Can you help me catch this cat?

I don't know if I should post this in Pets & Animals, or Please Help, but here goes: 

I feel sick to my stomach and want to cry over the cat situation. After all this time, I finally feel I have to admit that @crazy_quilter's vet was right...Wendy will never be tameable. And now, I am going to be in big trouble because I have to get her licensed (the landlord got a letter from the town and told them about her. Saiyd never said anything, and to honest, I didn't know she had to be licensed since she never leaves the house). She needs a rabies shot before they will give me a license, and that is the cause of this issue. Dr. Levine gave me a pill for her to take for the rabies clinic. I disguised it in a treat and she actually took it, but it didn't do anything but make her crazier...scary cat. I tried to catch her but she was foaming at the mouth and growling and hissing at me and I did not want to get bit.
So, I called Dr. Levine to ask what to do now that she missed the clinic and he suggested calling Melanie Troncone at the Health Department. I tried calling several times and left messages, but couldn't reach her. I spoke with someone in the department today though who said that basically it's my tough luck, no one will help me. AND the license needs to be purchased by Tuesday, which I didn't know until today, AND they will NOT give me any extension to try to catch the cat and get her a shot. I asked just how does the woman suggest I catch this cat, and she said ask family (my sister was already bit by the cat and had to go on antibiotics when I moved after trying to get her for 4 days after I moved out, so she will not help); then she said vets make house calls (which I cannot afford, and don't know what a vet could do at my house since no one can get this cat unless we actually knock her out). Kristen I know you will be so mad at me, but I said, "So what? Will someone come to my house and kill her?" because I am at my last straw and just don't know what to do. I don't want to harm her, but I just can't take the stress she causes me anymore. Now I will be charged fines and stuff because I am scared of my own cat and can't catch her and don't know what the resolution could possibly be if I can't catch her!
Obviously, I am very emotional over this situation. I mean, very. I need help to get this cat, I guess, but it's a scary, traumatic episode trying to catch this wild thing. Are there any cat whisperers out there who would be willing to help? She is not an ordinary cat. She has so many physiological issues (as cq will attest). I think I need quite a few helpers. And if I can't help, I swear, I just have no idea what to do next. I need recourse!

you need to have protective gear to catch her...do you have a denim jacket--or get little kid jeans and cut off the legs and put them on your arms (you can always check Unique thrift), maybe cheap garden gloves from the dollar store...not sure what to do about your face though.

there are cat psychics...but that would be expensive...and the guy from the 'my cat from hell show'  so there are people out there..

have you called the in home vets to get their cost?  I'm guessing it will be less than any fines...and maybe they will help you catch the cat.  There is Vetdispatch.com (Dr. Elsa Campos) and Dr. Keith Gordon 908 322-2649...I've had their ads pinned on my bulletin board for a few years so I can't be sure how current the info is.

What about trying another (different) pill?  is it possible the cat spit it out?  my cat has gotten the pill out of the pill pocket, cheeked it, run off to another spot to spit it out!

If all else fails, you should get a court date where you can argue any fines....you will need the vet t verify the problem.

there are cat traps you can try...what about throwing a blanket over the cat?

This is a video of vet techs using a blanket and muzzle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIyfNM6y3vU

if she isn't microchipped, this would be a good time to do it..indoor cats have been known to escape..and with her aggressiveness....you especially want them to know she has a home...

Meg:  

First step is to take a deep breath and calm down as much as you can.  The good news is that there is still time to get Wendy to the vet by Tuesday.  

One thing you can try on your own is to leave the door to her carrier open and place her food bowl inside.  (If you don't have a carrier with hard sides, you should borrow one since you will need it to transport her to the vet.)  When she goes into the carrier to eat, you can tilt the carrier so the door is facing up and quickly close the carrier door (wear heavy gloves if you have them just in case). Then immediately take her to a vet that accepts walk ins, if your regular vet won't see her without an appointment.  

Another possibility is to contact the volunteers at Furry Hearts (Puppy Love) in Maplewood and see if any them can help you catch Wendy. They are experienced at trapping ferals so they should have some equipment and ideas that could help. 

You will still have to pay for the vet visit and the shots she needs but that should be less than the fines you might face otherwise.

What most of us don't realize is that even indoor cats need to be licensed in our towns and proof of current rabies vaccination is a license requirement.  There a great many house cats in both our towns that are not licensed you are not alone in believing that cat licensing is not needed for an indoor cat.

Hi all, I have tried all the things and I can't catch her. Gloves (she bit my sister through unbreakable gloves, blankets, havaharts with food & water (and didn't feed her for days), and even the meds that the vet gave her. Except calling Furry Hearts. I didn't not call them. Didn't even know they do that! That's why I was here...trying to find bodies to help me corral her. It's the only way to catch this cat. In 8 years, I have only caught her twice...once with cq and hauscat's help when she was 9 months old to get her spayed (couldn't catch her at 6 months) and in October when I had to move and she stayed in the old apartment for 4 days after I left because I couldn't catch her, and the only way we caught her was she bit my sister, which pumped my sister's adrenaline, and she chased the cat and cornered her, pushed the carrier at her with her foot, and we basically crushed her against the wall with a carrier until she had no choice to climb in. It was traumatic. I just can't do this trauma by myself. 

Thank you so much for the heads up, Joan! I will definitely call Furry Hearts today for guidance!

Hi jmitw,

I barely will be able to pay my rent this month, and have so many other bills/debts to pay, so big vet fees (or any money out, really) are out of the question. I was so mad that I couldn't catch her last week for the free rabies shot clinic!

btw, not only can I not afford a microchip, there's no need. I could leave the front door wide open for a month and she won't step into the hallway. She ripped open my boxspring and lives in there. This girl has massive anxiety issues.

re: the pill. She took it alright, but it kind of made her more scary. Now she was a druggie with a bad attitude. She was definitely going to bite me. Sigh. I need something to knock her out...or a bunch of people to help me and this cat off the edge! ;-)

Thank you for your advice and concern! Meggie and That Darn Cat

jmitw said:

you need to have protective gear to catch her...do you have a denim jacket--or get little kid jeans and cut off the legs and put them on your arms (you can always check Unique thrift), maybe cheap garden gloves from the dollar store...not sure what to do about your face though.




there are cat psychics...but that would be expensive...and the guy from the 'my cat from hell show'  so there are people out there..




have you called the in home vets to get their cost?  I'm guessing it will be less than any fines...and maybe they will help you catch the cat.  There is Vetdispatch.com (Dr. Elsa Campos) and Dr. Keith Gordon 908 322-2649...I've had their ads pinned on my bulletin board for a few years so I can't be sure how current the info is.

What about trying another (different) pill?  is it possible the cat spit it out?  my cat has gotten the pill out of the pill pocket, cheeked it, run off to another spot to spit it out!




If all else fails, you should get a court date where you can argue any fines....you will need the vet t verify the problem.




there are cat traps you can try...what about throwing a blanket over the cat?

This is a video of vet techs using a blanket and muzzle






if she isn't microchipped, this would be a good time to do it..indoor cats have been known to escape..and with her aggressiveness....you especially want them to know she has a home...

People for Animals in Hillside does microchipping quite reasonably  

They do other services too at reduced prices  - shots and spay/neuter

It is worth trying a different medication to tranquilize her. I am familiar with the idea that a drug that sedates person A can act as a stimulant to person B. That has happened to both me and my niece. But it is not necessarily consistent across all medications, so ask the vet for other recommendations about that.

I am so sorry you are going through this.    But don't panic. There is a solution, but try to be calm, and you will find the answer faster. Plus, Wendy might be sensing your anxiety and reflecting it in some of her own mood.

I hope the cat whisperers are able to help.

UPDATE on the Cat Trauma: A friend has offered to pay to have someone come to my apartment and give the cat her rabies shot and certificate. Any recommendations? I'm going to start calling after I eat lunch.

Thank you all for your help! We have a great community!!!

UPDATE: A vet is coming to the apartment on Friday, and the town gave me a week's extension. I will keep my fingers crossed until it's over, but it's heading the right way! Thank you all...and thank you to my wonderful friend!

Glad things are moving in a positive direction.

It sounds like she adjusted to her new home good as she doesn't try to leave...that is something positive...and she doesn't seek you out to attack you-I had that experience with cat..so that isn't so bad.

One year I had $1000 in vet bills...had my 1st emergency trip a week and a half after I got him..it wasn't too serious, but I wasn't expecting anything major so soon....if you haven't looked into it..look up CARE CREDIT in case you need it....also I think its called Animal Protection League out of East Brunswick used to have a list of resources to get help paying for major vet bills if need be...I haven't checked in a while though so I'm not sure its still there.

Ha! I really can't even afford my own health insurance. It costs so much, I can't afford to go to any doctors! It's unfortunate for this cat that I do not have money to save her at all costs. Because I am so far in debt and maybe could throw $20.00 at something now...if I don't buy any food. Haven't gone 'big food shopping' in a few months. Nice to know there are people out there who might help...

jmitw said:

It sounds like she adjusted to her new home good as she doesn't try to leave...that is something positive...and she doesn't seek you out to attack you-I had that experience with cat..so that isn't so bad.

One year I had $1000 in vet bills...had my 1st emergency trip a week and a half after I got him..it wasn't too serious, but I wasn't expecting anything major so soon....if you haven't looked into it..look up CARE CREDIT in case you need it....also I think its called Animal Protection League out of East Brunswick used to have a list of resources to get help paying for major vet bills if need be...I haven't checked in a while though so I'm not sure its still there.

I have natural (non-narcotic) cat tranquilizer chews that might help.  If you want to try them, please pm me and I'll bring them to you this weekend.

Also, St. Hubert's in Madison has resources for pet owners--such as a pet food bank--for people experiencing financial problems as well as behavioral issues with pets.  You might want to contact them. Here's the link to their community outreach program which might help with pet food:  http://www.sthuberts.org/doverconnectionoutreach

Thank you, citizenjane!

citizenjane said:

I have natural (non-narcotic) cat tranquilizer chews that might help.  If you want to try them, please pm me and I'll bring them to you this weekend.

Update on the saga of Wendy the Cat: So Dr. Holly Hansen and tech Sean from Vet Dispatch came here today and were awesome with a very stoned Wendy. She now has a 3 year rabies shot under her belt, and THIS. Couldn't be happier. Yay!!!

     Meggie, Dr. Holly Hansen and tech Sean from Vet Dispatch!  Job well-done!

Thank you! I will now recommend Vet Dispatch to those with difficult animals!

krnl said:

     Meggie, Dr. Holly Hansen and tech Sean from Vet Dispatch!  Job well-done!

So glad it worked out.  Congratulations to all, especially Wendy.

Amen! She finally came out from her hiding space for a minute to see me now (didn't know where she was) but now she's back under the computer desk. Whatever works! So happy...

joan_crystal said:

So glad it worked out.  Congratulations to all, especially Wendy.

Wonderful news!  So happy to hear of this happy ending

Your OTC natural sedative definitely helped us, so thank you so much, @citizenjane!

citizenjane said:

Wonderful news!  So happy to hear of this happy ending

PeggyC said:

It is worth trying a different medication to tranquilize her. I am familiar with the idea that a drug that sedates person A can act as a stimulant to person B. That has happened to both me and my niece. But it is not necessarily consistent across all medications, so ask the vet for other recommendations about that.

I believe that is what also happened with the chimpanzee that went on the rampage a few years back. The woman gave him a tranquilizer in his tea and instead of calming him down it made him super agitated.  

spontaneous said:

PeggyC said:

It is worth trying a different medication to tranquilize her. I am familiar with the idea that a drug that sedates person A can act as a stimulant to person B. That has happened to both me and my niece. But it is not necessarily consistent across all medications, so ask the vet for other recommendations about that.

I believe that is what also happened with the chimpanzee that went on the rampage a few years back. The woman gave him a tranquilizer in his tea and instead of calming him down it made him super agitated.  

Either I didn't know that, or forgot. I get it.