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Cat Club March 2009
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Message 1.Â
Posted by Dougals Servant (U7470526) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Hello folks, and welcome to the March Cat Club.
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:51 GMT
This is a forum for people to talk about cats, to share information, and to seek and give advice and support.*
If you need a fast response to a problem, you might prefer to start your own thread: entitle it "Cat Emergency" and it will attract attention more quickly, although most of the regular visitors to this club check in on a daily basis.*
These are the links to other Village Hall Cat threads:
Feral/Stray Cats: F2693944?thread=6216800
Good Food for Cats: F2693944?thread=3538824
Pucci's Feline Diabetes: F2693944?thread=3603152&skip=0&show=20 This thread is now closed and for reference only. It is a wonderful resource for those with diabetic cats.
The Cat Club Rota thread: F2693944?thread=6184953. Volunteers - just post on the Rota thread which month(s) you are free to open up. Hint: we do not have a volunteer for next month yet...
Cats should look here: F2693944?thread=6241663 Cats' Ceilidh, Continued: which in Thorkjell's words, is "Intelligent feline speech, elegant dancing and gourmet food. Hard Katts and Pashmina Pussies welcome. Humans are welcome, but only if they're house-trained and well-behaved.......strictly no canines!" Perhaps I should update this to say that certain horses and turkeys and dragons come to the Ceilidh as well as kittens, kattens and cats.
If there's anything you want to check/re-read on last month's thread: F2693944?thread=6285684
Useful links:
Call Advice Direct: ...
Vet Help Direct:
(NB: note to whoever is opening up next month: the two links above cannot be copied and pasted direct from one month's Cat Club introduction to the next one. One has to open each link and copy and paste the whole site address (http etc).
*Please note that any advice given here is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you have worries about your cat's health, do please seek professional advice.
Supertillypops has let us know that Cats Protection has its own Directory Enquiries line. For every call made to 118 515, 9p is donated to CP.
Looking back at the last month there was as ever a mixture of sad news and worrying news although also news of successes and also of new cats. I won't name servants or cats as I am bound to forget someone.
However, Come Ö÷²¥´óÐã Spike, Neeeoooow!
Wishing all cats and servants a good month,
Dougal, Tabatha, Rum & Mungo -
Message 2
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:02 GMT, in reply to Dougal in message 1
Thanks for opening up, Dougal. Let's hope that March is a month for good news, esp the return of Spike.
gj
x -
Message 3
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Morning Dougal
How nice you have opened up for a new month, thank you.
I have a question - poor Trev this morning honked up the biggest fur ball ever. I had to assist with removal.
Anyway I have got some stuff called "Defurr -um"
but I was told it is not good to use it too often.
Any tips on helping him out with his problem ?
Claude never gets them and is just as good with his personal hygiene.
Best wishes to poorly felines and their worried servants and Ö÷²¥´óÐã Now missing boys and girls.
Flakes x -
Message 4
Posted by Threeblack drapedwellsofmyown (U5254306) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:05 GMT, in reply to 2flakey in message 3
Good Morning all catty types
I have a great news story for catty types in Ireland
A bereaved cat who was in need of a home has one as of yesterday with Marigold an MLer of this parish
He was in foster care for ages so we have a happy boy and a happy Marigold
Isn't that great news? -
Message 5
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:09 GMT, in reply to 2flakey in message 3
Well if it's just the one I wouldn't worry. If it's a petroleum-based product the problem is that it coats the lining of the gut and prevents full absorption of nutrients - fine in the short-term, but obviously bad in the long term.
So if hairballs seem to be a problem I would use it for a short while. Other than that, regular grooming, etc, but I'm sure you do that anyway. It's March, so he's probably moulting more than usual.
We always used to be alerted to March by an increase in the amount of indoor spraying. Those days have gone though (both thankfully and sadly).
gj
x -
Message 6
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Many thanks, Dougal, let's hope the spring will be a good one for all of us.
Flakes, I suppose the product you've got is a liquid paraffin based thing? It shouldn't be used regularly because it coats the lining of the intestines and prevents them from digesting their food proprly. But nowt wrong with using it occasionally.
You can also help him by regular grooming to keep the amounts of loose fur down. Do you have a zoom groom? Most cats seem to like, or at least tolerate, them, and you can get a great deal of loose fur off very rapidly. I wet the zoom groom, if not you end up with fur up your nose, in your eyes, etc.
By the way, one of the things I would not do is buy dried food that claims to help with the fur ball problem. They do so by increasing the amount of fibre in the food, and this can lead to problems, including an increased risk of cystitis.
all the best
laRA -
Message 7
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Morning all, and thank you Dougal. I echo your wishes that March will be Spike's month to return home, indeed that all missing babes return home.
Ooh, a zoom groom? Never heard of it but it sounds fantastic. Ours love to be groomed and produce an enormous amount of loose fur, it sounds just the job. Have you more info you can point me at, please, LaRA?
Sorry about the enormous hairball, poor little sweetie. Let's hope that's a one off event.
Right. Been rained off the garden, but just managed to cut one 'lawn' (ha, hardly a lawn) so I've come in to make a fish pie and a carrot cake and possibly a nice lemony pudding.
xx
Ali -
Message 8
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Hi Ali
You can buy them from zooplus (see link), but I've seen them at the vet's as well.
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Message 9
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
I have something similar a cloth mitten with rubber knobs - O'er.
Thanks everyone for your wisdom.
Off to the garden in case Ali's rain is coming my way.
Flakes -
Message 10
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:30 GMT, in reply to Ali-cat in message 7
I hate the zoom groom though I admit I never tried it wet. Too much sneezing and coughing! I much prefer a slicker, preferably one with plastic ends on the tines (tynes?) though I have both, and the one without has never ever touched the skin and hurt the cat.
I like this one:
And they both love being groomed with it. It's good for teasing out the odd tangle too, if one goes gently.
gj
x -
Message 11
Posted by dino (U13520517) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Hear hear , always exellent news to hear of happy endings.
Hope they will both be very happy.
dino -
Message 12
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
I spoke to Buddy on his thread in the bull. He is a handsome boy, I hope they are very happy with each other.
Great news
Flakes xx -
Message 13
Posted by Eliza Bennet (U2508760) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Last month's good news was the employment of Marigold by Buddy (who looks judging by his photo like a really sweet boy), and I really hope for this month's good news to be the return of Spike.
And No Bad News at all. -
Message 14
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Total frustration, I can't find Buddy's thread in TB. Any chance of a link?
Re grooming tools: Flakes, gj, I've got all of those and others. I still find the Zoom Groom the most effective for getting off lots of loose fur (much better than the mitt, Flakes). And if you wet it, then the flying fur problem goes away.
Eliza, I'll raise a glass to your post!
laRA -
Message 15
Posted by Eliza Bennet (U2508760) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
There's a link in the thread to the website of the employment bureau Buddy used to hire Marigold. If you click on Adopt A Cat on the menu on the left hand side and scroll down, you'll meet Buddy. And lots of other rather gorgeous cats looking for servants. -
Message 16
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:41 GMT, in reply to laReine-Astrid in message 14
I can't either, laR, and was about to ask the same thing.
Ok, maybe I'll give the zoom thing another go then. Thanks.
I'll raise my, um, cough mixture.
gj
x -
Message 17
Posted by Boris Becka (U11094701) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
coo, March allready
Lilli, continues to make steady progress towards healthy kittenhood. She has coped very well with her lampshade, getting Ollie to carfully wash her face and ears for her.
Ollie has been very good and left the large drain in her side well alone.they attempted to get a bit lively this morning which we had to break up
both kittens send purrs of thanks to all well wishers on this thread..BB -
Message 18
Posted by Provincial Lady (U2665629) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Latest on Charlie: his human took him to the vet last week. The vet gave him an injection to make him eat - she couldn't remember what it was - what could it have been?
The vet also shaved off two large areas of matted fur. Because of joint problems, he can't reach behind himself to wash and groom. He's here now, wandering around, looking, I think, a bit more alert but not eating.
PL -
Message 19
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:11 GMT, in reply to Provincial Lady in message 18
It could have been valium, Provincial Lady. It works very well as an appetite stimulant when given by injection, but sadly the oral version does not have the same effect. Periactin is an antihistimine which can be given orally to stimulate the appetite. Scamp was on it for a long time, and I know Rusty and others have used it too.
Re joint problems, I know that one too. Pucci had arthritis and coudln't take painkillers because of his kidneys, nor steroids because of his diabetes, and we found Synoquin supplement instead. It has been clinically proven to help with arthritis and he had great help from it - no pain on manipulation after he was on it, and a return to grooming his hindquarters too.
Other things that can help with appetite: warming the food so it can be easily smelled, or giving small pieces of cooked chicken - I sometimes found that rubbing the chicken (raw or cooked) on a cat's nose will arouse interest when just sniffing at it themselves didn't.
I hope he starts eating soon. Do keep us posted.
gj
x -
Message 20
Posted by Provincial Lady (U2665629) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Valium - I'm amazed!! There's a lot I don't know. He has got supplements for the joints, but he won't take them. I gave his owner the advice I'd found here, but none of it worked; he's just very aware of the taste/smell of the ground-up tablets.
I'll try those sugggestions for eating, though, thanks.
PL -
Message 21
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:25 GMT, in reply to Provincial Lady in message 20
Yes I know! It's often used in hospital to kick-start their eating after an op. It worked particularly well with Suzie (who sadly ate almost nothing after that).
I wonder what his supplements are... I know that Synoquin is expensive, but my vet is convinced (through research) that it's the best of the glucosamine supps. And it's /tasteless/ - honestly - therefore easy to administer. It's a capsule that you empty out over the food.
gj
x -
Message 22
Posted by Mitch (U8863023) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Hi
All just bookmarking, thanks for all your continued come home vibes and shouts for spikey boy.
right spike enough its time to come home. Willows fed up doing cuddles.
Mitch x
Ps love to all lost and ill felines and slaves. -
Message 23
Posted by Eliza Bennet (U2508760) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Hear hear, Mitch. A furfle to Willow.
-
Message 24
Posted by lambswool (U4508857) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:42 GMT, in reply to M30) in message 22
Still thinking of you Mitch and willing Spike home. -
Message 25
Posted by Provincial Lady (U2665629) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
The supplement is a mixture of glucosamine, something I can't remember, and turmeric. I recall thinking that it was exactly the same as a person would take for the same problem. It's in tablet form and has to be ground up. It seems to be easily detectable.
He's just gone back home and may be back tomorrow. It's quite strange when he goes! -
Message 26
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:53 GMT, in reply to Provincial Lady in message 25
/Turmeric/!!?? That sounds very detectable. Synoquin definitely better than that! Also it's formulated in the correct proportions for cats - not the same as a human supplement which may contain ingredients not suitable for our furry friends.
gj
x -
Message 27
Posted by Jo Bo (U1485540) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Just bookmarking the new month's thread. What happened to February?!?
Susie's eyes are already looking a lot less gunky, and I've managed two lots of drops without too much trouble. For a little cat who had a very rough start, she can be very good.
Best wishes to all humans and felines, and sincerely hoping Spike makes a reappearance very soon.
Jo (and Herbie, Freddie, Hattie and Susie) x -
Message 28
Posted by Sea Nymph (U1474682) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Remember a while back the drama of Soup Dragon's old curmudgeon cat having to come to terms with a bouncy yowly new kitten? And the fireworks we let off and brass bands that played when they were happy enough to sit in the same room?
Now they enjoy a good natured bout of wrestling in front of the fireplace.It's like Women in Love round here most nights.That's good, obviously, and it's great to see them getting on.However the older male has taken to occasionally holding the kit down with his paw and very emphatically washing him.What's going on behaviourly? Has the kitten somehow been adopted? Male cats don't wash their kids, surrogate or otherwise, anyway, do they? -
Message 29
Posted by Eliza Bennet (U2508760) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Des washes Milly (which she hates) and the late great Delbert used to wash Treacle and later Milly and Des themselves when they were wee kittens.
In the latter case, it really did seem that he had adopted them - he tried to teach them to hunt in several easy stages by bringing them things (dead, nearly dead, comatose, semi-conscious, concussed, awake, awake-and-furious), slept with them and looked out for them in general as well as washing them.
In most cases, though, I suspect that it's a more equal, mutual grooming thing, or a power thing. Des's brotherly washing of Milly is nearly always the precursor to a punch-up.
Milly NEVER washes Des, although he could really do with it quite often. -
Message 30
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Same with ours. Doofus will lick Little Cat's head a few times but it more often than not ends up with him biting her neck. She never washes him.
Cat x -
Message 31
Posted by Jo Bo (U1485540) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Freddie, when he arrived as a 10 week old kitten, locked onto Herbie straight away as his best mate and plaything. Poor Herbie was jumped upon whenever F saw him. Now he's grown up, he still loves Herbie, and always goes up to him, tilts his head and waits to have his ears washed. He usually gets clean ears, but sometimes if he judges the mood wrongly, he gets a cuff round the head instead! But it is very sweet when he gets his bath.
Jo x -
Message 32
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Sunday, 1st March 2009
Hi all, just bookmarking for his month.
Still sending come home vibes to Spike.
Love and furfles,
b
x -
Message 33
Posted by Roots (U2273958) on Monday, 2nd March 2009
With our lot the mutual washing thing always ended up in fisticuffs.
Thanks for opening Dougal.
Lucy is in the norty corner. We had friends staying for the weekend, sleeping on the new sofa bed in the lounge. They were woken in the early hours by 'scratching' noises coming from under their bed. It took them some hours to find Lucy had crept into the tiny space under the sofa bed and once they were lying on it, she was completely trapped. Thank heavens they're both animal lovers, as they had to get up and totally dismantle their bed to get her out. And I'm afraid I slept through the whole episode!
For a little cat who's terrified of everyone, let alone strangers, it baffles me that she even ventured into their room. I suppose it was just somewhere different for her to go. Little tinker that she is.
Still lots of come home vibes to Spike, and hoping Rusty can rejoin us soon. -
Message 34
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Monday, 2nd March 2009
Oh, bless Lucy. What a darling she is. How typical, too, of a cat to find a tiny inaccessible place to sleep in and cause the maximum amount of fuss to everyone when she wants to get out.
Ours are hurtling around now, wanting 'out', but it's a Pill Day for Milli so we'll get that out of the way first.
Loving thoughts to all poorly and missing cats and worried owners, and Come Ö÷²¥´óÐã Spikey Boy.
xxx
Ali -
Message 35
Posted by ka (U13462170) on Monday, 2nd March 2009
Bookmarking too. Drawing a very firm line under February....
Furfles to all,
ka xx -
Message 36
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Monday, 2nd March 2009
Morning All Servants and felines
I just wanted to add Trev will wash Claude for ages often mindlessly in the same spot. They might be quite snoozy and Trev looks like one of those TV magician types has fiddled with his mind ( albeit a v small mind) then there will be an almighty bundle. Claude never washes Trev.
HOME SPIKE NOW PLEASE.
Flakes -
Message 37
Posted by sunlitfern (U1481854) on Monday, 2nd March 2009
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:15 GMT, in reply to 2flakey in message 36
I don't think this cat is ugly, he is different but has a lovely face.
Sunlit -
Message 38
Posted by Eliza Bennet (U2508760) on Monday, 2nd March 2009
He's a smashing looking lad. Like a lion. It doesn't explain the reason for his lion-pattern baldness, though; is he meant to be like that, or is he suffering from some medical condition, or what?
-
Message 39
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Monday, 2nd March 2009
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:31 GMT, in reply to Eliza Bennet in message 38
Aw the poor love. He looks like his mane could do with a good groom, and he could stand to loose a little weight. Lovely eyes too.
gj
x -
Message 40
Posted by Eliza Bennet (U2508760) on Monday, 2nd March 2009
He could certainly do with some regular grooming, gj, you're right. And a bit of a diet. Funny, that. There he is, living in a veterinary surgery...
-
Message 41
Posted by Roots (U2273958) on Monday, 2nd March 2009
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that. He looked pretty good to me, although like others I'd like to have a go at the knots in his furry bits.
In Friends Rachel had a furless cat. They don't exactly appeal to me, but they're still cats.
Coco was a tiny, dark brown, rather scraggy Siamese looking cat. We thought she was beautiful. A good, cat-loving friend thought she was really ugly, because she prefers traditional rounded tabbies etc. It's all a question of taste, but beneath the appearance they're all cats and have their own personalities.
Like with people, it's probably best not to judge character by appearance. Having said that, I'm getting seriously prejudiced against black and white cats because Lucy is being bullied by so many of them at the moment. It's like my road is full of them, and they've all got a mission in life to upset her.
Love to all, Roots xx -
Message 42
Posted by patchwork pattie (U6985101) on Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
I rather liked the look of that cat - not ugly, just interesting. Just popped in to say hello, wont stay long. Cleo cat is sitting on my lap being brushed and objects if I stop for too long. She'll take umbrage and disappear!
-
Message 43
Posted by supertillypops (U7654482) on Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
Hi to everyone and hoping for a happier March in Cat Club. Mitch, always thinking of you and willing Spike to come home.
stp -
Message 44
Posted by Purple_Hay (U11426811) on Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
I have two Siamese brothers and lately the bigger one has been biting the other one on the back of the neck to accompyning squeals, does anybody knows what is going on?
-
Message 45
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
Purple
I think the big boy's dominating his little brother.
This can be a very unpleasant situation for the one being dominated, who can become very withdrawn and timid.
We had a similar situation between Billy Boy and Astrid, although Astrid is far from timid and stands up for herself. We helped her by telling Billy off for his behaviour (firmly, but without going over the top) and protecting her. If, for example, she was on the bed and he wanted to take her place, we wouldn't let him.
Even so, relations between them have recently got rather fraught and I just got the Feliway diffuser. This diffuses cat-style pheromones which calm them down and improve relations.
I'm sure Basia can tell you where you can get it from in the States, or whether you have to order it from Europe.
It's not something to allow to continue, or your smaller boy's life could be made very unhappy.
all the best
laRA -
Message 46
Posted by Deb Z (U2256349) on Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
OH remarked yesterday that Milo has got "dandruff". Well, yes, he does have white bits of dried skin in his fur but I think it shows up more because he's black. He has a mixed diet of dried food (prescribed to stop his cystitis - which he really loves...)wet food and fresh food, is brushed frequently (short hair). So, should I be worried?
Deb
P.S. Yes, I've checked and it's not nits! -
Message 47
Posted by Roots (U2273958) on Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
Deb, I think you're probably right that the white bits are dry skin and nothing more sinister. I think all cats get this, but it shows up more if they've got a dark coat.
As long as Milo seems well in himself, eg not scratching more than usual, eating well etc, there's probably no need for concern. But of course if he's got any health worries you should get him checked by the vet.
HTH Roots xx -
Message 48
Posted by Deb Z (U2256349) on Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
Thanks Roots, that's what I thought - although OH seemed to think I should rush out and buy the feline equivalent of Heads and Shoulders*!
Is Milo eating normally you ask. Well, since regarding me as though I was Lucrezia Borgia everytime I put something he doesn't want to eat in his bowl is normal Milo behaviour, yes I think I can cheerfully say he is eating normally!
Deb
*other anti-dandruff shamposs are available. -
Message 49
Posted by corvid(ex mattyhislop) (U13819186) on Wednesday, 4th March 2009
Hello & a happy March to you all.Sorry I haven't visited,we have just had a very very bad few days.On Saturday we were on our way to the emergency vet,Fabian was looking very poorly,swollen leg joint,shaking etc.By now I was thinking he had been attacked by a dog as he had suspicious mushy marks round his neck & back legs,he wouldn't let me too near tho'.
I wrapped his carrier in a thick blanket in the back of the car,wedging wellies in either end so the basket wouldn't move.
To cut a long story etc,the car left the road on a very notorious bend,smashed through metal railings & turned over twice,landing on its wheels & catching fire.Grabbed my 4year old daughter & the carrier(stll intact thank goodness,prob because of padding),very shocked, Fabby staring out very stunned.Police,ambulance,fire brigade all arrive.A very kind helper rushed over & offered to take Fabian to the vet,even though it was 15 miles away.Anyway,after much drama we are discharged from hospital,not too poorly,get bus home,friends rally to pick poor Fabby up from the (empty)surgery.Emergency vet says he has been badly bitten but no bones broken.Oh dear,he was so shaken,he is the one least able to cope with dramas yet they always happen to him.
We went to see the car yesterday(her name was Sybil) & the recovery people couldn't believe we got out alive,particularly Fab,the car is almost flattened,especially the back end.
Anyway,he is getting better,slowly,lots of prawns & hot water bottles.
The rest of the gang are fine so far,thank goodness.
Anyway,no frogs lately thank goodness,Miranda still a little bald but others seem well & happy.
Have a good night all
Sarah -
Message 50
Posted by Purple_Hay (U11426811) on Wednesday, 4th March 2009
LaReine-Astrid thanks very much for your advice.
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