My Feral And Rescued Cats

[tarasgirl06]

I will try but I will also give you a little history on him: Three years ago, two women from a rescue group came over to Hoods to lay out some traps for the twenty cats that resided there. They were successful with 19 of those cats- guess who was the hold out? He would sniff the cages and walk on by. The animal control guy when seeing O'Malley's performance just shook his head and said with a laugh: "You'll never get that old tom."

Like I said, I will certainly try my best.

Another possibility? He will let me pick him up so maybe I should just quickly shove him into a carrier? On second thoughts- no way.

If you've got a plastic, sturdy, top-and-side-load carrier, you can put him in back feet first if you can get your Kevlar gloves on beforehand. I've done some trapping myself and had one little guy who ALMOST got trapped but absconded. So I know the feeling and empathize.

 

[jefferd18]

If you've got a plastic, sturdy, top-and-side-load carrier, you can put him in back feet first if you can get your Kevlar gloves on beforehand. I've done some trapping myself and had one little guy who ALMOST got trapped but absconded. So I know the feeling and empathize.

Thank you, are those special gloves?

If I don't get him this time, there will be no second chance- not with this cat. I was lucky enough to be allowed to pet him, trust means everything in cat world.

 

[tarasgirl06]

Thank you, are those special gloves?

If I don't get him this time, there will be no second chance- not with this cat. I was lucky enough to be allowed to pet him, trust means everything in cat world.

It was posted jokingly, as Kevlar is a material used in body armor, but here is a link:
Kevlar gloves - Google Search
and yes, seriously, cut-proof gloves would be very helpful in TNR work.

 

[NY cat man]

There are also gloves made of something like chain mail armor. They are made for things like cleaning fish, or other situations where knives are used. You could probably get them where they sell fishing tackle.

 

[Jcatbird]

rubysmama Thank you! I am also taking care of myself. I had a visit with my doc today. Very timely since I need a new nebulizer and equipment. Lol I may be able to use it for the kitties too. Ironically I was sitting next to a lady who was wearing a perfume that I had an allergic reaction to. The doc had no issue with giving me a prescription for a new nebulizer. Funny how things work out!

M maggiedemi The world is filled with magic, happy endings, miracles and happy coincidences. We just have to keep our eyes open to catch them.
The story of Mackie arriving when he did is certainly one of those happy endings. If he had arrived when he did, his story could have ended quite differently. Of all the dozens of cats in the colony diagnosed with Felv, he is the only one who survived this long. I guess I got him inside early enough to keep him warm and provide good nourishment. The lysine too. I was able to get a few others before they were infected. Smokey, Dolly and Purry. Perhaps the others that followed a little later too. There was a kitten that I thought was Siamese that I bottle fed. Turns out he was Tonkinese. He showed up shortly after Mackie. Personality wise, they could be twins! I gave that kitty to my nephew when he was old enough to leave. He’s huge and hilarious! Gorgeous too. He also likes a good mouse joke. Lol

tarasgirl06 Thank you!ackie is a big wild kitty. A big part of my heart too. Hoping, hoping that this illness doesn’t cause the Felv to become active. If the vet is correct and it is pollen, we have a much better chance. I have my thoughts about it but also a game plan. If the vet I see tomorrow does not agree, I already have an appointment to see a second one the next day. I want to treat this aggressively.

jefferd18 I sorry he slipped off again. He’s got a girlfriend. I expect he is protecting her and will eat and then return to her for , at least , a little while. Perhaps past the kittens being born. Grab him if you can! I believe I saw some of the protective gloves on Chewy. Some are the chain mail and some actually do have Kevlar. I agree with N NY cat man that looking for them at fishing supply places might be better. I would NOT get him into the car! That is extremely dangerous. Cats have gotten under brake pedals. Not to mention he could run , claws out, over you. He could also panic and get trapped under a seat or something. Just not safe. Put food into the carrier since he trusts you. Just close the door! That worked very well for me. The bigger the carrier, the less they are afraid on entering. They seem to understand what traps are for. Lol Some are very wise about these things. Those gloves are something I would like to have owned at times. Lol

N NY cat man Those gloves are great things! Puncture proof would be good. I’ve been sliced and punctured. Funny but the ferals never really wounded me. Scratches and light nips but never a deep injury. I just thought they were going to eat me.

 

[Jcatbird]

Our smiles tonight come from kitties who want Mom to stay home. I hated to leave but my doc is in the city and besides needing to check in with him about my last injury, I had another motive. I wanted to get extra emergency breathing equipment to have handy for the kitties. My nebulizer is at least 15 years old. It was one I bought for Sarah so I’m due for a new one. I had some information for him as well! A doctor friend of mine has developed a natural immune booster for people suffering from the flu or respiratory illnesses. The partner of my doctor has started a clinic that specializes in vitamin and nutritional approaches to illness and I knew they would be interested in looking into this. I think it’s great to investigate alternative treatments. Nature provides many things.

You’re going somewhere?

Bonjure, don’t act like a baby! She’ll come back! Unfluff your tail!

You realize I’m going to have to babysit Bonjure?

This is going to be challenging. Hurry back.

No.

Stay with me!

What if I won’t let you go?

I could just hold you here you know?

It took hours!!


All because someone in the waiting room was wearing a perfume that gave me hives!
I don’t know how well you can see it here but my arm is covered in red blotches. I was covered in them! Doc kept me there quite a while to make sure I was okay. The staff sort of freaked out. They were very kind and caring. The oxygen was delightful! Lol Very refreshing. That perfume was overwhelming. To those who enjoy a nice perfume, more is not better. A little goes a long way.

The ride back allowed me to see a beautiful sunset.

BJ settled on my lap immediately.

Dolly hinted for me to turn on his personal heater. I did!

I don’t think he could have gotten any closer!
There were other kitties waiting in line to take that spot! I think I could line up a row of heaters and get a matching row of kitties!

I’m getting sleepy myself. We have four vet appointments scheduled so far this week. Two wellness checks and two for sick kitties. Whistle is going back in and Smokey is going. It’s stacking up to be a very busy week! Hopefully a productive one.
Have a great night everyone!

 

[Furballsmom]

Ironically I was sitting next to a lady who was wearing a perfume that I had an allergic reaction to.

lordy!!

I just thought they were going to eat me.

...and now BJ rules the roost at the vets - what a character!!

He went for the pity of the ladies and as soon as they opened the crate back up, he started purring and head butting for extra pets.

I'm carrying that picture of him on the floor looking for all the world like he was ready to strut right out the door and take over the front desk, in my mind (along with Mackie, Wanda, Bonjour.....)

 

[Jcatbird]

I have already asked the vet if I can buy them some stock in the business. Lol I can just imagine them being there to greet each patient. BJ wearing a surgical cap and Banjo wearing kitty scrubs!

 

[tabbytom]

that gave me hives!
I don’t know how well you can see it here but my arm is covered in red blotches. I was covered in them!

Hope the hives subside soon! Take care!

 

[Jcatbird]

Furballsmom
Next patient please!

tabbytom Thank you! I have excellent care by BJ. The hives are nearly gone. Getting away from the cause helped greatly. Getting back to the kitties helped even more.

 

[Furballsmom]

Next patient please!

oh, that's absolutely fabulous!!

 

[rubysmama]

All because someone in the waiting room was wearing a perfume that gave me hives!

At least you were at the doctor's office! But, scary!!! Hope you're feeling better now.

Sending more healing vibes to Chez Catbird.

 

[tarasgirl06]

Our smiles tonight come from kitties who want Mom to stay home. I hated to leave but my doc is in the city and besides needing to check in with him about my last injury, I had another motive. I wanted to get extra emergency breathing equipment to have handy for the kitties. My nebulizer is at least 15 years old. It was one I bought for Sarah so I’m due for a new one. I had some information for him as well! A doctor friend of mine has developed a natural immune booster for people suffering from the flu or respiratory illnesses. The partner of my doctor has started a clinic that specializes in vitamin and nutritional approaches to illness and I knew they would be interested in looking into this. I think it’s great to investigate alternative treatments. Nature provides many things.

You’re going somewhere?
View attachment 320874
Bonjure, don’t act like a baby! She’ll come back! Unfluff your tail!
View attachment 320875
You realize I’m going to have to babysit Bonjure?
View attachment 320876
This is going to be challenging. Hurry back.
View attachment 320877
No.
View attachment 320878
Stay with me!
View attachment 320879

What if I won’t let you go?
View attachment 320882
I could just hold you here you know?
View attachment 320883
It took hours!!


All because someone in the waiting room was wearing a perfume that gave me hives!
I don’t know how well you can see it here but my arm is covered in red blotches. I was covered in them! Doc kept me there quite a while to make sure I was okay. The staff sort of freaked out. They were very kind and caring. The oxygen was delightful! Lol Very refreshing. That perfume was overwhelming. To those who enjoy a nice perfume, more is not better. A little goes a long way.
View attachment 320889

The ride back allowed me to see a beautiful sunset.
View attachment 320884

BJ settled on my lap immediately.
View attachment 320885
Dolly hinted for me to turn on his personal heater. I did!
View attachment 320886
I don’t think he could have gotten any closer!
There were other kitties waiting in line to take that spot! I think I could line up a row of heaters and get a matching row of kitties!
View attachment 320887

I’m getting sleepy myself. We have four vet appointments scheduled so far this week. Two wellness checks and two for sick kitties. Whistle is going back in and Smokey is going. It’s stacking up to be a very busy week! Hopefully a productive one.
Have a great night everyone!

Is it possible for Bonjure to unfluff his tail? *I thought not!*

One of my dearest friends had allergies to perfume, too. She really didn't want to be around most scents.

I'm concerned for my roomie, who's been getting very itchy rashes with hives since she came here, she says, but never before. I suggested something like Benadryl and let her borrow a topical anti-itch ("Calahyst") -- she said the latter helped, and went to Walgreens where she asked the pharmacist about the problem and showed her a patch of the rash. The pharmacist said Benadryl and Calahyst were good, so she bought both and has been using them. Problem is those are only for the symptoms, not to cure the problem. I suggested that since she has insurance, she see a dermatologist. Her husband agrees. But she seems not to want to do this. I absolutely avoid doctors, but in this instance, since the problem reoccurs, I think she should go. A good friend who's a doctor also agrees. I looked up the symptoms and of course they can be caused by a variety of things, some minor, some not so much. I do wish she would go. Just taking a pill to knock yourself out, and using a topical, isn't going to get rid of this and it is causing her a lot of discomfort.

Such beautiful pix of gorgeous cats! May all be well! *PRAYERS* And you, too! Yes, a new nebulizer isn't extravagant after that duration of time. And good about "alternative" options, too. Our physical structures are designed to be and stay healthy if we take good care of them, and all the Rx drugs have side effects that can be extremely negative. So much better to maintain good lifestyle and diet, and help our systems to stay strong by doing things that do not have potentially bad consequences. I agree!

 

[Albus&minnie]

Our smiles tonight come from kitties who want Mom to stay home. I hated to leave but my doc is in the city and besides needing to check in with him about my last injury, I had another motive. I wanted to get extra emergency breathing equipment to have handy for the kitties. My nebulizer is at least 15 years old. It was one I bought for Sarah so I’m due for a new one. I had some information for him as well! A doctor friend of mine has developed a natural immune booster for people suffering from the flu or respiratory illnesses. The partner of my doctor has started a clinic that specializes in vitamin and nutritional approaches to illness and I knew they would be interested in looking into this. I think it’s great to investigate alternative treatments. Nature provides many things.

You’re going somewhere?
View attachment 320874
Bonjure, don’t act like a baby! She’ll come back! Unfluff your tail!
View attachment 320875
You realize I’m going to have to babysit Bonjure?
View attachment 320876
This is going to be challenging. Hurry back.
View attachment 320877
No.
View attachment 320878
Stay with me!
View attachment 320879

What if I won’t let you go?
View attachment 320882
I could just hold you here you know?
View attachment 320883
It took hours!!


All because someone in the waiting room was wearing a perfume that gave me hives!
I don’t know how well you can see it here but my arm is covered in red blotches. I was covered in them! Doc kept me there quite a while to make sure I was okay. The staff sort of freaked out. They were very kind and caring. The oxygen was delightful! Lol Very refreshing. That perfume was overwhelming. To those who enjoy a nice perfume, more is not better. A little goes a long way.
View attachment 320889

The ride back allowed me to see a beautiful sunset.
View attachment 320884

BJ settled on my lap immediately.
View attachment 320885
Dolly hinted for me to turn on his personal heater. I did!
View attachment 320886
I don’t think he could have gotten any closer!
There were other kitties waiting in line to take that spot! I think I could line up a row of heaters and get a matching row of kitties!
View attachment 320887

I’m getting sleepy myself. We have four vet appointments scheduled so far this week. Two wellness checks and two for sick kitties. Whistle is going back in and Smokey is going. It’s stacking up to be a very busy week! Hopefully a productive one.
Have a great night everyone!

Stay warm kitties! ( its soo cold here!)

 

[Jcatbird]

Furballsmom I had to giggle at the thought of paging doctor BJ! I know he’s a specialist in the affairs of the heart. Catiologist!

rubysmama So true! If you must get hives, do it at the doctors’ office! I really didn’t get worried. I knew it could be easily taken care of there. Thank you for more good vibes! Still needed.

tarasgirl06 I hope your roomie will decide to get checked. Allergies are not anything to ignore. Hives are uncomfortable but it could progress. I bet she’ll get tired of the Benadryl. An allergist can do some simple tests to eliminate or pinpoint common allergens. It’s not a bad process to go through. I’ve done it. I found out that I am NOT allergic to cats too! But I knew that. Thank goodness!

Albus&minnie We are staying warm. I hope you are too! How cold is it?

 

[tarasgirl06]

Furballsmom I had to giggle at the thought of paging doctor BJ! I know he’s a specialist in the affairs of the heart. Catiologist!

rubysmama So true! If you must get hives, do it at the doctors’ office! I really didn’t get worried. I knew it could be easily taken care of there. Thank you for more good vibes! Still needed.

tarasgirl06 I hope your roomie will decide to get checked. Allergies are not anything to ignore. Hives are uncomfortable but it could progress. I bet she’ll get tired of the Benadryl. An allergist can do some simple tests to eliminate or pinpoint common allergens. It’s not a bad process to go through. I’ve done it. I found out that I am NOT allergic to cats too! But I knew that. Thank goodness!

Albus&minnie We are staying warm. I hope you are too! How cold is it?

"Paging Dr. (Not-so-Tiny) Cat, STAT!"

Yeah, I know, and I explained this all to her. This morning she told me she felt calmer and more relaxed here, which IS good. It's 2 1/2 months now, and we're pretty comfortable together, I think. She asked me about that this morning, and I think we're a good fit. They are very thankful. They live their lives, I live mine, and when we spend time together, we enjoy it. They love the Three, and the Three love them (well, I can't really answer for Baby Su, but she's feral, so being curious but not going beyond that is to be understood). She's definitely not allergic to cats, as they shared life with their cat for quite a few years with no symptoms. I just wish she'd find out and see if there isn't an easy way to stop this from happening!

*Good vibes continuing, of course!*

 

[Jcatbird]

tarasgirl06 Paging cat stat!
Maybe your roomie has just been experiencing some stress with all the changes. Even changes we want to make can be stressful and stress can cause hives. Prayers that the hives will fade away for good!

I’m sleepy! Left over results of the hives! I’ve been fighting it all day. Bed looks very inviting right now. I have some VERY good news coming at the end of the post! @maggiedemiRemeber I said that sometimes all the best but remote possibilities can come together for a happy ending? Read on!

Today Smokey and Whistle went to the vet. Before we left there was company in the back yard.
Kodiak, Mitsy and Thrasher are guarding the house!

The buzzard family came to ask for handouts!

We were already packed up and leaving for the vet though. Whistle was not amused. Smokey hid from me. Lol She always knows!

Whistle was much calmer for this visit but he did enjoy having his blanket to hid under.

He grew very brave when he realized he was the only man of the colony present.

He checked to see if the dog poster had moved. Lol It was still there but he knew Smokey was nervous.

He’s such a sweet boy! He went to guard Smokey through her whole exam!

Smokey was very comforted by Whistle!

Both kitties made it through the exam without any problems. Smokey is getting better and has almost stopped sneezing.
Whistle is getting stronger antibiotics since his cough is still present. He may be put on a kitty puffer! Inhaler. So far we don’t have conclusive tests. I’ve shut down the central heat unit until it can be thoroughly checked. The cats affected have mostly been the older ones or the kitties that have had any health issue in the past. One does not fit that profile though. Precious. The blood work has not shown the cause. Bj seems better. Smokey seems better and Purry seems well. The antihistamine has worked. I think. I went over my cleaning protocol with the vet along with everything else I’ve been doing and she felt there is no more to be done other than maintaining protocol. She also felt shutting down any air intake was a good idea for now. It’s a mystery so far. All the kitties have had their immunizations so that’s a relief. It narrows the possible causes. I will get wellness checks done this week for two more.

The really, really great news..... I got the blood work results on BJ. BJ is now free of heartworms! He survived the worm die off! This is huge! When the worms die and go into the cats system it is very high risk if they lodge in the heart or lungs. It’s been a nerve wracking time for me as I watched and waited. To get this news today was fantastic! Especially since he has the added risk of Fiv! Yay BJ! One illness conquered!
Happy endings are the best!

Have a great night everyone! I’m going to hug BJ some more!

 

[tarasgirl06]

tarasgirl06 Paging cat stat!
Maybe your roomie has just been experiencing some stress with all the changes. Even changes we want to make can be stressful and stress can cause hives. Prayers that the hives will fade away for good!

I’m sleepy! Left over results of the hives! I’ve been fighting it all day. Bed looks very inviting right now. I have some VERY good news coming at the end of the post! @maggiedemiRemeber I said that sometimes all the best but remote possibilities can come together for a happy ending? Read on!

Today Smokey and Whistle went to the vet. Before we left there was company in the back yard.
Kodiak, Mitsy and Thrasher are guarding the house!
View attachment 320996
The buzzard family came to ask for handouts!
View attachment 320997
We were already packed up and leaving for the vet though. Whistle was not amused. Smokey hid from me. Lol She always knows!
View attachment 320998
Whistle was much calmer for this visit but he did enjoy having his blanket to hid under.
View attachment 320999
He grew very brave when he realized he was the only man of the colony present.
View attachment 321000
He checked to see if the dog poster had moved. Lol It was still there but he knew Smokey was nervous.
View attachment 321001
He’s such a sweet boy! He went to guard Smokey through her whole exam!
View attachment 321004
Smokey was very comforted by Whistle!
View attachment 321006

Both kitties made it through the exam without any problems. Smokey is getting better and has almost stopped sneezing.
Whistle is getting stronger antibiotics since his cough is still present. He may be put on a kitty puffer! Inhaler. So far we don’t have conclusive tests. I’ve shut down the central heat unit until it can be thoroughly checked. The cats affected have mostly been the older ones or the kitties that have had any health issue in the past. One does not fit that profile though. Precious. The blood work has not shown the cause. Bj seems better. Smokey seems better and Purry seems well. The antihistamine has worked. I think. I went over my cleaning protocol with the vet along with everything else I’ve been doing and she felt there is no more to be done other than maintaining protocol. She also felt shutting down any air intake was a good idea for now. It’s a mystery so far. All the kitties have had their immunizations so that’s a relief. It narrows the possible causes. I will get wellness checks done this week for two more.

The really, really great news..... I got the blood work results on BJ. BJ is now free of heartworms! He survived the worm die off! This is huge! When the worms die and go into the cats system it is very high risk if they lodge in the heart or lungs. It’s been a nerve wracking time for me as I watched and waited. To get this news today was fantastic! Especially since he has the added risk of Fiv! Yay BJ! One illness conquered!
Happy endings are the best!

Have a great night everyone! I’m going to hug BJ some more!

That is amazingly wonderful news about BJ!!! and of course, about Smokey as well! May Whistle recover quickly and completely.
Good that Purry seems well! Hoping and praying she truly is.

HAGE/N all!

 

[Furballsmom]

BJ is now free of heartworms!

Oh. My. Gosh!!!!

Ok Mr. Toughkitty, you little fighter you

 

[NY cat man]

tarasgirl06 Paging cat stat!
Maybe your roomie has just been experiencing some stress with all the changes. Even changes we want to make can be stressful and stress can cause hives. Prayers that the hives will fade away for good!

I’m sleepy! Left over results of the hives! I’ve been fighting it all day. Bed looks very inviting right now. I have some VERY good news coming at the end of the post! @maggiedemiRemeber I said that sometimes all the best but remote possibilities can come together for a happy ending? Read on!

Today Smokey and Whistle went to the vet. Before we left there was company in the back yard.
Kodiak, Mitsy and Thrasher are guarding the house!
View attachment 320996
The buzzard family came to ask for handouts!
View attachment 320997
We were already packed up and leaving for the vet though. Whistle was not amused. Smokey hid from me. Lol She always knows!
View attachment 320998
Whistle was much calmer for this visit but he did enjoy having his blanket to hid under.
View attachment 320999
He grew very brave when he realized he was the only man of the colony present.
View attachment 321000
He checked to see if the dog poster had moved. Lol It was still there but he knew Smokey was nervous.
View attachment 321001
He’s such a sweet boy! He went to guard Smokey through her whole exam!
View attachment 321004
Smokey was very comforted by Whistle!
View attachment 321006

Both kitties made it through the exam without any problems. Smokey is getting better and has almost stopped sneezing.
Whistle is getting stronger antibiotics since his cough is still present. He may be put on a kitty puffer! Inhaler. So far we don’t have conclusive tests. I’ve shut down the central heat unit until it can be thoroughly checked. The cats affected have mostly been the older ones or the kitties that have had any health issue in the past. One does not fit that profile though. Precious. The blood work has not shown the cause. Bj seems better. Smokey seems better and Purry seems well. The antihistamine has worked. I think. I went over my cleaning protocol with the vet along with everything else I’ve been doing and she felt there is no more to be done other than maintaining protocol. She also felt shutting down any air intake was a good idea for now. It’s a mystery so far. All the kitties have had their immunizations so that’s a relief. It narrows the possible causes. I will get wellness checks done this week for two more.

The really, really great news..... I got the blood work results on BJ. BJ is now free of heartworms! He survived the worm die off! This is huge! When the worms die and go into the cats system it is very high risk if they lodge in the heart or lungs. It’s been a nerve wracking time for me as I watched and waited. To get this news today was fantastic! Especially since he has the added risk of Fiv! Yay BJ! One illness conquered!
Happy endings are the best!

Have a great night everyone! I’m going to hug BJ some more!

YAY!!!