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Now I''M the one with the stray/feral cat!

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Gypsy, you''re totally welcome to him! Want me to fly him out?

He is a good-looking cat, very stately. You can''t tell from these photos but if you see his back, he has stripes under his gray... it''s kind of interesting. I don''t know how friendly he really is... he''s not really approaching us anymore, but he''s not leaving either. And he''s here twice a day for food now. I planted two huge catnip plants today and he''s already started nibbling, so once the first one is gone, I imagine he''ll be in a much better mood!

I put Lysine in his food this morning to help with his eyes, which may or may not be related to feline herpes. I figure the Lysine can''t hurt him if it isn''t herpes, but it did look a little better already this evening.

M and I have decided we definitely want to do TNR if he isn''t adoptable. I read up on building cat shelters on the Alley Cat Allies page and I think maybe we can manage something for the winter. He seems pretty comfy in the back yard and we figure keeping him around will probably help keep rats out of the yard! double benefit.
 
Date: 5/28/2007 8:42:18 PM
Author: sumbride
Gypsy, you''re totally welcome to him! Want me to fly him out?


He is a good-looking cat, very stately. You can''t tell from these photos but if you see his back, he has stripes under his gray... it''s kind of interesting. I don''t know how friendly he really is... he''s not really approaching us anymore, but he''s not leaving either. And he''s here twice a day for food now. I planted two huge catnip plants today and he''s already started nibbling, so once the first one is gone, I imagine he''ll be in a much better mood!


I put Lysine in his food this morning to help with his eyes, which may or may not be related to feline herpes. I figure the Lysine can''t hurt him if it isn''t herpes, but it did look a little better already this evening.


M and I have decided we definitely want to do TNR if he isn''t adoptable. I read up on building cat shelters on the Alley Cat Allies page and I think maybe we can manage something for the winter. He seems pretty comfy in the back yard and we figure keeping him around will probably help keep rats out of the yard! double benefit.

I can''t honey. I''m one cat over my lease now. If I could though, I would in a heartbeat. You wouldn''t have to fly him out, I love Maryland DC-- I''d come get him!!!!

I think you guys have a very good plan in place, and I am very happy he found such wonderful generous people to help him. Whether it''s to be adopted or to be your outside cat, I think he''s going to be okay.

Do you know when you are going to trap?

I highly recommend tuna. Pink can from trader joes... heated a little (30 seconds) to release some extra odor.
 
I understand. We actually have space for 1 more now, but I don''t know if he will fit in or not... or if he even wants to come inside or not.

I''m not sure when we''re going to do the actual TNR. I''d like to do it soon, as we''re in town for the next several weeks to be sure he''s doing ok. I imagine he''ll need a few days inside, either in our basement (not good!) or at the vet recovering. Luckily a neuter is a much simpler process than a spay!
 
Sumbride, he is a handsome kittie.

Our next door neighbors have two cats, one male, one female, and they let them out. They are both fixed and neither ever seem to have been in a fight. However, we live in a leash law area, and they really aren''t supposed to be out. We had an animal control employee move in recently and I haven''t seen the cats out nearly as much, so I wonder if our neighbors had to stop letting them roam. But anyway, I think it would be better to neuter Lightning than not to. I would definitely do it because there are already so many homeless animals.

Love the pictures!
 
My two cents on the subject are to get him neutered as soon as possible. Everyday that goes by the more kittens he''s creating. When we were targeting feral cat populations the Toms where the ones that we considered the best catches as one Tom can impregnate all the Females in its roaming territory. And if there is overlap, females can be impregnated by multiple fathers. Not good.
 
Sumbride I love that picture of them looking at each other through the door b/c we recently experienced the same thing. We have a stray that LOVES to stare into a window/glass door and our female tries to protect us by hissing and growling at him. She makes horrible noises that I have never heard from her before. The stray just stands there and stares at her. Our male is a big chicken (Gypsy, he is gray and white so you would be in love). He just runs away and hides. It is too funny.
 
I just called my vet and they said we could bring him in as soon as we catch him, no problems. It would be about $150 for the legally required vaccines, neutering, and testing to be sure he''s healthy enough to be released. Now I just have to catch him!

Tacori, that''s too funny that your female is the bully! Our female tells me when he''s there but Bill is the one that gets all upset about it. He growls and stomps around.
 
That''s awesome they will do it so cheap! That is so great of you! She ususally is not a bully (our male pushes her out of the way to eat or ususally starts their "play fights") but I guess she is more protective. Her tail got so huge. The first time the stray did hiss back but the second he just stared. There are several of them. I am surprised for a feral he is brave enough to get so close to our house even after I spot him though the window. Cats sure are funny!
 
Sum he is just SO CUTE!!!! That picture of the two of them across the glass made me laugh.

I''m glad your vet quoted you such a decent price for all that stuff - way better than my vet, who wanted double that just for the spay! Even though I told them it was a stray.
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Can you get a humane trap from the SPCA? The one by me rents them for only $1 per day.
 
love that smuchy face! most rescue organizations can lend you a trap...be very careful when trying to trap him by hand!!!
 
Ok, now I need to find someone willing to lend me a trap! All the places I''ve looked online sent me to "buy" them for $80! UGH. Must make some pleading phone calls instead.

I don''t think I should try to just grab him... definitely not... we did that with Bill, and he was friendly... and I can still hear him screaming as I shoved him in the Petsmart cardboard box! This cat actually smacked my arm (without his claws!) last week when I was behind him and he saw Bill through the glass. It was a warning smack, but I imagine if I tried to grab him it would not be a warning.
 
Our shelter loaned them out with a refundable deposit. 25 bucks. Then when you returned they gave it right back to you. Look on Petfinder.org for rescue groups in your area, call them up and ask if they rent or loan out their traps. Most should be friendly enough about it.

Oh... and if he is going to stay an outdoor cat, as much as it bothers me on Duncan... have the vet clip his ear. It will let the rescue organizations and so forth know he is neuterred if they spot him, and they'll leave him alone.

Tacori... are there pics of the gray and white baby. I really do have issues. None of mine are. Frodo is a tabby and he has both gray and white... but its just not the same. None of the gray and whites have ever picked me to be their mommy though... still waiting for one to do so.
 
Date: 5/29/2007 3:50:52 PM
Author: sumbride
Ok, now I need to find someone willing to lend me a trap! All the places I''ve looked online sent me to ''buy'' them for $80! UGH. Must make some pleading phone calls instead.
Like I said, try the SPCA. The one near me asks for a fully refundable deposit of $50 or so, and rents out for $1 a day. When you return it you get the whole deposit back.
 
I''ve just emailed 3 groups and called another but had to leave a message. I know they are all staffed by volunteers so hopefully I''ll hear something soon. I attached his picture to the messages!
 
Definitely check back by phone call if you can...when I rescued Holly I emailed a local group twice and they never bothered to get back to me. I called twice, again they never called back. Even to this day. I ended up finding other avenues.
 
I just heard from the Maryland Animal Advocates, the group that works with my vet. I think the pic got them! They said that not only could they help, they would actually do the trapping and the transport... I''d just need to give them a donation to help with costs, which is significantly less than it would be for me to pay for everything myself. They work within the city so I think they are more likely to allow him to return to our alley/yard afterwards, provided he''s healthy. They will euthanize if he is positive for any diseases, but I understand that.

Thanks all! I''m feeling like this is going to work out ok! Now, to get them to bring over the trap and get the process underway!
 
Just a thought, and maybe crazy... but how about having the vet vasectomize him rather than neuter? I have read that that procedure can cut down the feral kitten population significantly, because he would still mate, and the mating would end the females' heat cycles, but no conception would ever take place.

And it wouldn't change his personality, and I know you were a little worried about him being a feral neutered male amongst non-neutered ones. (Although I, too, have to say that I think he would be FINE in that situation; my son's cat is an outdoor neutered cat and believe me, he can more than hold his own among ALL the neighborhood cats... although since he isn't fighting over women
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we can only assume it's wine and song...
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)

Anyway, I'm so glad he found you -- your care and compassion to Lightning is so heartwarming. In fact, ALL of the awesome compassion for animals here on this forum never ceases to amaze and touch me. ALL you guys are wonderful! xoxoxox

ETA: Just saw your post about the help you are going to get. WOW, that's GREAT!
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Please keep us posted!
 
Date: 5/29/2007 5:14:22 PM
Author: Lynn B
Just a thought, and maybe crazy... but how about having the vet vasectomize him rather than neuter? I have read that that procedure can cut down the feral kitten population significantly, because he would still mate, and the mating would end the females'' heat cycles, but no conception would ever take place.
I had no idea that was even an option. WOW. I wonder how much that costs. Thanks for the idea!
 
Sumbride.. YAY. Just please make sure to verify what their procedures are regarding behavioural/non-infectious /non-malignant euthanasia and make sure you tell them and get their agreement that if he isn't adoptable-- but isn't infectuous or in unbearable pain-- that you would like him as your outdoor cat. If he's negative for INFECTIOUS or painfully maligant disease, then I understand the euthanasia... but not for any other reason.

Good job!




Date: 5/29/2007 5:14:22 PM
Author: Lynn B
... although since he isn't fighting over women
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we can only assume it's wine and song...
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)

LOL Lynn!!!
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I''ve been reading their website for a bit now and it seems like it''s only when medically necessary. They work with the vet I use, so I trust his judgement. I definitely looked closer at their stats though, thanks to you, Gypsy! Thanks!
 
Date: 5/29/2007 5:16:23 PM
Author: sumbride


Date: 5/29/2007 5:14:22 PM
Author: Lynn B
Just a thought, and maybe crazy... but how about having the vet vasectomize him rather than neuter? I have read that that procedure can cut down the feral kitten population significantly, because he would still mate, and the mating would end the females' heat cycles, but no conception would ever take place.
I had no idea that was even an option. WOW. I wonder how much that costs. Thanks for the idea!
I have no idea whether or not it is financially feasable or practical... but the information I read was extremely interesting. Of course, everyone knows that neutered males will not contribute to the overpopulation of feral cats, but a vasectomized male can (allegedly) actually DECREASE the local population. So it's at least worth asking about, I would think. Please keep us posted!
 
WHEW! Just wanted to be sure, he''s such a handsome regal boy! I can''t wait for the updates! I''m praying he''s healthy and adoptable... or alternately healthy so he can come home to your yard!
 
Just wanted to give an update:

We''re still in the process of coordinating the trapping, but I think as we move forward, it may not be so hard... little Lightning is letting me PET him!!! WHILE he eats!! No food agression. It''s amazing. He''s also been trying to come in the house. I''m thinking he must have lived with someone at some point because he''s not acting quite as feral anymore.

The trapper was supposed to show up last night, but we were in the middle of a tropical storm. Lightning came for breakfast before the storm, and then we didn''t see him again until almost midnight, when the rain let up. It''s interesting though... Bill has been telling us when he''s there, but last night a different cat showed up, one we don''t feed but our neighbor does, and Bill just growled and rowled and complained until I finally got up and looked out the window to see the orange cat on the fence. The cat saw me, freaked, and left. Then Bill was quiet for about an hour and started up again with a different tone but a high level of urgency. He was like a little alarm. I went over to the door saying "WHAT IS IT???" and there was a wet, hungry Lightning looking for dinner. He ate quickly and left. But he was back this morning and was all about the head rubs.

After I pet him I''m very good about scrubbing up with soap and water, so as not to transmit anything to my guys, but Bill still sniffs for a while. I think he''s getting used to Lightning''s scent, but I''m not sure
 
That''s great Sumbride - it sounds like lightning is definitely not a feral and like things are very promising in terms of potentially integrating him into your family, if he wants to come in and Bill is adjusting to his scent on you. I''ll keep my fingers crossed that the trapping goes well and all is clear on the medical front so you can bring him in out of the rain (poor guy getting all wet) and hopefully start the process of adding him to your family.
 
Aww, Bill''s starting to look out for Lightning. I am glad to hear he''s letting you pet him. I hope you can catch this little love soon!
 
I talked to the trapper this morning and he feels that since Lightning is allowing me to pet him, maybe I can just get him into a carrier instead and take him in myself. Alas, this means more $$ as he would then be "my" animal and not theirs, but I understand them not wanting to spend their resources on a cat that doesn''t need them, and I''ll still get a good discount since I am associated with them.

He also feels that since he seems to be a tame cat, he probably shouldn''t be released outdoors because he''s at greater risk of injury if he doesn''t fear humans. I get that too, but does that mean he''s now "mine"? Oh boy... gonna have to run this by M... he doesn''t want a third cat right now, especially if the other two will have a problem with him, since they don''t even like each other right now...
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Of course, he is going to Vegas next week. I''m not this kind of person,
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really, but what if the cat just happens to be living with us when he gets back?
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Date: 6/5/2007 10:25:32 AM
Author: sumbride
I talked to the trapper this morning and he feels that since Lightning is allowing me to pet him, maybe I can just get him into a carrier instead and take him in myself. Alas, this means more $$ as he would then be ''my'' animal and not theirs, but I understand them not wanting to spend their resources on a cat that doesn''t need them, and I''ll still get a good discount since I am associated with them.

He also feels that since he seems to be a tame cat, he probably shouldn''t be released outdoors because he''s at greater risk of injury if he doesn''t fear humans. I get that too, but does that mean he''s now ''mine''? Oh boy... gonna have to run this by M... he doesn''t want a third cat right now, especially if the other two will have a problem with him, since they don''t even like each other right now...
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Of course, he is going to Vegas next week. I''m not this kind of person,
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really, but what if the cat just happens to be living with us when he gets back?
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I can really relate to where you''re coming from here... The oh you''re trying to do the right thing? I had someone say that I took the cat into my house so now they''re my responsibility, and this was before she brought her kittens to me. I don''t mind doing the right thing, but it irritates me that anyone should think it is my *obligation* to do so. I distinctly recall NOT seeing a clause in the house buying papers that said, "oh and all cats on the property, feral, pregnant or other, are yours." though I can also see that it isn''t anyone *else''s* problem either and from the outside looks to be mine more than anyones. I just didn''t sign up for this. Oh well, I might end up with 3 cats too sumbride LOL
 
True Cehra, it''s almost as if I never should have tried to befriend him... BUT I do agree that the trapping resources are best spent on cats that truly need it. But still, after all the money we spent during Max''s illness, my vet funds aren''t really back to flush at the moment. And we did say no new cat until after the wedding because of all the time we''ll be spending away from home.
 
I just heard the breakdown on the vet work we have to pay for and it''s so much cheaper than not going through this group!

Total is only $79! $30 for neuter, $15 for exam, $20 for combo test and $14 for the 2 vaccines. So even though I have to trap him myself, the discount was totally worth contacting this group. Thanks to those who encouraged me to look for help!

Now, to get him into a box...
 
That is fantastic!! Much less overall then I ended up paying for Holly (the virus test, immunizations, and exam worked out to be a lot more!).
 
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