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Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4596
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 11:34 am: | 
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I need help with something that I'm sure is going to be painful for the family involved; if I ever find them. Since this did not happen in Maplewood or South Orange it is highly unlikely the family involved will see this.
Earlier this morning I came across a cat that must have just been hit by a car. I saw the poor thing laying on the side of the road. I stop to try to help it. Thinking it might be from one of the houses in the immediate area I rang the bell of the house it was in front of. The people came out to look at the cat; said it wasn't theirs and they didn't think it belong to anyone in the area. (the cat didn't have a collar)
I asked the people if they'd call Animal Control to come help the cat; which they did. The cat, which didn't seem to have any visible injuries, was still laying on it's side where it had been since I first saw it. Animal Control told the man who called they'd get there when they could to pick up the cat's body.
WTF?! I thought! The kitty isn't dead; it's still struggling to live! Not wanting to leave an animal to die, what might be a slow painful death, I asked the people if they had a box and a towel they didn't need. They helped me put the cat in the box so I could take it to a vet. Luckily the vet I took it to saw me right away. Though the kitty didn't have any obvious injuries, there were a lot of internal injuries. Plus the cat had internal bleeding. The vet told me the chances of saving the cat were slim, there was too much damage to his organs.
I asked what I should so because he wasn't my cat and he didn't have a collar. I asked if the vet could scan the cat for a microchip so we could at least contact his owners. No chip. The vet told me the kindest and most humane thing I could do is have the cat put down. If I had left him on the side of the road, he would have died anyway. The difference though, it would have been a painful slow death (a few hours or more).
I'm torn over what to do with the cat's body. Do I let the vet have it buried with all the other animals, or do I ask he hold on to it until I can find it's family? I'm thinking since there are several new homes in the area I found the cat, maybe he belonged to one of the families who recently moved into one of the homes. That could explain why the people whose bell I rung didn't recognize the cat. Or do I just forget about it.
I know if he were my cat, I'd want to know what happened to him. That way, I wouldn't keep hoping he'd come home. SIGH |
Handygirl
Citizen
Username: Handygirl
Post Number: 657
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 11:43 am: |
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What an awful situation. JTA - how wonderful of you do go to such lengths to help the poor kitty. My eyes are welling up and I'm not even an animal person.
Maybe you can post a picture of the cat in nearby businesses with your number?
Again, you are a great human being. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1887
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 11:50 am: |
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How compassionate -- for the kitty and your thoughts for the family, JTA, thank you.
All I can think of -- perhaps you can run off a couple of posters (not mentioning the specifics) -- describing the cat and give your email or cell phone -- put them up on the block where you found the cat.
If it were my cat, I'd sure appreciate knowing what happened to her.
Pete
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LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1470
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 12:20 pm: |
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What a heart-wrenching story, JTA.
I agree with Pete - perhaps you can put up a few flyers near where you found the cat that simply state if someone has a cat with that description that is missing as of that date to contact you.
If that were my cat, I know that I would appreciate all you did to try to help her. That was incredibly kind and generous of you. |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 42
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 12:22 pm: |
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Bless you for your kindness.
I agree with the previous 2 posters about putting a flier together with a description of the cat and plastering the neighborhood in which it was found. But I would also suggest that instead of your information, you ask the vet if the owners may contact the vet directly. In that way, you are not in the unenviable position of breaking the news, and the vet staff has experience doing that. Just ask them to keep your good Samaritan information confidential.
This is why I urge people,if they can, to keep their cats indoors. Last winter, while my neighbor was in Florida, her 11 year old Persian was mauled by something in the reservation. Neighborhood kids brought him to me, but by that time, the only thing I could do was stroke him, and whisper loving words until he passed. I left her a note to call me when she returned from vacation and I had to tell her(I had him cremated and gave her the ashes)tears all around, but she was grateful for the knowledge. She has another cat now, but keeps him inside---the world is much more dangerous for a cat than it used to be.
And it needs more good Samaritans like you.
Calli |
catmanjac
Citizen
Username: Catmanjac
Post Number: 114
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 4:20 pm: |
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Many vets dispose of animals in the trash, as this is legal in New Jersey, so you had better ask if it can remain in the morgue a while.
This is the perfect example of why cats belong indoors only 24/7. The pain this poor animal must have suffered because its owner was foolish enough to let it out. And the heartache the family, especially if there are children, will feel. And it was completely avoidable. I can't emphasize enough the importance of keeping cats indoors. Anyone who doesn't is a fool and guilty of animal abuse. Take it from the experts... |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1472
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 4:31 pm: |
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catmanjac - I agree that indoor is the way to go with cats. But, in all fairness - cats sometimes get out of the house, even if they're indoor cats. When I was growing up, my cats used to make a mad dash for the door on occasion. Despite best efforts by owners, sometimes the cat's curiosity gets the better of them and they want to know what's on the other side of the door. |
catmanjac
Citizen
Username: Catmanjac
Post Number: 115
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 4:34 pm: |
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Who owns the door to the house? Teach your kids to be careful when opening the door, to make sure the cat is not nearby. If necessary, put him/her in another room. Being careful becomes a habit. |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 763
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 4:35 pm: |
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JTA, you are so sweet to take care of that cat!
That said, I think it is highly likely that it is was a feral cat. There are at least 7 feral cats (and one with a red collar!) that hunt by my birdfeeder regularly, and sadly - since morning doves are ground feeders and are fairly clueless - they are fat, well-fed cats and they could be mistaken for house-hold pets.
It'd be nice for you to post a picture of it and your story (if possible) here on MOL, just in case the owners are searching for it, but I think you should go ahead and have them cremate the cat.
(I did that with my Kitty, who died of cancer at 10 years old. Cremation is a fine choice for pets in some owners' view.)
Sorry for you, but lucky for the poor cat that you helped him!  |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 1197
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 4:36 pm: |
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Anyone who doesn't is a fool and guilty of animal abuse. Take it from the experts...
That's a tad extreme. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1473
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 4:41 pm: |
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You're right catmanjac - there's no room for error in this world....It's just not possible for mistakes to be made. Everything is preventable and if a cat gets out of the house by mistake the family should be brought up on charges of abuse. Thanks for setting me straight. 
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Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 2031
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 4:41 pm: |
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Cats do get out...for that reason it's important to either keep a collar and tag on your cat, or get a microchip. Our indoors cats just got tags; on the off-chance they make a getaway, people should know they have a home.
JTA - good luck with whatever you decide to do. There is no "wrong" decision" here. You know you've done a good deed, thus far. |
catmanjac
Citizen
Username: Catmanjac
Post Number: 116
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 4:42 pm: |
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Joe, ask any shelter/rescue group and see what they say. They see things from the angle of so many strays ending up in shelters, not ferals. And they are the lucky ones because instead of ending up as flat cats, they will have a chance of finding a new home. Ask any veterinarian, and the Dr. will tell you of so many brought in due to having been let out, and their unfortunate demise. And indoor cats live more than twice as long on average. You wouldn't leave a toddler outside to play unsupervised, neither should a person let a cat out. They are impulsive, and when they see something enticing, caution is thrown to the wind, and they just go. |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 1198
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 5:11 pm: |
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I don't contest the fact that allowing a cat to go outdoors is a risk, I contest the notion that doing so is a form of abuse. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13388
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 5:16 pm: |
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Will you have to pay the vet to keep the carcass? If so, then I suppose it makes sense to pay for a limited amount of time. If that period passes, tell the vet to dispose of it.
How much do the microchips cost? I suppose I should get them for my cat and dog.
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LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1475
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 5:28 pm: |
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And who does the microchip - does every vet do them? I've been wondering about this myself. |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 43
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 5:55 pm: |
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Most Animal Hospitals do microchip now. My experience is the cost generally runs from about $40-70,which is somewhat dependent on the size and weight of the animal. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and inserted by needle near the animal's shoulder. There are several manufacturers. Problems arise when area shelters do not scan with equipment compatible with your chip. I would call area shelters and vet hospitals to determine what is most widely used ( I believe one popular chip is made by Avid)
Microchips are an excellent idea because cats easily slip tagged collars. Of course, the best idea is an indoor cat---but even in the most conscientious households, cats are escape artists , and accidents do happen.
Calli |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7130
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 6:05 pm: |
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We are completely anal-retentive about our cats staying inside and even had a bell on our "runner". For the 10 years we were together, she refused to believe that she was an indoor cat. It was a constant, vigilant battle. She always got closed in a bedroom when we had guests, etc. And yet, in the 8 years she lived in Maplewood, I'd say that she managed to escape for a couple hours at least 5 times.
Catman, you are being pretty judgmemental. I can only aspire to be that perfect and responsible a pet owner.
JTA - I've stopped for hurt animals before and it is heartbreaking when there's nothing to be done. What you did was the kindest thing. Calli may be right. Let the vet tell them. |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 768
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 6:13 pm: |
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Catman, most of the cats at the JAC are feral. I was just there on Friday with my daughter.
(Not counting the adorable litter that was born there recently - didn't get a head count) |
Camnol
Citizen
Username: Camnol
Post Number: 298
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 6:35 pm: |
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I don't have the receipt in front of me, but I think my vet charged $75 for the microchip for our kitten. We used the Home Again chip. There was an additional charge of 17.50 for registering the chip with Home Again (charged by H.A.--not the vet).
That litter is adorable, isn't it Pdg? There are about 4 or 5 of them, I think. So sweet! |
catmanjac
Citizen
Username: Catmanjac
Post Number: 117
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 6:44 pm: |
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Only a few of the cats at JAC are feral. Those you think are just need socialization-- they are afraid, after all, whatever life they had is becoming a distant memory. Too many people have unrealistic expectations that every cat will just jump into your arms and purr away. So many aren't like that when they are in a shelter environment, and need time to acclimate to new homes. You might not be into giving a cat up to a year to adjust, but some of the best are like that. And some, just giving them a new home will prove in very short time that they are wonderful. I have been doing rescue work for eight years, and few have disappointed me. In my entire life of 48 years, I never had an accident in a cat getting out, because it is a priority to give them the same care as one would give small children. I have eight currently, all thrilled to have a good indoor home, despite whatever their past was. |
marian
Citizen
Username: Marian
Post Number: 791
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 9:15 pm: |
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What town did this happen?
I think the real question here is why couldn't Animal Control come before the cat was sure to suffer a slow, painful death by itself lying in the street???
Just the Aunt--you did a wonderful thing helping this poor creature have a more humane death. Don't fret about disposing the remains. This was a true good deed on your part. |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 781
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 9:19 pm: |
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"A Few"????
I saw at least 8 or 9, and the ones that weren't actively hissing and clawing the air in a threatening way, were looking at us with slightly insane looking eyes. The JAC has had them for quite awhile; they neutered them and have tried their best to "socialize" them. They said they will probably release them since they can't place them in homes the way they are.
Although, if you know some good socializing methods, I'm sure the JAC would be more than happy to let you socialize your heart out! Of course they'd rather place the cats in homes than release them! |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 782
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 9:22 pm: |
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BTW, I have about 7 feral cats hunting at my goldfinch feeder daily. They get a steady diet of stupid morning dove, since that ground-feeding bird seems clueless to the danger cats pose! Feel free to come trap them and take them away if you'd like! |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 785
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 11:03 pm: |
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catmanjac, there is a thread in "Please Help" that I bet you could be of tremendous help on. It's called "5 and counting" or something like that and it has to do with someone who found a litter of new kittens under their porch. |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 110
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 12:12 am: |
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JTA
The MOL family seems so far reaching that I am sure that IF this was a family kitty, someone reading this would know the person looking for their animal. The very fact that you took the time, and obviously care deeply, will be a great comfort to them, as will the fact that someone cared enough to comfort this animal in its last few moments.
I had the same situation with a cat that had been hit by a car some years ago, and I wrapped it in a new sweater that I was wearing while trying in vain to find a vets that was open, and the cat died in my arms. I still tear up..
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Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4601
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 1:37 am: |
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Thank you for all the suggestions. I spoke with the vet to ask if he'd be willing to break the news to the family if they can be located and for his permission to put his contact information on a flier. He told me it would not be a problem and he would do this. I asked about taking a picture to scan into the computer for a flier. He suggested against it. Told me he felt it would upset the family more to see a picture of their cat taken after he died.
I had really hoped the cat turned out to be a stray, but the vet said the chances of that were slim. This was a cat that was cared for. If he had been a feral cat he wouldn't have been fixed. He was a beautiful tiger stripped cat. Black, grey, white and some tan.
Because of the rain I wasn't able to put fliers up tonight. It turns out the people this morning did not call the Animal Control for the town. Not sure who they called; but Animal Control in Morris County says it wasn't them. They have the vet's information in case anybody calls. I'm also going to call Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter to ask if anyone has called there looking for a lost cat. They handle animals in that area.
The vet promised me nothing would happen with the cat until at least Thursday. That's when the animals are picked up by the crematory. If nobody calls about him, well I'm not sure what I'll do. When the vet realized I was willing to pay for the care of a cat wasn't mine, he told me not to worry about his bill! If the cat is creamated, I would have to pay for that.
Part of me hopes someone claims him; the other part hopes maybe he was a 'fix and release' cat. If he's the later, at least there won't be a heartbroken family. I just hope it doesn't turn out someone dumped him because they no longer wanted him. It makes me so sad someone can hit an animal, then leave it on the side of the road to die. I can't imagine someone not knowing they hit him.
I just hope nothing like this ever happens to my cat. She refuses to wear a collar. We've tried at least 6 different collars. Somehow she ends up choking on them or getting them off. And there are times, no matter how close we watch or pay attention, she gets out. It's never me who let's her escape. It's my mom or sister. I go nuts when she escape. My mom and sister tell me I over react and I tell them they should be more careful, which usually gets us all yelling at each other. Meanwhile they cat seems to enjoy us trying to catch her. Luckily she does have a mirco chip.
I think for those who asked, Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover will micro chip a cat or dog. Same with most vets. Not sure how much it costs as my cat came with one as well as already being 'fixed.' I don't think any responsible shelter will adopt out dogs or cats who aren't. That's why many charge a $100 or more adoption fee. |
Andrea Weisbard
Citizen
Username: Njnetsfan
Post Number: 427
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 2:22 am: |
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I have a friend who not only had a micro chip put in her two dogs and one cat. |
Camnol
Citizen
Username: Camnol
Post Number: 299
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 8:05 am: |
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JTA,
"If he had been a feral cat he wouldn't have been fixed."
I don't know where you found the cat, but around here one of the ways "they" deal with the feral population is to spay/neuter and release. Just because a cat is fixed, doesn't mean it's not feral. So, I don't know if that makes you feel any better.
You could call the animal shelter that services the area where you found the cat and give them a description, just in case someone calls them looking for their cat. |
mwnewbie
Citizen
Username: Mwnewbie
Post Number: 26
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 10:53 am: |
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My husband took our youngest cat to get microchipped this morning. Total cost was $130, but that included her annual exam, pedicure and booster shots. She goes to Dr. Malpamati. I do not believe they stock the chip - it was "on order" for the longest time. I would just make sure whatever vet you are taking your pet to has them in stock before you visit that day. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4606
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 2:44 pm: |
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Quick Update as I am in a rush to take my friend's little one to a horseback riding lesson:
Fliers were made and posted in the area I found the cat. I decided to cover a three block area in each direction. I also put signs in some of the stores in the area thinking whoever's cat he is /was would run into one of the stores at some point for a newspaper, coffee, slice of pizza, etc. Now all I can do is wait. Whatever happens happens. The vet promised not to give out my contact information without warning me first. In otherwords, if he gets a call about kitty, he will tell the person what happened. He will not offer my contact information. If they ask he will give it to them. He will contact me as soon as they leave his office to give me a heads up. |
catmanjac
Citizen
Username: Catmanjac
Post Number: 120
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 3:46 pm: |
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The best way to socialize a cat is to give it a chance by taking it into your home, whether you plan to adopt it permanently or foster it. Those insane looking eyes are the look of fear and not understanding why they are there and why people come to see them much like in a zoo. Imagine a small child having gotten lost, separated from its mother, and ending up in an orphanage. And add to that a language barrier. That is pretty much how these cats feel.
I devoted seven+ years to JAC as the "catman" (note my username) prior to the new shelter. Cats (and dogs) were bordered in two local veterinarians offices, as well as being fostered. Hundreds were adopted out, and some appeared to be insane, or very disagreeable, but they all worked out well (I should know-- I did many of the adoptions, as well as the follow-ups and plenty more).
In defense to the Animal Control Officer that could not come out immediately, some towns do not have a full-time animal control officer like Maplewood and South Orange (and even Maplewood and South Orange work regular hours, not on call), and must specially call in one from another town for a fee.
As to found kittens, if they are from Maplewood or South Orange, my suggestion is to call Animal Control, and they will be taken to JAC shelter if there is sufficient room. Most shelters cannot admit animals from individuals due to space limitations, as well as monetary scarcity. |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 49
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 3:59 pm: |
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JTA,
I am glad that you posted the fliers without your information---lots of crazy people out there. Good job, now, you have done all you can do.
Just as a side note, he probably was someone's pet. If he had been a feral TNR(Trap, Neuter, Release)cat, his ear would have been notched so a vet would know the cat was a neutered (or spayed, if a female)feral.
Anyway, you did a good deed. Thank you.
Calli |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4608
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 10:48 pm: |
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I am so mad right now I could spit nails. The family has been found! The vet called while I was out, but left me a message on my machine telling me he'd call me back. He called again a little while ago. He told me the family had been away at a wedding. When they got home this afternoon they were surprised to see a flier about their cat posted on the tree in front of their house. How the blazes then can these idiots whose bell I rung yesterday not know who the cat belonged to when I asked them? And here I thought they were so nice for giving me a box and towel.
It turns out 'the next door neighbor' who was taking care of kitty while they away accidentally let him out. I have a funny feeling this neighbor and the people who told me they didn't know who the cat belonged to are the same people. No word from the family yet. The vet did give them my information.
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jab
Citizen
Username: Jab
Post Number: 548
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 - 9:48 am: |
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JTA, it is possible that they are different people. In any case, just know that you did the right thing by helping. It would have been worse for the cat if you left it and worse for the people if they came home to find it.
My brother's family also lost a cat this week because it was hit by a car (in a different state). They couldn't find the cat and put signs with its picture all over the neighborhood. A couple people called and said they had called animal control to retrieve the cat's remains, because they didn't know who it belonged to. My brother's family is devastated, but I think it might have helped that they didn't find the cat themselves. |
VinnyM
Citizen
Username: Frodo
Post Number: 147
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 - 11:50 am: |
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JTA---Do you enjoy making me cry? |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4615
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 - 11:31 pm: |
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Sorry Vinny. |
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