Here is an "Ad" I posted in the Pets Section of our local Craigslist.
http://spokane.craigslist.org/pet/919562895.html
I've have already received some correspondence concerning diet and some rescue operations that specialize in such cases.
Some of the diatribe in the CL post is probably irrelevant on this forum; but none the less I wanted to share this with you.
At the age of 29 I find myself still learning about responsibility, priorities and compassion for life. One of the things in posting this on Craigslist is that I have found some very supportive and genuinely caring folks who were willing to offer advice and relive painful experiences. A sort of support group that I wasn't aware existed. This has strengthened my resolve to further the treatment and care of this life that is in my hands, even at the sacrifice of whatever luxuries I may be enjoying at the moment; such as cable (NHL Center Ice), Beer, steak etc.
The other thing this brings up is peoples genuine caring and concern for lives that are under our responsibility. That is very refreshing. I certainly do wish that we extended that sort of kindness and compassion to our human brothers and sisters.
Quote:
I'm hoping to open a dialogue concerning a problematic cat. His demeanor is very sweet but he has a condition known as Idiopathic Cystitis. Here is a link for some background.
http://www.petplace.com/cats/feline-...fic/page1.aspx
We have done some things to try to relieve this condition for him. We have the appropriate amount of litter boxes and have tried medications and aroma type therapy. We are looking into changing his diet and trying the waterfall type water dishes. Unfortunately in the end we don't have the financial means to properly care for this cat with constant vet visits, etc. He has been seen by Hunters who initially diagnosed the problem. They have suggested other treatments and medications but we do not have the financial means to pursue these options.
We are a multi-cat home; a behavior I'm doing my very best to curtail.
The main problem is he doesn't use the litter boxes to urinate. We believe that he is doing it to alert us that there is a problem. I want to make this painfully clear. We believe this behavior would keep anyone from adopting him. This is the reason why I am posting this. We love this cat very much and are hoping to avoid surrendering him and creating extra burden on the shelter and rescue services hear in Spokane. We want to use it as a last resort. We know the end result if he is surrendered and we do not want that to happen. This is merely a feeler to see if anyone would be able or willing to accept this cat and provide him with the proper care.
~His name is Tommy the Cat
~He is about 6 years old
~He is indoor only
~He would probably need to be in a single pet household. I imagine caged animals would be fine....Herps, Birds,...etc.
~I think he'd make a good companion for an older couple.
~He is a little skittish. I rescued him from an abusive owner when he was about 8 mos old. Despite this he is still a very loving cat but may need some time to adjust.
As I said this is only a feeler. We are still doing everything we can to try to help his situation and this would be the final step before surrendering him to the Humane society should this attempt fail.
No re-homing fees or any other fees.
This is a very stressful situation. I am going out on a limb here and really putting myself out there. I'm sure there will be plenty of flamers out there and want to let any mean spirited parties know that any attempts at flaming will be ignored.
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One of the reasons I bring this up is to seek further support and advice in this matter.
I would like to note that while the CL post paints a picture of willingness to let go of this cat; he is a cherished member of our family and as I've said; my resolve to relieve this cat of his stress and pain is strengthened even more so through the creation of this CL ad, subsequent communication with other CLers and also the creation of this TB post. It is my ultimate goal to keep this family member and keep him in good health. I would only surrender him as a last result.
My maturation as a human being and as a father figure (albeit w/o children) is growing before your very eyes. This has grown to include a slew of other issues that have been present in my life since before my wife and I got married. This includes being more responsible in the day to day chores and challenges that are normal to everyday life. Not escaping to hockey games, video games, youtube video pedal demos, TalkBass and the interwebs in general
. I'm actually starting to realize how important this is to my family and I'm starting to interact and be a part of said family for the first time; in a long time.
Another result of a lot of this is the positive energy that is starting to float around my household. I can feel it in the lives that I am responsible for; including my wife's. I think she sees the genuineness of this attempt and is pleased that a negative situation such as this can be turned into a positive. I think she is pleased that lessons can be learned and are being learned. I think that she is pleased that I can rise to the challenge and shine in the face of adversity.
Perhaps even more importantly is that there is almost a noticeable difference in the demeanor and vibe of Tommy the Cat, who is the one with Idiopathic Cystitis. In the few hours that the CL post was created and this energy renewed, he has been taken better care of and seems to be responding positively to that attention and changes that have been implemented. He seems less high strung and more at peace. Being proactive from the start; I think is making an appreciable difference. Perhaps the difference is in my perception but it is beneficial none the less.
This is all preliminary and tentative for sure, but I think these are the steps in the right direction and a very eye opening experience. Thank you for lending me your ears. Again any advice, support and even
constructive criticism is very much appreciated.
~James
