Update on Taco, please save him from the Shelter.

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TorontoCatGuy

Member Since 2018
Hi everyone

My home situation is no longer stable for Taco. He had another out of litter box experience (on our bed) and my wife just lost it. She's not willing to add any boxes throughout the house, so he has to come down two flights to use the boxes. She's tired of smelling them, stepping in tracked litter in our living space... I get it, she's done.

However, she now says she wants to just take him to the SPCA and drop him off. I have no idea how he'd do in a shelter, whether they'd put him down, or what his odds of adoption are out of there. Please please please if you are willing to bring Taco into your home, I'll drive him to you in Canada or US. Don't care how far really, we can work it out. He's such a great cat but my Wife has totally hardened against him. Please reply or email me at: tacosnewhome@gmail.com ... Thank you.

Taco's Vital Stats
7 year old, healthy, indoor-only, neutered male domestic longhair.

The Story
My Wife and I are expecting a baby in November, and it has become clear that we won't be able to care for Taco effectively once we have a baby, then a child... I work away from home for 24hrs at a time and work a lot part-time as well. The BG testing then all falls on my Wife who is already overwhelmed with work and fast approaching family responsibilities. I'm really looking for the right person who I know will take care of my little guy. Should be experienced with diabetic cats and looking to make a friend for life.

Taco's Care
- Healthy weight, good activity levels, Diabetic for just over 2 years
- Lantus Glargine Insulin under the skin, 2x daily, currently 1.5 units each injection
- Tolerates injections well all over back and Blood Glucose tests on all 4 paws (sits right in your lap!)
- Is on a mixed diet of Fancy Feast and Friskies Patés, BG curve has been stable for 3+ months
- In more experienced hands than mine has some chance at remission, but shouldn't be counted on
- As far as some of the stories I've read, Taco is a low-maintenance diabetic cat!

Favorite toys
- Da Bird Wand toys
- Brushings especially around face and back
- Friendly around other cats once he knows them, and good/curious around children
- He is super docile and you can pick him up, snuggle him, razzle him around. Has been handled often since kittenhood so he'll never bite or scratch.

Logistics
- We live in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, but I'm willing to drive Taco to his new home up to 5-6+hours.
- We are really looking for the right person/people, a forever home for him as we wanted to be...
- If you want to make a new best friend, email me at: tacosnewhome@gmail.com or reply to this post!

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I'm so sorry for Taco's situation unfortunately I'm in Mexico ( kind of a too long drive or plane trip I guess ) so there's no much I can do :( but I hope some of the US or Canada people here can help, bumping this thread
 
I asked the DCIN contact in Canada and this is what she said:

if worst comes to worst, he can try Toronto Humane Society - there he needs to call in advance and they will give him an intake date, but it may be a few weeks. Do not give him to any shelter - most will kill him. If he goes to an organization called Second Hope Circle, they have a list of rescues in Ontario I believe. That would be choice #1, although very few will take on a diabetic cat willingly
 
Please do not give this beautiful boy to a shelter. It just breaks my heart. God I wish I could have a cat rescue and save all these beautiful babies :(
 
Chris & China said:
I asked the DCIN contact in Canada and this is what she said:

if worst comes to worst, he can try Toronto Humane Society - there he needs to call in advance and they will give him an intake date, but it may be a few weeks. Do not give him to any shelter - most will kill him. If he goes to an organization called Second Hope Circle, they have a list of rescues in Ontario I believe. That would be choice #1, although very few will take on a diabetic cat willingly
Click to expand...
Thanks Chris
 
Etobicoke Humane Society is a non kill shelter in the west end of Toronto. Whether they will take a diabetic or not, I am not sure but certainly worth a call if transporting Taco to BC is not possible at this time.
 
Hopefully you can take Chris & China up on her contact in BC.

If you need to buy some time, you might put Taco in a baby diaper temporarily (tabs on the cat's back, cut a hole for the tail). It's a stop-gap measure and you need to change the diaper as soon as it's soiled (and perhaps gently dab the rear end with a baby wipe), but it will prevent more household items from being peed on. You might well be right that Taco isn't doing it intentionally, but if your hands are tied because a hormonal pregnant stubborn wife is "done," then it doesn't really matter... and maybe a little creativity will help. It'll be good practice for the baby, right? :)

Seriously though, good luck. I hope things work out. Many shelters will automatically euthanize diabetic cats. I even know of "no-kill" shelters who simply send their unhealthy cats to kill shelters so they can retain their "no-kill" status. So please do your homework...
 
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@TorontoCatGuy i feel so bad for you that you’re in this situation. It’s jot fair that you have to choose between your wife and your furry companion, you shouldn’t have to bc they are both members of the family. Is it possible to confine him to a room with a litter box or something?

I understand she’s pregnant and stressed, I get that. But not wanting to set up more litter boxes is not fair to the cat. With testing, I wouldn’t even test if it’s causing this much stress. Just feed him and give him insulin, have he vet do the curve every few months. It’s not ideal but a lot of ppl who don’t come to this message board do it that way. It’s bettwe than having the poor guy put down at a shelter. He looks so sweet. I wish I could take him but I have my hands full with 4 pets one of whom is very very sick. Our sick boy almost never uses the litter box and our dog often has accidents and we just pick it up. I know it’s not pleasant but with some training it could be improved.

I know you care about your cat otherwise you wouldn’t be here trying to find him a good home. Please try to reach out to DCIN that @Chris & China suggested. Many of us including myself adopted a diabetic cat so there is hope. He truly is gorgeous and I’m sure he’s a good boy despite the accidents. ❤️
 
Hi everyone,

Thank you for your comments and suggestions so far. An update, my S.O. has calmed down and she's okay with him staying with us until we find him a home. I wrote my last message in a bit of a panic after a pee-cident and ensuing argument, rational heads are now prevailing. I will not have him given to a shelter especially after your comments and info. I have connected with Chris&China's friend in BC and that may be the solution. He'd go on a cross-provincial permanent vacation to a home that loves him. Off to talk to this person now. I also have another line on someone in Barrie with diabetic-cat experience that may be able to take him, so it looks as if there will be a happy ending to this story.

He is a fantastic cat that I love dearly. And 'the accidents' are, as you say, simply because he doesn't want/know how to get down 2 flights of stairs to get to his box. Should have pushed to have a third box on upper floors months ago and all of this could have been avoided.

Thank you again for your support and helpful suggestions.
 
TorontoCatGuy said:
Hi everyone,

Thank you for your comments and suggestions so far. An update, my S.O. has calmed down and she's okay with him staying with us until we find him a home. I wrote my last message in a bit of a panic after a pee-cident and ensuing argument, rational heads are now prevailing. I will not have him given to a shelter especially after your comments and info. I have connected with Chris&China's friend in BC and that may be the solution. He'd go on a cross-provincial permanent vacation to a home that loves him. Off to talk to this person now. I also have another line on someone in Barrie with diabetic-cat experience that may be able to take him, so it looks as if there will be a happy ending to this story.

He is a fantastic cat that I love dearly. And 'the accidents' are, as you say, simply because he doesn't want/know how to get down 2 flights of stairs to get to his box. Should have pushed to have a third box on upper floors months ago and all of this could have been avoided.

Thank you again for your support and helpful suggestions.
Click to expand...
Have you ever watched “my cat from hell” or heard of Jackson Galaxy? He has TONS of advice on how to deal with a cat who wont use the litter box. One reason may be that he is feeling insecure there and is marking. Perhaps its a new S.O. Or new home or whatever. THere are ways to overcome that and make him feel more secure about his surroundings!

I am glad to hear you are finding some potential adopters and have connected with Chris. What a relief! But I feel so bad for you to have to give up your little buddy. There ARE ways around this, yes it will take some work but just throwing it out there, raising a child around pets is really great and rewarding for the child. It can teach them responsibility and compasion, and what’s cuter than a baby cuddling with a cat? Just saying ;) I definitely understand if that’s not possible, but perhaps something to consider?

Best of luck, please keep us posted on Taco.
 
TorontoCatGuy said:
Hi everyone,

Thank you for your comments and suggestions so far. An update, my S.O. has calmed down and she's okay with him staying with us until we find him a home. I wrote my last message in a bit of a panic after a pee-cident and ensuing argument, rational heads are now prevailing. I will not have him given to a shelter especially after your comments and info. I have connected with Chris&China's friend in BC and that may be the solution. He'd go on a cross-provincial permanent vacation to a home that loves him. Off to talk to this person now. I also have another line on someone in Barrie with diabetic-cat experience that may be able to take him, so it looks as if there will be a happy ending to this story.

He is a fantastic cat that I love dearly. And 'the accidents' are, as you say, simply because he doesn't want/know how to get down 2 flights of stairs to get to his box. Should have pushed to have a third box on upper floors months ago and all of this could have been avoided.

Thank you again for your support and helpful suggestions.
Click to expand...
Until you send him off to his new home, consider maybe a disposable temporary cat box that can just be tossed when it's dirty or no longer needed.
Nature's Miracle Disposable Litter Box, Jumbo, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0087Y5OIE/?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20
 
I have used those disposable litter boxes and they are great. I got the jumbo size when Sammy was still peeing buckets every day, and that helps diffuse the odor. Keeping it almost full of litter helps with the tracking issue. I know you love your cat but I can't get past the most obvious solution - no sick kitty will reliably go up and down two flights of stairs to poop or pee. Can you try once more to find a discrete location in your main living area that your wife can accept? You can offer to keep it fresh smelling - I can offer two product examples that really work for me. I'm passionate because I had to rehome a cat because of my partner's concerns, and it still haunts me. I don't want that hole in your heart!
 
Molly and Sammy said:
I have used those disposable litter boxes and they are great. I got the jumbo size when Sammy was still peeing buckets every day, and that helps diffuse the odor. Keeping it almost full of litter helps with the tracking issue. I know you love your cat but I can't get past the most obvious solution - no sick kitty will reliably go up and down two flights of stairs to poop or pee. Can you try once more to find a discrete location in your main living area that your wife can accept? You can offer to keep it fresh smelling - I can offer two product examples that really work for me. I'm passionate because I had to rehome a cat because of my partner's concerns, and it still haunts me. I don't want that hole in your heart!
Click to expand...
I have a cat who's been going on the kitchen when she's too nervous to go past the other cats. (Nervous Nelly). We've been thinking of getting this if it has to be added in a more public part of the house (corner by front door). Your pet will love this Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter Planter:
https://app.chewy.com/xhiVuU94SQ
 
Or this one! This one is so nice I have been wanting it for years! One of my friends had one of those in her hallway for her cat. It was perfect. (I would have to get 4 of those though for my 3 kitties, haha)

https://www.chewy.com/merry-product...MIv4zGpNL63QIVx4CfCh3SWgaQEAQYDCABEgIuJvD_BwE

JanetNJ said:
I have a cat who's been going on the kitchen when she's too nervous to go past the other cats. (Nervous Nelly). We've been thinking of getting this if it has to be added in a more public part of the house (corner by front door). Your pet will love this Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter Planter:
https://app.chewy.com/xhiVuU94SQ
Click to expand...
 
We live in Milton. Sorry, full house here but the Upper Credit Valley shelter is a no-kill and takes in old, sick and one-eyed cats. I've seen for myself 17 year old cats adopted from them. I wish I could do more.
 
Just in case you need the Credit Valley option.
It's 28 km from the 401 straight up Trafalgar Road to highway 124. They're a small shelter but they do a lot of great work, especially with local PetValu's. They even adopt out Coon hounds from as far away as Kentucky and a lot of older cats. This is where we got Marco from.
Their website is sometimes a mystery and you'll often get redirected to another sight.
http://uppercredit.com/
Phone 519-833-2287
5383 Trafalgar Rd N
Erin, ON, N0B 1T0
General: info@uppercredit.com
Good luck with your new life Taco!
 
@Wendy&Neko
Why is it no matter where I've lived in Canada the SPCA always sucks. The very people that should be leading the way.
A few years ago an SPCA officer rescued a nearly dead dog from a hot car and, like I've always wanted to do, popped the guy in the face. That was the end of his career.
 
Ugh if I wasn't so new to the diabetes game (Fena's ProZinc so I'm unfamiliar with Lantus other than to know it's a more gentle and slower acting insulin like ProZinc), had a car that reliably worked (she's so old poor thing) and had a passport to get across the border, I'd take Taco in a heartbeat. I'm literally right across Lake Erie from Ontario, near Cleveland OH. Been to Ontario many times (before passports were needed). God love you, your family and your Taco-baby. Just looking at the pictures he reminds me, in attitude, so much of my Fena. :bighug: They (Fena and Mao) lost their house-brother (not litter mates) Lucky in 2016 to cancer. Secretly I think it's my wish, though it gives me heart palpitations, to make my 2some a 3some again - maybe one day. :blackeye:

And I WILL say this, since I haven't seen it posted here before - BE PICKY. Interview the HECK out of whoever shows interest - quiz them, make sure they know their stuff, listen to your gut instinct and beyond all else TAKE YOUR TIME if you can. Even arrange meetings between you, Taco and the interested person a few times if feasible. Watch how Taco interacts, and how YOU feel about watching potential pairings. Gut instinct counts for a lot, yours and Tacos.

Some questions to ask potentials -

Do they only want Taco, or do they want him comfortable - aka, do they want his things too (bowls, litter box, toys, etc)?

Do they expect you to hand over his vet records in full and that's that, or are they willing to call your current vet with help of THEIR vet to get extra info if needed? Medical records are great but actually TALKING to Taco's current vet is AMAZING in addition - are they willing to go that extra step?

Are they curious about Taco beyond what you say? Do they ask a lot of questions, do they seem curious enough about him? His routine, his quirks, etc.

If they have other cats or dogs, etc. in their house - do they have a crate or cage, etc. for Taco, to introduce him into their family safely and slowly? Aka he has somewhere he can run/hide if anything gets to be too much for him? Somewhere that's just "his"..?

How careful are they about watching when outside doors are open, or when closing them - I ask this because a neighbor family of mine is NOT - their animals get out SO MUCH it's ridiculous and I'm always worried due to the heavier traffic on our street. They just don't seem to pay attention when outside doors open/close, etc.

Are they planning to stay where they live for awhile? Nothing worse than your baby going to a new home and then having that new family go to ANOTHER new home fairly soon, your poor Taco included. It could exacerbate his heath and behaviors.

Would they be willing (if you wanted or asked it of them) to keep in contact - phone, email, mail, etc. while Taco adjusts to his new home for your piece of mind? Will they be free to call you, etc. if they have more questions, concerns, etc?

I have about a hundred and one more questions to suggest, but I'm feeling like a nuisance so I'll stop, LOL. This is how I got my dog Annie a long time ago, and my 3 cats (RIP Lucky) from an old high school friend of mine) - there are no stupid questions to ask a potential new owner, no stupid emotional/mental/physical reactions when giving your baby up to a new home - nothing is stupid. It's painful, it's hard, but if you go with the flow - what you're thinking/feeling, etc. it'll be SO much easier on you.

And since I didn't say it before, grr on me, congratulations to you and your wife about the baby! :bighug:
 
Hi everyone.

Thank you again for your support and advice. Yes the family Taco will be going to is experienced with Diabetics, has a supportive family environment, and is very curious/careful asking lots of questions. The primary lady and I spoke on the phone and I could tell it was his new Mom right away. It feels right and like more of a 'grand adventure' for him than a worry or concern for me. The only hurt I have is for giving him up and knowing that I'll miss him, which has been really tough.

Taco goes west on the 17th, I'll keep you posted!
 
Bless you... I so feel for you and the sadness you feel at having to lose your lovely Taco but in the circumstances you seem to have the very best solution. Maybe you can ask for the occasional update so you don't feel totally cut off from him, just "dad at a distance"...
 
That's wonderful you found him a new bean. I am sorry you are losing a buddy. And congrats on a new baby. You will be very busy. :) as others suggested maybe get updates from his new family for awhile just to ease your mind. :bighug:
 
Phoebes said:
That's wonderful you found him a new bean. I am sorry you are losing a buddy. And congrats on a new baby. You will be very busy. :) as others suggested maybe get updates from his new family for awhile just to ease your mind. :bighug:
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Oh I forgot to say thank you for finding him a home and not taking him the aspca. You're a good bean.
 
Hey everyone, sorry about not posting earlier but has been a hectic week. Most of you have probably seen the other thread, but I wanted to make sure you all heard about the happy ending.

Taco has found a new home and family out west! Mandy who I met through the DCIN facebook group (Thank you Chris!) and her family have taken him in. They in B.C. Canada, and Taco was flown out there by a very helpful traveller/volunteer (Thank you Janet!).

Although it makes me sad to lose him, we are both thankful he found the right home. There were lots of tears in the week leading up to him leaving, but we got to spend some quality time together. I was also very anxious about his flight and how he would do. Now that I've talked back and forth with Mandy I know for sure he's found his people, and I don't worry about him at all or feel as sad. Mandy's cat was very ill and she lost them the very same day she picked up Taco from the airport. Definitely meant to be. (Rest in peace, Sushi, I'm sure you were a great friend)

Here's a pic of Taco in his new home if you haven't seen it already.

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Thank you all again for your support, you are special souls for helping strangers through a tough time.
All the best
 
TorontoCatGuy said:
Hey everyone, sorry about not posting earlier but has been a hectic week. Most of you have probably seen the other thread, but I wanted to make sure you all heard about the happy ending.

Taco has found a new home and family out west! Mandy who I met through the DCIN facebook group (Thank you Chris!) and her family have taken him in. They in B.C. Canada, and Taco was flown out there by a very helpful traveller/volunteer (Thank you Janet!).

Although it makes me sad to lose him, we are both thankful he found the right home. There were lots of tears in the week leading up to him leaving, but we got to spend some quality time together. I was also very anxious about his flight and how he would do. Now that I've talked back and forth with Mandy I know for sure he's found his people, and I don't worry about him at all or feel as sad. Mandy's cat was very ill and she lost them the very same day she picked up Taco from the airport. Definitely meant to be. (Rest in peace, Sushi, I'm sure you were a great friend)

Here's a pic of Taco in his new home if you haven't seen it already.

View attachment 39918 View attachment 39919

Thank you all again for your support, you are special souls for helping strangers through a tough time.
All the best
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I’m so sorry you lost your very special Taco. :bighug::bighug::bighug:

But I’m really happy it worked out for him to go to the coast and live with Mandy. Thanks for going to so much effort for Taco to have a happy ending and a great home. Taco is beautiful!
 
Now that you know your furry friend is settling in nicely in his new home, you and your wife will be able to relax and prepare for the arrival of your new bundle of joy! Your love for Taco tells me you'll make a good Dad! All the best! :)
 
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