Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

The litter tray

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

Sort of a rescue cat, advice needed please!

112 replies

ParrotPudding · 06/12/2017 17:37

Ok, so I know I may well get flamed for this, but we are having a bit of a nightmare and really could do with some advice.
We have had a mouse problem for a while, tried everything and to no avail. We were advised to try getting a cat in the hope it put the mouseys off visiting us.
Having a half hearted look online (google of our area rescues etc) and came across an advert on Gumtree (i know, i know!).
The ad pretty much was come take this cat and gimme some money for it. Very vague and a tad cold. DH wanted to go and see this cat asap because he had a bad feeling about the cats welfare (what with being put on gumtree and the wording of the ad)

So, we went to see him, walked into a house that was filthy, growing cannabis in thier bathroom etc. Poor boy was hiding under the bed, man pulled him out from under the bed by his face.
We couldn't leave him there!!
Dh had a few choice words with the man and the woman who was there just asked dh for. £15 so she could buy a fish tank instead 😐Angry
Got him home, deflead and wormed him immediately. He's very very skinny and nervous. He didn't eat or use the litter tray for just over 24hrs. DH managed to get him eating and drinking and he's now using the tray although he spends 99% of his time hid under our bed or under the radiator in our bedroom. I've just flea combed him and we have found what appears to be cigarette burns in numerous places over his body.Earliest we can see a vet is tomorrow evening, when we are booked to get him chipped, checked and to have his vaccinations done over a six week course.Is there anything we can do for his skin in the meantime? Anything you recommend to help him settle in? He really is so so lovely , we just want to make his life good.
The ad said he was about 7.

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 08/12/2017 18:06

My girl has a heart murmur and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy a month ago. But seems better on her cocktail of pills.

ParrotPudding · 10/12/2017 08:39

So Buster is doing well so far, he's eating well although we have been advosed to feed little and often for a few weeks at least.
His confidence is growing, he's been venturing out of our bedroom now and then but still hides from DC a lot although he does like the fuss they make of him when he lets them!
Today marks a week since he came home to us and it seems like he's been here so much longer.

He was up and about a lot in the night last night seemingly chasing a mouse but he has also spent a lot of time showing the who is boss! Looks like we are off scratching post shopping today!

OP posts:
Want2beme · 10/12/2017 08:49

That's a lovely update. Have a look at zooplus for home deliveries of cat paraphernalia, a bit cheaper as well.

m.zooplus.co.uk

Wolfiefan · 10/12/2017 08:50

Oh bless. Lovely update.

YetAnotherSpartacus · 10/12/2017 09:19

He was up and about a lot in the night last night seemingly chasing a mouse

Which was how he came to live with you in the first place :).

MycatsaPirate · 10/12/2017 11:33

Op, please contact Cats protection as they often pay for things like blood tests for strays etc. They were wonderful with us as we took in a cat which was chucked out by someone further up the street as they didn't want him anymore. They paid for all his bloods and sorted out his microchip. They are also paying for our little rescue (found living under a shed) to be spayed and chipped in the New Year.

I am so glad Buster is with you. Poor, poor boy has had a really shitty life so far but you will make him happy and in return he will give you so much in return.

retirednow · 10/12/2017 11:51

PP is right, contact some of the animal charities - Cat Protection, Blue Cross, RSPCA, PDSA and see if they will help with any costs to get Buster back on his paws. It's such a heartwarming story and he is one lucky boy. BTW you said that you have just qualified, in what? congratulations in whatever it is.

ParrotPudding · 12/12/2017 20:33

Sorry guy we've been having a bit of a nightmare with DDs health last few days so not been about to update much.
Thanks for all the suggestions about cats protection etc but honestly we are fine.paying for it in the new year, that charity money could go to other cats etc that have owners that really really need it.

Im qualified in pharmaceuticals retirednow
Which means i can now get into pharm management which is where i want to be.

Busters skin in healing beautifully, hes started taking a real pride in himself and washing properly now.
He gets excited at meal times and gives me a little kiss on the nose now and then when he recieves a meal of satisfactory quality.

OP posts:
Paris1986 · 12/12/2017 20:41

Can I just say how lovely your story is. Buster is beautiful, and I'm so so glad he was rescued from that awful place. I really hope he has a happy ending, and you all have a great Christmas. Xxx

LapdanceShoeshine · 12/12/2017 20:47

❤️ at the latest Buster update (esp grooming & kisses on nose!)

MycatsaPirate · 13/12/2017 08:36

Lovely update. Bless him, he may take some time to feel safe but I'm glad he is starting to groom himself properly. That's a really good sign and I hope he goes from strength to strength.

I have no words for the people who treated him so badly. Poor Buster.

Vinorosso74 · 13/12/2017 08:43

Yes a lovely update! I am pleased his skin his healing, he must feel so much better already.
Hope your DD is ok too.

Jonsnowsghost · 13/12/2017 08:46

This made me so sad, and then happy :). How can people be so cruel :( I hope he has many happy years with you.

SparklyMagpie · 13/12/2017 10:38

I was already feeling a little emotional and hormonal and reading this has caused little tears, what a lovely ending so far, must admit it was you saying "a little kiss on the nose.. ." That has my lip going now

I dread to think about what poor Buster has been through, but what a safe,loving family and home he has now!

I really hope he continues to get stronger !

Shows you just how amazing people are in the world!! Xxx

Justabadwife · 13/12/2017 10:48

He is the most gorgeous cat i think I've ever seen ❤❤ hes a very lucky boy that he has found people that will love and look after him properly.

MinorRSole · 13/12/2017 12:37

Cigarette burns Sad wtf is wrong with people. They actually held a lit cigarette against his skin which he won't have just stood there happily for. I hope to god these people don't have more animals or children

Buster is stunning and sounds like he is responding brilliantly to a bit of love. Cats aren't daft, he will quickly realise that you aren't anything like his old 'home' and I bet you he will repay your kindness tenfold.

I will be keeping my fingers crossed for some good news in the new year regarding his health. Have a lovey Christmas op

ParrotPudding · 02/01/2018 13:48

Incase anyone wants to know..
Uodate on Buster: he has put on a whopping 200g, fur is growing back where the burns were but have COMPLETELY HEALED!
He's thoroughly enjoyed christmas as actually came out to socialise a bit when we had visitors...it.was definitely nothing to do with the smoked haddock being cooked. Heart murmurr is still there but other than that his health is coming on leaps and bounds.

OP posts:
timtam23 · 02/01/2018 15:03

That's a lovely update, happy New Year to you and Buster!

MinorRSole · 02/01/2018 15:11

Lovely news, happy new year and life for Buster Smile

Wolfiefan · 02/01/2018 15:15

What a lovely update and what a lucky puss! I may have something in my eye. Wink

MycatsaPirate · 02/01/2018 15:16

Brilliant update. I hope he goes from strength to strength.

PanannyPanoo · 02/01/2018 15:17

So glad you found each other.

Shmithecat · 02/01/2018 15:22

Had a bit of a cry reading this. You're wonderful OP, and your DH sounds awesome. What a sweetheart cat. 💓

Want2beme · 02/01/2018 16:08

That's lovely. Hope his heart heals this yearSmile

Papergirl1968 · 02/01/2018 19:36

Ahh, I’m so pleased to hear this.
Happy new year Parrot and Buster 🐱