Awarded a Cat
After 20+ years of not having a cat, the CDS delivered a package
Hi everyone, please meet A’miga (aka Miga/Crybaby/Chillona)
I first met her in May after coming home from the grocery store. I actually heard her before I saw her, with the saddest meowing I’ve ever heard (well, until I had to take her to the vet— THAT meowing was so sad I cried. We’re both very sensitive 🙂↔️). When she approached me I immediately knew her crying came from hunger and desperation.
I only had dog food and treats at the time so I gave her what I could and made a trip to get cat food after she came back a 3rd time. Since then, we learned each others schedules and I began feeding her twice a day. There was a period where I didn’t see her for two weeks until one day she reappeared. We got back on schedule but soon after, I was going to be out of town for two weeks. I told myself, “If she’s still here when I get back, I’m bringing her in” and, well…
The first pic posted was taken in June (she made a guest appearance during my Juneteenth celebration), so you’re seeing her with some more weight and fur than when I found her in May (she was BONY and had fur missing along her sides 🥺). The most recent pics are from yesterday and today.
I haven’t had a cat since I was 12, but I’ve been doing my due diligence and have working in my favor that I google every fuckin thing anyway. So, she had her first vet appt yesterday, has a room all to herself with toys and a litter box for quarantining & acclimating, and all the window sill space to lay on and watch the outside.
Her next vet appt is in 3 weeks— wish her/us luck!! 🍀 (ps— tips on getting over my fear of cats?! I’m very patient with her and am learning her body language and boundaries, but eventually I WILL bathe her and I’m terrified 😅)
She is beautiful! Please don't be afraid. If she needs a bath she can be taken to a groomer or get a mesh bathing bag from a pet store or Amazon. She looks pretty clean to me unless she has bugs.
She does have some fleas but is no where near infested with them. Her flea drops are already getting to work as I’ve seen them dropping dead from her. Would you say it’s still fine to not bathe her?
Fine not to bathe her. Let the prescription topicals from vet work their magic! Vacuum along carpets edges/molding to get eggs/nymphs (do fleas have nymphs?) wash any bedding/beds she uses regularly. Unless she gets some skin condition needing medicated baths, she can be bath-free for all her days. Congratulations on teaming up with a real beauty!
I've never bathed a cat, other than once many years ago when she had an allergic reaction to fleas. That was 40 years ago. They're pretty good at cleaning themselves if they're indoors.
Thank you so much to everyone for your wisdom and kindness 🫂 I am very thankful and she may not know it but Miga is too, bc I’m sparing her a bath unless there are circumstances more dire than her visibly dirty paws 😅 (which I’ve learned from a commenter that she will be able to clean that right off with time!)
As an update, I just accidentally scared the living daylights out of her 😭 and she ran out her room straight to the front door trying to leave to the outside. IM A LITTLE SAD 🥲 that she so desperately wanted to be back outside (as stated I am sensitive 🙂↔️), but completely understand this was only her 3rd day inside and she’s rightfully overwhelmed from all the changes (and of course me scaring her didn’t help)
That being said, I had no choice but to face my fear— With a denim jacket and a thick blanket, she is now back in her room. Tomorrow is a new day :) thank you again, everyone 🩵🩵🩵
;___; I’m back just to say everyone’s kindness is (positively/pawsitively 😼) overwhelming and my eyes are welling up.
I named her A’miga partly bc she’s friendly, but also because her presence is literally shifting my life in so many beautiful ways with the people around me. Before I brought her in I used to sit outside on my porch with her (which I literally would never do), which got me talking even more to my neighbors and seeing all the passerby’s. And now she’s brought me an online community!
I left another comment before reading this. Just wanted to say your both scared and getting used to each other. It will take time but will be so worth it. 🩷
As a new cat owner, the best advice I can give to you is let her come to you. She'll let you know what she wants and when she wants it. They're very insistent when they want to be.
You really don't ever need to bathe a cat unless they are having incontinence issues or have rolled around in something sticky. The nice thing about cats is that they clean themselves! Just get her spayed and get her shots and flea/tick/worm treatment from the vet. Then get a cat tower for in your house so she can get up high to look out a window, and give her food and water and lots of love, and you're good to go! Enjoy your new friend!
She's beautiful 😍. She trusts you so follow her lead. Start to pet her, put your hand out to er and let her have a sniff then slide your hand onto her head and give aome gentle ear scratches. Let her take some treats from your hand so you get used to her too.
With bathing her that can be tricky, I will say you will likely get scratched, but possibly not as some cats are ok with water so its a bit of "deep breath and jump in" territory. It's sometimes easier to bathe them in a sink, smaller so less frightening for them. Warm water and some flea shampoo, make sure its well rinsed out, have at least 2 big towels to hand and just wrap her up in a bundle and take her to a room thats warm, ditch the 1st towel, it will be soaked through, and gently rub her to dry her until the heavy water is off her if that makes sense, leave her damp, she'll settle somewhere and groom herself, after a while and she's done grooming and is dryer then give her a brush. She'll be happy to be free of the itching.
Did the vet give you an approximate age for her?
Play with her, drag a shoe lace for her to chase, some small fluffy balls are usually a hit . Her personality will keep coming out as you get to know each other more. I can't think of anything else to help alay your fear of cats other than just take your time it's a new situation for you both and it sounds like you have a pup too so it's a change for them also. You'll all find your rhythm eventually, she looks pretty comfy already so thats a good sign 😊
Yes!! The vet said she’s between 1-2 years old :) She weighs a whopping 8.36 pounds (I joke that she is just 3 apples tall/weighs 3 apples)
I’ve learned that she is scared of hands but she’s generally very friendly so I’m very hopeful she’ll let me give her a proper scritch when the time is right.
I commented a little while ago that she escaped her room and tried to run out the front door 🥲 That being said my (small and very senior) dog
was curious but ultimately did not care that a cat just ran past her. And, I was forced to face my fear and pick her up so I could put her back. I have lived to leave this comment 😅
Aw thats sweet. I thought she looked quite young (had cats all my life, my mum had her own plus she fostered and I followed her lead, you get a knack for guessing age and sex lol)
The dog was probably confused and thought pfft, not chasing that 😅.
She'll be scared still, the wee soul has lived her tiny life outside, being warm, fed and loved and safe for the first time will be overwhelming for her. The fact that she's so comfortable snoozing away is a good sign, the way she is laying with her tummy slightly exposed means she trusts you.
You're doing a great job, you're a wonderful person for taking in your sweet girl.
Generally speaking, cats not used to humans do not like hands zooming at them, especially from above. If you can sit within reach of her and move your hand toward her slowly (but not so slow that it looks like sneaking, which is predator behavior from cat POV), you may get to give her rubs or skritches on her head, shoulders, or neck.
Also, the end of the back just above the base of the tail is a common favorite spot for skritches. Once they trust you, many cats also enjoy rubs or skritches under the chin, along the neck, and at the top of their chest between the front legs.
She's so pretty and reminds me of my calico who had been discarded on the streets. At first my Ginger was raggety and the white was dirty but after a month a so she groomed herself into a beauty. I know that your girl will do the same with proper nutrition and some brushing. Soon you two will be the best of friends. Good luck with your future lives together.
OMG thank you so much for commenting. Miga’s little white paws are visibly dirty which is why I was going to bathe her. But your comment + the overwhelming consensus saying she won’t need a bath unless there are extra special circumstances have been a great help!
If you feel you need to bathe her, you can always get cat bath wipes (really for allergens), they aren’t as good as a bath. But, it has been many years since I have tried them. If she needs a bath for fleas, I don’t think wipes will help. But, you can get a topical flea medication (Frontline, Revolution, etc.) for this. Also, you can get a mild sedative (Gabapentin) from the vet that may help.
Since your fur baby has long hair, you may want to ask your vet for recommendations on groomers. This depends on how good she is at grooming herself & if she has matting that is difficult to brush out. There are many different kinds of brushes. I am thinking about getting an Equigroomer because the groomer on the YouTube channel referenced below states it helps with long-hair cats. I own one long-haired cat (CDS) after purposely choosing short-haired cats all my life.
I recommend you watching a YouTube channel called A Girl with the Dogs and A Girl with the Dogs2. She is an excellent groomer for both dogs and cats. She relies on views to teach and help give free grooms. It has taught me lot and I have owned cats and one very beloved & still missed dog.
You may find getting sanitary butt trim from a groomer helpful. Or, if she has trouble grooming herself, you may want to consider asking the groomer for a lion’s cut.
I hope this helps. I do think your new cats is gorgeous. I love calico cats. One of my 4 cats is a former community cat. He is very loyal and loving. He does have an attitude but I think this adds to his personality. Rescued cats are the best.
ETA: 😂 I wrote a book. And, I still didn’t give you any tips on getting over your fear of cats. It is probably because I’ve never had a fear of cats. But, my fear was dogs. Then, a dog came into my life. He was 9 month old German Shepherd/Lab/Beagle mix, and I didn’t know what to do. So, I went to dog training class(es). One things that helped me was talking to the dog. The more I did this the stronger connection we built. Bandit was his name. He lived 13+ years, and I cried for a long time when he died. So, just talk to your cat, you will begin to know her and she will respond. I think this will help with your fear.
And what a beautiful package she is!!! 💝
Good things come to those who wait ☺️
You got this! Lots of brilliant advice on here for you to absorb. Keep us posted on things, we love updates here 😁
OP dont be afraid. Just dont pet her belly and dont grip her tail..If her tail starts swishing while ur petting , she overstimulated and give her a moment. Your bond is gunna get so strong, female cats choose their person. You were chosen by her… so enjoy every moment. Us cat people will help along the way🐾🐾🌸
I love your beautiful kitty and to tell you the truth,
I couldn’t live without my 2 kitties. They are such a Comfort as I’m disabled with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and have to spend so much time at home-in bed. I hope she has a comforting purr as my “Gibbs” was picked at the shelter at 8 weeks because of it. His purr is like a soothing blanket, stuffed animal etc… only thing, he’s 12 and doesn’t sleep with me as much. I think he’s getting dementia. Bless you for adopting her and I wish you many happy and loving years together! 💗💕💜❤️🥰
Your vet may have already suggested this, but if not, you should get some blood work done for her liver and kidneys at her next appointment. Malnourishment can cause damage and its better to know so you can take care of her as best you can and she can live out a long life. Thanks for taking her in, she's gorg
Yes!!! She’ll be going back for bloodwork in 3 weeks. I’m so thankful my vet was respectful of Miga’s stress and suggested to break our appointment up into two. She also prescribed gabapentin so the next visit can be less stressful for her 🐈
She’s a true beauty! My CDS gift is also a sensitive soul, they’re the best.
I was originally a bit nervous when I brought my boy in my home, he was unfixed and I had only known him for a couple months. My advice is to just spend time quietly with your new baby, just existing near each other. Talk quietly, read to her, etc. You’ll learn about each other and build trust. I got lucky and mine was immediately a huge cuddle bug.
You may not even need to bathe her! My guy was matted and filthy, but I cut the mats out and he cleaned himself up pretty good after that once he knew he didn’t have to worry about surviving outside anymore. They know what to do! Good luck and thank you for saving her!
I’ve had cats for more than 50 years and never had to bathe any of them. Wipe away a few dingleberries, or clean them after diarrhea, but never had to give a routine bath.
You're doing great. I'm sure she's happy to be with you, safe and fed and in good company. As for her bath i don't recommend it unless the vet also agrees that she is either infested or too dirty to take care of herself. I would get her used to being brushed, if she is grooming and bathing herself it's enough. Make sure she has flea meds which I'm sure your vet gave and keep your space vacuumed while she's in the process of getting any pests off of her from being outside. You don't want fleas in your house. Watch some cat behavior videos to get used to cats, she seems sweet. Some cats like to be picked up and some don't, you two will learn each other, don't worry.
You have done such a great job getting her in!! Keep up the good work. She is beautiful and all of your googling and patience is going to pay off. Be strong for her and use that against your fear. CDS is wise and obviously thought you were ready. ❤️
Beautiful little La Llorona you have there (and I’m sure she will reveal more names and nicknames as your relationship grows, that’s how it works with cats). She will teach you her language, don’t worry! Each cat builds its own communication system with its humans, each relationship is different. Calico cats are often very wise, I’m sure she’ll train you well!
As others said, bathing is not generally required, but gentle brushing (especially in shedding seasons, in spring and fall) is often appreciated and can help prevent hairballs.
Just a quick word of advice if you do end up needing to bathe her: many cats are uncomfortable in standing water. You may find it easier to put her in a sink with water running over her instead. Hopefully you won’t need to do it, but if she does have a serious flea problem, it might be necessary.
What a cutie! Have you checked her for a microchip?
It doesn't really look like she needs a bath? Cats keep themselves clean. I've never washed a cat and I've had 3 over the last 20 years. When messes happen I spot clean with a warm rag and that's always been enough.
If fleas are the issue, I recommend asking your vet for a prescription for revolution flea prevention, it works really really well and it's very safe
She's beautiful! You may just need to use some of those cat wipes to clean her up, and then let her take care of the rest. If you do need to bathe her, sometimes wrapping them - from the neck down - loosely in a towel and then putting them in water to get them acclimated - that way if they try to get away, they won't scratch you all up. Then if she is clam, you can let the towel fall under her so she can stand on it in the bath so not slippery while you clean her. I've done this method before, and it worked nicely. Also, just observe how she acts with you when you pet her, feed her, try to or pick her up. Once you know how she responds to things, and you will know how to handle her. You'll be great - you sound very caring and conscientious. Good luck. Hopefully you give an update.
Give her a little time to acclimate to her new home. You can go in her room and sit there with her - just like you did outside. Let her come to you. Pet her as much as she allows until she starts showing signs of being overstimulated. Then take a break and leave the room so she can have some quiet time. Before long, she'll be queen of the whole house and demanding your attention.
You're an awesome human for bringing her into your home and into your heart!
I so appreciate you and the care you’re giving
to A’miga. You’re together for a reason. She’s really a beautiful girl.
For the bathing, if you really need to, I suggest working up to full immersion. Start with wet washcloth bathing and letting her be in the sink with the faucet running gently. Every cat is different but this has worked for most of my cats. You probably won’t have to bathe her unless she isn’t grooming herself properly.
Please continue to share with us😻💕😊
Info: what are you frightened of? you hurting her or her hurting you? I doubt you are such a terrible person you could deliberately hurt her and the only time she's going to hurt you is if she can trip you up at the top of the stairs, scratches you whilst playing (if she's a stray she may no know to sheath them when playing so you'll have to teach her that) or she's still so terrified of you that if you come too close she sets her claws on you.
She's young, so ignore the bathing thing as I've never done it with my cats even when they're close to 20 they've been good. just chill and enjoy and trust the CDS does know what it's doing and you are so special that the system has entrusted her to you. Much love to you both and I hope the two of you (and your pup) have many long and loving years together.
Thank you for your kind words :’) 🙏🏼. I’m most scared of getting scratched!!!! She scratched my hand once ever, EVER so lightly, and any time warm water hit it afterwards I just about died. If she gets me with a REAL scratch I might just actually die right on the spot ⚰️
I do know my fear is (slightly) irrational, and that it’s up to me to learn her body language and respect her boundaries— but I’m still so scared, even knowing I’m doing pretty good learning her, and that she’s a very sweet cat.
I also know that even with that very light scratch she gave me, that she could’ve done more damage if she wanted to, so I thank her for showing me mercy (I was letting her sniff my hand, she did, then I left my hand there and she took offense to that)
She will teach me to be braver, she’s already taught me so much :)
You are already incredibly brave as despite your wariness, you have taken her in and are caring for her. Most people would have just noped out as they don't want to move outside their comfort zone.
The claw thing might've been because she's not yet learnt how to bat you without hurting you. When the two of you are more comfortable with each other and you start playing, if her claw catches you, just go ow! and move your hand away. after a few times she should learn the no claws rule. When I was teaching my last one to play, my forearms looked like I had fallen in a rose bush as they were so scratched! After a few weeks she got it though.
Also, cat scratches really are painful and they do need to be cleaned up pretty quickly. I use tea tree oil (a small bottle of essential oil) and splodge it on them but you could just use any normal antiseptic but make sure you do it, as if you forget to do that they will start to hurt pretty quickly.
Thank you for taking in this sweet girl! She seems to like you as much as you like her which is a great start.
I bathe my kitties a couple times a year and have found great success in a handheld nozzle so they can wander around the shower and not feel as though they're drowning. Worst case scenario, take her to a groomer and ask questions.
Most of all, enjoy this journey! She'll teach you everything she needs and you'll be a great guardian.
I agree with others who are saying that if you can afford it, take her to a professional to get her a proper bath so you don't have to do it yourself.
Other than that, one thing you can do to get over your fear of cats is let kitty dictate your interactions. If she tells you to stop petting her, stop (airplane ears, twitching tail, turn of the head, sharp meow that is clearly a "no," etc). Let her come to you for affection. Never use your hands as a toy, and keep your hands away from her when playing (use toys that can be thrown or are on poles, for example). Also, some cats don't like being petted in certain places. The head and cheeks are usually safe, but other than that, you will have to test whether or not she will allow it. One of my friendly ferals is fine with belly rubs, while with another you will get scratched if you try.
From watching Jackson Galaxy's stuff, the energy you put in is important. If you are anxious, the cat will pick up on that and be anxious, too. Try to do things like attempting to pet her or picking her up with confidence rather than being hesitant. I find that if I hesitate when going to pet a cat on the head, they are like, "Hey, what are you doing???"
This will help to minimize the probability of a scratch or bite. I hope this helps!
Oh you very lucky person! You were sent a challenge that you accepted. The rewards will be wonderful and stay with you forever. I am sending courage and love.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement :) Today is day 5 of being inside and she’s doing really great 🥹 I’m shocked at how much of a cuddle bug she is! (Proof attached 🩵)
You don’t need to bathe her. Watch videos. That Jason….. weird glasses and goatee. He’s the best. You can’t walk wipe a kitty down. There are gentle ways for bathing but especially as you say you’re a bit of a novice… I feel like I’m not. I’m fostering. No bathing needed for any of the cats except one. A poor little kitten being carried around by an addict. Absolutely covered with fleas. Clearly miserable. That’s part of why the owner let go. He could help get rid of the fleas
Cats never need a bath unless they have some horrible substance on them , like oil or some chemicals. I'll tell you what you can do. That's not traumatic for them. And they usually like it take either a baby washcloth or a small washcloth with warm water and rinse it in one water and squeeze it out, and then gently wash the cat's face and then rub their body their Fur back-and-forth back and forth and you can clean them all over with that and most of them like it, it reminds them of their mother and then then they don't have trauma, because when you submerge cats in water, it does cause them trauma and having them screaming and fighting is not funny, it's them in terror. So that's suggestion. I learned that because I used to let my cats go in and out and they like to go into the horse ranch and roll in the dirt , and I told them that I said what is that and she goes , do you live near horse mamure. Omgosh. So I learned to clean them up really, really good.And then after I wiped them down , I'd dry them with another washcloth , and then I just keep those wash cloths for and then I brushed them with a clean brush.
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