33 replies to this topic

[Feck]

abandoned cat seems housebroken enough, but with outside access hasn't used the litter box i set up for it.

i won't keep it as an outdoor cat.

girl at work suggested finding where it's been going and bringing a sample home.

the only thing i can think of is some type of quarantine - no options situation.

[seany]

How old is the cat? If it's older and hasn't been using a litter box, good luck.

But, yeah, putting it in the box and scratching around a little is always the first step. Most cats are smart enough that they just get it, but if this has been an exclusively outdoor cat, then maybe it needs some coaching.

[Feck]

i'm guessing 2yrs old max, no clue about how many prior owners / habits except for the AH across the way.
maybe 4 - 6 weeks ago w/ one 1/2 + 1/2

[Eco]

Ear plugs & willpower &booze.

I tried it a couple of times and gave up, those bastards sat at my door meowing all night to go out, then to come in, then to go out......... It's not worth alcoholism and mental issues IMO, send the cat packing and start fresh.

Good luck

[Feck]

probably why the AH turned it out in the first place.

so this morning i go to set up a barrier so the cat couldn't stay in the living area, didn't want any part of that - kept thorwing itself at the thing until it gave way - only to bolt outside when i went to leave.

the cat lady suggested keeping it in a dog pen until it figured out the whole box thing - wtf does everyonehove a spare dog pen laying around ?

anywho i think i've got something figured out, but if that lil f'r would just use the damn box, he'd get free run of the place.

[In A Silent Way]

[Feck]

actually he's pretty good at staying out, but then again i'm not around if it want's back in.
prolly will change now that the food is inside

[Lemireacle]

Doesn't someone sell a converter for that?

[hoagie]

"wtf does everyonehove a spare dog pen laying around ?"

I actually do have one laying around, I was going to put it on Ebay soon, but if you need it, its yours! Its pretty big, could fit a medium sized dog, stands about 3ft high or so....

[Feck]

thanks
i'm hoping to get it into the shelter by the time i leave for VA next week, and unless i give up my living room, i have no place for one indoors.

[bigtoddy]

Would you like to never be able to go outside again as long as you live? Bad form. Let the cat out. Be thankful that it shits outside. I suggest a bag of Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter so it figures out where to go if trapped inside, but really, let it out.

[In A Silent Way]

I sure there are some Chinese restaurants that would take it.

[Feck]

2 weeks later and he doesn't even go down the stairs anymore or try to get out.
not when i leave, not when i come home.
once i get to the top of the stairs i'll get a visit, but that's about it.

[Eco]

Congrats and I'm glad you didn't listen to my 2 cents!

[TEO]

2 weeks later and he doesn't even go down the stairs anymore or try to get out.
not when i leave, not when i come home.
once i get to the top of the stairs i'll get a visit, but that's about it.

YAY

[Karen]

2 weeks later and he doesn't even go down the stairs anymore or try to get out.
not when i leave, not when i come home.
once i get to the top of the stairs i'll get a visit, but that's about it.

Yay! So happy you and kitty and settled in

[tyedyedee]

i bet you made something meaty and yummy and he was like I'M STAYIN!

does this mean you are keeping him, dave?
hope so...

if you can put something he can hang out on next to a window, so he can look outside and sunbathe, he would probably like that
they sell little hammocks that you can attach to the sill but just a chair and a pillow or towel works, too
maybe put some catnip nearby to encourage him to use it

if you have any kitty-poppa questions, post em and we can help!

[Feck]

well for now he fits on the sill, found it on his own - i think he likes to glare at the former owner across the courtyard and show how happy he is.

might be having some upper GI issues, but since i have no idea what his diet was - garbage/dry food/critters ?- hopefully they are just related to changes.

since he was out for so long, i was planning to go to the vet anyway - so i'll just move up the plan.
for now he had to go back into segregation -

[Rayzeeday]

Love understanding and friendship prevails again. I hope I never have to try this trick on the boys.

[Feck]

just plian boiled chicken and rice today, so far so good.
i'm headed back out in a few hours, i'll see the results tomorrow

[tyedyedee]

ask the vet for food recommendations, as human food isnt always a good idea for kitties
and def, the transition from free-range food to other food can make them pukey...
also, if he sheds a lot, he can get hairballs from grooming which end up being puke torpedos
is he showing you affection yet?
i wanna see more pics

[PeaceFrog]

Doesn't someone sell a converter for that?

that was my first thought

the second thought I had was that he needs some cool places to hang out, but apparently he found it.

There's this pretty cool show on Animal Planet called "My Cat From Hell." It's very interesting and informative... this cat behaviorist goes and helps people with their misbehaving cats.

Basically, cats just need lots of places to climb and hide and they like looking out the window.

If you play with the cat, you might see him more often. You could get one of those feather things on a string, or a laser... but I have mixed feelings on the laser. They love it but maybe a little too much. They seem to look for it long after you stop shining it... makes you feel bad.

I give mine catnip a lot... but for medical reasons

Oh and don't forget something to scratch on... otherwise it'll be something you love. They need to scratch for their nails.

[Feck]

is he showing you affection yet?

since day one - no problems petting, really likes getting brushed - not shedding, scrathes under the chin.
took to the scrathing post thing, chases the toys i put some treats in, has 2 wondow sills for looking out.
i also leave some treats on top of on old chest, on top of the scratch post or one of his hiding places.
not many just one or 2of those temptation things.

will be making vet appt tomorrow.
i met this guy years ago, helped w/ some strays and didn't charge my friend.
that seems like 100 years ago.

photos - will try, once i find the gdmf camera - maybe in the car, ????

i'm on the dl right now, jammed my left elbow preventing a fall - maybe the vet can check me out too ?

[PeaceFrog]

awesome... sounds like this cat has good karma

I'm looking forward to pics.

sorry about your elbow

[tyedyedee]

sounds like you are doing it right, dave

hope your elbow feels better soon

i may just not remember reading it, but did you name him yet?

[Feck]

we don't use names -

Dr appt is 7:00 PM tonight

[Feck]

epcot fail ?

cat does not like to get put in the box.
are taping up the almost destroyed box from the first 2 attepmts, i did manage to get him out to the car.
where it took the first oppertunity to bolt.
there was a slight chase around the inside if the car, no damage to dashboard etc.

I still went to the vets office and found out they have someone there between 8:00AM and midnight ,7 days a week.
"just bring him in when you can".
cat was a no show all last night - untill 10:00PM anyway
when i went to leave this morning it was 50 degrees out, and the cat was back in the apt as fast as he left the car yesterday.
getting a real carrier today or tomorrow, but i might wait a few days before i try that again.
i have a wake i need to get to tonight, and may need to see dr. about the elbow

update -
hard carrier secured,

[nancykind]

you've done great so far. i trick Diamond with canned food in a small plastic dish being put in the carrier for a little while before one day suddenly slamming the door on her ass. other than her i'd never had an issue, i just cram them in there, but with a cat that didn't know and respect me like say, Tiger does, i'd be afraid of getting bitten and scratched.

[Feck]

thanks,
i might try to find a way to spring load the door and make it into a cat trap to use when i'm home.
once the door closes, i can be at the vet in less than 5 min.
he's pretty much keeping his distance from me right now, so it might be a few days.

[PeaceFrog]

some canned food in the carrier worked well for poncho too.

Like nancy said, you have to outsmart them. Let them eat safely in there for a few days or so... leave the thing with the door open so he can go in and out as he pleases, and then on the day you bring him to the vet you shut the door when he least expects it.

That worked for Poncho. Sometimes it even seemed as if she enjoyed being inside the carrier. She'd just go in there and lay down.

[vinandtonic]

we always take our carriers out a few days before a trip to the vet. they actually like sleeping in them sometimes. you would think they would make the association that carrier=vet, especially since Atticus goes there once a month, but somehow they don't seem to.

[Feck]

thanks for the tip.
this guy wants no part of any box i've ever put down, so hopefully it just hates cardboard boxes/trips in cardbaod boxes.
i will move the new one inside tonight and see what happens - maybe take off the door + put in some nip and treats.

[PeaceFrog]

good call on the nip! I remember doing that too, now...

[Feck]

so i didn't bring the carrier in last night - still actlng skitish.
the other problem seems to be friming / clearing up, but he is still going to the vet.