One eyed foster kitty is driving me crazy!!!

[prozacnation]

Okay I took this one in because she was on the emergency list of cats that were going to be put down. Anyway, she hid half of the night then she meowed loudly for the rest. This morning she is challenging my male cat to hissing fights. Granted he is not the friendliest cat in the world to other cats but he has so far managed to avoid all of the other foster cats.

Anyone have any advice? Maybe one-eyed kitty needs to be in a foster home with no cats. Anyone want to adopt a one-eyed no named kitty? Actually, I'm thinking Iris might be a good name (thanks to all the suggestions in the lounge).

Thanks for any advice or thoughts.

[Lorien]

1. You could try some rescue remedy

and maybe a bit of Feliway around the house (first one from health food stores, second from PetCo or PetsMart).Good luck!

[zanana]

3. What is "rescue remedy" and how is it administered?

I've heard of it but I'm wondering what it is, exactly. I have a stray I'm trying to keep in from the cold but my alpha female kitty absolutely hates her and has murder in her eyes. Help!

[demnan]

2. Keep her isolated

Give all the kitties good rounds of love and hope for the best. You may have reached a point where you cannot foster more cats. I think cats get into a territorial situation and you really can't bring more in than the rest of the cats will abide. If that is the case, you need to back off the fostering thing and just foster what you can. Cats are very territorial and you have to abide by these limits.

[Jack Rabbit]

4. Hey, Prozacnation!! What did you name the cat?

Some of us are waiting to find out.

[radfringe]

5. how long have you had her?

it often takes a few days for cats to settle down and establish a "hissing" order

she is probably scared and this is all a fear response. You don't know what she went through prior to the shelter, and now she's in a whole new environment.

When I brought home a cat (stray/abandoned) that was hanging around my workplace -- we had some "posturing" going on for a few days.

We didn't push "introductions", food bowls were kept a respectful distance from each other and gradually brought closer together by a foot or two a day. They were given their regular food, and then given treats and more attention so they associated "good things" with the new arrival. They also received treats when they were in the same room with the "newbie".

It took about 2 weeks for things to really settle down.

[Ladyhawk]

6. Thanks for helping the homeless animals.

Try to know your limits, though. When it comes to animals, it's easy to take on way too much.

[prozacnation]

8. You are right

I would love to save every animal, but that's not possible. I know that the shelter puts down tons of animals every day. It breaks my heart.

In any event I can only do so much. At this point I'm not at my limit. Amazingly enough I still have space and the energy to take on more if an emergency comes up. My house although not as clean as usual is still running amazingly well. The mamma cat and her babies are in the office. The four puppies are in a big puppy pen in the garage (which is insulated and warm). Iris mostly stays in my room. My own cat and dog roam freely. It works, except for Iris' late night meowing.

Anyway, I do see how it would be easy to take on way too much. I have to be careful to guard myself emotionally and physically. Also, I need to guard my own animals from too much stress.

Now if I could just stop the rain. It's going to be raining for the next five days and I have puppies who want to play.

Take care and thanks.

[prozacnation]

7. Her name is Iris a.k.a. one-eyed-kitty

Iris has now been with us about six days. She is still trying to be friends with my cat but that's a losing battle. Max likes no-one else, especially cats. He hisses and makes horrible noises when she is around him.

Anyway, I am taking her to an adoption event this weekend. Cross your fingers that the perfect owner will show up. It's going to be hard to find a good match for her. She needs a home with a lot of attention, no young children and no other cats (unless they are very tame). Most people want the cute kittens...

Until she gets adopted if she really drives me batty I can put her in the laundry room at night. Or worst case scenario she can go to another foster home.

Thanks for all of your suggestions.