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Archive through March 20, 2006

The TVClubHouse: General Discussion ARCHIVES: 2006 Mar. ~ 2006 May: Hairball Haven: Cats (ARCHIVES): Archive through March 20, 2006 users admin

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Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 4:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
Jeep, is there any way that you can separate the two when you are not home? If they are very close to each other though, it may be too upsetting for them.

If you can separate them, you would have a chance of measuring the amount of each food that you put out for Casper. Without fat Fred influencing her eating, she may be more relaxed. Give her some special attention, putting her litter box and bowls of food in an area she likes most. If she has a favorite blanket or toys, put them in the separated area too.
Hopefully she will be good as new in no time!

Whenever I come home, it is mandatory that I talk to Booboo FIRST, picking her up and putting her on my shoulder. If I greet Shadoe first, Booboo gets in a huff and hides for hours. No amount of apologizing will do either.

I hate to admit it, but I have 10 different kinds of dry biscuits in small bowls for Booboo and Shadoe. They each have their preferences, so there is not too much bickering between them.
I ended up with all these different kinds because of my search for a food that Booboo the stick cat would eat. She is SUPER picky and likes only two kinds. She is miserable and does NOT like any change to her foods. She will drink only fresh cold water. I used to worry that she was not healthy, but careful watching showed me she is just a tiny dainty eater. No wonder she looks like a hairy stick.
Shadoe the football cat eats and drinks anything.
My problem is figuring out how to get Shadoe to lose weight - maybe I can look around for a kitty treadmill for her LOL.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 5:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Nan, I wouldn't let them watch. I'd keep them in the rental, and I'd put on loud TV or music. It's bound to be loud, and that can be very disturbing to our little four-legged kids. Once the place is demolished and they'll be allowed back out, go out there with them and walk around with them. If they see you there, they'll feel a bit more comfy, I'd bet. I doubt if they'll totally freak out that their old home is gone. They'll be more interested in the new smells and sights of it being gone, I'd bet.

But honestly, I'd be less worried about how they react to the disappearance of the laundry room than how they react to the noise of the demo! (Heck, it'd scare ME! <grin>)

And remember, too... they won't understand what the noise and mess is all about. So while it may be interesting to you to watch, and it may work if you had small two-legged children, I don't think your four-legged ones will be able to understand when you try to explain to them what's happening in front of their little eyes! <wink>

Jeep, good luck with Casper. If you can keep her separate from Fred, and can see what different things to try to tempt her to eat, you may have some success. Maybe lock Fred up in another room and let Casper have the run of the place for a bit. (That way she won't feel like she's being punished unless, of course, she likes being separated in a room alone! <grin>)

Nancy
Member

08-01-2000

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 5:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Nancy a private message Print Post    
Jeep, try some baby food(yes baby food)

when my Roo had stopped eating, someone suggested I try that and she DID eat that but not her regular food(consistency maybe) i got the stage 1 gerber, but just be very very careful it doesnt contain onions(highly toxic to kitties)

Jimmer
Moderator

08-30-2000

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 6:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
Honestly, I don't think they will care, but the noise and commotion may frighten them.

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 6:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
I agree about the noises scaring the cats. My cats hide when they hear any noise at all in the hallway outside my front door.

Halfunit
Moderator

09-02-2001

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 8:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Halfunit a private message Print Post    

quote:

Shadoe: No wonder she looks like a hairy stick.



That is so funny!




As for the cats watching the house demo, I don't think I'd have them outside. Also, once you let them outside after the house is gone, keep a close eye on them. They may freak a bit when they realize their old hideout is gone. I've seen cats not know what to do when their safe place has been removed and they just run off.

Oh Jeep, that sounds like a terrible visit to the vets office. I do apologize for giggling and I hope that Casper eats soon! :-)


Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 8:14 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
I really like Shadoe's idea of getting some part of that laundry room over to the rental.. scent is such a big deal to kitties.

Jeep, hope things work out this weekend.

Happymom
Member

01-20-2003

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 10:15 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Happymom a private message Print Post    
Jeep, I hope Casper starts having a better time and eats. I'm so sorry about that vet's visit. Blah! Your poor little Casper and poor you, my goodness, whatever could go wrong did. I hope your back is feeling better.

My cats would go back and forth with liking the people tuna from a can, sometimes they wouldn't eat it even when well, sometimes they would be ravenous for it sick or well. I always did try it though when one was sick. Someone here suggested recently that I try the tuna in oil. I hadn't thought of that because I would always just share the tuna with them and I buy the tuna in water for myself.

My two cats were always together so I just had to watch them as much as I could to try to see who was eating what. Separating them would have been too traumatic for them probably, so I didn't want to even try it and have both not eat out of depression or stress. I was able to separate them for short periods of time just to watch one eat at that moment/make sure the other wasn't eating the sick ones share, especially with canned food or tuna that they would just eat right away. Good luck with the food. I too have had luck with catsip. I also tried every kind of Fancy Feast and 5 different dry foods plus treats plus even dry dog food (it worked) plus baby food (rec. by the vet, I would never have thought of that). Sometimes they just need something really strong smelling and then if they eat a little it gives them their appetite back. Wysong makes canned meat for dogs and cats. It is just pure turkey or liver or whatever meat it is. I have had luck with that too. Our vet carries Wysong and so does an independent grocery store in our town. I've never seen it anywhere else.

It would mean more blood work, but did your vet check for thyroid problems? Oreo has this and has been on med. for a long time for it, it is actually keeping her alive. She didn't stop eating, but there was a dramatic weight loss that triggered the vet to test for it. She periodically gets new lab work to check to make sure her dose is working.

I hope Casper maybe just didn't eat after the trip to the vet's because she was still mad and upset. I hope she's back to eating now.

Nan, so sorry about your losses from hurricane Rita. I agree with Costa and Jimmer, I wouldn't let them watch, I don't think they'll understand or even remember the demolition when it's over. I think the less noise they are exposed to, the better. You probably won't be able to shelter them from all the noise. I agree with Sea and Shadoe about the scent and Half about fearing they may run off when they cannot find their old place. I would only let them out really supervised for a long while, but that's me with my cats who really have only been indoor cats with a kitty door that they didn't use a lot. (it got boarded up after raccoons came into the garage to eat the cat and dog food.)

YAY Rosie! That is such good news!

GAL, I sure hope I never have to clean tar off anyone

Treasure, I love the winter kitty photo. I never had cats growing up. I had a great friend in my neighbor's orange cat (not the other two though, just the orange cat), he was so kind and would just be with me understanding my teen woes of the world. He was really special... because of this, I always have such fondness for orange cats.

Hi Baby, good luck with your kitty carrying solution. I cannot think of anything new.

Well, the vet called on Tues. to see how our dog was doing with her new med and also to say that Cashmere's ashes were back. It was really hard picking them up, but I had to, I didn't want her just sitting there at the vet plus I had to take Oreo in to weigh her. I couldn't manage to do it Tues. I went on Wed and Oreo had lost 4/10 of a pound in 8 or 9 days. (down to 7.4, she used to be 12 pounds a few years ago) I was alarmed. Dr. had me bring her back in today. Her .4 lb was back, good sign, but things haven't been right in the litter box. She is eating though and we'll know tomor. if her labs have changed. Dr. asked if she's depressed. I think she is but I don't know if I'm projecting my sadness about Cashmere onto Oreo. Also, Cashmere was so physically active and restless and vocal and demanding for about the last year and throw in the off and on seizure problems and I was so worried about her that I knew her disposition so much more than Oreo's disposition. Oreo did not get ignored, but she only came into the house from the garage willingly once in about 10 years when she smelled tuna. Cashmere ran for the open kitchen door to get in here every chance she got.

Well, her labs will be back tomorrow. The vet says she looks good, her eyes look good and alert. I worry about upsetting Oreo by taking her to the vet in case it reminds her of Cashmere, like somehow the vet reminds her of Cashmere more than our house?... I feel I'm not even thinking about this rationally but oh well. I keep bringing Oreo into the house, she stays on me (or whoever is holding her) but after awhile she squirms or meows that certain meow and we put her down and back to the garage door she goes. She is 19, she always lived in the garage with Cashmere. Even with my mom severely allergic (mom doesn't live here but lives close enough to visit often), I would bring Oreo in the house to live if she'd let me. Well, I guess I've really rambled...

Halfunit
Moderator

09-02-2001

Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 5:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Halfunit a private message Print Post    


Watching2
Member

07-07-2001

Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 8:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Watching2 a private message Print Post    
Baby - I hope you're find some good solutions to your kitty situation! Good luck! Let us know how you make out.

Jeep - I'm so sorry about Casper, but it's reassuring that she tested negative for all those things! I had a cat that was a monster going to the vet and now I have an old dog who is just a basket case going and being touched, etc. Her nails are far too long because she's like Cujo if I try to cut them and she freaks at the vets, etc. Because of the neuro problem she had last fall, I'm concerned about sedating her. I have to check with the vet again. It makes me feel like I'm neglecting her with her nails so long, but it's really because she gets so upset...and viscious about it and she's really a sweet dog other wise. She was so sick the last time at the vet and yet when he checked her under her tail area, she managed to get that lip up and snarl. Of course, I jump if she makes any noise and that happens when I haven't even touched her yet. She's such an old girl, I hate upsetting her!

Nansco - I agree with everyone about protecting your kitties from the noise as much as possible. I would also consider keeping them inside for as long as possible after the house is gone so they have more of an interest in the new place. Shadoe's idea of the laundry room "part" is a great idea.

{{{Happy Mom & Oreo}}}}}

Mameblanche
Member

08-24-2002

Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 10:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
How to hang out and veg out on the weekend:

Bandit & Scooter demonstrating proper Saturday night etiquette.

This is what happens when you mix beer & catnip!

Just kidding, folks. No catnip tonight. And certainly no beer. Mind you they are a bit spoiled since I give them filtered water in their water bowl. Not crappy tapwater.

Sunshyne4u
Member

06-17-2003

Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 12:49 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sunshyne4u a private message Print Post    
The vet comes in and says all the blood work is fine, everything is right down the middle of normal. Casper's in great shape! Right. He wants to do the fluid under the skin to help her with the dehydration

Sorry to hear about your kitty problems. One of my cats HATES going to the vet and your description of the visit struck a cord in me.

My poor whiskers had a grade 3 Heart Murmur last time he was at the vet. Panting and shaking he looked like he was going to have a heart attack!! He has had blood work twice, from the neck. He HATES it and wow, can cats scream!


Did you get a copy of the bloodwork? All the bloodwork couldnt have been fine if the cat was dehydrated. What was the vet's diagnosis?? I am puzzled as to what they thought was wrong.

When Whiskers was sick a couple of years ago I got a copy of the Bloodwork so I could research stuff. I ended up having it reviewed by TWO Vet Pathologists before we found the correct answer to his Anemia.
******

I have one cat who loves canned tuna or sardines...but I have to make sure it doesnt have SALT added.

Not that Booboo minds. My ex and I were getting ready for a Staff Christmas potluck party years ago...we were bringing our homesmoked LOX. I had a big platter sliced thin to be used for appes. Went to the other room to get ready to go. By the time we were going to leave BooBOO had gorked down about a quarter of the platter. I dont know how her little kitty body could fit so much.

I am also surprised that the salt didnt make her sick!!

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 7:50 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Hey Jeep! I'm thinking we need a Casper update today! I hope the little girl is doing well! :-)

Jeep
Member

10-17-2001

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 10:02 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jeep a private message Print Post    
I'm not really sure how Casper is doing. When I went home Friday night, no food had been eaten. Fred wasn't eating either now. I was starting to go into panic mode. Could it be something in the house? I immediately shut down the gas stove, much to their dismay. It's been off all weekend. The CO2 detector still says "0". They wouldn't eat anything, not even real tuna or treats.

Saturday I was in and out, but they slept mostly, Fred on my bed and Casper downstairs. The food was not touched. About 3 in the afternoon, Casper walked thru the kitchen and I picked her up and force fed her some cat sip. Just a little from those plastic medicine things you give them liquid antibiotics. I hated to do it, but figured it was better than another trumatic trip to the vet for fluids under the skin. Casper didn't like it, but she did get a little swallow down and didn't throw up. A few minutes later, she went to the water bowl on her own and took a few licks. That was it. Wouldn't eat food that night and Fred only took about two licks of his, but he had been drinking water all day.

Sunday morning they both greeted me in the bathroom, something Casper hasn't done in over a week. She looked ok. I was hopeful she would eat, but no luck again, no luck with Fred either. So I put out tuna, hamburger, cat sip, chicken, treats and regular food. No luck with Casper, but Fred did lick up the cat sip and treats, but no real food. I did see them both drink water, but Casper only took a few licks.

So Sunday afternoon, I get some cat food and smear it on one of Casper's paw. She really didn't like that, but licked it off anyway. She did not throw up. And a few minutes later was drinking water, a little. After that, I saw her go back to the water dish several times, a few licks each time. Fred was drinking too, but no real food.

So, a little progress in that Casper is drinking some water, gets a little food if I force it and is not throwing up.

A few steps backwards in that Fred isn't eating the food, but will eat treats and cat sip and water. He's not throwing up at all.

Back in a about an hour. Office computer is failing & have to shut down.

Jeep
Member

10-17-2001

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 10:53 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jeep a private message Print Post    
OK, I'm back. Network is going crazy here!

What I was going to finish with is that it's just a weird situation. Casper is now meowing like she's hungry, even waited for me at the food spot, but just sniffs and goes away. I put two different flavors down and even some tuna this am. Nothing. Last night, I put out some treats and she went right to them, pushed them around with her nose, licked one or two and then just walked away. It looked like she wanted them. I keep thinking teeth, but even if it was, she could still lick the gravy and drink the cat sip. UGH!

Fred acts like he's looking for Casper. Casper sleeps behind the sofa and he didn't seem satisfied until he went around and saw her.

This morning, neither of them greeted me in the bathroom. I was almost afraid to go downstairs (I have a tri-level). But Casper was waiting on me at the bottom of the stairs. She looks good, just a bit skinny. After I put out all the food and fresh water and went back upstairs to get ready for work, Casper came into the bathroom as usual to play with Q-tips. I threw some and she swated at them, but wouldn't run like she usually does. Probably a bit weak. After that, both she and Fred went to their respective sleeping places.

Don't know what I'll find after work. It's a real mystery to me.

And I did see the blood work results. Everything was down the middle, except sugar was a tad higher, but not a problem high. Vet said that little bit could be from the stress of the visit.

Wendo
Member

08-07-2000

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 1:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wendo a private message Print Post    
Jeep, what about trying a different brand of food? Maybe they're tired of what they usually eat. Just a thought.

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 4:03 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
Or maybe something is up with the food bowls?

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 5:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
I think I would want to mention to the vet that your other cat is now off food as well. It's bad enough to have one cat not well, you certainly don't want to have both cats affected.

Maybe you could try changing everything? The litter and box, the food and the dishes.

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 5:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
Had the carpets cleaned?
Do the kitties go outside? Has anyone been using chemicals on their lawn?

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
What OG said... what has changed in the house? It's unusual for both cats to be off their feed. Something has happened that's affecting them, somehow.

And definitely wash all of their bowls. Scrub out the food and water bowls (use vinegar if the water bowl has hard water deposits), then rinse and rinse again. Try moving the food bowls to another location nearby. (I'm sure you know this, but be sure the litter box is no where near the food/water bowls.)

And see if you can tease 'em with some treats. Just leave treats lying around in unexpected areas, and see if they get eaten. (Kassie the little food monster would find ever damned treat I hid before I even got out the door. Needless to say, mom no longer leaves treats out for the food monster to inhale.)

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
I haven't posted any Dopey pics in awhile and I know ya all are missing him..
1

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
oops that;s Houdini

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
here is the greatest cat in the world


Wendo
Member

08-07-2000

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wendo a private message Print Post    
Hah! Great pic.

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
Pamy, what a great pix!