Leda (NYC rescue cat) EXCITING Update! 9-8-06

[Lizzie]

A belly rub so soon, that is very good news. She must have felt abandoned and defenceless (since clawless) at the shelter and that is why she appeared a bit wild. I can imagine the atmosphere in your home making her feel more and more relaxed and trusting.

Well, her response to you rather changes the way I need to look at her. I'd thought that since she appeared to be a social feral with litter box issues, she would fit right in with my downstairs cats. But she's really a lap cat who has been treated badly and she'd appreciate a home where she gets lots of attention. Let's hope that the litter box issues are either from sore paws and wrong litter, which is the direction my thoughts have lain, or UTI which is the way you are thinking. That way, she is adoptable, and that is better for her than staying in my home as long as I choose well. Don't worry, I would adopt her through my vet's office and be super careful in my screening.

[jenluckenbach]

I don't believe Leda was ever feral.....she KNEW what a cat toy was. I have a teaser wand with tinsel on it and I was playing with the other fosters right outside her cage. She watched with intent. Then I teased her with it and she played! Shyly, but still, in my own experience, the ferals (and long term strays) are more frightened of a toy, worried that it is something that will hurt them.

And she prefers to be hand fed. Not eating a whole lot yet, so I do whatever she wants to get the food into her, and if that is hand feeding.......so be it!

[Lizzie]

I don't believe Leda was ever feral.....she KNEW what a cat toy was. I have a teaser wand with tinsel on it and I was playing with the other fosters right outside her cage. She watched with intent. Then I teased her with it and she played! Shyly, but still, in my own experience, the ferals (and long term strays) are more frightened of a toy, worried that it is something that will hurt them.

And she prefers to be hand fed. Not eating a whole lot yet, so I do whatever she wants to get the food into her, and if that is hand feeding.......so be it!

Hand-feeding! What a little princess. She is very lucky that you are ready to pander to her needs. I wonder how much she ate at the shelter? Barely enough to stay alive, probably.

Yes, cat toys are very defining, aren't they. I always know that a feral adult has truly turned the corner when they jump onto a teaser toy, though it can take years to see that change. I keep thinking of how much more relaxed and happy she must be feeling now she is away from the shelter and in your welcoming home. What do your fosters think of her so far?

[jenluckenbach]

The fosters couldn't care less. They don't even bother to look at her in her cage. Once she is out, they'll only care if she tries to get TOO friendly. (LOL)

[orangemm]

Guess they figure (yawn) "just another one she brought home".

[jazzcat]

Wow, a lot happened this weekend didn't it Jen? I think it's great you are doing this for Leda and Lizzie. She's very pretty and sounds like she just needed someone who understands her.

[jenluckenbach]

Well, her response to you rather changes the way I need to look at her. I'd thought that since she appeared to be a social feral with litter box issues, she would fit right in with my downstairs cats. But she's really a lap cat who has been treated badly and she'd appreciate a home where she gets lots of attention. ...... she is adoptable, and that is better for her than staying in my home as long as I choose well.

If you are continuing this thinking I can always place her on One by One's petfinder website. She can be adopted through us even before she travels all the way to Washington. Now mind you, people might not bust the door down in search of a shy 3 year old cat, but you never know. What do you think about this idea? (now of course, I won't post her at least until she comes out of her cage so I know how to describe her to potentials.)

[jenluckenbach]

This evening she PURRED! And she washed her face. (A sign of feeling comfortable)

Now she has to start eating more than she has been. nce I know she is eating properly, I will give her the option to come out of the cage.

You don't know just how glad I am that WE saved her.

[Catty1]

OMG! PURRING!

That is SOOO great, Jen!

Give her a tummy rub for me, ok???

[momcat]

You don't know just how glad I am that WE saved her.

So are we, Jen, so are we