5/31- Buster's gone ferral

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Bustercat

Bustercat

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DH found a half eaten squirrel in the yard the other day. I figured some hawk must have dropped it, because there is no way Buster can catch a squirrel... he can't even lick his own bottom to clean it! Much to my dismay, we caught Buster in the yard today munching on another squirrel ohmygod_smile

We have been putting him out during the day, and bringing him in at night to sleep, because of his recent litterbox issues. Now, I am not sure we should bring him in at night... who know what he'd be tracking around on the floors. I've got a 2yr old and an 8 month old.

Is there anything that I should be watching for? Could he get sick from eating wild squirrels? I do have him on Clavamox at the moment... it seems to help shrink the masses in his mouth and make him a bit more comfortable. At least the good news in all of this is that Buster's appetite has returned to normal. He is still starving... his pmps was 302... His tummy is all distended from his *meal* and he still came in demanding his dinner.

Now that he will be sleeping outside, are there any suggestions on an outdoor bed or 'cat-house'? I don't know what else I can do.
 
Our cat Brutus can catch almost anything.Squirels , birds ,rodents of all kinds.We now have him and our civvie fenced in our back yard so they cannot get out, But they still manage to show us their powerfull hunting instincts.They have never got sick from eating their natural prey.I know Brutus will wander , so we don't let him go outside the fenced back yard.Most male cats are very territorial and will wander off to mark their boundries, even fixed males.He should have a safe warm place to go to though.
 
Seems like a normal healthy catty thing to do. He will get exercise and help bring down your catfood budget. Probably keep snakes and rodents out of your yard/house too. I don't understand, why is it bad that he's a hunter? IMHO, cats and dogs have been killing small animals for as long as kids have been hugging furry things and eating dirt. :lol:
 
I'm not sure I understand why he needs to stay outside 24/7. Many people have indoor/outdoor cats and little kids. The huge Rubbermaid storage tubs make great cat shelters. Cut two cat-size holes in it, so he has an entrance and an escape route. You could also use the smallest size igloo dog house. Here's some more shelter information for you: http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_ ... ER_SHELTER

I don't like to see my cats eating little animals either. But I remind myself when they hunt, they're getting a natural diet, and that makes me feel a bit better about things.
 
To me having a dead squirrel in my yard is no less safe than having a live one in my yard, as long as it is removed quickly (or eaten).

I've been out of the loop for awhile. Where are we on getting Buster the medical help he needs? I really want to help him.
 
Obviously, from what people have posted, it's perfectly safe to have a cat that goes inside and out. If your kids play in the grass, there are squirrels, bird poop, and bugs that they get their hands into. I'm not sure why you would abandon Buster, whose diabetes needs attention, to the outdoors where his lifespan will be shortened. I know you were concerned about a litterbox issue. Since this wasn't an on-going problem, the likelihood is that it is medical in origin. I tend to regard my kitties in much the same way as I would a child -- they are my kids. I wouldn't send a child to live outdoors if they persisted in wetting the bed or if they brought home a snake or frog or something creepy crawly.
 
Diabetic cats DO act like they are starving! Their bodies can't process the foods going in, can't get the nutrients - I bet it's like how I feel after eating a nice meal of Chinese food ... I am hungry an hour later! Good foods, but man, I need more!

When Shadoe was first dx, we started her on insulin and she was eating so much I was worried. I was glad she did not know how to use a can opener or open the food drawer! Goodness that girl could eat! Everyone told me don't worry, she needs to eat so keep feeding. And I did. And she ate.
Eventually, as her little body got used to the insulin and routine and her numbers got more in a better range and she got close to her nice dose of insulin, her appetite settled down to normal cat range. She was up at maybe 30oz or more a day and now down to always under 10oz. Most days, I worry as she eats like a bird now.

When I adopted Oliver, I went through the same thing. And you don't even want to know how much that boy can eat! He has passed Shadoe's high and he likes to have raw chicken cubes as snacks. I have noticed that his appetite is edging off now as we are getting close to the amounts of insulin I guess he needs right now, and his body is adjusting enough to be able to get the goods out of his foods.

I know there are some nutrition sites/infos that are very good. Dr. Lisa's nutrition info is very good; maybe someone can get the links for you. Cats are carnivores, yes? They like stuff like birds and mice and like indoor guys like Oliver, raw chicken and stuff. I am wanting to switch Oliver to raw, but need a local source for the additives, etc.

So long as Buster has had all his shots updated as he's an outdoor kitty, I don't see a problem with his eating what he catches, but if you don't want him catching his own food, then you could keep him indoors. I would not leave a cat outdoors 24/7, ever.
 
Hi,
It's cool Buster is such a good hunter! Growing up, our cats always lived outside 24/7 and survived! I see you're from San Diego. The only thing I would worry about with Buster being outdoors 24/7 are coyotes! I know one place where I previously lived had them, and I was shocked they could come so close or that we even had them. I lived in a residential area right off the freeway.
 
Hi Serena

I dont know about this, my honest opinion, Buster should be indoors. He's a diabetic kitty and when you think about it, how do you know what he eats out there?
What do you do if he doesnt come home for his shot? Does he know what time his shots are at?

And what others have mentioned, if you're going to leave him out - that you make sure he's up to date with medical issues.
If there is a litter issue, he may need medical attention, I dont think sending him outdoors is the answer.
I hope you will re-consider.

Sending prayers for ((((((Buster)))))
 
I really don't mind him having a natural diet. I guess my biggest concern is him getting some disease, or bringing something like worms or who knows what into the house. I probably wouldn't be as concerned once the baby starts walking, but right now she is all over this floor. And, Buster is not so good with the hygiene.

I do hate the thought of leaving him out at night. He originally became indoor cat because he would pick fights, and always seem to loose. I did not think Buster would be able to leave the backyard because he can not seem to jump very high, but last night DH told me that Buster can -barely- make it over the fence. So, I will probably be bringing him back in at night, we do have coyotes and he is not safe from them once he leaves the yard.
 
Is Buster up to date on his shots from the vet?
Ask the vet about anything Buster can be given to protect him and others when he comes inside.
 
I Have succesfully made my back yard cat escape proof , its not that hard.you can probbably modify your fence to do so.Both my cats can jump and climb very well but they cannot escape.let me know if you want suggestions.
 
Steve, I sent you a pm. I'd love any suggestions you can give on cat-proofing.

I have a call in to the vet to find out if there is anything that Buster needs, as far as vaccinations, and anything that I would need to worry about with all the squirrel eating.
 
I think you need to get Buster checked for a urinary track infection and to see if his anal glands need to be expressed. These conditions would account for his LB problems.
 
He had his glands expressed, I think it was last month. He might need to have them checked again. I need to get him in for some b/w and will have them check the glands at the same time.
 
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