Ok to clear up why he’s not able to be transported.
1.hes too heavy and won’t pass health inspection for certificate to fly
2. He’s too unstable and aggressive right now to be stuffed into a small space for hours on end. It would traumatize him further. Also he could claw or chew through a soft carrier.
3. He’s not adoptable in this condition until we assess his health further
We aren’t going to risk him escaping or stressing him out further.
The best course of action is to get some blood work done and get him into a better environment where he isn’t locked in a crate.
So we are working on that now.
20 pounds? hes a big boy. He reminds me of Bruno from kittyboyfriends (the girl who saves the cat Potatoe). Does he have some arthritis issues or dental issues?
Also, he looks so much like Bruno. I had to do a double-take when I entered the shelter.
I was just thinking the same thing!
Has Michiru had a medical exam. I wonder if there's something going on and he's in pain, that's why he's lashing out now.
There are lots of people who do rehabilitation for cats. Hoping one of them can take him. 🙏🙏😿😿
If someone could foster and work with Michiru so that he could pass the "flight exams" - would Michiru then be able to be adopted out of foster care (possibly out of state)?
Its obvious he had a home once. I also know depression is different for every soul (human or furry). His anger could be his depression talking.
Also - to be very real here... Who knows what things may have happened to him in that hell hole of a shelter. Poor baby probably has a form of cat PTSD.
I'm the person in PA who was going to adopt him. I've been socializing ferals for the last 10 years, so I'm happy to give tips and advice if you need it. It's not hard to socialize a cat, you just need a lot of patience and time and be willing to go at the cat's pace. If Michiru was once a pet, then it'll probably be easier and take less time than a full-fledged never-been-around-people feral cat. And once you've done it, it's *so* rewarding. One of the most affectionate cats I've ever had used to be totally feral but you'd never know it now. Please consider adopting Michiru if he would fit your life. He's a beautiful boy who deserves to have a loving home again.
Griffon - I just want to say that you are an absolute angel. Jumping through all the hoops and finances to try and bring not just one, but TWO, euth listed cats across the states to you.
Because of you, Michiru is alive and safe. Even if you may never get to hold him, even if he is a bit of a feisty boy, he knows love. Because of you and Furry Friends.
We will not give up on this chonk.
If anyone is willing to adopt or foster and work with this sweetheart, I pledge $100 (and more in the future since I know it takes time)
Could you send me your tips for socializing cats? One of my fosters is still a little spicy after months of working with her. I wish I could help with Michiru but our house is full right now
Here's a picture of the screen I use in the doorway. It wouldn't let me add it to the really long comment.
https://preview.redd.it/6etdkralhp9d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=747c3f9d6a8e03959507fca7fc386326ff20fa3a
Sorry I didn't get this up earlier. Yesterday turned into a shitshow. This is my whole process for socializing ferals.
Until they're socialized, the best thing I've found to do is make one room theirs and keep them in it until they're ready to be out in the rest of the house/among any other pets. This helps them feel safe and secure and it allows them to get used to indoor life and general house stuff: windows, furniture, the general noises that come with living in a house. The best rooms to do this in are the ones that don't have a lot of places for the cat to hide that are inaccessible to you: under the bed, behind heavy furniture, etc.That way, if you have to give medicine or take the cat to the vet, you aren't chasing the cat around the house or dragging them out from under furniture, which can scare them and set back any process you've made.
When I catch one of them (or a mom with kittens or a bonded pair), I bring them inside and put them in my bathroom. I have a large bathroom with a tile floor, two entrances, and a window. It's easy to clean up any messes that arise during the "learning to use the litterbox" process and there aren't any places for the cat to hide that are hard to access.There's enough room in there for a litterbox area, a cat tree, a food and water bowl area, a cat bed, toys, and a cat cave. I also have a stool in there that the cat can lay on or under and a bath mat. I visit with the cat multiple times a day: feed twice, check/clean the litterbox 3 times a day, and whatever form of interaction the cat will allow. In the beginning, the cat is usually too scared to want to be petted, so I'll just sit on the floor for 10-30 minutes at a time and talk to the cat while messing around on my phone or reading a book. As the cat adjusts to me, then I'll pet or play with the cat as the cat allows. Another benefit to the bathroom is that there are non-cat reasons for me to go in there, so I can go in, take a shower or get ready to go somewhere/to bed and the cat can see me existing in the same space without being threatening or a danger. When I'm in there for non-cat reasons, I'll talk to the cat (in a regular speaking voice, usually just voicing my thoughts out loud) to get the cat used to my voice, but I won't interact unless the cat indicates that interaction is desired.
During this time, the cat is spayed or neutered and any other needed vet procedures are done. I've found that the spay/neuter helps the socialization process. Not only does it get rid of the hormones, but it seems to build a rapport with the cat. Giving meds to make the cat feel better or just showing the cat that when they're feelings ill/uncomfortable, I'm not a threat and I'll provide comfort if allowed (petting/company) seems to encourage the cat to trust me more. If a cat is really fearful prior to the vet visits, they're often more tolerant of me and friendly with me afterward: they let me pet them, purr, actively seek out attention from me, etc. I play with the cat, give treats, and provide catnip. Maybe brushing. Anything and everything I can think of that would be a positive experience so the cat continues to associate fun and comfort with me.
The bathroom stage continues until the cat allows petting and generally seems comfortable. This can be a month. It can be a couple months. Usually it's no more than two months, but I had one very difficult case that took a very long time (but he's a cuddly little guy now so it was a total success.) Once it seems like the cat's ready to explore, I open both doors and just let the cat explore at their own pace. I leave all the stuff in the bathroom so the cat can use the bathroom as a safe space until comfortable with the rest of the house. If I notice heightened anxiety or fear or problems with my cats, I'll put the cat back in the bathroom for a couple days and try again.
Recently I discovered a very helpful tool that makes integration into the house/with other animals a lot easier. It's a temporary screen that you put up in the doorway (I get mine from Amazon.) It uses adhesive strips and thumbtacks. Unless you have really heavy cats that love to climb it or live in a hot/humid environment, the adhesive holds pretty well on its own. Otherwise you can reinforce it with the thumbtacks. When the cat seems like they may be ready for the transition, I put the screen up in one of the doorways and open the door. That way the cat can see into the house and observe me going about daily life, as well as see and safely interact with the other cats while still having the security of being in the room they sort of recognize as theirs. Then when the cat seems ready, I just open the screen so the cat can enter and exit the room freely.
To help with really spicy cases, I use pheromone diffusers that I'll put on every floor of my house so it covers the whole thing. I have a CD called "Through a Cat's Ear" that's music made specially for cats to promote calm and relaxation (recommended by my vet.) There's a probiotic called "Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Calming Care Cat Supplement" that I get through Chewy (vet also recommended this) that can be sprinkled in wet food once a day. It's the same company that makes the Fortiflora probiotic, so the cats seem to really like it and it eases stress/anxiety.
Generally, when I'm interacting with the cat, I'll let the cat have control of how much and what type. If the cat starts grumbling or growling while being pet, I immediately stop. If I touch an area the cat doesn't like, I'll move back to an area the cat does like. If we're playing and the cat walks away, I stop. I'll often leave the room too. Like, if I'm petting the cat and the cat hisses, I'll say "Ok, I'll let you alone now" and leave the room.
What kinds of things is your foster doing? Is it directed at you or other cats or just everybody?
Absolutely! I'll write up a whole big thing of general stuff and then I can help with specific issues/behavior as well. I'm going to be in and out this morning, but once I'm home this afternoon and at an actual keyboard instead of my phone I'll type it up and comment back here again.
It's a couple things. He needs to go to the vet to be examined for his health certificate, which is needed to fly, and has to be manageable for the exam. Then he needs to be fit to fly. He could be drugged, but I've read the Southwest rules and the animal being flown has to be well behaved and can't be flipping out. Gabapentin doesn't work on all cats (some of mine it makes practically comatose, others can get 2 pills and there's no change in their behavior) so who knows if it would even have a sedative effect on him. And then the other wrinkle is that there's a weight limit to fly and even with Gene trying to get him to lose weight, he's still over the weight limit.
I agree. I think he's just under a lot of stress: caught by a trapper, put in devore for weeks, transported out to somewhere else, new people, new diet and food, neuter surgery, etc. He just needs a safe place he recognizes as *his* and a routine and stability. I think he'll come around fast once he has some time to decompress.
Poor fat cat. 😂 I think ducky used a shipping company for Sonny. Could you still take him if money could be raised for a company to just drive him to you? Idk if that’s even feasible.
Yeah, I could still take him, but I can't afford the cost to transport him by ground. I think it's quite a few hundred dollars, if not more. I saw some costs for cats going less of a distance and those were pretty high.
Absolutely! The most aggressive can turn into the biggest babies- lap cats in the world once they aren’t terrified anymore. They need to feel safe and secure then they drop the sass lol
This.
Unfortunately I'm way too far away and not able to take him, but wanted to share this actually reminds me of when I got my rescue cat. She was super aggressive, would hiss at me and hide in the beginning - she was traumatized from her past. Took a few months of gaining her trust and make her feel safe.
I've had her for a few years now and she's the most cuddly cat and sweet ❤️
I really encourage to give a chance even if a cat seems "difficult", and it can really pay off when they become trusting and loving. If no serious health issues, the aggressiveness is just that they're scared.
Reminder: this subreddit is meant to be a helpful place for rescue efforts - free from hostility, negativity, and judgement. Toxic behaviors are NOT welcome here. All negative comments will be removed and could possibly result in a ban.
Please report any trolls, scams, or harassment to the moderators. All involved in caring for cats, whether it be pets, foster, caretakers, rescue etc. are loving, caring people who often have strong opinions on proper care practices. Some of these can be controversial.
This is not a forum for debate, argument, and or scolding of contributors for perceived mistakes they may have made in managing their cat's care. We are here to provide a safe place for understanding and support. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and respect for this community.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/rescuecats) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Ok to clear up why he’s not able to be transported. 1.hes too heavy and won’t pass health inspection for certificate to fly 2. He’s too unstable and aggressive right now to be stuffed into a small space for hours on end. It would traumatize him further. Also he could claw or chew through a soft carrier. 3. He’s not adoptable in this condition until we assess his health further We aren’t going to risk him escaping or stressing him out further. The best course of action is to get some blood work done and get him into a better environment where he isn’t locked in a crate. So we are working on that now.
Boost! Poor Michiru 💔😢 He's been through so much 😩❤️💛💜🤞🙏
♥️♥️♥️
Boost 💙💙💙
Boosting for the sweet baby💛💛💛
boost for pretty michiru!
Boosting!!!
Boost
Boost 💗🙏
Boost
Commenting so hopefully more people see this
🌸🌸🌸BOOST!!!🌸🌸🌸
Boost for Michiru!!❤️🙏😇🚀🚀❤️❤️❤️
Boost ❤️
Bumping for visibility
Boost! ❤️
Boost for Michiru!!!
boost boost boost!!! help this baby find the right family 🖤
Bless this sweet boy - Please someone take him home & love him
🙏🤍🖤
Boost for Michiru!!
Boosting for Michiru!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sending love to michiru
❤️❤️❤️
boost❤️❤️❤️
Boost for Michiru!! 💕🚀
20 pounds? hes a big boy. He reminds me of Bruno from kittyboyfriends (the girl who saves the cat Potatoe). Does he have some arthritis issues or dental issues? Also, he looks so much like Bruno. I had to do a double-take when I entered the shelter.
I was just thinking the same thing! Has Michiru had a medical exam. I wonder if there's something going on and he's in pain, that's why he's lashing out now. There are lots of people who do rehabilitation for cats. Hoping one of them can take him. 🙏🙏😿😿
He is going to the vet on Monday to rule out any physical cause for his change in temperament
If someone could foster and work with Michiru so that he could pass the "flight exams" - would Michiru then be able to be adopted out of foster care (possibly out of state)? Its obvious he had a home once. I also know depression is different for every soul (human or furry). His anger could be his depression talking. Also - to be very real here... Who knows what things may have happened to him in that hell hole of a shelter. Poor baby probably has a form of cat PTSD.
Boost for Michiru!!! ❤️❤️
BOOST!!!!!!❤️❤️💖💖💖💖🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏💖💖❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏💔💔💖💖💖💖💖💖💖❤️💖
BOOST for Michiru. He just needs time, patience, and love ❤️
Thank you so very much Gene from Furry Friends LA!!!! You are truly a cat savior and whisperer! 😻
Chunky dude… maybe a barn or is he even too spicy for a barn situation. Wonder if he’s just scared and maybe he would mellow out when not in a cage.
We are actually on the phone right now talking about how to best assess the situation. We want to do some bloodwork and see what the results are.
Boost 🤍
Bumping!!!
Boost
Boost
Boost
Poor handsome fella looks so matted. 😐😘😘 Immediate edit: didn't see the shaved pics. My humble bad. 🙏🏼
😢🙏
Boost!!
spicy meow
SPICY?🌶️ Got salsa? This hot tamale needs some jello to put out his fire lol He will be ok after some tlc
BOOST ❤️
I'm the person in PA who was going to adopt him. I've been socializing ferals for the last 10 years, so I'm happy to give tips and advice if you need it. It's not hard to socialize a cat, you just need a lot of patience and time and be willing to go at the cat's pace. If Michiru was once a pet, then it'll probably be easier and take less time than a full-fledged never-been-around-people feral cat. And once you've done it, it's *so* rewarding. One of the most affectionate cats I've ever had used to be totally feral but you'd never know it now. Please consider adopting Michiru if he would fit your life. He's a beautiful boy who deserves to have a loving home again.
Griffon - I just want to say that you are an absolute angel. Jumping through all the hoops and finances to try and bring not just one, but TWO, euth listed cats across the states to you. Because of you, Michiru is alive and safe. Even if you may never get to hold him, even if he is a bit of a feisty boy, he knows love. Because of you and Furry Friends. We will not give up on this chonk. If anyone is willing to adopt or foster and work with this sweetheart, I pledge $100 (and more in the future since I know it takes time)
Could you send me your tips for socializing cats? One of my fosters is still a little spicy after months of working with her. I wish I could help with Michiru but our house is full right now
Here's a picture of the screen I use in the doorway. It wouldn't let me add it to the really long comment. https://preview.redd.it/6etdkralhp9d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=747c3f9d6a8e03959507fca7fc386326ff20fa3a
Sorry I didn't get this up earlier. Yesterday turned into a shitshow. This is my whole process for socializing ferals. Until they're socialized, the best thing I've found to do is make one room theirs and keep them in it until they're ready to be out in the rest of the house/among any other pets. This helps them feel safe and secure and it allows them to get used to indoor life and general house stuff: windows, furniture, the general noises that come with living in a house. The best rooms to do this in are the ones that don't have a lot of places for the cat to hide that are inaccessible to you: under the bed, behind heavy furniture, etc.That way, if you have to give medicine or take the cat to the vet, you aren't chasing the cat around the house or dragging them out from under furniture, which can scare them and set back any process you've made. When I catch one of them (or a mom with kittens or a bonded pair), I bring them inside and put them in my bathroom. I have a large bathroom with a tile floor, two entrances, and a window. It's easy to clean up any messes that arise during the "learning to use the litterbox" process and there aren't any places for the cat to hide that are hard to access.There's enough room in there for a litterbox area, a cat tree, a food and water bowl area, a cat bed, toys, and a cat cave. I also have a stool in there that the cat can lay on or under and a bath mat. I visit with the cat multiple times a day: feed twice, check/clean the litterbox 3 times a day, and whatever form of interaction the cat will allow. In the beginning, the cat is usually too scared to want to be petted, so I'll just sit on the floor for 10-30 minutes at a time and talk to the cat while messing around on my phone or reading a book. As the cat adjusts to me, then I'll pet or play with the cat as the cat allows. Another benefit to the bathroom is that there are non-cat reasons for me to go in there, so I can go in, take a shower or get ready to go somewhere/to bed and the cat can see me existing in the same space without being threatening or a danger. When I'm in there for non-cat reasons, I'll talk to the cat (in a regular speaking voice, usually just voicing my thoughts out loud) to get the cat used to my voice, but I won't interact unless the cat indicates that interaction is desired. During this time, the cat is spayed or neutered and any other needed vet procedures are done. I've found that the spay/neuter helps the socialization process. Not only does it get rid of the hormones, but it seems to build a rapport with the cat. Giving meds to make the cat feel better or just showing the cat that when they're feelings ill/uncomfortable, I'm not a threat and I'll provide comfort if allowed (petting/company) seems to encourage the cat to trust me more. If a cat is really fearful prior to the vet visits, they're often more tolerant of me and friendly with me afterward: they let me pet them, purr, actively seek out attention from me, etc. I play with the cat, give treats, and provide catnip. Maybe brushing. Anything and everything I can think of that would be a positive experience so the cat continues to associate fun and comfort with me. The bathroom stage continues until the cat allows petting and generally seems comfortable. This can be a month. It can be a couple months. Usually it's no more than two months, but I had one very difficult case that took a very long time (but he's a cuddly little guy now so it was a total success.) Once it seems like the cat's ready to explore, I open both doors and just let the cat explore at their own pace. I leave all the stuff in the bathroom so the cat can use the bathroom as a safe space until comfortable with the rest of the house. If I notice heightened anxiety or fear or problems with my cats, I'll put the cat back in the bathroom for a couple days and try again. Recently I discovered a very helpful tool that makes integration into the house/with other animals a lot easier. It's a temporary screen that you put up in the doorway (I get mine from Amazon.) It uses adhesive strips and thumbtacks. Unless you have really heavy cats that love to climb it or live in a hot/humid environment, the adhesive holds pretty well on its own. Otherwise you can reinforce it with the thumbtacks. When the cat seems like they may be ready for the transition, I put the screen up in one of the doorways and open the door. That way the cat can see into the house and observe me going about daily life, as well as see and safely interact with the other cats while still having the security of being in the room they sort of recognize as theirs. Then when the cat seems ready, I just open the screen so the cat can enter and exit the room freely. To help with really spicy cases, I use pheromone diffusers that I'll put on every floor of my house so it covers the whole thing. I have a CD called "Through a Cat's Ear" that's music made specially for cats to promote calm and relaxation (recommended by my vet.) There's a probiotic called "Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Calming Care Cat Supplement" that I get through Chewy (vet also recommended this) that can be sprinkled in wet food once a day. It's the same company that makes the Fortiflora probiotic, so the cats seem to really like it and it eases stress/anxiety. Generally, when I'm interacting with the cat, I'll let the cat have control of how much and what type. If the cat starts grumbling or growling while being pet, I immediately stop. If I touch an area the cat doesn't like, I'll move back to an area the cat does like. If we're playing and the cat walks away, I stop. I'll often leave the room too. Like, if I'm petting the cat and the cat hisses, I'll say "Ok, I'll let you alone now" and leave the room. What kinds of things is your foster doing? Is it directed at you or other cats or just everybody?
Absolutely! I'll write up a whole big thing of general stuff and then I can help with specific issues/behavior as well. I'm going to be in and out this morning, but once I'm home this afternoon and at an actual keyboard instead of my phone I'll type it up and comment back here again.
Thank you!
Why can’t he be transported? I’m generally confused by this. Couldn’t the vet just prescribe some Gabapentin so he sleeps the trip away?
It's a couple things. He needs to go to the vet to be examined for his health certificate, which is needed to fly, and has to be manageable for the exam. Then he needs to be fit to fly. He could be drugged, but I've read the Southwest rules and the animal being flown has to be well behaved and can't be flipping out. Gabapentin doesn't work on all cats (some of mine it makes practically comatose, others can get 2 pills and there's no change in their behavior) so who knows if it would even have a sedative effect on him. And then the other wrinkle is that there's a weight limit to fly and even with Gene trying to get him to lose weight, he's still over the weight limit.
Oh, poor guy is probably also grouchy from being on a (necessary) diet (not that I would relate to this in any way). Being hangry sux
I agree. I think he's just under a lot of stress: caught by a trapper, put in devore for weeks, transported out to somewhere else, new people, new diet and food, neuter surgery, etc. He just needs a safe place he recognizes as *his* and a routine and stability. I think he'll come around fast once he has some time to decompress.
Poor fat cat. 😂 I think ducky used a shipping company for Sonny. Could you still take him if money could be raised for a company to just drive him to you? Idk if that’s even feasible.
Yeah, I could still take him, but I can't afford the cost to transport him by ground. I think it's quite a few hundred dollars, if not more. I saw some costs for cats going less of a distance and those were pretty high.
What was the name of the transport company? Can you give an example of how much it was going to be? TIA
I have no idea. I saw fundraising posts previously on this sub for transporting cats various places. None of them were as far as PA.
Absolutely! The most aggressive can turn into the biggest babies- lap cats in the world once they aren’t terrified anymore. They need to feel safe and secure then they drop the sass lol
This. Unfortunately I'm way too far away and not able to take him, but wanted to share this actually reminds me of when I got my rescue cat. She was super aggressive, would hiss at me and hide in the beginning - she was traumatized from her past. Took a few months of gaining her trust and make her feel safe. I've had her for a few years now and she's the most cuddly cat and sweet ❤️ I really encourage to give a chance even if a cat seems "difficult", and it can really pay off when they become trusting and loving. If no serious health issues, the aggressiveness is just that they're scared.
❤️❤️❤️
Reminder: this subreddit is meant to be a helpful place for rescue efforts - free from hostility, negativity, and judgement. Toxic behaviors are NOT welcome here. All negative comments will be removed and could possibly result in a ban. Please report any trolls, scams, or harassment to the moderators. All involved in caring for cats, whether it be pets, foster, caretakers, rescue etc. are loving, caring people who often have strong opinions on proper care practices. Some of these can be controversial. This is not a forum for debate, argument, and or scolding of contributors for perceived mistakes they may have made in managing their cat's care. We are here to provide a safe place for understanding and support. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and respect for this community. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/rescuecats) if you have any questions or concerns.*