Schroeder...is up for adoption again #112

Well, that experiment was interesting. Perhaps someone can explain this to me.

I put Schroeder in the carrier and brought him out to the family room. Aroara was in an adjoining room on a dining room chair. I talked calmly to Schroeder the whole time and gave him a couple of treats while he was calm in the carrier. Aroara could see him from her perch on the chair but made no attempt to come closer. He could not see her. I went over and talked to her and coaxed her off the chair with a couple of her favorite treats. By then Schroeder had started to scratch at the carrier door to try to get out. I was sitting next to Schroeder with calming words. Aroara was a good 10 feet away. He was staring at her, and she was staring at him. She started to growl and hissed a couple of times. Schroeder started panicking in the carrier circling it quickly over and over...BACKWARDS. I'd never seen this before. I don't know what it means. He even rolled over a couple of times in there and then continued circling. After Aroara hissed a couple of times, she went to the living room. She made no attempt to come close to him. She just gave her warning grumbles and left. That's what happened when they were lose before and Schroeder went after her when she walked away. Once Aroara left I immediately took him back in his room of safety and let him out. He came out and was calm. I gave him another treat.

What did I do right? What did I do wrong? Does anyone know what Schroeder's body language was indicating?

ETA: About 15 minutes passed, then Aroara threw up her food. I have never seen Aroara throw up in the three years she has been here. Granted she does go outside, but she's never thrown up that I know of. Then she came over and jumped up in my lap for cuddles. She rarely does that. Then she started squawking and now wants to go back outside. She isn't going no matter what she thinks. This whole thing has me stressed out. Plus I can't find one of my sister's cats. They are on vacation and I've been watching them. The last time I saw him was yesterday morning. I've been over there numerous times calling him and walking the property. My nerves can't take much more of this.

When is your sister back? You are focusing on a lot all at once! {{{{hugs}}}}

I read in Cat Behaviour about a kitten that was biting a lot. It was suggested to the owner that they make a hissing noise to discourage the biting. Cats don't like that sound.

Also...I am wondering if a temporary mild tranny in a Pill Pocket would help ease Schroeder in. Temporary, as in short term.

I wish I had a great idea...

[email protected] Nancy Efrusy has done amazing readings for many people/cats here. She doesn't ask for money up front, and is very reasonable. She could read Schroeder and Aroara too. Why not email her? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Brody's Mum does readings also. She is a PT member. She tracked down Lut's missing kitty in Belgium! (Brody's Mum is in the UK).

Hello Moesha,

I'm sorry, I know you're feeling quite helpless at the moment, but truly and honestly there is not much YOU can do rather then be passive and give time. It is true, you feel stressed out with all the hissing and stuff but its the cats that have to settle down between them and it takes only one virtue.....patience! And a lot of it!

Last year a friend of mine was going to visit her sister in Canada for 3 months, she was trying to find her cat a place where to stay. It hurt me knowing that her cat Kira was going to undertake all that stress, being caged and so on. I also read one time on a post here on PT that sometimes they even change charachter with all the stress. So, I offered her the option that I can keep her when she's away. I thought that for Lulu might even work well and see how she reacts!

In 3 months the first 2 where stressfull, the last month was way better! In my opinion you could only err if you rush things! They have to work it out between them so you can do nothing but be patient. Don't worry that Schroeder is confined to one room, that is his safe area!

It was also funny because they also switched beds!! I cannot understand why, maybe to dominate eachother's possessions? Check this out: Kira's bed with Lulu:
http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture....pictureid=1768
Lulu's bed with Kira:
http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture....pictureid=1769
Kira was young and too active for Lulu. She would hide and jump on her:
http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture....pictureid=1764
I can't say that in these 3 months they befriended but tolerated eachother....especially from Lulu's side:
http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture....pictureid=1770
But one day we where surprised to see :o)
http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture....pictureid=1772

http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture....pictureid=1767

I was sure I made a mistake excepting Kira and certainly I did think about returning her but I had no option, only to wait for her owner to come back! After the stressful period it was difficult for all of us to part, even for Lulu that kept looking for her all over the house for days.

I want to encourage you because in my opinion things would could only get better, but give them their time and do not rush them. You will all definately gain from a slow introduction!

Good luck!

Here are my two cents, FWIW: When you're petting Schroder, don't rub his belly. Someone (I forget whom) told me that belly rubbing is sexual in nature to cats and it arouses them and stirs up aggression. Gently give him ear scritchies but don't even stroke him until later on. I think you probably already know the other suggestion because I sound like a broken record. Can't help it, though; it works: Clomicalm. If, after you've tried everything else, he still doesn't calm down, Clomicalm works wonders. When I think of how my Specs used to fight w/Boo, it makes me sad because I didn't know about Clomicalm then. Now they sleep together. Once you get the dosage adjusted, it shouldn't be too long before you see results. My cats have not had any side effects whatsoever. Perhaps talk to your vet about it and see what s/he says.

Good luck, Moesha. I know how frustrating it can be and I also know that you don't want to return Schroeder. I didn't want to find a home for Specs either but I was at that point when I found Clomicalm. :love:

My sister comes home Friday.

I can take the biting. I make a loud noise, and he stops.

He won't eat a pill pocket. When I was trying to find the treats he liked, I tried everything in my cabinet, including pill pockets.

I personally don't get involved with psychics, human or pet.

Thank you very much for your story karyn and for including the pictorial proof! Love that it worked out that way.

Last night Schroeder woke me up by kneading on my chest and then plopping himself down to sleep for awhile. Around 4, I think I was imagining Aroara making terrible sounds in the rest of the house. I say I was imagining, because when I got up she was asleep on the couch. I then went to sleep on the couch, and she slept with me for a couple of hours. She needs her mommy time too. I just can't sleep on that couch very often because of how it hurts my back. She seemed fine this morning. She'd eaten and had not thrown up any more. She's gone outside for now and Schroeder is finding hair ties on the table and zooming around the house.

I should probably e-mail the cat rescue to see if they have any advice.

Thanks for those suggestions Mary. I don't rub his belly. He doesn't like his ears touched either! I can wiggle my fingers on his head for a minute or rub my hand down his back a couple of times while he is walking around or when he jumps up to see me on the couch. I've thought about the medicine. I just have no idea how I would get it in him. Plus, I would rather him find his own home with someone that can make him happy than to medicate him. He deserves that. Plus, I'd almost have to medicate Aroara also at this point, I'm afraid. I don't have an issue with giving them medicine. It's just that with all the other issues, I'm not sure if that is the best option. I will ask the vet's office and the rescue organization for what their thoughts are on dealing with this.

I am sorry you are having a stressful time with this. In my experience, when I brought Paizly home Taz was not happy. But I let them work it out. BUT Taz was not aggressive and I didn't have fear that he would hurt Paizly. Taz never did "like" Paizly. He still growled when she came near him. She never growled or hissed at him though. She always tried to play with him, attacking his tail when he was sitting on a chair.

Now that I have G, my friends cat, the tables have turned. Paizly doesn't like G and G isn't crazy about her either. When I let G out of his room he will chase Paizly until she goes under the chair or bed where he can't get to her. Then he will sit there waiting for her to come out. That's when he goes back to his room. So sometimes he is only out of his room for 5 minutes. I've had G since August 10th. His mommy should be coming to get him soon. So I can deal with the situation temporarily.

I can't tell you what you should do. You do what is right for you, Schroeder and Aroara. I will keep you in my thoughts that you can figure out a solution that is best for all involved. I also hope you find your sisters cat soon!

My Pouncer used to really hiss and spit at Mr Scrappy to the point that I thought I might have to take Mr Scrappy to the SPCA.:eek:
I actually had him in a carrier and he started to cry.
Then I let him out and Pouncer came over and started washing him, and they were Best Pals after that!!!:cool::cool::cool:
:love::love::love:
Patience ,Patience and More Patience.
Love will find a way!!
:love::love::love:

Moe,
Only you know what is going to be the best for you, Schroeder and Aurora. If you think it would be best to let Schroeder go to an only cat house, then give him back to the rescue group. He has been moved around alot in the last few months it seems so I'm sure he's confused. We all understand if you feel another home would be best for him, and if that's the case, it's best he go there sooner rather than later. Noone will judge you for making the best decision for all involved. Hugs and love heading your way....


Amy

Prayers that either Aroara and Schroeder will start to get along better, or you will find another home where he can be an only kitty. Fingers and paws crossed for the former.

I just sent a long e-mail to the cat rescue contact that I have. I detailed all of Schroeder's issues, like I did here. I also gave her a list of the suggestions that you guys gave me and asked her what they would like for me to do. I told her that his former adopter was definitely correct when she told them that he needed to be in a one cat household. I offered to be a foster for him until they could find a home. The problem with that is that I over an hour away from Nashville. It would be very hard for potential adopters to meet him due to the distance for them or for me. I'll post again when I hear back from her. Thank you for all the advice. I know I'm doing the right thing for Schroeder, but it still hurts terribly. I thought for sure we were a perfect match.

ETA: He just had the hiccups sitting here next to me. I'd never seen a cat with hiccups before. It was cute. They didn't last very long. And I didn't have to scare him to get rid of them either!

I'm sorry to hear that things aren't working out.:( I can relate to having to rehome a cat due to being aggressive. I had a semi-feral cat named Cirrus for about 2 years. He and Storm never really got along but I thought that in time that things would improve. Well they only got worse.:( Cirrus even started attacking Sky. He only liked Sunny but may have turned on him eventually too.

I learned from a foster that all of his siblings were like this. As they matured they all became much more aggressive. Luckily I was able to return him to the rescue group and they eventually found him a wonderful home. He isn't an only cat but he has a big house and a cat run outside to run in. The lady that adopted him even told me that she feels that he should be an only cat but with more space he's been doing well. I'm assuming that he's still doing well. I need to contact her again to make sure. Good luck.:)

Moesha, how are things today? Prayers and a candle.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...ng&cid=9512081

I haven't heard anything from the rescue group. Schroeder is getting more used to being around me. He sat right next to me last night while I watched TV. He is definitely quirky!

I have kept him and Aroara completely separated. Right now he is in the bedroom and Aroara is next to me on the couch. She even jumped up and slept in my lap a little while ago. She has never been a snuggle kitty, but she is right here next to me sleeping.

I see that the rescue group is going to be set up at a craft fair this weekend at a school in Nashville. They will have homemade cat beds and some other items for sale. They said they may even have a feline or two. I wish that Schroeder could be there and perhaps find a home without having to be in a cage again. I keep checking my e-mail to see if I have received a response and feeling a bit relieved when none has come.

Also, I don't think I mentioned this before, but my sister's cat, Manx, is back home after being gone for 48 hours.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cassiesmom

Moesha, how are things today? Prayers and a candle.

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Continued prayers and another candle.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...ng&cid=9528593

Moesha, how are Schroeder and Aroara? Thinking of you :)--
elyse

Thank you very much for the candles and the concern, Elyse. I really appreciate it.

I just logged back on to update this thread and saw your latest question. Thank you so much!

I e-mailed the cat rescue organization last Wednesday. I guess the woman that I've been contacting doesn't always have access to e-mail. She e-mailed me on Saturday afternoon and asked that I call her rather than e-mail. I phoned her around 6:30 and left a voice mail message. I didn't hear anything from her until tonight. I received an e-mail stating that she hadn't heard back from me and thought that if it wasn't working out with Schroeder it would be better to get him back to them sooner rather than later.

I've kept Schroeder away from all the other cats. He's doing well in adjusting to us and being here. He plays, he follows me around, he purrs. Last night I put him back in the carrier and let Aroara be in the same room. No real reaction from him. He didn't freak out like he did last time. I sat next to the carrier and spoke soothing words and gave him treats as he was staying calm. I lured Aroara closer by tossing treats in increments toward us. She wouldn't come all the way. And she was growling and hissing as she came closer. Finally she just walked away. I then took Schroeder back to his room and let him out.

After getting the e-mail from the cat rescue, I thought I had better see what he would do being in the same room as Aroara, because if he is going to stay here, he HAS to be able to tolerate other cats. I don't need him to be friendly, but tolerate. Within 5 seconds of seeing her, he bolted after her. He had her pinned down in the kitchen, large clumps of gray fur were being pulled out. She even peed on herself. I got them apart and he went under the table. Before I could pick her up, she was walking past the table and he went after her again. He gives NO WARNING. Not a hiss, not a growl, nothing. He just attacks very aggressively. I was able to pick her up before he could harm her again. My mother was able to get him shut back in his room. I haven't been in there with him yet. His fur was standing straight up all over his body.

Aroara just sat with me, which in itself is very unusual, for as long as I would hold her. She made noise, (not a meow, not a growl, not really a cry. I don't know how to explain it exactly.) the entire time I held her. Her back end was soaked. We both stunk. I finally let her go in another room where she went to the back of the closet. I went in to check on her a while later and brought her back out. Again she started with the same noise. I've felt all over her backside and can't find any puncture wounds. I will have to watch her for the next couple of days. Of course she'll probably get an infected wound Saturday afternoon after the vet's office is closed for the weekend!

Anyway, I sent another e-mail to the rescue lady and will try calling again tomorrow. I'm pretty sure that I'll be taking Schroeder to them in the next day or so. He will be much better off if he can find a home with no other cats.

I don't think I'll try another new one. I may just bring some of the ones that are already here inside the house more often. They know Aroara and she knows them. And I know everyone's personality and routine already that way. I've been having to get up around 3 AM and come to the family room to sleep on the couch with Aroara for the last several days. That couch really hurts my back. I can not keep this whole routine up. Some of you may feel like I've made the wrong decision either bringing Schroeder here or taking him back. But I know that I have done everything I possibly can short of medicating him to make this work. It is really the best for everyone, except for maybe my heart, to have him go to his own home where he doesn't have to share his human(s) with any other felines.

Again, thank you to each of you that offered kindly advice and support. This has definitely been one of my worst 6 weeks in a very long time.

Thanks for keeping us updated. I think that you're doing the right thing and I support you 100%. Aroara was there first and she can't live with another cat that's going to attack her or harm her in any way.

I agree that he needs to be in a home without any other cats. I hope that the rescue group will make note of this so that other potential adopters will know this so that he'll be able to find his purrfect forever home.

I'm sorry that things didn't work out but you tried your best. Please don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure that he'll eventually find the purrfect home just like my Cirrus did. Good luck.:)

You can't put Aroara in jeopardy like that. Poor thing, she's scared to death. You tried. That's all any one could ask, Moe, but it's no good. You can't sleep, Aroara is scared for her life, and everyone walks on tiptoe around Schroeder. It can't continue. He needs to be rehomed in a single cat home. There are people who will be able to handle him, don't worry. Just make sure at the rescue they specify single cat home; aggressive only to other cats, not humans.

Thank you for trying.

You're doing the right thing, for all involved :love::love:

I was in tears reading what happened to Aroara. Both for her and Schroeder. I also am behind you on this decision. You need to do what's best for Aroara AND Schroeder. And him being an only cat is the answer.

I will be hoping you can find him his purrfect home soon.

This is a tough situation, but you will do the right thing for both cats.....HUGS for trying to make a difference....

Thank you guys very much for the support. I am trying to remember that this decision is really for the best for all involved. I know Schroeder will find a home. If I didn't have any other cats, I would definitely keep him. He's a quirky guy for sure!

The foster mom is in Nashville until tomorrow evening. She lives much closer to me than that, so we're going to arrange to meet somewhere closer to make the exchange. I could take him to Nashville, but if I give him to her over here, I know he can't go into a cage in Petsmart right away. I feel bad for him having to go through more adjustments. If they had told me the whole story about his previous adopter, I wouldn't have brought him here to start with. I am definitely going to make sure that they know he has to be kept away from other cats. I've stressed this to her in every e-mail that I've sent her. I've also told her that I'd be more than willing to talk to any potential adopters and give them hints on what things he likes and tell them about his issues. I know that there has to be someone out there that just wants one big orange boy.

Thanks again for the support. I just have read posts from people that have worked in rescue and get disgusted when people return cats. I just want everyone to know that I feel like I've really tried to make this work. I would never, ever get a cat thinking of giving it back on a whim. If I thought there was ever a chance of him getting along with Aroara or any of the other cats that may come in especially during the winter, I would keep him. But he means business and Aroara was terrified. I've never seen her act like she did last night. I can't do that to her again. That would just be cruel. I almost felt like she was bait or something.

Thank you also for realizing that I was trying to make a difference. I really wanted to help an adult kitty that had lost his home due to unforeseen circumstances.

If I adopted a cat, and as much as I love them, they terrified the cats that were already here, they would have to go. Don't feel guilty, Aurora won't. If I didn't have other cats, I would adopt Schroeder in a second! But I have two others and they were here first. Sometimes it just doesn't work out.

Don't be that hard on yourself!

You have no options left! You tried it all and now you know what is the best option for all of you.

Don't feel guilty, if it was for you you'd make it work but Schroeder aggressiveness is too much and after all Aurora is the first one in.

It just wasn't meant to happen!

Don't feel sad about it! You tried!!

Hugs x x x

We had a similar situation years ago. We only had Boo at the time, and adopted Samantha, a white tortie. It soon was obvious, she was not suited to living with another cat. She lived with us for 8 weeks, just to get past the " new " phase. I hated to bring her back to the shelter. Then she developed a really bad URI. BUT, Samantha did get adopted to a home where she was the only cat. I think of her often, and when going thru photos of the cats, there she is....I guess she might be at the Bridge(she'd be about 20 now). I hope she will remember Barry and me when we go there.....Schroeder knows you tried, knows you loved him, and he is most grateful for the time you had together...Hang in there.....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Moesha

Aroara just sat with me, which in itself is very unusual, for as long as I would hold her. She made noise, (not a meow, not a growl, not really a cry. I don't know how to explain it exactly.) the entire time I held her. Her back end was soaked. We both stunk. I finally let her go in another room where she went to the back of the closet. I went in to check on her a while later and brought her back out. Again she started with the same noise. I've felt all over her backside and can't find any puncture wounds. I will have to watch her for the next couple of days. Of course she'll probably get an infected wound Saturday afternoon after the vet's office is closed for the weekend!

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But of course! It's programmed into their DNA to get sick or injured only on weekends and holidays or when our vet is on vacation. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Moesha

Thanks again for the support. I just have read posts from people that have worked in rescue and get disgusted when people return cats.

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That only makes a tough situation even tougher which is why I hardly ever dealt w/rescue agencies and just did the rescue work on my own. Everyone here knows that you did your best for Schroeder and all your furkids. Like it or not, Schroeder isn't the only consideration in this situation. It isn't fair to your other cats or to you to be stressed and fearful all the time. He was in the right place w/you for the time being. Now he's moving on to his true place. It'll happen. Keep the faythe, Moesha. :love:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by katladyd

If I didn't have other cats, I would adopt Schroeder in a second!

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Same here! He is so handsome, I'm sure he will find a home as an only kitty.

I'm sorry Schroeder didn't work out. I hope he finds a home where he is the only cat. You've done all you could. :)

Good Luck Schroeder.

melissa

I agree with you katladyd and cassiesmom. If I didn't have any other cats, I would keep him too. I just talked with the foster mom from the cat rescue. Her dad lives in my town, so she is going to come visit him tomorrow. We're going to meet around 3 for her to take him. This is very sad. It was 6 weeks ago today that I lost Morgan. I never dreamed that I would get so attached to Schroeder. I am going to be checking petfinder every day to see if he has a home and am going to be so sad to see him back on there. I'm going to be tempted to drive to Nashville and look at him in Petsmart too. I know that probably wouldn't be good for me or for him. I have all of his stuff that I know he likes all together to go with him. I want him to get a happy ending.

Could her dad take Schroeder?

Prayers and hugs for you both. Bless you for loving him so much and doing all you did for him.:love::love:

No, her dad can't take Schroeder. I'm meeting her after she visits with her dad because her step-mother is allergic to cats.

I just said my good-byes to my boy Schroeder. I met the lady from the cat rescue in town. The house is lonely again. Although, Aroara is here with me. She keeps walking around hissing. This is the first time in a month that the door to my bedroom has been open when she has been inside. I'm sure she smells his scent in there. I hope she'll come in to sleep with me tonight. I am very sad, but also a little relieved. It was a lot of work having him here and making sure everyone was alright and separated. Maybe I'll just take a little time to relax before making any other kitty decisions. I might attempt to get one or two of the outside kitties to be more comfortable coming inside. If only I could have my Morgan back, all would be right in my house.

I'm so sorry that things didn't work out with Schroeder. Some kitties truly are meant to be only cats. I'm sure it was very hard to say good bye, but the right home will come along for him.

And I know how you feel about wishing Morgan were there. :( It's so hard to adjust to the absence of a beloved kitty.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Moesha

I just said my good-byes to my boy Schroeder. I met the lady from the cat rescue in town. The house is lonely again. Although, Aroara is here with me. She keeps walking around hissing. This is the first time in a month that the door to my bedroom has been open when she has been inside. I'm sure she smells his scent in there. I hope she'll come in to sleep with me tonight. I am very sad, but also a little relieved. It was a lot of work having him here and making sure everyone was alright and separated. Maybe I'll just take a little time to relax before making any other kitty decisions. I might attempt to get one or two of the outside kitties to be more comfortable coming inside. If only I could have my Morgan back, all would be right in my house.

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It's tough, I know, but as you say, you're also a little relieved. When you have that kind of chaos in the house, your world gets turned upside down. Schroeder will soon be in his new permanent home. And your last sentence is heartwrenching. We all feel that pain at some time in our lives. It's as though there's a hole in your heart and in your world. Life will soon calm down and get back to normal again. Keep the faythe. :love:

Your last sentence brought tears to my eyes. Because I know EXACTLY how you feel. I wish I had my Tazmoe back too. But then I wish I had him back with his health like it was five years ago. He was fat and happy.

You did the right thing for you, Aroara and Schroeder. He will find his furrever home. And he will be king of his own castle. :)

You did every possible thing for Schroeder, but it was not meant to be for him. It happened to me years ago and even though it wasn't anyone's fault, I still feel guilty.

Let's hope and pray that a furrever home happens for him and he can be the top cat in the household..............

hugs to you............