 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
| HomeDiscussion GroupsGeneral TopicsCat AnecdotesHealth and BehaviorRescue CatKB.com Contact UsLink To UsSearch & Site Map |
Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / July 2005Twin (my stalker cat) has a home!
I wrote about him a few weeks ago. A stray that showed up months ago but only wanted to eat here and wouldn't let us touch him. We let him do that and then, a few weeks ago, he became Mr. Friendly one day out of the blue and wouldn't leave me alone. I couldn't step outside without him following me everywhere. Since the day he got so friendly, he has never left our yard for a second as far as I could tell. He waits outside the door for me, is sitting in the carport when I get home, anytime I go out, he is right there. We just couldn't bring him in because we have a situation where one of our cats, Marbles, has to be separated from our other 2, Scottie and Abbey, so it was just not feasible to throw another one into the mix and there would have been nowhere to separate him anyway during an intro. So he has been our outdoor kitty and, although we live in a low traffic, high cat population area, there are dangers out there and we've have bad things happen to our stray kitties in the past so we knew this should not be a permanent situation. Someone that Tony works with came and got him tonight with his 2 sons. Their cat died recently and the boys, who are 12 and 14, didn't know that's what they were doing tonight until they got here so they were very excited and happy. We gave them Twin's brush and showed them how he loves anyone who will brush him. And he did. Everyone seemed pleased. He did almost freak out as we put him in the carrier but then he calmed down...my cats never calm down once they're in the carrier. So...they want him to be an indoor only cat. They tried to keep their last cat inside but he wanted to go out so much that they finally caved in. But I think Twin will want to be inside and I think that even if he did get out, he would stay in their yard. He seems to be a cat who wants a lot of attention so, with 4 people around, I think he will get it. I'm so happy and relieved, yet sad in a way to not see him anymore. They live pretty far from us and we don't socialize so it's doubtful we'll see him but Tony will see his dad everyday so we'll get updates. I stressed that we would like him back if it doesn't work out but I think it will. The boys seemed like very nice and polite boys and apparently they have been missing their kitty alot. In April, I was able to get a little stray girl kitty that Twin was very friendly with into a no-kill rescue group who adopts out of our local Petsmarts so that is 2 placed in 2 months out of my neighborhood. I will sleep easier tonight knowing I don't have poor Twin outside in the Phoenix heat. Summer's the time here where you don't want to be a stray cat. And Marbles can now go back in the yard in his walking jacket. I took some pics of Twin tonight and will post them to my yahoo pictures later. I never did get a pic of the little girl kitty. Candacel > I wrote about him a few weeks ago. A stray that showed up months ago but > only wanted to eat here and wouldn't let us touch him. We let him do that [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] > > Candacel Purrs that Twin will be content in his new home. I wonder which of the boys he will sleep with? MLB > I wrote about him a few weeks ago. A stray that showed up months ago > but only wanted to eat here and wouldn't let us touch him. We let him [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] > > Candacel Great story, it seems to be a weekend for happy endings!! >So...they want him to be an indoor only cat. They tried to keep their >last cat inside but he wanted to go out so much that they finally caved >in. Great news. Let them know that outdoor cats can become indoor only cats. Jay Jay was an outdoor cat and spent several days trying to paw his way out. But he decided indoor life is good. He does watch the birdies, and he loves a good windowsill, but he has not pawed at the windows or doors, or cried sadly since that first week, 4 months ago. There is definitely an adjustment period, but love him up and pamper him, and he will know life is good indoors.  Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > I wrote about him a few weeks ago. A stray that showed up months ago > but only wanted to eat here and wouldn't let us touch him. We let him [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] > > Candacel YAY!! Good on you Candace! Great work!! It always touches my heart to see a stray get to go to a forever-home. Hugs, CatNipped > I wrote about him a few weeks ago. A stray that showed up months ago > but only wanted to eat here and wouldn't let us touch him. We let him [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] > > Candacel Wow. That is fantastic news Candace! I hope it works out. Sounds like it will. Oh yes, your little stalker! I remember you said he started becoming compulsive after his family moved away. That's so wonderful he will have a new family of his own. I'm sure he will absolutely love all of that attention. Have they called with an update yet? It would be great to hear how the first day or so went. Thanks for taking care of your little strays! Rhonda > They live pretty far from us and we don't socialize so it's > doubtful we'll see him but Tony will see his dad everyday so we'll get > updates. > Have they called with an update yet? It would be great to hear how the > first day or so went. As of today when Tony talked to his buddy at work, Twin is hiding, barely eating, growling, and pooped on the floor. Great. He lets the kids brush him a little but that's it. They're not ready to give up or anything but they are surprised. Their last cat was a stray that showed up at their house so I don't suppose they experienced any of this with him. Hope it still works out, I feel sick about it. I feel so sad for Twin thinking I deserted him but I want him to have a real home, not just live in my carport and yard. Candace > > Have they called with an update yet? It would be great to hear how the > > first day or so went. [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Candace Jeez, I hope it works out; early days yet, though, for him to become acclinated to a new place & new people. Sounds like it took a long time for him to warm up to you, though he chose to hang around your house. Might take him a long time again? Cathy > > Have they called with an update yet? It would be great to hear how the > > first day or so went. [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Candace It might still work out - at least they're willing to try. Would they be open to getting some advice? I know there is a lot of experience on this group with behavior problems, you could compile a "pamphlet" for them, perhaps. Please don't feel bad - you did what you thought was the best thing for him, and it may still end up being so if he comes around. The fact that he is letting the son brush him is a good sign - he's not totally withdrawn - it's still early yet. We'll keep purring that things work out for him. Hugs, CatNipped Hi Candace, Ahhh, that's too bad. Are they letting him sit in a safe place for awhile -- like a room by himself with food and a litter box? Sounds like he's afraid to get to the box, wherever it is. I'm wondering if you you could send over some of your towels, dirty t-shirts, or something with your scent on it? Maybe that would make him feel more at home until he gets used to his new place. Keep us updated. I'm sure he'll adjust, I hope they have the patience. Rhonda >>Have they called with an update yet? It would be great to hear how the >>first day or so went. [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Candace >Are they letting him sit in a safe place for awhile -- like a room by >himself with food and a litter box? Sounds like he's afraid to get to >the box, wherever it is. Jay Jay spent teh first week retreating to hiding spots. He'd come out for a few hours and the retreat when he'd had enough. We blocked off the bad spots like the tunnel above the heating duct, and behind the headboard. He found a spot in my nephew's room, behind the desk drawer. So, I popped a mirror down there. I could take a quick peek and see the reflection of his eyes and know that he was there and fine. And just leave him be for awhile. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > >Are they letting him sit in a safe place for awhile -- like a room by > >himself with food and a litter box? Sounds like he's afraid to get to > >the box, wherever it is. He is living in a storeroom where his food and box also are. He has access to the rest of the house and they think he walks around at night. He has now pissed on the carpet in the room where his box is in addition to pooping. Maybe he never was an inside cat, after all. They aren't ready to give him back yet but I'm beginning to think we may have a permanent outdoor cat soon. Ugh. It makes me very sad, I thought he would be so happy to have his own people. Poor little guy. I don't know how long they'll want a carpet pisser. Candace >>> Are they letting him sit in a safe place for awhile -- like a room by >>> himself with food and a litter box? Sounds like he's afraid to get to [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Candace Tell them to get a bigger box and put dirt in it. > in article > 1119986988.987241.277130@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com, Candace [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] >> > Tell them to get a bigger box and put dirt in it. I was wondering if he'd know how to use a litter box. I second Karen's post! I'm glad they're willing to work with him! :) SignatureCheryl "The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited breath." - W.C. Fields <snipped> > > I don't know how long they'll want a carpet pisser. > > > > Candace > Tell them to get a bigger box and put dirt in it. I think this is a good suggestion. Cathy > I think this is a good suggestion. Me, too. The message has been conveyed and favorably received. Candace > > I think this is a good suggestion. > > > Me, too. The message has been conveyed and favorably received. > > Candace Good. :-) I hope it helps out w/ his litter box use. Cathy Hope the dirt works! That should smell more like home to him. Do they know to pick up the poops and put them in the box so he might have a better idea? It took one time of doing that with our stray last year and she got the message. Rhonda > He is living in a storeroom where his food and box also are. He has > access to the rest of the house and they think he walks around at > night. He has now pissed on the carpet in the room where his box is in > addition to pooping. Maybe he never was an inside cat, after all. > Hope the dirt works! That should smell more like home to him. > > Do they know to pick up the poops and put them in the box so he might > have a better idea? It took one time of doing that with our stray last > year and she got the message. Maybe arrange them in the shape of a target. :) SignatureWeb site: http://www.slywy.com/ Message board: http://www.slywy.com/phpBB2/ Journal: http://slywy.diaryland.com/ > > Hope the dirt works! That should smell more like home to him. > > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Maybe arrange them in the shape of a target. :) What if you added some leaves or twigs from outside? It would mean cleaning the litter more often for a few days but it worked for one of my strays. Trish Ha ha! That might work! Rhonda >>Hope the dirt works! That should smell more like home to him. >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Maybe arrange them in the shape of a target. :) >I don't know how long they'll want a carpet pisser. Hopefully, they will give him some time to adjust. When I took in the injured stray, he was definitely a stray. At about 8 months old, he was extremely underweight, walking skeleton. So, he obviously hadn't been indoors in a long time. But he did his best to get to the box. He did spray a couple times, and he got lost once and left his puddle where he expected the box to be. (He was half blind from the car hitting him, so he was getting used to that, and I could honestly see where one wrong turn would have landed him at that location.) Also, Jay Jay was mostly outdoor, but he used the box fine. The foster lady said he never had any accidents. Granted, he's big, and sometimes he doesn't realize his butt is hanging over the edge of the box, but thos were just bad aim. The effort was there. The only time he intentionally went outside the box was about half an hour ago when he had soft poo stuck in his fur and was doing the butt drag down across the carpet. I gave him a good trim, which he didn't appreciate (he makes some funny sounds and movements though). A few wet wipes on the floor, and we're all good. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > Hopefully, they will give him some time to adjust. They have now moved him into one of the bathrooms, just so they can know where he is. They did this Tues. night. By the time they got up on Wed., he had used his box and eaten all his food. So that's good. He will let them pet him and he even let the guy pick him up to move him to the bathroom, but he just goes limp and looks all horrified. His name is now Oliver, the boys named him. They are going to go in the bathroom frequently and talk to him and brush him. I'm feeling it might work out since they don't seem to be impatient. Candace > They have now moved him into one of the bathrooms, just so they can > know where he is. Very smart. Pluse he should get used to using his box in there. >They did this Tues. night. By the time they got up > on Wed., he had used his box and eaten all his food. So that's good. Super! > He will let them pet him and he even let the guy pick him up to move > him to the bathroom, but he just goes limp and looks all horrified. Aww ..:) I can see this. Sweet boy. We need to see some PICTURES!! > His name is now Oliver, the boys named him. They can call him Ollie for short! >They are going to go in > the bathroom frequently and talk to him and brush him. > > I'm feeling it might work out since they don't seem to be impatient. Sounds like you have been coaching them well. I'm really glad they are so nice and are training their children to be kind and patient with animals too. >> Hopefully, they will give him some time to adjust. > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Candace That is terrific. They are doing it right. He probably needed a "safer" space. That is VERY good! Sounds like he's beginning to adjust. How great that the kids go in and spend time with him. What a nice family for a cat that needs to learn what being in a family is all about. Rhonda > They have now moved him into one of the bathrooms, just so they can > know where he is. They did this Tues. night. By the time they got up > on Wed., he had used his box and eaten all his food. So that's good. > > Hopefully, they will give him some time to adjust. > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Candace This is all encouraging. Sounds like he needs plenty of time to adjust, & to feel physically secure in the process. Cathy >His name is now Oliver, the boys named him. They are going to go in >the bathroom frequently and talk to him and brush him. > >I'm feeling it might work out since they don't seem to be impatient. Sounds good. How old are the boys? Do they understand well enough to be quiet and calm. Perhaps just sit in there and read, letting Oliver get used to this being normal and good? Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > Sounds good. How old are the boys? Do they understand well enough to > be quiet and calm. Perhaps just sit in there and read, letting Oliver > get used to this being normal and good? They're 12 and 14, they seemed very nice. I suggested they go in there and read or speak quietly to him several times a day but not force him to do anything he doesn't want to do. Apparently, their mom has been spending time on the internet reading up on this stuff. She read to put some of their dirty clothes in with him so he gets used to their scents. So it sounds as though they are all working toward this being successful. Candace > > Sounds good. How old are the boys? Do they understand well enough to > > be quiet and calm. Perhaps just sit in there and read, letting Oliver [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Candace It's sounding better & better. :-) Cathy > > Hopefully, they will give him some time to adjust. > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Candace Very good! Like I said, this may still turn out to be Oliver's perfect forever-home. Lost of times it's the "harder" cats that turn out to touch our hearts most. I'm so glad his new people are being patient and it sounds like he's making progress. Cats hate new places - when we moved into our new house we didn't see Demi for 2 weeks!! Hugs, CatNipped The little dude is doing much better. He has full run of the house but chooses to spend a lot of time in his bathroom, his safe place. He now likes to be petted and brushed and purrs. He makes eye contact. For awhile he would just close his eyes and lay still when someone came in, I guess on the theory that "what I don't see can't hurt me." He is sleeping stretched out instead of on guard. Not to normalcy yet (well, if any cat is normal) but not a poor miserable little kitty anymore. They seem to want to please him. I posted a couple of pics of him that we took the night his new family came to take him away. You can sort of see his bobcat-like appearance and his ear tufts and raggedness. The pics are at the end of the album: http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace Also posted is Marbles' first anniversary picture in his morning hangout. I have tons of recent pics of Scottie and Abbey, too, but they are on a regular camera instead of the digital one so I have to send the film off to get them. Hope to do that soon... Candace > The little dude is doing much better. He has full run of the house but > chooses to spend a lot of time in his bathroom, his safe place. He now [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace This is great, that he's making lots of progress. Handsome cat, & yes,has a rather bobcat-like appearance! > Also posted is Marbles' first anniversary picture in his morning > hangout. Wow - you've had Marbles for a year already! Cathy > I have tons of recent pics of Scottie and Abbey, too, but they are on a > regular camera instead of the digital one so I have to send the film > off to get them. Hope to do that soon... > > Candace > Wow - you've had Marbles for a year already! Yeah, it just seems longer, muuuuuuuuuch longer. Nothing new to report on that situation, it has remained the same for a year now. He lives in the west side of the house, Scottie and Abbey in the east side, totally separated except for a couple of hours at night when he visits the east side while they lay under the futon observing him. They don't appear scared, just bored. Abbey was getting braver for awhile and venturing out a little while Marbles was out but then, once she got sick, she reverted to this behavior and hasn't stopped. We removed the screen door a couple months ago because we were sick of it and S. and A. never came back and looked at him anyway. I know it took yours a couple years so I still hope there will be peaceful co-existence someday. Candace > > Wow - you've had Marbles for a year already! > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > I know it took yours a couple years so I still hope there will be > peaceful co-existence someday. It was at least two years before Demelza would even consider to be anywhere near Herrie, without freaking out. She's still not overly fond of him - & shows some signs of wariness, but they now live in a generally peaceful co-existence. A couple of months ago an out-of-town friend, who remembers how awful it was a few years ago, remarked how much better Demelza tolerates him now. About time... Cathy > Candace > The little dude is doing much better. He has full run of the house but > chooses to spend a lot of time in his bathroom, his safe place. He now [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > Candace Whoa, he really DOES look like a bobcat lingers in the family somewhere. I'm glad he is adapting. This is definitely a good family to be so patient. > Whoa, he really DOES look like a bobcat lingers in the family somewhere. >I'm glad he is adapting. This is definitely a good family to be so patient. I only get my info through Tony since I don't know them very well but he said they were looking on the internet for what breed Oliver might be (I thought he was alley cat) and they found something. Tony, of course, couldn't remember exactly what it was and I think he has forgotten to ask the guy again but he said it was something like Bulgarian (or other East European country) __________ cat. I looked on a breeds page and couldn't find anything like that so I don't know what they think he is. They seem to find him very interesting, though. Candace > > Whoa, he really DOES look like a bobcat lingers in the family somewhere. >I'm glad he is adapting. This is definitely a good family to be so patient. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Candace Looks like he might have a bit of Norwegian Forrest cat. Is he very big (they can get up to 30 lbs)? Hugs, CatNipped > The little dude is doing much better. He has full run of the house but > chooses to spend a lot of time in his bathroom, his safe place. He now [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > regular camera instead of the digital one so I have to send the film > off to get them. Hope to do that soon... I love your photos. Oliver really does have a bobcat look! > I love your photos. Oliver really does have a bobcat look! Thanks! This is AZ, maybe he really does have some bobcat in him. I don't know if bobcats can mate with housecats...probably not...but maybe. Guess I should look it up. Oliver's a big guy, too, big boned and somewhat pudgy, also. He actually has a somewhat odd build; he's kind of an unusual looking cat. I have another pic of him I'll try to post tomorrow. Another weird thing about him that I never posted is he can't meow right. It's a very hoarse, raspy, quiet meow, barely audible. Candace > > I love your photos. Oliver really does have a bobcat look! > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Candace Oh, just read this after my question about how big he is. I don't know about NFC's meows, but another big cat, Maine Coons, have a very tiny, squeaky meow. Hugs, CatNipped > The little dude is doing much better. He has full run of the house but > chooses to spend a lot of time in his bathroom, his safe place. He now [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > Candace Wow, her really does look like a bobcat! Gorgeous boy. I'm *SO* glad things are working out for him - God bless the kind hearts and patience of his adopters. Again, you done good Candace!!! Hugs, CatNipped That all sounds great, Candace! I'll bet hearing good news about him is a relief. You didn't send him into cat-hell after all, he just needed time to get used to the big changes. Keep the updates coming, Rhonda > The little dude is doing much better. He has full run of the house but > chooses to spend a lot of time in his bathroom, his safe place. He now [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > if any cat is normal) but not a poor miserable little kitty anymore. > They seem to want to please him. |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2008 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.