Jasper is in, and unhappy about it

[Bazsmum]

Good Luck with the vets tomorrow DM, Im sure Jasper will start to feel much more relaxed once the hormones start to fade! 

[Dark Moon]

Thanks.

Called the local vet. Can you believe it - they say they are booked solid for tomorrow. Not even accepting emergencies!  Not accepting emergencies?????????? No,this is not one. But it is interesting to know that they won't accept emergencies. What kind of a vet is that? Keep in mind - this is the only vet within miles.......

Anyway, Jasper and I head off to our good vet tomorrow morning. She's 100 km away but worth the drive. He's hunkered down in the porch and the place reeks beyond. But... He will be only the latest in a very long line of those I have 'rescued'. Never felt so badly about them before though. Maybe because I never earned their trust before. Mysh I just live trapped. Bogs and Ozzie I grabbed. But Jasper..........  he was so wild. And he came to trust me. And I feel that I have betrayed his trust. I know that's what he feels. I KNOW I haven't. But it's what he feels - and me too, a bit.

Oh well...  He'll be neutered and de-wormed and all (vaccinations, checked for ear mites and such) tomorrow and then he and the family will come together. Many he knows already - they going in and out. Some only stay in though and he (and they) are in for a surprise. Although they have already met through the crack I left in the door. I seriously don't need any more animals, you know. He'll be the 19th cat. But what can you do????????? I just can't stand to have them outside. Well, right now it's fine. They love it, in fact. But the winter? No.  No, no, no.

I just wish I could explain to him......... and have him understand.

[bonnielass]

I definately agree, you have done the best thing for Jasper and im sure he will soon come round once he knows you wont hurt him

[Millys Mum]

He will be unhappy to start but once neutered he will see sense so yes you are doing the right thing 

[Bazsmum]

Yay! DM, so glad you managed to catch him!  I for one think you have done the right thing....

I have recently took a stray in and I too felt the guilt as she is very people friendly but dos'nt like other cats....Too-ing and fro-ing was my heart strings, full of all the feelings of guilt but then common sense kicked in!!! 

I was worrying about things such as the weather, risk of infection going hungry etc, etc...Your winter is so harsh DM, I think the little one will be so glad in time to see that back of that, and once used to being allowed indoors Im sure he will settle to be able to go out and trust you enough to come back in!

YES! You have done the right thing....do you think Jasper would be coming so close if he wernt that needy? I think I know your answer! 

Good Luck with getting him done, although it sounds as if the trip will be further to achieve this! 

[Dark Moon]

Hi folks.

Don't know if you remember me talking about my 'ghost' cat all winter... Well, he (and a second 'ghost') has been here this spring (or what laughingly passes as it. We are still expecting frost for the next 3 nights. Tired of it!) and coming closer and closer. Wants to come in. Sits on the window ledge looking in. Greets me at the door each morning for his breakfast. But wouldn't let me touch. Still shy. Still, given that last fall this was a cat that fled at top speed if he even caught the slightest glimpse of me.......  And the other kitties don't mind him at all. Sadly, he and the other 'ghost' don't get along, and even more sadly, he does show his 'appreciation' by spraying my door, my walls, my plants.....

Anyway, last night when I went to give him his dinner, I put it on the (enclosed) back porch. He has gone there before. He did this time too. And so I opened the door to the house and in he went. And instantly went wild! Not to mention that this was a complete revelation to my only-in kitties! He ended up in the enclosed front porch. And I shut the door. Now, got him!

Uh huh...... 

Will be calling the vet this morning to see if I can get him in to be neutered, dewormed, have his shots and all. He is NOT happy! Won't come near me but also has never hurt me. The closest vet is a wimp so I don't know if he'll be prepared to take Jasper on. And anyway, he won't be there until tomorrow (although I can make the appt. today). We'll just have to see.

I am going through the usual 'guilts'. He is so unhappy. Makes me think I should have left him alone. Maybe let him come to trust me more. But now, of course, if I let him go, it'll be a good long time before he comes close enough again.... But I know (and need you to reassure me) that this is the right thing to do. He is a lovely cat. And he would do fine outside all summer. But I don't want to think of him out there for another winter. How he survived last winter I still do not know.

Anyway, that's Jasper's story for now. Just wanted some reassurance.