Sidney...the little lost stray I fell in love with.. (weight, belly)

[Alaskapat528]

HI Hartwell Girl. Ohhh, Sidney looks just like a stray I took in years ago while living in Cleveland. She was only about 5 weeks old and my son found her playing in the yard with my other cat. I named her Puff. She lived a long life. So wonderful of you taking that little fluff ball in. BTW, we are back in Alaska.

I said a prayer to St. Francis for Sidney.

[Hartwell Girl]

Thank you all again, Sidney is off to the Doctors in about an hour...he is laying in the window enjoying the sun right now. He is a little more active since last night, up and about, doing what curious cats do. He pee'd just a tiny bit this morning, took only a couple laps of water, and then I forced about a 1/2 teaspoon of food. He has not vomited at all since earlier yesterday which is huge relief...it freaks me out.

My husband came home last night and just shook his head at me but said he understands that Sidney needs a home and some medical attention. He prefers the house to not turn into a shelter and told me we cant take in every stray, and also added that we love animals too much to sit aside and do nothing.
As I am typing now, I heard him jump out of the window (dont worry, we live in an old 1890 house and the window sills are only about 18 inches off the floor) and he is just drinking away right now...he is checking out his food, there are 3 different bowls of food there for him to choose from...he's still drinking!!! What a good baby...

I will check back in later with whatever new information I can provide from the doctors visit...

[Ohiogirl81]

Isn't he beautiful! I hope all goes well.

[Hartwell Girl]

Sidneys visit went well....still cant figure out why he wont eat but he didnt have to get an IV treatment since his drinking has increased today. I have to fed him every hour until he eats on his own. No bowel movement yesterday or today, but the hardness in his belly is gone from his first vets visit. He was tested for Feline leukemia at the office and they sent another test out. I am hopefull things will come back okay.
Bottom line is the doctor thinks he may be younger than 6 weeks and since we dont know what happened to him the lack of food interest is concerning but his eyes look good, his mouth coloring is great--she said he is beautiful and would be a great looking fat cat if he would just eat! So...I have to call her back at 3pm today and let her know how things are going and if he is not wanting the food and slows down on the water intake...he will get the IV treatment.
Sidney is just tuckered out now and is sleeping on a bench I put in front of the window since he loves to look outside & the red blanket he seems to prefer....here is a pic I just now took to share with you all....excuse his dirty ears, we are working on that...a little at a time, they do look MUCH better than they did when I found him.
THANKS again for all the Sidney well wishes!

[marylee54]

Sweet baby!

His face looks older than 4 weeks, perhaps his growth is stunted? Wouldn't wonder, with all he's been through. You've got a keeper! Especially now that he's got a name, once you name a pet its yours!

[Hartwell Girl]

Originally Posted by marylee54

Sweet baby!

His face looks older than 4 weeks, perhaps his growth is stunted? Wouldn't wonder, with all he's been through. You've got a keeper! Especially now that he's got a name, once you name a pet its yours!

His pictures dont really show how little he really is...that age was deterimed by the vet due to the teeth he has (or should I say doent have). Of course we all know their sizes vary due to breed but I think they are pretty close to being accurate...but his pictures dont do him justice....

[catman]

Maybe he was weaned too early and wasn't ready to eat solid food. He is a beuatiful little cat. Lots of love will probably work.

[Hartwell Girl]

Originally Posted by catman

Maybe he was weaned too early and wasn't ready to eat solid food. He is a beuatiful little cat. Lots of love will probably work.

Oh I promise you Catman, he is getting lots of love and we appreciate the thank you's he gives us with an grand purrrr...

[Jill61]

He's gorgeous, and he looks so sweet! Congrats to you and Sidney!

[Hartwell Girl]

Sid is going back in tonight at 7pm for an IV treatment. Poor little fella. I know our other cat had to go through that a few years back when we found him and it helped his little body so much. I am hopeful for Sindey too..

Someone also sent me a personal message asking if I was trying to find the owners....NO, I am not. He appears to be a stray. I did look in the paper, craigslist and have not seen any flyers--but that was the extent of my searching. Anyway, the condition that he is in is unacceptable. His ears were caked with dirt, burrs on his coat, knotted matts under his front armpits....I think most of us who log on here know that no animal should look like that, especially one that "has a home". Sidney has a home now, with people who will get him his medical care and keep him indoors where he is safe. All we need to do it get Sidney through the next week...that's my only goal right now.