Adopting Tiger - My Newest Cat

I live in an area where there are many street cats. Some of them have homes but are allowed to roam outside during the day. Most are abandoned – kicked out or left behind when their owners moved away. Twice a day we put out food for them.
Four months ago we took in a very friendly and beautiful 5 year old orange neutered tabby. He was badly wounded, with a big festering cut on his chest. It was expensive getting him treated, plus the vaccinations and worming. Max is lovely, lovable, and gets along well with the other cat and dogs.
About a month ago a small, skinny, unaltered male cat started coming regularly to eat. He had scars on his nose and at one point a big puffy eye. He always wanted to be held and cuddled.
I found out from some kids on my street that he had been their cat, that he was 8 months old, and that he had been kicked out of the house. They now had a dog instead.
I called the Humane Society – this cat needed to be taken care of, vaccinated, neutered and found a good home. If left out too much longer he would become afraid of people and other animals, and would no longer be very adoptable. That’s if he survived at all.
They wouldn’t take him. First because they were full up – they are a No Kill shelter, and very small. Secondly, because I know who the owners are (or had been), I can not be the one to bring him in. His owners would have to surrender him themselves. This was not going to happen. They had put him out and washed their hands of him.
The next evening he came to eat there was a big storm brewing and I brought him in and put him in the sunroom of the house with some food, water and a litter box. For the next 2 days, when he wasn’t eating, he was sleeping. Probably the first time in a month that he felt safe enough to have a deep sleep.
Meanwhile, we started emailing cat rescue groups telling them his story and trying to get help. I made it clear that I could not afford the cost of neutering, shots, worming etc., which would add up to about $600.00. It was sad; because he is a sweet, loving, beautiful cat that I would be glad to keep.
After a few days he was let into the main part of the house. The other 2 cats aren’t very happy about him. He follows them around. My female cat just tries to ignore him but Max is having major difficulties. He has started spraying, something he never did before, and whenever the young one (named Tiger) comes close to him he just wails.
One rescue group, ARK, offered to have all the necessary done for a very low cost, if I was willing to adopt him. He went for his shots today. In 3 weeks he gets the booster. By the end of September he should be fixed. I’m hoping (praying), that some of the problems with Max will go away once Tiger is neutered and less of a perceived threat.
I have read that Feliway Plug-ins do a good job of diffusing cat anxieties. No one in my small town carries it so I haven’t had a chance to try it. Until I can get the Feliway and Tiger gets fixed, I have started putting Rescue Remedy in their water and some behind Max’s ears, cleaning and deodorizing a lot, and keeping the windows wide open. Thank God its summer.
Anyway, that’s how I’ve acquired my latest cat. He’s a brat, and he’s adorable.

Three Keys to Courteous Cat Walking Behavior

You’ve bought your harness and leash and spent hours training your cat to accept them. Now you’re ready to hit the sidewalk, proudly walking your cat. And as with dogs, there are some rules of common courtesy, common sense, and safety when walking your cat. These are my top 3 rules of cat walking, learned from experience and listening to others.

FIRST, Not Everyone Loves Your Cat
My cat was one of the first cats in my area to be walked-- this was 6 years ago--and people pointed her out, came up to her, petted her and she loved it. She now has the firm belief that everyone on every street is there just to see her and she goes up to everyone.

But, there are people with allergies, people who are afraid of cats and people who just plain don’t like them.

I have learned to watch body language. If I see the person stiffen, look away, any small movement which suggests that they just want to get away from me and my cat, I hold her back.

If you can’t read their reaction, or are unsure, just ask. When I’ve asked “Will it bother you if my cat comes close?” some people say Yes, and we hold back until they pass by. Others say no, they are mostly surprised that my cat is coming up to them.

SECOND, No One Planted a Flower Bed for Your Cat’s Use
My cat was a goat in a former life. She loves eating grass, and also leaves of plants. In my yard, I know what plants are there and that they are safe – at least not fatal and that they have no chemicals on them. Even if you are walking in your own neighborhood and you know that no one sprays toxic chemicals, do not let your cat nibble on their plants. The plants themselves could be harmful. My neighbors don’t care if my cat chews the grass, but they would be very upset if I let her gnaw away on the flowers and plants that they’ve spent time and money carefully nurturing.

THIRD, Carry Dog Poop Pick-Up Bags and a Paper Towel
The cat I have now wouldn’t dream of going anywhere but in her own litter box. But she thinks nothing of puking up some of the grass she's been eating. If it’s on the sidewalk or anywhere people walk, I clean it up. I wouldn’t want to step in it, and neither does anyone else.

I have had a cat that much preferred to do her business outside in the yard and when we went for a walk, she nearly always took the opportunity to do a major job, always on someone else’s lawn or on the boulevard. After the first walk, and the first embarrassing surprise for me, we never again went out without the necessary supplies.

In summary, don’t let your cat abuse other people’s property, don’t assume everyone is thrilled to meet your cat (they should be, but…), and clean up after your cat when it’s necessary. Your neighbors will thank you.

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