I've been feeding a feral/homeless (I think it's a feral, it won't come near humans, and doesn't appear to have a home) kitty for a few weeks and tonight I managed to catch it in my humane havahart trap. (good thing too, it's freezing tonight). I am taking the cat to the clinic tomorrow to be spayed/neutered. Idon't know if it's a male or a female. The cat is not fully grown and very frightened. I have kitty in his cage locked away in a warm bathroom far away from my other cats - I covered the cage with a towel.
It's a sweet little black kitty with a white muzzle, pink nose and white whiskers.
My questions are:
1. when I bring the cat back from the vet how many days should I keep it inside after surgery?
2. The vet said that if we vaccinate the cat we'll have to bring it back for follow up vaccines but I don't think I'll be able to catch it again once I release it. Is there anything I should do besides have the neuter/spay?
3. We recently made the cat a waterproof/windproof shelter outside in our back yard away from the road and I filled it with straw, which was recommended by the feral cat coalition to keep the cat warm. I'll continue to provide food and the outdoor shelter for the kitty after the spay/neuter. Is there anything else I should do/know about while I have him safely in the cage?
4. I was told by someone who works with feral cats that they don't usually make a sound when they're in the trap - this kitty gave a yowl when I picked his cage up to bring indoors - is it correct that ferals are usually silent?
Just caught a feral/homeless kitty and have a question
Re: Just caught a feral/homeless kitty and have a question
Males can be released within a day or two, try to check his incision area first, for any signs of bruising, swelling, oozing of blood or pus, and watch him to make sure he's not excessively licking at it. If an infection occurs, you want to get it treated immediately by the vet. The vet may use surgical glue to close the incision...most of the time, this is fine, but some cats might have a reaction to the glue, which would make it bad if you couldn't monitor him.
Females should be kept for a few days (around 4-5 or longer if possible) to prevent overactivity that could loosen sutures and cause bacterial infection at the incision site. You want to monitor the site for bruising, swelling, oozing of pus or blood, redness, hot to the touch etc, all of which could indicate infection that would require treatment. The vet would use absorbable sutures and possibly surgical glue as well, but again, watch for reactions and/or infection.
The vet knows it would be difficult to trap again for vaccination boosters, so ask the vet to vaccinate for FVRCP, FELV and Rabies, but ideally to test for FELV/FIV first. If that's not possible, at least get a comprehensive exam before vaccinating. Ideally, a pre-surg blood screen could be done too, but if you can't afford that, again ensure a comprehensive exam.
I personally do not recommend straw, it hurts when layed on, and can mold easily, and attract bugs and parasites. Instead, use soft, heavy blankets, fleece material, anything cottony that will retain warmth. When using blankets, they will have to be removed and discarded and replaced with new fresh blankets...this should be done regularly to prevent mold/mildew, urine/fecal stain buildup, etc.
If possible, make sure the kitty house is elevated a few inches off the ground to prevent water from seeping in and destroying the floor or causing the floor to remain cold. Keep the opening to the kitty house large enough for a cat, but too small for a dog to enter. Cover the opening with a towel and leave one side untacked so kitty can paw at it to open it.
You could also buy styrofoam boards, cut to size to fit all 4 walls, celing, and the floor, fitting tight against all the surfaces. Styrofoam can help insulate the kitty house. There's a million ways to provide shelter, but it should always be insulated!
If you're thinking of keeping a kitty house outdoors for the long-term, consider buying or builiding a real dog house, with a smaller opening, insulate it, and buy an outdoor-use kennel/whelping warming pad at Petsmart to keep kitties warm inside. It is placed on the floor of the house, has an outdoor cord that connects to your outdoor extension cord, then to your outdoor outlet. It is a nice way to keep them warm when they're sleeping, and it uses minimal watts so it doesn't really affect your electric bills at all.
In an outdoor environment, or a new environment, if confined in a cage or trap, they may or may not be vocal. The comment about them not making a sound is not true. Fright and extreme stress may cause them to be calm and quiet, but that doesn't mean they won't also vocalize.
Females should be kept for a few days (around 4-5 or longer if possible) to prevent overactivity that could loosen sutures and cause bacterial infection at the incision site. You want to monitor the site for bruising, swelling, oozing of pus or blood, redness, hot to the touch etc, all of which could indicate infection that would require treatment. The vet would use absorbable sutures and possibly surgical glue as well, but again, watch for reactions and/or infection.
The vet knows it would be difficult to trap again for vaccination boosters, so ask the vet to vaccinate for FVRCP, FELV and Rabies, but ideally to test for FELV/FIV first. If that's not possible, at least get a comprehensive exam before vaccinating. Ideally, a pre-surg blood screen could be done too, but if you can't afford that, again ensure a comprehensive exam.
I personally do not recommend straw, it hurts when layed on, and can mold easily, and attract bugs and parasites. Instead, use soft, heavy blankets, fleece material, anything cottony that will retain warmth. When using blankets, they will have to be removed and discarded and replaced with new fresh blankets...this should be done regularly to prevent mold/mildew, urine/fecal stain buildup, etc.
If possible, make sure the kitty house is elevated a few inches off the ground to prevent water from seeping in and destroying the floor or causing the floor to remain cold. Keep the opening to the kitty house large enough for a cat, but too small for a dog to enter. Cover the opening with a towel and leave one side untacked so kitty can paw at it to open it.
You could also buy styrofoam boards, cut to size to fit all 4 walls, celing, and the floor, fitting tight against all the surfaces. Styrofoam can help insulate the kitty house. There's a million ways to provide shelter, but it should always be insulated!
If you're thinking of keeping a kitty house outdoors for the long-term, consider buying or builiding a real dog house, with a smaller opening, insulate it, and buy an outdoor-use kennel/whelping warming pad at Petsmart to keep kitties warm inside. It is placed on the floor of the house, has an outdoor cord that connects to your outdoor extension cord, then to your outdoor outlet. It is a nice way to keep them warm when they're sleeping, and it uses minimal watts so it doesn't really affect your electric bills at all.
In an outdoor environment, or a new environment, if confined in a cage or trap, they may or may not be vocal. The comment about them not making a sound is not true. Fright and extreme stress may cause them to be calm and quiet, but that doesn't mean they won't also vocalize.
..........Traci
Re: Just caught a feral/homeless kitty and have a question
I should also mention that you should monitor anesthesia reactions or slow recovery...if either occur, notify the vet at once, be prepared to get them rechecked immediately.
..........Traci
Traci thank you so much for your help. We're going to have kitty tested for fiv/felv and we'll ask the vet about the other vaccines tomorrow morning. I've gone into the bathroom to talk to the cat and I think it's more likely a stray/ abandoned cat than a feral. I will definitely monitor the post anaesthesia/wound etc, and we'll keep the cat safely in the bathroom for the recovery. Kitty should be fine locked up for a few days. I have made a checklist to ask the vet including vaccines/ post op pain injections/ scanning cat for a microchip (just in case there's a millionth of a chance he got lost) and flea/parasite treatment if necessary. The ideal situation would be to tame and foster him and put him up for adoption at a no-kill shelter, but I don't know if this will be possible.
I'm not very good with my hands or using tools, so we made a very simple shelter for him using the Rubbermaid plastic box within a box instructions we found here (second shelter down): http://www.spayandstay.org/wintershelter.htm (sorry if we're not supposed to post links, I will edit it if necessary!). We have insulated it with styrofoam boards all around, and the inner box is a few inches off the ground. I'll take the straw out and fill it with blankets. When I followed the instructions to build the shelter and fill it with straw I also thought the straw seemed prickly. Thank you for the info on the whelping warming pad, it's a great idea and if kitty can't be tamed we'll get one. The winters here are very rainy so we've tried to make it as waterproof as possible.
I'll keep you updated on the cat's recovery, holding thumbs it will all go well.
I'm not very good with my hands or using tools, so we made a very simple shelter for him using the Rubbermaid plastic box within a box instructions we found here (second shelter down): http://www.spayandstay.org/wintershelter.htm (sorry if we're not supposed to post links, I will edit it if necessary!). We have insulated it with styrofoam boards all around, and the inner box is a few inches off the ground. I'll take the straw out and fill it with blankets. When I followed the instructions to build the shelter and fill it with straw I also thought the straw seemed prickly. Thank you for the info on the whelping warming pad, it's a great idea and if kitty can't be tamed we'll get one. The winters here are very rainy so we've tried to make it as waterproof as possible.
I'll keep you updated on the cat's recovery, holding thumbs it will all go well.
Re: Just caught a feral/homeless kitty and have a question
I've seen that site before, and although the plans are great for those needing low-cost temporary shelters for strays and ferals, I still wouldn't use straw. However, where they state in the instructions to pack straw in between the two inlaid boxes is a good idea, but I think styrofoam would still be better to insulate with.
If you had a piece of particle board or something similar to place over a thin layer of straw on the floor, then the straw could act as an insulator for the floor and the board, then you could place your blankets and/or the heating pad on the board. But, if you don't have the material, then take the straw out....I really do feel it is too uncomfortable for the cats.
I use the "Lectro-Kennel", the small size (12" x 18") in mine. Petsmart used to carry them but not sure if they do anymore. Do a google search for where to get them. Alittle pricey, but don't let the price prohibit you, they last for years if you take care of them. In the last 14 years, I've only replaced mine ONCE, they are worth every penny and the cats love them. They recommend you only use their fleece cover (extra) for them, but I've placed heavy blankets on top of them and they worked great. There are other outdoor heating pads for dog houses available, but when shopping, be sure you look for OUTDOOR-USE only, since they have an outdoor connector. Check them frequently to ensure they are working and staying warm when plugged in.
Thanks for caring so much and providing a safe and warm haven for these precious ones! (...and spaying/neutering, vaccinating, etc etc etc), you're an angel!
If you had a piece of particle board or something similar to place over a thin layer of straw on the floor, then the straw could act as an insulator for the floor and the board, then you could place your blankets and/or the heating pad on the board. But, if you don't have the material, then take the straw out....I really do feel it is too uncomfortable for the cats.
I use the "Lectro-Kennel", the small size (12" x 18") in mine. Petsmart used to carry them but not sure if they do anymore. Do a google search for where to get them. Alittle pricey, but don't let the price prohibit you, they last for years if you take care of them. In the last 14 years, I've only replaced mine ONCE, they are worth every penny and the cats love them. They recommend you only use their fleece cover (extra) for them, but I've placed heavy blankets on top of them and they worked great. There are other outdoor heating pads for dog houses available, but when shopping, be sure you look for OUTDOOR-USE only, since they have an outdoor connector. Check them frequently to ensure they are working and staying warm when plugged in.
Thanks for caring so much and providing a safe and warm haven for these precious ones! (...and spaying/neutering, vaccinating, etc etc etc), you're an angel!
..........Traci
Re: Just caught a feral/homeless kitty and have a question
I was reading through this....I work with ferals as well....but we live in a rural area so end up with quite a few sometimes...I have about 8 or 9 "regulars" right now...
we have an old truck topper that is insulated all around with bales of straw externally, and lots of straw and then blankets inside...I leave the door end propper open, but used an old rug to cover it and protect it from drafts....
However...not all of the kitties play nicely with each other, so not even knowing about that link, I did the rubbermaid boxes with styrofoam last year and they are on the screened front porch for those who prefer them....
hopefully your kitty rescue will go well...and who knows....after a few days in your bathroom...you just might decide that this one needs to stay inside with you forever
we have an old truck topper that is insulated all around with bales of straw externally, and lots of straw and then blankets inside...I leave the door end propper open, but used an old rug to cover it and protect it from drafts....
However...not all of the kitties play nicely with each other, so not even knowing about that link, I did the rubbermaid boxes with styrofoam last year and they are on the screened front porch for those who prefer them....
hopefully your kitty rescue will go well...and who knows....after a few days in your bathroom...you just might decide that this one needs to stay inside with you forever
Re: Just caught a feral/homeless kitty and have a question
Traci, thanks - I'm no angel just crazy about cats and I always try to get strays and ferals on my property taken care of. I don't want to have a feral colony and I wish people would take responsibility and get strays/ferals neutered or spayed so there aren't so many unwanted kittens in the world. It breaks my heart.Traci wrote:I've seen that site before, and although the plans are great for those needing low-cost temporary shelters for strays and ferals, I still wouldn't use straw. However, where they state in the instructions to pack straw in between the two inlaid boxes is a good idea, but I think styrofoam would still be better to insulate with.
If you had a piece of particle board or something similar to place over a thin layer of straw on the floor, then the straw could act as an insulator for the floor and the board, then you could place your blankets and/or the heating pad on the board. But, if you don't have the material, then take the straw out....I really do feel it is too uncomfortable for the cats.
I use the "Lectro-Kennel", the small size (12" x 18") in mine. Petsmart used to carry them but not sure if they do anymore. Do a google search for where to get them. Alittle pricey, but don't let the price prohibit you, they last for years if you take care of them. In the last 14 years, I've only replaced mine ONCE, they are worth every penny and the cats love them. They recommend you only use their fleece cover (extra) for them, but I've placed heavy blankets on top of them and they worked great. There are other outdoor heating pads for dog houses available, but when shopping, be sure you look for OUTDOOR-USE only, since they have an outdoor connector. Check them frequently to ensure they are working and staying warm when plugged in.
Thanks for caring so much and providing a safe and warm haven for these precious ones! (...and spaying/neutering, vaccinating, etc etc etc), you're an angel!
Anyway, it turns out this kitty is a loving, very affectionate stray. She's a female - she let me pet her and check under her tail (no testes). I let her out of the trap and she's made a nest in the carrier in the bathroom. She hasn't used the litter box yet - I don't think she's had one before. She makes little growly noises when she eats and licks the bowl clean, poor little thing. My husband and I have decided to foster her until we find her a good indoor home, it's too cold for her to be outside and we have coyotes in the area + she can have the vaccines and I can take her back for the follow ups. I called the clinic this morning to confirm that I could bring her in and they asked me to wait until Thursday as they have too many surgeries to fit her in today/tomorrow. We're going to have all her vaccines/spay/check for FIV and FELV/de-worming and whatever else needs to be done, and we'll keep her safely indoors in a separate room until she finds a home. I can't keep her unfortunately, as my Ozwald is a vicious bully who tried to kill a young cat I fostered in 2005.
I'll try and upload a photo of her when I get a chance.
Thank you so much for all your help. This board is a blessing.
Re: Just caught a feral/homeless kitty and have a question
Tambrey thanks for the info on the shelter. I wish we could keep her but I don't think it will be possible. We are going to try and get her into Cat Adoption Team's no-kill shelter and find her a good indoor home. The waitlist is about 6 weeks, so we'll foster her until then.Tambrey wrote:I was reading through this....I work with ferals as well....but we live in a rural area so end up with quite a few sometimes...I have about 8 or 9 "regulars" right now...
we have an old truck topper that is insulated all around with bales of straw externally, and lots of straw and then blankets inside...I leave the door end propper open, but used an old rug to cover it and protect it from drafts....
However...not all of the kitties play nicely with each other, so not even knowing about that link, I did the rubbermaid boxes with styrofoam last year and they are on the screened front porch for those who prefer them....
hopefully your kitty rescue will go well...and who knows....after a few days in your bathroom...you just might decide that this one needs to stay inside with you forever
Re: Just caught a feral/homeless kitty and have a question
I repeat, you're an angel! (yeah, you are, just admit it)
..........Traci
Kitty got spayed today and I've just brought her home. My vet first tested for feline leukemia/aids which was negative, scanned her (she didn't have any micro-chip ), she had a full check up, and I got her all her shots, fluids for the spay and a pain injection. Vet said she had early signs of pregnancy, which they terminated. I have to take her back on Monday for the vet to check the wound and we'll have the stitches out at the end of next week. She has to go back for boosters on the 12/20 and then a final follow up booster after that. She's resting quietly now and the vet said I can try her with a teaspoon of canned food at 8pm to see if she keeps it down, and she can eat a full meal early tomorrow morning.
I've uploaded her photo as my new avatar pic, little black and white short hair. The vet said she's about 1.5 years old (she looks very small for her age). Now I have to work on finding her a good indoor home, although I want to foster her until she has her final vaccines. I'm really glad she's safe inside, it snowed last night and tonight the temps are going to be drop below freezing.
I've uploaded her photo as my new avatar pic, little black and white short hair. The vet said she's about 1.5 years old (she looks very small for her age). Now I have to work on finding her a good indoor home, although I want to foster her until she has her final vaccines. I'm really glad she's safe inside, it snowed last night and tonight the temps are going to be drop below freezing.