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Archive through January 29, 2006

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Dec. ~ 2006 Feb.: Hairball Haven: Cats (ARCHIVES): Archive through January 29, 2006 users admin

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Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 7:28 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Thanks Shadoe,

No, only this new one has a lid. I got this one hoping she couldn't hang her touchy out and urinate on the rug. This new one cured that. So, now she just won't go in the new box to urinate but she will for bowel movements. They are both pretty much the same size. I will try taking the top off and see what she does. I didn't keep the old box. But, the new one is in the same spot as the old. I do keep padding over the rug now so everything that doesn't go in the box goes on that.

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 10:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Hi Baby!

1) How old is BABY? My vet told me years ago, that anything over 9 years old for a cat was a bonus.

2) I wouldn't just speak to the vet. I would take Baby to the vet as soon as possible.

3) I don't want to alarm you, but my vet told me that they endure a lot of discomfort before making it known. One of my previous cats, (who made it to 13 1/2) was acting peculiar. She was hiding a lot more than usual, and in unusual places. I didn't take much notice of it, until I saw her literally drag her body to her water bowl and drink like crazy. Or something like that, its been about 15 years now. Anyhow, my point is that it scared the bejeepers outta me, and I took her immediately to the vet, at that point. Turns out she had kidney stones, after a about 3 days at the vet... and a lot of crying on my part, (and expense), she passed away. I was devastated. I learned the hard way that if they are acting out of the ordinary, they are probably trying to tell you something. Let the vet figure it out. Don't do like I did, and wait til its too late. I have to point out that the vet reassured me that it wasn't my fault, because I didn't take much notice of her odd behaviour. But I know in my heart, that if I knew then, what I know now... sigh. Anyways, not trying to scare you, trying to get you to not overlook anything, and get your vet to check Baby out. :-)

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 11:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
Mame, unless your vet is talking about outdoor cats only, he's pretty pessimistic. My first two cats lived to be 19 each (WITH urinary tract problems, treated in both, including an operation for them male to allow passage of stones, but they were on special diets. My brother's cats have lived to be 19 and 15 (and he had irritable bowel syndrome his whole life). Critter is still going at age almost 17 and quite a few indoor cats live to quite advanced ages.

I consider all of my time with them a bonus but I wouldn't accept the 9 year old figure, for an indoor cat). My vet once said the average for outdoor cats is 3 year. :-(

Baby, I'd definitely have your kitty checked out, but sometimes they reall are klutzy about how they use their box. All of the boxes here are actually Rubbermaid tubs, which are pretty deep and would make it difficult for them to hang over the edge.

Sunshyne4u
Member

06-17-2003

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 12:43 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sunshyne4u a private message Print Post    
Someone earlier stated their cat was allergic to the flea bites and was on Prednisone/ antibiotics.

I am wondering if it might be less expensive to try Advantage or program. There is also some kind of pill that will kill all fleas within 24 hrs.

My dog used to react really badly to fleas.

*****
I am not sure but declawing is actually amputation of the last digit of the toe, isnt it? I bet that must hurt, it sure does for people when diabetics have toes cut off.

my cats always 'act out' if they are unhappy about going to the vet. We were there for a whole hour last Weds. Both cats got a complete going over.

Unfortunately, Whiskers has a Grade Three Heart Murmur. Anyone here have any experience with kitty heart problems??

Next we have to do a Chest Xray and a load of blood work....both cats will have geriatric screening bloodwork done. Good Lord it will be around 400$

Gina8642
Member

06-01-2001

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 6:55 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Gina8642 a private message Print Post    
Baby - I haven't read all the posts but I'd really recommend having two litter boxes. Lots of kitties like to have separate places to pee and poop. They can both be covered boxes and even in the same general area of the house.

Hukdonreality
Member

09-29-2003

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 7:02 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hukdonreality a private message Print Post    
One more suggestion (if you can handle more!), is to temporarily switch from litter to shredded paper. When my late kitty began exhibiting similar behaviors, it was recommended to me by the vet that I try that. Unfortunately, my Katie's problems were ultimately kidney failure.

Your kitty's problems may just revolve around the new box (if you haven't switched food or litter). One other thing, and I promise to shut up, is that in a covered litter box, I've heard that sometimes the scented litters are too strong for them and they don't like going in there.

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 7:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
Huk, I am trying to figure out why kitty would use the litter box for bowel movements, but not for the urinating.
If something is wrong with the box, why use it for one and not the other?
Maybe there is more of an urgency when needing to urinate and stepping up and into the box causes kitty to let go whereas the bowels are not affected in the same way.

I sure don't want to be an alarmist, but kitty is not as young as she used to be, so that's why I look to the health as opposed to the box and litter as a consideration.

Hukdonreality
Member

09-29-2003

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 7:27 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hukdonreality a private message Print Post    
I agree, Shadoe...was just relating what my vet told me when my kitty suddenly started peeing outside the box (still left her tootsie rolls inside the box).

Hukdonreality
Member

09-29-2003

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 7:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hukdonreality a private message Print Post    
I pulled this from a website (http://www.felinediabetes.com/urination-problems.htm ):
Help! My Cat is Peeing Everywhere!

Urinating outside the litter box occurs frequently in diabetic cats, especially in the early stages of the disease. If your cat's blood sugars are not yet regulated she still has polydipsia (drinks too much) and polyuria (pees too much). She may just not be able to hold the urine until she can make it to a litter box. A common concurrent problem may be a urinary tract infection which would make it difficult for your cat to hold her urine. Have your vet check her for an infection.

This is what I found most interesting: A cat commonly urinating near the box indicates the rejection of the litter or box. Urinating elsewhere is probably a preference for the location or substrate.


Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 7:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
Sunshyne4u, I am totally against declawing for any reason. The only picture that comes to MY mind is to schedule myself to have MY hand and toenails removed from my body. I am pretty sure it would hurt to walk and do stuff for some time. The nails are the only defense a cat has and you can never ever be sure that your cat will not end up in a situation where that protection is needed. That's just my view on the nails business.
I am sorry to hear of Whiskers' heart trouble, but I can't help at all. All I know is mine sometimes seem to be trying to give ME a heart condition with their antics.
When it comes to health costs for our pets, I look on it the same way as I would if Eeyore were sick. I don't think I could sleep if I paused at the price. Pets are the same as our children; we need to keep them healthy or out of pain.
I hope all goes well with the testing.
And just tell the kitties it's for their own good that they see the vet and they will thank you later LOL. In case that does not work, have special treats close by for your apology.

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 7:37 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
There isn't a day goes by that I don't think cats are out to get us and drive us crazy.

I am willing to bet they are snickering at us behind our backs all the time!

Mamapors
Member

07-29-2004

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 9:08 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mamapors a private message Print Post    
Fellow cat lovers---I have a question. I have a 13 year old multibreed kitty. She is extremely healthy and happy, but recently has started throwing up. It appears to me that she is overeating. Sometimes she will go weeks without throwing up, and sometimes it is more frequent. Sometimes it looks like food she just ate and has not digested. She is healthy in every other way. What could be causing this and should I take her to the vet?

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 9:22 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
Bottom line...cats throw up. They don't need a reason, they just throw up. Ophelia throws up exactly 3 times in a row, always. She might do that for a day or two and then not toss her cookies for weeks. But as sure as shootin' the urps will start again. Siamese have extremely short hair, plus she gets brushed every few days, so she is not herking up hairballs.

Weinermr
Member

08-18-2001

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 10:16 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Weinermr a private message Print Post    
Mamapors, I agree with Ophiliasgrandma, but...

I believe in taking the cat to the vet ANY time there is a change in habit or behavior, and as soon as possible. It's likely nothing is wrong, but why take the chance. Better to catch something, if there is anything, as early as possible. An ounce of prevention...

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 11:18 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
And I agree with OG and Weinermr, but ...

I would call the vet and maybe try some changes like looking closely at the food. It may be a batch or can of food, or just an upset stomach with the food not sitting well, or eating too fast. If you think she is overeating, you can always try to ration out just a certain amount.

Also, I have to add that cats are really no different than people so as they age, their parts don't run as well as they once did. I don't know what your kitty eats, but maybe the vet may have a suggestion of trying a food change for older cats.

OG, even if you brush your kitty frequently, they are notorious for being clean so they may be getting to some of the loose hair before you can.

There is no way that I get much from Booboo; she is just too quick for me. Shadoe on the other hand is pretty lazy; I think she figures why clean when I will be brushed? She loves being brushed but Booboo hates it.

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 11:26 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
I have become intimately familiar with Ophie's carpet pizza over the years, no hair is ever in it. Sometime I wish there was, at least then she'd have a good reason of upchucking all the time. LOL

Mamapors
Member

07-29-2004

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 11:29 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mamapors a private message Print Post    
Thanks OG and Weinermr and Shadoe---I also find no hair in any of her little surprises. This morning what I found was almost whole kibble bits. I have changed the food to a senior citizen type and go to Petsmart and try to buy the best. I give the two kitties one small can to share at night and then leave kibble out all day. This has never been a problem, but maybe I need to change that. It does seem she is eating more. Is there a health issue that would cause her to eat more? I always say I am going to take her to the vet, but she is so healthy and happy otherwise.

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 11:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
That's good to hear it's likely not hairballs or bad food. Elimination will help identify the source for sure.
It's pretty tough to know what's going on when you have more than one cat. Unless you put the food out and sit to watch who eats how much and in what fashion and how fast, you can't know.
Just because they eat the whole can by morn, you don't know who ate how much. One could think the other may take too much and decide to gulp down some food first.
I am pretty lucky because Booboo is a real pain and will eat only one kind of dry food. She also does NOT allow Shadoe anywhere near HER food. It's a good thing that Shadoe is pretty easy going and will eat just about anything. Shadoe knows that if she even goes close to Booboo's food, Booboo will run over and give her a smack.
Booboo does like Shadoe, so long as she doesn't touch her stuff!
Give the vet a call and see what you're told. No need to take kitty in if you can get help in a phone call.

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 12:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
Mamapors, 'search' cat's vomiting and any other words like it you can think of. You should get more info than you could digest in a lifetime.

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 12:44 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Thanks all for your thoughts and suggestions! I definitely appreciate each and every one of them. And, Huk, don't worry about it. I am glad you posted your thoughts.

Baby just got a clean liter box without the lid on it. I tried to make it as accessible as I could. I am also thinking about trying some of the cleaner you can use to make sure the urine is gone from the surrounding area as much as possible so they are not attracted to that spot to urinate again. I know there are things out there that would help with that but not sure what. I was wondering, after I use the stuff on the carpet, would they use the liter box since they would have to walk over that area to get to the box?

I am using the same type of liter but a different brand. I changed from Tidy Cat to Arm and Hammer which I used a few years ago. So, I am not sure if that plays into it or not?

Shortly after the liter box was changed,
Ms. Baby used it. I am not sure what all she did but there definitely was not any thing outside of the box. Then she curled up on my lap and seems very content.

As far as taking her to the vet, I am going to keep a close eye on her for a few days and see how this liter situation goes now that I took the top off. If things don't change, I will decide what to do then. If she goes to the vet, I know she would be so traumatized! We have been constantly together for almost 14 years now except for 24 hours a few years ago when I had to have emergency surgery. I was only gone that one day. When I got home, she was a total wreck. She had pulled large clumps of fur out and was totally falling apart. If she has to go to the vet, I cannot go with her and would have to have a friend take her. I am just so afraid that that would be so hard on her and cause other problems for her!

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and advice. Any other thoughts, please let me know!

Hukdonreality
Member

09-29-2003

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 12:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hukdonreality a private message Print Post    
That sounds like a good plan, Baby. Best of luck with your furry friend!

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 1:03 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Thanks Huk..She is my sweet and constant little companion. I never realized how much I could love a kitty until I got her. My son is the one who wanted a cat all of those years ago. He begged and begged and begged until I finally said yes. We aren't supposed to have cats here but they said I could because of special circumstances. Well, after he brought her home (she was only 7 or 8 weeks old), I took one look at her and she at me, and we instantly feel in love with each other! From day one, even though she was soooo tiny, she would climb up on my chair or bed. She didn't care how she did it, she would just find a way. As soon as I put her down, she was right back up on my lap, or arm or headrest..where ever she could get to. I felt sorry for my son and I know this hurt him, but I tried to fight the urge of falling in love with her and I tried to encourage her to go to him, but it just didn't work! So, when he grew up and moved out, Ms. Baby stayed with me. I am so grateful she did, she has been a true blessing in my life!

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 9:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
About the thowing up, Mama, Angelina, who I know has some missing teeth, even though she's probably not over 6, started throwing up and I could see it was definitely undigested and lots of it looked like it was unchewed, too. Well I started thinking that not only was she wolfing her food but maybe not chewing it all due to tooth problems, so I started giving her a pouch of moist food at night. She still eats dry food as well, but she hasn't been throwing up since then. And she wolfs the wet food.. So far it looks like I've solved that problem with a low tech solution, not to mention that she's crazy about this food!

And, of course, cats do throw up..

Agree with Weinermr as well.

Baby, a change in litter could cause a change in behavior. I really like my larger, deeper box because the whole cat gets in there and they can't hang over (now perhaps a bobcat would be tall enough, but not my girls)

Baby, if your sweet kitty does have to go to the vet, send along some article of clothing or blankie that has lots of your scent on it.. maybe a pillowcase, and that might help her to stay a bit calmer.. Or even see if your friend would wear an article of clothing that you've worn.

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 10:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Thanks Sea..what type of Rubbermaid tubs do you use for potty boxes? How high are the sides? I use a pretty big box and I would have to measure the sides but I think they are pretty high. Baby acts fine and she definitely is eating well. I still use the same type of liter (clumping type) but a different brand. I was using Tidy Cat and switched to Arm and Hammer. Do you still think that could cause a problem? I will keep a close eye on her for the next few days but other than the potty problems she seems fine. Thanks for the tips on the scent thing. She does sleep with me so I could send a blanket or pillowcase like you said, Sea. If she does have to go to the vet, I am kinda glad she hasn't taken to the cozy chic throw yet. If she really liked it, I would probably feel guilty if I didn't send that with her. She knows what the word 'cozy' means and she usually likes anything really soft and comfy. But, for some reason, she just doesn't like cozy chic!

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 10:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
21" long, 15" wide and 12" deep. We have three boxes now. (two cats, who aren't friendly, and an upstairs and downstairs.

Critter mostly doesn't like cozy/chic either.. she has ended up all curled up on it but usually only when I'm under it and she still will just look at it and curl up on the duvet or sheet instead.

I have used the scent thing for puppies newly separated from mom or litter.. give them a mom scented sleeping pad or towel, and also with going to a new home.. I bring along items that smell like me and the animal to help make the new place seem right.