Update on Stray Kitten

[JoyRenee]

So kitty camped out on the porch ALL night and tried rushing in our house when hubby left this morning. Well I just went out there and kitty is STILL there! I've been giving her little bits of food throughout the day and her poop is no longer mucousy. She is still having loose stools but at least it is brown and resembles poo now. I don't see worms in her poop.

The shelters all want like $40 or more to take her which is understandable as they need funds but also frustrating to someone who wants to just find the kitty a good home and doesn't have a spare $40 to spend on an animal they're not responsible for.

I feel bad she has fleas so I went to grab one of our flea/tick/heartworm medicines for her but it says for cats 9-22 lbs or something like that. I don't think this tiny thing even weighs 5 lbs. Do you think I could give her half of it and it be safe? Or will it harm her? I don't want to cause more damage than good but she's got horrible fleas.

I'm also trying to find a vet that will see her to next to nothing for me just to make sure she doesn't have a contagion. So we will see how that goes!

I also want to add that I'm breastfeeding my baby- do you think the kitten senses or smells that and relates me to a mother? Perhaps that is why she is sticking around?! She's so pitiful and I'd LOVE to keep her if 1). she doesn't have a contagious disease that could harm/kill my pets or kids and 2). if we get rid of the fleas AND 3). if my husband would relent!

[LindaTX]

I am so happy you are going to keep her.  I would do the same.  How's your husband dealing with the whole thing?  I hope his heart is softening towards her.   I know the A BC (Animal Birth Control) clinic in Waco charged $35 for spay.  Not bad!  Our kittens seemed little when we took them but they were fully 4 mo. old.  No problems, all came out fine.  Glad you are having a happy ending with her.  It's gotts make you feel good :)

[nancyjac]

If she weighs close to 5 lbs when emaciated, she definitely isn't too young to spay.  But I agree that it would be best to wait until she is in better condition.  In fact she could be pregnant or emaciated from having nursed a little recently.  Odds are high she does have worms.  Can you keep her contained and separated from you other cat and kids?  It is wonderful that you have taken her in, but until she is rid of fleas and worms, they are likely to spread to your house and others (cats and people) in it until treated.

[opus88]

Ohhhhh I am sooo happy that you are going to give her a try, she needs you so badly and those are the ones who give so much love in return.
I certainly hope you can get some help from a Vet or shelter and get her a good exam. perhaps its just flea treatment and some TLC that the poor little thing needs...good for you, give yourself a heck of a pat on the back!!!
Yes she is too young to be spayed and not in good enough condition just yet either, wait until she is rid of those fleas and got some meat on her bones.
Keep us posted please. I am just so happy that you are considering her, yeah I know I'm a sucker too...they just have a way of getting into our hearts and grabbing on.
I had 3 (one very ill at the time) when my Sami just found me too, I couldn't say no and I've never regretted it....I eat lots of rice!! lol

[JoyRenee]

It must have been two years ago because a year ago I was pregnant with my third. He came to us before I was pregnant with her. Oy, my poor memory! I can't wait to get it back. LOL!

[JoyRenee]

Well I haven't called yet because it is the weekend! But I plan on calling around tomorrow. One of the rescues I contacted gave me a couple numbers to try, including our local Humane Society.

She's already inside. I'm such a sucker for cats. This is exactly what happened a year ago when this pitiful, malnourished Siamese kitty showed up at our backdoor. Or was it 2 years? Time just goes by so fast I don't remember. But I let him in and I was a goner. He's been with us ever since and one of the best cats ever.

Anyway there are many strays around here but only a handful ever sweet enough to let you close. We have a "cat lady" one house down from us so I'm surprised the kitten didn't take up with her because she always has cat food out. I kept telling my husband she's chosen us and we should see how she does.

So for now she's inside with us. I bathed her today (she did AMAZING! She didn't try to run or claw me; she almost enjoyed it). I ran my hands over her skin and I don't feel any wounds or ticks or anything. Lots of fleas went down the drain. I think she feels much better. But oh my she is just a bag of bones under all her fur!!!

I think she's still too young for a spay but we may have to contact PAWS for assistance with that since we just put so much money down on a dog, we have kids and we're remodeling our kitchen. We just don't have the extra budgeted for anything beyond cat food and litter, you know? I think we could afford the vaccines and I have ear medicine from our Beckett (he just got over an ear infection and mites) in the event she needs that.

[Jade59]

JoyRenee...I know some vets will give a discount if you are "rescuing" a stray.  Might be cheaper than that shelter.  That's what our vet did for Jade.  Even though Jade had a family, she was terribly neglected so when we first took her in, they gave us a discount since were essentially "rescuing" her.  Maybe your vet will do that for you?

[PrettyKitty1]

Joy,

I think she stays close because you are feeding her and you do not pose a threat to her. That's why she hasn't left. I've had cats like that. They just hang around my place because 1) They see I'm no threat to them. 2) I feed them. 3) They see they have my attention.

Cats are very smart. She definitely knows you mean no harm to her. I'm glad her poop has no longer mucus in it. It could have been diet related. That poor thing has not had the best diet. I don't think she even eats every day. Well, now that she is trying to win your heart and you are feeding her yeah, she is eating every day. But I don't think she was eating well before. It is tough out there, even for a skilled hunter.

Keep the updates coming. Bless your heart. That cat is so lucky she ran into you!! And she is so cute!!!

[opus88]

that is so good of you to be trying to help this poor little creature, she senses a good home that she desperately needs and is trying her hardest to move into your hearts...see she has chosen YOU and your home, kitties sense the love you have to give. I'm praying so hard you can find it withing yourselves to accept her, I know how hard it is to add ONE more esp with a new baby and pets of your own already...I do pray if you can't that at least you will be successful in finding her a good home.
Did you find a Vet that will help out?
Try your shelter or animal rescue places sometimes I understand they can provide Vet care too???
I think you would be ok giving her just 1/2 the flea/tick med. but may be best to check with a Vet first....just incase she is ill like you say adding adding anything to an already compromised immune system isn't a good idea.
I sure hope Joy that you can somehow get the poor little girl a check up and clean bill of health.

[sunshine1976]

This makes me laugh a bit because I'm the one who doesn't like cats and I had to talk me cat loving husband into keeping little dexter. Good luck and thank you for sharing your experience with your Siamese.

[Cassandrajane]

Well once you get her all sorted... Sneak her in and he will never know :) just get him a big present... LOL...
In a good way at least she is staying close to you so you can keep an eye on her... Can you put up posters with her pick on saying FOUND?? and see if anyone claims her?? Because she must be from around your area??
Shelters round here (England) take in Animals for nothing but ask for a donation of anything you can afford and see if you wanna sign up to make monthly donations?
Different everywhere I guess.

But I hope things get sorted, and yo're allowed to keep her, because it sounds like you REALLY want too..


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