An update on George**another update**

Saturday morning we were able to trap George and bring him to Island Rescue. He was fine in the car ride, even let DH pet him but all hell broke loose when the tech attempted to take him out of the cage. He never tried to harm any of us but he was running like a mad man so ultimately we needed to bring him back to be sedated for bloodwork and tests to confirm we can bring him inside near Lenny. We kept him in the garage overnight and brought him back to Island Rescue on Sunday to be neutered and test for feline aids and luk and any parasites. Feline aids and luk came back negative but they couldn't get a sample from him for parasites so I have to bring one this week once he provides one for us. We also paid for all his vaccinations

He is now back home with us and I have him locked in a separate room with food, water, some bedding and places for him to hide so he feels safer. He isn't taking too well to being inside. He is hissing at us every time we walk in and yesterday was the first day he ate something. The only thing I was able to get him to eat was Boars Head Maple turkey, lol. I feel horrible that he is so scared and hoping I am doing the right thing for him in trying to keep him inside. He has let DH pet him a couple of times with some hissing and has not viciously gone after him but I just don't know if I am doing what's right for him. I am really having an internal battle on if what I think is best for him, is what is actually best for him. They estimate him to be about a year and a half and the vet told me that it's a long time of him being outside to try to change him to an inside cat. I am so so nervous about him hurting Lenny and Toby but we are really trying to give this a whirl. People keep telling me that having 2 boy adult cats together will be a problem but I have to try at least because I know once the cold weather hits and he is outside freezing, or if I see him on the side of the road, I will never forgive myself.

I am hoping anyone who has taken in a stray or turned an outside cat into one who remains inside, can help make me feel a little better. I really just want whats best for him.

Also, just want to say that Island Rescue has been so awesome! The staff was really understanding and helpful and the prices were really really afforable. They never made us feel stupid for asking 1000 questions or for George trashing their room.

I am sorry if I sound insane and that this is so long but any help would be appreciated!

**update 8/28** Just wanted to let you ladies that have been so helpful through out this whole process that we had to let George go back outside tonight. It's been over a week since taking him in and he wasn't showing any signs of warming up which I understood might be his interaction with us for the long haul but tonight, DH went into the room to change his litter and feed him. He was wearing long sleeves, work gloves, jeans and sneakers and when DH reached for the litter box, where George was sitting close to, he lunged at DH and attacked him. He actual bit through his glove and bit through DH's hand. I have never heard DH scream like that. We went to the ER where he got a couple of stitches and they bandaged him up. Tomorrow we have to follow up with his regular doc to see if they want to start him on meds incase of infection. I feel horrible for both George and us because we really wanted it to work but, I just don't think it was meant to be. I know George must have just been so scared but after a week of feeding him and sitting with him, I wouldn't think he would attack DH like that, although the vet did tell us that he may never adjust.

The minute we trapped him back in the cage and opened it up, he scattered away. I am really hoping we see him again and that he forgives us for everything he's been put through the last week. If he doesn't, then I know we did what we could for him, he has his vaccinations and he will continue to be fed by us if he returns. We are going to look into buying a cat house for him if he does come back, and we will continue to take care of him as best we can from outside. I have been crying because I just feel like I failed him and I feel so bad about DH's hand. Anyways, thank you all for your well wishes and advice.

Message edited 8/28/2012 12:38:40 AM.

An update on George

i was watching my cat from hell and the guy said playing is the best bonding experience for cats, maybe you can get a long wand toy and play with him and it might make him feel more at ease.

Re: An update on George

I am confident that this will work out for you. We've taken in outdoor cats who were 2+ years ago. It takes them awhile, but I promise that it's going to be okay. As far as doing the right thing for him, you are absolutely are. Cats who live outdoors have significantly shorter lifespans than indoor cats...they are lucky if they live for a few years.

Just give it time. Remember to be as calm as possible because the cats will play off your energy.

Re: An update on George

Thank you for the suggestions Jen, you always make me feel so much more confident about this whole process!

I tried playing with him last night but he just stared at me like I was an idot, lol. I am going to keep trying though. I sat in there talking to him for a solid 40 minutes last night. He also peed on my floor instead of going into the litter box. I read online that outside cats sometimes don't adjust well to cat litter so we will see.

Re: An update on George

No problem! Did you take his paws and press it into the litter box a little bit to show him what it's like? That might help.

He's probably just very confused right now, but he'll get used to his new surroundings soon! I really do think they eventually realize that it's so much better inside. My guys fly AWAY from the door when it opens up. We even tried taking them outside on little leashes once, and they hated it so much---so we never did it again. He'll see how good he has it soon!

Re: An update on George

Posted by JAAMS

No problem! Did you take his paws and press it into the litter box a little bit to show him what it's like? That might help.

He's probably just very confused right now, but he'll get used to his new surroundings soon! I really do think they eventually realize that it's so much better inside. My guys fly AWAY from the door when it opens up. We even tried taking them outside on little leashes once, and they hated it so much---so we never did it again. He'll see how good he has it soon!

Message edited 8/22/2012 9:40:02 PM.

Re: An update on George

Posted by Naner325

Posted by JAAMS

No problem! Did you take his paws and press it into the litter box a little bit to show him what it's like? That might help.

He's probably just very confused right now, but he'll get used to his new surroundings soon! I really do think they eventually realize that it's so much better inside. My guys fly AWAY from the door when it opens up. We even tried taking them outside on little leashes once, and they hated it so much---so we never did it again. He'll see how good he has it soon!

Thats a good idea and I will definitely try it. Not going to lie, I am a little nervous to touch his paws right now, he swats as us a little when we get too close. I just spent about an hour in there with him, he ate, drank some cat milk and that was about it. I tried to calm him a bit by talking to him but I also read online that you should avoid eye contact with strays as they read it as a sign of aggression. So yeah, I am the complete weirdo talking to this cat but staring at a blank wall while he stares me down I also read that if he is having issues with the litter, maybe add some organic soil to it because they are used to going to the bathroom in the dirt. If he has another accident on the floor, I might try that as well.

Re: An update on George

Posted by JAAMS

Posted by Naner325

Posted by JAAMS

No problem! Did you take his paws and press it into the litter box a little bit to show him what it's like? That might help.

He's probably just very confused right now, but he'll get used to his new surroundings soon! I really do think they eventually realize that it's so much better inside. My guys fly AWAY from the door when it opens up. We even tried taking them outside on little leashes once, and they hated it so much---so we never did it again. He'll see how good he has it soon!

Thats a good idea and I will definitely try it. Not going to lie, I am a little nervous to touch his paws right now, he swats as us a little when we get too close. I just spent about an hour in there with him, he ate, drank some cat milk and that was about it. I tried to calm him a bit by talking to him but I also read online that you should avoid eye contact with strays as they read it as a sign of aggression. So yeah, I am the complete weirdo talking to this cat but staring at a blank wall while he stares me down I also read that if he is having issues with the litter, maybe add some organic soil to it because they are used to going to the bathroom in the dirt. If he has another accident on the floor, I might try that as well.

That's cute lol!

If you're nervous about touching his paws, I'd put on a thick sweatshirt and thick gloves, so if he scratches/bites it isn't that bad.

When DH and I moved out of my parents house, a couple of the cats were NOT having it. You should've seen DH, my Dad, and I trying to put them in the carrier. We were dressed in full war gear on a hot summer day.

Re: An update on George

Posted by Naner325

Posted by JAAMS

Posted by Naner325

Posted by JAAMS

No problem! Did you take his paws and press it into the litter box a little bit to show him what it's like? That might help.

He's probably just very confused right now, but he'll get used to his new surroundings soon! I really do think they eventually realize that it's so much better inside. My guys fly AWAY from the door when it opens up. We even tried taking them outside on little leashes once, and they hated it so much---so we never did it again. He'll see how good he has it soon!

Thats a good idea and I will definitely try it. Not going to lie, I am a little nervous to touch his paws right now, he swats as us a little when we get too close. I just spent about an hour in there with him, he ate, drank some cat milk and that was about it. I tried to calm him a bit by talking to him but I also read online that you should avoid eye contact with strays as they read it as a sign of aggression. So yeah, I am the complete weirdo talking to this cat but staring at a blank wall while he stares me down I also read that if he is having issues with the litter, maybe add some organic soil to it because they are used to going to the bathroom in the dirt. If he has another accident on the floor, I might try that as well.

That's cute lol!

If you're nervous about touching his paws, I'd put on a thick sweatshirt and thick gloves, so if he scratches/bites it isn't that bad.

When DH and I moved out of my parents house, a couple of the cats were NOT having it. You should've seen DH, my Dad, and I trying to put them in the carrier. We were dressed in full war gear on a hot summer day.

reminds me of an article I just read about taking in a feral cat and this woman stated that when entering the room where you have the cat, make sure you are wearing long sleeves, pants, close toed shoes, gloves, a hat, and also bring a piece of cardboard as a shield to protect yourself when the cat lunges at you. DH and i were just staring at each other like, what the heck are we getting ourselves into?!

Re: An update on George

I don't really have any advice for you but think you are doing such a nice and amazing thing. I hope everything works out for you and the cat.

Re: An update on George

Do you have a picture of George?

Re: An update on George

Re: An update on George

Posted by Bearcat

Do you have a picture of George?

Message edited 8/23/2012 11:34:21 PM.

Re: An update on George

here is a pic of the little monster

Image Attachment(s):

Re: An update on George

So cute!!!

Re: An update on George**another update**

bump for update

Re: An update on George**another update**

I'm sorry it didn't work out! But I'm sure you'll all be happier now...and you know you tried to do a nice thing for him!
I'm sure he'll be back....but cats do sometimes hold grudges...so it might be a few days.

Re: An update on George**another update**

After doing this for over 10 years I can tell you that you 100% did the right thing. *WE* think that every cat wants a warm lap in front of the fireplace but that’s not necessarily what George wants. You had him fixed which is the most important thing, he won't be inclined to fight now or wander as far. EVERY CAT i have EVER TNR'ed has disappeared for at least a day after i have re-released them. The longest was a week before they came back, but out of probably like 75 cats i have had fixed I only had ONE not come back. As long as George has food, water and shelter, he can live a pretty good life outside. You did a wonderful thing, and YES, island rescue is awesome.

Re: An update on George**another update**

I'm sorry that it didn't work out

Re: An update on George**another update**

Re: An update on George**another update**

I've been following your posts - I'm sorry it didn't work out but you really did do the best you could for him. We had outdoor cats and a cat house for them when I was growing up - i think that's a great idea.

ETA: just wanted to say that George looks just like one of our outdoor cats, Regis, from when I was little. Maybe it's a black&white cat thing, but Regis did NOT like to be inside the house (we tried with him)!

Message edited 8/28/2012 11:05:18 AM.

Re: An update on George**another update**

Posted by Bearcat

I've been following your posts - I'm sorry it didn't work out but you really did do the best you could for him. We had outdoor cats and a cat house for them when I was growing up - i think that's a great idea.

ETA: just wanted to say that George looks just like one of our outdoor cats, Regis, from when I was little. Maybe it's a black&white cat thing, but Regis did NOT like to be inside the house (we tried with him)!