Okay guys, I have four cats, and occasionally will take in a foster kitty when the shelter is in desperate need of help. Last week they called me and asked if I could take one in and I agreed, went to get him yesterday morning. He’s a big boy and was taking up two cages put together and they had more cats coming in so had to free up room - either by euthanasia or fostering. So of course I’m a sucker and took him.
He’s 14 years old and never been away from his human “daddy” before - now the poor guy is confused of course. His daddy had to move several states away to help out his grown son who’s dying of cancer, and the son’s wife is going blind. The wife is allergic to cats so he couldn’t take his baby along. He didn’t know when or even if he could come back, and sold his house before moving. He’s had the cat all his life - pretty strong bond.
Well, long story short, Shadow is a very sad little kitty. Yesterday he spent a short time checking out the house and then spent several hours looking out the back door at the bird feeding station in the yard. He’s eaten a little and had a couple good drinks of water, but other than that he just stays curled up in the recliner. Purrs when I pet him, purrs if the other cats sniff him over, but that’s it.
Is there anything I can do to help him adjust to life without daddy, or is time alone going to heal this hurt? I feel so sorry for him.
Yes I know the rule - pics to follow - gotta get them off my phone first.
He just moved from the recliner and is now curled up in a cardboard box - my kitties love boxes so they’re all over the house. Still really quiet but at least he’s staying awake a bit more.
If he’s 14 years old, sleep is about all he’s going to do. Sleep, eat, poop, with an occasional bird watch thrown in there for good measure. I had to cats for many years who were getting up there in years. One I had to have put to sleep a little over a year ago and the other one is still alive and that’s all she does (sleep, eat, poop, who cares about birds–there’s sleeping to do).
When I got the younger cats, I thought I was going to go crazy, as they are so busy.
I’m a shelter volunteer, too. I suspect Shadow’s relieved to be in a calm environment, and will take a while to sleep off the shock and stress of the shelter. If he’s not a little more lively in a week or so maybe then start worrying, but I bet all he’ll do for at least a few more days is sleep.
Poor guy, he must wonder why his world’s upside down.
My cat is about 10 or 12 years old (rescue, so not sure exactly), and he sleeps most of the day, too. I would also say that if Shadow was in the shelter for even a couple of days, plus combined with all the sudden changes in his life, that he has been a little stressed, and is likely catching up on lost sleep and recuperating a bit.
Such a nice thing of you to do taking him in. Old cats are the sweetest. It must have been heart-wrenching for his owner to have to give him up, perhaps he, too, is grateful that his kitty is being loved on and cared for in your home.
Shadow is so lucky that you stepped up for him! It WILL be tough to adjust to new routines, but it sounds like you’re off to a good start. Changes come & go; he’ll find his place soon enough. Since this is purely a “foster”, hopefully his Daddy will be able to reclaim him shortly.
Thanks guys!
Well, I came home from work today to find Shadow up and about. He seems quite settled in though he doesn’t want to eat much. I called the shelter and discovered why - he’s been fed nothing but “people food” all his 14 years - uh, no wonder this cat is 14 pounds! Yikes!
So he’s learning the kitty food only rule and not liking it much. He’s VERY vocal - not as much as say a siamese, but close. Sings constantly, answers back if I talk to him. Fun cat. I’m glad he’s settling so quickly, I was a bit worried Sunday.
:( Well, Shadow just left for his new home today. He’s got a good place, he’s going to be the cat of a young girl who wants him to sleep on her bed and follow her around and let her pet him and brush him and carry him around. Got the call from the shelter today that they wanted to send a lady by to meet him and she came just a short bit ago and fell in love. Good he has a home, but always a bit sad to let a foster go too. Shadow Shadow by the door Shadow fell asleep in the sunbeam waiting for his new “Mommy” to come
Bye Shadow! :):(
Thanks again guys for all the help and support!
I feel so sorry for him.
