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October Cat Club
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Message 1.Ìý
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Friday, 30th September 2011
Welcome to the October 2011 ML Cat Club.
All are welcome here, to chat about cats and all things feline, to exchange information, seek and share advice and support about all things cat related. There’s a huge range of experience here, and whatever the query, we usually manage to come up with some suggestions.
If you have a specific and urgent problem which needs a quick response, 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.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please note, one of the most frequently posted pieces of advice is, ‘Take your cat to the vet’. None of us claim to be veterinary experts, and no vet would diagnose a problem via a message board. So if you’re really worried about your cat’s health, please get him/her to your vet asap, and maybe come on here afterwards for advice and support on treatment. But if you’re not too sure whether it’s urgent or not, feel free to ask for an opinion. Most regular cat clubbers are here, dipping in and out, 24/7, so you shouldn’t have to wait long for a response.
Other threads you might want to visit:
Feral/Stray Cats:
Good Food for Cats no. 1:
And no. 2:
Pucci's Feline Diabetes:
This thread is now closed and for reference only. It is a wonderful resource for those with diabetic cats:
Cats should look here:
Cats’ Ceilidh – a place for cats to have their own fun, without their slaves cramping their style:
And another, which we frequently point people to, is Bash’s introduction protocol, a really good way of introducing a new cat into a household of existing cats – well worth a read, and it is highly recommended by those who have used it:
A link to the cat club rota, because we can always do with more volunteers to open a new thread. If this link works, it will take you to the last page:
And the 2012 rota:-
And a link to a thread that's open for all animal lovers to post photos of their four-legged friends (or even stick insects if they want):
These are some external sites that have been found useful:
Re legislation in the UK in terms of caring for an animal properly:
Code of practice on care of cats:-
Dr. Pierson (guru on nutrition and other feline information):-
Tanya's Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:
And finally here is a link back to the September 2011 Cat Club:
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Here in southern Burgundy, Astrid and Billy Boy are enjoying the most wonderful weather, as are their servants. They have, however, just had a major spat. Billy Boy got kicked out of the living room, and was looking very shame-faced. Astrid had a big cuddle, then went and gave Billy boy a nose touch and a brrp, so I suppose she forgave him. So then I did, too. All is again peaceful at laReine's place, and long may it stay so. -
Message 2
Posted by Dougals Servant (U7470526) on Friday, 30th September 2011
Thanks laReine for opening up.
Everything seems fairly calm up here.
Tabs, Rum and Mungo seem to have adjusted to the new normal, and Tabs now sleeps most nights curled up in my arms. I have to apologise to her when I feel a need to fidget!
D's S -
Message 3
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Goodness me October already. Thanks for opening up. I'm squeezed to one side of the bed by one of Davina's boys.
-
Message 4
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Thank you LaReine.
DS, Dougal's Brooklyn counterpart is doing much better, and although he hasn't shaken off his URI entirely, he's well on the way. The only thing wrong with this picture is that he and Little Tabs are both uptown so visits for me are no longer daily, sob. I haven't been this attached to kittens since Spikelet and Milou, well, duh, who were both also socialised in my apt, but adopted out when I was in hospital so I never got to say goodbye.
Love to you and Tabs, Rum and Mungo, and to all CCers and their bosses.
Basia -
Message 5
Posted by fancylunnunways (U14315137) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Good morning all, I have been wondering whether anyone else has noticed their cats having a strange reaction to those treat sticks you can get.
Two of my cats (the ladies) were utterly disinterested in them , but the lad, Hendrix, developed what can only be described as an addiction for them. He also became noticeably more aggressive with the girls and generally moody. It took us a while to associate the behavioural changes with the treats, then we stopped giving them to him. The poor chap went through about a week of pawing hopefully at things that rustled in the same way as the treats packet, mewing pitifully and being even moodier than before, until, thankfully he is back to his old charming easy going self again.
What in heavens name is in them? -
Message 6
Posted by supertillypops (U7654482) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Thanks for opening laRa. All well here. Not a lot of action due to the weather.
fancylunnonways, I know what you mean about the sound of the treats packet. I've stupidly started giving them a couple of Dreamies when I leave the house for some time (we always used to give the dogs a Bonio or a marrowbone), and now every time Jasper hears a rustle he's on red alert for a treat.
love to all.
stp -
Message 7
Posted by yellowcat (U218155) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Whenever I go back to England I bring back some Aldi Soft Chew treats, Juno and Kaplan love them.
Unfortunately for me but not the cats I will probably have to come back to the UK for a couple of weeks next week to sort out some business. I will be sure to bring them plenty of treats back.
When I asked my wife what she would like me to bring for her she said Belgian chocolates, I asked if she wanted anything else and she said more Belgian chocolates. -
Message 8
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Yellowcat, your wife is a woman after my own heart!
Bash, ref getting attached to kittens, my friend fostered 4 kittens in the summer. Unfortunately her OH has got rather find of them and it sounds like thekittens are staying with my friend now. An excellent home, of course, in the country which they will love. But of course that means fewer foster spaces for next time.
Pebble loves the treat sticks but isn't addicted to them. I use the rustling of the pack to get him in when I think about it. Baldrick was addicted to Dreamies and would do anything for a Dreamie or 10. Of the rest of ours, only Hedge bothers about treats much and the rest usually ignore them. -
Message 9
Posted by Jo Bo (U1485540) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Bookmarking on this lovely day! Thanks for opening La RA.
My lot are fine. I have left Horace's door open this morning and he's running round the garden, coming in to say hello and have a quick cuddle every so often while I'm watching the rugby. Much to Hattie's disgust. The other boys are curled up out of the way, although relations between Freddie and Horace are improving.
He's back...squeaking and wanting more cuddles.
Jo x -
Message 10
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Hi LaReine - thanks for opening. Love to BB and Astrid, they do have an up and down relationship don't they, bless 'em.
Here at blimbles vistas, it is sweltering - totally ridiculous for October, but shouldn't grumble!
Rusty - replying to your Q in the Sep thread re Libby's biting - the outright attacks just come from nowhere. I'm usually sprawled on the chair, not stroking her or anything. She might not even be in the room with us, but she will suddenly just fly across the room and go for me - either legs or arms or one time my head!
She will also bite / scratch when being stroked, but I know the signs and take my hand away before she gets to that stage. And I think that sort of bitey / scratchiness is NFL (Normal For Libby). The random attacks are probably three or four times a year and are usually followed by her looking really confused for a while. I think she just reacts to something - I think I must smell bad - hormones? Perhaps a scent I wear occasionally - next time I'll try and note the conditions and see if there is any rhyme or reason.
OH and I have often remarked that had Libby gone to a family with children or less understanding people, she'd have been returned to CPL. As it was, OH actually picked her because she bit him at the shelter and he thought she was feisty and would be good fun. Which of course, turned out to be true. And there is a true and strong bond between them - she is deffo his cat and I'm fine with that. (Although of course I do all the litter tray duties and deal with the frogs she brings in - Another last night - SIGH)
Love to all!
b
x -
Message 11
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Thanks for opening up this month, laRA. I'm glad Astrid has forgiven Billy, bless her, but it is a bit upsetting to see when housemates have a set to, innit?
Jo (9), ah, good to read that Freddie and Horace are getting a bit better together. Wondering if Hattie was disgusted by Horace demanding cuddles or you watching rugby though. IME, cats much prefer the tennis.
It's going to be a scorcher today, apparently. Deep joy - not. However, all the cats are currently stretched out on the verandah or their little balconies, so at least they are happy.
A few weeks back there was a thread in TB discussing whether the fire service should be involved in rescuing animals. Opinion was divided, some saying they should be, partly as it helps hone the firefighters' skills, or that it helps prevent "the public" from getting into difficulties by attempting tricky animal rescue themselves.
Someone pointed out that the fire service in the countryside might be justified in not carrying out some domestic animal/wildlife rescues, unless they were causing obstruction or whatever. Farm animals were different, the poster said (presumably not least because of their value?).
The poster pointed out that in rural areas the service had to cover large areas so shouldn't be expected to undertake animal rescue except in very specific circs.
Anyway (I'm getting there, promise) I asked my godson, who is a reserve firefighter in Devon. He said that they undertake animal rescue of any kind though naturally, human needs take priority.
His station even responds to requests for help for seagulls who need help. He reports that seagulls are powerful beasts and ungrateful wossits when rescued.
Usually requests for help come through the RSPCA, but not inevitably.
There is no charge, even for domestic animals with owners.
He cannot categoricaly say that different regions have the same policy, though.
Waving to Flakes - I hope you are well on the road to recovery now and enjoying warm weather. Love to all at Flakey Towers.
Also waving to Subaroo and sending love to Rosie and Frank.
Rusty -
Message 12
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
blimbles, I have always thought it was relatively uncommon for cats to rush up out of the blue to attack a human. I have read that this kind of behaviour might be due to a kind of epilepsy. However, some kind of wiring which means cats are too easily over-stimulated could be a cause too. Pom doesn't do that at least: she attacks - and means it - if one tries to handle her against her will (as a vet nurse found to her cost); and she grabs or bites (chews almost) me when near me (and other women, like my mother and sisters). It seems part over-affection, part...... frustration??
Interesting that Libby doesn't do this to your OH. I just asked mine, and he said she never has (except when being picked up to go in her carrier for the vet - and she really means business then). On the other hand, she is a "mummy's girl" rather than a "daddy's" so she doesn't choose him to sit on/by or demand a fuss from. Hmmm.
One can't even say that Libby is frustrated in general, as she can and does go out and isn't cooped up like my lot. I do try and make life as interesting (indoor gyms etc, secure outdoors space) for them as possible, but I sometimes wonder if she was off chasing squirrels, the fat pigeons and - er - frogs, she might be less hyper. Thinking of the Libster though, I'm not so sure now.
Absolutely take your point about Libby going to a less understanding or experienced family, or one with children. She really doesn't kow how lucky she is.
Rusty -
Message 13
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Meant to say too: I know I've posted about my friend's neighbour's cat. This was an adult, spayed stray who moved in with said neighbours and apparently never attacked them (a couple, both male - this might be significant which is why I mention it here). My friend used to feed her when the couple were away, but was warned not to touch her, even if the cat was being affectionate.
However, this cat was very unpredictable and my friend Sue was standing in her own kitchen, reading a letter when the cat came in through the cat flap, flew at her and bit her leg very badly, really hanging on. I suppose the cat could have mistaken Sue's cat flap for her own (just next door), but am also wondering whether even the rustle of paper (Sue's letter) set her off.
In the light of Libby not attacking your OH, I am now also wondering whether this cat only targetted women, as she was fine with her adopters, though they did acknowledge she had a problem with other people (only women?).
Rusty -
Message 14
Posted by Archie7762 (U14090056) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Got home from Portugal yesterday and am now catching up on all the computer stuff ( 80 emails would you believe and we're not business people, we're senior citizens)
Do you remember the little discussion last month about someone falling, and who would be next, and I said I was going to stay in bed so it wouldn't be me?
It was me!!
Tripped and fell over a tiny uneven paving tile, and fell flat on my face. A lovely Dublin couple came and helped me ( OH was not there) and the next day I went to the hospital and got x-rays as I felt sick and had a headache. Nothing broken but my face was bruised and I've had 2 black eyes. I still have black smudges under my eyes, I look like one of those American footballers. But I wasn't poorly after the first couple of days so it didn't spoil our holiday.
Cats came home from their holiday at the cattery yeserday. Buffy got all shy and ran under the cupboard whenever one of us spoke to her but eventually ended up on my lap and was on our bed waiting for me when I went to bed. The cattery is at our vet hospital and isn't ideal because they are indoors the whole time, but it's the only one in town and there's no way I could leave Buffy for a neighbour to look after, as I always have with cats previously, because she wouldn't come for a stranger, so they both go in.
Haven't been able to catch up with everyone's posts, though I will eventually, so I hope all are well. Love the Alex stories, hope Brandy is completely recovered by now, and Rachel, here's another who hasn't forgotten about Clemmie. -
Message 15
Posted by RosalindF (U11043377) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
LRA, thanks for opening October's Cat Club.
Also I've got good news regarding Mischief's right cheek,
it's healed and we've only got to wait for the fur to completely
grow back.
I know that it's healed because he's always preferred having his
right cheek stroked which he specifically asked me to do so
last night and more so this morning.
BTW I would have taken a photo of Mischief, but he wouldn't
sit still LOL
Furfles
Rosalind -
Message 16
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Oh no, Archie - was hoping the CCers had had their quota of falls for this year. It's not just the pain, remembering back to my accident some years ago, it's the shock too. I've just been watching a documentary series on early films, and I'm thinking you might well be sporting the Theda Bara look at the moment:
Although the vet facilities might not be ideal, at least you don't have to worry about Buffy in particular while you are away. Hope you enjoyed Portugal. My sister and her OH are about to zoom off to Porto in a few days, lucky things.
Seconded re Brandy, who I hope is completely well again.
Also seconded about Clemmie, Rachel. The fact that I had a beloved Clemmie too makes it extra poignant whenever that name comes up.
Rosalind (15), really good to read that Mischief's cheek has healed. As for the fur not grown back yet - well, that's just cosmetic, and I don't suppose he cares.
Rusty -
Message 17
Posted by RosalindF (U11043377) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Rusters [16]
Rosalind (15), really good to read that Mischief's cheek has healed. As for the fur not grown back yet - well, that's just cosmetic, and I don't suppose he cares.
Rusty Ìý
Thanks Rusty, yes it is just cosmetic for Mischief since his fur
is already growing back at a reasonable pace for him.
Archie 7762
Sorry to hear about your fall and bruises but welcome back to CCÌý -
Message 18
Posted by Jo Bo (U1485540) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Rusty (Msg 11)
Hattie isn't overly enamoured of ginger cats in general, Freddie can be a bit naughty with her, I think she expects the same from Horace. He had also taken her place on the sofa with me (she had moved onto the back of it), but lashed out at him if he invaded her personal space.
Not sure they care if I'm watching rugby, tennis, football of SCD - they just like me being around. I work full time and have had a couple of nights away recently, so they love the extra company and attention.
Horace was a biter for a while, usually when stressed or over-stimulated, but I'm glad to say this behaviour seems to have stopped now he's more relaxed and happier in his surroundings and with the other cats. I do need to take him to the vet for his jabs sometime (I keep putting this off), I suspect he may revert in that situation so will be careful when handling him then.
Jo x -
Message 19
Posted by Gayer-Anderson Cat (U13637930) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Just bookmarking.
Love and furfles to all cats and their servants!
G-AC -
Message 20
Posted by La Bez (U14670366) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
<> I have read that this kind of behaviour might be dure to a kind of epilepsy<>
It's funny that you should say that Rusters. My medical experience is, of course, limited to humans, and my experience with things feline is limited to Max so I haven't read anything much about cats at all. When I read blimbles post though the first thing that popped into my head was " that sounds a bit like epilepsy". This was the bit that caught my attention
<>usually followed by her looking really confused for a while<>
People with epilepsy often have a similar episode of confusion following a seizure.
Max is not best pleased with me. As noted elsewhere I have started my externship so am working in a doctor's office from 9-5. This has obviously disrupted Max's meal routine - I'd just say "his routine" but we all know which is the really important issue. This is not to say that he's not getting his lunch because the housekeeper has given it to him. Although that would have been early yesterday before she left for the weekend. However it is not me giving it to him and he is, of course, used to me filling his food bowl before doing anything else when I get home at 2 from school. He is not happy with me coming home at 5 and has been trying - somewhat piteously - to persuade me that he has been starved in my absence. As I know this to be patent nonsense I have not given in and he is having to content himself with a treat to last him until supper time -
Message 21
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
La Bez (though I always think of you by your other name), in your experience did the epilepsy attacks seem to be triggered off by some stimulus or other, do you think it was random?
Just thinking about my friend Sue's experience, and whether she was rustling her (crackly airmail) letter and it just started something off, or was playing music too loudly, etc., etc. (not that I think she did, but.........).
Max sounds as if he has bonded very closely with you and is possibly asking for reassurance as much as food when you come in. Cats hate a change to their routines, unless they are the ones to instigate those changes of course. And to many cats reassurance means food, of course.
He must seem like a different cat to the poor, wary old boy he was when you first saw him.
Rusty -
Message 22
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Well, Rusty and La Bez - epilepsy had never ocurred to me! I guess because I know it in it's grand mal form in my niece which of course is a full on siezure, followed by sleepiness. However, we think niece also has petit mal - but difficult to spot as it's manifested in seeming to be far away and dreamy - and little niece describes her head as being "jumbled up". (A great description).
Hmm, so I wonder if Libby gets "jumbled up" then and lashes out... will have to do some research. I mustard mit, I'd just put it down to her wild side, perhaps a very primal reaction to /something/ in me and the fact that it happens so rarely had not let it bother me too much. I think it bothers OH more than me... even though he is not the target! Plus, it's not a full on hospital job cat bite that you would get from a terrified feral though it is more than a palyful nip and does result in bruising.
Am wondering if I should mention it to the vet - wonder if they can do a brain scan - but would they on a disgustingly healthy, robust and bright cat?
As I said before, I'll have to note all the conditions next time - if there is a next time, as it IS very rare.
Love to Max, BTW, La Bez!
b
x -
Message 23
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Mmm, blimbles. I wonder though if the fact that Libby only targets you out of the blue argues against it being a form of epilepsy? Unless, of course, there is something about you - your scent? - which triggers it off.
Incidentally, after all these years I have finally discovered a brand of scent that (a) doesn't contain animal products and isn't tested on animals; (b) actually smells delicious on me - or so I'm told; and (c) doesn't make me feel sick and woozy (which happened even with stuff I liked) or bring me up in hives.
One consequence of this is the cats are taking a great interest in the areas in which I spray the stuff (Jo Malone, Pomegranite, Grapefruit or Citrus if anyone's interested).
Mightn't be a bad idea to mention Libby's behaviour to the vet. I don't know about these days, but about 12 years ago my vet in London mentioned scanning Katina for a brain tumour (she had had had one behind my eye, which he removed, but would have liked to have made sure there was nothing else).
However, at that time there were very few MRI (or was it CT?) scanners available for cats, and she would have had to have gone to Glasgow (irrc); the other altnernative would have been to wait for a free weekend when a human hospital would have spare capacity, but (a) heaven knows how long that would have taken to get (though I'm surprised it was even a possibility), and (c) the vet admitted that if a tumour was found, it almost definitely couldn't be treated, so we didn't pursue that.
Rusty -
Message 24
Posted by yellowcat (U218155) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
The white and ginger kitten in with us tonight, she was playing with Kaplan today and after Kaplan had come in I went down to go to the shop and she was crying outside the door.
We gave her some food and she was very hungry.
But we don't want any more cats.
No.
Really. -
Message 25
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
The white and ginger kitten in with us tonight, she was playing with Kaplan today and after Kaplan had come in I went down to go to the shop and she was crying outside the door.
We gave her some food and she was very hungry.
But we don't want any more cats.
No.
Really. Ìý Of course you don't, Yellowcat... -
Message 26
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Well, indeed, AelM, perish the thought! (Sorry Bash, but that exc. mark was required).
Rusty -
Message 27
Posted by yellowcat (U218155) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Right since my last post Step Son #2 has just come in with a small hungry and very vocal black and white kitten that he found crying in the car-park!
-
Message 28
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Aieeee, Yellowcat. What you gonna do? Sounds as if various of your in-laws are cat lovers, so maybe there will be homes with them for some of the kittens who seem to be appearing all over the place.
Shame not to let Kaplan have his little white girlfriend to live with him though..........
Seriously, if these kittens are the offspring of local feral mums, maybe you and some others could get together to get the ferals/semi-ferals/strays neutered.
Wonder if b & w kit is even as I type now tucked up chez Yellowcat.
Rusty -
Message 29
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Oh my goodness, Yellowcat, you seem to be a magnet for lost kittens!
Thanks for thoughts of Clemmie. I've actually been cuddling one of her brothers this evening. We were invited to a party at Smokey and Felix's new (well, not so new now) servants' house, and dear little Smokey was there and let us cuddle him. He looked very well, still quite a slightly built cat, probably about Mimi's size. Still very silvery/smokey in colour, less black-looking than he'd seemed in photos I'd seen of him. O/h saw Felix in the garden but unfortunately he ran off before the rest of us saw him. We've been promised a dinner invite soon so if that happens will hopefully get to cuddle both of the boys. -
Message 30
Posted by yellowcat (U218155) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
I don't want more cats, really.
I am sure that Kaplan's friend is a pet, as she is so tame and also she used the litter tray.
Will have to ask around some more, but when she came in she was starving hungry.
I am going to bed now, once I have pushed white kitten and Kaplan out of the way.
The b & w kit is curled up on a blanket in an empty suitcase in step son#2's room
Juno is in a chair on the balcony.
I was just telling a friend these developments and he said any more and we could join the cat dancer.
That is what we called a woman we saw last year, she was walking along followed by about twenty cats, they followed her to a small amphitheatre where she put out food for them on the stone seats and then went down to the centre of the amphitheatre and danced for them. -
Message 31
Posted by gingernut (U14737656) on Saturday, 1st October 2011
Evening all!
Rusty - Wolfie is the cat who is definitely going to lose his tail,but he's fine apart from that. His mum, Vienna, is also back there and I now need to work out how to reintroduce the two of them to each other - at present they can see each other (but she ignores him).
AelM - I love kittens too but must go back to the local garden centre tomorrow as they have four or fice kittens in there who look underfed and nervous. Also at least one has diarrhoea so I've spoken to the RSPCA who want me to go back and check them again and also to ring the Council as they are the licencing authority for the pet store having animals there. The notice says they are 8/9 weeks but I am sure they are younger and unvaccinated too.
Basia - one of my cats, Alice, bites me far more than 2/3 times a year. She tends to throw herself on my lap on her back and then seems to frighten herself (her pupils go huge) and bite me gently at first then very hard. I have learned to just not hold her or even touch her and she is improving. We play with feather sticks regularly and I use one to divert her from sitting on me. I think Savannah left home far too soon (6 weeks!) and that could well be the problem. Alice's mother died when she was young and I thihnk that's her problem. Distance play and not cuddling and singing at the cat would be a very good start for her. After all, cat singing is only for mating or trying to scare an opponent into running rather than fighting, so I bet nfull on sining upsets Savannah.
Als D - I would love to hear Max yodelling - sounds wonderful!
Yellowcat - there's a lovely group of strays in Canada
The people looking after them have, over time, built houses for them and feed them regularly
.Perhaps you need to join with the Cat Dancer and find a spot for a home if you don't want to end up with them all. (Love to see a photo of her!) How great that your stepson bougtht the other one home - some lads near me were caught playing ball with one!
Hope for a peaceful night tonight - I was roused from sleep by strange noises at about 1.30am last night and came down to find yet another frog - I'd had four brought in on Friday morning. Couldn't sleep properly after that in case there were more and the cats were hurting them, although they seem more fascinated than anything.
Night all!
Gingernut -
Message 32
Posted by dino (U13520517) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
just bookmarking.
Thanks for opening - October already!
Bertie is fine, no "presents" for a while now and he enjoys the sunshine so is very happy at the moment.
best wishes to all
dino -
Message 33
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
just bookmarking too, hello all & love to cats
Cat x -
Message 34
Posted by RosalindF (U11043377) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Well, Rusty and La Bez - epilepsy had never ocurred to me! I guess because I know it in it's grand mal form in my niece which of course is a full on siezure, followed by sleepiness. However, we think niece also has petit mal - but difficult to spot as it's manifested in seeming to be far away and dreamy - and little niece describes her head as being "jumbled up". (A great description).
Hmm, so I wonder if Libby gets "jumbled up" then and lashes out... will have to do some research. I mustard mit, I'd just put it down to her wild side, perhaps a very primal reaction to /something/ in me and the fact that it happens so rarely had not let it bother me too much. I think it bothers OH more than me... even though he is not the target! Plus, it's not a full on hospital job cat bite that you would get from a terrified feral though it is more than a palyful nip and does result in bruising.
Am wondering if I should mention it to the vet - wonder if they can do a brain scan - but would they on a disgustingly healthy, robust and bright cat?
As I said before, I'll have to note all the conditions next time - if there is a next time, as it IS very rare.
Love to Max, BTW, La Bez!
b
³æÌý
blimbles and all CCers
Having read about the possibility of the causes for biting being
a form of feline epilepsy. This may seem/sound wrong but
your clear descriptions are nearish to my form of grand mal
or petit mal epilepsy seizures (as Rusty said).
There are many different kinds of epilepsy in cats as well as
humans but of course I only know about the human form
and with after some seizures people can be violent or just
dis-orientated (I'm the latter). sleep is the best way for humans
or cats to work it out their systems
But when my 1st cat (RIP) was still young he had a few fits
and I was the only person who recognised it so let him work
it out, it only happened twice. That was 25 years ago and it's still in my memory.
Although 24 hours before I have a seizure M & M won't come
near me.
Rosalind
Do talke your cat(s) to the vet to be totally sure. -
Message 35
Posted by gingernut (U14737656) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
The more we learn about animals and how their brains work, the better. Unfortunately it can be very expensive - there's a vets near me with an MRI scanner and the pre consultation is £170. A scan itself can be up to £1500, so do check with your insurance company whether or not they will cover this expense. I think your vet would álso have to provide evidence of the cat actually having seizures, not merely biting. The other answer is to watch out for vet schools that are running studies - the Queen
Mother Hospital is currently running one into epilepsy in dogs (Go to Queen Mother Vet Hospital website then the Clinical Investigation Centre, then Neurology).
It is a recognised thing in cats that they can have a form of "play aggression" which humans unfortunately encourage with rough play rather than arms length play. Two drugs that can be used to assist in this are Clomicalm and Zylkene,but you have to do behavioural retraining at the time the drugs are given.
Gingernut -
Message 36
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Replying to Bash, and her message about Savannah in the September Cat Club
Hi Bash
Read your message late at night on Friday before opening up for the October CC, and I felt a bit uneasy about it. Having seen the various replies from people in here (Rusty about PomPom, AelM aobut Widget, Blimbles about Libby, Gingernut about Alice) and my own experience with Kit (RIP), I think I now understand why I felt uneasy.
Quite honestly, I think it's totally OTT. OK, Savannah bites... But the big difference is, they now have a young child and an OH who doesn't want to take any risk and who is totally freaked out.
I can understand that., and given the upset it is causing, it would seem that Savannah really needs to be rehomed.
BUT, she's not some kind of monster. She would be fine with an experienced cat person who doesn't have any children.
I just think the whole thing should be calmed down into a warning of "no children, and she bites occasionally". Well, you get my drift. -
Message 37
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Aah, La Reine, I've been thinking the same...I've thought a lot about Savannah since Basia's post...and it crept into my mind that perhaps they were being a bit over the top...but I didn't want to say so as I don't know them, and perhaps the biting is worse than what we cope with from Libby.
I felt a bit bad that I'd inadvertently hijacked the discussion as my description of Libby's behaviour became a subject in itself, however, I think the discussion has been useful and has given me some knowledge I didn't have before.
You are right, Savannah needs rehoming with someone experienced and understanding who will not be phased by any random attacks. (And no kids either)
I've learnt so much from having Libby and also Merlin, more than I ever learned from Tom and Jerry who I refer to as my "starter cats" as they had no issues at all to challenge me, but led me into a life of loving these fascinating creatures. Libby was a shock, behaviourally but has really mellowed over the years. Merlin was a cutie, but a very easily stressed and vulnerable boy - who taught me a lot of other stuff. I thank all my felines, problems or not for what they've brought me. (And now I read that back - "problems" is probably the wrong word - it's how we react to and deal with stuff that categorises it I guess...)
And thanks Rosalind for your thoughts on epilepsy - I will ask the vet about the behaviour in case he thinks it might be worth looking at. However, I think it worth bearing in mind that Libby is tortie and they do have a rep for being mardy!
Love and furfles to all...
b
x -
Message 38
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
LaRA, I was thinking much the same. I cope with Widget biting - as do others at the yard who know what he is like but still like to give him a fuss. And our old family cat would /really/ bite, she even went for my OH. As teenagers we didn't mind the odd bite or scratch but it was far more than two or three times a year.
I can understand not wanting to risk the child getting bitten, and I'm sure it would be best for Savannah if she was rehomed to someone who is used to cats. -
Message 39
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Blimbles, you've reminded me - I briefly mentioned Savannah to a friend and her first comment was "is she a tortie?". And I've just thought of a tortie farm cat we had who, once she got used to me, would demand attention by sitting on the head height shelf at the back of the stable and wrap herself round my head. With her claws. And hang on. Of course she always got a fuss (and of course that just rewarded the behaviour...).
-
Message 40
Posted by yellowcat (U218155) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
It is a recognised thing in cats that they can have a form of "play aggression"Ìý
I have met cats like that, some years ago we looked after a ginger cat for a neighbour when they were on holiday and he would get carried away and switch from playing with you to hunting you.
Some friends had a couple of cats - siblings the female did tend to attack fiercely and without warning, they had to re-home her to friends without children as she was too dangerous. -
Message 41
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Widget hunts me. He did that yesterday - I was giving him a cuddle (I seem to have a death wish with him) and he curled up and bit my hand so I tried to put him back on the floor. Has anyone got any tips for persuading him that he is supposed to unfold his legs so he stands up? He ended up on his side, gnawing my arm. When I got loose I went to get some hay down for the horses and looked back to see his bum wiggling, then he charged at me and leapt at (and caught) my hand.
I still adore him, although the yard owner thinks I'm daft for that. I can't help wondering, was he dumped there because he bit - after all he was very friendly from the m -
Message 42
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Stupid phone, wouldn't let me finish the sentence.
Should read: after all, he was very friendly from the moment he turned up at the yard. -
Message 43
Posted by RosalindF (U11043377) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
blimbles [37]
And thanks Rosalind for your thoughts on epilepsy - I will ask the vet about the behaviour in case he thinks it might be worth looking at. However, I think it worth bearing in mind that Libby is tortie and they do have a rep for being mardy!
Love and furfles to all...
b x Ìý
blimbles, that's fine and I shared my thouights and experiences
of 40+ years of epilepsy to help Cat Club people also anyone
else who reads this thread to help if possible.
I'm willing to do some online research about feline epilepsy.
But good luck with your vet about Libby's behaviour.
Yup Marmalade's more of a biter than Mischief but if
M or M scratch me, I walk away and they know that's wrong.
Rosalind -
Message 44
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
And on a different note, I was going to go and feed the horses half an hour ago then Hedge climbed onto my lap, fell asleep and is now twitching like a good 'un. Well, I can hardly disturb his beauty sleep, can I?
-
Message 45
Posted by superjan3 (U6523409) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Meg did that to me the other night - fell asleep on my lap while I was reclined in the chair. I had to move her in the end as nature was calling rather loudly. (Not helped I suspect by having a cat's weight pressing on my bladder.)
She didn't eat so well yesterday - and I was just going to say she hadn't today, but she's just polished off her tea - disgusting looking pilchard flavoured food - but she seems to like it. Perhaps it was just the heat - I'll still ring the vet in the morning to see if she can have the blood tests this week
Best wishes to all,
J&M -
Message 46
Posted by gingernut (U14737656) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Hi Rusters
The fire service around here will help - on occasion. I suspect it's when they have little to do and want a bit of practise.
The most frequent response is that they've never found the skeleton of a cat in a tree yet, so feel that they do manage to get down!
I have to admit that I say similar when people knock on my door to tell me one of my cats is on the roof of the next house - he got up there so he can darn well get down. I know he can and where he gets down - he just likes me to be waiting for him when he decides to.
Gingernut -
Message 47
Posted by gingernut (U14737656) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Hi LaRA
I agree with your comments about Savannah.
I think probably most cats will bite - for what seems a good reason to them. I still have two scars on the front of my left leg from where one of mine bit me quite deliberately after I had inadvertently stepped on one of her kittens!
Personally, I have considered using either of the two drugs I mentioned on Alice and getting a behaviourist to come to the house but, having read Vicky Halls' books, I use the technique of at length play with her now and things are getting a lot better. Usually now, I still let her throw herself on my lap but I only stroke her once and then move my hands away and she will get down of her own accord.
At Cats Protection we sometimes get cats in for rehoming because they bite small children and the parents admit that the kids drag the cats around, pull their tails etc. If the cat is an in and out cat, it's easier for the cat to escape the child. Living in a flat as Savannah does is not ideal and, if the lady is an opera singer, that must be even worse for the cat, so I agree she needs an easier home situation. I also suspect the OH is jealous of the cat!
The cat seems to have been to various vets and clinics, so I do think she would have had tests and anything serious would have been found, so that's why it has been concluded that it is behavioural and she has been put on Prozac.
Gingernut -
Message 48
Posted by goodlookingone (U6012246) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Hi everyone: just found you, catching up, and bookmarking.
A lovely slim black cat is curled up outside my patio window. about the same size as Sweep, so He stirred me a little. This little feller has a white spot on his chest (unlike Sweep). He looks confident, well groomed and cared for... So I shan't be befriending him, even though I enjoy him being there. He and (the much bigger, but equally well-cared for) Ginger feller never seem to be here at the same time.
Re Savannah.. I remain convinced that it is a brain Problem.. Have you ever met a German Shepherd with epilepsy? What is more obvious in dogs and humans, than cats is their frequent looking skyward, moving eyes, not head. Tumour, Who knows. I am certain that a brain exam of somesort would resolve the matter. Yes.. expensive, and I don't see a family that are divided about whether to keep the poor critter would want to spend merely to get a diagnosis - and who knows how much for treatment? -
Message 49
Posted by RosalindF (U11043377) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Meg did that to me the other night - fell asleep on my lap while I was reclined in the chair. I had to move her in the end as nature was calling rather loudly. (Not helped I suspect by having a cat's weight pressing on my bladder.)
She didn't eat so well yesterday - and I was just going to say she hadn't today, but she's just polished off her tea - disgusting looking pilchard flavoured food - but she seems to like it. Perhaps it was just the heat - I'll still ring the vet in the morning to see if she can have the blood tests this week
Best wishes to all,
J&M
Ìý
Hi jan, don't worry about Meg not eating much yesterday neither
Marmalade nor Mischief ate much yesterday but it's a bit cooler
so they are making up for it although with Marmalade's hyperthyroidism and CRF, I sort of regulate the amount she eats
which helps with the food being in RC pouches.
Rosalind, M & M -
Message 50
Posted by superjan3 (U6523409) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011
Thanks for the reply Rosalind.
I think that I'm just worried about every little thing with her now. I never used to worry about little blips in her eating or one-off vomit etc.
I must try to chill more as I know that cats pick up on a tense atmosphere.
When she was younger and the bipolar was raging she learned to give me a wide berth at times - not that I'd deliberately hurt her of course, but she waited till I was calm before approaching me. Sometimes she would come up next to me when I was crying and rest her head on my arm. That's part of the reason why I want to do the best by her now - she was there for me when I was pretty much on my own.
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