New Member

Posts: 7
From:The Woodlands, TX
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-16-2003 09:56 AM         

---

About 3 days ago, we picked up a stray cat that was begging for food outside a local restaurant (she appeared to be pregnant). She had on a flea collar but was very skinny and hungry. We brought her home and put her in a room all by herself since we have other pets in the home (a cat and 2 dogs). She was taken to the vet yesterday and while she wasn't pregnant, it looked like she could have had a litter recently or was having a false pregnancy. She had an ear fungus and other than that, she seemed healthy.

My questions are these. First, she doesn't exhibit any "normal" cat behaviors to me. She has absolutely no interest in any toys or in stalking anything. Most cats can be entertained or intrigued by moving objects, etc. and we'll pounce or hold them down with their paws. She has no interest in any of that. Secondly, she doesn't seem to investigate her surroundings much at all. She doesn't look around or jump on things like our cat does. She eats and sleeps and that is about it. I put her in the windowsill and she has no interest in looking out at the world around her which you know is odd for a cat. Third, she kneads and purrs anytime you pet her (this isn't abnormal but I wanted to share in case this helps fill in the picture of her past). I've read this can mean she was taken from her mom too soon but have read this isn't always the case.

Does anyone know what might have contributed to her lack of cat-like behaviors? Was she not taught how to play as a kitten? If she is about 1, can this be changed? I'm trying to find her a good home and want to be able to place her in a home that knows what to expect for her personality and how she will interact with humans.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 40
From:
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-16-2003 04:54 PM         

---

Hi,

First, it was really nice of you to take her in. It's very difficult to pinpoint what could be causing her behavior since she is a stray, and you know nothing of her background. But, if she did have a litter of kittens, I would think she might be depressed that she was separated from them. Just my thoughts, and I hope you have some luck with her.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 97
From:usa
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 11-16-2003 05:47 PM         

---

It also might take her a while to rest up. She may be to tired to really care what is going on around her. Maybe she will perk up in the next couple days. If she has had a litter of kittens then she might also be a little heart broken with the loss of her babies. Unless her actions change a bit maybe it would be better to place her in a home with no kids, and lots of love. She may need it since it seems she was abandoned. Also, have you let her peak out your other pets to see how she is around other animals? You may want to make sure she is ok with other pets too. Good luck with her.

------------------
~*T*~

[This message has been edited by beepbeep (edited 11-16-2003).]

IP: Logged

New Member

Posts: 2
From:
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-16-2003 05:59 PM         

---

was the vet able to confirm if she had babies recently?

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 141
From:Nova Scotia, Canada
Registered: May 2003

posted 11-16-2003 06:03 PM         

---

And did the vet do any tests on your new friend to see if he/she was carrying any diseases that could be passed onto your other animals? May want to confirm that before introducing the lot of them.

IP: Logged

New Member

Posts: 7
From:The Woodlands, TX
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-18-2003 06:22 PM         

---

I'm happy to report that the kitty is finally playing with her toys and is a lot spunkier. I think she was just catching up on sleep and adjusting to her new temporary residence. Thanks to all for your responses.

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)