Homeless Cat -- Now Spotacus' Legacy

[Wanderlost]

On 18 Dec, a very large cat showed up at our house. It was late and cold, and he looked in the door and made it clear he wanted inside. Well, since we have two cats already and he was a stranger, we could not let him in the house. WLToo walked out and the cat ran to him, so he walked the cat into the garage and into the climate controlled room out there.

He was extremely hungry and thirsty, but in otherwise good condition and very clean. We fixed up a bed for him, set up the feeding and elimination stations, and went to bed.

Next day, we worked in the garage all day, while the big guy slept or supervised. We found him to be an intact male, no sign he's ever worn a collar, and he has a strong need to be in the general vicinity of humans. For an intact male, he's remarkably mellow - I don't think he was the alpha cat in his previous home.

Have had zero responses to the "found cat" notices around the area and online, so we'll be working with the local rescues to get him neutered and all his shots, then find him a home. We can't keep him because he's just too big for our two cats to share our small house. Alex would have another emotional meltdown, and I don't want to go through that mess again (long, ugly story).

For now, we're calling him Spot, not that he answers to it (does answer to "Kitty, Kitty"). No idea how he travels; we'll find out when we take him to the vet on Tuesday.

If anyone knows of someone who would like a large (about 15-18 pounds) cat who needs to be with people, please let me know. No cat novices, please; this cat needs someone who knows exactly how to handle an adult cat of this size, especially when he's feeling frisky.





We're at Canyon Lake, TX, so if there are any Winter Texans nearby who would like to meet him and maybe give him a home, that would be great.

[Wanderlost]

A cold front moved in and dropped the temps from 70s/80s into the 50s/60s. Last night was in the 30s, but we still didn't have to turn the heater back on. It did mean both cats tried to sleep on me, instead of beside me, though.

We changed Alex' litter box and Spot does appear to be using the Litter Robot instead. However, somebody peed in our bathroom, so there might be a kitty protest starting up. Thank goodness for Wee Cleaner.

WLToo noticed Spot has stopped jumping on Alex. Now he runs alongside Alex and tries to herd him. Luckily, Alex is still much faster and can get away, since he's now quite willing to start a play session with Spot, then get upset when Spot gets excited.

Solo was in the meadow this morning, looking upset that the others were outside the fence. Just as I thought about opening the gate, he came up the slope to the north porch and stared intently upwards. Either he noticed that the hummingbird feeder was not there, or was looking at the chimney smoke -- it was interesting to see how intensely he watched. Then we opened the gate and off he went.

I traded great red-headed centipede, scorpion, and fire ant stories with my co-volunteer at the library last night. She took the cake with a 12" long centipede behind her office power strip, that her cat had kept trapped there, away from her bare toes, until she noticed it. Good cat.

WLToo found some antelope chops in the bottom of the freezer, so antelope stew is in the crockpot. Think I'll go make some cornbread. Later, y'all.

[Wanderlost]

It's been a lively couple days. Spot got in trouble yesterday. He started sniffing around Alex' new scratching pad. I put it down earlier in the week, with catnip on it, and Alex was happy. Then Spot found it. He sniffed a good while, then used it, then stood on it and peed on the grandfather clock behind it.

I got out the Wee Cleaner, while WLToo trapped Spot in the laundry room and soaked him with the water bottle (Alex learned his lesson that way). Unfortunately, Spot didn't learn, because today, he did the same thing, only spraying pee onto the buffet. This time, I was right by him, and stopped him early in the pee with a smart smack on his butt. Got out the Wee Cleaner again.

I think he may not like catnip, or it's triggering some emotional reaction, because he peed on his own scratcher when I added catnip.

We changed Alex' litter box, in hopes that Spot would stop using it and stay with the Litter Robot. Alex really liked this litter box, when we used it in the RV. It's the top entry kind, and I was hoping Spot would not be able to figure it out (or maybe not to fit in it). Alas, the hole is big enough for him, when he figures it out.

Then Spot decided to play with me, and got way too excited. First, he jumped up on a couple of stacked boxes I was walking past and bopped me in the butt. OK, no problem. I came by again and he bit my stomach. Luckily, I barely felt it through my shirt and it looks more like a mild rash than a scrape. He knew he isn't supposed to bite, and immediately ducked. He's outside now, dashing about.

Meanwhile, we had an audience while we played. Mama Doe Lassie, Solo, Spooky, Notch, and several other bucks and does all stood on the south side of the house, on both sides of the fence, and watched a human and a cat play. I guess we were the evening's cheap entertainment.

Gorgeous weather all week, even with today's breeze. Today we brushed the rust off our gate, then prepped it for painting. Alex walked (well, ran actually) all the way down after us, crying piteously, then laid in the shade while we worked. He was worried that we were going away. As soon as he figured out we were not actually going outside the gate, he relaxed.

Day before yesterday was treat the fire ant mounds near the buildings. Yesterday, I verified that the treated mounds are dead. It was too breezy today to treat the others, so hopefully tomorrow. Fire ants kill scorpions, so if there's a mound in the meadow and isn't near where we spend any time, we probably won't be in a hurry to treat it.

Oh, while I'm still thinking about it. Time to go make more hummingbird food. Later, y'all.

[Code2High]

I always ask for meds in pills for cats.... I detest giving liquids! Sometimes you can't get them, though.

What I have done... and you have to be fast and good at assembling and pilling... but what I have done is to put a liquid into an emptied vitamin capsule, then quick as a flash coated it with butter or oil and popped it down the cat's throat.

I've also used that approach with small, hard to give pills that break down, like a benadryl or an uncoated antibiotic. A bigger capsule is actually easier to give, and the taste doesn't get in their mouth and make them gag.

[Wanderlost]

Ouch. Alex is having to take liquid medication for a bladder infection that the vet caught in its early stages, when we took him in because he was limping. Leg injury was minor, but he's so old that she ran a full blood workup, and then he peed on the pad in his carrier, so she tested the urine, too. Result was an antibiotic liquid and pain pills.

Well, he can't take tramadol (just throws it up within ten minutes of swallowing it), so he limited himself until he got better. But he has another three days of Orbax, and does not care for us shooting it into the back of his throat so he has to swallow it. I had to give it to him this morning by myself. As a result, I have major slashes on both hands, and when he comes back inside, all his claws get trimmed.

Spot has been Mr. Love Me, Dangit! all week. Comes dashing into the room and leaps upon one of us (usually me), demanding pettins. When he gets enough, he dashes away. The weather is just lovely, so he's playing outside a lot, and I do mean playing. Ever seen a 16 pound kitten? That's what he's doing. It's really funny to watch.

Last evening, he charged down the slope to the garden, then slowly crept back up to where he could lay and watch Mama Doe Lassie, as she ate her corn on the north porch. She knew he was there, and even though he was play stalking her, she didn't react. He finally stood up, strolled over and sniffed noses with her. She thinks he's part of her herd, all right.

We've not seen the hummingbirds all this week. It's lovely weather, so either they've gone or they found other food sources. No matter, I'll replenish the feeder in case they're still about somewhere.

WLToo just drove up. Need to help him unload. Later, y'all.

[Wanderlost]

Wow. Time flies when you get busy. Didn't realize it's been over a week since I last posted.

It's been rather quiet around here. The hummingbirds are hanging on, the deer are rather lively coming in and out of the meadow, and Alex and Spot have decided to stay inside, since the wind just won't stop blowing into their ears.

Of course, that means the humans have our hands full, keeping Spot from getting into trouble as he dashes through the house, looking for someone or something to play with. We finally got all the Christmas decorations put away before he broke any, but then he jumped Alex and got sprayed with water. Alex has clung to our laps all day today.

Interesting dynamic going in the bedroom, though. I put a very fluffy blanket on the bed, and the boys just love it. They have certain places where they sleep all night, but during the day, they sleep in the other's place. It's pretty funny to watch how they try to claim the bed when there are no humans in it. At least they aren't trying to spray it...

We saw Solo, one of Mama Doe Lassie's 2010 twins, laying just below our pool today. He was obviously looking for a place out of the wind. He stayed there until WLToo came around the house with a big ladder. The wind was kinda fierce today, and that 43 high didn't mean much with 20 mph winds. I actually put on a long sleeved shirt.

Things are quieting down now, except the wind. Think I'll read a little while before bed. Later, y'all.

[Wanderlost]

I'm sitting here watching Spot try his darndest to get comfortable inside my book bag, but he just doesn't fit. Wrong kind of box... He's given up turning circles in it and is laying on the coffee table partly in the bag and mostly out. Oh, well, he should be thrilled tomorrow, when a Spot-sized box arrives in the mail.

When I went outside to close the gate, 8-10 deer were down the slope looking at me -- mostly does and 2012 fawns. Mama Doe Lassie was one, but I won't feed her in sight of other deer, so she's out of luck today.

They were all on alert, so I looked where they were looking, and saw the seal point cat standing front paws on the south porch. I slapped the side of the house, and it ran, hopefully home. It's obviously not considered one of the deer herd... That does explain why Alex refused to go outside, and why I had to carry Spot back inside all fuzzed up. At least there was not a cat fight.

Just about time for Downton Abbey. Later, y'all.

[Wanderlost]

WLToo is watching his university play for the championship. Down 15 at the moment. I rarely watch college football anymore, because they never show the bands. I was a band nerd/geek, and have always felt there was no need for a football game if there was no band performing. But this one catches my eye occasionally. Good game.

When we came back from our Harley Owners Group meeting, a four-point buck was inside the fence. He ran from us, then realized the gate was open and dashed out. Mama Doe Lassie came by way too early this morning, with Notch in tow, so we didn't feed her.

Two days ago, about half of the young buck herd was in our meadow. No idea why, since we've no more grass available than outside our fence. Made wandering about outside a bit more challenging than usual, but we managed. The cats stayed inside -- they're not considered part of the buck herd.

After several gray and moist days, today's a beautiful sunny and clear day. I see boats on the lake. Would love to be out and about, but the humidity of several days attacked my sinuses, so I'm taking antihistimines and trying to stay awake.

Spot's having a snack, after going on a long midday patrol. Alex is asleep in my lap, his favorite place from late November through February.

Well, I'm dozing off again. Later, y'all.

[Wanderlost]

Today both cats got their annual exam, shots, etc. They were thrilled to get back to the house. Since it's a cold and windy day, they're sticking to warm laps and beds. Test results were all fine. Alex has a slight heart murmur, but at his age, we're not going to subject him to any medical interventions. He's happy and active, so whatever he wants to do is fine.

Solo and Notch (a late season fawn with a big nick in his ear) came up to the south porch and looked in. We didn't feed them. When they figured it out, they went straight to the mineral block and chowed down, but were spooked away by a FedEx truck coming up the drive.

Our three hummingbirds are still here, still using the feeder. Boy, are they tough little birds.

We got just enough moisture in the last few days that we did not have to be on fire watch New Year's Eve for a change. The fog was so thick that most folks held off on the fireworks until New Year's Night.

Wow. Didn't realize how late it is. Got to run down to the mailbox before it gets too much darker and the temps drop even more. Later, y'all.

[kokosfriend]

Merry Christmas from the gang here!!

Barb

[Wanderlost]

Christmas Eve already, and we're wearing shorts still. Supposed to be chilly, windy, and if we're really, really lucky, wet tomorrow, so the hot cocoa while unwrapping presents tradition will continue.

Spot's asleep on the Christmas tree skirt, after finding two of his toys and going crazy for a while. Alex went outside on patrol for a good part of the morning, and is now asleep in my lap.

The hummingbirds are right lively today, coming to the feeder fairly frequently.

The deer are still hacked at WLToo for mowing even more of the meadow. Haven't seen anyone all day. Another couple days of mowing, and that will be done, except for the weed whacking in the spots we can't mow.

Sister, nephew, and ex-brother-in-law will all arrive in the next hour or so, and we'll break out the Glühwein, even though it's awful warm to be drinking hot mulled wine. But I love the stuff. Nephew, 14, will have hot spiced apple cider, if he wants it.

I hear a car coming up the drive. Later, y'all, and Merry Christmas!

[Wanderlost]

Back to the short sleeves and shorts. I love it here.

The hummingbirds survived the short cold snap easily, as we found out when all three buzzed us as we worked in the yard near the feeder. We do still have a variety of bugs, so they do have food.

WLToo started the annual meadow mowing. We leave it as a wildscape, mowing only once a year to scatter the wildflower seeds. It will take a few more days to get it finished, but what's done looks pretty nice. The gaps are filling in nicely. Amazing what happens when you leave Mother Nature alone. WLToo found the roadrunner's nest and avoided it, leaving some high grass and wildflowers for cover. The roadrunner stayed close to the nest and jumped back in it when the mower moved on.

No deer in the meadow today. I guess they don't like the mower. Mama Doe Lassie will probably give us the evil eye when she shows up again, since we're messing with her meadow.

The boys are being fairly lazy today, after zooming wildly most of yesterday. Alex shared my cheese for lunch, after eating his own lunch, then crashed next to me on the porch loveseat. He's eating supper now, which Spot didn't care for, so Spot got treats and headed back outside.

It's too warm to be inside. I'm going back out. Later, y'all.

[Wanderlost]

We celebrated Spot's 2-year-adopted-his-humans anniversary with a potluck dinner for our writers' group. The weather was soooo much nicer than it was the night he arrived and announced that he was cold and really, really wanted inside. The doors were open, so he and Alex got to wander in and out until the late evening. So many legs to rub against, so many guys for Spot to enjoy their company. After the party, WLToo and I cleaned up and then had to move the boys off the bed so we could get into it. We all slept like rocks.

Wednesday was somewhat cooler, but Spot still enjoyed a long patrol, returning to the house with three little bucks in tow, two born this year and the third was Solo. Not sure what was up with that, but they're still hanging around. In fact, the tiniest buck hangs around with Mama Doe Lassie so much that it's hard to feed her any corn, since she'll just let the buck have it. We don't need a buck unafraid of us or willing to walk up on the porch, so no food until she's alone.

The weather turned very windy and cold at night. I actually put on a sweatshirt yesterday; today was just a long-sleeved shirt. Tonight we have a nice fire going, then we'll warm back up and turn the heater off again. I do love winter here, where I wear short-sleeved shirts and shorts more often than not.

The hummingbirds are still here, so after the high winds yesterday required us to take the feeder down, I put it back up late last night, and there they were this morning. Stalwart little birds, the three of them. Hope they survive.

I hear some cocoa calling me. Later, y'all.

[RTompkins3]

Wow! Almost 2 years since Spot entered your life! A lot of water under the bridge. I still get visions of Data from STNG when I read your posts, which I have been following since the beginning. Thank you for the glimpses into life in your part of Texas, and I hope it continues for many years to come.

Wanderlost wrote:
On 18 Dec, a very large cat showed up at our house. It was late and cold, and he looked in the door and made it clear he wanted inside. Well, since we have two cats already and he was a stranger, we could not let him in the house. WLToo walked out and the cat ran to him, so he walked the cat into the garage and into the climate controlled room out there.

He was extremely hungry and thirsty, but in otherwise good condition and very clean. We fixed up a bed for him, set up the feeding and elimination stations, and went to bed.

Next day, we worked in the garage all day, while the big guy slept or supervised. We found him to be an intact male, no sign he's ever worn a collar, and he has a strong need to be in the general vicinity of humans. For an intact male, he's remarkably mellow - I don't think he was the alpha cat in his previous home.

Have had zero responses to the "found cat" notices around the area and online, so we'll be working with the local rescues to get him neutered and all his shots, then find him a home. We can't keep him because he's just too big for our two cats to share our small house. Alex would have another emotional meltdown, and I don't want to go through that mess again (long, ugly story).

For now, we're calling him Spot, not that he answers to it (does answer to "Kitty, Kitty"). No idea how he travels; we'll find out when we take him to the vet on Tuesday.

If anyone knows of someone who would like a large (about 15-18 pounds) cat who needs to be with people, please let me know. No cat novices, please; this cat needs someone who knows exactly how to handle an adult cat of this size, especially when he's feeling frisky.





We're at Canyon Lake, TX, so if there are any Winter Texans nearby who would like to meet him and maybe give him a home, that would be great.

[Wanderlost]

We have a late season fawn showing up with Mama Doe Lassie for the corn now. He's even coming up without her. We're not inclined to feed him, though, as we don't want a buck hanging around the porch. If MDL shares her food with him, fine.

Spot is sleeping on the Christmas tree skirt, even moving packages so he can lay in his favorite spot. He's also found a few favorite ornaments for toys, which is fine. We've always reserved the lower 18" for cat-safe ornaments. But he's been standing up on his hind legs and reaching high for the more delicate ornaments, which requires a water bottle correction. Stubborn, silly boy.

I thought the cold snap would drive the three hummingbirds into migration, but no, they're still here. It's warming back up now. I think unless we get a serious cold snap in January, they'll just stay. I do still see bugs out there, so I guess the little birdies are finding enough to eat.

We dropped two deer licks near the water trough, and that little buck has tasted both. Haven't seen the others taste them yet.

It's dark, I'm tired, and Alex' body heat is burning up my leg. Gotta go.

Later, y'all.

[Wanderlost]

Gallop! Gallop! Skitter, skitter, blomp! Gallop! Gallop! Leap! Blomp! Leap! Ruuuunnnnnn!!!!

Spot treated us to more Fosbury Flops the last week, as he chased butterflies and pretty much anything that moved. He's in serious dashing about mode. Nice to see him working off all the food he eats.

Unfortunately, Alex is not so happy with Spot's energy. Alex can play about a minute or two, then needs to rest. Spot doesn't understand that, so a lot of human intervention is necessary.

The weather's so nice, though, that Spot can play outside as long as he likes, while Alex naps in the music room.

One of the hummingbirds hovered in the open door a little while ago, so I made more sugar water. We're due for a couple nights in the 30s early next week; I wonder if they'll take the hint and migrate, or if they'll tough it out and stay, since the weather will warm back up the rest of the week. Be interesting to see.

Mama Doe Lassie may be figuring out that we'll only feed her out of sight of any other deer. We'll watch her actions over the next few days to confirm or refute my theory.

Meanwhile, the herd has lost interest in the newly built keyhole garden plot. Next up is the deer fence around it, then we'll be ready to search out heritage vegetables and fruits with which to feed ourselves next year. We've already started putting all our compostable stuff in the garden's compost chute, as opposed to the old cement culvert on the west side of the garage. I'm sure that's made a few critters unhappy - no more treats out there.

Well, Army is playing Navy. Time to pay attention. Later, y'all.