Please help with big decision

[tabbytom]

Hello again Cat folks! Just a Dynah Update. Last post was August 6th WOW!

My girl is becoming a real house Cat now. She is warming up to me more and more. Tolerating me being next to her while she is in her Cattree or Catcave. She even put her nose to my finger to steal a smell while resting in her Cattree last week! She really feels safe while in her cubbies there. She still sleeps most of the day and gets up when I retire for the night and roams the house ALL NIGHT LONG with a break here and there to rest. She still will not approach me directly but that's ok.

Looks like she's behaving very normal!

Poor thing constantly stares at my front door window watching for any movement or sound. If I look out when she is there then BOOOM...she is gone for the rest of the day

Don't worry, she's just checking you out. Whenever she looks at you, slow eye blink with her and look away. Get her to get use to you from afar with no sudden movements.

Slowly move the feeding bowls closer to the window so that she can get use to seeing better.

 

[Dinah Doll]

View attachment 485545

Looks like she's behaving very normal!


Don't worry, she's just checking you out. Whenever she looks at you, slow eye blink with her and look away. Get her to get use to you from afar with no sudden movements.

Slowly move the feeding bowls closer to the window so that she can get use to seeing better.

Thank you TT! I will do that. I am really hoping someone will recognize her photo online and get in touch with me.
Otherwise, I will have to do the have-a-heart trap thing

 

[tabbytom]

Thank you TT! I will do that. I am really hoping someone will recognize her photo online and get in touch with me.
Otherwise, I will have to do the have-a-heart trap thing

She has a collar and she looks like she belong to someone and may have escaped OR worst is that someone have moved and left her behind which I hope it's not.

 

[Dinah Doll]

Hi folks! Dynah is SO content now. Now that fall is here, her habits are changing some. Instead of sleeping all day long she is taking shorter naps and coming out from her cattree more and more. This is so nice to see.

Now for the stray Zezah. She comes every single day at around 8:15 a.m. and then around 4:00 p.m. Then sometimes in the middle of the night looking for more food. I set the have-a-hart trap set up and she went inside it a few times already. I called my vet last week to set it up to trap her this morning and get her in for a check-up and hopefully a positive micro-chip scan. Though I don't have much hope about her being microchipped

I have not gotten any takers on social media about her. So it's up to me now. I am waiting for her to come back this morning as she saw me earlier and ran down to that broken down garage just like she always does. I admit being a bit stressed out as I never trapped a cat in these traps. Hopefully if I do trap her, I will wait until she calms down and I will go out and cover the trap with some towels I have ready. Towels in the car are ready for the short trip to the vets. Any other tips is appreciated. Wish us luck. I will post back with results.

 

[Kwik]

Hi folks! Dynah is SO content now. Now that fall is here, her habits are changing some. Instead of sleeping all day long she is taking shorter naps and coming out from her cattree more and more. This is so nice to see.

Now for the stray Zezah. She comes every single day at around 8:15 a.m. and then around 4:00 p.m. Then sometimes in the middle of the night looking for more food. I set the have-a-hart trap set up and she went inside it a few times already. I called my vet last week to set it up to trap her this morning and get her in for a check-up and hopefully a positive micro-chip scan. Though I don't have much hope about her being microchipped

I have not gotten any takers on social media about her. So it's up to me now. I am waiting for her to come back this morning as she saw me earlier and ran down to that broken down garage just like she always does. I admit being a bit stressed out as I never trapped a cat in these traps. Hopefully if I do trap her, I will wait until she calms down and I will go out and cover the trap with some towels I have ready. Towels in the car are ready for the short trip to the vets. Any other tips is appreciated. Wish us luck. I will post back with results.

She will calm down with the cover over the trap- as soon as she's trapped cover the trap and put it either in your hallway,garage or somewhere safe just in case of anything...... not good if they freak and it topples or opens or who knows what but you don't want to wait,they are much calmer covered

Whenever I trap any animal if I'm not ready to transport I bring the covrted trap into the bathroom I least use,it's quiet and away from all my cats.

 

[DeesCats]

I also cover the traps immediately after catching them. Plus I either zip tie the door closed or use a D-clip ring to make sure the door(s) won't be able to open by accident.

 

[Dinah Doll]

Thank you guys. Zezah has eluded the morning capture. She never came back again to eat. This is because of activity outside, really noisy, windy, trash pickups, fuel trucks etc. I will give it another while and will have to wait until tomorrow if she doesn't show up soon. I will leave the trap unset so she can eat later if she does show up. I am sure she will, she has only missed 1 day in over a month now!

I also called the vet to give them an update and I will bring some food that she has been eating here. They appreciated that.

 

[Dinah Doll]

Ok guys. I finally got Zeezah in the have-a-hart trap this am and got her to the vets. I immediately covered the trap right after the door closed and she calmed right down. But at the vets, she began to growl a bit as she was not a happy kitty at all.

They will do a microchip scan and a wellness check. It may be a day before they get to her, but I will check in later today.
She eluded me 3 times. It was like she knew something was up as she did not show up at the usual time for her breakfast when I set the trap on those three days.

Anyway, she is in good hands and I am hoping they will get a positive scan and that she is in good health.

Zeezah here yesterday! Sorry for the poor image. Through a screen window and cell pic.

 

[Dinah Doll]

Ok guys. I finally got Zeezah in the have-a-hart trap this am and got her to the vets. I immediately covered the trap right after the door closed and she calmed right down. But at the vets, she began to growl a bit as she was not a happy kitty at all.

They will do a microchip scan and a wellness check. It may be a day before they get to her, but I will check in later today.
She eluded me 3 times. It was like she knew something was up as she did not show up at the usual time for her breakfast when I set the trap on those three days.

Anyway, she is in good hands and I am hoping they will get a positive scan and that she is in good health.

Zeezah here yesterday! Sorry for the poor image. Through a screen window and cell pic.

View attachment 487073

EDIT UPDATE: The vet called and there is NO microchip This is very discouraging.
So they are giving her the routine shots, wellness check up and a much needed bath and will treat her for fleas.

Good news is that they said she seems like a pretty nice cat and did not fight them much at all.

So it is looking like Zeezah will be staying with Dynah and me !

Here is my plan at a glance. Leave Dynah in a closed room and introduce Zeezah to the house while still in the trap or carrier. See how she reacts. Then I think I will let her on the back porch (unheated). There is a litter box there and it is supposed to be warmer weather for a bit and I have a heated "cathouse" that maybe she would use. I will put her food and water there along with some cat toys and maybe some cat grass.

So any tips would be soooo appreciated. I have no idea how Dynah will react to this cat but I think they have "met" through seeing each other in Dynahs window.

Thanks guys. Waiting to heat from vet as to when she will be ready for pick up today or tomorrow.

 

[Dinah Doll]

Ok...Zeezah is home. Yes. She is in her new home. She has already melted my heart. I can hold her, pet her, and she purrs, and wants attention, and has already used the litter box, ate, and wants to come into the house from being on the porch!!! MORE TO FOLLOW!!!

 

[DeesCats]

Zeezah is definitely a pretty looking cat even through the window screen and I am so happy you were finally able to trap her and get her to the vet. I'm even more thrilled that you are planning on keeping her.

I didn't go back and reread your history with Zeezah as I currently have 2 cats sleeping on my lap and it's difficult typing on my laptop. When I brought outdoor cats into my home, I used a large dog crate that was large enough to provide a cat carrier, small litter box and kept the crate covered with a sheet for privacy in a separate room but nearby so the cats could get used to house noises.

I'm sure Kwik can offer some outstanding advice as well as a few other members that have gone through this process.

 

[Avery]

Well, Zeezah just hit the jackpot finding you (and her new best buddy, Dynah!) and I'm so glad you will keep her. It certainly seems that she was abandoned as she was showing up at all hours and no one responded on social media. Maybe she will show Dynah how nice it is to get petted! Good work trapping her and getting the vet appointment! She sounds like a wonderful cat.

 

[Kwik]

Hi there
She's a pretty little thing
...probably will help to encourage Dynah Mite to realize you pose no threat at all

I am wondering if the porch is enclosed where she cannot wander off? I would skip that part completely and let her in since she's healthy and no risk for Dynah- sounds to me she is familiar with the indoors since the Vets comments about her being a nice cat- no matter how " nice" a cat an outdoor cat that's not been indoors would've been terrified at the office and I'm sure youd have heard a much different response,lol She looks quite young,did they estimate her age?

Since she's quite handleable ,friendly ,wants attention and loves petting you might want to set her up in your room and permit her to follow you if she wants to explore.....some cats are very easy and don't really need much of a process beyond a few days in a room to find a safe place to retreat to as they feel their way around to start familiarizing themselves with a new environment

Where is Dynahs turf? I know she has her room - how much of the house has she explored and established as territory?

Having a good plan in place will be very beneficial for successful ,smooth,stress free introductions

 

[tabbytom]

So any tips would be soooo appreciated. I have no idea how Dynah will react to this cat but I think they have "met" through seeing each other in Dynahs window.

Thank you again for bringing Zeezah in!

For starters, Dynah and ZeeZah can sense each other's presence. Can you feel that if there's any hostility or growling and uneasiness especially in Dynah as ZeeZah is entering into Dynah's turf. They are aware of each other.
Can you first check out the behaviour of both cats and that will roughly tell you which direction to take.

Once you've checked out their behaviour, do a scent swap so that it won't be a big surprise when they meet face to face. Pet ZeeZar and then go let Dynah sniff your hand and see what's the reaction and repeat for Zeezar. Have some towels with their scents and place them near Dynah and Zeezar and also some along the hall way so that there are familiar scents in the case of getting them to meet or an accidental meeting.

Go slow in the reintroduction session though Dynah has seen Zeezah before through the window. Do the scent swap first and slowly place Zeezah in the cage further away from the door where Dynah is and let them meet this way for awhile and observe the behaviour and move on from there.

Do keep us posted of the progress. I hope for a smooth introduction.

 

[Kwik]

Thank you again for bringing Zeezah in!

For starters, Dynah and ZeeZah can sense each other's presence. Can you feel that if there's any hostility or growling and uneasiness especially in Dynah as ZeeZah is entering into Dynah's turf. They are aware of each other.
Can you first check out the behaviour of both cats and that will roughly tell you which direction to take.

Once you've checked out their behaviour, do a scent swap so that it won't be a big surprise when they meet face to face. Pet ZeeZar and then go let Dynah sniff your hand and see what's the reaction and repeat for Zeezar. Have some towels with their scents and place them near Dynah and Zeezar and also some along the hall way so that there are familiar scents in the case of getting them to meet or an accidental meeting.

Go slow in the reintroduction session though Dynah has seen Zeezah before through the window. Do the scent swap first and slowly place Zeezah in the cage further away from the door where Dynah is and let them meet this way for awhile and observe the behaviour and move on from there.

Do keep us posted of the progress. I hope for a smooth introduction.

Pretty sure Greg's not made any contact with Dynah yet....

I'm interested to know if she's still going to her cat cave and if she's following Greg around at all yet or if she's confident throughout the entire house now or not... Dinah Doll ?

 

[Dinah Doll]

Thank you all so much!!! Just having you guys here to chime in makes everything so much easier. Yes, Dynah knows Zeeah is in the house. I let Z (short for Zeezah) in this morning from the enclosed porch and she explored taking short trips on the first level then retreating to the "saftey" of the porch with me following her.

Dynah has not moved from her cattree in the closed back bedroom. But she heard Z meow many times so she knows Z is in the house. I do not think she really cares at this point. But I will take TT's advice and begin the pre meeting stuff.

This new kitty is just wonderful. Loves attention. Vet says she was loaded with fleas, and worms, but otherwise in very good health. Guesstimate 10 years of age. and under weight at 6.6 lbs. She was treated for ailments and they gave her rabies and distemper shots.

After her heroic and brave roaming this morning, I had some scheduled work done at the house and that spooked Z. I found her in my bedroom closet. But I got her out and put her back on the porch and then she calmed down. I think she is sleeping out there now.

So, last evening while Z was on the porch, Dynah went to her catcave in her bedroom. That was a not normal so it was a sign that she knew Z was here. She (Dynah) also spent more time than usual in my bedroom last night as I slept. Dynah does not follow me yet or approach me anywhere in the house. But she is getting more tolerant all the time.

I hope I answered your questions and I so appreciate your comments and tips. I will keep you posted!

 

[Kwik]

Thank you all so much!!! Just having you guys here to chime in makes everything so much easier. Yes, Dynah knows Zeeah is in the house. I let Z (short for Zeezah) in this morning from the enclosed porch and she explored taking short trips on the first level then retreating to the "saftey" of the porch with me following her.

Dynah has not moved from her cattree in the closed back bedroom. But she heard Z meow many times so she knows Z is in the house. I do not think she really cares at this point. But I will take TT's advice and begin the pre meeting stuff.

This new kitty is just wonderful. Loves attention. Vet says she was loaded with fleas, and worms, but otherwise in very good health. Guesstimate 10 years of age. and under weight at 6.6 lbs. She was treated for ailments and they gave her rabies and distemper shots.

After her heroic and brave roaming this morning, I had some scheduled work done at the house and that spooked Z. I found her in my bedroom closet. But I got her out and put her back on the porch and then she calmed down. I think she is sleeping out there now.

So, last evening while Z was on the porch, Dynah went to her catcave in her bedroom. That was a not normal so it was a sign that she knew Z was here. She (Dynah) also spent more time than usual in my bedroom last night as I slept. Dynah does not follow me yet or approach me anywhere in the house. But she is getting more tolerant all the time.

I hope I answered your questions and I so appreciate your comments and tips. I will keep you posted!

So happy Z has a home with you & Dynah..Blessings

 

[Dinah Doll]

Hi there
She's a pretty little thing
...probably will help to encourage Dynah Mite to realize you pose no threat at all

I am wondering if the porch is enclosed where she cannot wander off? I would skip that part completely and let her in since she's healthy and no risk for Dynah- sounds to me she is familiar with the indoors since the Vets comments about her being a nice cat- no matter how " nice" a cat an outdoor cat that's not been indoors would've been terrified at the office and I'm sure youd have heard a much different response,lol She looks quite young,did they estimate her age?

Since she's quite handleable ,friendly ,wants attention and loves petting you might want to set her up in your room and permit her to follow you if she wants to explore.....some cats are very easy and don't really need much of a process beyond a few days in a room to find a safe place to retreat to as they feel their way around to start familiarizing themselves with a new environment

Where is Dynahs turf? I know she has her room - how much of the house has she explored and established as territory?

Having a good plan in place will be very beneficial for successful ,smooth,stress free introductions

Kwik...for a better response to you. Dynah really has established the whole house. She roams every room including the enclosed back porch if I leave the door open at night. So it is all HER territory for the most part.
Z, has been in every room (except where Dynah was, in the back bedroom in her cattree,) as I let her in to roam this morning. She retreated to the porch if something spooked her. Then went in my bedroom closet when the workers noise began. I was outside then.

So, now she has been sleeping on the back porch most of the afternoon. I will try and see if she will come in later. Dynah on the other hand knows she is here. She has not left her backroom but only once this morning to have breakfast in her other bedroom. It is like she does not want to have any contact/confrontation with whatever she thinks Z might have for her?

The rest of the week looks ok for Z to keep on the porch at night, as its going to stay well above freezing.
Once Z has been a bit more familiar with the house, I really think that I need to "show Dynah" the new Cat while holding Z in my arms to get the reactions of them both. This would happen while Dynah is on the floor in her favorite back bedroom.

What sez you? Sound like a good first step?

Thanks for reading!

 

[pearl99]

Aww what a good report on Z! And that you are keeping her! You are a good person, a great person. Z is so pretty, and it's good to hear she is friendly.
I'm not an expert at introductions though I've done a few successfully with adult cats. Others know much more. But, for me I wouldn't hold a cat for a first viewing of another- the held cat is contained and could wiggle out or feel trapped, or scratch you up- even though she seems calm and friendly, but others will certainly chime in. I always have the new cat in a room contained for awhile while they get used to each others' known presence, by smell and noise etc. And the resident- Dynah- can be free to investigate the scents etc. after the new cat has been let out to roam and then contained back in the "new cat room/space," along with the scent swapping with towels etc. above. I keep them completely separate for awhile.
Such good news! I can't wait to hear updates!

 

[Kwik]

Kwik...for a better response to you. Dynah really has established the whole house. She roams every room including the enclosed back porch if I leave the door open at night. So it is all HER territory for the most part.
Z, has been in every room (except where Dynah was, in the back bedroom in her cattree,) as I let her in to roam this morning. She retreated to the porch if something spooked her. Then went in my bedroom closet when the workers noise began. I was outside then.

So, now she has been sleeping on the back porch most of the afternoon. I will try and see if she will come in later. Dynah on the other hand knows she is here. She has not left her backroom but only once this morning to have breakfast in her other bedroom. It is like she does not want to have any contact/confrontation with whatever she thinks Z might have for her?

The rest of the week looks ok for Z to keep on the porch at night, as its going to stay well above freezing.
Once Z has been a bit more familiar with the house, I really think that I need to "show Dynah" the new Cat while holding Z in my arms to get the reactions of them both. This would happen while Dynah is on the floor in her favorite back bedroom.

What sez you? Sound like a good first step?

Thanks for reading!

Sounds great up to the " show Dynah" part....
The best "first" introductions are by "scent" - it takes cats way longer for sight recognition without scent and thst his not how cats introduce themselves- the natural response to sight before scent is avoidance or confrontation when a " new" cat arrives ( on established territory)

The friendliest of cats might go over to have a whiff- rarely are there two who are both willing so one not so willing will retreat (take off )...or "react" with confrontation

The smoothest,stress free start you can provide would be to separate one cat( probably Z so she can establish one " room" ) as her territory before being let loose in a residents territory and start scent swapping to " introduce " the two as they would naturally- get to know each other by scent- they already are aware of the presence of another cat and are picking up distant scent- hearing is part of the equation ....

Now alot of people do not want to go through the process which for whatever reason is their reasons,they prefer to let the cats have free run of the house'- in that case ( as you well know) it will take a very very long time for a semi feral or unsocialized cat to be socialized & especially " handled" so if that's okay with the owner then thsts their preference- now with a cat like Z it's highly likely Dynah will avoid and Z will leave her scent everywhere as she's exploring- I don't see Dynah as the type to seek out the unfamiliar new gal in town...

Now Z,from what you've described so far sounds like a really sweet,social mature lady - that is not an indication she's going to be that sweet or social to an unfamiliar cat- holding her could get you scratched up as well if theirs the reaction to flee in such an unfamiliar territory.....just my thoughts,stay safe and get to know Z ,you can certainly carry her around and if you want to show her different parts of the house then a good bit of advice is to always return her to where you picked her up from( eg from the porch back to the porch) that builds trust and a cat willing to hitch a ride anytime....