Update on Karen the Shelter Cat

[Carmen Lucia]

We brought Karen home from the shelter about 3 weeks ago, here's an update:

She's almost done with her antibiotics but is still a bit snotty, no more sneezing though so that's an improvement. I'm not surprised she's still sick considering the condition of her when we picked her up. I wouldn't doubt some of that gook in her nasal cavity is from her horribly rotten teeth.

As I've said before she is 100% deaf but seems to always be watching to see what our next move is and adapts quickly. She's great with the kids and 2 of our dogs (Chihuahua and French Bulldog). For some reason she has it out for our Boston Terrier and wants to attack him. It's kind of comical actually since he's become kind of scared of her.

She HATES being groomed or handled excessively, we had one spat while cleaning her nasty nose and face that ended up with me having to take a trip to the Dr for antibiotics. I knew she scratched me but didn't realize she had bitten me so within 12 hours it was quite infected. I'm honestly surprised her tooth didn't break off in my thumb since they are so rotten!

As soon as she gets the clear from the Vet we'll be getting her in for a dental and I think that will be a life changing experience for her. I can't imagine how she feels with all those gross teeth.

That's all for now, thank you for all your advice in my endeavor with this sweet girl. We just love her. Although my husband thinks she should be wearing pants, she's too naked "back there". Haha! I added a few updated photos of her, she looks so much better!

Carmen

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Sounds like she is getting the love and care she deserves. Ouch about the bite. Just a reminder went dental appointments start, let vet know NOT to use Ketamine as the anesthesia as it has been known to be dangerous to the breed. Love the pic of you and Karen.

Patti

 

[Hairless Blessing]

She looks much better. Thank you, again, for, taking her in.
She is so blessed, to have a wonderful home.
But, you'll be rewarded, greatly, from her. With unconditional love.
Their, is, nothing, like Sony's, love.
Please keep us updated about her.

 

[Nicolemorgan]

Awh, what a great update!
So happy she is fitting in and getting the love she deserves

 

[ElvirasMum]

Yay for Karen!!!

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia , thank you for saving Karen and giving her the love and care she so deserves ( sorry sbout your finger hope it is healing )

She is thriving with your love! Thank you for keeping us updated and sharing Karen's pics
We are looking forward to her transformation of love journey!

Ditto on the advice NO Ketamime - it can have be fatal because of the rebound affect on the heart.
I have it noted on my pets vet charts too

Many of us ask our vets if they use "ISO" isloflurane anesthesia or similar .

I am so excited to see Karen thrive with soo much love and care - Bless your heart

Love the pics!

 

[Toa and Ross]

You are a very loving person. Thanks for adopting Karen and taking care of her. Hope your finger heal fast. Please keep us updated about Karen!

 

[Kate]

Amazing! I am so glad she has found a family that loves and cherishes her. Fingers crossed that she continues along her path the good health.

 

[NinaGato]

Sorry to hear of your finger. Cat bites are no joke. I'm sure her face will clear up when those teeth get cleaned. One of my rescues had rotten mouth and once they were cleaned up so did all the eye running.
Glad to hear she is settling in. Bathes take time and trust. It might not get perfect but it will get better.

 

[1sphynxlover]

Bless you for opening your home and heart to this precious girl. She's beautiful!

 

[GoldHazel]

We brought Karen home from the shelter about 3 weeks ago, here's an update:

She's almost done with her antibiotics but is still a bit snotty, no more sneezing though so that's an improvement. I'm not surprised she's still sick considering the condition of her when we picked her up. I wouldn't doubt some of that gook in her nasal cavity is from her horribly rotten teeth.

As I've said before she is 100% deaf but seems to always be watching to see what our next move is and adapts quickly. She's great with the kids and 2 of our dogs (Chihuahua and French Bulldog). For some reason she has it out for our Boston Terrier and wants to attack him. It's kind of comical actually since he's become kind of scared of her.

She HATES being groomed or handled excessively, we had one spat while cleaning her nasty nose and face that ended up with me having to take a trip to the Dr for antibiotics. I knew she scratched me but didn't realize she had bitten me so within 12 hours it was quite infected. I'm honestly surprised her tooth didn't break off in my thumb since they are so rotten!

As soon as she gets the clear from the Vet we'll be getting her in for a dental and I think that will be a life changing experience for her. I can't imagine how she feels with all those gross teeth.

That's all for now, thank you for all your advice in my endeavor with this sweet girl. We just love her. Although my husband thinks she should be wearing pants, she's too naked "back there". Haha! I added a few updated photos of her, she looks so much better!

Carmen

@Carmen Lucia thanks for the new update on Karen. This is one of my favorite stories how you saved Karen and are doing everything you can for this precious girl.

I also have two dogs here and only one of them gets picked on by some of the sphynx. I noticed why and I'm wondering if it's the same scenario in your house. The dog that gets picked on here is a scaredy cat! She never stood her ground whenever any kitties would touch her by reaching out with their paws (no nails involved). The dog would actually show fear. Some of my kitties acted on that and now this one dog is a victim. She's become scared of the cats and never was at the beginning. So is your French Bulldog more submissive or fearful around Karen compared to your Chihuahua?

If you wrap Karen up in a large towel (like a burrito) that would help keep her nails off you when you have to clean her up. Also, you can use one of those cones around her neck so you won't get bit. The cone is enough to shame them sometimes and I bet she'll be more behaved as time goes on. Sorry to hear about your finger. I have a rule when it comes to cat scratches and even cuts from teeth (not talking about an intentional cat bite): My rule is that you have 5 minutes from the time it happens until you wash it well, use Peroxide and put an antibiotic ointment on with a Band-Aid. Otherwise, within days, there is a redness around the area and you'll be lucky if it gets better on it's own.

It's funny what your husband said about her wearing pants. He should see what a male looks like that hasn't been neutered. LOL

Anyway, best of luck with her dental and I hope her nasal situation clears up completely. You are giving her L-Lysine (double dose)?

 

[Carmen Lucia]

@Carmen Lucia thanks for the new update on Karen. This is one of my favorite stories how you saved Karen and are doing everything you can for this precious girl.

I also have two dogs here and only one of them gets picked on by some of the sphynx. I noticed why and I'm wondering if it's the same scenario in your house. The dog that gets picked on here is a scaredy cat! She never stood her ground whenever any kitties would touch her by reaching out with their paws (no nails involved). The dog would actually show fear. Some of my kitties acted on that and now this one dog is a victim. She's become scared of the cats and never was at the beginning. So is your French Bulldog more submissive or fearful around Karen compared to your Chihuahua?

If you wrap Karen up in a large towel (like a burrito) that would help keep her nails off you when you have to clean her up. Also, you can use one of those cones around her neck so you won't get bit. The cone is enough to shame them sometimes and I bet she'll be more behaved as time goes on. Sorry to hear about your finger. I have a rule when it comes to cat scratches and even cuts from teeth (not talking about an intentional cat bite): My rule is that you have 5 minutes from the time it happens until you wash it well, use Peroxide and put an antibiotic ointment on with a Band-Aid. Otherwise, within days, there is a redness around the area and you'll be lucky if it gets better on it's own.

It's funny what your husband said about her wearing pants. He should see what a male looks like that hasn't been neutered. LOL

Anyway, best of luck with her dental and I hope her nasal situation clears up completely. You are giving her L-Lysine (double dose)?

@GoldHazel actually the dog she picks on has the strongest personality in the house. If a cat runs, he's chasing every time. Karen never runs, she just stands there and that scares him. A few weeks ago he was laying in the sun coming through the kitchen window sleeping, my husband and I were at the table and watched Karen come into the kitchen, walk right up to him and swat him about 3 times in the face while he was sleeping! I couldn't believe it and either could our Boston Terrier! We'll see how this relationship plays out over time. Neither of our other dogs pay attention to Karen, they couldn't care less (other than wanting her food) that she's in the house.

I don't have her on L-Lysine, I'll look into starting her on that. Thanks!

Another thing we've noticed is that the past week or so now that she's feeling better she's choosing not to use the litter box all the time... her urine looks fine and I can't imagine her having a UTI since she's been on antibiotics for the past 3 weeks. My husband was thinking that maybe she didn't like the new set up we made her as her litter box is now closer to her food area then it was in the previous spot we had her quarantined in. We're going to move things around this weekend and hopefully that makes a difference. I think her food might be a little rich for her too, I've been babying her with canned food since her teeth are so bad but it's now giving her diarrhea.

Thanks for all your advice

 

[GoldHazel]

@GoldHazel actually the dog she picks on has the strongest personality in the house. If a cat runs, he's chasing every time. Karen never runs, she just stands there and that scares him. A few weeks ago he was laying in the sun coming through the kitchen window sleeping, my husband and I were at the table and watched Karen come into the kitchen, walk right up to him and swat him about 3 times in the face while he was sleeping! I couldn't believe it and either could our Boston Terrier! We'll see how this relationship plays out over time. Neither of our other dogs pay attention to Karen, they couldn't care less (other than wanting her food) that she's in the house.

I don't have her on L-Lysine, I'll look into starting her on that. Thanks!

Another thing we've noticed is that the past week or so now that she's feeling better she's choosing not to use the litter box all the time... her urine looks fine and I can't imagine her having a UTI since she's been on antibiotics for the past 3 weeks. My husband was thinking that maybe she didn't like the new set up we made her as her litter box is now closer to her food area then it was in the previous spot we had her quarantined in. We're going to move things around this weekend and hopefully that makes a difference. I think her food might be a little rich for her too, I've been babying her with canned food since her teeth are so bad but it's now giving her diarrhea.

Thanks for all your advice

@Carmen Lucia so when you say that she's not always using the litter box, is it for urinating only or both? My first thought as I was reading that was maybe now that Karen can breathe and smell better, she doesn't like the kitty litter you are using if it's a scented one perhaps. Then I read further about what your husband said and for sure move her litter box away from her food. Also, are these accidents happening in the location where the litter box used to be? One more thing, I cannot put a towel or litter catching mat underneath my litter boxes here. If I do, my kitties will "go" on the mat or towel.

Yes, please, please give her the L-Lysine (and double the dose while she is still snotty). It will help her a lot.

To firm up her poop, add a spoonful of 100% Pure Pumpkin in the can by Libby's found in the baking isle of your supermarket. The pumpkin pie filling can looks almost identical, so be very careful to get the correct one. The one you want has no other ingredients in it...no spices.

I think the Boston Terrier situation will work itself out. I don't think anyone is going to get hurt, do you?

 

[Carmen Lucia]

She's not using it for both, which is frustrating. We're redoing her area and will move her litter box farther from her hangout and eating area. She's not going where the box used to be, she peed on my boots a couple times and then pooped in my toddler's ball pit that was fun to clean!

One more question (there is no such thing as a dumb question right?!) do Sphynx cats need flea treatment? I just saw a flea on her! Our dogs our treated regularly, not sure where this flea came from... No one else has any.

 

[GoldHazel]

That's odd that she peed on your boots. The only time I had a cat pee on something like an umbrella, he landed up having a UTI. She's urinating "normally"?...Meaning not a little bit at a time or very often? If you have any doubts or suspicions, have her checke at the vet. Otherwise, if all is good in that department, I strongly suggest right now you get Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter. It really works and attracts the cat to where the litter box is. You will see how amazing this litter is for this purpose. You just need to use it until she "goes" where she is supposed to "go". Especially with all the litter box areas that have been changed lately, it's giving her mixed messages perhaps. After a while, you'll just need to sprinkle Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter on top of the litter you prefer to use until you are finished with that last bag and she's doing what she is supposed to be doing in the right place.

You might have to limit her area again. You certainly don't want Karen "going" wherever she wants to "go". She might have to be limited to one room in the house for a bit. Do you have a blacklight or can you borrow a blacklight? Using a blacklight will show you any other areas where she has "gone" without you realizing it.

Once a cat has an accident on purpose, they will continue to use that area. Do you have Nature's Miracle in the house to clean the areas where she has gone? If not, I strongly suggest you pick up a gallon of it. You can even use it in your washing machine if you need to neutralize something that is machine washable. I have tried many other products in the last 30 years to neutralize pet accidents and I always go back to Nature's Miracle. By far, the best product out there in my opinion from so many years of experience.

Karen pooping in your toddler's ball pit is disturbing. Use the Nature's Miracle and please use a blacklight to check for places you may have missed.

And you are right, no question is a stupid question. I hope you don't have fleas in your home. I once had fleas in my home from stray cats that were trapped under my house! The fleas didn't bother with my dog at the time, they went after me and my young daughter! Fleas are heat seekers, so being that Karen feels the hottest, if there is a flea in your house, they will be attracted to Karen over your dogs.

I'm going to have to research treating a sphynx for fleas. Possibly someone else may chime in on that subject as well. Off hand, I cannot see treating a sphynx for fleas as they don't have a full coat of fur where the fleas will live and hide and breed. I would think that the fleas would bite, but not multiply on her body. I'm comparing it to my daughter and I years ago with the fleas here. Those fleas didn't live and breed on us. We didn't get treated.

I hope you don't have carpeting. If you have a flea problem all of a sudden, those eggs will fall off and get down into your carpets. When they hatch, you will have a house full of jumping fleas. Your house will have to be "bombed", probably twice. I pray you don't have a flea problem.

I or someone else will get back to you about treating Karen for fleas.

 

[GoldHazel]

@Carmen Lucia Fleas and treatments

 

[GoldHazel]

@Carmen Lucia from what I've been reading, no flea treatment on a sphynx cat as per what breeders advise. Treat your other pets, treat your house, but just like you wouldn't treat yourself or your human family, don't treat Karen.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia , head smooches sent to Karen

Here is a link with good info on kitty box stuff
Also , my mom adopted a kitty a few years ago When was ruled out UTI -
we switched her to dr Elseys unscented litter In the blue bag amd box issues stopped-
We scoop 3-4 times a day and I also take off those door flaps that come on some covered litter boxes-
You can try different shape sizes boxes and an unscented litter Amd put in a quiet place
Amd see if it helps- perhaps a couple of boxes in different areas where there is no chance of the doors getting accidently closed too ( had to remind a guest here not to close the door )

Be sure to use a good enzyme cleaner too
A breeder I know recommended anti icky poo enzyme cleaner
I actually use it in the regular wash on pet beds - the unscented is supposedly stronger
Sphynx pooping or peeing outside the litter box
Sold various places on line too
I would call your vet and discuss any flea products
Some members use flea products and I am sure can chime in too
@Dallassummer may have some good advice input too

Looking forward to updates

 

[Carmen Lucia]

@GoldHazel we actually just moved about 6 months ago and do have carpet. I hate it!!! The good news is, it's temporary because there are hardwoods under the carpet. So eventually it's all coming up! I hate carpet.

I'll spray up here this weekend for fleas and hopefully that takes care of it. Karen is quarantined upstairs in our bonus room with a baby gate so the dogs can't bother her or eat her food. She can leave if she wants but rarely does. Unless she's out of food and needs to tell me.

Back the the litter box issue, she goes in the litter box and out of the litter box. I honestly don't think it's a UTI based on her behavior. What I need to remember is that this cat was surrendered to the shelter and we don't know why. Could it be because she doesn't always use the litter box? That could certainly play a part. The past 2 days she was having diarrhea and going outside the litter box. This morning her poop is formed and inside the litter box. So maybe her not feeling well was making her go outside the box. I moved all my boots and shoes out of her area (long story, we moved from a newer house to my dream home which was built in the 60's, closet space is sparse here so I've got makeshift shoe storage upstairs) and hopefully she won't be tempted to pee on them.

I was telling my hairdresser about her and he bought me a Norwex cloth to clean her with. Oh my goodness it worked so good!! She let me clean her feet, tail and ears with it. She's sparkling! I attached a photo she looks mad but she was actually purring and relaxed.

 

[GoldHazel]

@GoldHazel we actually just moved about 6 months ago and do have carpet. I hate it!!! The good news is, it's temporary because there are hardwoods under the carpet. So eventually it's all coming up! I hate carpet.

I'll spray up here this weekend for fleas and hopefully that takes care of it. Karen is quarantined upstairs in our bonus room with a baby gate so the dogs can't bother her or eat her food. She can leave if she wants but rarely does. Unless she's out of food and needs to tell me.

Back the the litter box issue, she goes in the litter box and out of the litter box. I honestly don't think it's a UTI based on her behavior. What I need to remember is that this cat was surrendered to the shelter and we don't know why. Could it be because she doesn't always use the litter box? That could certainly play a part. The past 2 days she was having diarrhea and going outside the litter box. This morning her poop is formed and inside the litter box. So maybe her not feeling well was making her go outside the box. I moved all my boots and shoes out of her area (long story, we moved from a newer house to my dream home which was built in the 60's, closet space is sparse here so I've got makeshift shoe storage upstairs) and hopefully she won't be tempted to pee on them.

I was telling my hairdresser about her and he bought me a Norwex cloth to clean her with. Oh my goodness it worked so good!! She let me clean her feet, tail and ears with it. She's sparkling! I attached a photo she looks mad but she was actually purring and relaxed.

@Carmen Lucia my thoughts exactly last night about why she may have been rehomed (not always using the litter box)! But being that her loose stool is out of the box and her formed stool is in the box says a lot too. I feel bad for her and just hope that things work out all around.

I agree and also don't think she's got a UTI. I too am not a carpet person.

I never hear of a Norwex cloth, what is it usually used for and do you have to wet it or use it dry?

For Karen's loose stools, I had suggested the pumpkin and the FortiFlora. You don't need anymore accidents around the house and it obviously makes her tummy hurt all at the same time.

Keep in touch and best of luck with all the newer issues.

 

[GoldHazel]

@Carmen Lucia what's going on with Karen's situation not using the litter box? Any updates?

I hope things have gotten better.

 

[Carmen Lucia]

@Carmen Lucia what's going on with Karen's situation not using the litter box? Any updates?

I hope things have gotten better.

@GoldHazel I was actually going to post an update today. I caught Karen multiple times yesterday trying to pee anywhere but her litter box. I would pick her up and put her in the box and she would hop out. So I took the hood off and she went right in. Duh! I feel so dumb not thinking about that earlier, I should have known better. I'm sure my boots she peed on would have appreciated it too. Who knows where else she's gone... So that's what I'll be doing this weekend.

I still think I'm going to change her litter, I don't think she likes it, it was an emergency buy on our way home from the shelter after we picked her up, not the best and something tells me this shelter girl has champagne taste. Suggestions?

 

[GoldHazel]

@GoldHazel I was actually going to post an update today. I caught Karen multiple times yesterday trying to pee anywhere but her litter box. I would pick her up and put her in the box and she would hop out. So I took the hood off and she went right in. Duh! I feel so dumb not thinking about that earlier, I should have known better. I'm sure my boots she peed on would have appreciated it too. Who knows where else she's gone... So that's what I'll be doing this weekend.

I still think I'm going to change her litter, I don't think she likes it, it was an emergency buy on our way home from the shelter after we picked her up, not the best and something tells me this shelter girl has champagne taste. Suggestions?

@Carmen Lucia some kitties are very picky about their litter boxes, whether it's the type of litter or the type of box.

I can only suggest what I'm using for kitty litter as I've personally used every single litter out there practically. I now use Clump & Seal 50% Lighter Weight, 100% Dust Free!

It's soft, small particles which is comfortable on their feet and ZERO DUST!!! It smells pleasant too.

I have tried all the kitty litters that claim they are 99% dust free and I find them to be very dusty. Somewhat dusty from the start, then within a week, very, very dusty as it breaks down more.

Here is a pic of the litter I use. (The red box is for multi-cat households):

 

[GoldHazel]

@Carmen Lucia and I forgot to mention one more thing about this kitty litter: It's very convenient to carry. It comes in a box, which you can see above, not a clumsy bag. The box has a handle on the top. Again, it's light weight and very easy to lift, carry and pour.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia , glad the lid off box is making progress
Another litter idea is Dr Elseys ultra unscented in blue bag and with free shipping over $49 on an online site I use
Which is nice for 40 lb bags - if it doesn't work out call them and they will make you happy , often refund with comment to donate the product to a shelter which I like .
Check online too for rebate form I saw in the past.


My moms adoptee was like a new kitty with an large open box , no plastic bag liner either , amd dr elseys in blue bag - with a few inches put in the box for champagne taste digging
She was ready to give kitty back before we found this resolution
Home - Dr. Elsey's