I was working at the local Animal Shelter down here in Southern California – when one morning we had a box show up at our front gate. The box was taped up; and inside was a beautiful Orange & White male cat that was COMPLETELY TRAUMATIZED.
We gave him a bed & some food – but he clearly had trust issues. He would hiss & watch us go about our duties from the corner of his eyes. On his 2nd day – I reached out to the cat that we named “Felix”. I opened up his kennel door and he placed his two paws up on my shoulders, headbutted me and gave my cheek kisses. It was a moment that caught him by surprise and he quickly recoiled back into his insecurities. Throughout that day; I went in to visit and socialize with him. I reassured my coworkers and bosses that he may come around and to please give him a chance.
After about 7 days; we moved him so that the public would be able to see him and meet with him. Felix definitely had his trust issues though; and a lot of the volunteers didn’t feel comfortable moving the cat; or showing him. Felix seemed to be more comfortable around women than men. Also – if someone that he didn’t trust picked him up – or held him in a way that he didn’t like – he would shake & jump in anticipation of getting hurt. When it came down to it - he did not show well at the shelter.
It was decided that Felix was going to be put to sleep due to his behaviour. I was so upset and sad. By this time; I could do anything to him as he had learned to trust me. I begged my husband to please help. I asked him if we could take Felix – get him out of the shelter and try to find a home for him on our own. Jeff reluctantly said that this was fine – but that we could not keep this cat.
I brought Felix home in April 2009, and he adjusted well. He fell in love with Cola & Cali, my 70lbs dogs – and he got along well with Sandy & Simon, my other 2 cats as well.
Unfortunately – the happiness didn’t last long. He still loves my dogs and other cats – however; he started to spray in the house. I immediately took him to the vet to rule out medical issues. Felix has to be given Telazol, (a deep sedation), in order to be examined. He’s just too scared in that environment; and I’m sure he will blow up on the defense.
Medical issues were ruled out – he sprays inside due to his behavioural issues. I immediately put him on a drug similar to Valium. It was a great success…for 3mos. After he grew resistant to that drug – I did another urinalysis to ensure he was still healthy – and we switched him to a drug called Amitryptilline. That one also worked for about 3mos. I then switched him to Clomipramine, then when that stopped working – Fluoxetene…and finally Buspirone.
We’ve since moved to a new house and he’s unmedicated. It stopped working again. I went online and bought him some
Joybies Cat Piddle Pants. They work ok – however they’re not intended for poops – so they tend to cause more hassle. I have made the decision to put him outside during the day – and bring him in at night. I know this puts his life in danger but he is incredibly happy & playful outdoors. Watching him race from one end of the yard to the other - climbing trees and catching bugs is so funny!! He also loves to hunt – and he’s quite good at it!
Jeff and I went away with the dogs for 2 nights last month. We locked all cats in the house, blocking access to all of the rooms except the garage. When we came home there were 9 different spots that I found where Felix had sprayed. We cannot keep doing this. Felix would LOVE to live; and I know that he’d love the freedom to be outdoors. He is affectionate, social and so funny!! When he’s outside in the frontyard – the kids in the neighbourhood run to greet him. Felix will run across the cul-de-sac to say hi & get attention from them as well. He LOVES kids & will roll around in full submission for them.
Why can’t we keep doing this?!
When we lock him in the garage at night – he screams & howls. He wants nothing more than to be with us – but we can’t let him out as he’ll pee allover the house in the night. If we leave him outside – then he’ll scream and howl to be let inside. The neighbours are getting disrupted and we do not want to interfere in anyone elses’ life. He may have sprayed in a neighbour's garage and that's the LAST THING I ever wanted him to do.
A man named Dave emailed me back in July – he said he would take Felix for $1,500 to live on his acreage for the rest of his life out in Riverside. Ideally – YES that’s what I want for Felix – it’s just not financially possible for us.
In a few weeks, Jeff and I will be driving home to Vancouver for the holidays – and there is no way we can leave Felix in the house with the other 2 cats for 10 days. Our carpets, couches, electronics and walls will be sopping wet with urine. I have put ads up in local shops as well as Craigs’ List & Petfinder. I have emailed friends that I have made while working at the animal shelter. I do not know what else I can do for this guy. I love him to death and I am hoping & praying that I don’t have to make the decision to end his life. I wish I could find a barn or a sanctuary for him that will be affordable for me to take him there.
