Sweetest Tuxedo Kitty & Question for Rescuers

Brooklynian » Forum » Brooklyn Pets »

Sweetest Tuxedo Kitty & Question for Rescuers

Share this!

tateinbk
above average
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 498

Hi,
There is the sweetest tuxedo kitty that has been hanging around my building. He came up to a couple of us and then when I clicked s/he came right up and was arching and leaping to get pet. I checked Fido's lost list and will check Craigslist next. The cat is smallish, white nose and black over eyes and ears. I wasn't able to get a picture.

There is a large part of me that wants to race out and take this kitty in, but I am allergic to cats, have a new baby and a dog and am in a financial situation where I can't, in good conscience, commit to a lifetime of vet bills for another creature. BUT, if there is a rescuer that would help with posting on petfinder and who can help with initial and follow-up vet costs, AND my dog and kitty get along (Big if) I would be happy to foster this kitty until either a good home or his original home can be found.

I'm not sure there is really a rescue group out there that would take this on, though. I've also fostered cats in the past that were not friendly at all, and suffered for it. So advice from more experienced rescuers on my plan would also be appreciated.

Also, I hear that there is a woman in the neighborhood who has been feeding the cats and maybe this one? If you're feeding cats in CH on or near Lincoln pl. and might know more about this specific cat (maybe he's not lost and actually has a home?) could you let me know?
Thank you.

# Posted 9 mos ago
tateinbk
above average
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 498

So, I have someone who will help out if the situation doesn't work out between the cat and my dog. I looked for the cat last night but he had moved on for the time being. Do any of you more experienced rescuers have any suggestions for how to handle the situation in getting kitty started? I figure if I can't pick him up he's not as friendly as I had assumed, but I don't think that will be a problem. Do I keep him in the bathroom until a vet visit can be made? What are the likelihood he has fleas and if so, how should I handle this? Any thoughts or points I may have missed?

# Posted 9 mos ago
Mamacita
Stuck in the middle with you
Joined: Dec '06
Posts: 9,479

if you can, keep him/her in one section of your apt away from the dog at first (bathroom/bedroom or if you can close the living room from the rest of the apt) then let the dog and cat smell each other from under the door for a few days to get them used to each others smell. Google probably help direct you to pet sites that can offer more specifics. I don't think it matters if you introduce him to the dog & family before the vet visit (if he looks healthy)the big worry there is about spreading feline leukemia between other cats in your household and you don't have other cats. (This is my guess, research online to be sure)

I wouldn't worry too much about fleas, even if he has some you'd have to be living in a pig sty to have them get out of control like in the horror stories you sometimes hear. A little flea medication (or a flea bath) & flea powder for the rugs is all you need.

for a cheapo litter box go to the 99 cent store and pick up a big aluminum disposable pan (the kind you take to potlucks) and lots of the village voice papers to place around the pan in case there are any accidents.

(\__/)
(=’.'=)
(”)_(”)

# Posted 9 mos ago
Mamacita
Stuck in the middle with you
Joined: Dec '06
Posts: 9,479

PS. You are doing a wonderful & awesome thing by trying to find this cat a home. Many karma points!!

(\__/)
(=’.'=)
(”)_(”)

# Posted 9 mos ago
Alana
getting it
Joined: Feb '08
Posts: 148

Is this kitty eartipped (has a piece of his rt ear snipped off) if yes then definitely neutered, if not when you find him/her take straight to a vet to find out if fixed, check for a microchip and buy a revolution or frontline flea treatment, its cheaper at the vets and you can get just 1. If kitty is not already fixed let us know we can help.

Try looking for this kitty around the area if you are committed to rescuing him/her, look for signs of feeding stations for the cats - empty tins of tuna/cat food, water left out makeshift shelters, look in alleyways, gardens, down stairwells and keep your eyes open.

# Posted 9 mos ago
tateinbk
above average
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 498

Alana and others who rescue,
I'm in awe of you all and I'm just in the thinking/planning phase. I'm actually feeling overwhelmed at the notion of getting the kitty into a carrier, up to my apartment and then to the vet with the baby. A huge reason I've only worked with established rescues I suppose.

The cat is fed every night in the same spot and it is easy enough to find again. If I sit outside and click for it she comes with no hesitation. She is not ear-tipped. I can pick her up but she wriggles out of my arms after a brief stay.

I'm thinking I would have to be prepared to foster for 6mo-1yr if I take this on. Does this sound about right? Regardless of how sweet this one is, there are just so many cats that need homes. How do any of them really get adopted? I also still would love to talk to whoever is feeding this group. The neighbors think it's a guy and he comes pretty late, but I can't sit and wait in the spot for him all night.
I guess no one can make up my mind for me. If there's someone out there that has experience getting a kitty into a carrier on the street and applying frontline could you drop me a line if you were willing to give me a hand? If not, I'll keep weighing my options and just how much I can handle at the moment.

# Posted 8 mos ago
Alana
getting it
Joined: Feb '08
Posts: 148

I think that you should consider taking the TNR course offered by Neighborhood Cats to learn more about rescue work and TNR. There are very many safe ways to grab a kitty but that are much easier to show than write out.

If you need advice, some confidence and a network of people here to help you go to Neighborhood Cats.

Here is their website: http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/

There is not way to guess what kind of time commitment is required of a foster. In addition do not rule out that this is a pet that has been lost! Once you get the kitty go straight to the vet, check for a micro-chip and check to see if the cat is already fixed. Most will do this with no charge.

Neighborhood Cats (NC) can also advise you on low-cost vets near you where you can take the kitty for a check-up and get an FIV/Feline Leukemia test done. As you have other animals in you house do not introduce the new cat to them until you have the test results and you have had the kitty checked out. NC can also teach you how to introduce a new cat to your home as although your dog may like cats there is no guarantee this new cat will like dogs or other cats.

Your best bet it to start with NC then hook up with a nearby rescue group who can help you find the kitty their own home.

Let us know how it goes.

# Posted 6 mos ago

RSS feed for this topic

Welcome! Please log in to post, or register a new account!

Brooklynian

Brooklynian » Forum » Brooklyn Pets »

Sweetest Tuxedo Kitty & Question for Rescuers

Brooklynian » Boards About Stuff! » Brooklyn Pets

Brooklinks

Members Online