Hi everyone,
I thought I’d reach out for some possible advice on a stray cat situation (haha) I’ve found myself in. In May of 2020, my “in house cat” passed away at age 17 from cancer. For the first time since early childhood, I did not have any pets living in house. There are two cats, however, living outside that I have been feeding for years. I bring them in when it gets real cold as well, however I always had to separate them from my “in house cat” before.
I’ve been making baby steps to giving them both a home. I have some decisions to make though. On September 5, I “rescued” at cat that was dumped at a nearby gas station and that’s the wild card to the situation. She is under a year old and she’s been living with me since September 5. It appears she’s likely been previously abused and she doesn’t seem to react kindly to other cats (she even hides her food that I give him despite her being the only cat inside right now).
It appears this new cat, named Lucky (because that’s what she is, haha) is here to stay. Now in regards to the other cats.. the oldest one is named “Dave”. He is a Maine Coon, about 10 years old or so. He is very dominating and controlling of other cats. He officially owns my property I think and he’s been a fixture to my front porch (and elsewhere) since Feb, 2017. I have no idea what his story is, but he seems to enjoy being outside for the most part.
I feel bad for him for obvious reasons, in addition to how it seems like everyone else he’s gotten close to has left the neighborhood (next door is a rental so that happens). His best friend kitty, the only one I’ve ever seen him befriend passed away of old age years ago. I’m trying to give him the best live he can have and he’s been seen by a mobile vet twice this year.
The other is a female named “Kitty”; a calico cat. She was dumped in the summer of 2013 (I remember that because I remember what I was dealing with at work, haha). She has bonded with others as well and is very timid and scared. She comes, eats, then leaves…and if she stays, Dave is sure to make sure he lets her know she’s not welcomed to stay long. She was a kitten when dumped so I estimate her age to be around 7. While I’m not sure if Dave was ever a house cat, I know Kitty has not been. One misc note, I do know Dave has FIV – at least a family that tried to take him in before he came over here said they took him to the vet and it was confirmed that he did.
I purchased both Dave and Kitty flea treatment (Revolution) via a mobile vet last week that came to see Lucky. With winter approaching, I’m dreading this more each day but yet it’s something I want to do…but should I? and How? I’ve began to think Dave might be best staying put outside where he seems comfortable and enjoys patrolling. Kitty and Lucky look a lot alike and could be sisters. I plan on getting Lucky’s claws taken out soon and would have likely already done so if not for this situation…but with that, I would need to take Kitty’s out as well… Is it safe to declaw a 7 year old cat? I know after she was declawed, it would be no more outside for her as well, which would change her world completely. How she would co-exist with Lucky is unknown but so far they hate each other when looking at each other outside.
The thought of all this is overwhelming and I’m afraid I’m going to make a decision and be like “Oh I should have done this first”, etc.
I thought I’d reach out for some possible advice on a stray cat situation (haha) I’ve found myself in. In May of 2020, my “in house cat” passed away at age 17 from cancer. For the first time since early childhood, I did not have any pets living in house. There are two cats, however, living outside that I have been feeding for years. I bring them in when it gets real cold as well, however I always had to separate them from my “in house cat” before.
I’ve been making baby steps to giving them both a home. I have some decisions to make though. On September 5, I “rescued” at cat that was dumped at a nearby gas station and that’s the wild card to the situation. She is under a year old and she’s been living with me since September 5. It appears she’s likely been previously abused and she doesn’t seem to react kindly to other cats (she even hides her food that I give him despite her being the only cat inside right now).
It appears this new cat, named Lucky (because that’s what she is, haha) is here to stay. Now in regards to the other cats.. the oldest one is named “Dave”. He is a Maine Coon, about 10 years old or so. He is very dominating and controlling of other cats. He officially owns my property I think and he’s been a fixture to my front porch (and elsewhere) since Feb, 2017. I have no idea what his story is, but he seems to enjoy being outside for the most part.
I feel bad for him for obvious reasons, in addition to how it seems like everyone else he’s gotten close to has left the neighborhood (next door is a rental so that happens). His best friend kitty, the only one I’ve ever seen him befriend passed away of old age years ago. I’m trying to give him the best live he can have and he’s been seen by a mobile vet twice this year.
The other is a female named “Kitty”; a calico cat. She was dumped in the summer of 2013 (I remember that because I remember what I was dealing with at work, haha). She has bonded with others as well and is very timid and scared. She comes, eats, then leaves…and if she stays, Dave is sure to make sure he lets her know she’s not welcomed to stay long. She was a kitten when dumped so I estimate her age to be around 7. While I’m not sure if Dave was ever a house cat, I know Kitty has not been. One misc note, I do know Dave has FIV – at least a family that tried to take him in before he came over here said they took him to the vet and it was confirmed that he did.
I purchased both Dave and Kitty flea treatment (Revolution) via a mobile vet last week that came to see Lucky. With winter approaching, I’m dreading this more each day but yet it’s something I want to do…but should I? and How? I’ve began to think Dave might be best staying put outside where he seems comfortable and enjoys patrolling. Kitty and Lucky look a lot alike and could be sisters. I plan on getting Lucky’s claws taken out soon and would have likely already done so if not for this situation…but with that, I would need to take Kitty’s out as well… Is it safe to declaw a 7 year old cat? I know after she was declawed, it would be no more outside for her as well, which would change her world completely. How she would co-exist with Lucky is unknown but so far they hate each other when looking at each other outside.
The thought of all this is overwhelming and I’m afraid I’m going to make a decision and be like “Oh I should have done this first”, etc.
