seems that when it works, it really helps - and if it doesn't work, there was no harm in trying. I'm so glad they're responding to it!

Conor and Paddington sound like they're doing GREAT! And that's so sweet that you want to help Steve continue to overcome his fear.

Laurie