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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Scruffy cat (homeless?) Help!

141 replies

MardyKnickers · 22/10/2015 21:23

I've 2 cats, Big Grumpy and Wee Shite (not actual names) Big Grumpy hates other cats and I nearly had to give up the kitten as she was so grumpy about him (they're ok now)

They have a cat flap that I've had to lock so it's inward only so kitten can't get out (he's mastered the cat flap but not spayed etc yet)

Anyway this other cat called Scruffy Cat has been popping in and out for food. Big Grumpy obviously doesn't like him. Now the cat flap is locked though Scruffy Cat can't get out again. He's filthy, his fur is thin and scraggy looking, he's flea riddled Sad He's not skinny/starved though, friendly if you stroke him but growly if you try and shift him. Went in the kitchen tonight and he was asleep pushed up as close to the radiator as he could get. Have put him out but I feel mean on him! I really love cats Sad Also he has a blue patch thing in one eye? Like actually in the eye, hard to describe.

I don't want to take him on as have the 2 cats already. But don't want to shove him outside and leave him. Also don't want to lock the cat flap all the time as Big Grumpy gets stressed if she can't get in.

What do you advise anyone? Am breaking my heart over him!

(I will add pics when I take some)

OP posts:
MajesticSeaFlapFlap · 26/10/2015 11:41

Im surpised at CPL not offering more help, not even a check.

I know they cant help every cat but it makes me want to cancel my monthly dd that they didnt offer a check up at the very least

MoriartyIsMyAngel · 26/10/2015 11:51

I'm disappointed in the CPL Angry I hope my branch wouldn't react like that, I may ask at the monthly meeting this week.

MajesticSeaFlapFlap If I were you I'd cancel it anyway! Monthly dd's never make it to the cats or the places looking after them, they are absorbed into HQs endless costs and campaigns. I believe we get a flat £3,000 and have to fundraise everything else - our costs are usually four times that at a minimum! This year it will be higher and we have to find it ourselves. If you want your money to go further, see if you can donate to your local CPL group.

I do hope that something gets sorted out for him. You're brilliant for taking care of him and pursuing this. If all else fails, I have a fostering spot opening up in just over a week and I'll ask my WO if I could take him - but we'd have to organize some kind of convoy to bring him down here!

Dollyemi · 26/10/2015 11:57

Come on Scruffs, come and get your lunch Wink.......... Thanks for the update

Original poster
MardyKnickers · 26/10/2015 12:03

With CPL I never got chance to say he was unwell. It was :

Me : there's this cat and I think he's homeless....
Bloke : (totally interrupts) I'll just stop you there we have no room at all for any cats we are totally full but you can ring back next week

It's RSPCA who pay for the treatment, I was a bit impressed with that too, they get a bad press on here !!!

Scruffs isn't here yet. It's sunny and quite warm so I guess he's having a nice sunbather somewhere

OP posts:
Original poster
MardyKnickers · 26/10/2015 12:07

Vet assesses him and work out cost, RSPCA make contribution but it's not an unlimited amount they said. At least I know vet will advise best plan for him and something will actually get done!

Come on Scruffs. I've put yummy food all over the place and the door's wide open! At this rate I'll have 50 cats in Shock

OP posts:
Celen · 26/10/2015 12:13

Delurks...

Smile
Gatekeeper · 26/10/2015 13:29

CPL wouldn't help us either - it was the RSPCA who did in the end and paid for our stray's check up, neutering, worming and flea treatment

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 26/10/2015 14:00

The RSPCA paid for treatment for the cat my friend found. The problem was that after they'd done this they decided they were going to euthanise him as he had a heart murmour and they wouldn't put him up for rehoming. Luckily my friend was determined to have him and but she really had to fight to adopt him.

Fingers crossed TCN is right and Scruffs is soon sorted out.

Fluffycloudland77 · 26/10/2015 15:13

It comes to something when the RSPCA are more helpful than CPL.

Typical cat behaviour re the vet visit though.

Original poster
MardyKnickers · 26/10/2015 16:28

Well Scruffs still isn't here!! He doesn't like Dreamies, I tried to bribe him into the box with them yesterday. Think the pp who said he might struggle with dry food may have been right.

Getting a bit late to get him to the vet tonight even if he does turn up. But if he comes in later (it's usually late afternoon/teatime) he will be stopping in the house or garage tonight.

Hope he's not sulking at me for putting him in the cat box (he was very unamused yest)

OP posts:
Dollyemi · 26/10/2015 16:41

Yep, he is sulking, he will pick up on something being different. I lost my cat on the day we were putting her in the chattery before a house move, grrrrrr

timtam23 · 26/10/2015 16:45

Typical cat. They always disappear for a stroll when something important is planned. About 15 years ago I was trying to find my girl cat on the day of a major house move (had to drive 200 miles with all my stuff in a van and it had to be that day) - could I find the cat anywhere? She had realised something was up & completely scarpered. Housemate eventually found her hiding in the neighbours' garden. I really hope Scruffs turns up soon.

Original poster
MardyKnickers · 26/10/2015 22:22

He came home about an hour ago.

Oh bloody hell, I just wrote 'home'. We can all just see how this is going to turn out can't we Grin

He's had 2 sachets of food, he inhaled the first one like beefy felix is going out of fashion. Used the second pack to get him to follow me into the garage and left him with it. Not sure he'll be too impressed shut in there for the night but I did tell him it's for his own good.

Vet as early as poss tomorrow! Smile

OP posts:
goodasitgets · 26/10/2015 22:38

So... Sticking with scruffs or picked another name? Wink

Original poster
MardyKnickers · 26/10/2015 22:41

I like ScruffyCat as a name.

The idea of standing at the door shouting, Oi, Scruffy! down the street amuses me

OP posts:
Corygal · 26/10/2015 22:41

This is the most lovely story and you are a complete hero, OP. May you and Scruffs enjoy years of cuddly togetherness.

StillMedusa · 26/10/2015 23:10

Also unlurking here (slight name change as forgot my log in! but am Obie and Ophie and Portia's 'mum') to say... you are fab and I will be watching for updates.

Poor old guy, at least he is having some comfort.

BigcatLittlecat · 26/10/2015 23:17

The use of 'home' has sealed it! You do realise that? Good luck in morning!

timtam23 · 26/10/2015 23:57

Good luck tomorrow Smile

Celen · 27/10/2015 06:34

Awww, I can't wait to hear what happens today - seems to me your future as Scruff's slave is practically signed & sealed Wink

Good luck with the vet OP & you're very kind & lovely to be taking care of this fur baby x

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 27/10/2015 06:59

Good luck today

ShipwreckedAndComatose · 27/10/2015 07:06

Yep, you used the 'home' word Halloween Grin and I like the name scruffycat too.

Good luck today x

kinkytoes · 27/10/2015 07:19

I hope all goes well at the vets today. Bless you and bless Scruffs!

hiddenhome2 · 27/10/2015 08:00

I hope they can help him. He's so lucky to have found you.

Original poster
MardyKnickers · 27/10/2015 10:21

Well it's good news for ScruffyCat Smile

The vet said :

His eye = scarred from previous injury/fight so while it looks a mess there's no pain or treatment needed

His mingy skin/thin fur/all over dirtiness = he's a big flea fest and has been over grooming as he is so itchy. He has sores and baldy bits from fleas/over grooming, and the dirt is because he is over grooming and his fur is over salivaey (not the term the vet used) so dirt is sticking to it (gross). Flea treatment which has been done, will sort that. When he goes to be neutered they will clean him up while he's under anaesthetic

His mouth = just mucky/scabby and his teeth are good!!

His tum = bloated due to worms so he's been wormed today and I have to do him again later in the week

Have spoken to RSPCA and CPL who are sending vouchers to cover the cost of his treatment today and his neutering! SmileSmile

So soon I will be trying to persuade you all to adopt a lovely happy healthy friendly 4yr old neutered toilet trained chunky hunky boy!!

(As even with all his good points Big Grumpy still does not like him and wants to carry on being Queen Cat on her own)

If people want I will carry on posting pictures as he improves (not to try and seduce you into taking him on, oh no Wink )

OP posts:
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