57. Follow up to Case 51. The stray cat

E-MAIL TO DR SING

...@yahoo.com.sg> wrote:

Hi Dr Sing
so much has happened since our last email. You could say it was a whirlwind. Let me fill you in with what's happened.

On Monday midnite, we were feeding M2 as usual and realised that he wasnt eating or drinking. Actually, he had some sticky film on his lower jaw on Sunday and didnt want to eat or drink either. I decided to monitor him closely to see if it was a toothache/ulcer/glue from rubbish. By Monday midnite, he still had not eaten or drunk (which is highly unusual cos he LOVES his food), the sticky film had now progress to a gooey brown patch on his chin and he wasn't even grooming himself (this was the last straw cos he is very particular about his appearance).

So my hubby and I brought the carrier down and some catnip and cat pheromone spray (yes, we have been prepared for a few years now, just needed M2's consent, heheh). Lo and behold, my fears were unfounded cos in he went! We brought him to the emergency clinic.

To cut a long story short, M2 had a mouth wound and infection which they couldnt really diagnose cos it was clammed shut. But blood tests later revealed that he has FIV. So he was given a jab, and given a course of antibiotics.

Needless to say, it is now Friday and M2 is with us at home. He responded to the meds very very well cos by Tuesday, he wasnt salivating anymore and was able to eat wet foor (handfed by me) and drink water. By Wed he was eating dry food and grooming himself.

Anyway, my hubby and I read up alot on taming and homing feral cats so we put into practise what we had learnt. I must happily report that M2 was a fast learner. He now uses the kitty litter to pee and poo with no messes or accidents. He has found his favourite spot in his own room in our flat. He is also a lot tamer and lovable, wanting us to stroke him, caress his belly and love him. He used to be a wiry and defensive when he was outdoors and would lash out without warning amidst our strokes. But now, he lets us stroke his paw, clean his ears etc.

Well, the vet advised us the precautions of FIV. On the grim side, it's like HIV and life expectancy is short. M2 will be prone to infections, recurrence of mouth wounds etc. But we are determined to keep him and shower him with lotsa love. We were told that he shouldnt be released into the wild again, and that he should be the only cat in the household, all this to avoid infecting other cats. Plus, if we are exposed to other cats, we should wash ourselves before we touch M2.

All this is well and good but I have a problem. When night falls, round about midnite up till 8am, M2 is quite active. He has now left his safe room and begun exploring the living room. All this while, we have kept the windows closed. The window in his room is left slightly ajar and the grills are wiremeshed up. Unfortunately, between midnite-8am, he is very vocal, from mewing to meowing, to yowling, to howling. Usually the yowls and howls will come when he comes to the main door or he catches sight of the outside through the windows.

I know he wants to get out. He misses the blue sky, his night "clubbing".....but I know that if he leaves, he will prob never come back. He might return to his usual routine of waiting for his food but being FIV positive, he can just turn up with a wound and infection again. I can't bear to see that and expenses will be high.

I'm just wondering if the yowling and howling is a phase that will pass or is it gonna be permanent until we give in and let him out? Im afraid that the neighbours might one day complain about the incessant howls. Is there any way to appease him?

Thanks in advance and I apologise for my longwindedness.
Warmest
(Name)

E-MAIL REPLY FROM DR SING

Sat Sep 22, 2007 7.27 am

It is nice to hear good news from you and a well-written report. Every case of handling a feral cat is unique and a learning experience for me too.

I did think of pheromone as it has been used widely in the U.K for dogs, but somehow forgot to mention it.

I just had an owner with a similar situation as your--- a case of the same problem with a male stray cat adopted some months ago.This cat hissed and clawed when brought in for neutering. He was as fierce as a leopard as he was ready to fight his way out.

I believe the reason for your cat's (and most cats') past midnight anti-social behaviour is that he hears the street cats downstairs. In theory, soundproofing his room will likely resolve your problem. I know this is not practical.

The second option will be to neuter him as soon as possible. Pheromones and/or tranquilisers/hormones may help temporarily.