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In reply to the discussion: I need some advice from people who are cat savvy (UPDATED WITH PICTURES) [View all]Samantha
(9,314 posts)Here is the progress I have made this evening. It started to snow slightly and I ran out to the local pet store. I spent about an hour looking at "shelters" but then realized I couldn't afford the proper ones. I then went just to the cat section and I found a dome type creation that was suppose to be a litter box. However, it looks like an igloo and has a round opening in the front. It looks like it would do well shielding her from the wind. I brought it home and lined it with a rug type throw, and then I put another blanket on top. It is very cozy. I put the first blanket I had put out on the porch in front of the "house" in case she does not go in it.
I feel like I can improve on this setup from tips I have gotten on this thread should the weather take a turn for the worse. It only snowed lightly and is back into the 40s now.
The best thing is that this can be converted back to a litter box if she moves inside. I am conflicted about the information I gathered today. It does appear that her right ear has been "tipped" but it is hard to tell. If that is true, my neighbor across the street told me this County just passed a law that instead of euthanizing feral cats, they neuter them, tip the ear and immediately release them back on the street to rejoin their colony. If a cat's ear is tipped it is ineligible for adoption. I don't know what monkey-wrench that might throw into the works if I can get her to move inside. Will no vet treat her they would any other domesticated cat?
The woman at the pet shop told me never to touch a cat that had been living outside. Besides the usual yada-yada-yada all reviewed above, she said cats that live outside could be -- I am going to get this close but wrong -- the feline equivalent of HIV infected. That can spread to humans and other animals. She advised me not to pick up the cat, but when I came home I continued to pet her with gloves on. She prefers that anyway because she likes the thickness of the gloves rubbing her back.
I also got kitty litter in case I do end up converting the "shelter." So I feel at least somewhat prepared for anything inside and out. I could not touch base with the PAWS lady, and I will be trying again tomorrow. I am going to tell her I want the cat tested for any and all diseases. I don't know if she will help with that if that ear is tipped. Also, if the ear is tipped, Nikita is obviously not pregnant, just getting bigger because she is not scavenging for food and I have been overfeeding her. I cut that back this evening.
This igloo type construction can also be used as a cat carrier if I get to take her to the vet for the testing. I will know more after I talk to the PAWS lady. It has a handle on top and a lid for the front opening, which ventilation on the sides can be activated if the front door is shut! So this item cost $32.00 and can be used for 3 different purposes I believe. I feel good about this.
I was so excited about the new "house" I could not wait to get home. So when I found she was not on the porch or under the bushes beside the house, I felt let down. I walked down the street and called her name but nothing. Just as I came back inside the house, I saw her running toward the porch! She knows my voice and she knows her name!
I could not get Nikita to go into the house, but I left her alone with it for awhile. I am thinking of finding a small bowl and putting some of her food in it and placing it inside the new home.
I will be getting some pictures some soon.
I just wanted to update everyone who has been helping me on this thread, and thank you for posting your info.
Sam