update on my not so new any more kitty

10 years ago

My new little kitty, Maggie, isn't so new any more and also not so little. I got her in October when she was seven months old so have had her almost four months. As you may recall she had lots of litter box issues (didn't use it consistently), lots of intestinal parasites and loose stools and last but not least lots of scratching on furniture and other good stuff.

I'm happy to say she is completely over the litter box problem. This is such a relief as I got more than a little feedback that sometimes they might never get over that. I'm sure it had to do with the parasites and diarrhea and that is all resolved now too.

We are still working on the scratching problem. The two sided sticky stuff worked well in preventing her from scratching on things and she seems to be taking to those flat textured cardboard scratchers. I'm still struggling with clipping the claws but I sneaked up on her when she was asleep yesterday and had great results. Aside from being too slow to get anything done before she started squirming, I think I also wasn't clipping them short enough - too worried about cutting down to the quick.

Anyway, all is going well thankfully. I had to return the cat I adopted before this one (didn't get along well with the others) and I really wanted this one to work out since she is such good buddies with my other cat.

Here she is (top) with her buddy (below) on their new cat tree.

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Comments (7)

laurief_gw
10 years ago
It's wonderful to have such a happy ending/beginning. You and that little girl have been through a lot in a short time, but she sure looks healthy and happy now. Congraulations!

Laurie
zep516
10 years ago
{{!gwi}}
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You are all wonderful - thank you for your responses! This forum always amazes me. Bestyears - thanks for pointing out the hand feeding. I will do that for sure. I think one kitty is good for us with the dog but maybe once he passes, another kitty might be in order. I can see how people adopt mucltiple cats. They are so much easier than dogs. (But I adore my dog) :) Busybee - I did not know that about the purring. I hope she wasn't purring at the shelter because she was stressed although I am sure it is possible. She purrs when she eats and plays so I think that's a happy purr. Aunjen - how kind of you to adopt feral cats! I would want to love on them too. I agree that no matter her disposition, we will love her and it will be a rewarding relationship. Thank you. teacats - I will use all of your suggestions. Chijim - She is doing a lot better with my husband - I think it is going to be fine. I have had him feed her. He has taught her to drink water from the faucet. So, they're bonding. My 16 year old son is the next one who needs to feed her. Kiki - really good information - I am going to get her some treats today and start with the rewards immediately! It makes sense about the hands. She does let me pet her - when she's in the mood. I am really gentle with her and try to avoid sudden movements. I also pick her up when she lets me hoping that she will get used to it. I put her down right away once I sense she's had enough. HIIWTHI - more reassurance - thank you and thank you for the kind words. I'm glad I did too even if the adjustment takes a bit longer. There were beautiful cats at the shelter that had been there for 2 years. That would really be a tough adjustment! Thank you again. You have helped so much! Dawn
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camarogirl219, I am so very sorry for your loss. That's a lot of years for you to pack into a single goodbye, I know. My heart aches for you and Daisy, who must be traumatized and disoriented by the loss of her bud. I suspect that the addition of a new feline might be a difficult adjustment for her, but I do think it would be best for her in the long run. I would NOT, however, recommend adopting a male feline UNLESS you find an older adult who is known to be laid back and to live peacefully with other cats. Male kittens and young adults tend to be VERY rowdy, demanding, and rough and relentless in their play. I think that might be completely overwhelming for Daisy. But an older, mellow, well socialized boy might make a wonderful companion for her after the initial adjustment period. A young female kitten might also be a good choice of companion, as they don't tend to be nearly as overwhelming as males. And Daisy might find it easier to accept a young kitten, since she will not see the kitten as either a territorial or physical threat. An adult female probably isn't the best choice, though, as they tend not to bond with other adult females with whom they have not been raised. That's my experience after having integrated many felines of both genders and all ages into my household over the decades. I wish you a peaceful grief and happy future with Daisy et al. Laurie
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It was a good move on your part. A stray cat once came up to me about a mile away and followed me home. After vetting her I brought her in the house ,and it was instant turmoil. Since I was only fostering her, I gave her to the group and said she belonged in a one pet house. She found that home and is happy there. My three girl cats get along very well. It's the youngest male who is the troublemaker. He picks fights with one of the females all the time.
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I think I have only a hint of how a mother feels when they have a child that is too young or cannot communicate. They get sick and you blindly have to trust someone else to take care of them. My heart goes out to those moms that have the courage and strength to cope with children with life-threatening illness....I can only imagine. I try hard to keep a healthy perspective, but he IS my baby. Yes, my kitties have peed, pooped and thrown up on me. I keep cleaning it up and going on. I wouldn't have it any other way. My Lucky is an exceptional cat. (Iknow, I know...) I got him at about 3 weeks old from the weeds in the yard. He was born with a deformed back leg and I think his momma abandoned him. So I became his momma. Bottled fed, cuddled and cradled him. People that have seen us together have said "that cat is in love with you!" It's true. He sleeps like a baby in my arms, and gazes into my eyes. His favorite song is "you are my sunshine" He comes to me when I call. He waits for me at the door to come home. After dinner, he wants me to pick him while I sit at the table. He just wants me to cradle him...no food. I have a sling I made to carry him in...he likes to be in it when I do dishes. Everynight when I sit to watch a little TV he pulls up as tight as he can beside me, I hold out my arm and he sits on his butt upright and leans against me and the back of sofa. He gets carried to bed every night...And every morning is waiting at the bottom for his momma snuggle time. When I take him to the vet, he hugs me, clinging like a toddler. I take him out of the carrier and hold him the whole time, even in the waiting room. Even the vet says he is unusually loving. He sits patiently on my lap when I trim his toenails...when his butt is dirty (missing leg problem) he lets me wash him. When I am sick he never leaves me. Can you tell I love the little guy?
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annzgw
10 years ago
Thanks for the update. Your thread should be a 'sticky' so anyone with litter box problems can easily find it. Just goes to show that if you're willing to work hard at solving the cause of the problem, the side effects will disappear.

I feel that her scratching habits, same as her litter box issues, will disappear in time. My cat was 1 1/2-2 yrs old before she lost her desire to scratch my furniture. She will still sometimes come bounding up the side of a chair, or pull herself along the bottom of the sofa, but overall she prefers her sisal and cardboard.
Have you considered using the Soft Paws vs clipping her nails?

A Hi-5 to you for all your effort!

Here is a link that might be useful: Soft Paws
Debbie Downer
10 years ago
Yay! Besides claw clipping are you also touching, stroking, massaging the paws during your cuddle times and pushing claws in and out as if were going to clip - gets them to have more positive associations with their paws being handled. At first they kind of freak out like - don't touch me there, why are you doing that! But then - well, who doesn't love a good foot massage!
socks
10 years ago
Good suggestion from KIashka. Maybe give treats when working with the feet too, if your kitty likes them.

Beatuiful cats, Gibby!
3katz4me
Original Author
10 years ago
I will work on that - foot, toe and claw massage at times other than claw clipping time.

annz, I maybe incorrectly concluded that applying soft paws wouldn't be any easier than clipping. And feedback I got from friends who tried that option wasn't very positive. I believe the main issue was that they didn't stay on very long.

I do feel a little more optimistic on the clipping after my latest relatively successful endeavor.
oregpsnow
10 years ago
Thrilled to hear Maggie, Tucker and their people are happy. Props to you for sticking with her through the litter box issues and giving another kitty a terrific home.

update on my not so new any more kitty

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laurief_gw

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update on my not so new any more kitty

Comments (7)

laurief_gw

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annzgw

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