Trois is one of the very tame former pet strays in my neighbourhood. He was here when I moved in and was beautiful and robust, already neutered, with no tattoo, collar, or chip.
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Tonight I went to round up a couple cats and bring them inside. I was carrying a defiant Kikeli to the house when Trois came out from under the house and gave me his very unique meow. I put Kikeli down to pet Trois and then something didn't seem right. You guys, he's wasted away to nothing. I've noticed he hasn't been as much of a permanent fixture but I still see him. I am so busy sometimes I don't spend a lot of time outside but they always have food and water and I do a quick pet going in and out. I picked him up and he was so light. I almost burst into tears but I managed to get him into the bathroom and give him canned food. I sat down on the toilet and started crying. I can't believe he's been wasting away and I haven't noticed. I am feeling the burden of being responsible for so many cats. I feel so guilty that I missed his weight loss and I have no idea what it is. He is enjoying canned food right now. I gave him a small can of FF and I might give him another before weighing him and letting him outside. I just don't know what to do. A vet visit with lots of tests and treatment will be so expensive especially if this is serious. I have so many cats to care for and not much money. I just wish this poor cat had his own family so he could get the care he deserves. Better than I have given him.

PS: I am flying to Honolulu tomorrow to renew my green card so won't be online.

Trois in June:



Trois today:

Alisha,

This is very sad for you. Looking at the pictures and reading your post, I can see why you're upset, but it is NOT your fault. You're caring for so many cats and do so much for them - with so much love. You can't be everywhere at once - and be aware of everything that happens - it's just impossible.

Do you think it could just be that he hasn't been eating? I hope it's something "fixable" and not a serious illness - that is a possibility. Is it possible for you to keep him inside for a little time just to feed and observe him?

The good part about this is that you found him alive and are caring for him now. I wish I could find the words to console you, but don't give up hope! For now, he probably feels safe just spending some time with you.

Maria

Oh, poor Trois. Since he was a former pet, being so tame, it could be that he is more on the passive, timid side in regards to the other cats, so waits for them to finish eating before he will. But by then, maybe all the food is gone.

You might try making two feeding stations, not in eyeview of one another. Then he may have a better chance of getting something to eat. That is what we did when there were a few strays we were feeding. Two would fight, so we really needed separate areas.

I would try to get him to a vet and tested for FIV/FeLV first, along with a basic exam. Then go from there. If he has one of those diseases, he really should be euthanized, unless you can find a home for him where he is the only cat or with other cats with the same disease. Otherwise he could spread it to the other strays.

I hope Trois does not have an illness. I wish he could have a home.

It is hard to have so many cats around that you want to help, but just can't do a whole lot for. Big hugs to you.

Hi Alisha:

I agree with Maria and Margaret. You are not at fault here. In fact, you are doing your very best to rectify the faults of others.

Trois is a very handsome cat. I’ll be honest; I cannot see the weight loss in your pictures. I do not doubt it, but it is not apparent in the pictures. I think the long fluffy hair is preventing me from seeing it.

Is he tame enough to adopt?

Mark

Hi guys,
Must type quickly as I need to head to the airport. I just cannot imagine Trois is not getting to the food. I have a ten pound autofeeder out there which is full almost all the time. Two other neighbours feed and a lot of cats tend to stay at a certain house. Trois used to be the dominant one, chasing off cats and being a bully now and then. Things are so laid back during the day, I cannot imagine anyone keeping him from the food. I will add a second feeding station in the backyard, I have been wanting to do that. As far as the weight loss goes, it is hard to see it in the pictures. He is very fluffy which is probably why I didn't notice until I gave him a good petting. He was neutered already so he never got fixed under the feral program which means he has not been tested. All my ferals have been negative but it is possible he has a cat disease. I think I can have him fixed for free through the feline foundation. I am going to bring him inside for love and canned food every day. He was so starved for affection and he was never that kind of cat. I mean, he liked a good petting once in awhile but I always felt he could take me or he could leave me. We were never really bonded, not like me and Custard. And the last month has been crazy, I have been worn out and exhausted, unable to do the extra stuff. Well I am glad I noticed and thanks so much for your support. By my estimation he has lost a good 4 pounds at least. I'll write more later.

I have to agree with Mark, Trois IS a very handsome cat. Would your organization maybe foot the bill for testing for him to see if he has a disease since you don't have the money yourself??? Also, PLEASE don't blame yourself for this... it's not your fault... it's the fault of the subhuman who owned him and let him go off on his own. You are doing everything you can to help him and all the others... He needs help and he knows you will help him - that's why he's there with you know. Must be that sign you have on the shingle outside your door.

Good luck with Trois.... I hope he'll be ok.