As I wrote a few days ago, the non-sightings of Link had me really worried. Last night, I sank down to my knees and with the image of Mystic still in my mind, I prayed that God would show me some sort of sign that Linc was still alive. This morning, I put out four cans of Kitty Krack (aka FF) I turned around to toss the cans into the container and when I turned back, I saw that Link was face deep in food!
I was right there oh so close. A cat carrier (a top loader) was sitting at the ready with the top opened. I remember looking at Link’s scruff and thinking: “God am I brave enough to barehand him?” I knew I had to go for it, even if I missed. Link was stumble-drunk, falling over, his back legs shaky. If I couldn’t rescue him now, there was no chance for him to survive this horrible cold snap that is upon us.
I took a deep breath, reached down, grabbed the scruff (barely). He went ballistic and I could feel him slipping. I had to almost toss him into the carrier and when I slammed the door down- I thought- “Gee Mary Anne, you DO still have it!”
I called the vet and they said bring him down to drop him off. A few hours later, the vet called and we had a lengthy conversation. Dr. Steve was wondering how in the world I managed to even grab this kitty because he truly is full feral. But, it turned out, Lincoln had ataxia. For those who might not know, ataxia is a neurological disease that either means three things- a tumor pressing on the brain, a mass pressing on the spine, or an incurable ear mite infection. It is not treatable, it is absolutely fatal and a horrible way for a kitty to pass. I gave my permission and now Lincoln is with Mike.
God, I am grateful that Your hands were upon me this morning when I did the snatch and grab. The minute he did finally settle down in the carrier, I could see the unmistakable tremors going through his body and I knew that my first inclination about him was right. Something was majorly wrong with this boy. I am glad you gave me the courage (or maybe it was because I only had 3 hours sleep last night) to follow through and get him to professionals who could help him. He didn’t have much time left and they would have caught it before on the visit on the 6th except just to get their hands on him, they had to sedate him.
RIP my fierce beast- despite your lack of socialization, you did bless my life.
Donations are desperately needed at this time.
Taking care of a colony of 10 feral cats, all neutered. 7 females and 3 males. I made 6 shelters out of coolers and placed straw in each one. After about a month I have discovered that most of shelters had pee in the straw. It still appears they are all using the shelters inspire of the pee. Is this some kind of territorial marking? Surprised to see it in the place they sleep.
I am so sorry about Linc.
I call it peemail. It is how they communicate to each other, marking over another’s spraying or peeing. Establishing order within the clowder if you will to see who is going to be Alpha and who has to submit to the group. They will pee where they sleep. They will not eat where they pee, so you could put in fresh bedding and feed them inside the coolers if that is possible. Otherwise, you will just have to keep swapping out the wet straw with the dry.
I am very sorry about Linc. But he is no longer feral, thanks to you. He is where he must be, and with as little suffering as your kindness could give him. Godspeed, Linc.