Fostering is a great way to also see how you feel with new cats. After mine passed I wasn't sure if I was ready, but fostering helped without the commitment. Plus, you're doing a great thing for other cats and your baby would like that.
What about a man's electric trimmer? They often have plastic guards on them too. Or little attachments for side burns. Another option could be a one-time summer cut!
I haven't had a mouse "gift" but garter snakes and an attempt at a full size rabbit (got to that before it was in the house). I'm always a bit impressed when the domestic cats can catch stuff! Good instincts! But yes... it can be a little sad too. Mouse was just mousin'.
How is Trooper doing aside from the diarrhea? He might need some probiotics and things to restore his gut flora. Animals especially are known to be given broad spectrum antibiotics which means they kill most bacteria - even kinds that are beneficial. Is everything else the same? Same food, same...
Does the dog seem aggressive towards your cats or just excited? You can try to start changing your call for your cat, but the dog may still be curious about it. From the cat point of view, the dog moved into their territory, their prowling space. The cat can change their territory boundaries...
Sit with all 3 - maybe in a smaller space like a bathroom? In a larger space they can play with each other and just avoid you. Sit on the ground and entice them to play on/around you. The less timid ones could help the scared one. At first, move slow. They are getting used to you being around...
Variety is the spice of life - especially when it comes to cats. I love the creativity of the box! It can be fun to think of/try new things. Sometimes it'll be something cheap with cardboard or I've used egg crates or toilet paper tubes!
Yaaaay! I'm so glad you got her back in!!! Maybe the rain was just too much or the frogs put her over the edge. 😆 She might have an appetite to go outside more, so watch her close!
To me, it sounds like he might want you to play with him. Some cats (depending on personality and schedule) get what I call "The Nighttime Wilds" and will get a little hyper and need to burn energy.
When my girl had gall stones and wasn't eating, I had a buffet of foods. It was trial and error on textures, flavors, etc. She just about never ate her old food again. Mirataz (mirtazapine) also helped a lot. Started with smaller doses every couple days but she also had a plethora of things...
The absence of a constant companion like that can be like losing an appendage. It's a lot to miss. I hope that in time (it always takes time) that you find other things to help fill the void. Until then, there are a lot of people out there (and here) who are familiar with this loss. Keep...
I'm not a vet in any way... but since he's acting 100% fine otherwise, I think you could probably just closely monitor him. Drooling, obviously, isn't normal, but hopefully it resolves soon! Keep any eye out for any other symptoms - gait, activity, input/output, changes in behavior, etc.
What motivates her? Play? Food? Cuddles? I'd recommend doing what she loves most to tempt her. If it's cuddles, sit near the brambles for a while (read a book or whathaveyou) and see if she'll come out.