OMG!!! So upset!!!

[Rowan815]

I found out from my hubby that a friend of his had his girlfriend leave about 3 weeks ago, and after she left he threw her cats (and the female cats 4 week old kittens) outside, and that he hasn't been feeding them. Hubby has been taking food to them, and today I went with him.

One of the female kittens, a black and white long hair jumped out of the compost bin, and ran up to be petted. When I was petting her, I gently tried to seperate the matted hair on her neck, to make her more comfortable by breaking up the mats. Thats when I saw a sight that still has me trembling. The skin on the back of her neck looks like it has split or something and I could see the muscle underneath. The wound is a little over an inch in width and a little more in length and goes from the back of her head towards her shoulder blades. It wasn't bleeding and looked well cleaned (probably by the momma cat).

Needless to say I brought her home. I couldn't leave her outside in the horribly cold weather we've been having. I called the Vet as soon as I got home, and the assistant said he had left for the day. So I called the emergency Vet which is about an hour from here and talked to the Vet on the phone describing the wound. She said it was probably an old abcess that ruptured leaving the open wound behind. She asked if Kitty was eating and drinking, and she is. She positively DOVE into the food I gave her, and lapped up half a bowl of water. Vet told me to put peroxide on the wound and polysporin, which I have done.The Vet will be back on Friday, and the Vet on the phone told me as long as she seems comfortable , and is eating and drinking she should be fine until then. She said they would probably inspect the wound , put her on a round of antibiotics and stitch it up once the chance of infection is ruled out. Kitty is resting comfortably in the back porch in a bed of soft blankets, with a full tummy, but I'm still shaking like a leaf.

Is there anyone out there who has any advice for what I can do for her in the meantime until Friday? She just purrs and purrs and wants to be held- very very affectionate.

Btw- she is being kept in the back porch to make sure she doesn't pass anything to my resident cats. I plan on having her tested for everything when I take her Friday. I change my clothes and wash my hands really well after handling her, before coming inside. Hopefully they can cut the rest of her mats out too, they must be uncomfortable

I'm just SO horrifed for this poor little girl We aren't supposed to have cats as it is, let alone another one because of allergies, but I couldn't leave her there in that condition.

Sorry to ramble- I'm just so upset

[rpcathouse]

You seem to be all that you can at the time. Love and tenderness goes along way. This kitten knew in her heart you were the one to go running to that you would take care of her. I hope she tests clean and the vet can stitch her. Sounds like she has the loving home she needs. Let me know how she is. I would give her a kitten can food for now to help put weight on her. Prayers and glows to you and the kitten.

Stella

[Rowan815]

I'll pick her up some wet kitten food in the morning, and some KMR from the Vets office to help fatten her up. She may have still been nursing from her momma, but I had to bring her home rather than leave her there- she wouldn't last long with that wound in this weather :(

[rg_girlca]

First off, that guy who threw mama and her babies out in the cold should be shot.:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
Is there anyway you can get a hold of the ex-girlfriend to let her know what was done to her cats?

Secondly, you are such an angel for taking in this precious little one. Seems to me like you are doing everything you can for her right now. Poor little thing. It just breaks my heart knowing they are out in the cold like that. AARRRGGG some people make me sooooo mad.
Plus, you are doing the right thing by keeping her separate from your other cats as they are your first priority.
Any chance in getting the other kitties and trying to find homes for them?

I wish you all the best and please keep us posted on the outcome at the vet.
Have you decided on a name for her yet? Also, give your hubby a hug for me, for helping these little ones by bringing them food.

[Rowan815]

The ex-girlfriend is supposed to be coming to get the remaining two cats (momma and one kitten) tomorrow. She had kept them as inside cats, and didn't know he threw them out. Thankfully its unseasonably warm outside tonight and the kitties have their bellies full.

Hubby is a softie when it comes to kitties ;) He couldn't leave her there anymore than I could have. We tried to convince the friend to let them stay inside tonight, but don't know how much good that will do. Some people just shut their hearts off when it comes to animals :confused: :(

I'd like to name her Bastet, after the Egyptian Cat Goddess- but have to discuss it with Hubby first :)

[Uabassoon]

First off I would like to say that you and your hubby are wonderful people for taking in the kitten as well as trying to help out with the other cats. Hopefully the ex-girlfriend will be able to come for the remaining cats. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the vet visit goes well for you on Friday.

P.S. Welcome to Pet Talk!

[moosmom]

Melissa,

I am SO sorry to hear about the mama and babies. You absolutely did the right thing and I'm so glad hubby backed you up. I'd call the cops on this piece of garbage. He deserves to get nailed.

You're doing everything right. As long as she's eating and stuff, just keep doing what you're doing till you can get her to the vet.

BTW, thanks for the mug and the rock. I absolutely LOVE both!! I tried to call you a couple of times but there was no answer. I'm off on Thursday & Friday. Maybe we can IM for a while. I miss you!!!

((((hugs)))))

[rg_girlca]

What a relief to hear that the ex will come and get the others. I hope and pray she does anyways. Please let us know okay.
Hats off to you and your hubby for being such kind and caring people. We need more people like you in this harsh world.

[CatDad]

First welcome to PT.:D

I missed your welcome thread that Donna started for you.
*hangs head*:o

Next, Most of the words that I would use to describe this person I cannot use here so I will just say :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:. That's done.

I think that you did exactly the right thing. Just keep an eye on her and get her to the vet on Friday. You are also doing the right thing to help prevent spreading dieses to your other kitties.

Is the lady going to take her back so she can be reunited with her mom?

Bless you for being such a caring person. Lorraine is right we need more people like you in the world.:D

BTW - I thought that you were a lot newer then you are. It shows in the thread by you name that you only have 4 post. I had gone to check and make sure that I had missed your introduction post and it shows in the search that you have12 posts. Nothing to really be concerned about, but you may want to PM Paul and just ask him when they get back from vacation.:)

[Karen]

Oh dear, how sad! You are a cat hero for rescuing her, for trying to seperate the matts, and then for caring for her, poor dear kitty! Keep us updated, and you and she will be in our prayers.

[Rowan815]

She has a name - Shaedi (pronounced shady) :D

The wound looks pretty good today, a little 'drier' and more healed around the edges. I'm getting more peroxide and some spray polysporin (if there is such a thing?) so I don't have to touch the wound and aggravate it. I hate doing the peroxide because I know it hurts her :(

Thanks for all the kind words and support- it means a lot to me :)

[sqwelch]

You are an absolute gem for taking this wee baby in !!

No matter what this blokes ex did he had no right to take it out on those poor kitties, he is evil and heartless :mad:

I'm glad his girlfriend is coming back for her cats but what about this kitty, is she allowed to stay with you or is she collecting her too ??

Give Shady (sorry can't remember how to spell the correct name) a wee chin rub from me !!!

[Rowan815]

Shaedi is doing well today. We bought her some canned kitten food, and she gobbled it up and drank a dish of water. She even used her litterbox while I was at work :) Small victories, but they make me happy nonetheless.

She goes to the Vet at 8 am tomorrow, and will firstly be tested for Feline Leukemia. If its negative, we decide what to do about the wound, probably 'glue' (for lack of a better term) it, since shes to young and small for anesthesia and traditional stitching. If she tests positive then I have a lot of thinking to do- because I have two other negative cats to consider.

Please keep Shaedi in your thoughts and prayers. Shes been through too much to have something bad happen now. :(

[rg_girlca]

Positive thoughts and prayers for your precious Shaedi that all goes well at the vets tomorrow.
Please let us know how it went.

[trayi52]

Melissa,
You have done a really good thing! Shaedi is going to have a great home with you and sounds like the tender loving care you giving her is going to work.

Good job, Melissa!!

Willie

[smokey the elder]

Way to go, rescuing that tiny kitten. That guy should be up on animal cruelty charges.

[Rowan815]

Shaedi tested NEGATIVE for Feline Leukemia!!!!!!

The Vet decided she weighed enough to use a very small dose of anesthesia, and they put her under to stitch up the wound. She has 6 stitches and they sprayed the area with 'liquid bandage' to protect it. She came through with flying colors and is boucing around the house like she never had a problem. This is one tough and amazing kitten.

The Vet techs were blown away that she was so super affectionate after going through what she has. She was the favorite around there, getting snuggles from everyone.

So the little lady is on Amoxil for 10 days, and is also being dewormed as her tummy appears a little bloated.

Now its a matter of introducing her to the boys- I left her carrier opne in the kitchen for them to sniff. They're both off sulking on my bed right now

Thank you SO much for the support, prayers and good healing vibes. Shaedi and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts

[Craftlady]

Great news :) :) :)

[trayi52]

Fantastic News for the bouncy baby girl!!

[rg_girlca]

What a tough little girl you are Shaedi. I'm so glad to hear your test results were negative. Wow, 6 stitches, that's a lot. Poor little baby. I hope and pray you have a full and complete recovery.

Good luck Melissa on the introduction with your boys. I hope all goes well in the long run.:)

[CatDad]

I am so happy to hear that the test are negative, and that she is doing so well.:D I wil continue to hope that she has a speedy recovery.

She sounds like a real lover kitty.:)

Good luck with the introductions. I am sure that she will win them over in a very short time.

[Felicia's Mom]

Bless you for caring for being so kind.

[Lixx]

Way to go! I'm glad to hear she's doing so well!

Do you know what became of the others? ( or did I miss that somewhere?)

[Rowan815]

The ex-gf came and picked up the others- so they are fine now.

The initial intros are going well- today they had a supervised meeting, and there was a little growling from one of my boys, and a lot of hissing from the other. Shaedi just looks at them as if to say 'what the heck is your problem??'

I don't think I'll be able to leave her alone with them for a while- but thats fine. She has a room all to herself loaded with toys, food, a litterbox and a cozy bed. She just gets lonely in there- so I try to keep her out as much as possible when I'm able to referee :)

[moosmom]

Mel,

That's a great idea. Keep her out as much as possible as long as you're home. It'll make the transition easier.

You rock, girlfriend!!! Hugs to kitty girl.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Hi and welcome to pet Talk Melissa.:) I'm so glad that you were able to rescue this sweet little girl and that she tested negative for feline leukemia too. I'm sure she'll fit in well with your other 2 boys. It just takes time.:)

[Rowan815]

I'm so jealous of people who have those cute kitten pics of their cats- all of my three were rescues in the hardest of hard shape when I got them :p

Of course, they are all beautiful to me anyways- but Shaedi kind of looks like ET with that long skinny, shaved neck of hers, and the poofy body :D

[sqwelch]

Originally posted by Rowan815

but Shaedi kind of looks like ET with that long skinny, shaved neck of hers, and the poofy body :D

I'm so glad Shaedi is doing well, she'll soon be bossing those 2 boys of your about in no time heehee. As for her looking like ET, we wouldn't know hint hint ;)

[catcrazylady]

I don't know how I missed all this!!!! WOW! I was so angry then I was worried and now I'm HAPPY!!!
Bless you for all you did for this baby!! She sounds like a wonderful little girl.
I truly believe that there are special blessings for those who help God's creatures in need. You did a wonderful thing and I think you are going to be rewarded with an incredibly wonderful little girl!!
Now that I'm caught up I can't wait to hear more stories about her!!

[leslie flenner]

great for the kitten!! Can you update us on the girlfriend who was supposed to come get the mother and one kitten left (i think?)
Is the whole family collected together now?

[kimlovescats]

What wonderful news that baby Shaedi is negative and now has a safe and happy home with you! Thank you so much for stepping in to this situation and seeing it through to a happy ending for all!;)

[Killearn Kitties]

How are things going with the boys after a few days?

[Rowan815]

Miss Shaedi is having issues with her stitches today.

They were healing well, and must have started itching because she started scratching them while we weren't looking and managed to tear one out.

On a Vet Tech's advice we had to put a baby doll sock on her back paw and wrap it loosely in duct tape, letting some of the tape adhere to the fur above the sock. I dabbed some peroxide on her neck area and spread polysporin cream on it.

Shes tearing around here with her duct taped foot like nothing is amiss- the little goof :p

As for whether her and the boys are getting along- Sir Gibbons, the one who had the biggest problem with her, has become her best friend and 'helped' her out by licking off all the polysporin :rolleyes: :D

Shes my little love bug- and if there is a lap to be seen, shes fighting the boys to get on it ;)

My digital camera is currently out of comission, but I'm going to try and borrow my moms until I can get it fixed, and post pics of little ET and the boys, Onyx and Gibbons :)

[Rowan815]

Oh, btw- I found out today that Momma cat is safely living with the girlfriend and that another friend of ours adopted Shaedi's little brother. He named him Omar, and hes being properly spoiled :)

[trayi52]

Sounds like everything is going great, and the others are where they should be. So all is great news!

Willie

[CatDad]

I am so glad to hear that Shaedi is doing well. Sorry to hear about the stiches, but it sounds like you have it under control.

I was also happy to hear that everyone is getting along so well. Make sure and pay plenty of attention to the boys, so they do not get jelous.;)

I am also glad to see that the other two are doing well also and are in good homes.:)

Looking forward to pics when you can get a camera.:D

[rg_girlca]

I'm glad to hear that Shaedi is doing well. I can just picture her with the sock on her little foot. I hope she realizes that it is for her own good.
I was so happy to read that the ex-girlfriend came and got momma cat and that Shaedi's brother Omar is safe and being spoiled.
Can't wait to see pictures of your furbabies.:)

[jazzcat]

This is great news. I'm glad she is doing so well and the intros have gone smoothly. I'm also very relieved to hear the others are safe now.

I can't wait to see pictures.

[Rowan815]

I posted about this on another board and someone said I should get the duct tape off her leg right away 'before it sets' :confused: A VET TECH told me to put it on there. She has a little sock over her foot, with the tape around the sock and about 1/2 " up onto the fur of her leg to keep it on. Shes acting like its not even on there- because its loose, and is not pulling at all.

I feel bad having it on there because this person is making me feel like I did something wrong. But I need those stitches to heal, and this is doing the trick. Besides, its a matter of taking her into the Vet clinic in a few days and having them trim the tape off with bandage scissors. If I'd had bandage tape at the time I would have used that- but it was late at night and duct tape was all I had. I figured as long as its not touching any flesh, or pulling it would be fine.

Please tell me I'm doing the right thing by keeping it on there for a few more days?
:(

[Logan]

If the vet tech told you to do it, and she is not irritated by it, I'd leave it at this point too. Don't let anyone make you feel bad. My goodness, you are my newest hero (as is your husband) for helping this little one back to good health. You have earned another star in your crown!!!! :)

Sorry I missed this whole thing before now, but it was good read such good news as I went through it!!! :)

[Rowan815]

I'm going to take her to the Vet in a little bit- and they're going to put gauze on her paw with bandage tape. I'd feel better having the proper thing on there- but it did kind of upset me that this person made me feel bad for doing what was necessary and what I thought best at the time. It kept her from tearing all her stitches out last night- so thats a GOOD thing.

Thanks for your unconditional support, it means a lot to me :)

[catcrazylady]

For Pete's sake!! Don't feel bad! You did exactly what you were told by a vet tech. If this was pulling or irritating the little one you would know it. I don't see why it cant easily be trimmed away just like bandage tape. You used what you had and kept her from ripping out any more stitches. I do believe that would have been far more harmful to her. She sounds like she is doing just fine.
It makes me feel so good to read this thread. From a very scary beginning to such a wonderful and happy ending for all the kitties. Your kindness and love is why this baby is tearing around your home and having the fun that kittens should have.
I love hearing the stories on her progress and I can't wait for pictures!! God Bless you and your hubby!!

[Rowan815]

I decided to cut off the tape bandage- and it came off no problem.

I'm running to the Vet today to get the proper materials in the event that I have to put another bandage on there. I put some polysporin on the stitches to soothe the itching and trimmed her back paw nails as low as I could, avoiding the quick of course :)

I'm going to be home from work today so I can watch to make sure shes not scratching again.

*sigh* This little one has given me several near heart attacks so far! Hubby said we should have named her Panic because thats all I've done since I found her ;)

[CatDad]

Don't even feel bad about what you did.

You did what needed to be done for the good of the cat with what you had at the time. You took care of the problem and did not hurt her. In addition to that you where following the advice of you vet. What more can you ask for. If you had done nothing she would have been in much worse shape. Just remember that and pay no attention to that other person. They have obviously never been in a situation that you need to make due until you could fix it.

You are a great meowmie and don't let anyone tell you differently.:D

Give some love to the little girl for me, prayers still on the way for a fast recovery.

Ley us know how it is going.

[Killearn Kitties]

She sounds wonderful. I'm really glad things are going so well and I can't wait to see pictures of all your crew!:)

[leslie flenner]

duct tape is one of the greatest inventions! I don't know how someone could think it would harm the kitten! Sounds silly to me! But you seem all set for now and thank you for update on mom and sibling! Great news!