anybody need a cat or two?? :)

I'm just throwing this out there...it is not urgent. Since we have begun the packing for the move to Michigan, I have been worrying about my "barn cats". There are 2 of them in particular that are on my mind. These are the only two that will let me pet them and even then are a pretty skittish. Anyway, The black and white one, Tristan, just had babies about a week ago and I'm assuming that they are back in the neighbors barn because I have not seen hide nor hair of them. She is nice and healthy so I'm sure that she can survive, but she is a regular for my nightly feeding. The other one is Bengal...bet you can guess what color he is! This is one big tough guy to look at, but I think that he is getting beat up by some of the others because his ears are on and off scabby and he is (this is the saddest part) missing one eye. I would make him my next "pet" project if we were going to be here, but since we are leaving I just don't have the time...that sounds so calloused, but since my husband is already in MI, I have to pack/sell and clean the whole house by myself and I am really stressed about all of those preparations.

I think that both of these cats would eventually make lovely house cats for the right person and I would be willing to try and trap them if someone wanted them. I know that the lady that owns the barn does put out food for them, I'm just not sure how much since they are always coming to me in the evening for dinner. I am not frantic about leaving because they do have shelter and some sustanence, I am just somewhat concerned because I have heard rumors that she is looking to sell the farm and I'm not sure what will happen to these babies if she does. Like I said, no hurry or urgency, just wondering if anyone in or around central NJ would like to try and handle one or both of my friends?!?!

ps...I think that can probably get the lady that lives downstairs to keep food and water out for them if I send her money once or twice a month...which is what I will probably do anyway since there are about 8 cats altogether that eat on our porch in the evening.

I have realized that the problem with Bengal's ears is due to ear mites...he is scratching himself bloody every day. He occassionally lets me pet him, but I know that he isn't going to let me put drops in his ears. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP HIM???? Does anybody have any ideas? I noticed yesterday too that his empty eye socket was kind of drippy with bloody mucous. I really want to try to get him to the vet (my sister offered to pay for it), but I can't just put a trap out because I could end up catching any one of about 8 different cats.

The poor thing! How regularly will he approach you? If you carried a towel and a pillow case, might you be able to catch him? He really needs to get the mites treated and should see the vet.

Yes, I agree w/Karen on this one. If possible, get him to your vet. I know how hectic it is w/moving, believe me, but he came to your attention and you're obviously concerned or you wouldn't be posting about it. Good luck w/this. I know it isn't easy for you right now.

I believe Revolution treats ear mites. You may be able to check with your vet about using that. If the kitty will let you pet it, you just need to squeeze the liquid vile onto the back of its neck making sure it is in contact with skin and not just hair. It is much easier to do than the drops in the ears. Believe me. Been there. Done that!

I am definately going to check on the Revolution....thanks Moesha! It isn't the time that it will take to get him better that is bothering me...I just don't want to scare him off before I can "dose" him and have him quit coming here altogether. He is soooo finicky! He has only let me pet him 2-3 times and the last time he kinda pushed up against my hand, so I figured we were making progress. Today he came over to eat and wouldn't let me within 6 feet of him....he even left before he was finished eating because I was watching him too intently. Does Revolution help to keep mosquitoes and gnats off too? I noticed some gnats by his cuts and a mosquito on his nose tonight. Also, How long does it last? Thanks for all of the help so far!:)

I hate to suggest this...but is there something you could put in his food that might make him sleepy (CHECK WITH THE VET!) so you could catch him? Or does a vet or animal society somewhere have a live trap you could borrow?

Sounds like the poor guy needs some vet attention...

Bless you for trying to help him...

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Originally Posted by cristy

I'm just throwing this out there...it is not urgent. Since we have begun the packing for the move to Michigan, I have been worrying about my "barn cats". There are 2 of them in particular that are on my mind. These are the only two that will let me pet them and even then are a pretty skittish. Anyway, The black and white one, Tristan, just had babies about a week ago and I'm assuming that they are back in the neighbors barn because I have not seen hide nor hair of them. She is nice and healthy so I'm sure that she can survive, but she is a regular for my nightly feeding. The other one is Bengal...bet you can guess what color he is! This is one big tough guy to look at, but I think that he is getting beat up by some of the others because his ears are on and off scabby and he is (this is the saddest part) missing one eye. I would make him my next "pet" project if we were going to be here, but since we are leaving I just don't have the time...that sounds so calloused, but since my husband is already in MI, I have to pack/sell and clean the whole house by myself and I am really stressed about all of those preparations.

I think that both of these cats would eventually make lovely house cats for the right person and I would be willing to try and trap them if someone wanted them. I know that the lady that owns the barn does put out food for them, I'm just not sure how much since they are always coming to me in the evening for dinner. I am not frantic about leaving because they do have shelter and some sustanence, I am just somewhat concerned because I have heard rumors that she is looking to sell the farm and I'm not sure what will happen to these babies if she does. Like I said, no hurry or urgency, just wondering if anyone in or around central NJ would like to try and handle one or both of my friends?!?!

ps...I think that can probably get the lady that lives downstairs to keep food and water out for them if I send her money once or twice a month...which is what I will probably do anyway since there are about 8 cats altogether that eat on our porch in the evening.

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I truly hope you find help. I will pray for you and the stray cats. If you were in PA I would find a way. I know how you feel about moving and leaving cats behind. I think I feed 10 to 50 stray cats. I hate my house, but I could never move because I fear that my strays will starve. They really count on my food. The rest of my neighborhood is really mean towards animals. Good luck on your move and i pray that others will take care of the strays. My heart goes out to the cat with a missing eye. That is so sad. It is frustrating how many homeless cats are in the world. Four out of my seven were homeless until I rescued them. I wish I could take care of all of them. God bless! Rebecca

just a quick update on Bengal....

I talked to a vet down the road and he said that the Revolution probably wasn't the best answer for Bengal. I did buy a tube of Advantage Multi and applied it...finally...last night while he was engrossed in a bowl of tuna in oil. Hopefully, this will help the poor guy. I also posted a notice on the bulletin board in the vet's office asking if anyone would be interested. I'm hoping to get some calls soon!

Thanks for all of the advice along the way!