Calling Catneuterer!..and other Litter Tray Regs!

[crazynanna]

I am working (on a rotation basis) for a few weeks at a North London Health Centre with a small block of flats next door. I have my coffee (and ciggie ) near the flats and their carpark. For the last couple of weeks, I have had the company of a beautiful tabby and white gorgeous boy, very vocal. Seen him most days, and the other day noticed he was lying in the small bush whilst it was raining. He immediately came to greet me, and I noticed the bush grass was very flattenend (making me think he was sleeping there) and a small plastic food and water bowl.

A lady came from the flats and said to me "oh, that's X's cat...she has been flooded out of her flat and is in a hotel, and can't take the cat. Someone is feeding him, and he is sleeping in the bush" I was a bit .

Next day coffee time, I met X. She said she 'inherited' him 3 years ago from the lady at 42, who didn't want him really, and she can't take him to the hotel, she has to come 8 miles every day to feed him, and is upset as he hates sleeping outside in the rain. Her flat is so badly damaged, she doesn't think she can return, and wants to rehome the cat. He's 8 but looks much younger and is well cared for. She mentioned rehoming to original owner, who is not keen, but won't take him back.

This is breaking my heart. I got to work an hour early today, made a shelter from a cardboard box with black bags for rain, with a high plastic cushion and blanket. Brought feeding bowls and food, and I am going to feed him every day (will go on weekends too). He is so miserable and sad looking, and my girl will hate him, as she hates all cats.

Help!!!! What shall I do?

And will you be able to go visit him..?

Bit of drama last night. X and my colleague could not find Stanley! Looked for an hour. So they agreed to meet this morning, so Stanley was out all night in that rain
Anyway they went this morning and found him! Joy!

My colleague just called and said he was hiding in the lounge and won't come out. I said that's perfectly normal and to leave him in peace and quiet with his food and water and tray nearby and give him time. She is a bit worried as she is really smitten with him and thinks he doesn't like her house but I said he is acting quite normal and will be ok

Stanley is now safe and warm and dry

Good for Stanley!

And yes - it's quite normal when you think of all he's been through in the last few weeks/months. And before, even, with all those changes of home. I'm amazed that he was so friendly with you.

I know cozie that's why I know he is a brilliant cat. He is unsettled and bewildered but still trusts strangers. I know my colleague will love him so very much. And yes, she said I can visit him whenever I want. After all, I am his foster mum

It's all so lovely. Don't forget to tell her to sort the microchip out.

Some vets do regular promotions on chipping eg £10! Bargain.

Yes I got my girl chipped for £10. Already gave her the number and she asked me who I use for insurance. I knew she would take proper care of him

I got a young cat about a year ago when my other cat was 15. He was a bit stressed for a few weeks but they get on ok now. They even give each other a little lick occasionally. I have recently become involved with an animal sanctuary and unfortunately, older cats are very difficult to re-home and they have many that have been waiting for over a year for a forever home and some of these cats would make great pets. A lot of them end up living at the sanctuary a permanent residents. So, all I am saying is that (a) it is probable that your existing cat would adapt to a new comer and (b) a sanctuary might not rehome him easily. Therefore, IMHO, you might as well take him home and see how it goes. What's to loose? Xx

Sorry! I didn't realise that this had 5 pages! I'm glad it has a happy ending.

A truly beautiful furry tale! Massive congrats, crazy.

Oh my. Have now cried! So so so glad that this had a happy ending.

Hurrah for everyone.

I know. It's just wonderful for Stanley. Have not had an update yet but will let you all know as soon as I know

Good stuff, crazy. I hope he's come out of his hidey hole and is charming her.

I am sure he is charming her cozie. He had me wrapoed around his paw with those eyes

Disaster.

Got an early morning call from my colleague.

Her DH went to put the rubbish out in the back garden, he thought Stanley was locked in the lounge. He wasn't. He scooted past his legs and ran off.

My colleague is distraught. She said he was settling in beautifully...using his tray, grooming himself, and he loves her DH.

She has spent all morning knocking on neighbours, walking around the streets shaking his biscuits. She has now put up posters, and checked local vets/RSPCA

I was at work today by his old home, and was going out every 20 minutes to his box in the bush just in case he made his way back (about 2/3 miles), but he didn't show up.

I have not stopped crying

I feel so so guilty

Oh fuck. Don't give up, he's got this far.

It's not your fault. Cat 101 is keep the cat in for a few weeks.

Ouch - but stay calm. He sounds like a survivor who may even find his way back to his new home. (He took to you very quickly after all.)

And absolutely don't feel guilty whatever happens now. He could have been side-swiped by a car the evening he went to her if he hadn't got a new place.

Part of me thinks I should have just left him where he was.

No, that's not true.

My cat didn't go out accidentally when we wanted him in.

No - you did the right thing.

See if you can support your colleague in some way even if it's just by phoning and talking/listening. She and her DH will be feeling just awful right now - even though accidents do happen.

He had only been there 48 hours. There is so little chance of him finding his way home

Oh no crazy.

What's the microchip situation?

crazy

It's not impossible. He hasn't been run over - he's just escaped, so he might be fine out there. Maybe she could put some cat biscuits outside in the garden in a wee dish or something? Just in case.

She had an appointment at the vet tomorrow evening for microchipping

Do not feel guilty!! You did exactly the right thing.

Even though he'd only been there 48 hours I bet he doesn't go far. They need to leave food outside their house every day (and probably night too, although i expect the foxes will find it before any cats do) and I bet anything that he'll find his way back to the food and so them quite soon.