Cat People's topics - tribe.net

just lost mycat,kind of freaky thing...

2008-05-16T13:09:46Z

this was a weird one. please say a little prayer or ring a bell or chant the Shingyo or whatever you do when a being departs... Willow, my half-tailed tortoise-shell cat,cat was only 3 or 4 years old,and we had her almost a year. she was healthy and happy, except for being allergic to many kinds of food,manifested as chronic loose bowels, her only symptom. she had good weight and a beautiful coat.I had her and my other cat on a fancy low-allergen dry cat food that you can only get through the vet. switched to the venison formula just a day or two ago, because they were out of the rabbit one at the vet's and the duck one didn't work as to preventing the runny stuff.

so Lia had fallen asleep on my bed and I was reading. Willow and my other cat, Muffin,were sitting on the bed with me.she;d been running around getting into usual cat trouble, like chasing the other cat and knocking things over and spilling Lia's juice. around 11:40 or so,I heard a strange sort of squeaky, baking noise, twice. I looked up and Willow was lying next to the litter box,kind of limp.I thought she was still breathing but wasn't sure. I called the vet (there's one she's seen about a mile or so away with 24 hour emergency service) and bundled her into the car (unfortunately I was parked a few blocks away) pretty sure she was gone by the time I got there...walked in doors at the vet around midnight, and no heartbeat.

the vet on call was busy with other animals,but the tech took a look in Willow's mouth and said it looked like my hypothesis, an anaphylactoid allergic reaction that closed off her breathing, made sense...her throat was blocked so you couldn't see the trachea. I talked with this young vet tech for a bit and held my cat to say goodbye, and left her off to be cremated.

I don't know what else she could have gotten into...no toxic plants in the house, nothing different than the stuff she's usually around...I'll see if the veterinary doctor has time to have an opinion on it but it looks like the allergies just went nuts so fast she didn't know what hit her. maybe an epinephrine shot would have saved her but I don't usually keep epi-pens around. and i had no idea anything like this was about to happen, and i suspect neither did she.

whew...wheel of karma takes some interesting turns. my grandma used to say she wasn't coming back as a person, she was going to come back as my cat because they had it good...don't think this was the one if such a thing is really literally true, but who knows?

posted in Cat People - 8 replies

Cat video for engineers and normal people

2008-05-15T17:57:01Z

I hope you find this as funny as I did. Right on!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHXBL6bzAR4

posted in Cat People - 3 replies

My neutered cat...

2008-05-13T02:06:45Z

This may seem like a really dumb question but I am looking for an answer.... My cat is 3 years old, and he is neutered, but sometimes he "humps" things and sometimes he leaves a horrible odor. Why is this? And how do I get him to stop!?

posted in Cat People - 6 replies

Webkitties (X-post)

2008-05-10T19:54:41Z

Pay to watch cats online.

No really!

http://tinyurl.com/6pjjy2

posted in Cat People - 2 replies

The littlest Kitten

2008-05-09T13:17:23Z

I am very familiar with taking care of and raising cats of all kind, but yesterday ran into a problem I'm unsure of. One of the strays I've been taking to find a home for had a single kitten. Yesterday she brought it to my porch an won't take it back now.
I brought him to the vet and she said he's five weeks old. It is very underweight, and though it does drink milk from a bowl, it's not alot. I tried him on science diet moist kitten food (1/4 teaspoon) which he ate, but about 2 hours later was shitting and puking at the same time. His poop is liquid and though I try to wipe him, he screams bloody murder when I do, as if I was trying to kill him. in a sense, he's almost always got poop on him and I'm afraid to bath him too often so he won't get sick.
Can anyone give me any tips on taking care of my new little wafe. I really intend to keep this one as I feel a male in the house may help the dispute between the two alpha females.

posted in Cat People - 28 replies

Beijing killing cats for the Olympics

2008-05-06T18:38:52Z

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=528694&in_page_id=1811

posted in Cat People - 30 replies

Hair loss from flea preventative

2008-05-02T22:09:18Z

I just started my cats on either Frontline or Advantage (it's not handy right now) & one of the cats has lost a patch of hair right where I applied it about 3 days ago. Has anyone ever had this happen with a flea preventative?

posted in Cat People - 10 replies

when nature calls...

2008-04-25T06:40:47Z

hey all, I have a problem. Clara is supposed to get her annual at the vet on Saturday and they want me to bring in a stool sample, less than 12 hours old. The problem is, she doesn't use a litterbox since she has a cat door; she just goes outside. Any ideas? or am I just going to have to subject her to them "collecting the sample" at the vet (that sounds terrifying!)

posted in Cat People - 5 replies

I have terrified my baby

2008-04-21T13:14:14Z

My cat and I were sleeping very nicely together. The other morning I turned over, and flung my arm with some force and 'nailed' my poor cat with my thumbnail. He flew out of a deep sleep in terror and was looking shocky for about 20 minutes. Now, he hates the bedroom and won't come in it at all. Whenwe try to go to sleep, he sits outside the door crying. I have taken to sleeping on a futon in the living room to promote peace. I did get him in the bedroom for two nights and he never settled down really was on high alert til he puked from anxiety. poor guy. He is about 15 years old and just had surgery for jaw abcess too. I dont think I hit him in the face at all, I think it was his back area, he was curled up with his back to me.

I was worried that I had done major damage, like hit a kidney, but he has been okay with eating sleeping moving around and pee/pooing, so I think I hit him hard in a tender sensitive spot. He doesn't blame ME, he seems to behave like he was attacked by another animal and it is still in the bedroom :(

Any recommendations? I'm going to get the feliway plug ins for the room and hallway tonight.

Someone recomended putting his food and litter box in there to force him in regularly.

posted in Cat People - 6 replies

Cat won't stop chewing on her leg - Need Advice

2008-04-16T15:24:18Z

My cat, Suki, has been excessively grooming her leg since it was shaved for her leg surgery back in June 2006. I have been going through the trials of determining if it is food allergies, flea allergies, etc. I have come to the point that I almost think it is just a habit now.

But anyways, besides all that, how do I get her to stop chewing on her leg in the meantime? It gets to the point that it looks raw and you see blood spots. Is there a spray/lotion? I have Bitter Yuck spray. Does that work?

I would love for her to stop so then her fur can actually grow back there. Please help :o(

posted in Cat People - 32 replies

Faulty wiring!

2008-04-13T15:11:59Z

I have a Bengal who is crazy, like most Bengals from what I hear. He's very sweet but super hyper & just very weird. Ever since we moved in August, he hisses whenever anyone but my roommate or I comes in to the house. He doesn't seem in attack mode; he's often purring & rubbing up against my legs when he does it, doesn't "puff up", and he'll sometimes even hiss at me when I come into the room if a stranger is over. My friends call him "the mean one" which breaks my heart because he's actually very sweet but he gives off the wrong impression. It seems like he's got some wires crossed. He never did this before we moved and the other kitty just goes right up to everyone.

What's his problem, ya think?

posted in Cat People - 5 replies

HCM

2008-04-13T09:53:08Z

One of my kitties, Bijou, was just diagnosed with a severe heart murmer and Hypertrophic CardioMyopathy. She's now on 2 heart meds and baby aspirin plus metamusil and laxative to control constipation (the reason I broght her to the vet and how we found the heart disease). It seems to have come on really quickly - she lost 1lb over the past 3 months and just started having symptoms.

Has anyone had any experience with this kind of heart disease? The vet won't give any info on prognosis, probably because it varies by case and cat... I'm in a bit of shock. Any advice or experiences with this would be appreciated - thanks!!

posted in Cat People - 1 reply

Pet Insurance...is it worth it?

2008-04-12T16:07:07Z

I am debating on insuring my new kitten. I have senior animals also, and I realize that it's not cost-effective for me to insure them because it seems there are so many exclusions, such as "pre-existing conditions" and "congenital or hereditary defects or diseases".

However, I don't know if there'd be much of a cost savings for me to get a policy for the new kitten---insurance covers neutering and microchipping, which I have already had done, and I'm not sure if routine care is worth $21.95/month as opposed to paying out of pocket. He stays in the house, so I'm not anticipating any accidents or major illnesses any time soon(although, yes, of course anything can happen).

I'm torn, as I recently had to put down two of my elderly pets, and the vet bills up to and including their euthanasia have been enormous. I'm wondering if insuring them way back would have helped.

Of those of you that insure your pets, do you find it useful? What provider do you use? I've only looked into PetFirst so far, because that's who the microchip company offers. Are your premiums high?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

posted in Cat People - 13 replies

The CocoNelly video - fun!

2008-04-06T16:14:33Z

4 minutes -- great dancing too, hehehehe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1vkjOvD-zs

posted in Cat People - 2 replies

India to spend $13.15M to protect tigers (X-posted)

2008-04-06T16:13:26Z

From Yahoo News: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080301/ap_on_sc/india_disappearing_tigers

The Indian government plans to spend more than $13 million establishing a special ranger force to protect the country's endangered tigers, following pressure from international conservationists to save the wild cats.

The funding proposed Friday by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram follows the announcement just weeks ago of a $153 million program to create new tiger reserves, underscoring renewed efforts by India's government to protect the big cats.

New estimates suggest India's wild tiger population has dropped from nearly 3,600 five years ago to about 1,411, the government-run Tiger Project said last month.

"The number 1,411 should ring the alarm bells ... The tiger is under grave threat," Chidambaram told Parliament during his budget presentation for 2008-2009.

Chidambaram said the National Tiger Conservation Authority would be granted about $13.15 million to "raise, arm and deploy" a Tiger Protection Force. While the budget is just a proposal at this stage, Parliament is widely expected to pass it without opposition later this month.

Conservationists welcomed the government's proposal, saying a new force would need to be specially trained and armed to protect tigers from poachers.

"They are finally addressing a very important problem — poaching," Belinda Wright, director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, said Saturday. "I would imagine that much of the existing system would be improved by the injection of the funds."

The Tiger Project plans to create eight new reserves to protect the tigers, covering an area of more than 11,900 square miles at a cost about $153 million. Private groups will contribute extra funding.

Some 250 villages, or an estimated 200,000 people, will be relocated under the plan. The government has promised each relocated family about $25,600.

The population of tigers in Asia is estimated at around 3,500 today compared to nearly 5,000 in 1997, according to Wright.

Unless the government drastically improves enforcement steps against poachers and illegal wildlife traders, the number of tigers will continue to dwindle, Wright said.

posted in Cat People - 1 reply

Cat advice

2008-04-06T13:16:34Z

I'm looking for advice for a sick cat. I have cat who's almost 12 years old and has had a sinus infection for several months. I made two trips to the vet who tried 2 different types of anti-biotics, which were not effective. The cat now has what appears to be an abcess on his head, his nose is swollen and he sneezes a lot.

I have a very low-paying temp job and cannot afford a vet bill at this point. Are there any organizations that will pay for any kind of treatment? I've researched a few but they all seem to need a vet bill, which they may help pay for. I don't know what it would cost since I can't afford the bill to begin with, so I would need assistance before bringing him to the vet.

I'm also thinking that it might be time to put him down. He's still active, still eating the same amount of food and doesn't seem to be suffering but I'm not sure if I should wait until he is suffering. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

posted in Cat People - 7 replies

Sleep deprivation! Please help!

2008-04-03T14:35:19Z

Hi,

My beloved adopted feline friends used to have the bedroom to themselves while settling in, but
we finally started sleeping in there about 4 weeks ago. The cats love us being in there, and
I often wake up with one or both of them snuggled up to my legs, BUT the kitten hasn't yet
figured out that I prefer to sleep beyond 5.30 a.m!!!

Just as soon as it starts to get light she
runs up to my ear and lets out a loud meow and nudges me gently with a paw. Or pulls at the carpet.
If that doesn't work she reaches under the quilt and nudges somewhat less gently with claws!
Several times she's brought her favourite 'fetching' toy and pushed it right in to my hand
and wailed til I throw it for her. (Beware, kittens can get addicted to 'fetch' it seems!)
(see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMwjrp_VLG4
to see her in action!!)

I love her dearly, but am getting seriously sleep deprived and wonder if anyone has a solution?
She's a very vocal kitten so I think shutting her out of the bedroom won't work and so far she's
thwarted my attempts at blacking out the window (hoping delayed dawn might work?) by
pulling the curtains back/off.

I don't wish to shout at her or shoo her away too much as I don't want her to be put off coming for
cuddles, and she still jumps on her mum regularly despite being unceremoniously thrown off
and growled at quite often...and she's so smart she's figured out that she can reach us by
burrowing under the quilt, so playing 'dead' is not a great option!

any ideas?? The bags under my eyes are growing bags of their own!!

posted in Cat People - 19 replies

eye want new home with new cat and maybe a boy buddy

2008-04-03T02:23:32Z

.. for this poz gay artist

posted in Cat People - 1 reply

Changing my cat's food to Wellness Complete Health Salmon - Opinions??

2008-03-27T14:28:26Z

After having my cat on a hypo-allergenic food for the last 11 weeks and realizing she doesn't have food allergies, I did some research to find a really good dry food to switch her to. I decided to buy Welness Complete Health Salmon today. It seems to have really great ingredients. I haven't officially started switching her over yet.. I wanted to get everyone's opinion on it.

Does anyone have any opinions on this food??

posted in Cat People - 9 replies

Chew Toys?

2008-03-21T21:46:16Z

Do they make chew toys for cats like they do for dogs? My cats LOVE to chew on random things, so I was thinking that if I could find chew toys they might enjoy them.

posted in Cat People - 3 replies

Advice for Moving Cross- Country?

2008-03-19T12:26:33Z

Hi... I Just joined this tribe, and am looking for a little advice for my little friends:

We are tentatively planning to move this August (of all months) - Oakland to NYC area. The people portion will be driving, but we know this wont work for the 2 kitties involved. They are pretty nervous travelers in general - the boy tends to puke, pee, poop, and then foam at the mouth when all his other reserves are exhausted- on 20 min car rides to the vet. SO we are obviously a little concerned as to how to get him and his sister across country in one piece..

Does anyone have advice on this? Are there companies that specialize in this sort of thing, any with personal references? We will probably need some sedation from the vet... right now the biggest logistical concern is transportation. Has anyone brought cats on a plane ride? (I refuse to check them, they must come in as carry on... can they really go 6 hrs without littler box breaks?) Help!

We welcome any and all feedback, we adore these guys..

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

posted in Cat People - 7 replies

more poisand food?!

2008-03-19T12:17:28Z

Hi everyone ben a tuff year ya might remember me from this time last yr. when my two 12yr olds died from tanted meniu foods cat food . Well we.ve ben using Purina One dry cat food and it,s happening again . I've ben feeding it to them 2 months and sudenly the other day thy all stuck they,r nosess up and today little Dino is showing ALL the symptums that Salomie and Lilboy whent threw exactly 1 year ago
I,ve looked around and no ones talking about it yet . So this is just a heads up , I Hope all is well out there in Cat People world .
Mike and Tim

posted in Cat People - 2 replies

A Pet Perk

2008-03-18T15:16:16Z

From Third Age http://tinyurl.com/2djn3j

Have you ever had a bad day where you cannot seem to find an outlet for your frustration? Well, according to the American Heart Association, researchers at the University of New York at Buffalo and the University of Pennsylvania have found that spending time with your fellow house pets can greatly reduce your stress and blood pressure from the exhausting workday. But, exactly what types of house pets are we talking about?

1. Cats, for one thing. Felines are absolutely essential for reducing blood pressure, stress, and the likelihood of developing heart disease within humans. The relaxing purr that we receive from a cat as it curls up in our laps has a calming effect on our brains, which in turn calms our heart and lungs, reducing our heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.

2. Man's best friend, the dog, ranks next. Even though dogs are typically more noisy and energetic with their greetings than cats as you stroll through the front door, their active, bouncy personality triggers a playful consciousness within our brains. This sensation, like many others, throws our minds focus off the negative side effects of the day, therefore banishing the stress, reducing blood pressure, and reducing the likelihood of us contracting heart disease.

3. Finally, fish rank third among the stress-relieving pets. And when we talk about fish, I mean any type of fish that you can possibly have as a pet. But how do fish calm the human brain in a time of utter madness and frustration? Surprisingly, just their daily activity of swimming back and forth within their tank relieves anxiety and stress. This is because watching fish swim in circles produces an effect on the brain similar to a tranquilizer, almost putting it under hypnosis. This effect causes the brain, heart, and lungs to relax into a state of serenity.

Finally, any other domesticated animal serving as a pet can also greatly reduce anxiety, stress, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and the risk for developing heart disease. Although not mentioned in this list, just having a pet in company is the secret to a healthy heart and mind. Just remember this famous quote by Immanuel Kant and keep it in mind: "We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."

posted in Cat People - 0 replies

collar keeps coming off my cat

2008-02-27T19:52:11Z

I have bought about 4 collars in 6 months for my 2-year old cat.

I put it on, he comes home later that day without it. He is microchipped; he would very unhappy inside all the time, and I'm afraid to get a collar that doesn't break away. Any suggestions for good collars that are safe but last longer than a day?

posted in Cat People - 2 replies

Aww Just Neutered My Baby!!! Help

2008-02-27T16:09:33Z

Awww, I just neutered my ball of love Teddy who is 4 1/2 months old. I am so sad to see him running around the house right now with the cone. He is having a lot of trouble jumping and coordinating. He keeps trying to take off his cone. I let him have it off but he keeps trying to lick the area......... Awwww, it's just so sad!

posted in Cat People - 13 replies

ever build an outdoor cat enclosure?

2008-02-26T22:27:21Z

I saw an add once for a large outdoor cat enclosure
that allowed the cat to go outside at will,
yet was safe from harmful encounters with other animals.
Made out of bird net, high loose walls.

I would appreciate success stories, advice.

posted in Cat People - 7 replies

Temporarily traumatised cat

2008-02-18T04:34:03Z

I have two cats and I happend to see these beautiful cat collars while at the dollar store and decided to buy just one at first to see how well they are made because in the past I have had some troubles with them. This one is made well and staying on. The sad part is, my cat is hiding and won't come out because there is a bell on it . When he runs the other cat chases him. I hope to find him and so I can remove the bell.

posted in Cat People - 12 replies

Need a Vet

2008-02-14T00:39:06Z

Hi, I live in Los Angeles County, in the San Fernando Valley. I need a recommendation for a good Vet. My cat's fine, but we're going to be doing some traveling, (I was inspired by persephone's post. (That's a great and magical name- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persephone ))

I'm great full for the reminder from Domina. States have rules, especially about bringing in wild and crazed feral beasts like my Clover.

Thanks, Way

posted in Cat People - 2 replies

Ear trouble

2008-02-14T00:31:09Z

So my 9 year old male cat, Luigi, has the oddest thing going on. His right ear is meticulously clean and his left ear is dirty and bothering him. It doesn't smell funny at all, but he shakes his head a good deal. Ever heard of that?

posted in Cat People - 6 replies

someone sent me this....too funny

2008-02-11T22:54:43Z

Dog Diary vs. Cat Diary

DOG DIARY

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite!
11:00 am - Went to the vet. Bummer.
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with people! My favorite!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite!

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash
or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I
nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.
I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly
demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made
condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was
placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event . However, I could
hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due
to the power of " allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use
it to my advantage..

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this
again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to
be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the
guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors
have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is
safe -- For now.

posted in Cat People - 0 replies

More than 100 cats rescued from Olympics site

2008-02-11T19:02:12Z

From Reuters via Yahoo News: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080208/od_nm/london_cats_dc

More than 160 feral cats and kittens have been rescued from the site of the London 2012 Olympics as demolition work continues at a pace.

A local animal charity has been allowed access to the site to ensure the safety of the cats that have taken refuge in the various industrial buildings that are being bulldozed.

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) said Friday that 168 animals had been discovered and were now in the care of the Celia Hammond Animal Trust.

The ODA, which has also re-housed newts, frogs and fish from the east London site, said demolition work was expected to be completed in March with construction on the main venues beginning later this year.

posted in Cat People - 1 reply

Does my cat miss me when Im at work?

2008-02-10T07:20:07Z

I am worried about my overly social interactive baby!

he lovessssssssssssssss to play and is a play monster!

but I am working 10 hours a day, and then I come home and have to play with him for an hour because he is so excited I am home and will meow at me constantly unless I play chase with him for a little while.

I am worried that during the day he is lonley, and bored. When I am home, he follows me everywhere, and everywhere I am, he is....

i got a ton of bird seed, and now have a huge amount of birds coming around the back yard so he has eye candy during the day....

I am wondering if I should get another cat to keep him company.....

So does anyone have .02 about this? Or is he fine??

I do have roomies who play with him and talk to him too, but I am just worried he is unhappy and then I can't keep my whole life about playing with the cat when I get home from work.

thoughts?

G

posted in Cat People - 14 replies

Help! Mystery Illness !

2008-02-06T02:51:39Z

My one and half year old, 17 pound, Himalayan Persian neutered male cat, always active and healthy, started acting extremely lethargic and sleeping heavily about three days ago.

He is still drinking water, eating small amounts of food and using the litter box normally. Walking is normal, it's just as if everything is slowed.

We took him into he vet's emergency room yesterday when his eyes looked unresponsive during one of his mega naps. Ironically in the car both ways and being examined he was very alert and like his usual self.
The Vet determined he had no throat, colon, bladder blockages and that his eyes/pupils seemed fine. He was running a temperature though. Unable to afford blood work we are waiting a few days to see if he gets better before breaking the bank. It's baffling because he is NOT vomiting, no bowel issues and his pupils are fine.
He is swallowing more then usual like one would with strep throat. Mainly his complete lethargy has us very concerned. Please help with any possible ideas as to what it could be. We are not sure what could have dulled is usually responsivenesses.

posted in Cat People - 11 replies

I Wonder If She'll Remember Me

2008-02-03T19:09:46Z

I was divorced in 2007 and due to my own fault I was forced to hit the road with only a few belongings and my cat, Juneau. I drove from Michigan to Connecticut to stay with my sister and attempt to stand on my own feet. Juneau had to be converted to an outdoor/indoor cat instead of just indoor because of the living arrangements.

She did very well and stayed with me in my room each night. She did get fleas really bad, and I was unable to afford Advantage or Frontline for some time. I gave her flea baths with the cheap stuff to help alleviate it some. When I got a job I finally got her some Frontline and it was so awesome to see the fleas clear up so fast and the kitty was comfortable again. I was only there for two months when I lost my job right after taking out a loan a car. The stress on my sister was too much for me to stay any longer so I packed up as much as I could fit in my Jetta and headed for Portland, OR where I had more family. Somewhere in Indiana, I decided to return to the military. I needed security to accomplish my goals of paying people back and getting on my own two feet.

I started making phone calls for Juneau, as she whined in the passenger seat next to me. The only one in a position to take her was my sister in Bellingham, WA. So after arriving in Portland, she stayed with me at another sister's house for a few days before we all met for ANOTHER sister's birthday lunch in SW Washington. I headed north with my sister and Juneau and stayed a few days to help her get settled in before I left her alone.

She is a one owner cat. I guess because when my ex-wife and I got her I was home all day with her myself. She's bitchy with other people sometimes, but eventually she settles down if they aren't too pushy. She has settled down a lot as she got older, but is still very rambunctious. I was worried she was be too annoying for my sister and her family (including one cat) but apparently she is adjusting well.

Before I shipped out for Korea, I drove up one last time to visit in Bellingham. Juneau hadn't seen me in a month and I got in very late at night. I walked into the bedroom downstairs and she was on the bed. I startled her and her eyes got real big, looking sleepy. But immediately she stood up and came over to me wanting to give me lovin. I layed down on the bed and petted her and she purred for probably at least 45 minutes straight. She flopped against me with her head propped against my hip and looked so content.

Now I am in Korea for 1 year. I have to get promoted while I am here so that when I return to the US I will not have to live in barracks (where cats aren't allowed). I have no idea where I will be stationed, but hopefully I can take leave in Washington and bring her and my car to my new duty station. But I wonder how much she will remember me? How good is a cat's memory? I have heard they only have short-term memory in most cases, but that cannot be totally true, or you'd have to keep teaching them things like toilet training. Will she remember things we did? The long trips together? Hehe. Or will she just sense that "He=Good for me"? or "He=Dad"?

posted in Cat People - 4 replies

Grieving

2008-02-02T20:37:14Z

My friend's cat just died this morning. She was 19 years old and not in good shape. Does anyone know of where there might be like a pet support group? Or something to that effect. It's hitting her very hard.

posted in Cat People - 13 replies

Limping

2008-02-01T17:06:04Z

My cat was limping yesterday. It was pretty bad and she wouldn't even put her paw on the floor. She was still limping this morning but it didn't seem quite so bad. She's an indoor cat and there were no obvious cuts. She was letting me touch her leg and run my hands down it so I'm guessing it's not broken. I've made an appointment with the vet but I'm wondering if I'm jumping the gun since she seems to be getting better. She's 14 so obviously I'm playing worst case scenario in my head.
Anyone have any thoughts.

Thanks.

posted in Cat People - 12 replies

Rescuing cats from shelters

2008-01-30T21:45:04Z

I wanted to let everyone know that I am a strong advocate of rescuing cats from shelters. We recently got a kitten-3 months ago. She became very sick about 2 days after we got her with a virus that is common to shelters in this area. We nursed her back to health and now she is robust and a real joy to have. She is a beautiful gray color that gives her coat a blue sheen to it. I am so glad that we found her and she had a chance to live. I implore anyone that is able to adopt form shelters. Be responsible and have your animal spayed or neutered. There are a lot of wonderful kitties out there that just need a chance.

posted in Cat People - 3 replies

Crazy Cat Lady...

2008-01-30T17:07:04Z

I confess....it's me.

I went out of town for 2 days (typical for my job) and I left a heater on in the bedroom so the cats would stay warm. My mom mentioned to me that they DO have fur coats for a reason, but I did it anyway.

I truly am a crazy cat lady...and I LIKE IT!

posted in Cat People - 13 replies

Meowww.... I mean hello...

2008-01-30T15:09:59Z

Meowwww..... I mean hello, lol! I have a very friendly American Short Tail Tom cat. I've had him for a while and I've been trying to gently discipline him. I know that cats are natural climbers and they get into mischief. I have a bookcase that isn't anchored onto the wall, and I've successfully broken him out of climbing onto it, (That's all I need to come home to, an injured cat and broken dvds) I've also successfully broken him out of getting onto my computer desk, and kicking my keyboard onto the floor.

Of course, this is after coming home the next day from being out all night, from New Year's Eve. Why am I saying all of this, instead of asking a question, I just thought I'd share. I've seen the thread where it either asks or states about adapting cat behavior.

I am very territorial when it comes to seating, either on my couch, or any other place in my apartment, I'm also very protective of my friends. When I do yoga, I do cat pose real good, and it feels sooo good on my back, and when it comes to cleanliness, I'm very particular, and I take my time. There was also a thread about cat farts, roflol!

Who says a cat doesn't fart?! I was lying in bed one evening and I smelled this sudden gagging odor. Now, I know that it didn't come from me, so I said outloud to my cat, "You stink!!" When I return the smell, lol, I say to him, "Now you know how I feel" He then gives me a dirty look. He's been eating wet food and hard food combined, and he's pretty healthy.

I feed him Purina - Indoor Formula and he seems to be doing well. Very soon, I'm going to have to have him neutered.... oh boy.

Thanks for letting me share that bit of hair ball, lol!

posted in Cat People - 5 replies

A little treat for us doting kitty parents

2008-01-30T14:56:40Z

Jeremiah posted this elsewhere, too funny and so true!

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height.

Dear Dogs and Cats,

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline attendance is not required.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:

1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

Remember: In many ways, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time
3. Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don't want to wear your clothes
10. Don't need a "gazillion" dollars for college.

And finally,
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

posted in Cat People - 2 replies

Cat Breath

2008-01-29T23:05:02Z

So I have this Russian Blue, Victoria ... she's at least 16, possibly as old as 19. It's been several years since I've had her teeth cleaned, within the last few months I've noticed a bit of cat breath and a little bleeding around the gums. Thing that concerns me is her appetite has decreased in the last few weeks. We're visiting the vet this week .... might be time for some kitty dental, hopefully nothing too serious.

What should I be doing for routine teeth maintenance?

Thanx!!

posted in Cat People - 11 replies

Adverse Methimazole Reaction

2008-01-28T07:21:53Z

One month ago, my mature (11 yo) tuxedo-clad cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The vet said his levels were high enough that he needed to start right away on methimazole/tapazole - 2.5 mg/day to start, then 2x 2.5 mg/day after the first two weeks. Then, my cat disappeared - he escaped and as three weeks went by I thought he was gone for good.

Blessedly he came back to me! He was at a local no-kill shelter uptown; someone had caught him in a feral trap (sneaky!) and one of the staff members recognized his photo from posters I'd put up around the neighborhood. So that's great. We got him started on the methimazole the second day he was back - that was a week ago. (He is now chipped and on major probation, we are DEFINITELY keeping him indoors, btw.)

The tablets are small and white and 5mg each - I cut them in half and use Pill Pockets to give them to him. Two days ago I put his treat down and he didn't want to eat it. I had to pill him "the old fashioned way" - that was the first sign of his dramatic loss of appetite and joie de vivre as well.

The vet says perhaps we started him too soon after the stress of his outdoor/shelter adventure, and to give him a break from the pills for a few days. I'm a scared though - it's been 24 hours since his last dose and he's still not eating, though he's drinking water. This morning he vomited up a small quantity of very smelly black goo, bile maybe.

I feel so bad for him, poor guy. I'm trying to tempt him with his favorite favorite treats (Evanger's canned mackerel - just the gravy, no chunks) and he just seems sad and tired and turned off by the prospect of eating.

I'm reading some things here that methimazole is usually started at a lower dose; when I speak to the vet on Friday I will ask him about doing a quarter of a pill. We are warming up for the radioactive iodine treatment to cure the hyperthyroid, but apparently his hormone levels have got to be brought down with the medication first. It is possible that we'll wind up skipping the methimazole and going straight to the radiation treatment if it really doesn't agree with him.

Anyway I'm mainly posting because my wheels are spinning in place and I've had so much worry over this lil guy for the past month. Any advice on methimazole management or ideas to help him get his appetite back would be most welcome - he was pretty scrawny to begin with and now he's really looking like he's wasting away .. :( :( :(

posted in Cat People - 7 replies

This is NOT a pic of a Bengal..........

2008-01-27T14:06:00Z

http://www.animalinfo.org/image/priorubi1%2023.jpg

But isn't he gorgeous?

posted in Cat People - 2 replies

umbilical hernia and delaying spay?

2008-01-26T18:21:50Z

Hi,
I took my kitten friend (?20 weeks old) to the vet yesterday concerned about a small soft lump
lower abdomen, which he's confident is a small umbilical hernia and says it can be
fixed by doing a central access spay.
However, we were considering delaying the spay (IF we can find a safe, painless
and 'humaine' way
to avoid early pregnancy) as we are tempted to allow her to have one litter when at
least a year old. Please don't all shout at me - I know all the problems of
too many kittens - my two are rescue cats themselves, and the very young mum
has already been spayed, and we're seeking advice
from vets, cat people and even an animal communicator to see what's best for the
cats....but both she and her mum have lovely affectionate
temperaments (despite their feral starts) and are amazingly intelligent and by then
I should have a larger home and room for two more, and will make sure the BEST
homes are available for others (if we could bring ourselves to part with them or
if there are territorial issues).
The vet says delaying the op shouldn't be a problem, so long as we keep an
eye on her in case it grows, but I am a bit nervous of not getting it fixed
earlier rather than later just in case, but obviously don't want to put her through
two ops rather than one. And (I didn't ask the vet this, but will do so) would
the existance of a hernia there be risky for a pregancy?? She's far to precious
to expose to avoidable risks...

Does anyone have any experience of these hernias please? And any
suggestions about kind and safe ways of avoiding pregnancy? (She will have
access to outdoors, like her mum, when she's mature enough to pay
more attention to where she's going...)
thank you!

posted in Cat People - 14 replies

Please help :o(

2008-01-26T17:23:33Z

My cat has been having persistent diarrhea for the last month!! About 2 months ago, she was vomiting for over 2 days after eating a plant and I brought her to the ER and they kept her overnight... They realized nothing was wrong with her and the plant had passed through. I spent $1300 on a variety of tests... They mentioned that her skin was kinda pink though and she might have a food allergy. I had just switched her to Innova 3 weeks prior to this. They prescribed her Hill's Z/D (low allergin food). After about 2 weeks on it, she started having diarrhea. I called the vet and they told me to take her food away for 12 hours. After 12 hours I gave her the bland food Hill's I/D and her poop became normal. Then weened her back onto her Hill's Z/D food. The diarrhea started again! Then I did the whole process again...and the diarrhea came back again when I put her back on the Hill's Z/D. I'm figuring the problem is the Hill's Z/D so I bought the food Wellness Complete Health (Salmon) yesterday. I have been weening her onto it starting yesterday. It says to wait 7 days to completely do this but I don't know if I should wait that long...??

What should I do??? :o( I haven't brought her into the vet but I know she is healthy. Not dehydrated and they did all these tests only 2 months ago...

posted in Cat People - 24 replies

help please

2008-01-25T08:15:32Z

Well I am very sad for the last few days :-(. My girl cat Trinity has been gone since wednesday morning at 4AM when I let her outside which I always do...she always has come home before ... I miss her so much I am crying on and off all the time now...I put up flyers in the neighborhood and have searched high and low and I cannot find her anywhere so I am still hoping she will come back but with each passing day I know the chances are smaller and smaller..this sucks so bad!!!! The neighbors think someone picked her up,. she is so friendly and sweet everyone loves her who walks by...some other neighbors said there are bobcats and other animals around here that would hurt her so who knows what happened? At least I still have her brother Neo here with me, he is sticking very close to me now so that is nice...we both miss Trinity I guess.

anyway please send us some healing energy as we need it big time right now! Merci'

love kyle

posted in Cat People - 15 replies

Are you more feline than human?

2008-01-21T17:33:46Z

Has being a guardian of felines rubbed off on you? Do you find yourself rubbing your ear of face with your curled fist or the back of your wrist? Have you found yourself sniffing people or the air? Sleeping in awkward positions?

I only ask, because i have noticed this about myself recently and had to laugh at myself each time.

posted in Cat People - 16 replies

yearly vet exam????

2008-01-11T22:53:36Z

My vet sent a notice saying our two indoor cats should come in for their yearly exam. Do you think it's necessary for a yearly exam if they have their shots and our indoor cats and healthy? They are 2 1/2 years old. Thanks

posted in Cat People - 9 replies

Cigarette Odor as Catnip?

2008-01-09T00:49:27Z

My brother in law visited us over the New Year's weekend. My cat Tamurlain, who isn't normally all that demonstrative, went bonkers over him. He climbed all over him, sniffed him blissfully, and insisted on spending hours in his lap.

Tam is definitely a man's cat. He thinks my husband is pretty much god, and he loves my husbands socks and shoes. I'm completely baffled about his reaction to Lee's brother, though. We don't smoke and Bill does (he went outside to do so.) and even to me, he smells strongly of cigarettes. Could this be the draw? It never occurred to me that a cat would be attracted to the odor of cigarettes, but I can't think of any other reason.

Oh, by the way, my brother in law is a bee keeper. Just in case that has anything to do with it.

Ideas?

Domina

posted in Cat People - 10 replies

Skin Problems

2008-01-05T21:26:32Z

Here's my cat's story...

Around May 2006, my cat broke her leg and had to have the FHO surgery. She was only 1 years old. They shaved her stomach, one of her hind legs, half her butt, behind her front leg (for the IV), and the side of her (for the pain patch). It was horrible... After a few months, all of her fur grew back except on her stomach, leg, and behind her front leg. I just thought I had to be patient with the rest of the fur to grow back. And then I began to notice that the OTHER front leg had fur missing from behind it!

I started to watch her and realize she was excessively licking and biting at those areas. July 2007, I brought her to the vet because I saw that the ankle of her hind leg looked kinda pinkish (a little raw). The vet had no helpful information. She just prescribed her Tresaderm drops for her leg and Pred to take orally. It is to temporarily stop the itching, etc. Well, it healed her leg but she went back to doing the same thing. I then thought maybe she was really bored or had anxiety, so, I bought Feliway Comfort Zone plug in for the wall in August. I have had it in now for 5-6 weeks. I thought it would also help with the fact that she is not very nice. She likes to hiss and snip at you sometimes if you try to touch her or pick her up. It hasn't really helped.

So then I started doing research on the internet. I saw that it might be food allergies. I had been feeding her Iams dry food since she got her surgery last year.

I read that Iams is horrible and I started reading about Innova. So, last Wednesday, I switched her to Innova Reduced Fat. I know that it will take time to know if the Innova works (possibly 90 days). I just want to know if anyone has had these issues.... Does anyone have any advice? She was so normal before she broke her leg.

Please help... I have posted some pictures of her.

posted in Cat People - 6 replies

Vaccinations

2008-01-04T23:42:57Z

Do Indoor only cats need to be vaccinated every year?

posted in Cat People - 16 replies

Kitty drinking from the pool

2008-01-03T20:38:50Z

My mom inherited my brother's cat for Christmas. Ever since then she lets him out on the patio to roam around. It's his FAVORITE place to be! The only thing is that he likes to take a sip of water from the pool.... We all yell for him to stop when we see him do it. But is this bad?? We are not sure what to do to make him stop it.

posted in Cat People - 8 replies

smelly butt

2008-01-03T20:19:00Z

I have a cat and a dog. The dog had to go on special food because of a digestive issue. The cat seems to like the dog's new dry food. The cat still eats her own food, so I'm not worried about her not getting the proper nutrients that are missing from dog food. I guess to the cat it's more of a snack to take a bit of the dog food.

But, since she's been stealing some of the dog's food, her butt has gotten very smelly. It's not all the time either. She'll be laying next to me, or sitting on my lap, no problem, and then out of nowhere, this REALLY foul smell!!!!! Like a fart or something. But one of those silent but deadly ones, because I never hear her passing gas.

I can't get her to stop eating the dog food, because the food is kept down for the dog all the time (the dog picks at her food all day long). I just wonder if there's something I can do to stop that stink!!

posted in Cat People - 34 replies

Cat Grass

2008-01-03T14:38:20Z

What are your thoughts on giving your cat "Cat Grass"?

I picked up already grown 100% organic wheat grass from Pet Supermarket yesterday. I gave it to my cat and she ate the whole thing within a day. Is that normal?

I'm trying to get her to stop chewing on my artificial xmas tree. I came home the other day to see she vomited up a fake pine needle from the tree.

posted in Cat People - 8 replies

where to find cages to trap feral cats

2008-01-03T01:30:39Z

There are some feral cats on a construction site near my house. There are some kittens too. I want to find a cage to trap them and try to get them fixed. Does anyone know of a place in Oakland, CA where I can find a cage and also where to get inexpensive spay and neuter?
Will the ASPCA spay/neuter them?

posted in Cat People - 10 replies

Excessive grooming

2008-01-03T00:35:39Z

Does anyone have any advice on getting a cat to stop this? My cat does this on her leg and it gets to the point of being raw at times. The vet believes it is food allergies. I have started her on Royal Canin Hypoallergenic HP23 food. I hope this will make her stop as well as get her fur to grow back there.

posted in Cat People - 3 replies

Pet farts

2008-01-02T21:28:04Z

The whole smelly butt issue I was having with my cat made me think about the fact that most of the time when our pets fart they are the "silent but deadly" kind. I did a little googling, and there is a medical reason why cats and dogs usually don't make noise when they pass gas.

But this got me to thinking of the once in a blue moon that they do actually "toot" (as the song goes). And that got me laughing, because I can remember picturing the look on my dog's face when she would actually make noise while passing gas. It was a look of shock!! Like ... "Did that noise just come out MY tush?!?!?!"

Anyway, it made me laugh to think about that!

posted in Cat People - 0 replies

Animals seized from a "rescue" house

2008-01-02T20:45:33Z

http://www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=83572

why did they take only 20 of the 70 animals there?

and does anyone know of a reliable online news source? The numbers seem to change from 20 to 26, depending where you look

stupid media

posted in Cat People - 3 replies

Mangey or--?

2007-12-28T23:00:39Z

I'm kind of worried... One of my cats is having a lot of dandruff, which is worse when we brush her. I noticed this yesterday, the increase of dandruff. Now, this morning I see she has a significant patch of hair missing. I sure hope she doesn't have mange, though I'm not sure *exactly* what Mange involves. Any ideas? Sally is a house cat but apparently received some kind of trauma as a kitten because she's mean and doesn't want to be handled. Taking her to a vet would be a nightmare.

posted in Cat People - 9 replies

how long do cats lactate?

2007-12-28T18:26:00Z

HI,
Just wondering if it's normal/healthy for a cat to be still feeding her kitten after about 16 or 17 weeks?
She was stopping feeding her just at the time she was spayed (against our wishes, this was
before we'd offically adopted her...) about 6 weeks ago but seemed to re-start feeding her
remaining kitten when the kitten had a bad reaction to her first vaccination. The kitten is a very
fussy eater and far too interested in exploring to eat half the time, and definitely enjoys mum's
milk best. I trust them to figure out a weaning time naturally, but I just wonder whether it's usual
for a mum to keep feeding at this age?

cheers
anjuli

posted in Cat People - 17 replies

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-28T06:42:52Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw-apc3XKvI

posted in Cat People - 2 replies

cross country cats - California to New York and back

2007-12-18T22:43:35Z

Hi, what do you think of my recent cross-country trip?
http://crosscountrykitties.blogspot.com/

We really enjoyed ourselves. I would apprecitate your comments!

-Laksa

posted in Cat People - 3 replies

where are feral cats when it rains?

2007-12-11T19:37:58Z

Do they stay out in rain?

posted in Cat People - 10 replies

Weird Hair Thing

2007-12-08T03:34:49Z

Ok, here is a weird thing...I noticed in the tub some excess black cat hair...than I noticed later just above my cats tail some of his hair has changed color (lighter) and is shorter, as if it was burnt-off, it didn't fall out like a patch of hair or skin problem...I felt around the area but there is no sore or anything. He did acknowledge me when I pet the area but no major reaction of pain. This morning I did wake up to the water running in the tub, his new trick is to turn on the water, I didn't notice if it was the hot when I turned it off. I am going to Prague next weekend and I am pondering whether this is a vet situation or a fluke.

I have been told two different trains of thought about the vet, one by a rescue place, that said don't go to the vet for every little thing, think of it as a child, would you take them in every time they fell down and scraped a knee...while other people say to bring them all the time...

posted in Cat People - 9 replies

Christmas and Cats

2007-12-06T21:36:19Z

So it's that time of year and I am wondering what everyone else does? Do your cats destroy the xmas tree? Are xmas trees safe to have? (If the cats eat the needles will they get hurt or sick?)

I haven't had a tree in about 5 years, not since I got my cats. I would love to get a small one this year though...

posted in Cat People - 20 replies

integration failure, but with otherwise happy ending

2007-12-04T05:56:34Z

So, a few weeks ago, i took Fluffy, a nearly 5 y.o. Himalayan mix off of her previous keeper's hands because the cat and her keeper were not a good fit.

I thought i could do better, and i could not have been more wrong.

My nearly 5 year old Meezer mix, Tonya, set a bad precedent by being a four-door, brass-plated bitch on wheels to Fluffy.

I tried everything i could afford to try and to no avail.

every interaction between the two ended up with fur quite literally flying, although Fluffy had the fur to spare and suffered no cuts or scratches, and i can't feel too bad for the scratches that Tonya and Shadow got out of it since they repeatedly provoked the poor thing. (I love my little fur-monsters, but i know when they are being naughty and/or asking for trouble)

Anyway, Saturday morning comes along and my breakfast is interrupted by the sound that lets me know that i failed to secure Fluffy's hiding spot adequately: Cat-fight!

I shoo Tonya out with the squirt-bottle/ newspaper spank combo and find Fluffy cowering in the bathroom sink again, i notice that her tail is wet and that i forgot to put the toilet lid down, then i realize that i smell something odd.

Fluffy was so upset that she went right in the sink as Tonya had apparently come in and ambushed her while she was prepping to use the box, so i had to immediately rush into action to get her as clean as possible.

She had to endure the indignity of messing herself and then the added hassle of me scooping her up and subjecting her to an impromptu bath.

how i managed to one-arm the cat and adjust the bath temperature without having the cat-holding arm reduced to bloody shreds is beyond me, but after a moment of fussing, Fluffy took her bath like a champ, revealing a fairly smallish kitty beneath that huge mountain of fur.

I asked her previous keeper if she could resume custody of Fluffy long enough for me to come up with some other solution, but upon being returned to my neighbor, Fluffy ingratiated herself to her old keeper in ways she had not previously.

One one hand, i feel terrible that i failed so utterly in spite of my efforts to give Fluffy a more welcoming and stress-free home, but on the other hand, her previous owner informs me that after dealing with the hellbeast that is my Tonya, Fluffy was more than happy to be back in her apartment with her and her kitten, Shelby.

So all other creatures great and small are happy now, but at the cost of several weeks of what i'm sure Fluffy regarded as something near hell and my realization that i was not competent enough to do a better job...argh.

posted in Cat People - 10 replies

depressed cat?

2007-11-30T02:50:21Z

I had three cats until a few weeks ago when one died. Since then Costello, my big black panther tom, has been fretful, demanding, always miaowing. I don't have a cat flap and he loves to go in and out a lot but he's been doing it to such a degree that i wonder if it's not attention seeking. Miaows to go out 10 seconds later miaows to come back in. Miaows to go out ad infinitum or until he decides to go and catnap for a while. He seems to be grieving for Peach. What can I do for him? Been wondering whether maybe there's a homeopathic remedy or something. He's a very vocal cat who needs and gets plenty of love, sleeps in bed with us.... By the way he and our other cat Phoebe ( a late arrival and semi delinquent) don't get along though he rules the roost and Phoebe doesn't give a tuppenny damn about Peach, never having really gelled with the others

posted in Cat People - 10 replies

Cross country drive with kitty

2007-11-24T04:28:09Z

Hello,
I've read the previous post concerning long trips with kitty and found the suggestions very helpful. Mine will be from Houston, TX to San Jose, CA. I estimate it will take me about 3 days. Is this an acceptable length of travel time for my cat? I wll certainly get a mid-size crate and anything else to make it comfortable for her.
Thanks for your comments!
Linda

posted in Cat People - 19 replies

darling! the crow and the kitten

2007-11-23T20:56:16Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JiJzqXxgxo

posted in Cat People - 3 replies

New Holiday!

2007-11-18T17:52:11Z

So.....I am thinking we should start a new holiday called..........................

National Hug Your Cat Day and it should be officially today's date November 15th, but we SHOULD hug our kitties every day ;-)

So, on that note.....

Happy Hug Your Cat Day ;-)

Now, go get hugging!

posted in Cat People - 7 replies

grist for the mill

2007-11-17T06:22:35Z

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/us/14cats.html?em&ex=1195275600&en=c2835051a6ce9371&ei=5087%0A

i can see both sides to this, albeit from a pro feline perspective. what's intriguing though is the legal aspect. it seems to me that animal rights have gained real ground in the last five or six years, which is indeed good, but what to do in a case like this, other than the obvious - neutering, spaying, and keeping cats indoors as much as possible?

posted in Cat People - 4 replies

Organization that helps people w cats?

2007-11-15T05:50:14Z

Would any one here, know of an organization that helps people in financial difficulty, care for their cats?

I am trying to help someone whose greatest fear is to not be able to provide for her cats. If she knew such a organization existed it might help to relieve some of her anxiety during a rough time.

Thanks for any info.

Leslee

posted in Cat People - 3 replies

Chicken Bones

2007-11-15T01:14:48Z

Last night I came home to my beautiful Alpha cat Tupac and noticed something was just not right. He greeted me at the door, but was not his overloving self, he seemed not to be able to close his mouth. I panicked, I also noticed that the fur on both insides of his arms had been mottled by saliva. I picked him up and took him into the bathroom where I sat him on my lap and opened his mouth wide. I nearly fainted when I saw what was in there, it was a small half inch piece of chicken bone, stuck between his upper teeth across the back of his mouth. My heart leaped to my chest and I stuck my finger in there and popped it out. With a shake of his head he spat it out. MY GOD. I was shaking and almost crying just thinking of what could have been. We're vegetarians, so I don't know where he got this thing from - it really scared me. So again - PLEASE get rid of chicken bones safely !!!!! I can't imagine living without my Tupac, he slept next to me all night.

posted in Cat People - 12 replies

Cat friendly place

2007-11-13T19:42:22Z

Does anybody know what place has the lowest amont of cat-bashing? I've like to live in such a place so I could best avoid the cat-bashing of today's modern dystopia.

posted in Cat People - 1 reply

When to neuter?

2007-11-13T19:40:56Z

Soooo....I've been doing some research - it seems that people used to neuter their male cats between 6 and 9 months - at the time of puberty. However, many vets today are saying it should be done right away as soon as 6 weeks, which doesn't seem to me to be enough to allow for full development with all the hormones. I understand not wanting spraying or mass kitty kat orgies - which I'm keeping a close eye out for (Lion is 7 months now). But I've been hearing about owners not wanting the jowls or the muscles - which brings up my curiosity. Why wouldn't one want their feline to be strong? And if I do wait for 9 or 10 months or so to neuter (long as the spraying or orgies aren't happening) , will they lose the jowls/muscles at that point? I'm just lookin' for some answers that I can't find anywhere else and the vets won't answer......

posted in Cat People - 10 replies

trembling kitten (12 weeks) and out of sorts

2007-11-13T14:08:51Z

hi,
I adopted a feral cat and her kitten and am anxious about the kitten as she started
trembling lots this afternoon (she does tremble from time to time, but never so
continuously).
She's also not her usual bouncy self - couldn't be bothered with playing and is
wanting to either be cuddled up with mum or by herself.
she had a course of synulox a few weeks back as she had bits of sleep in her
eyes and a bit sneezy and she had her first vaccinations on friday so I'm
a bit paranoid that she may have some illness that's perhaps been brought out
by the jab. She also is not a huge fan of weening food and is still wanting to
suckle but this week her mum (spayed 2 weeks ago) is starting to stop her
so it may be that she got a bit hungry and a bit cold (very cold morning and
the door was open so her mum could go out).

I took her to the vet who said her temperature is not too bad but has given her
anti biotics (amfipen 50mg) for 5 days just in case and to keep an eye open for any further symptoms.

She's toileted normally today (very slight looseness on 2nd poo), and has eaten and no signs of sickness. I just checked on
her and she seems more contented and not shivering. and she's just eaten some chicken and kitten milk :)

I'm hoping she's just having an off day (and watching her like a hawk)
but just wanted to know if anyone has any ideas or thoughts of what to watch out for?
I'm making sure her room is at 20-22deg and am going to encourage her to eat/drink.

thanks!
anjuli

posted in Cat People - 5 replies

My cat is having a hard time going #2

2007-11-13T01:14:16Z

Took him to the vet last weekend. He was groaped and proded but the vet didn't find anything wrong. His stool was normal but he strains and is in obvious discomfort when he tries to pass it. Someone in the reception area wondered if it could be hemorrhoids, doesn't it figure that I neglected to mention that to the vet while was there - duh!

Has anyone here heard of hemorrhoids in cats? If so, any idea what to do about it?

Thanks for listening.

posted in Cat People - 12 replies

I believe Channel 2 News advocates animal cruelty!

2007-11-06T15:09:08Z

I will never, ever watch Fox 2 News in Detroit again!!! Those cat-hating assholes listed "your neighbor's cat" as one of the things that's hard to scrape off your car in one of their very, very stupid trivia questions! These numbskulls need to stay in the busniess of reporting news, not advocate animal cruelty! And please don't tell me that I'm overreacting because I'm not. Cruelty against cats is a very real thing, and do not want to support that bullshit for any reason!

posted in Cat People - 5 replies

New Halloween animation inspired by my furry friends!

2007-10-31T18:34:25Z

To celebrate Halloween I've posted a brand new Buddy and Emma animation on my home page.

I will also be adding some pics of my much beloved (and dearly missed!) furry comrades who originally inspired these 'toons. Please stop by and let me know what you think!

We support the work of The Marley Fund, www.marleyfund.com and Alley Cat Allies, www.alleycats.org. HELP FIGHT FELINE LEUKEMIA!

posted in Cat People - 0 replies

Cat alarm clock

2007-10-30T21:01:44Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEmQHkdBHr0

posted in Cat People - 7 replies

kitten Lucy needs a loving home

2007-10-30T06:31:32Z

I am desperately searching for a loving home for Lucy. If you or anyone you know is interested. Please get in touch! My contact info is listed below:

Lucy is a 3 year old white "kitten" with gray patches. I have had her since she was a 8 weeks old. She was rescued at 2 weeks old . Her rescuers believed that her mother died or was injured soon after her and her brother Linus were born. She was in foster care being nursed back to health for the first 8 weeks of her life. Because she didn't get mother's milk, she is very small for a full grown cat and still looks like a kitten. She is definitely a people cat, the way many cats are who are weaned early, but she is not clingy, in fact quite independent.

She was adopted from Pets Unlimited on Fillmore where she was spayed and got a microchip. She is fully immunized and had just had a vet check up and is healthy. She is currently/indoor outdoor cat. Her food of choice is dry Whiskas. She needs to sleep indoors at night and likes to go out to play and sunbathe during the day if outdoors is accessible. She loves chasing a laser pointer and jumping to catch toys with feathers. She is very affectionate once you get to know her, but takes a little bit to warm up. She has been an only cat for the majority of her life and though she can eventually get used to other cats in her environment, she does experience some anxiety around that due in most part to being much smaller than most other cats.

She need a new home because I recently moved in with my partner and he's just not a cat person. Unfortunately Lucy's presence is having disastrous affects on our otherwise amazing relationship which is not healthy for any of the 3 of us!

You can view pictures of her at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16444290@N03/

Please call Prudence 415.516.1368 if you are interested

posted in Cat People - 3 replies

Is there life after frontline?

2007-10-29T17:08:12Z

I got the frontline that was mentioned, and have used it twice so far.
Both cats stop as violently scratching for a few days, but then they
go back to scratching a lot soon after. Frontline doesnt seem to have
done anything significant to get rid of the fleas. I have used it
in the past with much success

At this point, we have fleas in most of our house it seems.

A coworkers recommended mixing a little brewers yeast in
with the cat food, and that should take care of the biting fleas
on the cats in about a week.

Any ideas on what we should with the house other than vacuuming?
Is this brewers yeast thing for real?

posted in Cat People - 11 replies

integration problem

2007-10-24T19:50:14Z

just acquired another cat who was facing an uncertain future if i had not intervened (owner is a little eccentric and impatient and did not know how to be4 a little more patient with the cat, expected it to be as affectionate toward her as she was with it, was surprised to discover that it was not automatic)

my only problem is that Tonya, the younger of the pair of females i have had for the last four years made her very nervous right out of the gate and she ended up picking a fight with Shadow in which she did not fare too well. She spent most of the last day and a half camped out in my bathroom sink and Tonya has spent the same period hiding under my bed, leaving Shadow as the unexpected new queen of the roost.

I put the new cat (named "fluffy" by her previous owner) in a cat carrier and have set it in the middle of the room, hoping that the other two will be less likely to be bitchy around her and acclimate to her presence, but fluffy has been stand-offish too and i have not seen her eat or drink any of the food or water i have set aside for her since i brought her in (going on 48 hours now)

poor fluffy is quite unhappy in the carrier and i don't want to leave her stranded in the bathroom. I would use feliway, but i'm broke as hell and this arrangement was very last-minute in nature

help.

posted in Cat People - 8 replies

Family pets need new homes... ASAP

2007-10-24T01:22:25Z

My family is in a desparate situation right now and we have to move in 2 weeks. My roommate/exhusband is going to prison and I need to find homes for his pets. I can't keep them b/c I already have 3 cats and my boyfriend's dog.

Tucker is a sheppard lab 8 month old pup. He's about 80 pounds now, has had all of his shots and just needs to be neutered now. He's great with kids and tries his best to get the cats to play with him. Very fun loving dog. Loves to go for walks and yes, is potty trained. Who ever wants him will also get his big fluffy pillow bed, favorite toys, leash and whatever food we have.

Billy is a sweet old black cat with a white belly. I'd guess he's around 7 years old. Very loving and occasionally playful. He has also had his shots and been neutered. I think he may have a couple teeth gone bad b/c his breath is horrendous.

Haley is a cute little gray tabby. She is 2-3 years old. Also vaccinated and spayed. She unfortunately is a skittish one. Sometimes she will want to be loved but for the most part she is not a human's cat... she is a cat's cat. Billy (the cat described above) is her best friend. She gets along with the other cats as well but Billy is her man. And she HATES the dog.

Savanna is a sweatheart but has to stay outside. She's 2 years old. Otherwise she'll pee where she shouldn't in the house. She is white with gray tabby markings on her head, back and tail. She too has been vaccinated and spayed.

If you or someone you know is interested, please let me know.

Thanks,
Annie

posted in Cat People - 1 reply

CAT users manual

2007-10-13T17:39:34Z

A must read for all fleabus owners!

http://www.andreas.com/catman.html

posted in Cat People - 3 replies