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Archive through October 24, 2004

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions: 2004 Aug - Oct: Cats (ARCHIVES): Archive through October 24, 2004 users admin

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Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 3:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Okay. Nino is nice!

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 3:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Virtual Pet Adoptions

Meggieprice
Member

07-09-2001

Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 7:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Hi everyone. This summer I posted on BB site when our beautiful 16 year old cat Albert, aka Mr. Panks, became critically ill in July. I was looking for the strength to get through two weddings that week and not knowing how I would find it. Everyone was so supportive...

He not only lived through that weekend but went on to give us the past three months of total joy and richness as we held him close and loved him, giving him subcutaneous fluids every day and basically spoiling him rotten. There were other times when he seemed to falter and we wondered if the end was near. He rallied many times and gained strength.

This week he began to weaken considerably. (His illness included not producing red blood cells so this was expected.) I can't help but think he knew that this is the first weekend without a wedding since May, and the last such weekend until the end of November.
Yesterday he turned a corner to become so weak as to need carrying everywhere. We had made an appointment for today to do the unimagineable.

I held him from 10pm to 1am, croooning, rocking, singing, and letting him know he was a most magnificent cat who had given me unaccountable joy for all these many years. I gave him permission to let go and go to a place of no pain. I cried, I sang, and I finally got to the point of being able to lay him down in his heated bed with a blankie over to keep him warm.

At 3:30am this morning Michael awoke and felt that he had gone and we went in to check on him. He had died only moments before.

He was a truly great spirit of a cat and one of the loves of my life. The last gift he gave me was to give me some time to grieve before I resume the work I so love.

This is a picture Michael took in the last weeks of his life. It shows his aura.

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 7:36 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh Meggie, through the tears, what a beautiful picture of a beautiful soul.. and cat..

I'm glad you have some time to just feel the feelings.

{{{{Meggie, Michael, Zach}}}}

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Friday, October 22, 2004 - 7:19 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
{{{{Meggie and family}}}} having just gone through this, I sympathize completely. How awesome that he went serenely that way leaving you with some peace about it all. What a beautiful sunshine kitty he was and I can see his aura!

Ruiner
Member

08-31-2003

Friday, October 22, 2004 - 9:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
{{{{Meggie & Family}}}}} My deepest sympathies to you all. What a beautiful kitty! It gave me a chill cause Albert looks so much like my Johnny who is 19.

I too am going through the fluids, meds, spoiling rotten, heated bed routine. In the past 6 months we've come close to losing him a couple of times as well but he's bounced back each time. I'm hoping to have the strength when it's his time to know it's his time and not be selfish.

He gave you a great gift. He gave you much joy through the years as well. Passings are always so tough. My heart goes out to you and yours.

Vacanick
Member

07-12-2004

Friday, October 22, 2004 - 9:19 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Meggie, thank you for sharing your story. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Meggieprice
Member

07-09-2001

Friday, October 22, 2004 - 9:24 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
You are all such a comfort. We had a little ceremony last night talking about our memories of him (so many!). MIchael even got a cake and he had them write "Paankie Passes Purrrly Gates" on it, which made us all laugh and cry.

This was really hard for Zachy- he made a memorial web page and also a sheet for his binder. Last night he turned the heating pad on in case Mr. Panks wanted to lie there once again. Sigh.

Ruiner- I was so fearful about taking him in- his spirit was strong up until the last day. I couldn't imagine letting him go when he was still head butting me for cuddles (he was a notorious cuddle "word that starts with w and means sells sex and got redded out"). I swear he knew he had to let go to spare us that pain.

You here on this thread know the immense joy and richness that a cat brings to your life, as well as the huge hole left behind if they leave. Words can't express my gratitude for your kindness here.

Ruiner
Member

08-31-2003

Friday, October 22, 2004 - 9:51 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Meggie - I know what you mean about a strong spirit. Just yesterday Johnny was running around the house like a kitten! Not sure what he was looking for or if he found it...LOL! It sure is a blessing each day he is with us.

The only difference with Johnny, is that he grew up in the clinic where I work. He lived there for 15 years before I took him home. Johnny and I bonded almost from the day I started the job. We had a routine every morning and all that. When I saw him getting slower and older i was given permission to let him live his final days with us. That was almost 2 years ago! None of us expected him to last so long or being doing so well!

What I'm trying to say, is that there are other people I have to keep in mind that will want to say good bye to the old man, people that know him from the clinic. In his case, passing with all his friends around him at the clinic would probably be more comforting for him. The clinic was his home and is not frightening to him at all. I'll have to find the strength to know when...

Some time soon I'll run down all his ailments. When I do you'll understand why I feel blessed every time he follows me for food, makes it to the litter box and does all the things a cat should do.

Once again my heart goes out to you...

Djgirl
Member

07-17-2002

Friday, October 22, 2004 - 10:19 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
{{Meggie}} I'm sorry to hear about your baby. You definitely loved him and made his life happy. My heart is with you right now.

To let everyone know, I've been trying to get Willow & Doyle to lose a few pounds since they're not exactly the tiniest of kitties. They've been on IAMS light since Doyle was diagnosed last October and have probably lost a pound between the two of them... I'm awful! Since we've been redoing the floors in our living room, their bowls have been downstairs in the basement so when we're staining the floors or varnishing we have to shut them down there. I have had to fill up their bowl ONCE this week rather than every other day... I'm now thinking that I'll just have to take their food away during the day when I'm at work rather than leave it out for them to nibble on all day and maybe that will work! I guess it really is out of sight out of mind eh?!

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Friday, October 22, 2004 - 5:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh {{{{Meggie}}}}

I so know what you're going through. Your sweet Albert looks just like my dear Tiger that I lost so many years ago. He lived long past his diagnosed time too from kidney disease.

What a glorious picture that is of him.

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Friday, October 22, 2004 - 5:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
((((Meggie))))

Zachsmom
Moderator

07-13-2000

Saturday, October 23, 2004 - 7:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
So, our family is going to adopt a cat. I have never owned a kitten or cat. What do we need to do to prepare? I am not doing this tomorrow but in the next couple of months.

How do I prepare my house? What do I need to know about litter box training? I am not opposed to adopting an older cat vs a kitten.

This cat needs to be an indooor cat. I prefer a long hair vs short hair (I am alergic to short haired cats, long hair doesn't affect me)

Basically, I don't want to be ignorant in this adoption process. Tell me everything I need to know. I am thinking female and having her spayed asap vs a male cat.

HELP!

And, if anyone knows someone that has a kitten/cat that needs adoptiing, please let me know!

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Saturday, October 23, 2004 - 8:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Zmom, go to the animal shelter, I am sure they have many....I can have Bill ck the shelter out here for you....what color????

I think it is better to adopt 2 kittens at same time, that way they play and keep each other company when you arent home......it is not that much more expensive to feed 2 anyway.

I suggest getting 2 siblings.

Zachsmom
Moderator

07-13-2000

Saturday, October 23, 2004 - 8:11 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks Pamy.

I have had dogs, what is the difference in training..(house breaking a puppy takes a lot of time is it the same for kittens or are the more instinctive?)

What do i need to remove from home to make sure they are safe? Like I said, I have had puppies, is it the same for kittens?

I don't care color..just want long fluffy hair.

I don't mind having 2..I already have names picked out..would like female cats and their names are going to be Fred and Crackers.

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Saturday, October 23, 2004 - 8:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Kittens are easier..you can tell when they need to go cuz they start sniffing around.

I dont think you need to kitty proof anything

Moonie might have more answers than me.

Love the names!!!

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Saturday, October 23, 2004 - 8:23 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Dr. Elsey's kitty litter arrived yesterday and we've had excellent results with Fiore getting it right at last. I've never been so happy to see poo in all my life!

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Saturday, October 23, 2004 - 9:31 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Zmom, cats are a lot easier than dogs.

When you pick them out, get some that genuinely seem interested in you and Zach. If they want to play with YOU, they will most likely keep wanting to play with you. If they would rather ignore you, they will just keep ignoring you. Don't get sold on how cute the kitten is. Personality is WAY more important than looks.

Litterbox training is usually fairly simple. You put out the litterbox. You immediately put them in it the minute they get home. Every three or so minutes you show them where the litterbox is by putting them in it, for maybe the first half hour to an hour. As soon as they use it, they are trained.

We always found a simple squirt gun to be effective for when they get into trouble. When you catch them doing something bad, they get squirted while you calmly say NO in a firm voice. After a while, they will know NO means no, and you won't need the squirt gun. We had one cat who would squeal on himself when he was thinking about getting into trouble. We would hear him meowing and if we checked on him, he was about to jump on the kitchen counter. So he got told NO.

Do not ever allow the cat on the kitchen counter or the table you eat from. They can be trained not to do it, and it will save a lot of future hassle.

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Saturday, October 23, 2004 - 9:33 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Zachsmom, I totally agree with the getting 2 together. It doesn't have to be kittens. Check your shelters and rescue groups. there are tons out there!! Tons and tons.

Start window shopping at petfinder.org

Also, most cats are naturally drawn to the litter box. They pretty much train themselves or their mom trains them. Not like a dog...

You might want to consider the clawed vs. declawed issue. Or maybe look for two siblings that are already declawed so you don't need to worry about it! Because some cats are clawers and will ruin some furniture even with a claw post-if you are not there to supervise. Some clawed cats are fine and never claw stuff...

Maybe make sure any plants are out of the way. that's about the most they get into, but many cats don't even care about plants. Watch out for dryers-kitties love warmth and might end up inside of a dryer curled up in warm clothing. That could result in tragedy.

Just make sure to spay your new babies and post lots of pictures here!!!

Anyways start at petfinder.org... have fun!

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Sunday, October 24, 2004 - 7:31 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
....Z, absolutely no kitties near the clothes dryer,

AND no type of stringy things to pay with.

Another source of trouble are the rings off milk bottle tops. We didn't realize this until Ophelia had bits of plastic in her stool.

A lot of cats love to play in and lick plastic grocery bags. Be sure that first you cut the handles as a kitty can get strangled in them.

Zachsmom
Moderator

07-13-2000

Sunday, October 24, 2004 - 9:49 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks everyone! I am going to start looking a shelters. I am really excited about a new additions to our family.

I think we'll start by going to shelters and seeing how Zachary reacts to the cats and how he behaves towards them. He might still be too young and immature to handle having a cat. I want all parties to be comfortable.

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Sunday, October 24, 2004 - 10:31 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Z, did you look at petfinder.org? If you read many of the pet profiles, you can find the ones who are more affectionate or like to be handled. There are a tone of cats out there who do not like to be picked up or who like to hide. Sometimes you can't tell this.

Especially at many shelters. You might see a cat there that is totally a freak and hissy, but has a totally different personality when in a different environment.

The best bet is find a shelter that does fostering. Then the foster moms/dads can tell you their personality. Many of the foster families have kids, so the cat may be used to being handled by a young kid. The foster can tell you if the cat likes it or not...

Most fosters will let you come to their house (w/your son) and you can watch and play with the kitty before you decide.

When you have some time, do petfinder and go from there...

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Sunday, October 24, 2004 - 11:57 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Dylan has had animals since he was born,,,you need to show them how to handle the animal and everything will be just fine.

ps..I am against declawing, so it is important to teach a child how to handle a cat so they dont get scratched......if you teach him the kitty is like a baby and needs to be handled like one there will be no prob.......I am thinking an animal might be very good for Zach....it has taught Dylan to be very kind , gentle and loving.

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Sunday, October 24, 2004 - 1:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Zmom, you have a very good rescue organization right there in Irvine!!

HappyCats

Click on cats for adoption at the top.. you and Zach can make trips over there and see what you like and what he likes and so on..

The most wonderful thing you could do is adopt a pair of adults who need a home.. they can tell you which ones will work best with children and you can see how they have "turned out" and you'll know that the two already get along. They may already have names, but you can deal with that somehow.

Kittens are adorable but the adults (some of them quite young) often are needing you the most.

I adopted Critter when she was about a year old.

I'm not against declawing, but Happy Cats is definitely against it.. still they sometimes have adult declawed cats available (and they MUST be, or should be, indoor cats.)

Actually I'm as much against cats going outside as many are against declawing! I know that is radical but my vet says the average lifespan is MUCH longer for indoor kitties.

And Pamy is so right.. kids need to learn to respect animals (many adults need to learn that too).. give them space, let them come to you, learn to read body language.. no squeezing.. and it is an excellent lesson. You just have to be on top of things to protect the pets and the kids.

Before I had Critter I had 50 houseplants. I now have NO houseplants. Critter is worth more than having houseplants.. so my plants are all outside. This is because she was out to destroy anything like that but more importantly, some of them were dangerous for her. There is no point in having cut flowers in nice vases.. just a challenge to her and again, she's worth far more than flowers.

Plastic bags, string, RUBBER BANDS... get banished behind doors or in drawers.

All worth it and you get paid in purrs.

I'd love to meet you guys to see cats any time.

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Sunday, October 24, 2004 - 1:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
.