Question about rescues

This is a special section for cats needing new homes and for inspiring stories of cats that have found their furever home through Catster or through the love and energy of rescuers. This is also the place to discuss shelters, rescue organizations, rescue strategies, issues, solutions, etc. and how we can all help in this critical endeavor. Remember that we are all here for the love of cat! If you are posting about a cat that needs a new home, please put your location in the topic of your thread so those close by can find you! Make sure to check out Catster's cat adoption center!

MAGGIE- MAY(in- loving- memory)

I'm the- Princess!

Purred: Wed Nov 10, '10 5:38pm PST


	We just rescued a cat off the street. I noticed that when we first go to pet him, he cowers just a bit. He is so quiet in his room and mostly stays in one place all day. What can I do to help him feel safer? He has a little hiding post & he does use it sometimes. All 3 of my cats are very active & compete for attention. I never had one this shy before, so I want to be sure that I help him to adjust too. He lets us pick him up and will jump on our laps on his own. He seems content just sitting on our lap. Is there anything that we should be doing for him? We talk to him, brush him, and tried playing...he isn't interested. I just feel bad and want him to feel like its OK. He's only been here 4 days. How long do stray/rescues take to adjust?

[notify]

Ambassador at- the Kitty U.N.

Purred: Thu Nov 11, '10 4:57pm PST


	It depends on both their personality and what they've been through. I've had fosters come around in a week and some that take months. Has he been checked by a vet yet? Make sure there are no physical issues going on and then it's just a matter of patience! Good luck and keep us posted!

[notify]

Bumpurr

RESPECT The- Star!

Purred: Thu Nov 11, '10 5:48pm PST


	It takes a good 14 days for kitties to adjust to their new homes, and that is kitties from loving homes. A kitty rescued from the streets, will prob take even longer, he is prob scared and prob had a rough time of it on the street, especially if he was once someones pet, that may have been abandoned. He has been thru a tramatic experience, you just have to be very patient with him, and continue doing what your doing, give him alot of love and support, alot of it. He will come around. Bless you for taking him in.

[notify]

Tabitha

Bridge to- Terabithia,- fairy princess

Purred: Mon Nov 15, '10 3:36pm PST


	It can take quite a while, some it can take many months... Living outside is essentially Darwin's survival of the fittest- an outdoor cat is always vigilant of predators, food, other cats, etc., even their nervous systems are always on "go." At any moment, they can be injured or killed, so they never truly get to "relax," food is never promised, even in a feral colony, as feeders can move, die, etc. This is probably the first time in a long time (the lap time & sweetness indicates he had human socialization at some point) that he's not had to be wary of his surroundings and look for food, watch out for cars, people, etc. Be mindful of that, and be patient with him as he learns to trust again. Although there are cat lovers out there, there are just as many, if not more, cat haters that will do lot of terrible things to cats, or just shoo them away in disgust... So be kind, loving, and give him time. The kitty can pick up on your anxious energy, so its important to be clear minded, relaxed, and embrace the kitty's own time frame. Meowmy has tamed many a feral and semi-feral (kitten and adult), and what really matters is quality time and patience Hope this helps, T

[notify]

MAGGIE- MAY(in- loving- memory)

I'm the- Princess!

Purred: Sat Nov 20, '10 2:04pm PST


	Thank you all. We have been to the vet three times with him in two weeks. Our pockets are a lot lighter! The last visit the vet thinks he had calicivirus. It seems like he is more alert now & even plays with us. He chases a ball & the string toy. However, he now has diarrhea! He had fleas..gave him FrontLine & Clavamox for the virus. What could be causing the diarrhea? Is it Clavamox? We called the vet & of course...no call back! Now we have to wait until Monday. Because he's a stray, what other tests should I have them do? He will need to be neutered, but because its been two weeks of him being sick, I didn't want him to go through it yet. Also, he stepped in poo & now its on his tail & paws. Can I give him a bath? Any tips? I just feel so bad for him.

[notify]

Ambassador at- the Kitty U.N.

Purred: Sun Nov 21, '10 11:04am PST


	Maggie May, I think I answered this in another thread but yes, the antibiotics often cause diarrhea and he just needs a probiotic most likely. And some kitty wipes. If you don't have wipes you can scruff him, hold him over a sink of running lukewarm water and use your hand to wipe him off (you might want to wear gloves). Just make sure you towel dry him as best you can if it's cold. I assume the vet did the basic tests - FIV/FELV, basic bloodwork, fecal tests to check for parasites. That's all I can think of off the top of my head! I hope he's feeling better soon.

[notify]

Catster

Question about rescues

Love Cats?

Want a Cat?

Have A Cat?

Be in the Know!

Catster

Forums Home » Rescue, Adoption & Happy Endings

Question about rescues

Love Cats?

Want a Cat?

Have A Cat?

Be in the Know!

Prefer Dogs?