Help with stray cat(s)
Over the last year I have somehow acquired 5 cats (up from zero - my cat had recently died) My neighbor had several outdoor/barn cats that he stopped taking care of, and they slowly started migrating to me. I noticed they were covered in fleas and ear mites and not being fed regularly. The neighbor was also not taking care of himself, so I didn’t see the situation getting better and took over the care of the cats. I got them into the vet and they had a host of issues - I don’t even want to say how much I spend monthly on medicines and prescription food. Anyway, that’s where 3 come in… I slowly moved them inside and they are happy to be clean, bug free house cats.
Number 4:
I had a very scared intact stray Siamese/Seal Point in my backyard for over a year that I fed. I put up a house for him and put up with his hissing and swatting, continuing to feed him and give him fresh water, trying to gain his trust. I had someone come out and try to help me check him for a chip and TNR him, but it was impossible. Then in January, he got injured. He was agreeable to being helped and I took him to the vet to get cleaned up, neutered, shots, etc. They then told me that he was FIV+ and shouldn’t be living outside. I have learned a lot about FIV+ cats and understand that it is not easily spread, as long as there aren’t any deep bite wounds or bad cat fights. I kept him in my office while he got his hormones out and healed up. I was not ready to take on a 4th cat inside, but struggled to find anyone to take him with his (bad) attitude and FIV status. So I’ve slowly tried to introduce him to the rest of the house. I’ve read all the books and watched all the videos. My indoor cats have just become very territorial and as much as the Siamese wants to be their friend so badly, they still can’t be left unsupervised. They’ve gotten into some tough scuffles. I’m getting ready to move and think this will be a lot of stress on the whole lot, myself included. The good news is, he’s soooo sweet and affectionate towards me now. As soon as we got home from the vet, he wanted to cuddle. He’d barely let me pet him before. So I would love to keep him if possible, but also know if someone was willing to be patient with him to gain his trust and who had no other cats (or at least easy-going ones,) he might be better off in that situation. I will keep trying to make it work if I don’t find the ideal home for him.
Number 5. Over the last week, I’ve somehow acquired a 5th cat in my yard. I haven’t had any food out since January, so I wasn’t trying to attract her, but she found me anyway. She was all matted up and looked thin. She was crying at my back door in the rain before I finally gave in and fed her. I posted her on all the sites trying to find an owner. I took her to the vet to get checked for a chip. Nothing. They said after 10 days, she’s mine. But I can NOT take on a 5th cat. And I don’t want her to get used to relying on me for food a month before I move. I am desperate to find her a home. I did have an offer for a feral colony for her to join as a last resort, but I’m not sure if that’s the life for her as she’s something of a princess.
If anyone has a suggestion or knows someone who is looking for a cat or could recommend an organization to at least take the number 5 stray, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m willing to help with rehoming fees through an organization or to foster in the short term, but I have cats coming out of my ears at this point while also trying to move, and I am overwhelmed.
Pics of the most recent stray (she is absolutely darling and super affectionate) and the Siamese (just in case there happens to be a Siamese expert or a super patient interested party)
Thank you for reading and sorry so long! Help me cat people