Looking For Advice On Assisting Rehoming Aggressive Cats

Ashy

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My friend’s grandma recently passed leaving these 2 beautiful male cats. So all I know is they were neutered and roughly around 8-10 years old. She has been watching them for a short while until she can find them a home.

Unfortunately, the problem is that these cats seem so have some seriously behavioral issues. She has no idea how to care for them and is not experienced with carrying for a pet. The cats seem completely unsocialized, no different then a feral. They are aggressive, scratch, hiss and try to jump and attack anyone approaching. This is to a point where bite marks and scratch marks are visible leaving her fearful of them.

She is unable to handle them and bring them out of the house for any check-up. No medical history is available.

Any advice I can pass on with this rehoming? I don’t think she’s financially well enough for any care or behavioral classes. I truly don’t know how to help, what is the best option moving forward? All advice welcome and appreciated.
 

shadowsrescue

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Have you thought about a mobile vet. If you do a google search, they are becoming quite popular. I have used one for my 3 feral cats when I moved and needed vet care first. You need to be sure that they are equipped to work with feral like cats and understand that sedation may be necessary for an exam. One of my 3 needed sedation. Also the expense wasn't too bad at all.

Do you have any idea if the cats were like this before the lady died? There is a chance that the cats are very afraid and do not understand what happened to their owner. Of course they also could have just been unsocialized cats. Finding a home for cats that are not socialized at that age is really tricky. You need someone who is very kind and patient. If the cats do get along together and are bonded, it would be best if they stayed together. Another separation could be very hard on them.

Thank you for reaching out and trying to help.
 

catsknowme

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:cold: What a sad situation :headshake: Your friend obviously loved her grandma & showed dedication in not simply calling AC on those cats. Are the local TNR people unable to help out at all? this is not only unacceptable aggression, it is highly unusual because cats, (like true ferals) tend to hide. I am astonished that those cats actually attack - terrifying for those of you who are only trying to help them.
Do they have large boxes or other "caves" that they can hide in while their needs are being attended? Their stress levels must be over the top! With kitten (and puppy) season overwhelming rescues everywhere, the prognosis for those 2 cats is grim.....however, we have some amazing members here who might have good intuitions for this situation.
I know that "the ones hardest to love are usually the ones needing love the most" but your friend doesn't deserve to be attacked and injured either :argh:
Jcatbird Jcatbird and Norachan Norachan - any suggestions?
 

Norachan

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It sounds to me as if these cats are very fearful of the new situation, rather than feral. Feral cats usually hide, rather than hissing or trying to attack. If the cats have been neutered and are in good condition they must have been well cared for by the grand mother before she passed.

I think you're dealing with scared but socialized cats, rather than feral or semi-feral ones.

I wonder how your friend has gone about trying to handle them? If she just tried to pick them up and put them into a carrier to take them to the vet even a socialized cat might scratch, particularly if the person trying to handle them is a stranger.

Do the cats seem healthy? Is there any rush to get them to the vet?
Is it OK if the cats stay in their home for now or do they have to be relocated soon?
If your friend has the time to make friends with them she may find that she is able to handle them. If the cats are scared it might take a while, but she will have a better idea of how friendly they are if she can go slowly.

Could you find out some more details of how much time we have and how she has interacted with the cats so far?

In the mean time suggest that your friend watches some videos on how to interact with cats. If she's not used to animals she may be unintentionally scaring them.



 

Kflowers

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If the cats saw their owner removed from the house to never return they will be more fearful of other people. Their world has been destroyed, something captured and killed their beloved owner. They need time. They also need what your friend is trying to give them. Help her to understand that cats grief hard and deeply, and that they fear change.
 

Jcatbird

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Yes! These kitties don’t understand. Imagine if you were a child and could not speak or understand all that was said. You had a Mom who died and was taken and then you were surrounded by strangers who scared you. These new strangers don’t understand anything you try to tell them. Put yourself in their position. Poor sweet kitties. They really are sweet inside. I am so glad your friend has such a wonderful heart. You too! There is a way to work with these kitties. I have had cats that appeared fierce too. Now they sit to purr in my lap and want nothing more to take a nap with me.
The first thing I suggest is to give the kitties time to adjust and learn to trust a new person. If a rescue group or someone accustomed to working with cats can be called in it would be much easier for your friend but she can learn to do this herself. If she wants to keep her Grandmothers’ loved ones safe with her then many here can help to guide her through the steps needed to help these cats. Getting a home for them at this age can be difficult.
If your friend is willing to sit quietly with the kitties without approaching them and just keep them company while they eat, it could be a great start. The kitties will see that she means them no harm. She should not pursue them or try to grab them. Let them approach her after they see she is a safe person. I am wondering if Grandmother lives alone and she was the only person the kitties knew? Any chance an old friend, neighbor or any person who did work in the house ever had contact with the cats? The person who sprays for bugs, a repair person, anyone? If anyone came there at times then I would contact them and ask about the cats. Your friend may find a neighbor or someone can help. The kitties would welcome a familiar face.
It’s a step by step process to acquire a bond with a scared kitty. Having two may actually make it easier. If one trusts, the other may follow. It doubles the chance of a faster friendship.
If your friend wants to attempt the bond or be able to handle the kitties, I, and many others, would be willing to assist in any way possible. This is something that is done quite often. If she just wants to get the kitties to another place in safety, we can try to help there too.
A google search of your city, state, county could turn up some cat rescue help. If that does not pan out then please let us know and we can try.
Tell your friend not to give up. That is a wonderful thing she is doing and a very touching tribute to her Grandmother. She has my gratitude and appreciation! Thank you for coming here to tell us about this. It’s an honor to meet people like you and your friend. Welcome! :welcomesign::heartshape:Please keep us updated.
 
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