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December Cat Club
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Message 1.Â
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Welcome to the December 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 for 2012, because we can always do with more volunteers to open a new thread.
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 November 2011 Cat Club:
Welcome to the December 2011 Cat Club.
2011 has been a sad year for many of us. Thinking about those we have lost (felines and honorary felines), those who are missing (think that is a feline only category) and of course the poorlies (servants & felines). And there have also been some new arrivals – some planned, others just turning up on doorsteps (or at barn doors in the case of Widget).
All are well here – felines are in fine form although Pebble is a bit miffed that he’s having to spend more time inside in the winter. I can’t believe it’s now been a year since I brought him home (give or take a few days) and it’s getting on for 12 months since Hedge became a permanent house cat too. I’ve aged about 20 years since Pebble moved in….
And now, on a day that looks like it's going to be lovely and sunny (if a bit cold) I'd better post this and get on with some work! -
Message 2
Posted by Jo Bo (U1485540) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Just bookmarking, thanks for opening up, AelM.
Last month I asked about shutting Horace up for the night now he had moved from the tack room into the house. Well, that never happened, he has the run of the house just like the others! Relations between him and Herbie are still a little strained, but there haven't been any fisticuffs since the first couple of days, and Herbie's hisses and yowls are reducing. Horace is oblivious to all this.....he really is a sweet little cat. He loves cuddles and is also quite playful. He and Freddie get on very well, and I often find myself weighed down by two ginger boys when stretched out on the sofa.
(He is currently chasing a rubber ball around the long French window curtains...ho hum.....)
Best wishes to everyone else, human and feline (and honorary feline).
Jo x -
Message 3
Posted by maras (U14628782) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
On 8th.August,I posted in The Bull about Susan Pusscat Maras.She was very elderly and rapidly losing weight.My lovely vet is not of the 'Oh she's old lets think about euthanasia' school so after a few basic tests a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was made and appropriate treatment given.4 months of good health went by but kidneys and age combined to make Susan very poorly and miserable.So the hardest decision of all was taken yesterday.RIP. Susan age 18 years.She was loved by all (except local dogs and foxes)Thanks to everyone who helped me back in August.
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Message 4
Posted by StillBorisBecka (U14076840) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
long time lurker and occasional poster here
popping in to wish all felines and servants a
Very Merry Xmas
from Lily and Clover who are happliy in the bouncy-ist of feline health at the moment......furfles to all -
Message 5
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Maras, So sorry about Susan. I remember you posting that your vet was happy to treat her for as long as she had good quality of life and I'm so glad that this gave her four healthy months.
Made me smile, albeit in a watery kind of way, to think that the local dogs and fox population was not among Susan's fans and admirers. She must have been quite a gal.
RIP Susan.
Rusty -
Message 6
Posted by Frangipangi (U14798502) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Maras - so sorry to hear about your lovely Susan, RIP. At least you know that you did your best for her, particularly in her last few months, and that she didn't suffer. They do leave a big hole though.
Frangi -
Message 7
Posted by RosalindF (U11043377) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
AeIM, thanks for opening the December Cat Club, I've bookmarked it.
Maras, sorry to hear about Susan RIP -
Message 8
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Thank you for opening up this month's Cat Club, AelM.
Another one here for whom this has been a sad year, and I too am thinking of those who have had losses, and also the missing, and the poorlies (thinking of the human ones, too).
It is heartening and heartwarming though to have read of the many new rescues and adoptions mentioned here over the year. One starfish at a time..............
Jo (2), Horace's integration must be making life much less complicated for you, so much relief there, especially if you are going to be particularly busy over Christmas - no fun keeping an eye on who's where and not opening certain doors at certain times.
I hope Herbie comes round; Horace sounds a sweet uncomplicated boy, with no "side"; perhaps this will sink in with Herbie and all will be sweetness and light.
I sort of had the idea that Freddie was quite timid, so it is nice he has his very own friend.
SBB (4) , Great to read that Lily and Clover are both are in fine fettle; they must be all growed up now, bless 'em.
Merry Christmas and furfles to Lily and Clover.
Rusty -
Message 9
Posted by Frangipangi (U14798502) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Rusty - I do have to keep reminding myself of the Starfish analogy particularly when I am absolutely spitting furious (as I am now) reading of the downright cruelty and stupidity of some people.
I have just read a story behind an 8 year old cat that is up for adoption whereby the owners decided that they were going to move house and didn't want their cat anymore. So they took it to the vet and asked them to put the cat to sleep, even though there was nothing wrong with her and was perfectly healthy.
Fortunately the vet refused and, against the owner's wishes, handed the cat over to a charity for rehoming. BUT on top of that the owners had had the cat declawed (and therefore it will need to be an indoor cat).
Am I the only one who thinks declawing cats for no reason is horrible? Surely this barbaric practice cannot be legal!!??
Sorry, you've probably all debated this at length in the past but I needed to sound off.
Frangi -
Message 10
Posted by maras (U14628782) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Holy God Frangi.I've never heard of that How utterly barbaric.This has made me feel beyond furious and very ill.I'm not usually prone to blasphemy or profanity but I will let that one stand.If anyone could tell me of things to do ie.petitions,letters etc.I'd be very grateful.
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Message 11
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Frangi, that's appalling (not talking about the declawing which is in a class of its own), but sadly not that uncommon. Someone I know who is heavily into cat rescue says it shows how bad things are when one is actually grateful that people take their cats to the vet to be "put to sleep" just because they are unwanted, rather than abandon them, chuck them in the river, into bins, etc.
I don't know what the legal position is now, but certainly up till 10 or so years ago, when I last discussed it with my then vets, the fact was/is that vets are legally obliged to (a) comply with the owner's wishes; or (b) refuse to euthanise and send them on their way; or (c) persuade them to sign over the animal into their care for rehoming. What vets are not supposed to do is take on the animal without the owners' express permission (whether or not they say they will euthanise the pet).
It's good if, though that is the legal position, some vets are willing to do this. It would be interesting to know what the actual legal position is though. I'll ask my vet next time I go (luckily their has been a bit of a rest for me in that department over the last few weeks).
As for declawing, I don't know whether that is actually illegal in this country, or whether it is merely against the code of practice set out by the RCVS. Either way, it is reprehensible; I'd love to know if that cat in which country the poor cat was declawed and, if here, which vet practice.
A friend of mine adopted a cat from an American couple who'd brought him over from the States, but didn't feel it was fair (!) on him to take him back when they left for home. He was declawed and it not only affected him physically but psychologically too, poor old chap.
So, must ask the vet about the legal position of declawing too. Horrible, horrible.
I do hope that cat gets a good home soon; presumably an indoor-only one.
Rusty -
Message 12
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Rusty, I thought declawing was illegal in this country too, must look that up. What a horrible thing to have done anyway, some people shouldn't be allowed near animals.
Maras, so sorry to hear about Susan. RIP Susan. xx -
Message 13
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Declawing in the UK, according to Wikipedia:
In the United Kingdom, declawing was outlawed by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which explicitly prohibited "interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of the animal, otherwise than for the purposes of its medical treatment". -
Message 14
Posted by Archie7762 (U14090056) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Thanks AelM for opening up Dec CC.
Maras - so sorry to hear about Susan. But I'm sure you made her last few months as comfortable and happy as possible, and then did the kindest thing you could for her.
GLO - Buffy is a starer. It always means she wants something. She will follow me round staring until I guess what she wants. Might be to go out in the garden into her cat kennel, if it's a nice day, or occasionally it might be for food, or quite often she wants me to sit down so she can come on my knee. But it always means she wants something. Hope you track George down soon. -
Message 15
Posted by maras (U14628782) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Thank goodness for that.I hope that there isn't an illegal de clawing ring operating.I can't for the life of me imagine why anyone would want this done.Perhaps I'm naive.Anyway thanks to everyone for there good wishes re.Susan.I can't believe how distraught I am,but I've got lots of family support so am luckier than most,plus I've got to hold it together for the younger puss,she's only 14.
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Message 16
Posted by Frangipangi (U14798502) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Rusty - yes I suppose the owners could have moved and left the cat outside to fend for itself where it wouldn't have lasted long. And in contemplation then I think I would prefer the poor creature to be put out of its misery rather than it be left to suffer as a result of the irresponsible actions of its owner.
It was in the UK by the way - it was on an animal rehoming website (catchat or something like that) very near to where I live.
I'm assuming the vet must have got the owners to agree to hand it over to them for rehoming. Good job I'm not a vet - I would be sticking needles and other painful items where I shouldn't be in the cases of some owners!
I have heard of declawing happening in America but I wasn't aware that it had only been banned here from 2006 (thanks to AelM for the reference). Why on earth would any vet would agree to such a procedure unless it was strictly for medical reasons is beyond comprehension. The cat in question is 8 years old so obviously it was declawed before it became illegal here.
Hopefully it will find a new (indoor) home with a caring owner.
Maras - I have to agree and my language turned the air blue when I read it and I was stomping around the house in frustration.
Frangi -
Message 17
Posted by Frangipangi (U14798502) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Maras - I was distraught for days after we had Olly PTS. I think I must have got through a years supply of mascara as I was constantly having to apply it and if anyone asked how I was, it just set me off again.
What's your 14 year old cat called?
Frangi -
Message 18
Posted by maras (U14628782) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Like all of the Maras cats over the years she has several - not in a pedigree posh way, they're moggies, but kids tend to mess with their names depending on wh they thought the cats looked like on a specific day.Susan,s given name was Phoebe and the youngster's is Bod but this has morphed into Noggin over time.Thank goodness only cat people will be reading this.I could go on and on about the names my kids and now grandchildren give to ourcats but Sherlock Holmes is on R4ex.Anyway the cats only really answer to me and I allways use their given names.
This chatting is helping the grief process,thank you. -
Message 19
Posted by maras (U14628782) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Not much for my spelling or punctuation though.
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Message 20
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Maras, so sorry to hear about Susan. It's small comfort at the moment I know, but at least you gave her four extra, happy (and no doubt pampered ; ) ) months, and then helped her to a gentle release when the time came.
I have to say your comment in msg 15 < I've got to hold it together for the younger puss, she's only 14. > made me smile with pleasure. So many people consider 14 y.o. cats to be 'over the hill' (a situation not helped by insurance companies and some vets, imo) that it's lovely to hear someone describe their cat as *only* 14, for a change.
Re cats and their many names, I'm afraid I had to call a halt when I realised that my lad Berry (short for Rowanberry) had become known as 'Rosie' (a contraction of Rowanberry which I'd never even thought of) - and worse, was happily answering to it! He's now 'Robie' (after Cary Grant's character John Robie, 'The Cat' in Hitchcock's 'To Catch a Thief') which he seems quite content to accept as a substitute!
Gx -
Message 21
Posted by Brooke Field (U3225360) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Maras, I'm sorry to hear about your dear Susan Pusscat. It's such a hard decision to take but you helped her have four last happy months and gave her a peaceful end.
RIP Susan Pusscat.
Brooke -
Message 22
Posted by Gayer-Anderson Cat (U13637930) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Just bookmarking.
Commiserations to you, maras, about Susan. Hope your other cat isn't too upset.
G-AC -
Message 23
Posted by Frangipangi (U14798502) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Maras - I think it always helps when other like-minded cat servants know exactly how you feel.
I love the name Noggin by the way!
Frangi -
Message 24
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
AelM, thanks for opening December's Cat Club. Please may I have some of your sunshine? It's 'orrible here today. All you can say for it is that it's not *actually* raining at the moment (trying hard, though).
Do hamsters really eat their own faeces, by the way? I thought that was rabbits. (There's a very strange play on R4 atm). Tsk! I'm going to have to google them now...
Will try to catch up properly later. Love to all
Gx -
Message 25
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Gil, the sun has gone now, it wasn't a bad morning and it's been downhill from there really.
Love the thought of Berry being called Rosie, you'll give the little chap a complex.
No idea about hamsters I'm afraid, but do report back when you find out, won't you? We need to know these things. -
Message 26
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Well apparently they do. You learn something new every day. Blimey though - believe me you do *not* want to google 'eating faeces'. Good lord.
Right, just off to wash my brain out...
Gx -
Message 27
Posted by gingernut (U14737656) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Hi Frangi
My close friend works in a vets as a rceptionist/nurse in a small branch and she says loads of animals are being put down at present - very upsetting and very depressing for her and the vet.
They do try and get the animals rehomed instead, but what can they do when all the local rescues are full?
I had a huge row on an American list about declawing. This woman said "But what else can you do when you've got antiques?"
Answer - don't buy antiques or divide your house into cat half and antiques half. I also offered to fly over and rip her nails off so she could see what it feels like!
Gingernut -
Message 28
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Hello all, just bookmarking and want to say so sorry maras for the loss of Susan.
I'm away at college next week and after much heart-rending have decided not to put cats in cattery. Instead I have found a cat sitter who will spend an hour with them in the mornings, and my lovely lovely colleagues (who helped out last week when I was at the tennis) are covering the evenings between them. They'll get more attention than they would at the cattery, they'll be in their own home and I trust my colleagues as they have cats themselves. Cat sitter is coming over tomorrow to meet them. Fingers crossed...
have been busy last few days so haven't much of a hope of catchingup properly, sorry to everyone I've missed but I also wanted to say to Jo Bo I'm pleased Horace's integration is going well.
Cat x -
Message 29
Posted by gingernut (U14737656) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Hi Maras - so sorry to hear about Susan and hope your other cat is coping well.
Gingernut -
Message 30
Posted by gingernut (U14737656) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Hi Cat
Hope college goes well.
Just a quick suggestion - when I'm away, one of my three neighbours takes responsibility for my cats, so I ring my vets and tell that that X may bring one of my cats in and will they charge any treatment to my account for me.
Just makes life a bit easier.
Gingernut -
Message 31
Posted by goodlookingone (U6012246) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Maras. It's always sorrowful when a cat dies. But.. We all, Including cats, have to go eventually, and Susan duid have the good fortune to be loved.
Re people moving away. When I was searching for Sweep, I met a local cat breeder/show-judge, who put out food for stray cats. She reckoned that her client cats were from the demolished houses in this estate that could not be found when the removal lorry arrived... There has been much more demolition since then. -
Message 32
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Catching up slowly, I think.
Jo, it's lovely to hear that Horace is so settled now. I remember when you were trying to decide - always assuming you could catch the big scary feral and get him neutered - whether you'd be able to release him nearby, or if you'd have to find someone far away who could take him for you...
Cat, you must be so relieved to have things sorted at last. It does sound like a sensible arrangement too. Hope you have a great time at college (don't work too hard!)
Gosh, already such thought-provoking comments and it's only the first day of the new Club! Rusty (11, your first para) that's so sad. I remember many years ago, when I was railing against the idea of taking in healthy animals to be pts, a senior nurse said exactly the same to me: if we turned people away they'd just drown the animals, or abandon them to starve. How dreadful to think things have come full circle and we're in that position again.
Re vets going against an owner's wishes, afaik vets have to comply with the Trades Descriptions Act, which states that it's illegal for companies or individuals to make false claims about the products or services they sell, or to enter into a contract - written or verbal - for goods or services which they cannot, or do not intend to, provide.
I know in some situations this seems unfair but the alternative, to hold vets above the law because 'they know best', would surely be unthinkable?
Imagine a situation where you've decided it's time to have a much-loved companion animal euthanized, only the vet feels it could usefully form part of a research programme first. Rather than bother you with the unpleasant details, s/he decides to take the animal from you and just tell you it's been pts. Because s/he's the vet, and knows what's best, right?
I really hope any vet who did such a thing would be prosecuted. Yet - sadly ; ) - none of us can pick and choose when to obey the law and when not (well we can, but...)
Oh dear, this is all way too deep for a rainy evening - must go cuddle a cat.
Gx -
Message 33
Posted by gingernut (U14737656) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Hi Gil
Very often animals are just dumped at the vets with an "I don't want it/can't afford to feed it any more", which leaves the vet and his staff checking the animal to estimate age, health etc and then ringing around to see if they can find it a home. The vet staff are also very good and all have more animals than they really want, because they take in what they can.
Research programmes simply don't work as you imply and I do know, because all my Wegie cats are involved in one. The body that is running the research sets out strict rules for the study and these have to be followed to the letter. No additional animal with an unknown history would suddenly be added as that would probably destroy the probity of the study. Indeed, these rules are over strict sometimes - we want and need blood samples from my cats, but the research body has written to my vets explaining exactly how much and in what container and also states that a sample can only be taken for this research "when blood for health test reasons is being taken from the cats".
Even in institutions that use animals for research, it's far more controlled than you probably realise, even down to which people are authorised to euthanase research animals.
It's horrible but is not enjoyed at all by the people doing it, so is kept to a minimum - in this country certainly.
Gingernut -
Message 34
Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Hi all - just bookmarking...thanks AelM for opening.
Commiserations to Maras - Susan sounds like she was quite a character. It's tough to say goodbye, but in the end it is the kindest thing and it sounds like your vet was good.
Libby is in fine fettle, looking good (I think the Lily's Kitchen is agreeing with her) and she is also in good voice - particularly at - ooh, about 4:15 this morning....YAWN....the claws were also working well on OH's stray toesies sticking out from the duvet...I think the blood will come out...
Love and furfles to all.....
b
x -
Message 35
Posted by yellowcat (U218155) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Am I the only one who thinks declawing cats for no reason is horrible? Surely this barbaric practice cannot be legal!!??Â
In America, unlike other countries, it is still quite legal to perform declawing surgeries as well as the debarking of dogs and cropping dog's tails and ears. Many landlords require these procedures of their tenants.
Here is a link to an anti declawing site:
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Message 36
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Gingernut, with regard to vets and dumped animals, believe me, it's always been thus - sadly it seems, nothing much changes.
I'm afraid you've read my hypothetical example in post 32 too literally. The point under discussion was whether it would be legal - or even moral - for a vet to remove an animal from its owner by lying to the owner that s/he intended to euthanise - then disposing of the animal in a manner which the vet felt was more appropriate (eg by rehoming).
I used the scenario above merely to illustrate that we can't pick and choose how the law should be applied. As things stand (discounting cases of cruelty) the owner of an animal has a legal right to decide what happens to it. A vet can offer help and advice, but that's all.
We can't imo applaud a vet who acquires an animal dishonestly in order to rehome it, then complain should a (hypothetical) vet choose to dispose of our own animals in a way other than that which we might prefer, or be legally entitled to expect (for instance to a hypothetical laboratory, as a hypothetical research tool).
HTH
Gx -
Message 37
Posted by gingernut (U14737656) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Hi Gil - and while people have pet animals, I don't suppose things will change radically, unfortunately.
A vet can take all sorts of action if he suspects abuse and I imagine murder would count as this? I think they do tend to cover themselves though, which is quite easy. Most people who no longer want or can keep their pets want someone to take the responsibility and cost away from them and the vet will do this by keeping the animal and saying they will try and sort something out for it. He is covered under the Code of Conduct by the suspected abuse clause, as he only has to say that he thought the cat would be abused to death by the owner if he didn't take it. The owner is usually happy with this, although I have heard of a particularly vindictive person who was unhappy with a pedigree cat, refused the price back from the breeder and stood over the vet while he killed it!
Hypothetical or not, I really don't like the idea that anyone could get the impression that vets snatch pets and put them into research programs - this is impossible. Cat Rescues are another matter though - a friend of mine is suing/being sued by a pet food company as she lost several cats after testing food for them and I know that same food was tested also in several catteries. I doubt the catteies were as scrupulous in their testing as my friend and I wonder if they would have noticed that their death rates had gone up? Is that what the public donate cash for?
There is also an anti-mutilation clause in the Code of Conduct.
Gingernut x -
Message 38
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Oh yellowcat, isn't it depressing? Not only is declawing still legal in the US*, but they're coming up with new, more exciting ways to go about it even as we speak. Now you can have your cat declawed by super-duper space-age laser, should the mood grab you:
I love this bit: 'Recovery from a declawing is said to be painful for cats, although proponents of the laser surgical method claim that this newer procedure reduces pain and speeds recovery time. Pet owners will only be able to analyze these claims through experience.'
Great idea, lets just laser off a few more cats' toes to see if this new 'experience' proves less painful...
...or not.
Sheesh.
Right, I'm away to stick my head in a bucket for a good old scream. Night all.
Gx
.
.
* Well most of the US. It's illegal in a few states, gawd blessum. -
Message 39
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Thanks for opening up, AelM. Just bookmarking, haven't had time to read through but wanted to add my sympathies to Maras for Susan.
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Message 40
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
God, that's a depressing idea Gil. Why not just see if it's less painful for the cats to keep all of their toes rather than have them amputated. I'm sure all cats would agree that it's less painful not to have the operation in the first place...
I didn't know whether to laugh, scream or cry when I got in from the horses last night. I'd just parked the car and saw Pebble trotting across the lawn opposite with a huge handlebar moustache. Or a mouse-tache perhaps - it turned out he'd got a vole (he seems to have found a stock of them). Pebble brought it in then left it (dead) at the top of the stairs having lost interest. While I was dithering about to find a bin bag to put it in, Ellis appeared and started playing with it. Hedge went through to see what all the noise was about, as Ellis was crashing about all over the place, took one look at the vole, and turned away to go back to see what was in the food dishes. I think Hedge may have lost his hunting "edge"..... I did manage to get the vole off Ellis in the end, at great risk to life and limb.
The look on Hedge's face was a picture, complete and utter contempt for Ellis and disgust at the thought of fresh vole when there was proper food available (yes, I know, I'm anthropomorphising just a bit there). A few years ago he'd have been on that vole like a shot but he's not bothered at all these days.
It's a pretty cold morning here today and both yard cats came from outside somewhere. They both have lovely thick coats (and fat bellies) so I suppose they don't really feel the cold when it's only around freezing but you'd think they'd prefer to stay inside the barn where there are rugs and hay they can sleep on. From the weight of Widget, though, he'd found a rabbit to snack on so that's going to keep him warm. -
Message 41
Posted by Kind Mrs Van Rentl (U2315000) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
Much sympathy for the loss of Susan- she sounds not unlike my dear departed Daisy, who got an extra 18 months, and nearly made it to 20, thanks to a wonderful vet and hyperthyroid treatment - it was her kidneys which got her eventually. It is comforting to know you did everything you could.
On the subject of people asking for healthy cats to be PTS - I am a volunteer cat cuddler for a local animal rescue centre - I go once a week and fuss the cats who can't be re-homed because of a variety of medical conditions, or just old age. They do take in cats from vets where the owner has asked for them to be PTS - we had one a fortnight ago - or where there is a sick cat and the owner can't be traced; even when the owner is subsequently found, they don't necessarily want the cat back if it has a condition which is expensive to treat.
I don't know how the staff deal with this as well as they do - but they do - in fact they are quite the most wonderful bunch of people I have had dealings with. The animal always comes first, and the oldies are looked after very well indeed - when they arrive, I always tell them they have fallen on their paws at last. It is sad when they finally pass on, but they are given a very good last few months/years. The first thing I do when I arrive is to check all the cats are there - I couldn't find one of my favourites yesterday, but happily she was just asleep in one of the beds between the sofa and the wall, and soon came out for a cuddle.
I mention all this to counterbalance the stories of the awful people and abandoned animals - this charity does all it can to redress that balance - I love it there so much I feel I should be paying for the privilege of being allowed cuddling rights.
Also on a good note, their adoption rates (for the healthy cats they take in) are up on last year - and we can account for two of them
-
Message 42
Posted by Frangipangi (U14798502) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
Oooh what a lovely job - a cat cuddler. I want to be one of those!
Frangi -
Message 43
Posted by Frangipangi (U14798502) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
Gingernut - don't have antiques or, even better, don't have a cat or any pet if that is your attitude. I think most (but not all) people accept that if you have domestic pets they are likely to cause damage despite your best endeavours and you just have to live with it.
Did you get a response when you offered to rip her nails out?
Knowing how painful it is to lose just one nail, I just can't even begin to get my head round why anyone would consider declawing.
Cat (28) - the cat sitter option sounds like a good compromise especially if it's people you know.
Yellowcat (35) - will have a read through that link later. Am currently at work (I know naughty me but I need a break from a very tedious task). Ironically enough our work internet system won't allow me access to that link as it is classed as "violence".
Gil - can I join you later in the bucket for a scream please?
AelM (40) - the mouse-tache comment made me laugh; maybe Pebble was belatedly joining the Movember movement!
KindMrs VR - it's good to know that your adoptions are up. I do homing visits and we've been having a steady stream of enquiries over the last few months but it's quietened down now, which I think is probably because of Xmas approaching. I love the thought of you going round and giving all the cats a cuddle. What a great way to relieve stress on both sides.
Best get back to work - the tedious task is not going away!
Frangi -
Message 44
Posted by Frangipangi (U14798502) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
Gingernut - sorry I've just read my post and my first comment sounds like it is aimed at you and it wasn't, it was aimed at the stupid woman with the antiques. I really must read through before hitting the post button!
Sorry sorry!!!
Frangi -
Message 45
Posted by maras (U14628782) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
My daughter did this for a while at our local RSPCA.She was a student at the time and was also working 2 jobs,so the cat cuddling was an excellent anti stress remedy.
-
Message 46
Posted by Jo Bo (U1485540) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
Maras, belated condolences over the loss of the lovely Susan. But it sounds as though she had a long and very happy life with you.
I think I may have changed my mind over keeping Horace somewhere separate at night! I was happily asleep, with Herbie and Freddie curled up next to me, when I was woken at about 2am by all sorts of kerfuffle. First thought is someone being sick or worse, as the noises were like digging through the carpet. Put on the light to find Horace having great fun throwing a dead vole around the bedroom. Impossible to remove it, or distract him with cuddles for long. He loves throwing them high in the air, and it landed on the duvet a few times, but that turned into a good game when I threw it back down again. Eventually things quietened down and he came for a cuddle, but could I find the vole this morning? Of course not. He may have eaten it, but then again it may be lurking in the junk under the bed.....no doubt I will find out if and when that distinctive smell starts...
Jo x -
Message 47
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
Oh Jo, just...... groooogh!
I'll bet Horace was delighted by the enthusiastic way you joined in the game though. No doubt he'll be inspired your obvious joy at a late night vole-throwing contest to bring you a new treasure very soon...
...always assuming he hasn't put last night's offering away for safe keeping ; )
.
.
AelM, lor it's turning out to be Vole Season (and doesn't that seem to come earlier each year?). I love your description of Hedge's reaction: what a sensible boy. Why waste time on a bony dead vole when you have servants to dish up the good stuff?
.
.
I'll never understand some cats and the cold. My lot show no more desire to stay inside when it's below zero than they do on a warm summer's day (which is why the Battle of the Back Door gets reinacted every day - and why I always lose). Mind you, since I'm sitting in the garden atm, perhaps I don't set a very good example...?
Oops, now Pie's decided to curl up on my lap. If she thinks she's settled for the rest of the day she can forget it; I shouldn't even be here.
Love to all cats and their servants.
Gx -
Message 48
Posted by Kind Mrs Van Rentl (U2315000) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
The oldies are all in a room together, about a dozen of them, so it is almost impossible to cuddle them systematically. Two of the cats, Petal and Holly are so affectionate that I pretty well have to wear them round my neck, one in each arm. I have an excellent solution - for half of the visit, I lounge on the long sofa, and cats just come and sit on me and have fussies. I do go round the shyer ones individually, and love it when I can get a good purr out of them.
I have seen some lovely things happen there. There was a big ginger cat called Dunlop (he was rescued from a tyre dump) who was gradually going downhill with kidney failure - he was still quite happy, and they didn't have him PTS until he started getting distressed. In his last couple of weeks, two little female cats, Lucy and Luli who were friends with each other, and about half Dunlop's size, used to curl up round him, as if to keep him company and comfort him. They were not related to him, and weren't particular friends before - it was a remarkable sight.
One of those little females, Lucy, seems to be just a kind little cat. I mentioned the recent arrival who had come from the vet who had been asked to PTS her. This new cat won't come out of her carry basket, which is in a large cage with the door open, so she can come out when she feels like it. While I was there, Lucy came into the cage, and just sat by the basket and put her nose inside in a friendly way, as if to say hello and welcome.
BTW, the staff (who are wonderful) give them lots of fuss, too - but they don't have time to lounge around and have cats draped all over them, of course
If anyone has a couple of hours to spare a week, I can recommend this as the best volunteer job ever.
KMvR -
Message 49
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
KMvR, what a lovely job to have, having cats draped all over you. It sounds a good place for cats there. If I had the time I'd volunteer for cat cuddling (and litter tray clearing, I seem to spend half my life doing that anyway) at our local rescue.
Gil, hope you haven't frozen half to death sitting outside. I have just been out to get some lunch and shot back into the office very quickly. Last night it was cold /and/ wet when I got in later on (after the vole incident) and Pebble was outside, complaining about the weather and wet. But I notice he didn't go inside until he followed me in - he's very odd. I don't suppose he'll change when he gets older, either, unlike Gomez and Morticia who rarely venture out at this time of year.
It always used to be vole season with Baldrick - voles don't move that fast and he could get them easily. Pebble seems to find them a bit too easy, but he was practising his hunting skills on me last night when I went to bed. That cat has very, very sharp teeth - they went through double thickness of duvet as he bit my knee. I hope the vole season comes to an end soon, I'd quite like it to be the "curling up in front of the fire" season for a while.
Jo Bo, how kind of you to play vole throwing with Horace.... I hope he's eaten it and hasn't stored it to play with it later. Nothing worse than finding out something dead has been hidden once it starts to smell.
Right, I have a cream cake with my name on it waiting to be eaten so I will be back later. -
Message 50
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Friday, 2nd December 2011
Ooh, Mrs KmvR (did I get it right? ), what a wonderful volunteer job!
Here in France, I don't think we're quite there at the moment, can't imagine that happening - I'll be the first to volunteer if it does. Having said that, my retired Dutch friend who has more time than me will probably beat me to it...
Billy and Astrid are still catching voles and small mice - and Billy is chucking them up all over the place. No, not playing with them. He eats them, then regurgitates quite often. Astrid keeps them down well, I'm happy to say.
Oops, just remembered I must go out and feed the birds. My two minutes of time outside before getting back to work in front of the computer.
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