Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => Pets without Feathers => Topic started by: John on December 26, 2019, 12:37

Title: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 26, 2019, 12:37
We've a guest today. He's a battle-scarred warrior with some unsavoury habits like spraying but he's getting on and hungry.
Normally he runs out as soon as he sees us but today he let me feed him a couple of sachets of cat food.
He was purring as he ate and I even got a stroke in!
Then he got onto the worktop, pushed the lid off the butter dish and ate half a new pack we put in yesterday :)
I thought he was feral but now think he's a stray or his owner has gone. Anyway, poor chap needs help and we just can't chase him off.
He came back for breakfast today, emptied a tin of Whiskas over the worktop and the floor but ran off when I walked in. I might see if I can borrow a trap cage as he really needs a vet and making friends isn't his strongpoint.
I watched him trudge down the path, soaking wet and it was so sad.

Large, sandy ginger tom, not neutered.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on December 26, 2019, 14:18
Poor old fella, you're a good man John.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: mumofstig on December 26, 2019, 15:07
At least he has found a friend, even if he hasn't realised it yet  :)
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 26, 2019, 15:41
I've a feeling he's getting near the end - but if I can get him to feel safe with us then at worst the last part of his life will be easy.

Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: jaydig on December 26, 2019, 16:47
We had a similar situation a couple of years ago.  We noticed a cat that seemed very thin, and was always in our garden. we started feeding it. Come the winter, when it got cold, we bought it a bed and let it sleep in the back lobby. "Only while the weather's cold!", I told my husband. After losing the last of our three huskies I was so upset I swore I'd never have another animal. Two years later, we have been adopted. Cat - that it her name "Cat", has taken over my husband's chair and moans until he moves when she wants to sit in it. We have just bought her an outside shelter in case she needs warmth and security if she goes out for a while. Her teeth aren't brilliant, so hubby spends time mashing up her food to a mush (no, she doesn't like the little sachets that are already very soft!), and feeding her about six times a day in small amounts.
Beware John, a takeover is in the offing!
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 26, 2019, 21:37
He came back in tonight. Definitely not a feral, he purred when I stroked him. I think he's got some sort of mange on his face, an injured eye, a problem with his mouth or teeth and he's not grooming himself. Did manage to eat some mashed Felix and cooked chicken breast torn up small. Not much though, especially not for a big cat.
Going to try and catch him tomorrow and get him to a vet but I can't hold him in the house against his will easily. We're too open plan and the other cats are unsure of him - Lotty (boss cat) was growling at him which isn't a good sign, Niblet ran off and hid but the others seem wary but tolerant
He checked out the bedroom and I thought he was going to settle down in the lounge but something spooked him.
Plan is to call the local animal rescue in the morning for advice and to see if they can keep him secure whilst he recuperates at least.
Hope the vet is able to help him, he's suffering and if they can't help then I know what has to be done.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 27, 2019, 00:17
Quick update - he came back in and settled on a chair in the lounge for a bit before moving into the bedroom to settle down there. At least he's warm and dry.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on December 27, 2019, 00:50
Glad to hear he's setttling in with you and safe from the elements. I showed my boy the picture you posted and he thinks it's both the ugliest but loveliest cat he's ever seen! Keep us updated, for better or worse.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 27, 2019, 10:01
I fell asleep on the sofa and awoke at 2am - he'd gone. I thought he might come back for breakfast this morning but no sign.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: grinling on December 27, 2019, 22:12
there is a lot of missing ginger cats on animal search uk. Hope it is microchipped
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 28, 2019, 09:11
Well he's not come back :(
He's been visiting us for a while - usually all we saw was his tail vanishing through the cat flap. I'd like to think he has a home and has gone there but I fear that may have been the last time we'll see him.
At worst he had a few warm hours and nice food, knowing someone was friendly and not shouting him away.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: New shoot on December 28, 2019, 09:18
If he has gone for good, it was his decision.  Perhaps he felt it coming and went away to be alone.

He was allowed in, got food and affection and was welcome to stay.  You did what you could and perhaps that was all he wanted from you.  I'm sure it made a difference to him  :)
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: Growster... on December 28, 2019, 14:22
We had a couple of rescue cats a few years back, Rollo and Ripley. Rollo was just formidable in his enjoyment of life, Ripley was so shy, he hardly ever came near us.

One night, I couldn't sleep, so came downstairs to slouch on the sofa for either some sort of kip, or at least a chance to stretch out and let Mrs Growster sleep on. Ripley suddenly appeared, and as I was so quiet, he came up and just lay down next to me, and for the first time ever, I heard the softest purr you could even imagine!

Dear, dear boy...
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 29, 2019, 23:23
He came back tonight, starving hungry. Put a sachet of Whiskas in gravy down, laced with Metacam (a painkiller for cats) and he didn't wait on the bowl going down, leapt onto the worktop to wolf it down.
Then ate another 2 sachets!
Son-in-law, Gary, came round (to pick up a toy they'd left) and we got him into a cat basket with no fuss. Partly because Gary is very good with cats and partly I think because Tom doesn't have the strength left to fight.  Gary then nipped off to get a dog crate they have and we transferred Tom into that. He's got a folded fleecy blanket, litter tray, more food (laced with Metacam) and water.
Vet's tomorrow to see what can be done.
Apart from his endearing habit of scent marking and spraying (he did the microwave on one visit!) he's a lovely friendly chap when he trusts you. Trouble is, being a whole Tom, he's a wanderer by nature so if he needs care for weeks (as I think he may) that means incarceration in the crate. I may be able to get the local cat rescue place to help but suspect they've got their hands full at this time of year.
Vets aren't cheap either... when Niblet lost her eye that was over £700. Oh well, that's my retirement being delayed.  :nowink:
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on December 29, 2019, 23:35
John, do you have a Paypal account? I would chip in  a couple of quid to help if you do and I bet I'm not the only one here who would help the old boy out. There's not many who would step in and help out an old furbag like you have mate.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 29, 2019, 23:53
That's an idea! Let's see what happens tomorrow when we've been to the vets.
We've set the crate up in the bathroom - keeps him apart from the other cats and I think he could do without stress. Also, if he gets out of the crate he's in a room with a shut door.
Well, he's used the litter tray.. I'd give it a few minutes as they say :)
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 30, 2019, 11:26
He's up at the vets who will ring later - having blood tests and the eye-specialist will take a look but it seems to be a tumour on his eye. She can feel a mass in his belly as well so ultrasound for that. He's very underweight which could just be from being homeless or it could be some medical cause. His jaw is OK but what teeth he has left have seen better days.
Plan is to review when we've got the results and decide the best thing to do. Vet's not hopeful, though.
If needed I've arranged accommodation at the local cat rescue - much as I'd like him to stay here it's just not going to work. The tension with the existing moggies is high.

Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 30, 2019, 14:49
Sad news I'm sorry to say. He's got Feline Infectious Leukemia - FeLV - which is incurable and eventually fatal. He's in the last stages. If he was a house cat, then we could keep him limping along for a few months.. possibly.. but he's not. It wouldn't be a kindness to condemn him to a lingering, painful, lonely end.
I'm heading up there in a bit to be with him at the end, I'll take some chicken breast so he has a treat before the injection. Only consolation is that his last couple of days have been decent with food and warmth and affection.
Strange how he's gone from that blasted beast who's sprayed half the kitchen with pungent marker to someone in my heart.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: Growster... on December 30, 2019, 17:00
Your help for the little chap will have made a huge difference, John.

Growsters get 'touched' by such kindness in many ways, but this is so very sad to read.

Well done you and Val! Plenty of mice 'up there' anyway!
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: mumofstig on December 30, 2019, 17:15
It's better for him to be PTS than carry on in pain, at least you cared enough to do that for him, although it is sad :(
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on December 30, 2019, 17:37
A sad end to the tale, but as others have said at least you helped him out in his last few days.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: jaydig on December 30, 2019, 18:28
You have given him care and comfort for his last few days, and nobody can do more than that.  The most important thing in caring for animals is that they are lucky enough to have someone to decide when enough is enough and that they don't suffer unnecessarily at the end.  It's never an easy decision, and can break your heart, but those who truly love their animals will always put the pet's welfare above their own feelings. I'm sorry it wasn't a better outcome, but it would have been far worse if you hadn't taken him in.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 30, 2019, 18:35
I got there half an hour early and had some time with him. The nurse brought the cat basket in and he meowed at me. Jumped out for 5 minutes of head butting and purring and then ate a sachet of Whiskas, stopping every few minutes to head bump me.
When the vet came in, he gave her a head bump as well. He'd got a catheter (?) in his leg so no injection as such. He was gone in 3 seconds. He went happy and loved with no pain.
It was tough but I kept it together until I got in the car to drive home.
Our neighbours from up the hill insisted on contributing to the bill as he used to visit them as well.
Feel very wretched tonight, despite knowing it was the right thing to do for him.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: wighty on December 30, 2019, 18:42
A sad but touching story, you did the right thing, I  know it's hard, had to make that decision myself over my dogs. To lose someone, anyone, animal or human at this time of year seems to make it harder.  I'm proud of you John that you could have sensed he needed you at this time of his life and made him welcome.  Wighty.
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: New shoot on December 31, 2019, 09:02
Oh poor old puss cat  :( 

As you say, as a whole tom he was pre-disposed to be a wanderer, a scrapper and a chancer.  He probably had a fine old time of it raiding houses, terrorising the resident moggies and nicking their food.  As for the humans - pah, spray the microwave and let them know who is boss.

He had some friends in your neighbours and you.  Even though he was a menace in his fitter days, you cared and he let you know he appreciated it.  Head bumps are not dished out to just anyone.

You did better than me at the vets as well.  I cried my eyes out when I had to take Max to be PTS last year.  I even got set off again picking up his ashes. Nothing wrong in having a heart  :)
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on December 31, 2019, 10:17
It's not the first time I've had to take a cat on a one way trip and it doesn't get any easier for me, but I've got better at making it easier for them. They don't see it coming, so no fear or pain.
What did take me by surprise was how he'd got into my heart overnight. He lived his life as he wanted and went out on a high - which is something we all would like, I think.


Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: MrsPea on December 31, 2019, 16:17
A sad but lovely story R.I.P Tom.  :)
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: Yorkie on January 02, 2020, 16:58
Aww, bless you for caring for him John.

*Must be an eyelash in my eye … I'm not sniffling here, honest*
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: grinling on January 04, 2020, 22:45
You make me think of Brian Blessed who has an animal rescue place near the A3, very moving book of his about the animals they have looked after
Title: Re: A Guest for Christmas Tea
Post by: John on January 05, 2020, 09:27
You make me think of Brian Blessed who has an animal rescue place near the A3, very moving book of his about the animals they have looked after
I didn't know that about Brian Blessed, good on him!