Thank you all for your interest in our new little buddy, now renamed Tex (as in Don't mess with...)! He is much less skittish than he is cautious,
moving and curling up like he wishes he could disappear. He is letting us pet him now with no hissing or anything, but the way he seems to go limp when he
sits on our laps, not squiggling or squirming at all when we try to pick him up, and the fact that he looks like he really hasn't been cleaning himself for
a while made us opt on the paranoid side and take a little trip to the vet this afternoon.
I hope I didn't do more harm than good because I'm sure Tex was THRILLED to get in a cat carrier and go somewhere ELSE, but I felt like it was the
right thing to do. My SO and I were both worried about going through the weekend without getting a clean bill of health, so I packed him up and took him in.
One stool sample, an earmite check and a Vitamin B12 shot later he has a diagnosis of "totally terrified." His temperature is normal, his heart and
lungs sound good, his teeth are perfectly OK, he's a normal weight, etc. The vet -- and I went to a new one I'd never been to before because our old
one really ticked me off last time we went -- was super nice, talked to me for a long time, held Tex (who barely fussed at all except for the really gross
parts of the exam) and reassured me Tex is not in fact dehydrated or anything. Just scared. The doc didn't even laugh at me or charge me a gazillion
bucks, just told me to keep doing what I'm doing and that if this cat let total stranger pick him up the way he did I probably don't even have anything
to worry about behavior-wise in the long term.
He told me to ignore his foster mom's advice about taking him out from under the sofa chair to get used to being around us, that my sitting around ignoring
him was the best thing for him and asked me to call back tomorrow to let him know if the B12 shot did anything.
Tex did have one accident earlier today so when I got him home I re-introduced him to the litterbox at which time he promptly went back under the chair where
he knew no one would stick anything in his whatever. OK, cool. At that time I also noticed he ate almost ALL the canned food I'd given him, somewhere
along the line. Even better.
I promise to keep you informed of any big developments and, hopefully, next time I'll have some pictures!
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 gothgimpbadcooking |
Y'all asked... a Mocha/Tex update |
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Posts: 23 Jan 10, 2008 18:27:14 Littermate |
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firemanslady |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 4557 Jan 10, 2008 19:30:29 Critter Companion |
I think it's great that you took him to the vet for a complete check up!! I'm so happy that the diagnosis is just "totally terrified"!!!
Well, totally terrified isn't the best thing, but sure isn't the worst!! As for the foster's advice....sounds to me like they were forcing him to
do things he wasn't ready to do at all....we have found that ignoring them, but being in the room with them, usually works the best and they come to us,
eventually, on their own terms and in their own time. The limpness might just be that he's not sure whether to still be terrified or to feel safe. Poor
guy seems to have a lot of baggage, some caused by the foster too, and he's going to take time to feel secure. I agree with what the vet said though,
about him allowing a stranger to hold him and do all that, he will be just fine one day and you probably won't even recognize him as that terrified little
guy that first came there. This may sound crazy but it always seems to work for me with the scared ones: approach quietly and slowly, speak in almost
whispers while saying his name and telling him what a good and beautiful boy he is, I then do small soft circles with my fingers on their heads (between the
ears) and continuously talk to them softly. Usually before you know it they will lean into the circles and direct your fingers where they prefer to be petted,
like their ears or under the chin. When ours feel really confident they show me their tummy and might even allow gentle stroking of it. This is just MY way,
many other people have their own ways of doing the calming....I like the results I get and they learn their names in the process too. Can't wait to see
the pictures!!!!
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sun569 |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 1209 Jan 10, 2008 21:49:24 Critter Companion |
I am so happy he is in your home and you all 4 are one big happy family
That has to be so great that you had him checked out and got a good bill of health. I am so anxious to hear in the upcoming weeks about him. By the way...LOVE the name!! Tex is a great name for a guy that will prove himself worthy of your love. I am so excited here and it's not even my kitty.... 
Please post pics when you can, and I only wish you luck with him. Have fun!!!! |
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big cats |
#3 | |||
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Posts: 3692 Jan 11, 2008 00:59:23 Critter Companion |
I'm glad the vet gave him the a-ok. That's great. Yes, it sounds like he isn't half as bad as might have been expected as far as timidity
goes.
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gothgimpbadcooking |
#4 | |||
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Posts: 23 Jan 11, 2008 07:06:45 Littermate |
Actually, my vet was unusually sensitive about the situation saying, "Listen, you just can't understand how stressful going -- within just a couple
of weeks -- from his home to Animal Control to a foster home to your house can be for a cat who is nearly seven years old. You have no idea yet what this
cat's personality is like."
Oooh, and I just checked! Tex apparently came out long enough last night to eat ALL the food I left him.
Last Edited By: gothgimpbadcooking Jan 11, 2008 07:22:46.
Edited 1 time.
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firemanslady |
#5 | |||
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Posts: 4557 Jan 11, 2008 07:40:23 Critter Companion |
Sounds like you found a great vet!! Many do not understand, as Kim said, and chalk it up as a loss or a bad experience. We've tamed full grown, true
ferals here...something most tell us can't be done. I think you are on the right track with Tex and things will work out just fine in time. The meeting
with your other baby will be another experience to deal with and shouldn't be rushed....Tex needs plenty of time to feel safe and secure before attempting
the next step. I'm so glad to hear things are going so well.
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sniksnak |
#6 | |||
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Posts: 21790 Jan 13, 2008 00:18:21 FF&F Staff |
What a wonderful homecoming for you both, Shana! Tex sounds as though he's coming right along. I'm so happy for you and him! I'm very pleased to learn that you took him right on in for a vet checkup. Every animal we've ever received, whether as a stray, from a shelter or
another organization, I take to our vet, even if I just picked him/her up from a vet's office to bring into our rescue. I just feel better knowing that
I know for a fact that he's just as ill or as healthy as I've been told and that my vets become immediately familiar with him. Also,
I've always believed that the more an animal associates you (who is providing him with good food, warm shelter, and lots of tender loving care) with a
good, kind vet, it will make future vet trips less traumatic for him.
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big cats |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 3692 Jan 13, 2008 12:35:25 Critter Companion |
Exactly... I use a wide variety of vets and so many of them just do not seem to understand feral cats. Or why someone would be interested in their well-being. Even my best feral vet looked at me a little crazy when I elected not to immediately euthanize a feral who tested diabetic. A year later Not-Percy (long story involving a misidentification of this black cat!) is still doing fine - he's settled into a routine indoors, lets my friend give him his daily insulin, etc. We'll euthanize him when he's no longer comfortable, the same as any tame cat. We'll maintain him as long as we can. He's not "less worth it" just because he happens to be frightened of humans. Another firm belief I have is about the right of a cat to remain feral if they so choose. If they come around to enjoy human company eventually, fine. If not, also fine. Again, a cat's worth is not measured in how pleasing their personality is to a human being. Anyway, thanks for giving Tex his opportunity for a safe home, even though he threatened to be "difficult". He deserves it. Any updates on the boy? |
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gothgimpbadcooking |
Glad to update! | #8 | ||
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Posts: 23 Jan 13, 2008 13:59:39 Littermate |
I don't know how you can tell that a name fits or just does not fit a cat, but we knew somehow that the name Tex just does not fit that cat! Anyway,
during yesterday's cat therapy session, which went especially well, we settled (finally, I swear, for sure!) on the name Klaus, which somehow fits like a
glove!
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sun569 |
#9 | |||
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Posts: 1209 Jan 13, 2008 14:10:57 Critter Companion |
Well..I am glad he is repsonding. I like Klaus too
We chnaged our
kitties name several times. Now we have settled on one, and she knows it for sure! She talks to me quite a bit.
When you go out of town, and come back, you may have a bit of a set back, so don't get discouraged. Klaus may not adapt well to the change if only for a week. I think you are doing well. Unfortuneltly, I personally don't have alot of advice to offer on the litter box situation, but someone else will be on to help more in that area. Thanks for the update...glad it is going well for you. |
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firemanslady |
#10 | |||
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Posts: 4557 Jan 13, 2008 14:28:57 Critter Companion |
LOL!!! This is becoming the multiple name kitty!! Sounds like our house!!
Many times we name them when they arrive, only to change it a few times as the personality emerges. The only problem with this is, when you have so
many especially, that you have to remember the original name (or change it on the records) that you gave when the vet's office asks, "which cat it
this?"
As for the scooping him up, if it's working for your SO that's great!! I think the point was that you don't "force" a scared cat to be held or chase him to do so, not that you shouldn't pick him up and give him love sessions. Getting him used to being held, as long as he isn't resisting, is the best way to build a bond of trust. Now for the litter box problem, are you sure the foster is telling you the truth? Are you using the same kind of litter he was used to using there? Maybe moving the box, after thoroughly cleaning the area, to the area that he's using will help. Many times, confining them to a small room (such as a bathroom) with their litter box, food, water, and a blanket or bed helps reinforce the idea of using the litter box....not sure if you want to try this with him or not, or if it will work. Be aware that when you go out of town he may feel abandoned or confused and this might increase the litter box problem, or he may be just fine. I'm happy to hear you have someone coming in that will spend some time with him. Thanks so much for updates!!! Give Klaus some scritches for us!!
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big cats |
#11 | |||
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Posts: 3692 Jan 14, 2008 00:04:30 Critter Companion |
My guess on the litterbox is that, because he's still feeling so frightened, he feels exposed when he has to cross the room to get to the box. It sounds
to me like he's got the idea that he should go in the box, but can't quite get up the courage to make it that far and be "stuck" out
in the open once he starts pooping. I would put it very close to where ever he is hiding out, and make it private yet not inescapable from (if he should
hear a loud noise or you accidentally approach him while he's in it). And yes, if it doesn't improve soon I would switch to the bathroom idea Jen
mentioned. You just don't want to establish a habit of him using anything other than the box.
On the taking him out from under the chair - many cats have this thing where they "forget" that they like what happens after the scary approach. Being approached is terrifying and a switch flips in their head where all they can think of is "This large creature is coming after me to MURDER me!". And then once you actually pick them up and they settle into the cuddle routine, they remember "Oh yeah, this is what I like, and this is that person who is so nice to me". I have a sweetheart cat (the one in my picture to the left here) who gazes at me adoringly, and hangs on me like a monkey at times. And then other times, if I approach him in any kind of unusual way or sometimes for no reason that I can deduce, he looks at me with that wide-eyed "You'll murder me" look and beats it out of the room so fast. If I can do it without a dramatic and frightening chase, I'll scoop him up anyway in order to end things on a pleasant note rather than to have his latest memory of me be a terrified retreat - and as soon as I do he starts his headbonking, monkey-hanging, "I love you so, so much" routine all over again! My point is, if he's responding well to the aftermath of being scooped up by your SO, go for it. Just avoid a chase which vamps up the fear and adrenaline and makes a bite become likely. Klaus is a cute name 
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gothgimpbadcooking |
#12 | |||
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Posts: 23 Jan 14, 2008 08:39:39 Littermate |
I learned that Klaus was previously using a somewhat larger uncovered litterbox before with plain scoopable or clay litter. I'm using a 12x16 uncovered
box with World's Best. I'm going to to out and pick up a bigger box and different litter but based on what you said, Kim, might it be better to get a
covered box for added privacy? Or should I try to stick to what he knows?
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sun569 |
#13 | |||
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Posts: 1209 Jan 14, 2008 11:47:42 Critter Companion |
Again I am not the best int he way of advice here on the litter box issue, but for my cat, I had to put her into it a few times an hour the first time, and she
just took right to it. I think she realalized that the feeling in the box was an okay thing, so she would use it to do her duties
Also, I am not sure my cat would like a closed box,as she doesn't seem to
like enclosed areas unless they are her terms only. She seems to like the open area so she can see what is going on near her, when she is using the litter box.
Maybe one thing you could try, is get a big box, put the litter pan in it, cut a hole for him to get in and out of, to see if the privacy thing works for him, prior to spending money on an enclosed one to find out it doesn't work. Only a suggestion. I just want to say that I am so happy you are taking all this time to help this cat. Alot of folks wouldn't take this much energy or trouble to help. You are doing a great job. These things will get worked out in time. Hang in there
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big cats |
#14 | |||
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Posts: 3692 Jan 14, 2008 20:54:54 Critter Companion |
I'd be hesitant to recommend a covered box, as so many cats have problems with those. Mine love them, but that's one of the first things you're
supposed to do when you're having litterbox problems - get rid of the cover. Although the privacy is nice, the cover can make the cat feel trapped if
someone does happen to come by at the wrong time. I'd go more for a large uncovered box behind a couch or chair or something, with two escape routes. Or
two boxes - one uncovered, one covered, and see what he likes.
They can hold it a LOOOOONG time when they're terrified. I remember one of my first ferally foster cats who wasn't a small kitten - Leia. I probably posted about her on the board way back when (5 years ago, I guess). She didn't pee or poop for 3 days after I brought her home - not in the box, and not anywhere else either. There is a litter called "Cat Attract" that was recently discussed on the board. It was a big hit here recently with my crew of whirling dervishes (the Daisy St litter) who thought that any place was fair game to pee. I don't know if it's the litter or maturity or a combination, but there have been no accidents in 6 weeks or so. Actually, I used Kitten Attract with them, which I think was slightly better, softer and finer. |
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gothgimpbadcooking |
He peed! He peed! | #15 | ||
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Posts: 23 Jan 15, 2008 11:04:22 Littermate |
BigCat: Thanks for the reassurance on Klaus' potential "holding it" time. That makes me a lot less nervous.
Klaus is really bonding to my SO and I'm loving watching it. I'm a little nervous about our trip out of town on Thursday, but it's just unavoidable. Hopefully the petsitter will do the job right. Meanwhile I managed to get a little more background on Klaus through a Cornish Rex rescue group. His owner contacted them when his wife died and he was
going to be moving to a country that made it difficult for him to import pets. The rescue group was going to take him in but then the owner said he'd
found a home. Either the adoptive home he found brought him to animal control (yes, that'd be location nubmer 5 for Klaus within a month) or he just went
ahead and did that himself.
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sniksnak |
#16 | |||
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Posts: 21790 Jan 15, 2008 11:24:19 FF&F Staff |
Klaus is a terrific name, Shana! I do like it very much.
Poor little man! This is what I tell every prospective adoptor - there's always excessive baggage that a cat or dog is carrying that we don't know about and to take things slowly and with great patience. Though Klaus has a disctintively different personality than that of Silas, I believe that the intros will be fine, given time. Silas may be the best thing for Klaus in the long run. If you and your SO have people around the cats often, this may help, too. I had a cat from the age of 6 weeks to 16+ years; she never was a social cat with other cats or with people other than me, but she tolerated the many rescued and fostered cats and dogs we brought in through the years. Cats are also great minickers. Klaus may pick up some of Silas' interaction habits. If he stays stand-offish and reserved, that's fine, too. Cats are like people in that regard - some folk are social creatures, others are very private individuals and prefer to be homebodies with only their spouse or immediate family around. Here's link to my own site that is a checklist for a sitter that you might find informative and useful for your upcoming trip: http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/catsitter.html Keep the updates coming!
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firemanslady |
#17 | |||
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Posts: 4557 Jan 15, 2008 11:25:22 Critter Companion |
So happy to hear he peed!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!! I'm going to try "Cat Attract" here if I can find somewhere that has it now. The petstore that I
know had it is closing soon and they won't order any for me. I'm with you as far as the mystery herb at this point.....my house is beginning to be
overwhelmed with cat pee now! So glad Klaus is finally adjusting to the litter box again. Exploring the house with supervision (of course) might not be a bad
idea as long as you are ready to intervene quickly if there is a problem and there is an obvious way for Klaus to retreat to his "safe" room if he
feels the need. Hard to judge, you just have to decide if you feel he's ready for that.
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gothgimpbadcooking |
#18 | |||
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Posts: 23 Jan 15, 2008 11:57:17 Littermate |
Jen,
I know that most PetSmart stores have Cat Attract. I have a local pet shop closer to me that carries it, so that's where I go. You can order it online -- it's only $11.50 on Amazon and you get free shipping if you buy a few bags at a time. --Shana |
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big cats |
#19 | |||
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Posts: 3692 Jan 15, 2008 23:15:16 Critter Companion |
Yes, PetSmart is where I got mine too. But like I said, I thought the Kitten Attract was slightly better.... a softer texture. There's also Senior
Attract which is the first one I got a huge recommendation from by someone else... I haven't gotten to try that one yet. None of my kittens are dead yet
from the herb(s)
With the trial these kittens are giving me, I actually wish it was Ritalin in the litter. Or Nyquil. 
Yes, many shy cats looove other cats. He may take a cue from Silas as far as feeling comfortable around people, or he may just stick around Silas, bond with him, and feel more comfortable himself without necessarily becoming more comfortable around people. It can go either way. Coyotito's (crazy monkey cat I wrote about earlier, in the picture) sister Monita has been a mixture. Really didn't want anything to do with me for the first year or so but ADORES one of my cats, who happens to be strongly bonded to me. Whenever he'd start his purring, kneading, kissy-kissy routine with me, she'd come running up to get in on the action and would let me cuddle her in the meantime, but at no other time. Now, two years later, she'll occasionally do it independent of whether he's there! No wonder he's acting the way he is... shy to begin with and then a death and 5 homes in a month, and one of them animal control! I'm a teacher too, kinder
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firemanslady |
#20 | |||
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Posts: 4557 Jan 16, 2008 08:18:35 Critter Companion |
Our latest addition here was scared and would not let either of us touch him...he would hiss, swat, and bite and he meant it!! For a month we had him isolated
from the other cats and had just about given up on him as a feral, until one day one of our other cats darted into the area he was kept in....he immediately
started "trilling", purring, and head bonking the other cat!! He acted as if they were litter mates and it was the best thing that had ever
happened. With the other cat near him we were allowed to pet him and he enjoyed it. Within a few days we could pet him even if the other cat wasn't in
there and we soon allowed him free access to the rest of the house. He waltzes around here as if he is invisible to all of them, plays with a selected few,
has bonded strongly with 2 of them, and he loves to get attention from us now!! So, Kim's situation and advice is great and might just work with Klaus and
Silas. All you can do is give it a try!!
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