Post by ~MnM~ on Jan 9, 2015 16:23:47 GMT -6
About a month ago we had a stray cat hanging around our house. At first I wasn't feeding him, in hopes that he would find his way home. I had asked around the neighborhood if anyone possibly knew if this cat had a home. Of course to no avail, he didn't...nor was he reportedly missing from anyone either. I caved, and in feeling so sorry for him I started feeding him and giving him water daily. For the longest time he wouldn't come anywhere near me, and would keep a big distance between him and I.
As it started getting colder outside I made him a makeshift house with a huge cardboard box with styrofoam sheeting all around the outside, and with our old patio cushions that I had been planning on throwing away. He did use this "so-called" house...but would quickly run out of it when any of us came outside, or anywhere near him. Last week with the pending arctic blast...I was in a total panic for this poor cat..that I made another house out of double boxed cardboard boxes that I lined with bubble wrap inbetween for insulation, and some old flannel shirts inside. At least he was able then to stay somewhat warm and out of the elements.
Finally a few days ago I was searching for ways to keep heat inside his house for him without electricity because we don't have any outside outlet on the porch. I ended up making a couple of those rice filled bags that then could be heated up in the microwave, and would keep alternating them throughout the day. Now...at this point I think that the poor guy was pretty indebted to my efforts. He then at least started to let me get near him, and I could pet his head. He was still pretty skid-dish and was totally on his guard, so I was still unable to catch him.
I have totally been losing sleep over this poor cat thinking that the poor thing was going to freeze to death. I know some of you will probably say pffttt...it's just a stupid cat, but that just is not my nature to think that of anything. Today when I got up I was bound and determined to catch him somehow. After much praying to St. Francis I set out to do so. I got one of our pet carriers and a can of sardines. He was crying and shivering when I went to try. At first he wouldn't come anywhere near the carrier, then finally he came and took his paw to reach in for some fish. I stood near just talking to him trying to reassure him to "just go and get it." For the second time of him coming near it...he went further in and I took my chance...and SHOVED his butt inside the carrier. I GOT HIM!!!
I called Countryside and explained my dilemma, and took him directly out there to them. They are going to test him for feline leukemia, etc. and we'll go from there. If he doesn't have this or any other diseases that my other two cats could end up contracting from him...then we will get him all of his shots needed, and of course neutered.
God what a weight has been lifted off of me that I was able to finally catch him. Now we await what the vets have to say about him...so alas I am still praying to St. Francis that he ends up being alright. If he does make it...looks like we're going to adopt another cat.
He is a pretty big boy, a short haired tabby..hopefully he has the stamina to make it. I now need to think of a good name for him..something maybe reflecting "survivor", or on that order. Again...I feel so much better knowing that he is in good hands out at Countryside, and that I DID the right thing!
Thanks for letting me share here.......................... M
As it started getting colder outside I made him a makeshift house with a huge cardboard box with styrofoam sheeting all around the outside, and with our old patio cushions that I had been planning on throwing away. He did use this "so-called" house...but would quickly run out of it when any of us came outside, or anywhere near him. Last week with the pending arctic blast...I was in a total panic for this poor cat..that I made another house out of double boxed cardboard boxes that I lined with bubble wrap inbetween for insulation, and some old flannel shirts inside. At least he was able then to stay somewhat warm and out of the elements.
Finally a few days ago I was searching for ways to keep heat inside his house for him without electricity because we don't have any outside outlet on the porch. I ended up making a couple of those rice filled bags that then could be heated up in the microwave, and would keep alternating them throughout the day. Now...at this point I think that the poor guy was pretty indebted to my efforts. He then at least started to let me get near him, and I could pet his head. He was still pretty skid-dish and was totally on his guard, so I was still unable to catch him.
I have totally been losing sleep over this poor cat thinking that the poor thing was going to freeze to death. I know some of you will probably say pffttt...it's just a stupid cat, but that just is not my nature to think that of anything. Today when I got up I was bound and determined to catch him somehow. After much praying to St. Francis I set out to do so. I got one of our pet carriers and a can of sardines. He was crying and shivering when I went to try. At first he wouldn't come anywhere near the carrier, then finally he came and took his paw to reach in for some fish. I stood near just talking to him trying to reassure him to "just go and get it." For the second time of him coming near it...he went further in and I took my chance...and SHOVED his butt inside the carrier. I GOT HIM!!!
I called Countryside and explained my dilemma, and took him directly out there to them. They are going to test him for feline leukemia, etc. and we'll go from there. If he doesn't have this or any other diseases that my other two cats could end up contracting from him...then we will get him all of his shots needed, and of course neutered.
God what a weight has been lifted off of me that I was able to finally catch him. Now we await what the vets have to say about him...so alas I am still praying to St. Francis that he ends up being alright. If he does make it...looks like we're going to adopt another cat.
He is a pretty big boy, a short haired tabby..hopefully he has the stamina to make it. I now need to think of a good name for him..something maybe reflecting "survivor", or on that order. Again...I feel so much better knowing that he is in good hands out at Countryside, and that I DID the right thing!
Thanks for letting me share here.......................... M
