This will be long - Senor Zorro is a character.
Some of you may remember that a few weeks back I posted about the big tuxie cat who decided to invade my home. I had kept him from physically interacting with the girls, but at the expense of some scratches and a (not very serious) single tooth bite. After talking to the vet, we determined that he needed to be quarantined for 10 days to be sure he was not sick (rabies are rare, but we do have many raccoons around here). He came through his quarantine just fine, living in the spare bedroom (a.k.a. The Stray Cat Holding Area). Next up: the trip to the vet's office for shots and a "spa visit".
Yes indeed, Zorro was a tomcat. No doubt about it. I will give him credit, he has never sprayed inside once. He is not a young tomcat either; he has that "steroid head and neck" thing going on. Now, it turns out that he is a very loving and laid back guy, except for one thing. The cat carrier.
Round 1
I have the appointment set up. I go down to his room with the carrier. He has been so good, wanting to be petted and even picked up. This will be a piece of cake! I walk in - no sign of him. He is hiding under the dresser. He KNOWS. There is no way that I can get him out. I call the vet and reschedule. Round 1 goes to Zorro.
Round 2
I have left the carrier in his room for several days with the door open, hoping that he will decide that it is a nice cozy spot. He won't go in it, but at least he is not terrified of it. Or so I thought. I have the carrier on the daybed. I sit on the bed and he hops up, always looking for some loving. I cuddle with him, he is purring and relaxed, I quick try to get him in - nothing doing. This is one strong cat. I'm wearing gloves and protective clothing, but he still bunny-kicks me into submission. He effectively finishes me off by peeing on me. Nothing like the smell of tomcat urine. I call to reschedule the appointment. Round 2 goes to Zorro.
Round 3 (Today)
We have let quite a few days go by to get him calmed back down. I have had the Feliway diffuser blasting away in his room. The carrier has still been in the room, but is now sitting on its end, with the door facing up. I walk in, he is in the cat tree. I praise him and pet him with one hand while I quietly open the carrier door with the other hand. I then scoop him up behind the front legs (the boy has such a massive neck that there is no scruff to grab) and lower him, back legs first, into the carrier. SUCCESS!!!!! Off we go.
Zorro weighs in at 13 lbs. He is extremely healthy. He is about 5 years old (!!!) He is a very good boy for the vet, although he is most unhappy to be there. He gets his booster shots, then I leave him for his spa treatment. I pick him up after work. He is still pretty groggy and NOT a happy boy.
So now he is back in his room, recovering. Still a little wobbly, but he did eat some food and gave me some head butts so at least I am no longer being shunned. Once he is fully recovered, I will be trying to find him a good home. He is a great cat - whoever gets him will be very lucky.
