Our rescue cat Tabby!

At Paws & Claws we love all pets and realise it’s important to adopt and rescue animals of all ages, shapes and sizes! Here’s a personal story from Ellie, who took in feral kitten, Tabby!

Tabby

Twelve years ago we rescued my cat, Tabby. She was a feral cat, only a few weeks old when her mum and the rest of her litter were killed by a fox.

Due to the absence of growing with a litter and being feral, she has a hard time socialising. She also suffers with multiple illnesses - from heart conditions and arthritis, to gum disease and diabetes. 

As a result of her heart condition and being without her mum from such a young age, Tabby is afraid to go far from where she is comfortable (generally outside my bedroom), especially as she is getting older. This means she has almost no exercise, we try to ensure she doesn’t eat too much. However, she is sadly overweight.

Did you know these facts about diabetes in cats?

• It is estimated that up to 2% of cats have diabetes, but it is commonly under diagnosed*.
• If your cat has diabetes, you must monitor their diet and glucose levels. Most owners will monitor the progress of their cat’s treatment with regular urine testing, or by pricking a paw pad and testing the blood with a glucometer.

What do Tabby’s health conditions mean she needs?

• Somewhere confined where she feels safe (day and night).
• Prescription painkillers for arthritis, which she takes once a day when symptoms are bad.
• Fur brushed once every day or two. As she is overweight and has arthritis, she can’t clean her
• back herself, which means that her fur matts.
• Routine - seems silly but all cats, especially timid cats, love routine.
• A specific type of dry food for gums and health.
• Regular monthly check-ups to ensure she isn’t in too much pain.
• Last minute vet visits if she gets ill.
• Teeth brushed for her gum disease at least once a week.

How can you help a feral cat?

It is important to note there is a difference between a timid and a feral cat. However, there is a similarity. The Top Tips listed below can really benefit a timid cat too! It will be a lot easier for a timid cat to become more comfortable around people, unlike feral cats, as it is instinct to avoid human interaction.

Top Tips:

• Routine - feral and timid cats love routine! It can really help them feel safe and confident. Routine is so important to cats - having it disturbed can actually impact their physical health, making them ill.
• Provide an area just for them - ensure your cat has an area they feel safe, to allow them to relax. Tabby likes to sleep in a wardrobe, in her hidden bed, behind some cardboard!
• Don’t smother them – if you have young children, make sure they don’t chase your cat. Give the cat time to come to them, once they feel comfortable. If your cat also runs off when seeing you, try turning your back to them as you pass.
• Clean their litterbox – ensure their litterbox is cleaned out at least once a day. It is essential to gain you cat’s trust, and caring for their basic needs within their routine will make them feel more comfortable.
• Keep quiet when interacting with them – when you interact with your timid cat, be calm and be gentle. Talk softly and slowly.
• Don’t force them – never pull your cat from their hiding area, or hold them without them being willing, unless it’s an emergency.

Tabby is a huge part of our family! She means the World to us. Due to her conditions, she needs a lot of understanding, TLC and medication.

Vet bills can be an unwelcome shock with any pet - we never thought multiple conditions could develop such as the ones Tabby has, which is why it’s great to be covered by pet insurance.

Do you have your own stories of rescued or feral cats and how to look after and care for them? Upload them on our Facebook page, or visit our Twitter or Instagram account to be a part of the Paws & Claws community today!

* According to www.pets.webmd.com