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Does anyone have experience with a pet that begs for attention constantly? I mean full on heart-piercing meows every time you stop petting it, no matter how long you were petting it for. I'm talking circling you and meowing non stop until you pick it up and pet it. I mean jumping on another cat and softly biting that other cat if it sees that cat getting attention.One of my cats has begun doing this and I'd like to break him of the habit before it becomes ingrained into him. It's so bad that if he sees a reflection of me petting him, he will jump out of my arms and rush at the reflection to try to get the attention from my reflection. Any advice? e: I should specify that when he runs at the mirror he slams into it at full force, which has me very worried for his lil noggin! TTBF fucked around with this message at 17:08 on Sep 19, 2022 |
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Sep 19, 2022 17:05
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New foster kitty had the runs and has a poopy tail. I managed to cut out the other dried-in poo matted on her side, but the tail is proving more difficult. When I tried gently touching her tail (nowhere near the poo bits) and she hissed and ran away. C'mon, kitty, it'll be over in five seconds if you'd just stay still.
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Sep 19, 2022 23:12
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I AM IN LOVE! Condolences for your old cat, that sucks even though it was expected. Looks like you're going to be having a wonderful time of kitten love though!
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Sep 20, 2022 18:29
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Has anyone had experience with successfully introducing a loner stray (or any cat of solitude) with other cats? We rescued a stray off the street a few weeks back. We kept him quarantined until the bloodwork came back to show he was negative for FeLV since we don't want to put our cats at risk when we try to integrate him. Well he isn't thank god, but the poor bastard was FIV positive. Now this cat has taken to us just fine, but we have him now sectioned off in our bedroom while all the others just constantly wonder who the new guy is hiding out in our room. So far we have had him introduced to three cats without disaster. But two of those three still were letting out slight hisses or audible noises. But we have had two other cats hiss immediately when seeing him or in his presence. My one fat orange one just hissed three times and turned around to get back out the door, this was after making eye contact from like eight feet away. And my one calico hissed once I brought her through the threshold, just knowing she crossed into his territory she freaked. When we got this stray, he was in pretty rough shape: bad flea allergies, open scratch wounds on his side. There's some tough tom cats in our neighborhood. So after a few rough weeks on the streets, it makes sense that he's way too defensive/skeptical. Just yesterday he got worked up when he peaked a look at the calico when I cracked the door open and that was enough time for him to be agitated for a few minutes afterward.
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Sep 20, 2022 21:33
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There's no guarantee they'll ever warm up to each other. In fact, unless they are kittens, there's no guarantee feral adult cats will ever warm up to people or other cats. I'd really consider giving the new cat up, as FHIV can be spread through open wounds, so it's a bad idea if either cat seems agressive.
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Sep 20, 2022 21:38
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Rotten Red Rod posted:There's no guarantee they'll ever warm up to each other. In fact, unless they are kittens, there's no guarantee feral adult cats will ever warm up to people or other cats. I'd really consider giving the new cat up, as FHIV can be spread through open wounds, so it's a bad idea if either cat seems agressive. Oh dang that's a good point, especially considering even cats that are the best of friends play pretty rough sometimes. Seems like a lot of potential to go sideways 
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Sep 20, 2022 21:42
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No we are prepared for a loooonnng road. Having talked with a rescue, we weren't too concerned regarding non-FIV cats living with a positive one. But the potential concern of a bite is keeping this process slow going. Our Maine Coon thankfully has been the one to show the stray that some cats don't even care that he's in the same room. He walked in, rubbed around on a few things, and then flopped on the ground.
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Sep 20, 2022 21:54
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FWIW one of our cats is FIV+. The second cat we adopted (as a kitten) is negative, although the shelter told us she was positive and we only found out long after they had gotten used to each other. We were careful with the introductions and they don't play particularly rough together so it has not really been an issue. The street cat who kind of adopted us recently had tested negative for FeLV, FIV, parasites/worms/fleas, and any minor wounds were treated prior to bringing him indoors. We had to accelerate introductions as he really did not do well being confined to a small bathroom for long, trying to dig his way out through our carpet with nails that were already in rough shape. The fast introductions made the first few weeks tricky as we had to watch them closely and redirect any aggression from the original cats - thankfully the new cat barely reacts to any of their baiting. We just fed them at the same time, gradually bringing their bowls closer, and I found that teaching the new cat tricks with the other cats nearby has helped him bond, especially with the original cat who is extremely food motivated and seemed to tolerate him better when she could steal any treats he dropped. The three of them hang out near each other and eat around each other fine at 5 months in, but there's still times where the original cats will hiss or growl at him usually right before dinner time though not when they are actually eating. They all use the same litter robot without complaints. I think if you take your time on the introductions it should go relatively well as long as you do not see anything worse than hissing or some minor growling. If the new cat is relatively passive to the other cats like ours it might help them get along eventually.
future ghost fucked around with this message at 22:24 on Sep 20, 2022 |
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Sep 20, 2022 22:17
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The vet does want us to retest after December just in case. This cat looks to be about 1 1/2 to 2 years old based on size. The blood test info had the cat down as 7-8 years old and we were like, for real? He had a medicated bath while at the vet too, he healed up nicely. This cat is a TNR cat. Our city is a now a no-kill city and from what we are told by our rescue friend is that some of these rescue groups are just dumping back cats with unregistered chips and just hoping for the best (like us suckers scooping up any friendly stray). The suckers get them scanned, see no owner, and then register them for themselves online. Now I know that FIV vaccines have been done away with here in the US, but I'm just hoping that for some dumb reason the group that trapped him had vaccinated him since they know they're throwing caution to the wind by releasing non-feral cats back on the streets.
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Sep 20, 2022 22:38
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It's possible that a recent vaccine would throw off the testing, but my understanding is that FIV+ vaccination is rare at best. Our vet recommended L-Lysine supplements (Viralys) for the FIV+ cat so we give her a bit every meal. Not sure how much it helps but we haven't had any unusual vet visits with her at least. Street cat is TNR as well and was a little thin when we got him. I was concerned about worms, or some other organ issue as his belly was kind of tough and bulging, but apparently it was just an effect from irregular street diet and cleared up in about a week. Blood tests also came back clean and age was estimated at 4-5 going by his teeth. No chip at all even with TNR. Boy got extremely lucky all things considered. Still terrified of rain and storms though - he just cowers under me if it drizzles outside. It did take about a month before he stopped yowling to go outside at 6AM. Seems to get he's an indoor cat now and doesn't hang around any exterior doors. future ghost fucked around with this message at 23:03 on Sep 20, 2022 |
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Sep 20, 2022 22:59
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my little fart smella 
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Sep 21, 2022 00:49
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I've tried bitter apple and chili powder, but my cat keeps on eating the soles of my shoes. She thinks that I was just seasoning my shoes. Any ideas for things cats actually hate? I like having shoes that work properly but my cat likes having my shoes in her mouth.
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Sep 23, 2022 06:44
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Allegedly cats hate citrus flavor. But if she's happily chewing through all the flavours cats usually hate, maybe the only option is to hide your shoes somewhere she can't get at them.
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Sep 23, 2022 07:15
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Put the shoes where the cat can't get them.
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Sep 23, 2022 08:27
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Thirding just put them where the cat can't get them. Our cat kept eating the artificial Christmas tree leaves (the cheap flimsy plastic sheeting kind that are like an inch long) and we tried all the sprays and it didn't help. She absolutely LOVED the citrus spray and specifically ate off the branches where it was heaviest.  The only thing that worked was denying her access.
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Sep 23, 2022 19:25
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Organza Quiz posted:Put the shoes where the cat can't get them. tell us you've never owned a cat without telling us you've never owned a cat
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Sep 23, 2022 19:34
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bowmore posted:my little fart smella You got a weird banana there
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Sep 24, 2022 00:03
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Iron Crowned posted:tell us you've never owned a cat without telling us you've never owned a cat I've owned cats my whole life, the thing is they have little walnut brains so it is actually possible to outsmart them.
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Sep 24, 2022 00:43
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Yeah it just sucks to have to put them in a shoebox, But that's the current solution. Thanks everyone.
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Sep 24, 2022 00:55
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How much space would you say you need per cat? I feel bad about having her cooped up in my 450ish square foot place, and now I’m back to work and she’s alone all day. I want to get her a friend so at least she’s not by herself but maybe that’s too much cat to fit.
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Sep 24, 2022 01:30
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redreader posted:Yeah it just sucks to have to put them in a shoebox, But that's the current solution. Thanks everyone.
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Sep 24, 2022 01:46
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drunken officeparty posted:How much space would you say you need per cat? I feel bad about having her cooped up in my 450ish square foot place, and now I’m back to work and she’s alone all day. I want to get her a friend so at least she’s not by herself but maybe that’s too much cat to fit. I've been in a similar situation but decided to wait until we got our own, bigger place. My reasoning was that the only thing worse than a cat being 'cooped up' alone was for her to be in small apartment with another cat she didn't like/feel comfortable around. I'm glad we waited to introduce a second cat until it was more feasible room-wise but otoh, I referred friends to our old apt and they're doing fine with two cats in that space.
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Sep 24, 2022 21:47
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My cat’s gut troubles have returned with a vengeance. Litter box #2s are now basically liquid and happen a few times a day. I’ve followed the advice of the vet in giving a round of Flagyl, changing his diet to a limited ingredient food, and then doing another round of Flagyl. He improved for a little bit a couple weeks ago, but regressed after getting boarded at a kennel and is possibly worse than before now. Significantly less vomiting now, and no real change in personality or energy, but he and his box can be difficult to keep clean. Holy poo poo guys, I’m at my wits’ end. I was under the impression that the veterinarian could help me manage this and figure out what’s going wrong, but it’s been weeks now and the poor little bastard is still painting the box with his rear end so I guess that was too much to ask for. I’m halfway tempted to call them and start yelling because god drat this is ridiculous. Ultrasound on the 10th with a different vet, internal medicine specialists. Hopefully they find something, anything to explain what’s going on. At this point I just want answers. I wanted to resolve this before he starts losing weight or looking sick because by then it’ll be too late. Now I’m worried that won’t happen because it’s impossible for even a cat to get decent healthcare in the United States. I’ve started to resign myself to taking this as a sign of the beginning of the end and am reading up on palliative care and euthanasia.  This sucks. You’re lucky I love you so much, you smug little bastard.
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Sep 24, 2022 23:03
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Have you tried adding soluble fiber to his diet? Years ago my IBD cat was helped massively by a pinch of unflavored citrucel in his wet food once a day. It might add some solidity to his poops.
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Sep 24, 2022 23:46
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I've done three cats in a 600 square foot apartment by giving them plenty of vertical space to get away from each other as needed.
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Sep 25, 2022 00:14
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Joburg posted:Have you tried adding soluble fiber to his diet? Years ago my IBD cat was helped massively by a pinch of unflavored citrucel in his wet food once a day. It might add some solidity to his poops. What was it like for you? Completely liquid or just kinda soft? Is it managed now, and has he suffered any long term side effects? Is he still happy with a good quality of life? I’ll try this out, thank you!
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Sep 25, 2022 00:54
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Pollyanna posted:What was it like for you? Completely liquid or just kinda soft? Is it managed now, and has he suffered any long term side effects? Is he still happy with a good quality of life? It was mostly soft but sometimes liquid before we found the soluble fiber magic. It was managed with fiber for years before he died and he was a happy active guy. If we missed a dose it was really obvious and it didn’t matter what kind of food he was on, he always needed extra soluble fiber. We tried the canned pumpkin for a little bit but it was not as effective and convenient as a pinch of shelf stable Citrucel. Make sure not to get INsoluble fiber, that makes diarrhea worse. He died of misadventure so I can’t speak to any long term effects but he was healthy for 6 years on the fiber plan.
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Sep 25, 2022 01:47
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Citrucel (methylcellulose) is insoluble though 
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Sep 25, 2022 03:08
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Our second little kit came home early this week! Bad news is he lost a lot of weight at the shelter because of stress, so we're technically fostering him until he gains enough weight to be neutered, upon which we'll finalize the adoption. We introduced them yesterday and they immediately got along great and started playing and are already practically inseparable. Over the last five days he's already gained a lot of weight with the help of lots of wet food and Nutrical. He's well over the 2lb threshold now, and he went from being skinny and bony to having a tubby kitten belly and appropriate padding over his ribs and back. He's a lovebug, but is shy and a little meek. We've named him Pinto Bean because he's a tiny lil bean. Forgive the boxes in the pic, we just moved last month and haven't unpacked totally yet.   
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Sep 25, 2022 16:06
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Pollyanna posted:Citrucel (methylcellulose) is insoluble though I might be an idiot. Soluble fiber is best, whatever brand that is.
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Sep 26, 2022 02:57
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We're trying to give the cat a bit less food because she's a bit chonky, but now she eats it all in the morning and gets cranky in the afternoon. We'll probably have to give half portions in the morning and evening, right?
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Sep 26, 2022 11:39
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One cat is pissing outside the litterbox. This is a 7 year old cat, and most of the time it's because she gets closed into a small room we didn't know she was in, but sometimes I think she's just doing it for fun in certain places. I think she's doing it about twice a month or so. She seems normal, it's just a big house. We have a litter robot upstairs and another one downstairs, and I keep them running smoothly. I'll take her to a vet if it carries on, but for now: -What's the best way to establish exactly where she pissed? As it is, all I can really smell is 'she pissed somewhere in this room'. -What do I put on it to make the smell go away / make her not want to piss there again?
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Sep 26, 2022 17:16
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I tried to do some watercolour painting. Ethics helped. I was a little ticked until I realized that he basically made a perfect memento of him that reflects both his personality and his perfect little toe beans.
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Sep 26, 2022 19:29
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I like to use vinegar for cleaning up cat pee. It really is the best at eliminating the smell and providing a terrible smell that they don't like. Also, vinegar smell dissipates relatively fast. Mind you, put it in a spray bottle. Don't just going pouring it all over.
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Sep 26, 2022 20:24
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redreader posted:
To get rid of the smell, you need an enzymatic cleaner that will destroy the particles causing the problem. Nature's Miracle used to be the go-to, but they reformulated. My rec now is MisterMax Anti-Icky-Poo. Try putting out a non-robotic litterbox and seeing if she uses that.
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Sep 26, 2022 20:29
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How many colors does a cat need to be called calico or whatever the other one is. My Pound Cake is mostly black, grey, and tan. But his chin is white with a tiny bit of orange around his nose.
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Sep 27, 2022 23:13
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If your cat is male, it's really, really unlikely he's a calico. They're almost universally female except in rare mutation cases as the calico gene is tied to the female chromosomes. He might just be another type that looks similar to calicos. Does he have stripes? If you post a pic maybe we can figure it out. Edit: from other pics you've posted of your cat, you have a standard tabby. Not a calico. Rotten Red Rod fucked around with this message at 00:16 on Sep 28, 2022 |
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Sep 28, 2022 00:12
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If you don’t post pictures of your cat often enough they explode, you know. 
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Sep 28, 2022 00:15
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"Calico" is a specific color pattern of white, orange, and black. The way cat coat genetics work, orange and black fur are both coded on the X chromosome; this means that cats with both orange and black fur need two X chromosomes, which means they're almost always female, with the occasional extremely rare XXY male. Regular tabbies will have color variations in their patterns, but when people talk about tricolor cats, they mean specifically white/orange/black, which may also have some tabby patterning. (Tortoiseshell cats are just orange and black with no white, or very little white; they're also always female or XXY male.)
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Sep 28, 2022 00:27
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| # ? May 25, 2024 14:23 |
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What’s it called when your kitty cat has a white belly but on the rest of her all the white/orange/black fur is mixed together, except for her back foot which is all black (that’s the one I poke and say “this my favorite paw” which she finds endearing and not at all annoying). I thought that was dilute tortie but maybe it’s dilute calico?
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Sep 28, 2022 00:42
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