Hi,
I just read the wonderful story of Lucky (thanks to all who posted
in that thread -- the info has been invaluable!), since I have just
recently adopted two semi-feral sisters, Trick and Treat.
Now I have a question.
Background: T&T came with their mother, Pumpkin, to the local
refuge around Holloween, 2004. They were then approx. 2 weeks
old. Their mom was adopted, but they were not, until I came in
5 weeks ago with the "SUCKER" sign that only cats can read.
I had just lost Tigger, who had been with me for 19 years and who
had helped me when I lost her older companion, Penny at age 20.
Now, with no one to help me, I needed FUR. NOW. I didn't really
realize I was adopting semi-ferals.
These cats did not receive any socializing at the refuge. We had them
checked by our vet on the way home, and Treat was diagnosed with
conjunctivitis. It should cure on its own, but it will take time. Better
if we give her drops 3x/day.
Ha!
Obviously, we didn't try at first. Over the first 4 weeks we managed to
get them to come out from under the bed, get to know us (my husband
and myself) and come for food (wet food -- dry food is always available.)
They got to the point where they would play with us and accept
scritches, although only with one hand. If we reach out two hands, they
are GONE. I have an animal communicator friend who has been talking
to them.
After 4 weeks it seemed time to start the medication. It wasn't. We did
get a dose into Treat's eye, but my husband was scratched and I
went to the ER with multiple bites (which, yes, infected. It's only a week
later that I can type all this.)
Trick, who was not involved except vicariously, has continued to
progress over the last week, although I still cannot touch her with 2
hands. Treat has regressed -- she's back to hiding when I first
enter the room, although she will come out fairly soon, and she will
only cautiously take a single finger scritch occasionally. She will
still approach for wet food (Treat is the eater of the two!) but she
is obviously VERY wary.
Here -- finally -- is the question. The refuge owner has offered to
come on Thursday to see if she can help me clip their claws, which
needless to say, we have not done. Is it too soon? I think it is,
but I don't know how long cats can go without clipping the claws.
(Both Penny and Tiger were declawed cats.) How long can they
go unclipped?
And when do I try again with the eye drops?
Although I've had cats for the past 25 years, I'm in new water
with semi-ferals.
Thanks!
Carol Flynt
I just read the wonderful story of Lucky (thanks to all who posted
in that thread -- the info has been invaluable!), since I have just
recently adopted two semi-feral sisters, Trick and Treat.
Now I have a question.
Background: T&T came with their mother, Pumpkin, to the local
refuge around Holloween, 2004. They were then approx. 2 weeks
old. Their mom was adopted, but they were not, until I came in
5 weeks ago with the "SUCKER" sign that only cats can read.
I had just lost Tigger, who had been with me for 19 years and who
had helped me when I lost her older companion, Penny at age 20.
Now, with no one to help me, I needed FUR. NOW. I didn't really
realize I was adopting semi-ferals.
These cats did not receive any socializing at the refuge. We had them
checked by our vet on the way home, and Treat was diagnosed with
conjunctivitis. It should cure on its own, but it will take time. Better
if we give her drops 3x/day.
Ha!
Obviously, we didn't try at first. Over the first 4 weeks we managed to
get them to come out from under the bed, get to know us (my husband
and myself) and come for food (wet food -- dry food is always available.)
They got to the point where they would play with us and accept
scritches, although only with one hand. If we reach out two hands, they
are GONE. I have an animal communicator friend who has been talking
to them.
After 4 weeks it seemed time to start the medication. It wasn't. We did
get a dose into Treat's eye, but my husband was scratched and I
went to the ER with multiple bites (which, yes, infected. It's only a week
later that I can type all this.)
Trick, who was not involved except vicariously, has continued to
progress over the last week, although I still cannot touch her with 2
hands. Treat has regressed -- she's back to hiding when I first
enter the room, although she will come out fairly soon, and she will
only cautiously take a single finger scritch occasionally. She will
still approach for wet food (Treat is the eater of the two!) but she
is obviously VERY wary.
Here -- finally -- is the question. The refuge owner has offered to
come on Thursday to see if she can help me clip their claws, which
needless to say, we have not done. Is it too soon? I think it is,
but I don't know how long cats can go without clipping the claws.
(Both Penny and Tiger were declawed cats.) How long can they
go unclipped?
And when do I try again with the eye drops?
Although I've had cats for the past 25 years, I'm in new water
with semi-ferals.
Thanks!
Carol Flynt