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We’re always chuffed to hear from caring Aussies concerned about the safety and welfare of lost or stray dogs and cats in their community. So when Perth resident, Mardi, reached out for advice and assistance with a stray cat family, PetRescue’s free helpdesk answered her call and we’re totally stoked with the outcome.
Check out the email convo that led to a ‘happy ever after’.
May 24
“Hi, I've found some cats that need rescuing and would like your help pleeease. Could you please call me back, or email me. Thank you very much, Mardi.”
Our help-deskers, Laurel and Susan, offered some words of advice including a link to our article ‘Help! I’ve found a stray cat family’ and a follow up to ask where the cats were located, so we could recommend some local rescue groups to contact for additional support or assistance with rehoming. A few days passed, and Mardi got back in touch.
May 31
Hi, It's Mardi again,
I have been spending a little time with one stray cat that doesn't seem too scared of people, it will come when called and meows when you say it's name, we play with it and both my daughter and I have pet it. It responds by arching its back and seems to enjoy it. Does this sound like a stray or a lost cat? It seems to like the human interaction. Thanks again for all your help and advice.
May 31
Hi Mardi,
As it seems quite friendly and tolerant of human interaction. It absolutely could be lost, or unfortunately could have previously been loved and purposefully abandoned. Have you managed to get in touch with any of the rescue groups I previously sent through? One may have a microchip checker so that we can see if it is registered to a human already!
Warm regards,
Laurel
Jun 1
Hi Laurel,
I'm afraid to say no luck with the info you gave me. I've had no replies from the others on your list. So thank you so much for keeping in touch, you’re the only one who has!
Mardi
Jun 4
Hi Laurel,
Mardi here again, I still haven't heard back from the rescue places yet. Today we caught the friendly cat in the box, but she wasn't happy when we shut the door on her. So I let her out. I'm not sure how to proceed now. She's still friendly though. I've been so busy concentrating on catching her, I hadn't thought past that. Any advice would be appreciated on what to do next.
Kind regards
Mardi
Jun 5
Hi Mardi,
Thanks for doing all you are to help these cats. It would be best to have somewhere for the cat to go before you catch it again. Once you get through to a group that is able to help, they might be able to lend you a cage to pop him in, he will feel more comfortable and be more secure in a carry cage rather than a box. Being friendly, it does sound like this one at least has had some human interaction. Have you tried posting on social media to see if he has an owner?
Kind regards
Susan
Jun 5
Hi, I've finally spoken to someone at Cat Haven who can help (I hope) and offer some advice too, will let you know how I go. Thanks again, Mardi
It was some time before we received any further updates from Mardi, and then this happy news came our way...
June 21
Hi, it's Mardi here. I just wanted to let you know we now have the cat in our home and she's settling in well. She's seen the vet and doesn't have a microchip and isn't pregnant. So once again thank you.
All the best, Mardi
Another month went by before Mardi reached out to us once again. This time to get some advice on how to manage introductions with her resident male cat. Something that can be a really tricky challenge, even with the best of felines.
July 19
Hi, the new cat is doing well, settling in nicely. The only trouble is my original male cat. They're ok if there's a window between them but once you open the door a few inches, he tries to get to her and the hissing starts. We've only had her six weeks so I guess it takes time. I'm too scared to introduce them properly yet as I'm sure they'll fight. She is a sweet cat, we love her.
Mardi
July 20
Hi Mardi,
Thanks for sending us an update, so glad to hear she's settling in. Those first few weeks of introductions can be challenging, but it sounds like you're doing all the right things. We have this advice article on our website that might offer some useful tips. Many thanks again for giving this kitty the second chance she deserves.
Jo
Jul 22
Hi, here's some pics of our new cat she’s a cutie. A funny thing has happened, because she's on heat it's caused our male cat to respond. So now he's trying to mate with her but has no ability or balls. The only trouble is, she trills and yowls for him. Will she always be on heat if there's a male cat present?
Mardi
Jul 23
Hi Mardi, Thank you for sending the photos. She’s a cute torti girl. Do you have a name for her yet? She won't always be on heat. But we would recommend getting her desexed. Once you have gained her trust enough to take her to the vet. Here's the link to the National Desexing Network website, where you may be able to find a local vet who offers discounted desexing: https://ndn.org.au/ Some vets also contact us when they are running a discount event, but there are none advertised at this present time. Please stay in touch, we are very happy to help in whatever way we can.
Many thanks,
Jo
Jul 23
Hi, we have named her Princess Trilly as she trills a lot. We call her Princess mostly.
Thanx,
Mardi
PetRescue's free online helpdesk operates Monday to Friday and is often a lifeline - the first line of support for people and pets in crisis. On average, we receive 175 enquires a week, requiring a dedicated team of online volunteers to triage the requests so that every enquirer receives the advice and assistance they need. Read more about our helpdesk, or contact the team at info@petrescue.org.au for assistance.
