My dear childhood friend is terminal (lung and brain cancer) it developed suddenly and he left his home for the hospital - he has a beautiful black cat (female/spayed) who's been in the home alone ever since he left (2 weeks)Friend's wife is caring for their severely disabled daughter and their other 2 daughters and lives far from his home. She asked if I could feed/water cat (not on a frequent basis) to help. Went yesterday - cat is aggressive, lunges at my feet, meows in a way that frightens me, ears back. I left her food and water and changed the catbox but whenever I'd walk she'd get in front of me. She lunged at me a couple times and I grabbed a water squirt bottle and had to squirt her. I truly hated to do that but I didn't want to be attacked. I want to help the family but...any suggestions here. I know you folks will hate me for squirting her but I didn't want to be attacked. Frankly, I feel the family should take her in as she's been alone sans owner for now a bit over 2 weeks. He only has a few weeks to live if this 2nd chemo doesn't work on the lungs. Thanks all - really appreciate feedback.
Poor kitty is probably disoriented and scared, wondering where her person is. Is she eating ok? You should watch and be sure. Some animals get extra depressed.
I have been watching a friends dog for them for the past few weeks. She's in the hospital. May be for a long time. I go twice a day and let him out and spend some time with him. He loves seeing me, but he constantly stops and looks out the window....waiting to hopefully see them come home.
Her hubby comes home now and then, but the hospital is 2 hours from where they live so he stays for days at a time. So I try to stay and play with the dog each time I come, so he has some companionship.
Maybe you can try to take some time when you come to play with the kitty, that may make her feel more at ease. A laser light, or string (but take string away later so she doesn't eat it). Then she'll begin to trust you and maybe not lash out like that. I'd try that first over the pennies or water. Distract her with a string or light. If that doesn't work, then you may have to use the other methods.
I hope they have a plan for the kitty if something should happen to its owner. Sounds not good.
I hope things work out. Good luck.
If possible, please see if you can purchase a product called Feliway...msg
It comes in a spray or a diffuser (virtually no smell to humans), and it works to calm and comfort.
**we do not hate you!!!**
thank you for coming here to ask for advice, and thank you for caring for this kitty. Your safety is most important, and squirting water is a reasonable tactic as a quick, harmless defense without traumatizing the kitty or further stressing or scaring her
this poor cat is totally confused, and especially at being left alone. When you are there just talk out loud, not especially to her - just random talk so she gets used to the sound of your voice. I would suggest, that if the family will not take her in that you find a no kill shelter to assist.Cats are like Potato Chips - you can't have just one
We don't hate you for spraying her and it won't hurt her (and may make her hate you), but a noise-maker like a can of pennies may work just as well. Can you try to just walk purposefully to get to the food, water and litterbox, ignoring her until she gets used to you? Spraying Feliway on her favorite spots might help calm her.
Yes the family should take her in, but I can see how this would be difficult/impossible until they are able to regroup after your friend passes away.
When you are there, talk to the cat...keep voice calm and collected...msg
poor kitty does not understand that her precious human is not returning and is confused, especially if his family is not caring for her. She needs time to get used to you, so spend a little time and talk calmly, on whatever subject you want. The noise maker will startle her brain from attack mode, and the feliway will help. Please keep up the good work.
Re: poor kitty is probably hungry, confused and upset
THANK YOU and I will try a can of pennies as opposed to the water and buy some Feliway.
I'm sure she's lonely, and confused. When i was there I was cleaning her catbox out and afterwards I found her on the owner's bed. When I walked to the kitchen, she ran out and tried to block me. Let's try your suggestions - I love animals and felt terrible about having to take the upper hand.
on 6/7/2017, 9:39 am
