Ziva

Two "ferals” were placed at a stable to help control the rodent population.

They hadn’t been there long when the manager rang C.L.A.W.S. to say that one of them had dragged itself in that morning with half its tail missing.   It was in a very bad way but had disappeared before he could catch it.  

Beverley loaded a trap into the van and went to the stable to set it.   Then all we could do was wait.

Her phone rang early next morning – it was the manager to say that the cat was in the trap.   Quickly ringing the vet to alert him that she was bringing in an emergency she hastened to the stable.

An initial examination showed that the tail had been caught in something and been torn away to free the cat.   It would have to be amputated.   She (for it was a tiny little female tabby weighing less than 2 kilos) was given pain relief and antibiotics and the operation was set for the next day.   The concern was that such an injury could have damaged the bladder and / or the bowel.    

The operation went well and she was kept in hospital under observation.   Fortunately both her bladder and bowel were unharmed.  

The manager of the stables agreed that she should stay with C.L.A.W.S. so she was released into C.L.A.W.S. care.

She was kept in a recovery cage in the cottage to restrict her movements and to prevent any damage.   It soon became obvious that she was not a feral but yet another abandoned domestic.   She began to settle down and peered at us from the depths of her cosy igloo, wary but not frightened.

We called her ZIVA.

After a week or so she was transferred to a pen in the garden.   Soon she was taking an interest in the comings and goings and began to relax.    She was taken back for a check-up and had put on weight (now over 2 kilos).

In September 2019 with the deaths of Daisy and Dilly there were vacancies in the Divas’ pen (somehow we can’t break the habit of calling it that and in any event feel it is a fitting way to remember them.) 

On a bright sunny morning we took Ziva, along with Tula, from the pen of six and released them into their new enclosure. As always there was a volunteer on hand in case of trouble but it was a peaceful change over. 

Minstrel viewed the new comers with a certain degree of reserve and Tina, of course, was in her usual spot – on the roof of the cat cabin ! 

Tula and Ziva both opted to take refuge on the roof of the other cabin. We were greatly amused to see dear Ziva, who is a tiny little tot, on her back in the guttering – she was a perfect fit !    It gave her a bird’s eye view of the birds !!!! 

It wasn’t long before she ventured down– her favourite "hobby” is chasing, and catching, creepy crawlies. 

She is doing well.  She has made friends with Tula and allows us to stroke her very gently.    She enjoys playing with her toys, often rolling over on her back and kicking her legs in the air.

She has gained in confidence and comes running up to the fence to say Hello.    Some days she still hides away but the rustle of the treats’ bag soon brings her out again.

She will never adjust to a normal domestic environment so she will stay with C.L.A.W.S.

This is another instance of a cat placed as a feral that should not have been.