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MarySmith
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« Reply #15 on: July 16, 2008, 05:08:19 PM » |
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Is there a way to put a 'double door' between her and the other cats? You enter one door, close it, then enter Sassy's space. If Sassy escapes, she just enters the 'buffer area'.
I live in an apartment building and they all have 'dead-end hallways' between the apartment and the outside doors. So if a kitty escapes, she is still confined.
Hope you can figure out a way to do this in your own home.
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MarySmith
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catbird
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« Reply #16 on: July 16, 2008, 05:15:28 PM » |
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Oh, dear, Sassy! And oh, dear, catmom?#
We had the same problem with Linley when he was in full-time confinement, too. We were saved by the fact that his room was on a different floor of the house from where our cats usually hang out. It gave us some time to catch up to him, before he got to them. I don't know if that is an option for you.
I hope one of the rescues will return your call soon!
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Sandi K
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« Reply #17 on: July 16, 2008, 05:28:46 PM » |
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Oh no Catmom5, I dont suppose your neighbor would be willing to keep her for a little while or do you have friends that dont have pets that might be willing to pitch in and help out? This is a difficult situation!
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catmom5
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« Reply #18 on: July 16, 2008, 05:32:53 PM » |
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My house is an old 1950's ranch with no basement and all the rooms are directly off the central hallway. There's no way I can create a buffer. Sassy is one fast cat, too. She was after one in the living room and then saw another take off under the bed and she was after a second one. I'm just relieved that it was quick enough that Jess didn't get it and go after someone. YIKES!! I used a squirt bottle just now to get in and out. (I also closed the other doors just in case . . .) And poor Sassy knew I was not happy with her when I just went in to scoop and give her fresh water. Guess she thinks I am HERS, including all of my living space.
I, too, hope that I hear from a rescue very soon.
Thanks for your ideas.
catmom5
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catbird
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« Reply #19 on: July 16, 2008, 05:40:10 PM » |
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The only other thing I can think of is to cage her (a big "cat playpen") unless you are in the room with her.
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catmom5
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« Reply #20 on: July 16, 2008, 05:42:56 PM » |
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She's fine in the room by herself. The problem is going in and out without her streaking by me! The water bottle worked tonight so maybe she can learn.
Keep those ideas coming . . .
cm5
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Sandi K
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« Reply #21 on: July 16, 2008, 05:59:39 PM » |
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catmom5, how bout something like a can of beans to shake right before you open the door, something that is irritating sounding that might startle her just a little enough so she would back away from the door before you opened it...
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MarySmith
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« Reply #22 on: July 16, 2008, 06:01:30 PM » |
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OK - how about building a short hallway inside her room using large cardboard boxes as a buffer between the door and her space? Would that work?
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MarySmith
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lesliek
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« Reply #23 on: July 16, 2008, 06:20:16 PM » |
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A baby gate would slow her down also.Just lean it in the doorway & hold it as a barrier as you go in. Only problem will be holding the gate & food,water ,etc at the same time. She's probably had to be really agressive with the other ferals to get enough food while pregnant. Now she's claimed you & your house & is reacting the same way to your other cats. Maybe if you make sure you pet the others before going in,their scent will become familiar to her & she won't react as strongly to them.
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"the world's most inept extortionist"
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Mandycat
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« Reply #24 on: July 16, 2008, 09:28:20 PM » |
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Oh, catmom. I hope you can find a solution! Sassy, behave yourself! This is your big chance for a good home!!
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catwoods
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« Reply #25 on: July 17, 2008, 12:10:51 AM » |
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Since Sassy is used to moving around freely, she might be a little antsy for awhile about being kept inside. All the cats we've taken in out of the woods or off of the streets have had to adjust to not just walking out the door when they want to. With a little time she will come to see that indoor life is a totally cushy, safe deal.
I agree with what others have said about other cats being "intruders", from her standpoint in the territory she now views as her own. Scent exchange is indeed a very good technique to reduce those tensions. All the suggestions about going in and out are good ones and I can only add you may have to squeeze yourself in and out of the room for awhile. I hope the rescue calls soon!
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catmom5
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« Reply #26 on: July 17, 2008, 04:27:58 AM » |
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Oh, Catwoods, I think you've hit it right on! She's used to moving around at will and does see my others as intruders. And Leslie, she probably did have to fight to keep enough food in her belly. So, while I do understand, I can't let anything happen to any of them. I will do what I can to prevent another escape. You have all given me good ideas. For now I'm just going to have to be very vigilant about where the other cats are and make sure I grab her before she streaks past me again. (She's a fast one for a pregnant ladycat . . .) Actually, she's doing well. The diarrhea is improving daily, we're down to soft, and she's eating with gusto. Probably feels good not to have to search for each meal. Delivery is much easier/  I did speak with a good friend last night whose daughter is involved with the no kill cat rescue. The boss lady just had a baby this week which is probably why things are a bit out of whack right now. My friend also said they have something like 60 kittens! But I did share that I will support Sassy financially until she is adopted and I hope that tips the scale in her favor. Also have another friend who fosters for the humane society and the no kill, but she has kittens right now plus 6 of her own (I think it's 6). Something will come up for Sassy and her babies. Just hope I can keep everyone safe and calm until that happens. Thanks for letting me go on and on. It helps me to hear your ideas, but it also helps me to process what's going on here. As I've said, so many people, including many of my family, look at me like I'm nutso! So please know how much I appreciate all you do on this forum and for the animals lucky enough to cross paths with you in so many ways. catmom5 |
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catbird
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« Reply #27 on: July 17, 2008, 06:58:18 AM » |
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 to Sassy. I am glad to hear that things are looking up on all fronts! Settle in, little Sassy, and relax. Your days of having to fight for your meals are over!
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catmom5
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« Reply #28 on: July 17, 2008, 01:51:33 PM » |
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Hi All,
I just had a phone call, a long one, from the second-in-command for the no-kill. Fortunately, she's a school social worker I worked closely with for a long time so we know each other well. The rescue is, not surprisingly, really on overload and they are doing steady, but small numbers of adoptions. She said they really want to help me out and will do what they can. I think she had some ideas, but couldn't make a commitment. It will likely be AFTER the babies are born since they really don't want to take pregnant moms. I felt like she really seriously wants to help me out and will do what she can. So I have my fingers crossed and will do what I can here to keep the peace.
Cross your fingers and say your prayers that this rescue can/will take Sassy. I still have a few more feelers out there, but I'm at least mildly hopeful at this point.
Sassy has been a very good girl today. I think she didn't like having me mad at her yesterday.
catmom5
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catmom5
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« Reply #29 on: July 18, 2008, 09:31:55 AM » |
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Okay, Fat Sassy (she's getting rounder by the day) is still very concerned whether there are other cats "out there" every single time her door is opened. I'm wondering what you all think will happen if she is adopted into a home with other cats. Will she ever be able to stop guarding or protecting her territory? I know that many of you have taken in roamers, so I'm hoping you can give me some help here. On the other hand, we've not had another escape, so I hope the water bottle doesn't get "old" ~ for right now it's working. I also make sure my other cats aren't sitting in the hallway trying to get a glimpse of her. Foster home anyone?  catmom5 |
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