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Pollyanna posted:Is there one that goes into a window? Like those AC holders? That’d be a cool thing for a cat, a little nature bubble. I haven't seen one that's pre-made, but there are plans online for building them, e.g. this one I have seen replacement windows that are bumped out for houseplants (but ought to work for cats), but a quick search didn't turn one of those up so maybe they're not made anymore? IIRC they were pretty pricey.
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Aug 4, 2019 04:12
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Not a Children posted:Hello Cat Thread! I recently adopted a senior cat and have been adjusting to being responsible for another teeny 'lil life. I'm concerned that I'm not stimulating him enough, and was wondering if there were any recommended toys, tools, or interaction tips. You're absolutely right - Those things that 'calm him down' (e.g., taking him outside, picking him up) are really you reinforcing the behavior. Just like you stop pressing the button on the pop machine when your drink comes out, he stops meowing when he gets what he's meowing for. Things that will help: -Food balls, snuffle mats, and other interactive food-based toys to provide stimulation -Rather than have all his toys available all the time, provide a few and rotate. That way there's always something 'new' that you know he's interested in -If you think he finds the apt small, try adding some vertical space such as cat trees, wall shelves, etc. -What do you think he likes about being outside? Some of ours like the grass, or the birds, so hanging a bird feeder by the window or growing wheatgrass in a small pot makes them just as happy. -Track to see if there is a specific time of day that he's particularly vocal and 'head him off at the pass' with some intense long duration playing to wear him out. Does he go for Da Bird or lasers at all? Advanced/desperate techniques: -Do some focused training to put the meowing on a cue. I've done this with dogs that jump primarily, but I've done it with cats with inappropriate attention-seeking behaviors as well. If you train them to meow when you say "Speak!" and only reward them when you say it, it will decrease overall meowing. -Get a second cat
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Aug 4, 2019 16:32
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I'm a bit scared right now. I heard a loud noise of something from the living room then heard my cat zooming through the living room into a bedroom. I walked out to see nothing had tumbled, I then checked on my cat and she was in extremely angry with her tails puff and low and was hissing and meowing. The problem was she looked like she was scared of me. I tried to walk away but she attacked my legs then hissed at me. I then very slowly walked toward my room while she continued to growl and following me. I was able to get into my room and close the door. She growled for about 5 minutes then is now silent. She has never acted this aggressive toward me and I'm a bit scared and upset. Can anyone advice on what I should do next? Just wait until she calms down? Update: I tried to leave my room to find she had pooped all over the living room and has not given up on attacking me. I'm at complete loss for what to do... Update2: Cat no longer attacks me when i open the door, responds to my call with growls. I'm guessing she had fell from her tree pretty and is still in pain. I'm hoping she will recover eventually and was not seriously hurt. I'm going to give her more time before I attempt to leave my room to clean up her mess. Revalis Enai fucked around with this message at 19:54 on Aug 4, 2019 |
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Aug 4, 2019 18:48
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So I've been keeping my litter box in my room so my other roommates don't have to deal with smelling litter smell when they're by it, but naturally my room smells like a litter box even when it's clean because scented litter and all that. Anyone have any advice beyond moving it (which may end up happening regardless because it's annoying)? Would something like an air purifier work?
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Aug 4, 2019 18:57
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^^^ Get unscented cat litter? I hate how the f'n foods are by prescription only. Got to petsmart to get Royal Canin Urinary S/O to find out the prescription expired 3 days ago because we forgot to get a new one when the cat went to get his shots. So we had to buy a small bag of Purina Pro-Plan Urinary to hold them over until we can get the new one (vet is closed today). UGGGGHHHH! nunsexmonkrock fucked around with this message at 22:06 on Aug 4, 2019 |
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Aug 4, 2019 21:59
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Koaxke posted:So I've been keeping my litter box in my room so my other roommates don't have to deal with smelling litter smell when they're by it, but naturally my room smells like a litter box even when it's clean because scented litter and all that. Anyone have any advice beyond moving it (which may end up happening regardless because it's annoying)? Would something like an air purifier work? You can’t help the room smelling like litter but you can pick what your litter smells like! Pine pellets were my answer to this they just smell like wood which is much more pleasant. There are some tidycats that claim to be unscented but I haven’t tried them.
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Aug 4, 2019 22:08
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Koaxke posted:So I've been keeping my litter box in my room so my other roommates don't have to deal with smelling litter smell when they're by it, but naturally my room smells like a litter box even when it's clean because scented litter and all that. Anyone have any advice beyond moving it (which may end up happening regardless because it's annoying)? Would something like an air purifier work? Try switching to a box with a privacy hood. They have little air filters in the top.
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Aug 5, 2019 00:23
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Revalis Enai posted:I'm a bit scared right now. poo poo, thats worrying. How long have you had the cat? I can't help but wonder if a head injury led to the poop and aggressiveness
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Aug 5, 2019 00:39
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nunsexmonkrock posted:^^^ Get unscented cat litter? Start using Chewy, friend. I can schedule orders and they will call and get the script in advance.
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Aug 5, 2019 00:44
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CloFan posted:poo poo, thats worrying. How long have you had the cat? I can't help but wonder if a head injury led to the poop and aggressiveness I'm really hoping there's nothing wrong with her. She seems to be acting mostly normal at the moment and is eating her food , but she's being cautious of everything. I'm very paranoid right now because my sister's cat had a car accident and lost his vision recently and I don't know if I can mentally handle my cat being seriously injured. I don't know why she will fall off of her tree, but I received a few large packages from Amazon and I'm guessing she got startled by the delivery person dumping the package at the front door. I'm really pissed off right now but all I can do is wait and hope her behavior return. I don't know why but she still hisses at me only when I'm at the living room.
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Aug 5, 2019 03:08
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Get that cat to the vet. Personality changes often mean health issues, and even if it's just mental, there are things they can do. (Yes, they prescribe anxiety medication for cats.)
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Aug 5, 2019 03:15
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Tuna's been getting a little of really small mats in his fur on his hindquarters this summer--more like knots, really--and while I've been picking them out as I find them, it's starting to get to the point where his fur is a bit shorter back there than on the rest of him. This wasn't the case in previous summers--any ideas what could be going on?
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Aug 5, 2019 03:33
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Rotten Red Rod posted:Get that cat to the vet. Personality changes often mean health issues, and even if it's just mental, there are things they can do. (Yes, they prescribe anxiety medication for cats.) Yeah, I'd second this. I am not a vet, but with an unexplained fall and the kind of personality change described, there's at least some possibility that it was a seizure, so best to get that ruled out sooner rather than later.
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Aug 5, 2019 03:39
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Dienes posted:Start using Chewy, friend. I can schedule orders and they will call and get the script in advance. Thank you for the offer but they can live on it for a day. I don't want to do anything to change my routine because things will get screwed up and I won't know where I went wrong. = Yhe cats health is worth more than my convenience.
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Aug 5, 2019 03:56
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TofuDiva posted:Yeah, I'd second this. I am not a vet, but with an unexplained fall and the kind of personality change described, there's at least some possibility that it was a seizure, so best to get that ruled out sooner rather than later. Going to give them a call first thing in the morning. Luckily I'm on vacation so hopefully there's a spot for me to squeeze in. Toughest part is getting her into the cage.
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Aug 5, 2019 04:13
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Hi cat thread, random question: I've gotten into a bit of a kick getting houseplants. Before I buy one, I google the plant type and see if it's safe for cats. If it comes back toxic, I put it back. I came across a plant I really wanted in my place but alas it was a dracaena  are there tall plants that look like this and are cat safe? Basically tall, thin and has the leaves toward the top. Even though technically it would be out of reach, my cat has surprised me and I'd rather take precaution. Plus she tends to nibble on things too.
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Aug 5, 2019 06:04
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Dienes posted:You're absolutely right - Those things that 'calm him down' (e.g., taking him outside, picking him up) are really you reinforcing the behavior. Just like you stop pressing the button on the pop machine when your drink comes out, he stops meowing when he gets what he's meowing for. Thank you for this! I don't have much space to add climbables (rental apt with oddly arranged walls and low ceilings), but he does seem to enjoy bouncing around my apartment. I do have a cat tree and a few shelves/a large windowsill for him to roam on. I ordered a puzzle feeder off of amazon that I'm hoping will at least keep him occupied while I'm getting ready in the morning. Unfortunately, he doesn't really engage with playtime that well; our play sessions seem to only last a minute or two before he disengages. Ordered da bird to see if that's any good, and will start rotating his toys out (I guess I've been spoiling him by just leaving them all accessible). Lasers are a total dud, he plays with lasers for about 20 seconds before getting bored. I did grab a small thing of wheatgrass from petco while I was getting him food, and he seemed to take to it very well. Almost immediately reduced the amount of whining he was doing yesterday evening (though he went right back to it this morning when I got up). Might get some growing and keep some small pots of it in rotation on my window sill. I'm just hoping it's not too late to train him out of it -- he's 12 years old, so I've got to imagine a lot of his habits are pretty ingrained.
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Aug 5, 2019 13:26
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Not a Children posted:Thank you for this! I don't have much space to add climbables (rental apt with oddly arranged walls and low ceilings), but he does seem to enjoy bouncing around my apartment. I do have a cat tree and a few shelves/a large windowsill for him to roam on. I ordered a puzzle feeder off of amazon that I'm hoping will at least keep him occupied while I'm getting ready in the morning. Unfortunately, he doesn't really engage with playtime that well; our play sessions seem to only last a minute or two before he disengages. Ordered da bird to see if that's any good, and will start rotating his toys out (I guess I've been spoiling him by just leaving them all accessible). Lasers are a total dud, he plays with lasers for about 20 seconds before getting bored. One thing that has totally gotten my cat's attention when we are playing and she starts to redirect is a Da Bird replacement bird with some weight on the end of it. I toss it like a lawn dart and she loves to chase, pounce, and kill. Then I just walk over and pick it up and she resets for the next throw.
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Aug 5, 2019 13:41
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Not a Children posted:Thank you for this! I don't have much space to add climbables (rental apt with oddly arranged walls and low ceilings), but he does seem to enjoy bouncing around my apartment. I do have a cat tree and a few shelves/a large windowsill for him to roam on. I ordered a puzzle feeder off of amazon that I'm hoping will at least keep him occupied while I'm getting ready in the morning. Unfortunately, he doesn't really engage with playtime that well; our play sessions seem to only last a minute or two before he disengages. Ordered da bird to see if that's any good, and will start rotating his toys out (I guess I've been spoiling him by just leaving them all accessible). Lasers are a total dud, he plays with lasers for about 20 seconds before getting bored. Oh yeah he might just want grass, definitely give him some of that. It's not surprising that he doesn't play much at a time given that he is 12. He probably won't need as much playtime as a young cat.
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Aug 5, 2019 13:53
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olives black posted:Try switching to a box with a privacy hood. They have little air filters in the top. I already have one but it's still a problem. A new roommate moved in yesterday and has an air purifier that he let me use for the evening/night and it completely eliminated any smell at all, so I think I'm just gonna bite the bullet and get one.
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Aug 5, 2019 14:01
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seiferguy posted:Hi cat thread, random question: I've gotten into a bit of a kick getting houseplants. Before I buy one, I google the plant type and see if it's safe for cats. If it comes back toxic, I put it back. I came across a plant I really wanted in my place but alas it was a dracaena Ponytail palms are cat safe and slightly similar.
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Aug 5, 2019 14:33
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seiferguy posted:Hi cat thread, random question: I've gotten into a bit of a kick getting houseplants. Before I buy one, I google the plant type and see if it's safe for cats. If it comes back toxic, I put it back. I came across a plant I really wanted in my place but alas it was a dracaena My first thought was bamboo, but tbh my experience has been that cats will stop at nothing to get at plants that have long narrow leaves of any kind. I had one who managed to eat most of a spider plant that was hanging from the ceiling, just by repeated jumping from a table. Only one jump in maybe 20 was successful, but he got every leaf on the plant eventually. (I was too amazed to be mad at him.) Your best bet, if you haven't got it already, might be to provide a pot or two of wheatgrass for the cat's enjoyment; there's at least a chance that having ready access to nibble-able greens around your other plants might distract the cat from going after the others. That's what I'd try, anyway. I migrated to all cactus houseplants because of this very thing 
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Aug 5, 2019 14:42
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I bought some cat safe plants from a pet shop nearby. And my cats nibble on them. But sometimes later throw up the plant leaf they ate. Is this normal?
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Aug 5, 2019 14:48
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Sefal posted:I bought some cat safe plants from a pet shop nearby. And my cats nibble on them. But sometimes later throw up the plant leaf they ate. Completely normal, and even desirable (though gross). Eating grass and then regurgitating it helps the cat rid the tummy of ingested hair.
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Aug 5, 2019 14:59
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cats are dumb gross idiots that are the pinnacle of grace and majesty.
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Aug 5, 2019 15:01
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Better than wiping bright green plant diarrhea all over the kitchen floor ALETA.
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Aug 5, 2019 15:08
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One of my cats absolutely loves eating my prayer plant(which we bought specifically because it's hardy, cat-safe and she'd already eaten my entire fern, RIP) and lately we've noticed that she also enjoys just... licking the leaves. Maybe she's softening them up before eating, idk. Weird cat. She's shown no interest whatsoever in the catmint we grew from seed to treat her with either. Gotta be that prayer plant.
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Aug 5, 2019 15:14
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Mine is mostly interested in digging in the big pot our palm is in. I caught her swatting at the Pilea and it died (suspiciously) not long after, she also destroyed a baby Musa while trying to catch a fly. I had/have quite a lot of plants and it was a hassle trying to figure out which ones were toxic, I did move them to strategic new spots when we adopted Katya but I'm not overly worried any more as she's not very interested in eating them. We also planted a little patch of wheat-grass in the backyard which she loves so maybe that's enough to redirect her gnawing. Is it weird that she has never once thrown up even though she eats grass pretty much daily? No hairballs either, which I was definitely expecting because she's very fluffy. edit: The little gremlin in question. 
InvisibleMonkey fucked around with this message at 15:37 on Aug 5, 2019 |
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Aug 5, 2019 15:35
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hypoallergenic cat breed posted:Ponytail palms are cat safe and slightly similar. Upon looking at these, this seems like the right bet. My mom has all sorts of plants in her house that I'm pretty sure aren't cat safe but their cat just turned 15, so I'm guessing either he figured out not to eat them or he was never interested (I've seen him eat grass outside though!) but my cat loves to chew on cords so I know theres a chance she would try to chew on leaves.
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Aug 5, 2019 16:17
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Lemongrass is also safe, tallish, and has long narrow leaves. And yes, it's normal for them to barf grass back up.
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Aug 5, 2019 21:44
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I should probably get some cat grass for that reason. Ginny grooms all the time, she's all floof, and she hacks a hairball up once a week or two. She usually eats a little dry food first so I'll find a little bit of food attached to a long ball of gross hair. I have all kinds of brushes and combs and nothing stops her. Hell when I brush her I have to guard what comes off the brush or she'll try and eat it.
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Aug 6, 2019 06:29
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I had no idea cat grass helped that kind of thing. My cats have had a bit of a case of hairballs recently and they've definitely slowed down as I've made a better habit of brushing them. Might add cat grass to the equation too. My Binx likes to chew on the brush but he isn't actually interested in the hair, I think he likes how the bristles feel on his teeth. He's always been an excellent cat in that he's a total weirdo though.
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Aug 6, 2019 14:09
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Work brushing your cats teeth into the deal too!
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Aug 6, 2019 14:13
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Artichoke loves cat grass so much that if you try to feed him a piece he will swipe at it so rapidly that you can no longer feed it to him. Now we have a couple plants that we rotate in and out that he can graze on
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Aug 6, 2019 16:23
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My roommate had to throw away all her cactuses when I got basil. The cactuses were nearly dead, but Basil decided that was Good and he kept trying to collect them as though they were strange toys. Why is my cat more defective than most? Both basil and peach love pineapple leaves ?
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Aug 6, 2019 19:58
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We tried grass because the assholes have eaten any plant we bring inside. They ignored it
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Aug 6, 2019 22:59
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Len posted:We tried grass because the assholes have eaten any plant we bring inside. Can confirm that cat.exe is functioning as intended.
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Aug 7, 2019 21:01
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My young cats do the exact same thing with any plant whether normal house plant or cat grass: pull the plant out of the container and leave it somewhere like a dead mouse. Usually the front or bedroom door. If I put it back they just repeat. My wife thought succulents would be less fun but they immediately climbed up to them to and started dragging them out of the soil/pebbles/whatever. Death to all things that grow it seems.
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Aug 8, 2019 02:59
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My cat played with da bird for like 5 seconds and now ignores it I hope my cat is not broken
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Aug 8, 2019 15:42
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Not a Children posted:My cat played with da bird for like 5 seconds and now ignores it All cats are broken. Hth
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Aug 8, 2019 15:48
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