HOWLER FOSTER (Rescue)
Initial capture, March 3rd, 2022
Howler is our 205th, 214th & our 221st rescue!
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Howler was not a regular feral at our house, but she returned to us both times she was injured. So, she clearly knows/knew where to go to get help.
Knowing that, rather than take a chance on her being released by another adopter in an unfamiliar area, we opted to keep her with us to ensure she is safe.
I hope she will adjust to being an indoor cat!
Please read on below for her full story (in chronological order). It's quite the saga, but has a happy ending. . . As we have adopted Howler, this page will no longer be updated. However. . .
Please view her NEW page HERE
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HOWLER FOSTER (rescue) came to us on March 3rd, 2022.
(Urban Cat Coalition rescue)
She is a feral cat that had been visiting us all winter. I coaxed her into the house; she willing came in. But after that, she kind of freaked out. So we let her wander around the living room until we could make arrangements with the Urban Cat Coalition.
With one of the UCC traps, we were finally able to catch her and place her in Kittentopia.
Howler has remained fearful the entire time with us.
She has been spay; we are waiting for the rain to end. She will then be released back
into the neighborhood, where we will continue to care
for her as best we can.
Howler was released back into the neighborhood this morning. See her 'release' video below.
She was very happy to be set free; we wish her the best and hope to see her back on our porch soon.
We are grateful she will not have to worry about kittens; life will be tough enough for her without that burden.
UPDATE June 10th, 2022
2nd Rescue!
After releasing Howler on March 20th, we never saw her again - - - until the night of June 10th, 2022.
She was back on our porch! Yay!
But she had a nasty leg injury. Boo!
I was able to snatch her from the porch as she was eating. She had a nasty gash on her rear left leg. Just shows you how perilous a feral cat journey is. Alas.
Before the vet visit; she was in pain; you can see part of the injury on her rear leg.
Her injury was cleaned and wrapped up; the vet indicated amputation might be necessary.
We held on to her while she was recovering to see if the leg would heal or not.
After bandage applied and pain meds given:
Howler had several visits to the vet during the last weeks. The vet still think the leg is too badly injured to save, but they kept wrapping it up to see if it will heal
Good news, Howler has allowed us to pet her and she has now come out of hiding and seems to be more at ease.
Or is she?
Time will tell!
Worst nightmare, Howler has been lost outside. Hopefully, further updates will be forthcoming, with good news. Keep your fingers crossed.
***3rd RE-CAPTURE***
After two weeks on her own, Howler miraculously returned to our porch; I was able to re-capture her.
Her leg was a bit worse for the wear - I am so so relieved she returned to us; I was racked with guilt for accidentally releasing her.
Now, we need to get her on the road to recovery...again.
***Status of the bandage***
Not good.
Even after two weeks on her own, Howler was unable to remove the wrapped bandage. I was hoping she might be able to get it off, but the VET did not think she would be able to, and he was right. Unfortunately, the bandage has caused some irritation to the back of the leg. At least that is all I hope it is.
I'm not sure what the condition is of her original leg injury; I will find out today (7/8/2022).
Nasty looking sore on the back of her leg. I'm so sorry little girl.
Safe at home; she had lost some weight too.
Back home, resting
The vet applied a bandage but we were instructed to remove it later that evening
Per the Vet instructions we tried to remove the bandage; Becky got some of it off, but the inner part was stuck onto her leg - so we were reluctant to pull on it. I soaked it with a bit of hot water, but still did not want to pull on it so I left it on. Later that night Howler took matters into her own hands and removed the remaining bandage.
We used an inflatable 'cone of shame' to ensure she did not lick the wound. First time using the inflatable cone, I'm sure she wasn't comfy with it on, but it was much better than the usual style cone.
It was quite gruesome so I will not add those photos of the actual injury to the main page.
However, if you want, you can view Howler's injury here.
Be prepared, you have been warned.
After obtaining more pain meds, Howler is resting a bit more comfortably. On 7/20, the vet will determine next steps with her injured leg.
Howler's inflatable cone lost air; there was a hole in it!
Gee, how did that happen??
We decided to let her spend the night without it; she did not irritate the leg injury, so we left the cone off. She was much more comfy without it.
Good news on her leg, no amputation needed (!!!)
but she will need to fully recover before she is release or
adopted.
Clearly, Howler needs more toys.
She's a handsome girl.
Howler continues to recover; she's going a little stir crazy, but we are doing our best to entertain her.
I don't think she's entertained.
Through August 2nd, 2022
Another attempt to entertain Howler. It worked, for about 20 minutes.
Leg injury; healing up!
Toy bag where she chooses her toy for the day.
After her leg had healed up adequately, we decided to give her a bit more freedom; she is no longer confined to the tiny bathroom. Her realm is now the entire basement.
Howler's story continues. . .
Howler has recovered nicely from her leg injury.
Keeping the feline amused.
Or trying to.
We decided to adopt Howler, the official adoption date: August 23rd, 2022
As we have adopted Howler, this will be the last update on this page.
Please view her new page, as a permanent member of our family HERE
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