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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: eigen on May 17, 2019, 02:24:47 PM

Title: Herd your cats here
Post by: eigen on May 17, 2019, 02:24:47 PM
Another perennial favorite, started by tuxedo_cat in 2009:

Quote from: tuxedo_cat on January 16, 2009, 07:12:00 AM
I am opening this thread to invite others to post miscellaneous cat inquiries, if only to address the "cat gravity" phenomenon on the fora: the inexplicable power of cats to draw various threads inexorably towards discussion of them.  Even if we started by discussing grading rubrics or home mortgages.

So, my two questions of the day:  one of the things that makes Dangercat dangerous is . . . well, to put it kindly, her size.  She's almost ten, and I don't want her to suffer some of the health problems that will follow from this problem -- diabetes especially.  This is not a cat that would put up with a needle, so diabetes would be the end of her. 

Other than feeding her less, or feeding her that "diet" cat food -- neither of which has had any any effect -- what do people do?  I live in an apt. building, so having her get exercise outdoors is not a possibility.  Efforts to get her to play with me are largely ignored.  I could chase her with the water bottle, but that would seem kind of mean.

Second ques:  I did have one of those laser toys, and that was pretty good to get her moving, but it fell apart after a week.  Any type/brand the rest of you would like to recommend?

TCat
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 17, 2019, 10:24:54 PM
The littlest cat now has nine tricks fully mastered. We've also been working on object discrimination for a couple of months now, and he can reliably pick out the toy mouse and the small tube of pencil crayons in forced choice situations, with vocal commands or hand signals, and he's not bad at picking out new objects which are introduced. I guess that's his tenth trick? I dunno, I think it still needs a little work before I can properly count it.

I need to think up some more things for him to do, though. I suppose I could work on jumping on command?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on May 18, 2019, 06:56:12 AM
Agility, perhaps?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 18, 2019, 12:32:10 PM
Quote from: citrine on May 18, 2019, 06:56:12 AM
Agility, perhaps?

Hmmm. Like, walking across a narrow ledge or making difficult jumps, that sort of thing? Could do. It shouldn't be too hard to shape his current behaviours in those directions.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 18, 2019, 01:50:50 PM
Cats have to be trained for agility?

I can't jump up to a counter 10 times my height from a standing squat.

Anytime they let us "train" them, you should be aware they're just humoring us, you know...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: overthejordan on May 18, 2019, 04:33:10 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 18, 2019, 01:50:50 PM
Cats have to be trained for agility?

I can't jump up to a counter 10 times my height from a standing squat.

Anytime they let us "train" them, you should be aware they're just humoring us, you know...

M.

True. But we need humoring, don't we?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 18, 2019, 04:38:45 PM
I would imagine they think so, anyway...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 20, 2019, 03:15:48 PM
You could train him to jump through a tiny hoop!  Or balance on a ball.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on May 20, 2019, 04:01:41 PM
One of the Thundercats just spent 5 minutes pushing against the screen in my office window, to no avail.  Then she went across the room to get a run at it.  Alas for her, I had shut the window in the interval (I had just been waiting for her to get out of the way).

She was very perplexed by the solidity of the glass.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 20, 2019, 07:10:39 PM
Poor kitty!

You thwarted her legitimate ambitions, you, you... FishProf, you!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: happylittletrees on June 02, 2019, 04:37:49 PM
Ah, springtime. The time of open windows bringing exciting outdoor smells and sounds! It's better than the fish tank for entertainment.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 03, 2019, 08:43:12 AM
We have company over and the cats are Most Displeased that doors are shut.  Sir Puck says he NEEDS to get into the guest room so he can sit at the window and watch for the squirrel. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on June 03, 2019, 09:22:50 AM
This morning, younger cat, who is now formally out of kitten-hood, topped a protracted and highly athletic pursuit of a fly with a leap from the bathroom windowsill to the top of the shower doors.  That's almost 6 feet, from a mostly sideways stance on the narrow sill & at a slight upward angle, to a 2.5 inch wide landing platform.  She not only nailed the landing, I'm pretty sure she did a 180o twist in mid-air.  Only pretty sure, because all I saw was the flying blur immediately prior to looking up into a pair of huge golden eyes.

I'm reasonably sure that, in her mind, it was only the waterfall which deterred the ferocious predator from instantly pouncing on the helpless prey!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: drbrt on June 17, 2019, 06:07:58 PM
I'm going on a two week work trip and my friend who used to cat sit is moving, so I had to hire a petsitter for Victoria and Gus. I'm leaving them canned food, but I don't think that will be enough to thaw their feelings about strangers. I got Victoria Gus about a year ago because she is a terrible only cat and anxious about people. I had hoped that Gus would help Victoria be a little braver. Instead, Victoria seems to have taught Gus to hide.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 17, 2019, 08:44:13 PM
Of course, the real question might be, what do they get up to when they hide???

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    Iv /
    I.  \
    I.    )
    I.    \

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: geoteo on July 02, 2019, 07:40:20 AM
I am glad to see you, drbrt!  I was just asking a mutual acquaintance the other day if Victoria had had kittens.  Has she?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: drbrt on July 02, 2019, 09:32:13 AM
Quote from: geoteo on July 02, 2019, 07:40:20 AM
I am glad to see you, drbrt!  I was just asking a mutual acquaintance the other day if Victoria had had kittens.  Has she?
Victoria has not. She's not going into heat because I can't get her weight up. She's only 11 lbs, which is tiny for a rag doll. I have them free feeding on high quality dry and the canned food she will eat (friskies with cheez). She will also eat Tiki Cat but I can't deal with cat food that looks back at me when I open the can.

So far the pet sitter reports that they are eating the canned food and cowering under the bed whilst The Scary Human refreshes food and litter box.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: geoteo on July 02, 2019, 12:56:06 PM
Genuine scaredy cats!  You may be glad to know that Kitty and Princess are still doing well.  They are beautiful, as soft as clouds, and Princess bosses everyone around.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: drbrt on July 02, 2019, 02:26:02 PM
Quote from: geoteo on July 02, 2019, 12:56:06 PM
Genuine scaredy cats!  You may be glad to know that Kitty and Princess are still doing well.  They are beautiful, as soft as clouds, and Princess bosses everyone around.

I'm glad to hear it. Princess has a definite sense of how she wants things.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: tuxedo_cat on July 07, 2019, 10:57:44 AM
Eigen -- thank you so much for restarting this thread!  And for taking the trouble to transfer my original post, that was awfully considerate of you : )

I have to say, I only just discovered the shuttering of the fora and I'm really heartbroken!  I had not been posting a lot recently, and also wasn't much in contact with a few of you that I know on fb, so I had no idea.  I really bummed that I didn't have a chance to say good-bye and to say thank you to so many people, especially those who have decided not to jump on over here.

I am using my original moniker, although with some sadness, because the original Tuxedo Cat passed away back in February.  I had posted with some questions for advice about food for him in light of his liver disease a bit earlier.  And Dangercat (whom I asked about in that very first post) passed away about a year and half ago.  I originally picked Tux as my moniker because he was such a good natured creature and got along with everyone––he seemed like a good example to follow.

Anyhow, I have found such kind company and wisdom in this community, so I am pledging to return to being a more regular poster now in our new home.  And I'm still finding out from fora folk IRL who put in the labor to recreate this site––which I am just very moved by!  If you all have any advice about where to post my thanks here and to whom, please let me know.

Finally, I did adopt a new kitty about a year and a half ago, although I don't think I've talked about her much.  Her name is Ella -- and she's a lovely creature.   She also has some personality -- I imagine there will be stories to post about her eventually!

In the meantime, I'm glad to see this particular corner of the fora reviving already : )
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Vhagar on July 07, 2019, 12:17:35 PM
Hey Tux! So sorry about the original Tuxedo Cat. Glad you have someone to keep you busy. That was important for me when I lost kitties.

I am now in Italy through the end of July (yay!!). A friend of mine who loves cats but can't have them where she is living is house/cat sitting. Lorenzo LOVES her. Henry thinks she's fine. Which, really, is a big step for Henry. She is trying to figure out why they cry to go into the garage just to sit on the car. There are things that I just don't question. I am so glad she is there, though. I don't know that I would have gone away so long otherwise.

Glad to see the cat-herding board up and running again!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 07, 2019, 12:33:29 PM
Tux!!! So very glad to see you.

My condolences for the loss of your kitties; a warm welcome to Ella (Fitzgerald)?

-=-=-=-

I can't have kitties in my present digs, but one of my students, knowing my proclivities, asked if I'd like to see the two 8-week-old rescue kitties they've just adopted.

Of course I said yes.

They're tiny, very cute, have perfect little triangular faces with wide, (seemingly) innocent eyes (of course, we all know better) and they're orange-and-tan marmalade tabbies with a purr sixteen times their size each.

She told me their names, I'm going to call them Darien and Julien here (close but not identical).

And...they were doing zoomies in the upstairs bedroom while she had her lesson.   

I'm in love.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ktmkwk on July 09, 2019, 11:30:12 AM
Sorry to hear about Tux Cat but glad to hear Ella is doing.  We've added two devil kittens (Peik and Lasse) to our clan and they have really helped to bring our older cats, Charlie and Betty, out of their shells.  We always told Charlie we'd get him a kitten...instead he got two!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: fast_and_bulbous on July 09, 2019, 01:56:23 PM
Quote from: ktmkwk on July 09, 2019, 11:30:12 AM
Sorry to hear about Tux Cat

I totally read that as Tax Cut.

I am so sorry.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ursula on July 13, 2019, 03:48:08 PM
Anyone have tips for helping a fat cat lose weight?  Jules has been declared "too fat" by the vet. 

We've switched to having many small bowls of food scattered through the house, so he has to hunt for them.  We're also adding in extra play time.

How have you dealt with your hefty felines?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: drbrt on July 13, 2019, 06:46:42 PM
Quote from: ursula on July 13, 2019, 03:48:08 PM
Anyone have tips for helping a fat cat lose weight?  Jules has been declared "too fat" by the vet. 

We've switched to having many small bowls of food scattered through the house, so he has to hunt for them.  We're also adding in extra play time.

How have you dealt with your hefty felines?

Twin got an automatic dry food dispenser on a timer for his portly felines. It helped some.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Conjugate on July 13, 2019, 07:19:22 PM
When I first moved to Current State, I had an elderly (~9 yr old) cat with me who'd been with me through jobs in three other states.  He was suffering from insecurity (in part due to open hostility from my (now, happily, ex-)wife) and would crawl up on my chest at night to ensure I wasn't going anywhere without taking him along.

When I got to Current State, I remarried to an excellent (sane!) woman who came with her own cat. This cat immediately let my cat know that my cat was HIS ROLE MODEL, and new cat wished to subscribe to my old cat's newsletter, so to speak. My cat tolerated this surprisingly well, and when he eventually passed away, my wife's cat decided that he was now Senior Cat With All Rights And Privileges Appertaining Thereto.

He now will climb up on my chest. The old cat would, when the door was opened, go outside a bit, bite some grass (not because he needed or wanted to, but just to show he could), and then calmly come back in.  My wife's cat now makes a habit of this. It's kind of funny.

He is black, with bits of white underfur showing through in a few places now. (He's 9 years old now; how time flies!) Since then, my wife has acquired two other cats, including a beautiful gray cat and a large, plump orange cat.  The latter came to us by sitting on a bale of pine straw that we were going to use for mulch. He blended in beautifully, and my wife at first could only tell that something was different about the bale of pine straw, before it moved. 

The orange cat was going to be an outside cat, we agreed, because our house would be crowded for three cats (we'd already acquired the gray cat at this point). We sat on the porch, getting to know our new boy, as a truck went by on the road near our door.  We played with him a bit as a motorcycle zoomed by the road near our door.  After two more cars and a large truck went by, we looked at each other.  No, he can't be an outdoor cat any more; it's too damn dangerous. So it's crowded, but mostly they get along okay.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 16, 2019, 09:41:06 AM
Hurry for acquiring new cats!  The new orange kitty must have been observing you and decided you would make acceptable staff :o)

My advice for slimming down a plump cat is to measure their food, know if they supplement their diet (begging treats from the other human/pretending they have not been fed to get second breakfast/sneaking human food/etc.), and encouraging more play.  That being said, I measured Buddycat's food for YEARS and he was determinedly plump for years.  I joked that I was feeding a cat that was "12 pounds of cat and 6 pounds of lazy" because feeding him less made him sleep more.  He only slimmed down when I moved somewhere with a large yard to explore.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: tuxedo_cat on July 16, 2019, 12:32:34 PM
Agreed on the "hurray for new cats" narratives!

I have two suggestions for trim down kitty plans:  one is to use a plastic kibble ball (https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-SlimCat-Meal-Dispensing-Great-Treats/dp/B0018CE8LG/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=kibble+ball+cat&qid=1563304876&s=gateway&sr=8-3) which prevents a cat from bolting their food and perhaps allows them to feel full sooner?  I don't know if it's necessarily more fun for them that way or not. 

The other advice that I got from a vet was to eliminate all dry food entirely, since it was likely to be full of carbohydrates and to feed the cat an all-protein, wet food diet. I think my Dad used to be put on this diet occasionally by his doctor, probably some version of the Atkins.

That advice obviously contradicts, but I guess you could see if either of those works!

For exercise, perhaps having some kind of cat tree would help on the exercise front, since the cat would using his own body weight going up which would require more exertion?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: miss jane marple on July 16, 2019, 01:19:10 PM
Quote from: tuxedo_cat on July 16, 2019, 12:32:34 PM
The other advice that I got from a vet was to eliminate all dry food entirely, since it was likely to be full of carbohydrates and to feed the cat an all-protein, wet food diet. I think my Dad used to be put on this diet occasionally by his doctor, probably some version of the Atkins.

I adopted now 7 year old Ms. Tortie last August out of a cage at Petsmart. She looked like a soccer ball ready to explode and weighed 13 pounds. I've gradually learned that her weight was probably due to a combination of factors including the boredom of being confined, inappropriate diet before going to the shelter, and an old mobility problem/injury (pelvis or lower spine). She doesn't climb or play as one would expect for a cat her age. I came to the same conclusion as in the quote about dry carbohydrates vs wet food that's mostly water after reading pet food labels, and was surprised I hadn't known this before. She ate wet food twice a day with only a few bits (maybe half a teaspoon per day) of dry for about 7 months. Now she gets wet food twice a day and has a small amount of dry food in a dish 24/7 - she only nibbles at it a few minutes each day. Interestingly, she has been a picky eater, not the glutton one might expect. Many times I bought the "value packs" of 12 or 18 cans and had to give most of it away because after one or two cans she decided BLECH.

I also tried to increase her exercise, with limited success. She has visibly lost weight and gained strength and mobility over the past 11 months, although she is still overweight. Now she can do things like raise a hind leg toward her head and lick the ankle (cat yoga) or turn completely from one side to the other when rolling on the carpet without squeaking in discomfort. Her profile now includes visible legs all the way to the elbow/upper thigh. Adopting Mr. Tuxedo (15 years old and agile as a kitten, he jumps everywhere) in March as a playmate for Ms. Tortie did not work at all to increase her exercise, but I'm enjoying his company - he's the sweetest, snuggliest cat I've ever met. She has only recently stopped hissing and growling at him after 4 months. I'm not a very good toy animator, evidently. I can't hold the attention of either cat with feathers/strings on a stick for more than a minute.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ktmkwk on July 16, 2019, 01:20:24 PM
Slimming down cats--if you have the room and motivation, kittens can help a lot.  Charlie, who is a large cat by frame, has lost two pounds in the last year due to chasing, being chased, and wrestling with the devil boys.  He now looks positively svelte, although he still weighs 18 lbs, but is 42 inches from nose to tail--as I said he is a big boy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: drbrt on July 16, 2019, 01:26:30 PM
I'm having cat drama. Gus has decided that he likes to pee on the bed to punish me for traveling and is banished from the bedroom.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 17, 2019, 11:31:08 AM
Quote from: drbrt on July 16, 2019, 01:26:30 PM
I'm having cat drama. Gus has decided that he likes to pee on the bed to punish me for traveling and is banished from the bedroom.

Ewww!  So glad that none of my cats is a revenge pee-er/puker/etc.  Buddycat did poop in my ex's shoes after the ex shoved Buddycat off the bed. 
Gus will have to re-earn the privilege of being in your bedroom.  Any good recommendations for products to clean up the mess?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Conjugate on July 17, 2019, 04:45:51 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on July 17, 2019, 11:31:08 AM
Quote from: drbrt on July 16, 2019, 01:26:30 PM
I'm having cat drama. Gus has decided that he likes to pee on the bed to punish me for traveling and is banished from the bedroom.

Ewww!  So glad that none of my cats is a revenge pee-er/puker/etc.  Buddycat did poop in my ex's shoes after the ex shoved Buddycat off the bed. 
Gus will have to re-earn the privilege of being in your bedroom.  Any good recommendations for products to clean up the mess?

Cleanup recommendations: The aptly-named Nature's Miracle is good. I was recommended Feliway diffusers back in The Old Fora, and they prevented conflicts (I think) as I introduced two of them. They aren't cleaners, but may prevent the kind of conflicts that lead to the need to clean up.

Now, with regard to soft vs. hard (dry) foods, the soft food might be good for weight control, but according to my vet, may lead to tooth decay. Consult your vet about suggested tooth cleaning.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 18, 2019, 11:19:00 AM
The hard vs. soft food and tooth health does assume that your cat will actually chew the hard kibble.  Buddycat thought chewing was entirely optional.  He was happily gumming down dry food after most of his back teeth fell out.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: KafkasCat on July 21, 2019, 08:58:31 AM
Any tips on moving with cats? Multiple cats, long time in the car. I've been thinking that getting some kitty-equivalent of valium from the vet might be the kind thing to do. Also, how do I let them go to the bathroom? NOT looking forward to this move. Neither are they, although they are excited about all the boxes.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ursula on July 21, 2019, 09:04:54 AM
Quote from: KafkasCat on July 21, 2019, 08:58:31 AM
Any tips on moving with cats? Multiple cats, long time in the car. I've been thinking that getting some kitty-equivalent of valium from the vet might be the kind thing to do. Also, how do I let them go to the bathroom? NOT looking forward to this move. Neither are they, although they are excited about all the boxes.

Following, because we'll be doing this in a few years.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 21, 2019, 09:54:35 AM
There are lots of discussions of moving cats (as opposed to herding them) on the old forum's cats' thread.

I can't link to it right now but if someone else can, it would be worth a re-read, I suspect.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: KafkasCat on July 21, 2019, 10:25:39 AM
Thanks, mamselle! I'll see if I can find the threads and if I do, I'll link them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: tuxedo_cat on July 21, 2019, 12:25:13 PM
Quote from: KafkasCat on July 21, 2019, 08:58:31 AM
Any tips on moving with cats? Multiple cats, long time in the car. I've been thinking that getting some kitty-equivalent of valium from the vet might be the kind thing to do. Also, how do I let them go to the bathroom? NOT looking forward to this move. Neither are they, although they are excited about all the boxes.

I was going to post a similar request for advice, but instead about taking a cat on a plane, which is a new sort of challenge for me.

Here's how I handled driving with two cats in a rather small (2-door) Honda Civic:  each cat had their own carrier with a pet bed, and I also packed a litter box with some kind of cover, or housed in a large enough cardboard box to allow the cats to crawl in and use the litter.  I also put a small pet harness on each cat (ones designed for toy dogs) -- they didn't like it, but it didn't hurt them.

After a few hours on the road, I parked someplace shady and I would let one of the cats out of a carrier into the car so that she could have access to the litter.  I might take that time to go find a restroom myself, get some fast food.  If the cat needed to use the litter she would find it and do her business.  If not then, ok. 

The tricky part was getting the cat back into her carrier after that.  This is where the harnesses are helpful, especially if the cat decides to burrow her way under one of the front seats -- this just gives you something to grab onto.  I think with one Houdini cat who I was worried might try to bolt from the car, I also attached a long leash to the harness, but none of them ever escaped from the car.

The fluffy pet beds are helpful because if the cat doesn't make it to her litter in time, at least you don't have cat pee sloshing around in the carrier and possibly all over the car.  You just have a very angry, pee-covered cat to bathe once you get to your destination 😃  But I had two cats who were on the road with me once for 8 hours and they just waited until we got to the destination.

I honestly don't quite know what I'm going to do with taking the cat onto the plane and then, I guess a Lyft car.  The flight, fortunately, isn't that long, so I'm hoping she'll be ok until we get to my new apt.  I'm planning to mail myself a small litter box and some litter that will be waiting for me when I arrive.  That's about all I've got figured out for the moment!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: drbrt on July 21, 2019, 04:25:07 PM
I moved cats 1,000 miles twice. I had them in harnesses on leashes clipped to a loop on their carrier. The carriers were belted to the backseat. The litterbox was on the floor. I like the cardboard box idea. I had old clothing sprayed with Feliway in the carriers. I used cat valium the first move, but one of my cats turned out to be a howler, so that only lasted a day. I moved in a Toyota Corolla both times.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: KafkasCat on July 22, 2019, 07:23:56 AM
I found the old fora thread on moving cats: https://www.chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,34002.0.html (https://www.chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,34002.0.html)
Also, apparently there are pet moving companies that will do this for you. I might have to talk to Mr.Kafkascat about this, since we're also moving with dogs. In small car. Oy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: KafkasCat on July 22, 2019, 07:36:51 AM
And another old thread on moving with cats:https://www.chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,19886.0.html (https://www.chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,19886.0.html)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 22, 2019, 10:42:17 AM
Yea, thanks!

When I'm on my phone, I can't copy and paste stuff.

Glad they turned up!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Conjugate on July 25, 2019, 06:25:01 AM
Big hint: Line the bottom of the cat carriers with absorbent pet pads. If/when there is fluid, it will make clean-up possible with a minimum of grief.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 26, 2019, 09:44:23 AM
Sir Puck and Lady Jane just turned 2!  Can I still call them my "kittens"?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 26, 2019, 05:33:53 PM
Sure.

Mine were "kittens" (and all sorts of other silly names engendered in their early years) all their lives.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: drbrt on July 26, 2019, 06:17:18 PM
I still call Demonbeast a kitten and she's almost six
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on July 28, 2019, 09:24:54 AM
One critical thing for travel with cats who are allowed out of their carriers:  if you have electric windows, be sure to use the child safety button to shut all but yours off!  I learned this without anything bad happening - except to my blood pressure.  Also, it's less stressful to have them in their carriers if you have to leave the car.  Otherwise, getting back in has the potential to be exciting.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: 0susanna on July 29, 2019, 08:54:10 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on July 26, 2019, 09:44:23 AM
Sir Puck and Lady Jane just turned 2!  Can I still call them my "kittens"?
My 2-year-old cat spent 5 minutes chasing her tail the other night, so that surely qualifies her as still "kitten."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 16, 2019, 02:54:51 PM
The cats have characterized most of the invertebrates in my yard:
Fun to play with, but not to eat: pillbugs, giant beetle larvae, bees, leafhoppers, worms, scarab beetles
Tasty, and easy to catch: houseflies
Endless fun and tasty: grasshoppers
Ignore: ants, butterflies
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 26, 2019, 01:36:32 PM
Effie cat is in the hospital for 24 hours of treatment.  He is vomiting a LOT, stopped eating, stopped grooming, hiding in odd places in the house, generally listless.  But no fever and his blood work came back pretty normal.  An x-ray found a "round, dense mass" that they think is in his intestine, but not large enough to cause a blockage.  He doesn't eat random stuff so I have no idea what it could be.
He's getting an abdominal ultrasound to get a better look at his GI tract, kidneys, etc.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 26, 2019, 02:46:11 PM
Oh, no. Poor kitty.

They don't like being sick.

(Well, nobeing does).

I hope the blockage can be cleared.

Perhaps a swallowed hair ribbon, or somesuch?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 26, 2019, 03:16:55 PM
Quote from: mamselle on August 26, 2019, 02:46:11 PM
Oh, no. Poor kitty.

They don't like being sick.

(Well, nobeing does).

I hope the blockage can be cleared.

Perhaps a swallowed hair ribbon, or somesuch?

M.

The vet said the object is dense and shows up white on the x-ray.  Maybe a small rock?  The vet last night seemed convinced that this unidentified "mass" is causing the issues.  Vet this morning is more worried about inflamed bowels.  I know it's a long-shot, but I'm wondering if it's a trichobezoar (calcified hairball)? 
If we have to get the mass removed, I want to keep it.  Most expensive "whatever it is" and we still don't know exactly where it is or what it is.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on August 29, 2019, 07:38:30 AM
This past Sunday, we rescued an injured kitten on the side of the highway.  Vet says her pelvis has a fracture and she needs about 4 weeks to heal.  So we have taken her in.  She is feral and the vet thinks she is around 4 weeks old. During the day when no one is at home, we have her in a large cage.  When we are home, we let her out of the cage but keep her in a small room.  She still hisses at us whenever someone enters the room.  She does not scratch or bite though.  She eats very well and uses the liter box fine.  Our game plan is to get her as domesticated as we can so that we can get her into the Humane Society for adoption.    I could use some advice on how to get her more domesticated.   
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 29, 2019, 11:25:08 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on August 29, 2019, 07:38:30 AM
This past Sunday, we rescued an injured kitten on the side of the highway.  Vet says her pelvis has a fracture and she needs about 4 weeks to heal.  So we have taken her in.  She is feral and the vet thinks she is around 4 weeks old. During the day when no one is at home, we have her in a large cage.  When we are home, we let her out of the cage but keep her in a small room.  She still hisses at us whenever someone enters the room.  She does not scratch or bite though.  She eats very well and uses the liter box fine.  Our game plan is to get her as domesticated as we can so that we can get her into the Humane Society for adoption.    I could use some advice on how to get her more domesticated.   

You can start by just quietly spending time in her room.  Sit nearby and read aloud so she gets used to the sound of people without getting too scared.  If there is a food she really likes, see if she's willing to eat near you.  If it's not too scary for her, try some toys like a ribbon on a stick or a long shoelace.  Poor little kitty will need time to heal and get used to people.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on August 29, 2019, 12:03:25 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 29, 2019, 11:25:08 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on August 29, 2019, 07:38:30 AM
This past Sunday, we rescued an injured kitten on the side of the highway.  Vet says her pelvis has a fracture and she needs about 4 weeks to heal.  So we have taken her in.  She is feral and the vet thinks she is around 4 weeks old. During the day when no one is at home, we have her in a large cage.  When we are home, we let her out of the cage but keep her in a small room.  She still hisses at us whenever someone enters the room.  She does not scratch or bite though.  She eats very well and uses the liter box fine.  Our game plan is to get her as domesticated as we can so that we can get her into the Humane Society for adoption.    I could use some advice on how to get her more domesticated.   

You can start by just quietly spending time in her room.  Sit nearby and read aloud so she gets used to the sound of people without getting too scared.  If there is a food she really likes, see if she's willing to eat near you.  If it's not too scary for her, try some toys like a ribbon on a stick or a long shoelace.  Poor little kitty will need time to heal and get used to people.

Four weeks is really young, so there's a high probability that you can tame her demonstrate all the benefits of having a devoted cat servant.  The lack of scratching & biting, and quickly learning to use the litter box, are all positive signs.  So, as t_g suggested, let her get used to you as a calm presence who provides good food (try human-quality canned fish....).  Since she seems able to be active you can provide toy mice or jingle balls, although I wouldn't leave ribbons or laces unattended - cats are too likely to start chewing, which leads to swallowing and that leads to trouble.  Once she's willing to come in contact with you add gentle pats/strokes/chin skritches and you should soon be able to cuddle her and hopefully to pick her up.



<quietly places a $5 bet that the_geneticist has just acquired another cat>
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on August 29, 2019, 03:05:46 PM
I agree this one will worm its way into your heart. When they are that itty bitty its hard to resist. My dear departed PlumpCat started out so small you could hold her in one hand. It was truly adorable. But she never got over having been undernourished as a kitten, so she overcompensated, thus becoming PlumpCat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on August 30, 2019, 05:28:09 AM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on August 29, 2019, 12:03:25 PM

<quietly places a $5 bet that the_geneticist has just acquired another cat>

Oops!  Internet conversation fail...  I meant to bet that Volhiker was going to adopt kitten.

Mythbuster, I've had a similar experience, although it was the premature weaning that carried over into adulthood.  The pretend nursing didn't last long, but the need to knead - especially on mornings when I didn't have time for a 20 minute cuddle - did.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on August 30, 2019, 11:19:08 AM
I wouldn't say ignore the hissing, because you do want to respect signs from a cat that they want you to back off, but I would say don't let it make you leave the room, or, if she's hissing because you're taking her water bowl to refill it or her litter pan to clean it, don't stop doing those things. I usually talk back to our more feral kittens at the shelter: "Uh huh. Tell me more!" and then just keep doing whatever it is I need to do. We often sit with frightened or less socialized cats, talking to them, offering treats, offering toys, but mostly just keeping them company for a while, letting them get used to us. Any attempt on their part to engage with us is met with elaborate praise and offers of treats, similar to when one is toilet training a small human. It really just takes time.

Kittens also will use their claws without thinking about it -- adult cats only use them when they need to. So she may put her claws out for balance when climbing on you, or if she gets startled, and that's not because she's trying to hurt you or she necessarily wants you to go away. She also might start chewing on you in an attempt to play or out of curiosity. I had a 2 month old kitten gnawing on my hand the entire time I was changing out the paper in her cage yesterday. She thought this was the best game ever. I was not quite as amused.

Speaking of shelter cats, if you could spare a few prayers for my shelter's little cat Charlie, who is not doing well despite everyone's best efforts (yesterday the vet gave him fluids and one of the volunteers hand fed him cat food, and some of the other volunteers and I wiped him clean and got him warm blankets), I'd appreciate it. He's a very good boy and he's only a year old. We're not giving up on him, but he's so fragile right now.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on August 30, 2019, 05:52:10 PM
Thanks everyone.  Little One is healing well and is walking better now. She still hisses when we enter the room but will let us hold her for short periods.  I mainly just hang out in the room and talk to her.

We have fostered kittens for our Humane Society several times so we know it is hard to give them up.  Never fostered an injured feral so this is new.  No, I wouldn't take that bet. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on August 30, 2019, 06:32:22 PM
Well, if you're going to foster fail, it might as well be with this one...

Slightly good news: the Head Cat Whisperer at the shelter has taken Charlie home for a TLC-filled long weekend. Hopefully that will help him some, or, well, if it doesn't, someone will be with him all the time.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on August 31, 2019, 11:55:28 AM
Little Cat sits by me and "helps" while I'm at my desk. This frequently involves conning me into giving her treats. (She has me trained.)

Yesterday she was playing with her Snacky Mouse, batting it around to get the treats to fall out. It got very quiet, and when I looked to see why, she was sitting there with a forlorn expression:  she batted it and its head fell off. I guess she thought she killed it.

(I put the head back on, and all was well again.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 31, 2019, 07:14:49 PM
Quote from: citrine on August 30, 2019, 06:32:22 PM
Well, if you're going to foster fail, it might as well be with this one...

Slightly good news: the Head Cat Whisperer at the shelter has taken Charlie home for a TLC-filled long weekend. Hopefully that will help him some, or, well, if it doesn't, someone will be with him all the time.

Prayers and good thoughts you have--Charlie, the cat-whisperer, and all others who care for him (pun well-intended).

Also skritches, if he wants them...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on September 01, 2019, 06:56:29 AM
Even better news as of yesterday: someone who met Charlie earlier in the month has approached the shelter about adopting him. He will come back to the shelter on Wednesday to see the vet and then perhaps he will go home with this lovely woman who said "yes, I would like this ten year old blind cat who may need regular sub-q fluids and to be hand fed his cat food" instead of wanting one of the thirty kittens or forty healthier and/or younger adult cats that we currently have.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on September 06, 2019, 03:52:28 AM
Charlie went home yesterday and is doing very well with his new human, according to the Head Cat Whisperer. We are all pleased. I hope to not see him again unless he is visiting for a vet checkup.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 06, 2019, 08:40:46 AM
Yea!

Happy sequel to his story.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on September 11, 2019, 05:25:05 AM
As I was making dinner a few weeks ago one of our cats wandered into the kitchen, flopped down, and stretched out. When she got up there was a pretty good amount of blood there on the floor. Turns out she had an inch and a half long slice behind her front left leg. She seemed pretty nonchalant about it considering she was bleeding everywhere.

It was a Sunday so off to animal emergency room we go for the next four hours. Three stitches, 400 bucks, and two weeks stuck in the cone of shame because she couldn't leave the wound alone. All of our cats are indoors only so we still don't know how she managed to cut herself like that.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 11, 2019, 08:06:45 AM
Awww..sorry for the mean Cone of Shame, but glad you caught it in time!

A jagged edge somewhere? Even a sharp piece of cardstock, hit while jumping up or down, might have torn the skin....

Poor kitty (and poor you in the pecuniary sense!)

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: 0susanna on September 11, 2019, 12:13:08 PM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on September 11, 2019, 05:25:05 AM
As I was making dinner a few weeks ago one of our cats wandered into the kitchen, flopped down, and stretched out. When she got up there was a pretty good amount of blood there on the floor. Turns out she had an inch and a half long slice behind her front left leg. She seemed pretty nonchalant about it considering she was bleeding everywhere.

It was a Sunday so off to animal emergency room we go for the next four hours. Three stitches, 400 bucks, and two weeks stuck in the cone of shame because she couldn't leave the wound alone. All of our cats are indoors only so we still don't know how she managed to cut herself like that.
Of course it was a Sunday. How do they always manage to wait until the weekend to manifest mysterious wounds, collywobbles, or other emergency ailments? But of course, care is necessary.
I hope she's healing well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: geoteo on September 12, 2019, 09:27:14 AM
Children are exactly the same!  I cannot count the number of Friday nights I spent in the ER with our asthmatic offspring because they got sick at the very moment our GP was herding his family onto a plane for a visit to Jamaica.  It is similar to the start-wheezing signal that is triggered as soon as Mom puts her head on the pillow.  If we could figure out what causes it, we might be able to stop it!

the_geneticist--do you have any updates?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on September 16, 2019, 05:01:13 AM
Yes, it is undoubtedly a mystery as to the timing. The last time we had to take a kitty into the emergency was when my wife and I were out on vacation and my sister was house sitting.

Sushi is healing well, thank you. She is sweet but kinda dim, my guess is she wedged herself behind something and got caught. It was a pretty deep cut though the edges of the wound were really clean so who knows.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 16, 2019, 07:12:57 AM
It is very hard to teach a good but clinically hyperactive 12-year-old boy his piano lesso when his two adorable 3-month-old marmalade tabbies are having a case of the zoomies around your feet.

That is all...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on September 17, 2019, 05:13:36 PM
One of my favorite shelter cats, Squish (a favorite in part because he reminded me in appearance and temperament of Brucey), has finally gotten adopted after many months with us. I will miss his cranky meows every time I dared to spend time with another cat, but I'm so glad he has a home now.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 18, 2019, 11:18:24 AM
After a year and a half of training Elektra to give head-butts by using treats as reinforcement, she has finally got it.

Now, she won't stop.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 23, 2019, 11:18:55 AM
Quote from: geoteo on September 12, 2019, 09:27:14 AM
Children are exactly the same!  I cannot count the number of Friday nights I spent in the ER with our asthmatic offspring because they got sick at the very moment our GP was herding his family onto a plane for a visit to Jamaica.  It is similar to the start-wheezing signal that is triggered as soon as Mom puts her head on the pillow.  If we could figure out what causes it, we might be able to stop it!

the_geneticist--do you have any updates?

Final diagnosis for Effie cat: bleeding stomach ulcer.  Turns out there wasn't a mass (first vet apparently didn't know how to read an X-ray).  So, after the most expensive week ever, Effie came home.  He's back to his usual self!  He's missing a bunch of fur - they were very enthusiastic with the clippers for the EKG, IVs, blood pressure cuff, etc.  Still needs some followup care since there is concern he might have "irritable bowel" as well. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 23, 2019, 12:14:28 PM
We are trying to adopt another kitten.

It is mindnumbingly frustrating.  We found the perfect kitten yesterday, but were not allowed to have it b/c the foster family determined (how?) that only kids 10 and up would be suitable.  Smolt is 7 1/2, has had cats her entire life and shares in all the work (feeding, water, litter boxes), but is not old enough.  So, no kitten.

MrsFishProf has spent hours doing online background check form filling.

Maddening.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 23, 2019, 03:30:11 PM
And when a 10-year-old turns up, they'll decide the child needs to be 12.

Some fosters get very attached...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 23, 2019, 05:09:14 PM
Well friends, the time has come to bring a cat back into my life. A few of you may recall that I lost my beloved 14 year old tabby to cancer this past February. I was tempted to get another cat right away, but wisely decided to wait since I was planning to shop for a house and had a lot of spring, summer and early fall travel. Now the house has been bought and moved into and I just got back from my last trip until December so it is time to look at kittens!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: professor_pat on September 23, 2019, 07:35:37 PM
Oh boy, Puget, congrats on the move and how exciting about the kittens! There's not a much more fun time than starting a new kitten project.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on September 26, 2019, 06:50:12 AM
Quote from: Puget on September 23, 2019, 05:09:14 PM
Well friends, the time has come to bring a cat back into my life. A few of you may recall that I lost my beloved 14 year old tabby to cancer this past February. I was tempted to get another cat right away, but wisely decided to wait since I was planning to shop for a house and had a lot of spring, summer and early fall travel. Now the house has been bought and moved into and I just got back from my last trip until December so it is time to look at kittens!

Great news!

We had to put down our 15 year old Maine coon in May.  Five weeks ago, we rescued a feral kitten which was injured by the side of the highway.  Little One is doing very well.  She no longer limps, is playful and best of all, has taken well to our entire family.  Even our 2 year old tuxedo cat has given in and the two cats play together reasonably well.  We decided last week to keep her - need to get her to a vet this weekend. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 26, 2019, 09:29:39 AM
Awww,.....good news!!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on September 27, 2019, 05:14:55 AM
Hooray for new kitties! When we adopted our last from the Humane Society here in town they did come for a home visit before we were allowed to adopt but it wasn't super-intense or anything. We would adopt another rescue but we're already at 5 cats and I struggle to keep up with the litter boxes. Plus now we have one cat that doesn't get along well with one of our others so I'd rather not add another complication.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 29, 2019, 07:08:17 AM
We are still new-kitty-less.  We went to a shelter and saw 5 kittens yesterday, all varying states of cuteness.  But none quite squee-inducing.

So the search continues.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on September 29, 2019, 07:22:32 AM
Quote from: FishProf on September 29, 2019, 07:08:17 AM
We are still new-kitty-less.  We went to a shelter and saw 5 kittens yesterday, all varying states of cuteness.  But none quite squee-inducing.

So the search continues.

Your self-control is awesome!  I can't do things like that because I'd come home with at least one.

Also - congrats, Volhiker!  I'm so pleased that my predicted foster-fail worked out for you & kitten!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: 0susanna on September 30, 2019, 08:35:12 AM
Although I have two perfectly good cats and really don't need a third (shh!), I get excited when other people are looking for new cats/kittens. Good luck to all of you. My junior cat was a tiny, sickly baby at the local shelter just over two years ago, but now she rules the house.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 30, 2019, 04:03:51 PM
I don't have that sort of self-control either.

I saw a kitten with the most unusual fur at the shelter this weekend.  He was a tuxedo with a super fluffy gray undercoat.  Never seen anything like it!  And he had the most adorable raspy meow. 
But three cats is my limit.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 30, 2019, 04:05:52 PM
Send a picture to FishProf?

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 02, 2019, 09:00:51 AM
Looks like "Snickers", the fluffy tuxedo kitten, found himself some human staff and has been adopted!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 05, 2019, 07:15:36 PM
Quote from: Puget on September 23, 2019, 05:09:14 PM
Well friends, the time has come to bring a cat back into my life. A few of you may recall that I lost my beloved 14 year old tabby to cancer this past February. I was tempted to get another cat right away, but wisely decided to wait since I was planning to shop for a house and had a lot of spring, summer and early fall travel. Now the house has been bought and moved into and I just got back from my last trip until December so it is time to look at kittens!

I now have a brother-sister pair of 4.5-month olds running around the house!  She's a dilute calico and he's all grey except for a small white chest patch. They are damn cute and I'm so glad to have cats back in my life.

I met them last Sunday and their fosterers dropped them off yesterday evening. They had been separated in different rooms in the foster home after getting fixed and they were doing this elaborate weeks- long reintroduction plan they thought was necessary because one hissed at the other when they first put them back together and the rescue group's "animal behaviorist" (who signs her emails with Ed.D. so. . .) insisted it was necessary. I was supposed to put them in separate rooms and keep following the plan. Right-- that lasted through about half an hour of them crying in their rooms, then i opened both doors. There was a little hissing, a lot of sniffing, and then they were off, exploring all over the house together. Today they've been grooming each other and sleeping together in between endless games of hide and seek and chase.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Ruralguy on October 06, 2019, 08:20:04 AM
All this stuff about cute cats makes me fell like a bad person for not wanting a new critter after the last of our 4 cats leaves the planet. We are down to the sole  survivor, almost 15 and the only cat that has never been ill.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on October 06, 2019, 08:52:47 AM
Congratulations, Puget!  That "behaviorist" sounds like a nightmare.

Ruralguy, don't beat yourself up about not wanting another animal.  You've done your share of being a good provider - you can take a break without guilt.  I've often felt the same but haven't made the transition yet.  Not having pets makes things like travel so much easier.  It keeps you from worrying about what could happen to them if something unexpected happened to you.  Etc.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 06, 2019, 10:17:57 AM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on October 06, 2019, 08:52:47 AM
Congratulations, Puget!  That "behaviorist" sounds like a nightmare.

I'm sure she's well-intentioned and I can imagine something like that being necessary for introducing two adult cats who are strangers, but these are kitten sibs who just spent a little time apart. I may study humans and not animals, but it seemed pretty obvious to me that prolonging the separation and having them establish their own territories in the new house was the wrong way to go.

Right now they're sharing a chair and he's washing her head.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 06, 2019, 10:48:55 AM
Right now they're sharing a chair and he's washing her head.
[/quote]

Squee!  Kittens! Kittens cuddling with eachother are the best.  When we adopted Ninja and Ricochet-the-Squirrelly-Tortie as litter mates 4 years ago, they played together constantly and slept curled up together (my favorite picture is of them attempting to demonstrate the yin-yang symbol in a laundry basket), but now they mostly ignore each other. 

We would like to add another kitty to the household now that we own rather than rent, but Ricochet has not yet figured out human-feline interactions, and we are concerned another cat may disrupt her slow progress.  We think Ninja would likely ignore a newcomer as long as they agreed that she is queen.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 06, 2019, 04:43:15 PM
We finally got a 3rd cat to help fill the void since Bunga the King passed in February.  So the Thundercat sisters now have a little brother (but not little for long, he part coon).  They are highly displeased, but are avoiding rather than attacking.  I can work with that.

Joy to all the new cat owners as well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on October 11, 2019, 09:55:37 AM
All these new kitties made me dream about adding another to my household.  Until, that is, I realized that I have quite enough excitement already.

Recent examples include:  older cat stalking a squirrel across two neighbors' yards and then chasing it into the street; younger cat figuring out how to leap onto the top of the tall bookcase in order to lean down and swat two rolls of garden twine off of the top-most shelf - where I'd put them to keep them out of her reach b/c she's already had to be saved from choking on dental floss; frantically trying to find older cat this morning after three large husky-shepherd mixes managed to get out and take themselves for a run around the neighborhood; tripping over younger cat in the middle of the hall at night b/c she either doesn't seem able to learn to move away from feet or is actively trying to wind around them.

Nope - I think it's best if I just vicariously enjoy the new Fora cats!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 02, 2019, 09:02:44 PM
My partner's friend's two cats were poisoned with antifreeze. Both died today. It seems highly likely her neighbour did it--at least in part because they leave paw prints on the car after it's been washed.

It makes me so. Angry. Like, apoplectic with rage. I just can't even.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on November 03, 2019, 08:12:56 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 02, 2019, 09:02:44 PM
My partner's friend's two cats were poisoned with antifreeze. Both died today. It seems highly likely her neighbour did it--at least in part because they leave paw prints on the car after it's been washed.

It makes me so. Angry. Like, apoplectic with rage. I just can't even.
I have no words - people like that are a waste of oxygen.  A police report needs to be made and all the neighbors interviewed.  Even if proof can't be found it starts to build a paper trail and may stop the behavior b/c if they get away with it once, they'll do it again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: backatit on November 03, 2019, 11:06:53 AM
We are fostering 3 kittens. UGH. We have a full house already. Fish_Prof, we would have been happy to have you take one of these little daemons off our hands - one just climbed up my leg (note that I am not wearing long pants) and onto my shoulder. They have been through diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea again, and are now hopefully out of THAT bottlefeeding fun part (they are weaned and using the litterbox -yeah!). I am ready to have them gone, though - I forget how much I love our adult cats. Our daughter (who lives in another state) has a teenage cat and she is constantly cackling to me about the kittens - hers is into curtains and cords these days, so her house looks like an overactive toddler with a a climbing problem lives there.

When will it end? (rhetorical question - I've fostered animals and had cats and dogs my whole life, but I can clearly tell I'm getting too old for this ish).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on November 03, 2019, 06:54:16 PM
Thanks.  But we managed to find a beautiful (if shy) purr machine.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 03, 2019, 08:40:38 PM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on November 03, 2019, 08:12:56 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 02, 2019, 09:02:44 PM
My partner's friend's two cats were poisoned with antifreeze. Both died today. It seems highly likely her neighbour did it--at least in part because they leave paw prints on the car after it's been washed.

It makes me so. Angry. Like, apoplectic with rage. I just can't even.
I have no words - people like that are a waste of oxygen.  A police report needs to be made and all the neighbors interviewed.  Even if proof can't be found it starts to build a paper trail and may stop the behavior b/c if they get away with it once, they'll do it again.

I agree. Report it.

Condolences to your friends and their neighbors. The loss of smallfurryfriends over a few pawprints on a car is beyond reckoning.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on November 04, 2019, 07:13:03 AM
Chime to condolences and anger and I hope the person who did that pays the price. 

I'm fighting tears this morning because things are not looking good for StatDad's kitty (my furry little "sister").  Never lived with her full-time, but I still love her like one of my own.  And I'm a 4 hour drive away and won't even get to say goodbye or be there for StatDad. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 04, 2019, 08:53:46 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on November 04, 2019, 07:13:03 AM
Chime to condolences and anger and I hope the person who did that pays the price. 

I'm fighting tears this morning because things are not looking good for StatDad's kitty (my furry little "sister").  Never lived with her full-time, but I still love her like one of my own.  And I'm a 4 hour drive away and won't even get to say goodbye or be there for StatDad.

Oh no, I'm so sorry. :(
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Scatmanblues on November 04, 2019, 07:23:53 PM
Wow, I almost missed the transition to this place entirely.  Knew it was coming, but got so busy I am just now checking back in.  I think it fitting my first post here is about the cat that inspired me to make my first post on the old fora so many years ago.

I'm sad to report that I lost Scatcat a bit over a month ago at 19yrs, 10 months old.  He almost made it to 20 after a kittenhood licking of antifreeze that left his stomach so sensitive I had to buy him special food for 18 years (15 years longer than his vet thought he would make it with that kind of internal damage).  By the end he was totally deaf, mostly blind, visibly slow, but still able to strike fear and cowering in my two 80+ pound dogs.  He passed in his sleep, in one of his favorite spots, while the dogs were at the kennel and I was out of town.  I am so thankful I didn't have to make the choice, and it was fully in line with his "I will do things only on my terms" life. 

I got him less than a week before I began my professional career, and he had been with me through a public school teaching gig, a toxic grad school culture, an almost equally toxic early-faculty experience, and now into my post-tenure stride.  It was a severely disconcerting feeling to walk into the office on the Monday after and realize for the very first time as an academic, he would not be greeting me at the door that night when I came home. 

I still don't sleep as well, because -from the day I got him- he slept at my head.  That is an absence acutely felt. 

Strikingly, Scatkitty (who is now almost 9!) has turned into a completely different cat.  Where before, he barely tolerated petting and scritches and preferred roughhouse play with me and the dogs (he weighs 21 pounds, so can hold his own); he now jumps into my lap every night and purrs.  He still gets the zoomies and is a high-energy cat, but since Scatcat passed, he spends at least 30 minutes a night laying on me and demanding pets and attention.  He also stays in much closer proximity to me that he used to.  He has even moved from sleeping at my feet at night to laying behind me near my shoulder. 

I'm still trying to decide if I want another cat.  I thought so, but the shift in Scatkitty's behavior threw me for a loop and I'm trying to decide if it means he is liking being an only cat and enjoys the undivided attention, or it he is showing his loneliness as well.  Every cat I've owned has found me, so I'm sure the universe will arrange a replacement when the time is right....

Scatmanblues
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 04, 2019, 07:30:37 PM
I'm so sorry, Scatmanblues. But that's also a wonderful and heart-warming story (the antifreeze component is especially apt).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Biblioeclectica on November 05, 2019, 05:58:27 AM
Condolences to Scatmanblues. Sounds like he was a wonderful cat.

My 17 year old cat has been declining for a while (she's skin and bones), but now I don't expect her to make it through the week - probable congestive heart failure. She was stable this morning but that could change at any point. It was hard to go to work this morning. My parents are checking on her periodically and if things take a turn for the worse I'll head home.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 05, 2019, 02:14:25 PM
My sympathies in advance.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on January 02, 2020, 02:52:54 PM
We got a kitten!  I wasn't planning to adopt another cat, but I was volunteering at the animal shelter and fell in love with a tuxedo kitten with super long whiskers.
Her name is Izzy.  I'll post pictures once I find my photobucket account.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: geoteo on January 02, 2020, 04:19:23 PM
That's a great way to start the New Year!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on January 04, 2020, 08:58:46 AM
We're waiting for the hospice vet for Little Boy.  Adopted him and Little Girl (RIP 10/2017) in 2000. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: geoteo on January 04, 2020, 10:39:35 AM
So sorry, Statsgeek.  My thoughts are with you.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: San Joaquin on January 04, 2020, 04:45:00 PM
Sorry to hear this, statsgeek.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on January 05, 2020, 06:08:26 AM
So for the first time in almost 20 years of marriage, StatSpouse and I are cat-less.  We came home last night and got up this morning to no kitty to greet us, no food bowls, no litter boxes...

Even though Little Boy never gave us a clear indication, I'm comforted by peace that we did the right thing at the right time, and in the right way.  Since Little Boy could be scared and aggressive with strangers and especially with the vet, and at the recommendation of our regular doctor, we doped him up before the hospice doctor even arrived.  I don't think he ever knew there was a stranger in the house.  He slept on StatSpouse's lap, nose buried in his favorite blanket, through the consultation, decision-making, and sedative and then just drifted away.  He won't have to experience the steady decline and possible emergency that was his prognosis if we had delayed. 

I'm also comforted by many things I'm taking to be signs of support from above.  There was a break in the rain and even a beam of sunlight on us as we buried him yesterday afternoon, and I found out later there was also a rainbow (the bridge?) in the neighborhood.  "His" herd of deer that he loved to watch through the window stopped by the yard, not ten minutes after we went inside.  One even went right up to his grave.  And, of course, I'm comforted by sharing this grief with StatSpouse and by the family, friends, and professionals (we have the best vet ever) who have supported us along this journey. 

We'll adopt again. I can't imagine having a house with no kitty for too long. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on January 05, 2020, 07:49:56 AM
Very sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 05, 2020, 10:10:13 AM
Awww....you were all so lucky to have had each other.

Gentle thoughts and respect for your grief.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: bibliothecula on January 07, 2020, 01:19:22 PM
You did it right, statsgeek. All my sympathy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on January 07, 2020, 03:05:32 PM
Quote from: bibliothecula on January 07, 2020, 01:19:22 PM
You did it right, statsgeek. All my sympathy.
+1 It's such a hard call but you put Little Boy first and made sure he didn't suffer.

I went through that last spring, and suddenly having no cat in the house is really hard (I called it phantom cat syndrome). I was really tempted to get another one right away, but it just didn't make sense between lots of travel and looking for a house, then moving into it, then some more travel, so it was early October before I become re-cated. I now have a ridiculously cute (if I do say so myself), snuggly and energetic pair of sibs, who are now about 7 months old.

I'm sure the right cats will also find there way into your life when its time.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: larryc on January 09, 2020, 12:18:49 AM
Playful is getting old. A really beautiful long-haried orange and cream cat, she was given to our kindergartner by our questionable neighbors in the rental house next door. He came home one day and held up a kitten. "Look what I have! The neighbors gave it to me. I named it Playful because it is playful."

That boy is 20 and in college now. For most of her life, Playful was the most furious hunter I know. An indoor/outdoor cat, I loaded her collar up with bells until she could not hunt successfully. At night it sounded like Santa was landing his sleigh on our roof. She attacked everything that came into our yard--other cats, rabbits, dogs (that Jack Russel still has nightmares), and on one memorable occasion a pair of ducks that had been hoping to nest in our hedge. Tough luck, ducks. Yet she is a total lap cat in the house, oppressively affectionate.

The vet says she is healthy as old cats go. She goes outside out of habit and comes right back in. When we went away for five days recently she went on a hunger strike and we almost lost her, but after a few days and some fluid injections she regained her appetite. Who knows how much longer we have with her.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 09, 2020, 03:23:17 AM
She sounds like a wonderful companion, full of herself, who knows what she wants.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on January 09, 2020, 09:59:45 AM
Playful sounds like an amazing cat.  You can buy an appetite stimulant for kitties, Entice/Entyce(sp?), not sure if it's prescription only. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: geoteo on January 26, 2020, 07:35:25 AM
Another cat has happened at our house.  Son-in-law was at the landfill on Monday when haulers arrived to drag away a huge metal dumpster.  He made them wait until he could extract a skin-and-bones kitten, which ripped his face apart while he tried to get her into his truck.  He and daughter went to the urgent care clinic, while I sat in the truck trying to calm her and accustom her to the sound of my voice.

She was brought into the house, where she ate everything in sight and terrorized her reluctant sisters and brothers.  At this point she has been to the vet twice, because we discovered that she had a huge, smelly abscess on her leg and was running a fever.  Now she has an antibiotic to take twice a day, and will finish her shots in two weeks.  The vet says she is about twelve weeks old, so we chose Halloween as her birthday.  She is all black, with bright gold eyes.  I suggested calling her Jawa, but Grandson won with Diogi.  In case you can't tell, he wanted to name her D O G.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 26, 2020, 08:28:49 AM
What a good thing Diogi found you all.

I hope everyone recovers well from their injuries!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on January 27, 2020, 10:34:33 AM
I hope Diogi makes a full recovery, it sounds like she's in good hands.

The last two cats we have taken in were both rescue and both needed some medical attention though not to that extent. The last one we got, Hazel, wolfed down an entire can of wet cat food while growling the whole time. She must have eaten almost half her weight in food that first day. She was pretty underweight and absolutely infested with fleas.

Poe, the older of the two, was approximately a year old when we got him. He had been hanging around a sewage processing plant that our neighbor was working at, he used to come visit the workers on lunch and beg for scraps. He weighed maybe four or five pounds tops when we got him, he now weighs 17 pounds. The vet thinks he's not very overweight, he just grew into an enormous kitty. If I had to guess he has some Maine Coon in him. He is now, by far, the biggest of the five cats we have. I think our oldest cat now regrets being a bully to him when he was smaller...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 13, 2020, 09:28:04 AM
Izzy has transformed from a terrified ball of fluff and whiskers to a whirlwind of destruction!  She is entirely too fearless about getting food - hers, Effie cat's, my breakfast, the odd tortilla chip.  She completely ignores any and all growling or fussing from the other cats when there is food to be had.  She's been sneaking peanuts in the shell out of the dish on the coffee table and hiding them all over our house.  It's pretty funny!
The not so funny is that she has discovered she can use her claws to climb up our furniture.  She has a scratch pad and uses it, but the velcro kitten furniture climbing is apparently way too fun to stop.  How can I stop her from destroying all of our upholstery?  Any ideas?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 13, 2020, 11:12:49 AM
Do you trim her claws?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 13, 2020, 11:21:53 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 13, 2020, 11:12:49 AM
Do you trim her claws?

M.

Yes, but I can't get all 4 paws done at once.  She's still really skittish about being held.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 13, 2020, 11:57:12 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 13, 2020, 11:21:53 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 13, 2020, 11:12:49 AM
Do you trim her claws?

M.

Yes, but I can't get all 4 paws done at once.  She's still really skittish about being held.

You could try 'burrito-ing' her in a towel.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 13, 2020, 07:22:03 PM
Leading to the hilarious "All Creatures Great and Small" scene of Tristram trying to "wrap a cat," in my mind...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ktmkwk on February 14, 2020, 06:48:37 AM
There is double sided tape that you can put on furniture--cats hate the feel of it on their paws.

Often with young cats, you need to work at getting them used to having their paws touched/claws trimmed so we tend to massage their paws/toes regularly (usually daily) to get them used to it.  We tend to do trimming having the cat in a flat surface beside one of us, to that you are only working with one paw at a time (and no more than fronts or back at once for most of our cats).  Burrito works well for really spazzy, fraidy cats--take one paw out at a time and again, at least with ours either fronts or backs at one time.  We've got four cats so have a schedule for trimming. ;-)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 14, 2020, 08:11:49 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 13, 2020, 07:22:03 PM
Leading to the hilarious "All Creatures Great and Small" scene of Tristram trying to "wrap a cat," in my mind...

M.

It starts here...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByFrA9cCDBo

It took a couple of episodes before the injection was finally administered, I think...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 14, 2020, 08:25:34 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 14, 2020, 08:11:49 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 13, 2020, 07:22:03 PM
Leading to the hilarious "All Creatures Great and Small" scene of Tristram trying to "wrap a cat," in my mind...

M.

It starts here...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByFrA9cCDBo

It took a couple of episodes before the injection was finally administered, I think...

M.

Ha ha!  That is one of my favorite bits from the book.
I'll have to try the double-stick tape for now.  And I'll work more at touching her feet.  She loves ear skritches, tail tugs, and being rubbed under the collar, but HATES to have her feet touched. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 14, 2020, 08:28:25 AM
If her feet are dry or have gotten something like salt in them from walking around where a sidewalk has been treated for ice, they might have gotten tender or sore, too.

I think there are some creams or oils you can use to treat dry, cracked pads that won't hurt the cat when they lick their feet later...you'd want to ask your vet first, obviously.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on February 14, 2020, 08:49:33 AM
We always give our cats a treat after trimming nails, it hasn't made the experience great but it has calmed them down to where we can actually do it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 14, 2020, 02:57:01 PM
Quote from: mamselle on February 14, 2020, 08:28:25 AM
If her feet are dry or have gotten something like salt in them from walking around where a sidewalk has been treated for ice, they might have gotten tender or sore, too.

I think there are some creams or oils you can use to treat dry, cracked pads that won't hurt the cat when they lick their feet later...you'd want to ask your vet first, obviously.

M.

Izzy is a strictly indoors only kitten so she has very soft feet.  It never gets cold enough here to snow, but it can get hot enough to make the ground too hot to go barefoot.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 14, 2020, 03:30:41 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 14, 2020, 02:57:01 PM
Quote from: mamselle on February 14, 2020, 08:28:25 AM
If her feet are dry or have gotten something like salt in them from walking around where a sidewalk has been treated for ice, they might have gotten tender or sore, too.

I think there are some creams or oils you can use to treat dry, cracked pads that won't hurt the cat when they lick their feet later...you'd want to ask your vet first, obviously.

M.

Izzy is a strictly indoors only kitten so she has very soft feet.  It never gets cold enough here to snow, but it can get hot enough to make the ground too hot to go barefoot.

Ok, good, then at least THAT'S not the problem...next differential diagnosis...!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: peitho on February 16, 2020, 10:56:53 PM
LarryC, Ask the vet for Mirtazapine for Playful. Most cats tolerate it pretty well, and it's not dear.

I can say from experience that the first few doses were unpleasant for my senior, who is in otherwise good health, but it's out some padding on her and the side effects subsided after the first week. My other cat was on it at end of life; he had no side effects at all.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 20, 2020, 11:23:36 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on February 14, 2020, 08:49:33 AM
We always give our cats a treat after trimming nails, it hasn't made the experience great but it has calmed them down to where we can actually do it.

This. We give our cats catnip as a reward for tolerating us touching their feet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: paultuttle on February 21, 2020, 02:09:33 PM
Yesterday, just before the university suspended operations in advance of the snow (yes, that's a thing in central North Carolina), two very frightened kittens were pinballing around the parking lot. One was grey and the other was black. Both were young enough that their ears looked to be very nearly as big as their heads.

I felt sorry for them, but I knew it'd take quite some time (and multiple scratches) in order to bring them inside into a warm house, so I just thought kind thoughts toward them as I left.

I mean, what else can you do?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 27, 2020, 09:39:30 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 20, 2020, 11:23:36 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on February 14, 2020, 08:49:33 AM
We always give our cats a treat after trimming nails, it hasn't made the experience great but it has calmed them down to where we can actually do it.

This. We give our cats catnip as a reward for tolerating us touching their feet.

Izzy is VERY food motivated.  I'll bribe her with lots of treats.  Now that I think on it, Buddycat (RIP) was the same way.  It used to be a rodeo to trim just one claw, but after enough rounds of treats after a trim, he would come beg for treats when I got out MY nail clippers ("Nail clipping means good kitties get treats!  They don't have to be the kitty's nails!").
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 27, 2020, 11:54:03 AM
Quote from: paultuttle on February 21, 2020, 02:09:33 PM
Yesterday, just before the university suspended operations in advance of the snow (yes, that's a thing in central North Carolina), two very frightened kittens were pinballing around the parking lot. One was grey and the other was black. Both were young enough that their ears looked to be very nearly as big as their heads.

I felt sorry for them, but I knew it'd take quite some time (and multiple scratches) in order to bring them inside into a warm house, so I just thought kind thoughts toward them as I left.

I mean, what else can you do?

Do you know if there are any TNR or other cat-type organizations in your area? Some of them will take kittens since it is easier to 'home' them than adult cats.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 27, 2020, 12:28:15 PM
Yes, I was wondering how the kittens did as well.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 10, 2020, 10:54:10 AM
I made a food puzzle for Izzy by filling an empty paper tube with kitten kibble, scrunching the ends shut, and cut a small hole in the side.  I thought it would keep her entertained and burn off some of that crazy kitten energy.
Izzy is unimpressed.
Puck and Jane are SUPER EXCITED!  I feel bad, like I deprived them of this joy when they were kittens.  But I didn't know that food puzzles for cats was a thing when they were kittens.
Back to the design board . . .
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 10, 2020, 12:50:31 PM
Kitty Kong.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on March 20, 2020, 08:38:12 AM
As the sun rises
Feline shapes darting past me
Heading to their dens
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on March 20, 2020, 09:13:01 AM
The cats have been the only real winners in the current crisis. They approve of having their monkey servant home all the time, and have made a lot of guest appearances on Zoom.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 20, 2020, 09:51:34 AM
Yes, I was giving a music lesson last night on Zoom and the two yearling cats (who know me well in this family) kept getting into the background.

One just flopped down for nap no. 104 of the day; the other was madly digging out Something Of Importance (a caged jinglebell?) between the couch cushions on the sofa behind the keyboard.

My student's mom then had her lesson this AM....and they were still at it...one doing zoomies off the sofa, one sitting at the window, tail twitching, watching Bird TV.

She later pulled the laptop over to show me their "curled up baby kitties-in-a-basket" position for sleeping...apparently all that showing off is exhausting.

M. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 20, 2020, 12:46:31 PM
The cats are baffled that the human staff aren't leaving like usual.  But they do approve of the idea of eating lunch.
Lady Jane and I are battling over who gets to sit in my office chair.  The heat vent blows warm air right on the cushion and she has claimed it as her own.  She is currently asleep on my lap, but will take over the chair any time I get up.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Catherder on March 21, 2020, 06:01:09 AM
Quote from: Puget on March 20, 2020, 09:13:01 AM
The cats have been the only real winners in the current crisis. They approve of having their monkey servant home all the time, and have made a lot of guest appearances on Zoom.

From  The New Yorker:  Quarantine Tips from my Cat

https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/quarantine-tips-from-my-cat?source=EDT_NYR_EDIT_NEWSLETTER_0_imagenewsletter_Borowitz_ZZ&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_source=nl&utm_brand=tny&utm_mailing=TNY_Borowitz_032020&utm_medium=email&bxid=5be9e53a2ddf9c72dc62699e&cndid=39473732&esrc=right_rail_humor&mbid=&utm_term=TNY_Borowitz

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 30, 2020, 05:56:34 AM
Hello fellow cat-herders. I'm newly registered but I've been lurking for a long time. This is one of my favorite threads because I probably qualify as a crazy cat lady. I have 4, OrangeGuy, Calico, HerMajesty, and Twerp.

Geneticist, thanks for the good laugh about Izzy being unimpressed by the food puzzle the other day.

Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on March 30, 2020, 08:46:24 AM
Welcome Larimar, from a fellow crazy cat lady (only two here, but sometimes it feels like a dozen)!

The sun has come out here after about a week of clouds, rain, and storms.  The girls approve.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 30, 2020, 10:21:04 AM
Ninja (large, black kitty who self-identifies as queen of the household) remains unimpressed that one of her people is now home all day.
Ricochet the Squirrelly Tortie has increased the frequency of practicing her human-feline interaction skills, which currently primarily consist of remaining in the same room as a human, as long as the human stays more than 6 feet away.  Occasional head scritches are acceptable; additional contact results in increased social distancing (top of a bookcase) with an intense disinfection period.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 03, 2020, 12:12:55 PM
There's a Queen Kitty here too. HerMajesty decided this morning that the time I was spending paying bills would be much better spent petting her. She jumped on my lap, then climbed onto the little side table I was using, and sat down on the envelopes and papers, purring loudly (and regally) the whole time. Clearly I'd had my priorities all wrong. Humans are so prone to that.



Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 05, 2020, 03:20:25 PM
Quote from: Larimar on April 03, 2020, 12:12:55 PM
There's a Queen Kitty here too. HerMajesty decided this morning that the time I was spending paying bills would be much better spent petting her. She jumped on my lap, then climbed onto the little side table I was using, and sat down on the envelopes and papers, purring loudly (and regally) the whole time. Clearly I'd had my priorities all wrong. Humans are so prone to that.



Larimar

Ninja acknowledges that there may be another Queen who rules another kingdom and recommends that HerMajesty also sit directly on her human's computer keyboard if she really wants her human's attention.  Further, stealing all of her human's pens is a time-tested strategy.

I was using a neck massager last night, and Richochet the Squirrelly Tortie apparently thought that it was the sound of the mothership calling her home. She vaulted onto the couch and stood on top of me, kneading me with claws extended and head-butting me while rumble-purring for a good two minutes.  Then, apparently deciding that she was not going to get beamed-up to her home planet where things make more sense, ran out of the room and jumped on top of a bookshelf.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 05, 2020, 05:12:15 PM
My student's two marmalade yearlings were doing "Tag-You're It" zoomies during his (apltly named, Zoom-lesson) yesterday.

Suddenly, in the middle of scales, an orange streak flashed up over the bass keyboard, behind the music lyre, and off the top of the keys to the sofa.

Apparently the other one decided to head him off at the pass; I heard scrambling below the level of the screen, then a different orange streak peaked over the footstool and onto the sofa as well--but too late to catch his brother.

Both were seen heading for the kitchen (where I think their mom decided to put some kibble out as a distraction) and off-screen after that.

My student just kept playing his scales as if nothing had happened.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 06, 2020, 04:53:26 AM
HerMajesty says that Ninja gives good advice. Getting between a human and his or her computer is a sure way to get attention in this queendom too. Pen-stealing is also effective, but that is more Twerp's modus operandi.

Good for your student Mamselle, but kitty zoomies are always entertaining!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 06, 2020, 07:11:25 AM
Yes, I was trying very hard not to laugh, so as not to disturb my student!

I gather he's become accustomed to their antics.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 06, 2020, 08:07:00 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksnt3kBR9iM

Do you think this kitty dislikes the music? Or has he simply learned that doing this nets him cuddles and attention?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 06, 2020, 09:10:50 AM
Our orange cat appears to have ingested something poisoned. He was in a bad way a few days ago, but is much better now. He doesn't want his wet food, but is at least eating a little of the dry we have left over from before we switched to wet exclusively. Poor guy's lost a couple pounds, and looks tiny.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 06, 2020, 10:11:49 AM
Oh no! Poor guy. Any idea what he might have gotten into? Had he been outside?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on April 06, 2020, 10:46:02 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on April 06, 2020, 09:10:50 AM
Our orange cat appears to have ingested something poisoned. He was in a bad way a few days ago, but is much better now. He doesn't want his wet food, but is at least eating a little of the dry we have left over from before we switched to wet exclusively. Poor guy's lost a couple pounds, and looks tiny.

Any chance it was thread or ribbon?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 06, 2020, 12:16:55 PM
Quote from: Larimar on April 06, 2020, 10:11:49 AM
Oh no! Poor guy. Any idea what he might have gotten into? Had he been outside?

No idea, but I suspect someone's been poisoning rodents. (But yes, he'd been outside.)

Quote from: FishProf on April 06, 2020, 10:46:02 AM

Any chance it was thread or ribbon?

Not really, no. His platelet count was very low, and he wasn't coagulating. Combined with the puking and fever and stuff, some sort of poison seems pretty likely.

Finding an appropriately nutritive substitute food he'll eat is a bit of a challenge, however, especially with the travel and other restrictions in place. Most of them are just way too high in carbs (and what he was eating before was one of the lowest-carb canned food on the market). Hopefully that's just temporary, and he'll be back to the usual stuff soon, poor love.

In the meantime, he desperately resents not going out.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on April 06, 2020, 12:17:58 PM
Our two cats, Booboo and Lucky, are very happy to have us at home now.  However, the fighting between them has increased as well. When no one was home during the day, our guess was that both cats slept 95% of the time and ignored each other the remainder.  Now that there is always someone around, they are much less tolerant.   We've had to institute an intra-house quarantine when we are all in the living room.  Booboo gets the east end and Lucky the middle and west end with a sliding door border. Outside screened area is also strictly controlled.  Not sure if this situation can be eased up later or not.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 06, 2020, 02:09:12 PM
My two are also big fans of this work from home situation. I think they are going to be very displeased when I'm no longer home all day every day.

Luckily they also love each other (they are 1 year old sibs), so we are often all three snuggled on the couch together, or they run around paling and getting into trouble together.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on April 07, 2020, 10:18:26 AM
The dean asked for good news, pics of our home offices, etc. to put in the division newsletter later today.  I sent her a photo of Little Cat sprawled out on her back, looking cute, and said to caption it as my "at-home supervisor."

Even the cat needs her 15 minutes of fame.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 07, 2020, 10:23:02 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on April 07, 2020, 10:18:26 AM
The dean asked for good news, pics of our home offices, etc. to put in the division newsletter later today.  I sent her a photo of Little Cat sprawled out on her back, looking cute, and said to caption it as my "at-home supervisor."

Even the cat needs her 15 minutes of fame.

Love it!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 08, 2020, 09:12:43 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on April 06, 2020, 09:10:50 AM
Our orange cat appears to have ingested something poisoned. He was in a bad way a few days ago, but is much better now. He doesn't want his wet food, but is at least eating a little of the dry we have left over from before we switched to wet exclusively. Poor guy's lost a couple pounds, and looks tiny.

Poor baby orange cat. Glad he is on the mend!

Quote from: Puget on April 06, 2020, 02:09:12 PM
My two are also big fans of this work from home situation. I think they are going to be very displeased when I'm no longer home all day every day.

Luckily they also love each other (they are 1 year old sibs), so we are often all three snuggled on the couch together, or they run around paling and getting into trouble together.

Awww! Our two 4 year old kitties (Ninja and RST) are litter mates that we adopted as tiny kittens (Ninja was just 2 pounds!). When we first adopted them, they often snuggled together, and we thought they might be good friends.  Now, they primarily ignore each other, until Ninja decides she needs to re-assert her alpha status and chases RST around the house. After a brief period of intense wrestling, they retreat to separate corners to ignore each other again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 08, 2020, 09:40:25 AM
Our cats are so puzzled why we just won't leave already.  I think it's actually been stressful for Effie cat.  He likes to be in the same room as Mr. Dr. Geneticist and does NOT appreciate if that room is not the same as Effie's chosen napping spot.  Effie looks at him like "OMG will you choose a room and stay there so I can nap already?!?"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on April 08, 2020, 10:54:18 AM
I now believe we may have as many as three Siamese cats wandering the streets of our town.  I've seen them in that many widely-separated locations. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on April 08, 2020, 12:09:24 PM
The local newscasters are taking turns broadcasting from home.  One woman was on Friday night, and in the background was her huge tuxedo cat, lying on the floor, then later walking around into the kitchen.  Last night there was no tux, but instead a huge Siamese. At 5 p.m. he was sitting on a wing chair behind her, looking toward the kitchen and, later, listening to her read and looking at the camera; at 6, he was stretched across the seat of the chair, tail hanging off the front, dead to the world.

I have no idea what she talked about; I only watch for the cats.  (As I defended myself to ALHS, I bet a lot of older people and kids watch for the same reason.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 12, 2020, 10:34:53 PM
The big cat is stuck in a Douglas fir tonight, the poor love. He's not too high (about twenty feet), but we have no way to reach him.

Poor love's in for a long night before the arborist comes.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 13, 2020, 09:18:59 AM
Poor big cat! Hope he's okay and that he won't get stuck in that tree again!

My kitties received an Easter treat of some plastic Easter eggs with catnip inside! They love this. Because the eggs are ovoid instead of spherical, they don't roll straight when batted with a paw, and this is fascinating. OrangeGuy managed to get one open, and he scarfed the catnip. He was a bit bug-eyed for a while afterward!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 13, 2020, 10:41:59 AM
Big cat rescued!

Poor love.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 13, 2020, 11:50:05 AM
Glad he was rescued Parasaurolophus! Hopefully he learned his lesson (not likely for a cat I know!).

It got abnormally quiet and cat-free downstairs during my last Zoom meeting, which is never a good sign with young cats. Sure enough, after I got off I checked upstairs and they had broken into the guest room (which is off limits and therefore highly desirable) and removed a large quantity of soil from the fern pot (the fern being in protective custody in that room expressly to prevent cat attacks). Door now re-latched and cats are zooming around downstairs again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 13, 2020, 01:54:28 PM
Yay! Glad big cat is okay!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 14, 2020, 09:31:07 AM
My mom sent a care package with tea for me and fancy catnip for the cats.  They are quite spoiled.

And I finally figured out how to mostly stop Izzy from shredding the furniture.  I bought a scratching post!  It has a flat plastic disk on the top where I put a few cat treats.  She was well-trained after just one round of treat hunting by climbing the pole.  Izzy is going to be a huge cat.  She's only 6 months old and at least as large as Lady Jane already (7 pounds).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 25, 2020, 11:59:35 AM
The red cat went back to the vet today. He was barfy, and self-isolating, and panty, and old-man walking, and not eating.

Not rodenticide this time, but he's feverish, so possibly a resurgence of whatever the other thing was. While we were there we met another couple, one of whose cats also appears to have consumed a rodenticided rodent and is presenting with the same weird mix of symptoms the red cat had three weeks ago. They live nearby, but far enough away that it's unlikely to be the same patch of rodenticide. The vet's pretty weirded out, though, because she's never seen so many young cats (apparently there's a few more) presenting with the same weird mix of symptoms, at least one of which is likely rodenticide poisoning.

Anyway. He's in good shape now, and the big cat has recovered from the tree.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 25, 2020, 08:58:26 PM
I hope red cat feels even better.

On another note, we discovered that Evil cat #1 likes to watch tv! She sat, right in front of the tv, and watched cartoons for about an hour.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 26, 2020, 08:43:57 AM
I'm also glad your poor kitties are doing better!


On another note, we discovered that Evil cat #1 likes to watch tv! She sat, right in front of the tv, and watched cartoons for about an hour.
[/quote]


OrangeGuy here likes to watch TV with us too, and loves the YouTube cat TV videos of birds and squirrels and mice. He'll jump right up close and paw at the TV or computer screen. The other kitties also like to be around while we're watching TV, but Calico and Twerp just want to snuggle in our laps, and HerMajesty will accept a bit of homage and then curl up on a chair or in her basket and supervise.

Right now Twerp is helping me write this, so it's taken longer than it otherwise would!


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 26, 2020, 07:27:40 PM

Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 25, 2020, 08:58:26 PMI'm also glad your poor kitties are doing better!


On another note, we discovered that Evil cat #1 likes to watch tv! She sat, right in front of the tv, and watched cartoons for about an hour.

Quote from: Larimar on April 26, 2020, 08:43:57 AM
OrangeGuy here likes to watch TV with us too, and loves the YouTube cat TV videos of birds and squirrels and mice. He'll jump right up close and paw at the TV or computer screen. The other kitties also like to be around while we're watching TV, but Calico and Twerp just want to snuggle in our laps, and HerMajesty will accept a bit of homage and then curl up on a chair or in her basket and supervise.

Right now Twerp is helping me write this, so it's taken longer than it otherwise would!


Larimar

Evil cat #1 likes the string game on U tube. I've kind of Pavlovian-trained her to run to my computer and play the game when I say 'Look!' It is hilarious.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 27, 2020, 06:18:42 AM
My two seem completely uninterested in my laptop screen except as something to rub their cheeks on or get in front of when I'm paying too much attention to it and not enough to them.

What they are completely obsessed with are plastic spring toys. It never would have occurred to me to get them but they came with some from their foster when I adopted them and I've since bought a jumbo pack (they are very cheap online) because they keep loosing them under the radiators and fridge. They are hilarious with them-- they bat them all over the place and also carry them in their mouths like victorious hunters. I find them in the oddest places-- in the bathtub, my shoes, the laundry basket. Highly recommend especially if you have wood/hard surface floors for maximum batting fun.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on April 27, 2020, 08:11:08 AM
The war is, if not over, at least in abeyance.  One of the Thundercats (Elektra) is now curled up with the new Boy (Orestes). 

Nox, demon cat from Tartarus, is not onboard.  But, she does seem to have noticed that Orestes (Maine Coon) has surpassed her in size....
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 29, 2020, 09:58:23 AM
Asking for advice here on how to reencounter a particular stray.

Our building complex has a large parking area with garages for each unit. There are a number of curbside plants and it is not uncommon to spot stray cats here. They also like the area around the dumpsters and I've seen a mother cat shelter with her kittens underneath a van.

A few days ago SO and I were heading out to a doctor appointment when I spotted a kitty happily rubbing its face against a nearby plant, occasionally taking a nibble out of the leaves. While SO was pulling the car out I walked over, crouched and called to the cat. It turned to look at me, trotted over while mewing adorably, and leaned into my hand when I reached out. I was instantly smitten.

The cat was quite dirty, skinny, and had no collar so I assume it's one of the strays; the friendliness indicates comfort with humans, but that could be from other residents giving handouts and pets, not necessarily an owner. When SO called out that we had to get going, I stood to signal to him to wait a moment. With the cessation of petting, cat stood on hind legs and pawed my leg, mewing for more. When I made a move towards the car it followed on my heels. SO insisted we were not having a strange cat loose in the car when we had an appointment to get to. He said we could try to find the cat again later, assuming it was one of the parking lot "regulars".

I am kicking myself for not insisting we take the cat home. Been scouting the lot ever since without any sightings. SO says if we find it we can post a picture on the neighborhood social media group and have a vet scan for a chip. If there are no claims, it can be our cat. But I need to find it again first!

I am not an intuitive person. I analyze everything to death. But I feel like this cat is special; like we had a spark, a connection at that first encounter. All I want to do is love and care for this kitty for the rest of its life. I've never fallen in love with a cat so fast.

The parking area covers a lot of grounds, serving many buildings, and there a numerous twists and turns. Lots of places a cat could potentially be.

I thought of leaving a plate of treats regularly in a specific spot in hopes cats will learn it's a good spot to check out. Then I could pop out to the spot a few times a day and hope to get lucky. But it doesn't seem like the odds would be too great. I could start working outside, staking out. Wander the lot at times the cats are more likely to be out (would that be early morning and twilight?)

Or is finding the same cat again just a pie in the sky fantasy?

Anyone have experience wrangling strays?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 29, 2020, 01:18:21 PM
Leaving food is a good idea, but let there be gaps between times when you put it out. Feral cats need to retain their independence and ability to hunt or they will starve when the weather gets bad.

Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 29, 2020, 01:44:20 PM
That cat sounds like a stray rather than feral given how friendly it was. Is there are stray rescue group operating in your area? You could contact them or the humane society to help trap the cat and other strays in the area  (If they trap ferals in the process, they may have a catch-spay/neutral-release program). They will give it a vet check including checking for a microchip. You can let them know you'd like to adopt if no owner can be identified. If there is an owner missing it, I hope you can transfer that love to being happy to reunite them and adopt a different cat. Good luck!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 30, 2020, 10:25:52 AM
Maybe this should be in the minor venting thread... I swear my large moo-cat knows when to gargle, howl, yowl, make biscuits, etc. when I am trying to concentrate on grading. He's doing it right now...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 30, 2020, 04:49:41 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 29, 2020, 09:58:23 AM
Asking for advice here on how to reencounter a particular stray.

Our building complex has a large parking area with garages for each unit. There are a number of curbside plants and it is not uncommon to spot stray cats here. They also like the area around the dumpsters and I've seen a mother cat shelter with her kittens underneath a van.

A few days ago SO and I were heading out to a doctor appointment when I spotted a kitty happily rubbing its face against a nearby plant, occasionally taking a nibble out of the leaves. While SO was pulling the car out I walked over, crouched and called to the cat. It turned to look at me, trotted over while mewing adorably, and leaned into my hand when I reached out. I was instantly smitten.

The cat was quite dirty, skinny, and had no collar so I assume it's one of the strays; the friendliness indicates comfort with humans, but that could be from other residents giving handouts and pets, not necessarily an owner. When SO called out that we had to get going, I stood to signal to him to wait a moment. With the cessation of petting, cat stood on hind legs and pawed my leg, mewing for more. When I made a move towards the car it followed on my heels. SO insisted we were not having a strange cat loose in the car when we had an appointment to get to. He said we could try to find the cat again later, assuming it was one of the parking lot "regulars".

I am kicking myself for not insisting we take the cat home. Been scouting the lot ever since without any sightings. SO says if we find it we can post a picture on the neighborhood social media group and have a vet scan for a chip. If there are no claims, it can be our cat. But I need to find it again first!

I am not an intuitive person. I analyze everything to death. But I feel like this cat is special; like we had a spark, a connection at that first encounter. All I want to do is love and care for this kitty for the rest of its life. I've never fallen in love with a cat so fast.

The parking area covers a lot of grounds, serving many buildings, and there a numerous twists and turns. Lots of places a cat could potentially be.

I thought of leaving a plate of treats regularly in a specific spot in hopes cats will learn it's a good spot to check out. Then I could pop out to the spot a few times a day and hope to get lucky. But it doesn't seem like the odds would be too great. I could start working outside, staking out. Wander the lot at times the cats are more likely to be out (would that be early morning and twilight?)

Or is finding the same cat again just a pie in the sky fantasy?

Anyone have experience wrangling strays?
Put food and water near the plant where you found the kitty.  Hang out there are the same time of day you saw it the first time as it likely has a routine.  Cats are territorial so I'm guessing it will be back.  Sending good "kitty finding vibes" your way!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 01, 2020, 05:14:21 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 30, 2020, 10:25:52 AM
Maybe this should be in the minor venting thread... I swear my large moo-cat knows when to gargle, howl, yowl, make biscuits, etc. when I am trying to concentrate on grading. He's doing it right now...

Do you rent this marvelous creature out?  I'd be interested in having him perform in several upcoming virtual meetings (and could have really used him in one contentious session yesterday)!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on May 01, 2020, 07:36:27 AM
On my morning walk I saw a black cat crossing the street in front of my path (Thanks a lot, Neko-chan!).  It was moving very slowly for a cat, and did not bolt when it saw me.  I got the impression that it might not be feeling well.  Hope it will be okay.

Later on the walk I heard an altercation between cats nearby.  They went at it for a while.  Unusual to hear that in broad daylight.  They sound so vicious when they fight!  It makes you wonder whether they've ever succeeded in devouring each other like the cats of Killkinney.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 01, 2020, 07:47:48 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on May 01, 2020, 05:14:21 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 30, 2020, 10:25:52 AM
Maybe this should be in the minor venting thread... I swear my large moo-cat knows when to gargle, howl, yowl, make biscuits, etc. when I am trying to concentrate on grading. He's doing it right now...

Do you rent this marvelous creature out?  I'd be interested in having him perform in several upcoming virtual meetings (and could have really used him in one contentious session yesterday)!

You know, I never thought of that... until now. He is quite vocal and likes to carry various toys around in his mouth while yowling. He has sat in on a few online meetings (when he's quiet).

Oh, did I mention that he can open doors too?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 01, 2020, 11:45:52 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 01, 2020, 07:47:48 PM


You know, I never thought of that... until now. He is quite vocal and likes to carry various toys around in his mouth while yowling. He has sat in on a few online meetings (when he's quiet).


Our biggest does that too! And drops them at our feet then walks off.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 02, 2020, 05:11:35 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on May 01, 2020, 11:45:52 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 01, 2020, 07:47:48 PM


You know, I never thought of that... until now. He is quite vocal and likes to carry various toys around in his mouth while yowling. He has sat in on a few online meetings (when he's quiet).


Our biggest does that too! And drops them at our feet then walks off.


Twerp actually does that too! She's not a large kitty, though, and can't open doors - thank goodness! She gets into enough trouble as it is.

Also, smallcleanrat, hope you find the stray. Keep us posted!


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 02, 2020, 12:45:36 PM
Oldest kid and "puppy" (4 months old today and already bigger than any GSD I've ever see or been around) came by and helped me set out some flowers.  Kid turned over some dirt in the raised bed; puppy tried to do his part by digging on outside of the bed, until he got told off.

He's behaving much better and all was well until they tried to go into the house to wash up and get a drink.  Large Gray Cat was already lying by the back door; I could hear her hissing across the yard.  Kid and dog were stood off for a couple of minutes, then went inside, with LGC howling and hissing and spitting the whole time.  I think she was as upset as anything just because the puppy wasn't scared off.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 03, 2020, 08:13:50 AM
Thanks to all for the encouragement and advice for finding my sweet stray.

I went out with a small portion of tuna-flavored wet food every morning and evening. I left the food by the plant of the original sighting and planted myself some distance away to observe.

I saw a couple of adolescent cats eating the food, but neither was the kitty I was looking for. These kitties were also a bit skittish of humans, so I let them alone.

Turns out it was all for naught (well, at least two kitties got some nourishment out of it). SO found out from the neighborhood social media group that someone had already trapped the cat I encountered and found an adoptive home for him.

I'm relieved that cat is safe and now has a home and human guardians (I was having nightmares about kitty being picked off by a bigger predator or being crushed by a car). But I'm heartbroken I couldn't be the one to give him that home. We probably should have made a post that we encountered the cat and would like to care for him should anyone happen to find him. I should have trusted my gut at that first encounter and over-ruled SO about taking the cat with us, then and there.

I know there are lots of great cats out there needing homes. I still want to adopt one. But I think it will take me some time to get over this. Something just felt so perfectly right with this kitty from the first touch. I've only felt this with an animal once before, as a child, with the puppy that would become my loyal and affectionate companion for the next twelve years. Out of all the pups at the shelter, he was the most awkward, odd-looking, and morose. But the instant I reached out and he put his head in my hand I knew that he was my dog.

I wonder if I'll ever feel that spark again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 03, 2020, 11:20:01 AM
I suspect you will. Cats are so easy to love! Maybe keep an eye on the colony of strays and see who you meet?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 03, 2020, 12:15:10 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on May 03, 2020, 08:13:50 AM
I wonder if I'll ever feel that spark again.

I also suspect you will smallcleanrat.

I was heartbroken when I lost my fluffy calico companion too soon to complications of diabetes.  But I am smitten with our two current furry goofballs, Ninja (who adopted my husband as her human and follows him around the house) and Ricochet, who remains baffled by humans, yet continues to attempt to interact with us, despite the fact that we are clearly too dumb to understand how the rules work in her world.

I hope that you will find a kitty who feels right for you when the timing is right for you, whether they come from your stray colony or a shelter.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 05, 2020, 08:39:45 PM
Double posting, but a couple days apart, so I think I'm OK . . .
I'm reporting in to say that, contrary to my initial assumptions, Ricochet the Squirrelly Tortie might be benefiting from the Stay-at-Home order. Yesterday, for the 1st time in the four years that she has ruled over us, she spontaneously rolled on her back to request a tummy rub, purred, and did not bite or scratch to make me stop.  Go, Ricochet, Go!
Ninja remains unimpressed because her chosen human (my husband) has a job considered essential, so he continues to go to work 5 days per week, leaving the less-preferred human at home with her.

Smallcleanrat, have you met any other kitties that pulled at your heartstrings?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on May 06, 2020, 08:49:38 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 05, 2020, 08:39:45 PM
I'm reporting in to say that, contrary to my initial assumptions, Ricochet the Squirrelly Tortie might be benefiting from the Stay-at-Home order. Yesterday, for the 1st time in the four years that she has ruled over us, she spontaneously rolled on her back to request a tummy rub, purred, and did not bite or scratch to make me stop.  Go, Ricochet, Go!

We adopted kittens last summer, one of whom refused to believe that we weren't trying to eat her every time we got close.  (Also a tortie, hmm.)  Both of us home nearly 24-7 has done wonders for our relationship with her.  She still does a lot of flirting (I'll roll over and show you my belly, but run away if you try to come closer), but also sleeps in a cat bed next to us and lets us pet her pretty regularly now.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: backatit on May 06, 2020, 10:03:01 AM
We normally work from home most of the time (I teach fully online, and my partner also works remotely) so our 3 are used to the routine. But I've noticed a difference since the pandemic; we are home a lot more, I think, and our outside interactions are a lot more limited (we had people in at least once to play board games, which the cats did like, as they're all pretty social, but which did disrupt the routine somewhat). Now they are all getting along a lot better (we have some territorial disputes between our youngest female and our male cat, who adores her and refuses to believe that she does not adore him in return). He follows her around with lovesick eyes, howling pitifully, while she hisses over her shoulder at him and occasionally turns around and chases him back to a safe distance. Now, however, he is lying on the table and she is on one of the chairs at the same table. Who knows why the detente? Cats are just weird...

The dogs, otoh (we also have 3 dogs), are just velcro...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 07, 2020, 06:43:26 AM
Quote from: sprout on May 06, 2020, 08:49:38 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 05, 2020, 08:39:45 PM
I'm reporting in to say that, contrary to my initial assumptions, Ricochet the Squirrelly Tortie might be benefiting from the Stay-at-Home order. Yesterday, for the 1st time in the four years that she has ruled over us, she spontaneously rolled on her back to request a tummy rub, purred, and did not bite or scratch to make me stop.  Go, Ricochet, Go!

We adopted kittens last summer, one of whom refused to believe that we weren't trying to eat her every time we got close.  (Also a tortie, hmm.)  Both of us home nearly 24-7 has done wonders for our relationship with her.  She still does a lot of flirting (I'll roll over and show you my belly, but run away if you try to come closer), but also sleeps in a cat bed next to us and lets us pet her pretty regularly now.

Funny, that is the exact phrase we used around here. 

When we first adopted her, we enrolled Ricochet in developmental coursework in Feline-Human Interaction. After a few false starts, she passed the initial courses FHI 090: Come out of the closet; the humans will not eat you and FHI 095: Hands are not for hitting; the humans just want to pet you.

However, she has WF grades from the developmental Eating Food in the Home courses: EFH 050: Wet Food is not Poison and EFH 06: Treats are Tasty Too! due to non-participation.  She has agreed to eat exactly one variety of cat food, and has resisted any attempts to feed her anything else. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on May 07, 2020, 06:49:00 AM
Orestes, our Maine Coon, has worms.  While it is a bit gross, I have been showing Smolt what they look like under a scope.

Luckily, our vet was willing to take my diagnosis and a photo as evidence and will prescribe for all 3 of the kittimals.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 07, 2020, 08:45:12 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 07, 2020, 06:43:26 AM
Quote from: sprout on May 06, 2020, 08:49:38 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 05, 2020, 08:39:45 PM
I'm reporting in to say that, contrary to my initial assumptions, Ricochet the Squirrelly Tortie might be benefiting from the Stay-at-Home order. Yesterday, for the 1st time in the four years that she has ruled over us, she spontaneously rolled on her back to request a tummy rub, purred, and did not bite or scratch to make me stop.  Go, Ricochet, Go!

We adopted kittens last summer, one of whom refused to believe that we weren't trying to eat her every time we got close.  (Also a tortie, hmm.)  Both of us home nearly 24-7 has done wonders for our relationship with her.  She still does a lot of flirting (I'll roll over and show you my belly, but run away if you try to come closer), but also sleeps in a cat bed next to us and lets us pet her pretty regularly now.

Funny, that is the exact phrase we used around here. 

When we first adopted her, we enrolled Ricochet in developmental coursework in Feline-Human Interaction. After a few false starts, she passed the initial courses FHI 090: Come out of the closet; the humans will not eat you and FHI 095: Hands are not for hitting; the humans just want to pet you.

However, she has WF grades from the developmental Eating Food in the Home courses: EFH 050: Wet Food is not Poison and EFH 06: Treats are Tasty Too! due to non-participation.  She has agreed to eat exactly one variety of cat food, and has resisted any attempts to feed her anything else.

This is hilarious!

Luckily my two yearlings (adopted at 5 months) had excellent socialization in their foster home and are firmly in the category of believing humans are their monkey servants rather than predators. However, big panther boy has repeatedly failed Behavior 101 Not Jumping on the Table and Counters and Behavior 102 Not Destroying Plants and Curtains, despite use of a spray bottle (which he seems to find only momentarily annoying). However, he has straight As in Cuteness Studies, so much is forgiven. His sister, little calico, is a much faster study, and also excels in Cuteness.

They are currently down for their usual mid-day sleep snuggled against each other on the coach, which never stops being cute.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 07, 2020, 09:12:57 AM
Izzy the kitten is getting high marks in all of the coursework involving food: YUM 101 Try All the Flavors, YUM 102 Treats are Amazing, YUM 103 Trying Adult Kibble
However, she is having to do some remedial work in all Cat-Human Interactions: CHI 101 People Are Not Trying to Step on You (Really), CHI 102 Hands are for Petting, CHI 103 Getting Picked up Does Not Mean You Will be Eaten
The other cats report that she is clearly clueless about all Cat-Cat Interactions.  She is failing all CCI courses: CCI 101 Don't Steal Other Cats' Food, CCI 102 Don't Bother Me While I'm Napping, CCI 103 Growling Means You Stop That & Go Away Tiny Kitten
But she is excelling at growing fluffy, being an adorable doofus, and using a scratching post.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Catherder on May 07, 2020, 09:40:49 AM
My cat is failing Catch the Mouse 101. We have a second invader who has eluded us for two days now.  The cat does manage to flush it out from time to time, but then jumps back startled and gets in my way when the mouse starts to run.

She might be scraping a pass in Sentry Duty 102, though. She seems to know where the mouse is hiding, and crouches nearby.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 07, 2020, 11:49:16 AM
I agree, this is hilarious!

Right now Calico is turning in an excellent project for Feline-Human Interaction 150: Snuggling on Laps. She loves this course!

Unfortunately, earlier today Twerp failed a test in Puget's Feline Behavior 101: Not Jumping on the Table and Counters.
Apparently this is a very difficult course, because OrangeGuy's grades can be spotty too, and even HerMajesty isn't making a perfect score. Calico isn't taking this course because she is... of rubenesque nature... and doesn't jump on anything higher than a chair.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on May 07, 2020, 01:33:57 PM
You did know that FHI 150: Snuggling on laps, was crosslisted? It's also Feline Monkey Servant 150: Providing a Feline acceptable Lap. Sounds like you are passing that withf lying colors!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 07, 2020, 02:08:45 PM
Quote from: FishProf on May 07, 2020, 06:49:00 AM
Orestes, our Maine Coon, has worms.  While it is a bit gross, I have been showing Smolt what they look like under a scope.

Luckily, our vet was willing to take my diagnosis and a photo as evidence and will prescribe for all 3 of the kittimals.

Did your vet give you a discount for doing part of the labwork?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on May 07, 2020, 02:36:32 PM
I guess so, ididn't have to pay for a visit or labs.  Just for the Meds.

BTW - the boy is dosed and glowering.  We'll see how he does over the week it takes for the meds to take full effect
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 07, 2020, 04:33:35 PM
Quote from: FishProf on May 07, 2020, 02:36:32 PM
I guess so, ididn't have to pay for a visit or labs.  Just for the Meds.

BTW - the boy is dosed and glowering.  We'll see how he does over the week it takes for the meds to take full effect

That's even better (just paying for meds). Yep, cats don't enjoy taking the meds. Hope he gets better soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 07, 2020, 05:31:35 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on May 07, 2020, 01:33:57 PM
You did know that FHI 150: Snuggling on laps, was crosslisted? It's also Feline Monkey Servant 150: Providing a Feline acceptable Lap. Sounds like you are passing that withf lying colors!

LOL! Thanks, Mythbuster. I guess Calico and I make good lab partners!


Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 07, 2020, 04:33:35 PM
Quote from: FishProf on May 07, 2020, 02:36:32 PM
I guess so, ididn't have to pay for a visit or labs.  Just for the Meds.

BTW - the boy is dosed and glowering.  We'll see how he does over the week it takes for the meds to take full effect

That's even better (just paying for meds). Yep, cats don't enjoy taking the meds. Hope he gets better soon.

I second the get-well-soon wish for Orestes. May the worm-Furies soon begone.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on May 08, 2020, 12:49:34 PM
I have a renewed Cat.  24 hours and Orestes is back to his quirky self!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 08, 2020, 02:02:53 PM
Quote from: FishProf on May 08, 2020, 12:49:34 PM
I have a renewed Cat.  24 hours and Orestes is back to his quirky self!

Yay! Glad to hear it.


This morning I discovered OrangeGuy and Twerp playing with something on the dining room floor. It proved upon investigation to be a black widow spider! How it got into the house I have no idea. I confess to freaking out some. I stomped the spider and got rid of it, and then called the vet, saying I didn't know whether either of the kitties was bitten, and asking what symptoms to look for. The vet said redness and swelling at the site of any bite, and that the kitties would likely be licking at it because it would bother them. The vet also said if they started acting sick to bring them in immediately. However, she also said that black widow bites are actually not fatal to cats or dogs. This surprised me, but was good news!

I've been monitoring OrangeGuy and Twerp closely all day (not difficult under lockdown!), and they've seemed fine. At this point I think that they were not bitten. Whew!


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 08, 2020, 03:26:40 PM
Quote from: Larimar on May 08, 2020, 02:02:53 PM

This morning I discovered OrangeGuy and Twerp playing with something on the dining room floor. It proved upon investigation to be a black widow spider! How it got into the house I have no idea. I confess to freaking out some. I stomped the spider and got rid of it, and then called the vet, saying I didn't know whether either of the kitties was bitten, and asking what symptoms to look for. The vet said redness and swelling at the site of any bite, and that the kitties would likely be licking at it because it would bother them. The vet also said if they started acting sick to bring them in immediately. However, she also said that black widow bites are actually not fatal to cats or dogs. This surprised me, but was good news!

I've been monitoring OrangeGuy and Twerp closely all day (not difficult under lockdown!), and they've seemed fine. At this point I think that they were not bitten. Whew!


Larimar

A black widow!! OrangeGuy and Twerp are brave hunters indeed! Glad to hear that are OK.

Ricochet earns top marks in Core Cat Skills (CCS) 452: Catch ALL THE THINGS! But, I don't think she's tangled with a black widow (at least not that I've seen). She does do her best to keep our house rodent and bug free, though. She, with an assist from Ninja, has felled a handful of mice since we moved into this old house with a very unfinished basement.  Yesterday, I found her hanging out in the basement, and she looked up at me, grinning, with a bug leg hanging out of the corner of her mouth.  I left her to her kill.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 08, 2020, 07:29:11 PM
Quote from: FishProf on May 08, 2020, 12:49:34 PM
I have a renewed Cat.  24 hours and Orestes is back to his quirky self!

Yay!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 09, 2020, 08:07:28 AM
The cats have now had two class sessions of their accelerated summer session I lab course Going Outside 101: Habituating to Harnesses Indoors. Panther boy is adapting to wearing his PPE very well, and can even climb the sisal post wearing it. Little calico had a little trouble in the first session involving flopping over and trying to escape, but has since decided that wearing her PPE is worth it as a precondition to working with catnip. I'm optimistic that they will both pass and be able to move on to Going Outside 102: Actually Going Outside, which will involve field trips to the backyard.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 09, 2020, 10:37:15 AM
Quote from: FishProf on May 08, 2020, 12:49:34 PM
I have a renewed Cat.  24 hours and Orestes is back to his quirky self!

Whew!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 09, 2020, 10:46:11 AM
You guys do realize you've got it all backwards with the course structures, right? (Funny as they are...!)

I mean, they're probably all laughing their ears off at humans thinking they're teaching cats anything....

Meanwhile they're teaching us CAT 101: The Constant Care, Feeding, and Provision af Safe Environments for Your Cat.

...Sorry to burst your bubble...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 09, 2020, 11:00:14 AM
Quote from: mamselle on May 09, 2020, 10:46:11 AM
You guys do realize you've got it all backwards with the course structures, right? (Funny as they are...!)

I mean, they're probably all laughing their ears off at humans thinking they're teaching cats anything....

Meanwhile they're teaching us CAT 101: The Constant Care, Feeding, and Provision af Safe Environments for Your Cat.

...Sorry to burst your bubble...

M.

LOL! You have a point! Hm, HerMajesty is probably about ready to flunk me.


Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 08, 2020, 03:26:40 PM
Quote from: Larimar on May 08, 2020, 02:02:53 PM

This morning I discovered OrangeGuy and Twerp playing with something on the dining room floor. It proved upon investigation to be a black widow spider! How it got into the house I have no idea. I confess to freaking out some. I stomped the spider and got rid of it, and then called the vet, saying I didn't know whether either of the kitties was bitten, and asking what symptoms to look for. The vet said redness and swelling at the site of any bite, and that the kitties would likely be licking at it because it would bother them. The vet also said if they started acting sick to bring them in immediately. However, she also said that black widow bites are actually not fatal to cats or dogs. This surprised me, but was good news!

I've been monitoring OrangeGuy and Twerp closely all day (not difficult under lockdown!), and they've seemed fine. At this point I think that they were not bitten. Whew!


Larimar

A black widow!! OrangeGuy and Twerp are brave hunters indeed! Glad to hear that are OK.

Ricochet earns top marks in Core Cat Skills (CCS) 452: Catch ALL THE THINGS! But, I don't think she's tangled with a black widow (at least not that I've seen). She does do her best to keep our house rodent and bug free, though. She, with an assist from Ninja, has felled a handful of mice since we moved into this old house with a very unfinished basement.  Yesterday, I found her hanging out in the basement, and she looked up at me, grinning, with a bug leg hanging out of the corner of her mouth.  I left her to her kill.

OrangeGuy and Twerp say thank you.

Yay for Ricochet and Ninja! And yes, leaving Ricochet to her kill was a good idea. Sometimes it's not good to ask too many questions!


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 10, 2020, 05:44:47 AM
Quote from: mamselle on May 09, 2020, 10:46:11 AM
You guys do realize you've got it all backwards with the course structures, right? (Funny as they are...!)

I mean, they're probably all laughing their ears off at humans thinking they're teaching cats anything....

Meanwhile they're teaching us CAT 101: The Constant Care, Feeding, and Provision af Safe Environments for Your Cat.

...Sorry to burst your bubble...

M.

So true, so true.   

Ninja has us enrolled in Feline Monkey Servant 150: Providing a Feline acceptable Lap through Larimar's college.  The passing criteria appear to be: !) have a blanket on your lap, 2) initially give head scritches, and 3) don't move or touch the cat until the cat is ready to get up. The last one is where we continually fail.

Ricochet has us enrolled in Feline Monkey Servant 365: Critical Thinking--Figure out how to interact with the cat so as not to freak out the cat. The problem is that she refuses to supply us with a rubric.  We suspect we will be continually enrolled as long as she rules us.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 18, 2020, 02:03:51 PM
Ricochet's interact-with-the-humans chip apparently got turned on today.  She has twice jumped into my lap, flopped down with a level of awkwardness only demonstrated by newborn foals who don't know how their legs work, and purred while I gave her head-scritches for five whole minutes.  She looked utterly pleased with herself each time. This will likely never happen again. But I'll take what I can get. She has now returned to a more obvious nap location--inside a cloth grocery bag.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 18, 2020, 02:11:56 PM
Maybe you'll even get a few extra-credit points for providing the cloth bag...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 18, 2020, 02:14:51 PM
Congratulations on your progress in Feline Monkey Servant 150: Providing a Feline acceptable Lap!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 18, 2020, 03:18:58 PM
Good progress OneMoreYear!

I think Panther Cat is trying to cure me of the snooze button habit I've developed working from home, or more likely he has decided that overnight as an almost unbearable length of time to go without monkey servant attention. As soon as my alarm goes off he has started  jumping up on the bed and  head butting me while purring loudly directly into my ear. This gets me to wake up but doesn't exactly encourage me to actually get up, which is just fine by him. This is a big improvement on his previous tactic, which was to knock things over and attack plants till I got up to chase him out of the bedroom, so it's fine by me too. 

Sometimes his sister Little Calico joins us, but more often she plays Hungriest Cat in he Whole Wide World with the saddest possible tiny meow  till I get up and feed them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 18, 2020, 05:08:24 PM
Quote from: Larimar on May 18, 2020, 02:14:51 PM
Congratulations on your progress in Feline Monkey Servant 150: Providing a Feline acceptable Lap!

The problem is I don't know how to replicate this success because I have no idea what was different about my lap today. Will take more data.

Quote from: Puget on May 18, 2020, 03:18:58 PM
I think Panther Cat is trying to cure me of the snooze button habit I've developed working from home, or more likely he has decided that overnight as an almost unbearable length of time to go without monkey servant attention. As soon as my alarm goes off he has started  jumping up on the bed and  head butting me while purring loudly directly into my ear. This gets me to wake up but doesn't exactly encourage me to actually get up, which is just fine by him.

Awwww!   The late fluffy calico was also a failed alarm clock. Around the time I needed to get up, she would rub her head on my cheek, purring softly, then settle her fluffiness on my chest and go back to sleep. I am not a morning person, and was then reeeeeaally unmotivated to get up.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on May 19, 2020, 04:42:01 AM
We finally got to meet StatDad's latest feline, who is a complete love, and I stocked up on headbutts and purrs.  I need a kitty!  StatSpouse and I are close to adopting again, just waiting for some logistics to fall into place.  (We've been without since we lost LittleBoy in January.) 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on May 19, 2020, 12:53:56 PM
Perhaps Elektra will be cured of her escapism as she just made herself spend a cold and rainy night outside under the porch.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 19, 2020, 01:31:04 PM
Is she OK?

If she just suddenly appeared out of nowhere this AM, I suppose you could say, "Morning becomes Electra."

Sorry.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on May 20, 2020, 06:47:58 AM
She's fine and very clingy.  MrsFishProf heard mewing, but couldn't place it.  I went outside and kneeled by the latticework under the porch and out zoomed a wet and dirty, but very relieved, kitty.

She atypically parked herself on my hip all night.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 20, 2020, 07:32:51 AM
FishProf, glad she is OK. Hopefully she will engage one-trial learning, and will stay inside!

Ninja loves to go out and sun herself on the porch. However she clearly does not understand the concept of "weather" as she will sit by the door and cry pitifully when we are in the midst of a torrential downpour.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 20, 2020, 10:46:51 AM
Also glad to hear Elektra is okay.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 21, 2020, 12:25:22 PM
OK. I knew it was something like this:

Cats domesticated humans to get our mice, archaeologists prove:

   https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/.premium-cats-domesticated-humans-to-get-our-mice-archaeologists-prove-1.8856783

They're herding us. We just think we're herding them.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 21, 2020, 01:35:23 PM
We've amassed a large quantity of pet store boxes from cat food orders. So, we decided to create a game to amuse humans and feed cats. I'm working on creating a 3x3 grid of boxes (right now, I have six). We're thinking of cat tic-tac-toe or maybe just a points game (maybe like skee-ball with smaller boxes being worth more points than larger boxes).

Rules so far:

Human can 'call' a box and then throw a piece of kibble into it. If a cat jumps into the right box, then you get the box (points, or 'x' or 'o' if playing tic-tac-toe). There have been issues with multiple cats jumping into the same box at once, which are highly entertaining.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on May 24, 2020, 07:10:16 AM
Our local shelter had a power outage and called in the emergency fosters.  We just brought home our sweet, beautiful houseguest.  I'm worried this might be the fastest foster fail in history. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 24, 2020, 07:28:53 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on May 24, 2020, 07:10:16 AM
Our local shelter had a power outage and called in the emergency fosters.  We just brought home our sweet, beautiful houseguest.  I'm worried this might be the fastest foster fail in history. 

I always wonder about the term "foster fail." We can't participate in fostering b/c Ricochet is too squirrelly and we are concerned she'd end up back hiding in the closet full-time.  But, if you foster a cat and they get along with your household and you decide to adopt them, is this not a good thing for you and the cat? Does it prevent you from being a foster family in the future? What is the downside here as long as the foster family are responsible pet owners?  Obviously if you adopted every cat you fostered, your house may be overrun (and hopefully TPIC would stop letting you foster), but as long as it's not foster-failing run amok, is it just considered adoption?

statsgeek, you were looking for a kitty anyway, right? Perhaps it is fate?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on May 25, 2020, 05:09:58 AM
I think it's called a foster fail because, in a typical situation, if people who cared for these guys short term until they were ready to be adopted kept all of them, the system would break down.  You're right, though.  In this situation where we were a week away from being ready to adopt anyway, it's probably more fate than fail. 

So, assuming the paperwork goes through ok, our little house guest is staying.  By pure coincidence, she looks a lot like our beloved LittleGirl (of blessed memory), but she's already showing herself to be her own kitty in personality.  Now we just have to figure out the logistics of getting the work done on the house with a kitty already here.  And we'll probably still go to the adoption event in a couple weeks, as planned, to find her a companion. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 25, 2020, 07:43:27 AM
We have been adopted.

I was working in the yard last week when a scrawny little orange tabby boy showed up.  He came right up to me and helped me pull weeds and trim off the dead peony blooms.  I told ALHS, who came out to see and was smitten. 

With the two older girls in the house, one of whom would eat a kitten alive and the other wouldn't ever come out from under the bed again, if this one stays, he'll have to be an outside cat--not particularly difficult in our neighborhood, as there are several who've lived outdoors for years. 

He's been named Jake and has gotten a food dish and water dish and the old cat taxi, complete with a soft cushy towel.  We hope he hangs around.  He's very people-friendly and brave, and he entertains himself by watching squirrels in the tree and the occasional car going by in our quiet old neighborhood.  We'll call the vet this week to get him in for a check-up, shots, and neutering. It's hard to tell, but I'd say Jake is maybe 3-4 months old; he's still getting his teeth in.  And he has the prettiest light brown/dark butterscotch-colored eyes!

(A woman a few blocks away is a haven for local cats:  she takes them to the vet, then feeds and cares for them.  She has an unused garage where she leaves the door partially open, and the kitties live there; she puts out new bales of straw every winter for them, and they're very loyal and tame. They just need a place to stay and somebody to watch out for them. )
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 25, 2020, 07:44:57 AM
Aww..two new fora kitties to welcome!

Scritches to the little one you already have from me...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 28, 2020, 11:12:36 AM
Sir Puck has had several misadventures in the last few weeks.  First, he launched himself after a squirrel, ended up flopped on the fence, and fell into the neighbor's yard.  Thankfully he stayed by the fence until we could wiggle a board away to make a big enough gap for him to come back through.   He spent the rest of the morning hiding under the bed.
Then he got stuck on top of the kitchen cabinets.  No idea HOW he made the jump since it's nearly vertical and the gap on top is too short for him to stand up in.  Cue another rescue and hiding under the bed.
Latest was a giant leap to the the of the bookshelves and getting too scared to jump back down.

The "look before you leap" lesson hasn't quite sunk in yet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: waterboy on May 28, 2020, 11:20:44 AM
Having a hard time being "productive" whilst holding a cat in one arm
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 28, 2020, 12:55:44 PM
Had a Zoom meeting with a friend this morning. HerMajesty kept walking across the computer keyboard and through the camera range. I told her it wasn't necessary; we already know that she has the most exquisite furry tail ever. She didn't believe me.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 28, 2020, 03:03:29 PM
One of my student's two kitties was sitting next to him while we worked on his homework this AM.

The screen shifted, and suddenly the cat and I were looking at each other.

Each was startled, but glad to see the other, I think.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 30, 2020, 12:24:32 PM
My Friday afternoon class began yesterday's class by students showing off their kittens and puppies. My two cats declined to participate in the furry fun, as neither enjoy being picked up.  Ninja will occasionally walk across the computer keyboard or lay across my notes as I'm attempting to teach. Ricochet steadfastly ignores the proceedings.
Does anyone else have a cat who spends almost their entire day in one place? When the stay-at-home order started, Ricochet was spending about 95% of her time lounging on the family room loveseat. For the last couple of weeks, she has decided that her new home is on a pile of cloth grocery bags we had thrown in front of the door with the initial intention of putting them back in the car.  As she appears so happy on her bags, we have left them there for her to nest in.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 03, 2020, 02:19:53 PM
Eldest evil cat had two procedures today, which involved the removal of teeth and two masses. He is stoned out of his mind right now and I feel terrible for him. All we can do is wait for him to recover.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 03, 2020, 03:33:14 PM
Oh, dear....were the masses already biopsied, or are you awaiting those results as well?

Poor kitty, please administer additional scritches (if he'll tolerate them) on my behalf when he awakens.

All good thoughts for all of you...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 03, 2020, 03:55:35 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 03, 2020, 03:33:14 PM
Oh, dear....were the masses already biopsied, or are you awaiting those results as well?

Poor kitty, please administer additional scritches (if he's tolerate them) on my behalf when he awakens.

All good thoughts for all of you...

M.

Thanks Mamselle.

Things have been 'tense' over here. Biopsy is going out today and we should hear within a week. He is already stalking Youngest evil cat even though he's wearing a cone-of-shame. Meanwhile, she has retreated under the couch (while growling incessantly).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 04, 2020, 05:41:07 AM
Poor kitty. Fingers crossed for him here too.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 04, 2020, 07:49:42 AM
Jake is discovering the joys of gardening.  ALHS dug two deep holes by the front porch, then went around back to get the new hostas to set in. He had to wait for the kitten to come out of the hole.  Then, he had to contend with Jake digging out the dirt he was using to fill in the holes, as fast as he could shovel it in.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 10:07:16 AM
Actually, I should have said 'Elder' evil cat, as he is the one who had the procedure. Eldest evil cat didn't have it.

It's still tense around here. Youngest evil cat is still incredibly wary of Elder. Much growling, tail bristling and staring on her part. Elder evil cat couldn't care less.

Unfortunately, he looks like Dr. Frankenstein's cat with the jagged stitching on his side. He does have a very good appetite though.

I'm not sure if I can take 2 weeks of Youngest evil cat's shit though. She attacked him last night- right in the face... possibly where he had his tooth extractions, but he was pretty stoned yesterday so...

Elder evil cat meanders along though, while bumping into things with his cone-of-shame. Sometimes we have to free him from spots, so the downstairs now looks like a crazy obstacle course with boxes all over the place blocking alcoves, etc. 

Fun on the bun!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 04, 2020, 10:37:00 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about poor baby evil cat. I hope he feels better soon.

Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 10:07:16 AM

I'm not sure if I can take 2 weeks of Youngest evil cat's shit though. She attacked him last night- right in the face... possibly where he had his tooth extractions, but he was pretty stoned yesterday so...


Last year we had to take Ninja to the emergency vet for breathing problems.  When we brought her home, Ricochet, whose usual reaction to any change is to run and hide, completely lost her shit and attached Ninja, growling, hissing, and biting. We had to lock her in bathroom for most of the day. We think it was possibly the smell of the vet/medication, and after Ninja had given herself several baths, Ricochet seemed to recognize her again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 12:45:53 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on June 04, 2020, 10:37:00 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about poor baby evil cat. I hope he feels better soon.

Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 10:07:16 AM

I'm not sure if I can take 2 weeks of Youngest evil cat's shit though. She attacked him last night- right in the face... possibly where he had his tooth extractions, but he was pretty stoned yesterday so...


Last year we had to take Ninja to the emergency vet for breathing problems.  When we brought her home, Ricochet, whose usual reaction to any change is to run and hide, completely lost her shit and attached Ninja, growling, hissing, and biting. We had to lock her in bathroom for most of the day. We think it was possibly the smell of the vet/medication, and after Ninja had given herself several baths, Ricochet seemed to recognize her again.

We figured as much. I think it's nonrecognition aggression. Unfortunately, he can't really clean himself at this point due to the cone and stitches.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 04, 2020, 01:12:32 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 12:45:53 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on June 04, 2020, 10:37:00 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about poor baby evil cat. I hope he feels better soon.

Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 10:07:16 AM

I'm not sure if I can take 2 weeks of Youngest evil cat's shit though. She attacked him last night- right in the face... possibly where he had his tooth extractions, but he was pretty stoned yesterday so...


Last year we had to take Ninja to the emergency vet for breathing problems.  When we brought her home, Ricochet, whose usual reaction to any change is to run and hide, completely lost her shit and attached Ninja, growling, hissing, and biting. We had to lock her in bathroom for most of the day. We think it was possibly the smell of the vet/medication, and after Ninja had given herself several baths, Ricochet seemed to recognize her again.

We figured as much. I think it's nonrecognition aggression. Unfortunately, he can't really clean himself at this point due to the cone and stitches.

Hoping for the best for you both with the biopsy  results and reconciliation among the cats!

Yes this seems to be very common. My pair of sibs, who are usually best buds, both spent time hissing and swatting at each other after their respective spay and neuter vet visits. When panther boy came home, little calico spent about a day simultaneously hissing at him and grooming him, which was very confusing to everyone involved. It's like her tiny cat brain just couldn't reconcile unfamiliar smell with familiar sight and launched two behavioral patterns at once!  After she'd gotten enough of her own scent back on him all was well in the world again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 04, 2020, 04:52:53 PM
Yes, separating them for everybody's own good for a couple days will probably ease out the aggressions.

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 05:50:12 PM
Elder Evil Cat must be feeling better (or the anesthesia finally wore off). He's been rolling and loving on me hard!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 04, 2020, 06:03:30 PM
Awww.....good for all of you.

Did he yowl a lot coming out of the anaesthesia?

They sometimes write the most endearing operas...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 08:55:25 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 04, 2020, 06:03:30 PM
Awww.....good for all of you.

Did he yowl a lot coming out of the anaesthesia?

They sometimes write the most endearing operas...

M.

He was very quiet yesterday, but still affectionate. Today, he was more vocal and even more affectionate. Right now, he is lying next to me in bed with his cone o' shame pushed up against my left arm. Actually, he's almost pushing me out of the bed. Did I mention that when he was younger that he used to spoon me?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 05, 2020, 08:39:55 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 08:55:25 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 04, 2020, 06:03:30 PM
Awww.....good for all of you.

Did he yowl a lot coming out of the anaesthesia?

They sometimes write the most endearing operas...

M.


He was very quiet yesterday, but still affectionate. Today, he was more vocal and even more affectionate. Right now, he is lying next to me in bed with his cone o' shame pushed up against my left arm. Actually, he's almost pushing me out of the bed. Did I mention that when he was younger that he used to spoon me?

Aww, what a sweet kitty!  Hopefully the cone of shame can come off soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 05, 2020, 01:02:26 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on June 05, 2020, 08:39:55 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2020, 08:55:25 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 04, 2020, 06:03:30 PM
Awww.....good for all of you.

Did he yowl a lot coming out of the anaesthesia?

They sometimes write the most endearing operas...

M.


He was very quiet yesterday, but still affectionate. Today, he was more vocal and even more affectionate. Right now, he is lying next to me in bed with his cone o' shame pushed up against my left arm. Actually, he's almost pushing me out of the bed. Did I mention that when he was younger that he used to spoon me?

Aww, what a sweet kitty!  Hopefully the cone of shame can come off soon.

We just took it off and he's napping on the couch. I think he's having some tummy distress since he's been burping a bit, so we figured he'd feel better with a break from the cone. We're supervising him while the cone is off and plan to put it back on later, when we can't keep all eyes on him. He is very stealthy and sneaky about things and I don't want him to scratch his stitches.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 08, 2020, 12:59:23 PM
Izzy the kitten has discovered house flies.  The are the Best Most Exciting Thing Ever!  She is even putting off her afternoon nap to squeak at them and romp around the house.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 08, 2020, 01:10:11 PM
And then there's the crunch.....crunch....crunch....

....of when she catches them and discovers they stop flying around and bothering you if you eat them....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 08, 2020, 02:42:10 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on June 08, 2020, 12:59:23 PM
Izzy the kitten has discovered house flies.  The are the Best Most Exciting Thing Ever!  She is even putting off her afternoon nap to squeak at them and romp around the house.
Quote from: mamselle on June 08, 2020, 01:10:11 PM
And then there's the crunch.....crunch....crunch....

....of when she catches them and discovers they stop flying around and bothering you if you eat them....

M.

Oh, yes, BUGS!!!!! Moths in particular put the entire feline contingent here into instant Hunter/Huntress Mode!


How is Evil Cat doing now? Hope he's feeling better.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 08, 2020, 03:06:17 PM
Well, there's good news and there's bad news. Of the two lumps (both isolated outside of the rib cage), one was a fatty lipoma and the other was a slow-growing cancer that 'could' come back (so we're keeping an eye on the area). He's still doing his thing and I think that he LOVES the extra attention that he's getting. Unfortunately, he's using his cone like the front of a bulldozer to push me out of bed when he tries to spoon me. He's also tried sleeping on top of my pillows again- something he did when he was a kitten.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 08, 2020, 03:57:39 PM
Oh, dear.

Extra scritches where the cone allows....and hopes that the CA doesn't re-appear, as well.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 08, 2020, 04:52:40 PM
Poor kitty. Hope he'll be okay.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 08, 2020, 06:49:49 PM
Thanks all. Right now, he's lying all spread out on the electric blanket (I get cold easily and I'm in the South). A few minutes ago he was snoring. :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 09, 2020, 09:04:50 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 08, 2020, 03:06:17 PM
Well, there's good news and there's bad news. Of the two lumps (both isolated outside of the rib cage), one was a fatty lipoma and the other was a slow-growing cancer that 'could' come back (so we're keeping an eye on the area). He's still doing his thing and I think that he LOVES the extra attention that he's getting. Unfortunately, he's using his cone like the front of a bulldozer to push me out of bed when he tries to spoon me. He's also tried sleeping on top of my pillows again- something he did when he was a kitten.

I'd say that's pretty good news!  Slow-growing, isolated tumors are not nearly as scary as other types.  And a fatty lipoma is a literal "blob of fat", no cancer risk at all.  He sounds like a sweet kitty!  I love the mental image of the kitty bulldozer pushing you out of bed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 09, 2020, 09:08:20 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on June 09, 2020, 09:04:50 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 08, 2020, 03:06:17 PM
Well, there's good news and there's bad news. Of the two lumps (both isolated outside of the rib cage), one was a fatty lipoma and the other was a slow-growing cancer that 'could' come back (so we're keeping an eye on the area). He's still doing his thing and I think that he LOVES the extra attention that he's getting. Unfortunately, he's using his cone like the front of a bulldozer to push me out of bed when he tries to spoon me. He's also tried sleeping on top of my pillows again- something he did when he was a kitten.

I'd say that's pretty good news!  Slow-growing, isolated tumors are not nearly as scary as other types.  And a fatty lipoma is a literal "blob of fat", no cancer risk at all.  He sounds like a sweet kitty!  I love the mental image of the kitty bulldozer pushing you out of bed.

He's VERY good at this. I woke up to a cone in my face this morning.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 09, 2020, 09:29:16 AM
He wants YOU to wear it for awhile.

He's had his turn...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 09, 2020, 10:09:34 AM
Quote from: mamselle on June 09, 2020, 09:29:16 AM
He wants YOU to wear it for awhile.

He's had his turn...

M.

Oh, believe me, I know. He really doesn't like it. I'm trying to take it off him as much as possible (when I can directly supervise him). Unfortunately, he really wants to lick his side. Maybe I could put a cat sweater on him?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 09, 2020, 10:13:55 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 09, 2020, 10:09:34 AM
Quote from: mamselle on June 09, 2020, 09:29:16 AM
He wants YOU to wear it for awhile.

He's had his turn...

M.

Oh, believe me, I know. He really doesn't like it. I'm trying to take it off him as much as possible (when I can directly supervise him). Unfortunately, he really wants to lick his side. Maybe I could put a cat sweater on him?
That would work.  Or, a baby to toddler sized t-shirt. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 09, 2020, 10:15:33 AM
Umm...

Maybe. He might try to bit through the sweater, though, too.

If the skin is itchy, did they give you any cream or something to put on it?

Or maybe ask them if something inert like vegetable oil would be OK?

(I think if he licks it, it may only function as an internal lubricant, but I might be wrong).

More scritches. Sweet kitty...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 09, 2020, 01:00:48 PM
Been meaning to post here for a while, but was too overwhelmed to organize thoughts.

About a month ago, someone in our building complex found an abandoned litter of kittens. They had been left in a cardboard box without food or water for we don't know how long. Don't know what happened to the mama cat. The person who found them estimated they were about 4 weeks old and was looking for volunteers to take care of them so they wouldn't have to go to a shelter.

SO and I ended up taking the last kitten of the litter. Neither of us had ever cared for a kitty that young, so there was a lot of internet searching for instructions (especially the 2 days between taking him in and being able to get him a vet check up).

Pleased to say, he's grown from a tiny, wobbly ball of fur into a healthy, active kitten of about 10-11 weeks of age. We seem to have done ok with some major milestones: weaning him onto solid food (he's now on a mix of wet kitten food and kitten kibble), getting him using the litter box comfortably (trial and error process finding the right size box and litter he approved of), finding toys he loves, and starting some clicker training (so far I've got him turning to look at me when I say his name and touching his nose to the end of a stick).

What I'm worried about most is socialization. He is very comfortable with SO and me: loves to snuggle up to us or climb in our laps when he is in the mood to chill or nap, purrs when petted (unless in hyperactive kitten mode, in which case the slightest touch is like touching him with a live wire), and he likes to lounge near us even when not in the mood for play or affection. We're not sure yet how he will react to unfamiliar humans.

But I'm not sure what to do about:

1) Socializing him with other animals. I keep reading about how important these early weeks are for their development and how 4 weeks is far too young to be separated from mother and siblings. SO doesn't want to adopt a second cat since the one kitten already needs quite a lot of attention. I worry it would be difficult for the cat to eventually learn to get along with a second pet (cat or dog) if he has not had enough exposure while young. Not sure how to remedy this, especially with the pandemic going on. Not like I can easily invite a friend with a pet over.

2) Biting. I've been following the advice of some cat behaviorists (or at least so-called) who say to make a noise like "ow" when the kitten bites and then pull away and ignore kitty for a short time. This is meant to teach him that being too rough ends playtime. In addition, whenever we see him lunging for a hand or foot, we try to intercept him with a toy to chew on to teach him acceptable attack targets. I'm not sure how well it's working. He's perfectly happy to maul one of his toys, but if there is a hand or foot in sight, it seems to be a much more tempting target.

Also, not all the cat advice I got was consistent. Some say any mouthing at all needs to be discouraged because if the cat thinks mouthing is ok he will also think biting is ok. Others say gentle nips or mouthing are signs of affection that cats often give each other when grooming.

3) Pouncing on us in bed. He especially likes to go for the face. We've been trying to keep him on a regular feeding and play/exercise routine; but he's in this pattern of sleeping like the dead during the afternoon and bursting with energy around 10pm-1am. We try to tucker him out with an hour of play before bed, but he's still got a couple of more hours in reserve. I've tried to get him to play more in the afternoon so he is more sleepy at night, but he is so naturally sleepy at this time it's hard to get him to engage. I don't like locking him out because he is so young. He cries if not allowed to sleep with at least one of us.

Was hoping to hear kitten-raising experiences from people on the fora, since I prefer to hear from people I pseudo-know than from people I don't know at all.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 09, 2020, 01:14:52 PM
Awww, so glad you found a little furry one!

Great news.

The short time he was with his mama, he learned that biting soft places led to food. So some of the face-attacks are probably/possibly because human facial skin is a lot like the soft skin around his mama's teats. (He's probably wondering why your nose doesn't leak milk....)

They're OK without socialization, to a great degree, although, I agree, 4 weeks is really young. And he is socializing--to some degree, you're just big, funn-looking cats, to him.

And as for the scheduling, he's nocturnal, like my dad who functioned between between noon-2 PM and 3 AM every day he could. That's a hard-wired given, others might have better suggestions about how to cope with it.

But you've already learned the most important lesson. You've not only ceded your hearts, but your home, your activities, indeed, your lives to him.

He is CAT.

You are mere mortals.

Enjoy.

M. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 09, 2020, 01:51:13 PM
Congratulations on your tiny kitten!

For the biting, it's a normal part of their play and development of their hunting skills.  BUT if he bit a sibling or his mama cat too hard, they would squeak at him ("EEP!) or his mama cat would bop him on top of his head.  Go ahead and let him maul his toys.  If he nips you too hard, say EEP! and/or gently tap him on his forehead.

The only way to extinguish the nighttime face boxing is to: ignore it (easy to say, hard to do); tire him out; lock him out of the room (sad kitty); or squirt him with a squirt bottle (assuming he doesn't think that's a fun game).  I'd say try the ignoring method.  Just remember that cats are like toddlers in that they crave attention of any sort (positive or negative).  So, you'll have to do your best to not respond at all to his romping.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on June 09, 2020, 02:36:00 PM
I'm so thrilled to hear that a kitten found you! Those are the best pets- the ones that are truly meant to be.

I have never fostered one that young before, so I will defer to those who know more but it really sounds to me like you are doing most everything right. He will now dictate your rhythms. My beloved  Plumpcat would herd me to bed each evening so we could have personal snuggle time. I so missed that once she passed. The nipping and pouncing issues will likely resolve with age.

Like any good parent, we fully expect lots of stories if not full on photos. Have you decided on a name yet?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 09, 2020, 02:47:59 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 09, 2020, 10:15:33 AM
Umm...

Maybe. He might try to bit through the sweater, though, too.

If the skin is itchy, did they give you any cream or something to put on it?

Or maybe ask them if something inert like vegetable oil would be OK?

(I think if he licks it, it may only function as an internal lubricant, but I might be wrong).

More scritches. Sweet kitty...

M.

I was worried about this too. Maybe a see-through shower curtain vest? Sounds weird, but it I don't think it would itch or catch on the stiches like fabric would. I can ask the vet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 09, 2020, 02:52:23 PM
Smallcleanrat:

Yay for kitties! When we found Youngest Evil cat (well, she found us), she was VERY energetic. I think we found her when she was about a month old. My advice- lots of toys, boxes to climb and play in, crumpled up paper can be fun, empty toilet paper rolls, laser pointers, catnip maybe?, etc. If you want to leash train, now may be the time to start thinking about it. We started Youngest Evil cat when she was about two months old.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 09, 2020, 03:02:53 PM
We need Citrine for more baby-cat-care instructions!

    Walks out to the far-off-Fora-calling-place:

          << CITRINE!!! >>

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 09, 2020, 03:06:09 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on June 09, 2020, 01:51:13 PM
Congratulations on your tiny kitten!

For the biting, it's a normal part of their play and development of their hunting skills.  BUT if he bit a sibling or his mama cat too hard, they would squeak at him ("EEP!) or his mama cat would bop him on top of his head.  Go ahead and let him maul his toys.  If he nips you too hard, say EEP! and/or gently tap him on his forehead.

The only way to extinguish the nighttime face boxing is to: ignore it (easy to say, hard to do); tire him out; lock him out of the room (sad kitty); or squirt him with a squirt bottle (assuming he doesn't think that's a fun game).  I'd say try the ignoring method.  Just remember that cats are like toddlers in that they crave attention of any sort (positive or negative).  So, you'll have to do your best to not respond at all to his romping.

Yes, enjoy your kitten, and don't worry too much-- he will grow out of most of the crazy kitten behavior with time.

Cats are crepuscular (meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn) so there's not much you can do to change their sleep schedule to match yours-- best just to shut him out of the bedroom  with a minimum of fuss/attention each time he is disrupting your sleep, and he will eventually learn that if he wants to play at night and still have access to the bed he needs to play elsewhere and let the humans sleep. If you are lucky he will eventually learn that your alarm going off is his signal to come for snuggles-- one of mine reliably comes running when my alarm goes off now and his sister eventually joins us.

I will say after getting my pair last fall (at about 5 months) I'm a total convert to the idea that two bonded cats is actually less work than one when they are young, since they rely on each other rather than the human(s) for some of their entertainment and affection. This is especially true at night-- they can zoom around and play together downstairs in the dark all they want, so long as they don't wake me up, and are generally happy to do so. He is still young enough that getting another similar age kitten or kitten-tolerant young cat is likely to work. Even as an only-cat he will eventually calm down though.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 10, 2020, 04:39:49 AM
That's great news that you have a kitty, smallcleanrat! Congratulations. Also I second Puget's advice. As for getting contradictory information, just start trying different methods. Cats have individual personalities just as much as humans do, and as you get to know your kitten and bond with him, you'll discover what works for the two of you.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on June 10, 2020, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 09, 2020, 03:02:53 PM
We need Citrine for more baby-cat-care instructions!

    Walks out to the far-off-Fora-calling-place:

          << CITRINE!!! >>

M.

Did someone yell my name? (I actually got a weird spam message which is why I'm here.)

1) Cats who are mostly raised by people can be a little weird with other cats, but it's not the end of the world, especially if they're gonna be indoor cats. You're giving him a lot of the socialization that he would get from his littermates and mama through play and training, so he'll be fine. He might like meeting other cats or he might not, but some cats just don't like other cats no matter how they got socialized.

2) The "mouthing" thing is really normal at 10-11 weeks and for a few more weeks into kittenhood. That will probably fade out entirely although some adult cats really like to lick hands and faces instead of biting. (Some adult cats may do a little 'play biting" if they mistake your hand for a toy during a play session, but most adult cats will only bite you if they are really irritated.) I cannot count the number of times I have said "I am not a chew toy" to a kitten of that age while gently dissuading them from gnawing upon my person. Biting and licking is a behavior they would do during play with other kittens or cats, so it's not an abnormal behavior. (Kittens play rough. It's wild to watch them go at each other like furry demons and then collapse into a pile and sleep.)

So: mouthing isn't necessarily bad and they probably will grow out of it, but there's nothing wrong with dissuading them from biting you, since their fellow felines would swat them off or bite their scruff to get them to stop biting if they weren't in the mood for that kind of rough affection. Cats and kittens have a "scruff" of loose skin at the back of their heads. Mama cats will bite that gently to get a kitten to stop doing something (and also to pick up and carry a kitten). You can gently pull up on that scruff to dissuade a kitten from biting. The "redirect" method you've been doing is also good. Remove cat from mouthing at you, have a reaction that indicates "ow, stop it," give cat something else to gnaw on instead.

3) Definitely scruff him (gently) if he pounces on your face and put him back on the floor or at the end of the bed, preferably with something distracting. I think he will grow out of that behavior as well. A lot of this stuff is really normal for kittens and eventually they settle down and stop doing it quite so much.

(Also, hello, cat people! I haven't been to the shelter since March because of regulations in my state, but the shelter is hoping to re-open to volunteers in July, although not yet for junior volunteers, which makes Nephew sad as he had just started volunteering in that program before everything shut down in March. The staff have kindly been keeping us updated on the cats. I miss them but I am glad that people are still willing to adopt them even in the middle of everything that we've got going on.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 10, 2020, 04:15:04 PM
So cool to hear that Nephew is volunteering!!

And great to hear from you!

We need updates!!

M.

ETA: I just saw the update on the "Nostalgia" thread--thanks! M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 10, 2020, 04:52:58 PM
Smallcleanrat, congrats on your furry addition to your home!  I'm so glad you found eachother.  I don't have much to add to the wise posts.   

We adopted Ninja and Ricochet as young kittens (Ninja was just two pounds! Hard to believe as she is now a large black panther).  They both had some biting/nipping with us and with eachother, but it is pretty rare now.  Ninja will show her teeth (bright white sparkling against jet black fur) when irritated, but she's pretty mellow.   Ricochet (the squirrelly tortie) has her anxiety moments when teeth and claws come out; she can be purring in bliss then suddenly go feline venus-fly-trap on our hands with all her claws and teeth.  They grew up with each other, and probably helped socialize each other, but now they are pretty independent. 

I wouldn't worry too much about socialization with other animals, as many cats prefer to be the solitary feline in your house.  He will calm down a bit from the kitten-crazies and socialize you to be his dedicated staff all in good time.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 11, 2020, 09:03:39 AM
<Waves hello to Citrine!  Good to see you again!!>

Jake the Kitten had a big time while I was watering the flowers this morning.  He was pouncing around, stalking me and ALHS, and generally being an attractive nuisance, when suddenly he discovered the glider-type swing on the south of the house (where I've already seen him sit a dozen times before).  But today it was NEW and EXCITING. He bounced onto, under, over, around, and along the top of it. While he was perched on the back of it, he leaned way forward and realized that through the tiny spaces between the slats in the swing back, he could see his tail hanging down behind it. The pouncing, stalking, and disappointment when the tail disappeared--and the joy when it reappeared--commenced.

He wears me out just watching him.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 12, 2020, 07:52:55 AM
Thanks for all the congrats and advice. The cat has really brightened our lives; SO says he saw me smile more the first week we adopted him than in the last six months. I have also noticed the exhausted, tense expression and posture SO normally has at the end of a work day has been replaced with with tender looks and laughter as he watches the kitten cavort.

More about the kitty: He is a tuxedo cat with white socks, a white chest, and a black face (except for a splash of white across his upper lip that resembles a permanent milk mustache). Oreo seemed like an obvious name choice (especially with that mustache), but he has such a feisty personality that a cutesy name didn't seem right. He also has one of the most intense stares I've ever seen on a cat, with his wide, unblinking green-eyed gaze. And, although he is spooked by the sound of the dishwasher (and, a few times, by his own shadow), screams of human agony emanating from the TV or audio dramas elicit a calm fascination.

We ended up naming him after a famous writer of the macabre.

Seems the tradition on this cat thread is to create a fora name for each kitty, separate from their offline name. Perhaps here I will call him Edgar. Or maybe Maestro, as he seems all dressed up for the symphony. He would look very handsome and dignified if it weren't for that hilarious mustache.

It's a relief to hear he will eventually outgrow some of his habits. I did have a few more questions.

1) For the ignore method: do you continue ignoring even if he is shredding your flesh, drawing blood, or getting his claws worryingly close to your eyes? I did try playing dead a couple of times, under advice to make biting hands as boring as possible. He just kept chewing and chewing and chewing... The most effective way we've come up with to save our skins (outside of simply locking him out of the bedroom) is to use a blanket as a shield, covering all flesh (including face, if necessary). Would this still count as a potentially rewarding reaction or is this a way of ignoring him?

2) At what age does the biting behavior begin to subside?

3) If I lock him out of the bedroom for pouncing on us, is that his last chance for the night? Or do I let him back in a few more times, so he gets more chances to make the connection between his behavior and losing access to the bed?

4) How to interpret the vocalizations? When we first brought him home, the only sound in his vocal repertoire seemed to be a high-pitched shriek. Since then he's also acquired an annoyed, croaky meow (used for when the lap he is resting on moves too much or if his nap is interrupted), a sustained yowl (to indicate he is on the verge of starving to death since his last meal was *hours* ago), and rapid-fire squeaking (seems to be a means to get our attention when he wants something).

But sometimes I begin to pet him and get what sounds like an annoyed meow followed by loud, sustained purring...and then nipping...and then following me when I try to back away. So...did you want petting or did you not want petting, kitty? And there are times he plants himself at the feet of SO, raises his head to make eye contact, and then releases a series of plaintive meows. We've tried offering toys, blankets, food, petting, and a litter box clean (read they will sometimes complain if cleanliness is not up to standard). We cannot figure out what he is trying to communicate. As far as I remember, he's not done this with me.

Raising this kitten is turning out to be quite an adventure.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 12, 2020, 09:34:59 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 12, 2020, 07:52:55 AM

1) For the ignore method: do you continue ignoring even if he is shredding your flesh, drawing blood, or getting his claws worryingly close to your eyes? I did try playing dead a couple of times, under advice to make biting hands as boring as possible. He just kept chewing and chewing and chewing... The most effective way we've come up with to save our skins (outside of simply locking him out of the bedroom) is to use a blanket as a shield, covering all flesh (including face, if necessary). Would this still count as a potentially rewarding reaction or is this a way of ignoring him?


Don't let him physically hurt you. If you (try to) ignore that, he will think it's acceptable. What Mr. Larimar and I do with our crew is if they start biting or clawing is withdraw our appendages with a sharp "NO!" and evict the offender from the bed. If it keeps recurring, the offender gets evicted from the room. Whether you let your kitten back in after being closed out of the room is up to you; just be consistent. I don't know what age is typical for such kitten behavior waning.

Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 12, 2020, 07:52:55 AM

But sometimes I begin to pet him and get what sounds like an annoyed meow followed by loud, sustained purring...and then nipping...and then following me when I try to back away. So...did you want petting or did you not want petting, kitty? And there are times he plants himself at the feet of SO, raises his head to make eye contact, and then releases a series of plaintive meows. We've tried offering toys, blankets, food, petting, and a litter box clean (read they will sometimes complain if cleanliness is not up to standard). We cannot figure out what he is trying to communicate. As far as I remember, he's not done this with me.


This reminds me of a quote I saw somewhere, not sure where: "A cat doesn't know what it wants, but it wants more of it."

Does he get startled when you start petting him? Some kitties startle easily if they're high-strung or shy. It sounds like yours might be in the former category. If so, startling could possibly explain the initial loud meow. Other than that it sounds like he probably does want to be petted. As for what he does with your SO, OrangeGuy sometimes does something similar with me, and what he wants is simply attention. We're usually in the kitchen when he does this, so what I do is pet him briefly and talk to him, telling him what a sweetie and a good boy he is, and keep talking to him for a bit as I wash my hands and go back to cooking. He soon quiets down.

Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 12, 2020, 07:52:55 AM
Raising this kitten is turning out to be quite an adventure.

Yes, raising kittens is an adventure. HerMajesty and Calico were pretty well socialized by the time we adopted them from rescue places at ages 3-4 months, so with them it was pretty easy. However, we had quite a time raising OrangeGuy and Twerp from the age of 3 days. (They were born practically right on our doorstep and then abandoned by their feral mother.) We had to learn what we were doing very quickly, but luckily a friend was able to instruct us, and it worked out just fine. Our Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser wannabes are doing well and will turn 4 in October.

Enjoy the ride, and enjoy the bond. Your kitten is one lucky critter.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 12, 2020, 09:46:11 AM
Such joyous little problems!

My first kiitty was a tuxedo, and I love the moniker Maestro (since he is obviously also taking control of the household, as he should).

Agree that you don't want them to think it's OK to hurt you; they wouldn't want to, anyway, they don't realize you don't have that extra fur and slightly tougher skin that can tolerate the little nips and clawing that their siblings might.

Maybe a "three times and you're out for the night" rule would work...he gets a few chances to learn the desired behavior (not to bite) and then it's reinforced that biting is not acceptable and if it keeps happening, he is removed from having access to the object of the biting (you) for a more extended time.

Glad SO is also coming under his spell. Shared dominance by a kitten is such a great bonding mechanism...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 12, 2020, 01:30:48 PM
So wonderful to hear that you and SO are doing better, smallcleanrat.  For me, a house is not a home without a cat in it, and I would definitely be stressed with the social distancing requirements if I did not have my two troublemakers at home with me.

Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 12, 2020, 07:52:55 AM
But sometimes I begin to pet him and get what sounds like an annoyed meow followed by loud, sustained purring...and then nipping...and then following me when I try to back away. So...did you want petting or did you not want petting, kitty?

The answer to this question is  . . . Yes.   Obviously.   :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 12, 2020, 04:19:09 PM
Elder evil cat and youngest evil cat are lying on the couch with me, as I am wiped out from gardening (interthreaduality?). Elder cat is wearing a 'sweater' to prevent him from messing up his stitches. Youngest cat is sitting over my head pouting. Eldest evil cat is being antisocial in the kitchen.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on June 13, 2020, 04:23:11 AM
Agree with OneMoreYear - a house without a cat is not a home.  We've had a rough quarantine with no fur-babies around. 

It's kitten day!  We adopted two little boys a week ago and they're coming home today.  I'm excited and scared - it's been a loooog time since I've had babies this young around.  We're hoping our "foster fail" girl will take to the newcomers and we can all be one big, happy family.  But I expect we'll have some drama in the process of getting acquainted. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 13, 2020, 08:55:32 AM
Yay for new kittens for you too! Congratulations, and hope the introductions go well.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 13, 2020, 09:36:23 AM
After months of being the "big scary monster from which I must flee/hide!", Orestes has started allowing skritches. 

Today, I was allowed a belly-rub and got love paws in return.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 13, 2020, 12:27:14 PM
Quote from: FishProf on June 13, 2020, 09:36:23 AM
After months of being the "big scary monster from which I must flee/hide!", Orestes has started allowing skritches. 

Today, I was allowed a belly-rub and got love paws in return.

Awww....way to go, Orestes!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 13, 2020, 01:00:37 PM
Quote from: Larimar on June 12, 2020, 09:34:59 AM

This reminds me of a quote I saw somewhere, not sure where: "A cat doesn't know what it wants, but it wants more of it."

Does he get startled when you start petting him? Some kitties startle easily if they're high-strung or shy. It sounds like yours might be in the former category. If so, startling could possibly explain the initial loud meow. Other than that it sounds like he probably does want to be petted. As for what he does with your SO, OrangeGuy sometimes does something similar with me, and what he wants is simply attention. We're usually in the kitchen when he does this, so what I do is pet him briefly and talk to him, telling him what a sweetie and a good boy he is, and keep talking to him for a bit as I wash my hands and go back to cooking. He soon quiets down.

Yes, raising kittens is an adventure. HerMajesty and Calico were pretty well socialized by the time we adopted them from rescue places at ages 3-4 months, so with them it was pretty easy. However, we had quite a time raising OrangeGuy and Twerp from the age of 3 days. (They were born practically right on our doorstep and then abandoned by their feral mother.) We had to learn what we were doing very quickly, but luckily a friend was able to instruct us, and it worked out just fine. Our Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser wannabes are doing well and will turn 4 in October.

Enjoy the ride, and enjoy the bond. Your kitten is one lucky critter.


Larimar

Larimar, plea for attention makes sense, and would explain why he doesn't do it with me. SO is far more successful than I am at tuning out the kitty's antics while working or engaged in hobbies. His attention is doled out in more restricted doses than mine. All kitty has to do to get my attention is walk into the room...or make noise in the next room...or simply exist somewhere in the apartment. He doesn't really have to ask for my attention; it's there whenever he wants it (and sometimes when he doesn't; I'm trying to exercise more restraint). SO is extremely fond of the kitten and has filled his phone with photos and videos of cat and not much else over the past month. But I am utterly besotted; sometimes I just gaze at the marvel that is a kitten, taking in all the little details of his features and behaviors. I have to keep reminding myself to give him his space as he matures. He's not the needy little infant I once bottle-fed...

Quote from: mamselle on June 12, 2020, 09:46:11 AM

My first kiitty was a tuxedo, and I love the moniker Maestro (since he is obviously also taking control of the household, as he should).


Yes, Maestro seems right on multiple levels! He really has become master of our home.

Quote from: OneMoreYear on June 12, 2020, 01:30:48 PM
For me, a house is not a home without a cat in it, and I would definitely be stressed with the social distancing requirements if I did not have my two troublemakers at home with me.

I had certainly been pining for a critter for quite some time. Something was definitely missing. Our home feels fuller now, and not just in the sense that his toy and beds and cat tree and all other items related to cat have spread to every room of the apartment.

Quote from: statsgeek on June 13, 2020, 04:23:11 AM
Agree with OneMoreYear - a house without a cat is not a home.  We've had a rough quarantine with no fur-babies around. 

It's kitten day!  We adopted two little boys a week ago and they're coming home today.  I'm excited and scared - it's been a loooog time since I've had babies this young around.  We're hoping our "foster fail" girl will take to the newcomers and we can all be one big, happy family.  But I expect we'll have some drama in the process of getting acquainted. 

Congratulations, statsgeek! How old are your kitties?

Quote from: FishProf on June 13, 2020, 09:36:23 AM
After months of being the "big scary monster from which I must flee/hide!", Orestes has started allowing skritches. 

Today, I was allowed a belly-rub and got love paws in return.

What are love paws?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 13, 2020, 01:29:40 PM
Love Paws - The alternating kneading behavior of cats with their front paws.  Used as kittens when nursing to help express milk.  Adult cats do it as a sign of comfort/pleasure/affection.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 13, 2020, 01:39:59 PM
Quote from: FishProf on June 13, 2020, 01:29:40 PM
Love Paws - The alternating kneading behavior of cats with their front paws.  Used as kittens when nursing to help express milk.  Adult cats do it as a sign of comfort/pleasure/affection.

Also referred to as "making bread" or "making biscuits" in our house.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on June 14, 2020, 05:32:21 AM
Well, we made it through our first night at home! 

Babies are approximately 11 and 15 weeks (not same litter).  They're slowly getting used to each other, and now they're talking to our older girl under the door.  The younger one is already a lap kitty of the highest order, older is still getting used to everything and is rather growly (but his foster assured me he's also a cuddle-bug once he gets to know you).   They only woke us up twice with big thumps of the type that needed to be checked on (nobody hurt).  Younger is having some box issues; I think he's not happy with the type of litter so I'll be heading to the store for another option when they open. 

I tell you, there is nothing like being greeted in the morning by a baby who is so eager for snuggles that he's climbing my leg! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 14, 2020, 06:12:55 AM
Sounds like you're off to a good start statsgeek!

Yesterday my two had their first trip to the back yard on leashes. It was officially the most exciting and best thing ever from their perspective, especially panther boy who was not best pleased when it was time to come back inside. Little calico also enjoyed it but was more cautious. From my perspective, it went pretty well but I quickly realized I needed to order longer leashes, since I was getting pulled in two directions and panther boy is STRONG. I have 16' retractable ones on the way.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 14, 2020, 06:52:05 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 13, 2020, 09:36:23 AM
After months of being the "big scary monster from which I must flee/hide!", Orestes has started allowing skritches. 

Today, I was allowed a belly-rub and got love paws in return.

Such a brave Orestes! Ricochet, who was convinced for many months that we were going to eat her, recommends that Orestes only allows tummy rubs in specific spots in the house, so the humans are kept on their toes (Ricochet's chosen spots are: on cloth bags in front of the front door, in front of the refrigerator, and on top of the  tallest bookcase). You may not want to pass her advice along.

Quote from: statsgeek on June 14, 2020, 05:32:21 AM
Well, we made it through our first night at home! 

Babies are approximately 11 and 15 weeks (not same litter).  They're slowly getting used to each other, and now they're talking to our older girl under the door.  The younger one is already a lap kitty of the highest order, older is still getting used to everything and is rather growly (but his foster assured me he's also a cuddle-bug once he gets to know you).   They only woke us up twice with big thumps of the type that needed to be checked on (nobody hurt).  Younger is having some box issues; I think he's not happy with the type of litter so I'll be heading to the store for another option when they open. 

I tell you, there is nothing like being greeted in the morning by a baby who is so eager for snuggles that he's climbing my leg! 

Sounds like a resounding success! Yay for new fora kitties!!  Ninja used to climb our legs for snuggling when she was 2 pound fluffball.  Occasionally, she appears to forget that she is now a 12 pound panther and that leg climbing is no longer welcome.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 14, 2020, 07:13:40 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on June 14, 2020, 06:52:05 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 13, 2020, 09:36:23 AM
After months of being the "big scary monster from which I must flee/hide!", Orestes has started allowing skritches. 

Today, I was allowed a belly-rub and got love paws in return.

Such a brave Orestes! Ricochet, who was convinced for many months that we were going to eat her, recommends that Orestes only allows tummy rubs in specific spots in the house, so the humans are kept on their toes (Ricochet's chosen spots are: on cloth bags in front of the front door, in front of the refrigerator, and on top of the  tallest bookcase). You may not want to pass her advice along.

Oh, there is a pattern.  I am not privy to it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 14, 2020, 12:49:19 PM
Do cats ever try to comfort humans?

Yesterday I was on my bed, upset and crying. Our little Maestro peeked into my room, saw me, and bounded straight to the bed to snuggle up to me.

This is the first time he's come to me so directly. His usual pattern of joining me for bed is to saunter into the room, check on his toys (is he trying to make sure they are still where he remembers them?), and then jump up on the bed. That is followed by batting at any lumps or folds in the blanket, peering out the window, maybe some grooming, and then, at long last, settling down next to me.

This time he seemed so purposeful.

I was reading speculation that when a cat seems more interested in a sad person, it is because they have learned sad humans like to love on kitties, so signs of sadness are a signal to the cat that it can count on more attention. So it becomes a mutually beneficial reaction, just not motivated by a cat's desire for the human to feel better.

But I think this is the first time Maestro has seen me cry, so he wouldn't have previous experience to draw on.

What do all you experienced cat-lovers think?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 14, 2020, 01:47:14 PM
I can recall times of being upset and finding a kitty creeping into my lap or snuggling up to me in bed.

Some other times I'd pick one up for a moment of consolation and have them wiggle out of my arms.

So, it's not a guaranteed thing, and it can be different with different cats for different reasons.

It's very much on their terms.

Being owned by a cat teaches one to accept mystery and abide with linear uncertainty while living amidst a fairly strong affection field.

But it's sweet that Maestro did that.

They do, sometimes.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 14, 2020, 01:54:27 PM
Elektra is highly sensitive to crying.  If Smolt is upset, Elektra is there.  And she is not normally a cuddly kind of kitten.  Crying is like catnip to her.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 14, 2020, 02:27:34 PM
FluffyGirl, my late long-haired calico who traveled with me through grad school into early career transition, was also sensitive to my crying. I was her human, so she followed me around much of the time. But, if I was crying, she would cuddle up to my chest and lick my face (salt perhaps?).  My current two are not as tuned in to my moods, but Ninja owns my husband and Ricochet remains confounded by the ways of humans, so I would not expect that type of behavior from them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on June 15, 2020, 05:57:52 AM
My LittleGirl (of blessed memory) came right to me when I got the call my mom had passed away.  Yes, they know, especially the ones that are tightly bonded to their people. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 15, 2020, 08:55:42 AM
Agreed. Cats know.

A belated Attaboy! to Orestes for trying out the love bug thing.

Also don't forget to enroll the new kittens in Fora kitty classes from upthread!


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 15, 2020, 09:39:34 AM
 
Quote from: Larimar on June 15, 2020, 08:55:42 AMAlso don't forget to enroll the new kittens in Fora kitty classes from upthread!

If any cats are interested in a peer taught course, Little Calico is offering Staff Management 400: Getting the Belly Rubs you Deserve. The syllabus includes strategic times and places to roll on your back, and how to communicate with your staff the urgency of complying with your requests. Panther Boy is currently prepping courses in Getting Your Staff to Open Windows, and The Art of Getting Staff to Take you Outside in your PPE.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 15, 2020, 09:52:36 AM
Quote from: Puget on June 15, 2020, 09:39:34 AM
Quote from: Larimar on June 15, 2020, 08:55:42 AMAlso don't forget to enroll the new kittens in Fora kitty classes from upthread!

If any cats are interested in a peer taught course, Little Calico is offering Staff Management 400: Getting the Belly Rubs you Deserve. The syllabus includes strategic times and places to roll on your back, and how to communicate with your staff the urgency of complying with your requests. Panther Boy is currently prepping courses in Getting Your Staff to Open Windows, and The Art of Getting Staff to Take you Outside in your PPE.

Ninja is excited to see Little Calico and Panther Boy's offerings and would like to propose the development of a new peer-taught certificate program entitled Fora Cats Staff Management: Getting Everything You Deserve. She predicts this would attract high enrollment and encourages other content experts to propose additional courses, particularly those that are designed to be taught asynchronously between naps.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 15, 2020, 04:45:23 PM
Sir Puck would like to offer certification in Staff Management 501: "How to Ensure On Time Meals".  Tips include the best way to wake up the human staff, how to barter ear rubs for faster service, and how to demand that cats are fed before the staff make coffee or any other human nonsense.

Izzy the kitten is completely failing at Sneaking 101 (aka dainty cat feet) and happily makes "tomp, tomp, tomp" noises with her giant paws on the hardwood floors.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 15, 2020, 07:25:32 PM
Elder Evil Cat is teaching an introductory course in 'How to Operate as a Bulldozer Using a Simple Cone-of-Shame.'

Youngest Evil Cat is offering advanced courses in 'How to Dig into the Sofa and Be a General Hemorrhoid to the Humans.'

Eldest Evil Cat is a Professor Emeritus and so doesn't teach.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 16, 2020, 08:00:04 AM
Younger daughter and I were talking at my desk this morning when we heard a pitiful meow.  At first we thought it was Little Cat but soon realized it was Jake outside the open window.  Another meow, and he appeared on the window (some 6 feet off the ground).  He had his front feet on the edge of the upper glass, claws in the screen, and hung there wondering, "now what the hell do I do? "  After gingerly climbing down to get his front feet on the screen and his back feet on the house, and hanging there a minute, he thumped onto the ground.  I stuck my head out the front door to check on him, but by then he was around back, drinking water, flipping his tail, and acting like nothing happened. 

(The screen is unscathed, luckily.  ALHS would have had a fit had it been snagged.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 16, 2020, 08:31:51 AM
How did he get up there????!!!

Cats.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 16, 2020, 09:42:56 AM
Quote from: mamselle on June 16, 2020, 08:31:51 AM
How did he get up there????!!!

Cats.

M.

He took Youngest Evil Cat's intermediate course on "Jumping."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 16, 2020, 10:16:32 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 16, 2020, 09:42:56 AM
Quote from: mamselle on June 16, 2020, 08:31:51 AM
How did he get up there????!!!

Cats.

M.

He took Youngest Evil Cat's intermediate course on "Jumping."

I think he CLEP'ed out of that one.  He's jumped sky-high (well, at least 4+ feet in the air from a standing start) since the day we found him he adopted us.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 16, 2020, 12:46:30 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on June 16, 2020, 10:16:32 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 16, 2020, 09:42:56 AM
Quote from: mamselle on June 16, 2020, 08:31:51 AM
How did he get up there????!!!

Cats.

M.

He took Youngest Evil Cat's intermediate course on "Jumping."

I think he CLEP'ed out of that one.  He's jumped sky-high (well, at least 4+ feet in the air from a standing start) since the day we found him he adopted us.

Wow, that's some jump.

Quote from: the_geneticist on June 15, 2020, 04:45:23 PM
Sir Puck would like to offer certification in Staff Management 501: "How to Ensure On Time Meals".  Tips include the best way to wake up the human staff, how to barter ear rubs for faster service, and how to demand that cats are fed before the staff make coffee or any other human nonsense.

The Larimar crew has a proposal for the next peer-taught course in the sequence: Staff Management 502: Communicating Feline Dietary Requirements to Clueless Humans, team taught by HerMajesty, Calico, OrangeGuy, and Twerp. Course curriculum includes perfecting the "That stuff?!" facial expression and the "burying" gesture, as well as just the right level of purr if for once the humans actually get it right.

HerMajesty will only eat kibble, and the others have recently decided that "Cod, Sole, and Shrimp" flavor canned food is unacceptable. At least it doesn't go to waste. The feral kitties outside scarf it up in the blink of an eye.


Larimar

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 17, 2020, 08:27:31 AM
Ricochet is all set to teach Cat Computer Science 102: Changing your human's computer settings for no reason.   

In her awkward attempt to cuddle, she walked across my laptop keyboard and toggled off the microphone key, causing me to be unable to use the microphone to teach in the LMS. As I did not know about this key, I had no idea why I could suddenly no longer teach with sound.   After some trial and error, my University's fabulous tech support was able to help me figure out what happened (seriously, I am so lucky, our instructional support folks rock!).

Quote from: Larimar on June 16, 2020, 12:46:30 PM

The Larimar crew has a proposal for the next peer-taught course in the sequence: Staff Management 502: Communicating Feline Dietary Requirements to Clueless Humans, team taught by HerMajesty, Calico, OrangeGuy, and Twerp. Course curriculum includes perfecting the "That stuff?!" facial expression and the "burying" gesture, as well as just the right level of purr if for once the humans actually get it right.

HerMajesty will only eat kibble, and the others have recently decided that "Cod, Sole, and Shrimp" flavor canned food is unacceptable. At least it doesn't go to waste. The feral kitties outside scarf it up in the blink of an eye.

Larimar


Ricochet has CLEP'd this course, as she will only eat one specific flavor of one brand of kibble and responds to other offerings as if we are going to poison her.  Ninja is much more food adventurous; the other day, I caught her chewing on a piece of Roman lettuce.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 17, 2020, 11:48:41 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on June 17, 2020, 08:27:31 AM
Ricochet is all set to teach Cat Computer Science 102: Changing your human's computer settings for no reason.   

In her awkward attempt to cuddle, she walked across my laptop keyboard and toggled off the microphone key, causing me to be unable to use the microphone to teach in the LMS. As I did not know about this key, I had no idea why I could suddenly no longer teach with sound.   After some trial and error, my University's fabulous tech support was able to help me figure out what happened (seriously, I am so lucky, our instructional support folks rock!).

Quote from: Larimar on June 16, 2020, 12:46:30 PM

The Larimar crew has a proposal for the next peer-taught course in the sequence: Staff Management 502: Communicating Feline Dietary Requirements to Clueless Humans, team taught by HerMajesty, Calico, OrangeGuy, and Twerp. Course curriculum includes perfecting the "That stuff?!" facial expression and the "burying" gesture, as well as just the right level of purr if for once the humans actually get it right.

HerMajesty will only eat kibble, and the others have recently decided that "Cod, Sole, and Shrimp" flavor canned food is unacceptable. At least it doesn't go to waste. The feral kitties outside scarf it up in the blink of an eye.

Larimar


Ricochet has CLEP'd this course, as she will only eat one specific flavor of one brand of kibble and responds to other offerings as if we are going to poison her.  Ninja is much more food adventurous; the other day, I caught her chewing on a piece of Roman lettuce.

Lady Jane has managed all sorts of mischief by dainty stepping across my keyboard.  Her brother, Sir Puck, managed to unplug the desktop during a meeting.

As far as food, we have Venn diagrams of preferences for the cats.  Effie cat will only eat paté style canned food (no shreds, chunks, meaty bits, etc.).  Lady Jane will only eat seafood flavored canned food.  Sir Puck will eat anything except the super-duper-fancy high calorie paté that is just for Effie.  Izzy the kitten will eat absolutely everything, up to and including random bits of lint off the floor.
Thankfully we can buy cases of seafood flavored paté style wet food.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 17, 2020, 11:58:53 AM
Orestes is offering a special topics course in food as well.   

ST 499 - How is that even food?  Students will learn to chew, dismember, shred, and sometimes consume non-traditional food items (e.g. silicone straws, stuffed dinosaurs, aluminum foil, tinsel, Christmas tchotchkes).  Final exam includes hairball production with an emphasis on surprising content and locations.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 20, 2020, 09:39:31 AM
Orestes is now at the hospital.  Early indications are that he ate something metallic (foil? ribbon?  is that a spring?).  He has petitioned, and will likely be granted, that this count as professional development credit with regard to his course offerings. 

We just had a long talk with Smolt about fault vs. responsibility in leaving things around that cats shouldn 't have access to, because they (he) will eat them.  Fun times.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 20, 2020, 09:44:05 AM
Aw, poor Orestes!  Sending good wisher for quick recovery!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 20, 2020, 10:09:13 AM
Likewise.

Learning about consequences for kitty-cats is so scary because they believe themselves immune and really flaunt the curve.

Poor Orestes!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 20, 2020, 10:10:52 AM
Oh no! Poor Orestes and Smolt!   I hope Orestes will recover quickly!  Sending scritches and hugs to the FishProf crew.

(This is probably the only benefit of Ricochet's extreme food pickiness. We know she will only eat one very specific brand/variety of cat food and live bugs.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 20, 2020, 10:23:02 AM
I hope Orestes is on the mend soon!

Youngest Evil cat just sneaked a few licks off my plate. I wonder how she'll like the hot sauce?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 20, 2020, 11:42:17 AM
Wishes for a speedy recovery to Orestes from the Larimar crew too!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 20, 2020, 08:03:07 PM
Thanks for all the wished.  The little man had  surgery this afternoon where the removed a tangle of chewed up hair elastics!  So, not a single ingestion,  and it explains the shortage of elastics in my house.

He did great, and should come home tomorrow.  He will be wearing the cone of shame. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 21, 2020, 12:18:55 AM
Those elastics are a menace.

Kitties have had very serious issues with them....glad they were removed in time.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 21, 2020, 03:34:14 AM
Poor Orestes! Glad the surgery was successful & that he'll be coming home soon.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on June 21, 2020, 04:38:32 AM
Yikes, those hair ties are scary!  Glad he's on the mend. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 21, 2020, 04:47:51 AM
So happy to hear the surgery was successful and Orestes will be home today.   

In his defense, eating multiple elastics makes sense. I mean, he ate one and nothing bad happened, so he ate another one, and so on . . .
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 21, 2020, 09:01:57 AM
QuoteSo happy to hear the surgery was successful and Orestes will be home today.   

In his defense, eating multiple elastics makes sense. I mean, he ate one and nothing bad happened, so he ate another one, and so on . . .

Arent they like Kitty Potato Chips?  You can't eat just one!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 21, 2020, 12:22:41 PM
He is now floppy and resting on MrsFishProf.  As soon as we got him, Smolt opened the carrier and he climbed into her lap and would not be removed until we got home.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 21, 2020, 01:14:32 PM
Sounds like Orestes and Smolt are a clan of two.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 22, 2020, 06:36:48 PM
Orestes is back at the hospital. Pneumonia at the very least. Perhaps a leaking/ruptured intestine and sepsis.  This is a very rough night.  I am on phone vigil duty.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 22, 2020, 06:38:03 PM
OH, no....thinking of you all.

Scritches, sweet kitty...get well soon.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 22, 2020, 06:47:35 PM
Poor Orestes! I'm so sorry to hear the news. The OMY crew sends healing thoughts, comfort purrs, and soft scritches to Ortestes and his humans; we hope he is well very soon. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on June 22, 2020, 06:52:21 PM
Quote from: FishProf on June 22, 2020, 06:36:48 PM
Orestes is back at the hospital. Pneumonia at the very least. Perhaps a leaking/ruptured intestine and sepsis.  This is a very rough night.  I am on phone vigil duty.

Oh, the poor love! I'm so sorry.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 22, 2020, 07:21:55 PM
I'm sorry to hear it FishProf. Sending positive waves.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 22, 2020, 10:52:18 PM
Sorry to hear it here too. Wishing Orestes the best.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 23, 2020, 04:24:08 AM
Thanks all.  Current report is pneumonia but no apparent sepsis.  We'll here more at noon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 23, 2020, 05:42:55 AM
Good news that there is no sepsis! Still it would be scary to have him in the hospital with pneumonia.  Sending continued healing thoughts to the FishProf family. Hope you get more good news at noon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 23, 2020, 09:32:17 AM
Adding our human and kitty good wishes to all at FishProf's house, especially Orestes and Smolt.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 23, 2020, 11:09:06 AM
Best wishes for your little ones, FishProf. Hope Orestes recovers well and gets back to paling around with Smolt soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 23, 2020, 01:49:18 PM
Poor little Orestes kitty!  Let's hope he makes a quick recovery and is back to happy romping soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 23, 2020, 03:57:26 PM
Elder Evil cat has not worn the cone-of-shame in about a week. He has decided to make up for lost time and lick the bejezzus out of himself. He coughed up two hairballs today. I have been brushing him to remove loose hair and I gave him some 'hairball helper', but damn!- this cat is something else! What? I don't know.

We also carefully removed his stitches (very carefully), since our vet has closed due to an outbreak. That was fun. All seems fine. *fingers crossed*
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 23, 2020, 04:38:01 PM
How's Orestes-the-kitten doing?

Any updates?

Still wishing him and the FP family well.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 05:29:40 AM
Orestes is still in the Hospital.  However,  the cardiac consult and the surgical intervention consults were both negative.  He's out of his oxygen tent and loving the attention.  I expect he will be home today.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 24, 2020, 05:40:24 AM
Poor kitty. Hope he will be home today.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 24, 2020, 07:40:52 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 05:29:40 AM
Orestes is still in the Hospital.  However,  the cardiac consult and the surgical intervention consults were both negative.  He's out of his oxygen tent and loving the attention.  I expect he will be home today.

Good news!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 24, 2020, 07:55:09 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 05:29:40 AM
Orestes is still in the Hospital.  However,  the cardiac consult and the surgical intervention consults were both negative.  He's out of his oxygen tent and loving the attention.  I expect he will be home today.

Yay! Good news for Orestes and the FishProf family.  Now, Orestes, no more hospital adventures for you. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 24, 2020, 08:34:58 AM
So glad to hear Orestes' good news--and yours.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 09:49:25 AM
Orestes is coming home.  If I can pry Sir Cuteness away from the Hospital staff..
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 24, 2020, 09:54:33 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 09:49:25 AM
Orestes is coming home.  If I can pry Sir Cuteness away from the Hospital staff..

Yea!!!

Answered prayers...glad they've fallen in love with him, too.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 24, 2020, 10:34:11 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 09:49:25 AM
Orestes is coming home.  If I can pry Sir Cuteness away from the Hospital staff..

Hooray!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 24, 2020, 02:20:47 PM
Quote from: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 09:49:25 AM
Orestes is coming home.  If I can pry Sir Cuteness away from the Hospital staff..

Woohoo! I hope that Orestes was successfully pried away from the hospital staff and is now where he is supposed to be, ruling over the FishProf family.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 02:26:34 PM
The mighty Orestes has returned.  He is doing very well and is more loving/less skittish in his revival.

As for the Thundercats, Nox is pissed, Elektra is confused.

So, all is back to normal.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 24, 2020, 02:27:28 PM
Great! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 24, 2020, 04:11:05 PM
Quote from: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 02:26:34 PM
The mighty Orestes has returned.  He is doing very well and is more loving/less skittish in his revival.

As for the Thundercats, Nox is pissed, Elektra is confused.

So, all is back to normal.

Glad he's back. Why's Nox pissed?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 05:18:45 PM
She has never taken to Orestes*.   She seemed almost giddy in her affection over the last few days, as if celebrating his absence.  She really seems put out that he is back.

* She bullied him when he was littler, but he is a Maine Coon and has outgrown her.  Lucky for her, he just wants to play.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 25, 2020, 12:27:28 PM
Quote from: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 02:26:34 PM
The mighty Orestes has returned.  He is doing very well and is more loving/less skittish in his revival.

As for the Thundercats, Nox is pissed, Elektra is confused.

So, all is back to normal.

Glad that everything is back in situ at the FishProf house. But, poor Nox. Her glee was short-lived.


In OMY cats news, we had a workcrew here for the last couple of days.  Ninja continued to try to introduce herself, so they could bow before her royalness.  Ricochet hid the entire time; I did successfully locate her latest hiding spot--behind the couch in a space so small she could not actually lie down (she's only 7 pounds).  Now that they have left, she has returned to her baseline level of squirreliness and has retreated to her spot in the back bedroom. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 25, 2020, 01:26:08 PM
Quote from: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 05:18:45 PM
She has never taken to Orestes*.   She seemed almost giddy in her affection over the last few days, as if celebrating his absence.  She really seems put out that he is back.

* She bullied him when he was littler, but he is a Maine Coon and has outgrown her.  Lucky for her, he just wants to play.

Was Nox part of the family before the other two? Does she wish to be an only kitty?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 25, 2020, 01:55:49 PM
In other kitty news, Maestro has recently passed the 3-month mark. He's going in this week for the next round of vaccinations.

He's developing at an alarming rate. It seems every day he gets a little more athletic and a little more cunning. He's exploring places he couldn't reach before, so we are constantly kitty-proofing new areas. He doesn't understand we are trying to keep him alive and in one piece, only that we are ruining his fun; he makes annoyed chuffing noises at us when he sees us at it.

I'm a little intimidated. He seems enormous now compared to when we first brought him home, a goofy-looking, wobbly fuzzball. Now he's handsome, lanky and sleek as well as more and more difficult to pick up and carry away from mischief. And he's only a little over 3 pounds. His vet estimated Maestro would be 10-12 lb when full-grown. It's going to feel like living with a panther.

His biting tapered off for a bit, but with his new strength and agility he seems to have gained confidence to start testing boundaries again. It's getting harder to redirect him with toys. He knows the toys will be there later if he wants them, but hands and feet may not be, so those are always the prime targets. Help?

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 25, 2020, 02:03:04 PM
A sharp, short little tap on the nose, with a quick, "No!" can help deter unwanted behavior.

It has to be right after the biting for them to "get it" and make the associations, and substitute the toy anyway, even if he's disdainful of it, to re-direct.

Those days of lithe, sleek, balletic adolescent kitty are sooo cool, though.

And so evanescent...as you're hearing, pretty soon he'll be filling out and plumping up and turning into Little Miss Muffet's Tuffet.

But that's cool, too....just a different kind of cool.

(Vicariously enjoying the growing-up-kitty stages here. My student's two little boycat critters just passed through this stage, it goes so quickly!)

Enjoy him in all seasons.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 25, 2020, 02:07:35 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 25, 2020, 01:26:08 PM
Quote from: FishProf on June 24, 2020, 05:18:45 PM
She has never taken to Orestes*.   She seemed almost giddy in her affection over the last few days, as if celebrating his absence.  She really seems put out that he is back.

* She bullied him when he was littler, but he is a Maine Coon and has outgrown her.  Lucky for her, he just wants to play.

Was Nox part of the family before the other two? Does she wish to be an only kitty?

Nox and Elektra are sisters.   When they moved in, the late Bunga was the undisputed master of the the house.  Elektra learned and bonded....Nox not so much.  Even when Bunga held her down (by body weight alone) and groomed her - she would just growl. 

Orestes is in the line of succession and Nox has not yet come to grips with that.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 25, 2020, 05:38:07 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 25, 2020, 02:03:04 PM
A sharp, short little tap on the nose, with a quick, "No!" can help deter unwanted behavior.

It has to be right after the biting for them to "get it" and make the associations, and substitute the toy anyway, even if he's disdainful of it, to re-direct.

M.

Maybe I'm not doing it quite right, but when I try the bop and the "no!" it just seems to rile him up. His ears turn aside in annoyance, his expression becomes fierce (whereas before it may have been playful), and he attacks again and again with ever increasing vigor.

I've been experimenting with dropping a blanket or scarf over him when he lunges for me, forcing him to abort the attack in favor of disentangling himself. Sometimes that takes the fight out of him (or he decides "Hey, this is nice material" and has himself a lie down). Sometimes all it does is delay his attacks for 20 seconds.

SO favors a time-out method. Maestro either is banished to an empty room (which is no fun without people to pester) for 5-10 minutes or is put in Kitty Jail (an upside-down laundry basket). Again, results have been mixed.

I've been trying to find out whether it's possible to use clicker training to teach a cat something like "Back Off!"

Question: would you also discipline a kitty for nipping at you due to annoyance at being disturbed? If I miss his signals that he doesn't feel like being petted or played with and he bites out of frustration, would that not be more a transgression on my part? Or is it important for kitties to learn that, even when their human servants are being annoying, biting is not an acceptable form of chastisement?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 25, 2020, 05:46:11 PM
QuoteOr is it important for kitties to learn that, even when their human servants are being annoying, biting is not an acceptable form of chastisement?

You have successfully passed Human Ownership by Kitties 101.01

You have accurately described the directions of relational hierarchy.

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on June 26, 2020, 08:13:00 AM
Maestro will likely grow out of the nipping. Plump cat, when she was just 3 pounds, used to love to lick my toes when I was in bed. Given the raspy tongue, it was quite a way to wake up! I think it was a young kitten thing. She grew out of it and then I missed it.
   Also in terms of toys- have you tried a laser pointer? The "dot" can magically disappear and so can maintain interested kitties more than physical toys.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 26, 2020, 11:22:16 AM
I agree that Maestro will likely outgrow the biting/nipping stage (though Ninja likes to attack and bite toes under the covers, which was much cuter when she was 2 pound baby than now as a 10 pound panther).

Some of the generally accepted recommendations for cat biting are (and anyone correct me if I'm wrong):
1. Make sure he is getting lots of play time in his preferred mode of stalking (does he like laser pointers, wand toys, milk rings, crinkle toys etc). Reward him with a treat for stalking the toys rather than you.
2. Try to have a consistent response from both you and SO to the biting (which it's generally recommended that you say No, remove attention, and give him an alternative)
3. Try not to use your hand as a toy, so he doesn't see it as one (e.g., do you wiggle your fingers at him or tickle him, so he thinks that  your hand is part of the fun?)
4. It's not generally recommended to use punishment (bopping on nose, water squirting) for this type of behavior. I think that you are seeing his riled up reaction to this, which may indicate that this might be an ineffective strategy for him, since what you want him to do is calm down and/or redirect attention to something else
5. Get him a kitty friend :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 28, 2020, 09:56:55 AM
Cat wars.

Elder cat, who seems to be feeling MUCH better after his surgery, attacked Eldest cat just a few minutes ago and would not let up. We had to break out the water bottle and squirt him so that he would stop.

Fur was flying!

I suspect it started as a turf war over a water bowl. Let me just say that we have TWO in the kitchen.

I knew things were going downhill when he started giving her the 'forehead.' Eldest cat is shaken, but ok.

We have removed him from the kitchen and he is protesting by yodeling.

Sigh, can I just have a peaceful Sunday?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 28, 2020, 10:02:27 AM
The Return of Orestes (Book 3 of the Lord of the Living Room Trilogy) has become the tale of two sisters who have been deposed from their (they believe rightful) ruler-ship over their human subjects.  Orestes now owns the first floor, and the girls have been reduced to slinking, growling, and forcefully attempting to extract skritches from any exposed hands up on the 2nd floor.  We cannot get any sleep until we either love them into submission or evict them from the room.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 28, 2020, 10:49:27 AM
Kitteh Rules...

;--》

Glad they're all back to "feisty" on the Kitteh-o-meter...

And at least they're not playing pranks like this:

   https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/cat-owner-sets-up-pet-22252534.amp


M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on June 28, 2020, 12:26:32 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 28, 2020, 10:49:27 AM


And at least they're not playing pranks like this:

   https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/cat-owner-sets-up-pet-22252534.amp


M.

I could totally see something like this happening in our house.  We have at least two cats who are natural burrowers, maybe three.  They'll push their way under covers, into comforters, under paper/blanket/cushion/cat bed/etc.  I've seen them try to burrow under a blanket that had another cat on top of it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 28, 2020, 02:29:15 PM
Quote from: sprout on June 28, 2020, 12:26:32 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 28, 2020, 10:49:27 AM


And at least they're not playing pranks like this:

   https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/cat-owner-sets-up-pet-22252534.amp


M.

I could totally see something like this happening in our house.  We have at least two cats who are natural burrowers, maybe three.  They'll push their way under covers, into comforters, under paper/blanket/cushion/cat bed/etc.  I've seen them try to burrow under a blanket that had another cat on top of it.

2 out of 3 here are burrowers. Elder Evil cat used to 'burrito' himself in the sheets on the bed. Youngest Evil cat burrows under the electric blanket.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 28, 2020, 03:06:00 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 28, 2020, 02:29:15 PM
Quote from: sprout on June 28, 2020, 12:26:32 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 28, 2020, 10:49:27 AM


And at least they're not playing pranks like this:

   https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/cat-owner-sets-up-pet-22252534.amp


M.

I could totally see something like this happening in our house.  We have at least two cats who are natural burrowers, maybe three.  They'll push their way under covers, into comforters, under paper/blanket/cushion/cat bed/etc.  I've seen them try to burrow under a blanket that had another cat on top of it.

2 out of 3 here are burrowers. Elder Evil cat used to 'burrito' himself in the sheets on the bed. Youngest Evil cat burrows under the electric blanket.

Ninja occasionally attempts to burrow under my laptop.  Ricochet is a confused burrower. she'll burrow under the covers, then freak out and bolt off the bed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 28, 2020, 03:28:03 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on June 28, 2020, 03:06:00 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 28, 2020, 02:29:15 PM
Quote from: sprout on June 28, 2020, 12:26:32 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 28, 2020, 10:49:27 AM


And at least they're not playing pranks like this:

   https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/cat-owner-sets-up-pet-22252534.amp


M.

I could totally see something like this happening in our house.  We have at least two cats who are natural burrowers, maybe three.  They'll push their way under covers, into comforters, under paper/blanket/cushion/cat bed/etc.  I've seen them try to burrow under a blanket that had another cat on top of it.

2 out of 3 here are burrowers. Elder Evil cat used to 'burrito' himself in the sheets on the bed. Youngest Evil cat burrows under the electric blanket.

Ninja occasionally attempts to burrow under my laptop.  Ricochet is a confused burrower. she'll burrow under the covers, then freak out and bolt off the bed.

Funny. I think all cats take a course in 'How to Act Like an Invisible Zombie Ghost is Chasing You.' And there's always the 'Learn How to Stare at the Wall and Freak Your Humans Out', which is usually a prerequisite course.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 29, 2020, 09:42:55 AM
Maestro ate a bug!

He wouldn't let us get close enough to see exactly what kind of bug it was.

There was...crunching. After every couple of chomps he would spit it out to look at the state of it. He ate it in pieces, leaving no remains.

On the one hand, free pest control! On the other, ewwwwww...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 29, 2020, 09:50:49 AM
Yep. I remember the first time one of my kitties did that.

First, the sounds of a fly buzzing around the window.

A sort of peripheral awareness of kitty batting at it, but I didn't figure she'd catch it....

Then the silence.

Then came the crunching...

Ewww sums it up...!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 29, 2020, 10:13:18 AM
Full agreement with Ewwww here. My late calico Harlequin used to eat camel crickets in the apartment we used to live in. I would afterward have to clean up... what she didn't eat. Harlequin was not the brightest of kitties. She was, however, very loving and quite funny.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 29, 2020, 10:42:43 AM
Do you have cicadas in your area?  They are supposed to be tasty.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 29, 2020, 10:54:29 AM
Ricochet is a master of bug hunting; we are pretty sure that most of her calories come from bugs.  Hey, she's an obligate carnivore, right?  None of that carbohydrate-filled cat food for her! (Just kidding, we feed our cats the only food that Ricochet will agree to eat, in which the 2nd ingredient is rice and the 3rd is corn.  We tried to switch to a grain-free food and she kept trying to bury it).
I think I posted previously about walking down the stairs to our basement to find Ricochet post successful bug-hunt, in which she looked up at me with a bug leg dangling out of the side of her mouth. I backed away up the stairs and checked the laundry later.
Ricochet is of the "waste-not, want-not" school of bug-eating.  There are no leftovers.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: 0susanna on June 29, 2020, 12:29:18 PM
Both of my cats are vigilant bug hunters, enjoying the pursuit of wasps (I don't know how they get in), small cockroaches, and an occasional fly. The only remains I've ever seen are random legs, easy to sweep up.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 29, 2020, 01:26:02 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 29, 2020, 09:42:55 AM
Maestro ate a bug!

He wouldn't let us get close enough to see exactly what kind of bug it was.

There was...crunching. After every couple of chomps he would spit it out to look at the state of it. He ate it in pieces, leaving no remains.

On the one hand, free pest control! On the other, ewwwwww...

Free pest control is always great! Youngest Evil cat eats roaches, flies, moths and anything else that she can find. She almost ate a cicada!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 29, 2020, 01:29:14 PM
Has anyone ever had a cat get sick from eating the wrong bug?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on June 29, 2020, 03:21:51 PM
Our 3 year old tuxedo, Booboo, is a dedicated bug hunter both indoors and outdoors.  She captures and eventually kills the bugs but doesn't eat them.  She does eat lizards, but not the heads - just the lower 2/3's of a lizard's body.  I guess the head doesn't taste as good?   
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 29, 2020, 06:45:11 PM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on June 29, 2020, 03:21:51 PM
Our 3 year old tuxedo, Booboo, is a dedicated bug hunter both indoors and outdoors.  She captures and eventually kills the bugs but doesn't eat them.  She does eat lizards, but not the heads - just the lower 2/3's of a lizard's body.  I guess the head doesn't taste as good?

Trophies?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 29, 2020, 06:49:21 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 29, 2020, 01:29:14 PM
Has anyone ever had a cat get sick from eating the wrong bug?

Nope. Have not. *fingers crossed* If you're concerned, then you could research and see if there's anything to worry about in your area.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 29, 2020, 07:19:04 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 29, 2020, 01:29:14 PM
Has anyone ever had a cat get sick from eating the wrong bug?

Not as far as I know. I think there are some bugs that are dangerous to cats (e.g., poisonous spiders, scorpions, large centipedes), but so far none of mine appear to have tangled with anything they shouldn't.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 30, 2020, 09:52:10 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on June 29, 2020, 03:21:51 PM
Our 3 year old tuxedo, Booboo, is a dedicated bug hunter both indoors and outdoors.  She captures and eventually kills the bugs but doesn't eat them.  She does eat lizards, but not the heads - just the lower 2/3's of a lizard's body.  I guess the head doesn't taste as good?

I love the name Booboo!  It was one of many nicknames for my childhood cat (actual name Rasckel). 
Maybe they are offerings to show her hunting prowess and that she loves you? "I caught you a mighty foe!  You can eat it"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 30, 2020, 11:18:04 AM
 
Quote from: the_geneticist on June 30, 2020, 09:52:10 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on June 29, 2020, 03:21:51 PM
Our 3 year old tuxedo, Booboo, is a dedicated bug hunter both indoors and outdoors.  She captures and eventually kills the bugs but doesn't eat them.  She does eat lizards, but not the heads - just the lower 2/3's of a lizard's body.  I guess the head doesn't taste as good?

I love the name Booboo!  It was one of many nicknames for my childhood cat (actual name Rasckel). 
Maybe they are offerings to show her hunting prowess and that she loves you? "I caught you a mighty foe!  You can eat it"

My late great childhood cat, who was indoor/outdoor and a great hunter, used to leave a dead critter outside each bedroom door many nights. She clearly thought we were incompetent kittens who never had learned to hunt for ourselves, so she persisted in feeding us, unmoved by the fact her gifts were always ungratefully thrown outside in the morning.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on June 30, 2020, 02:02:50 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on June 30, 2020, 09:52:10 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on June 29, 2020, 03:21:51 PM
Our 3 year old tuxedo, Booboo, is a dedicated bug hunter both indoors and outdoors.  She captures and eventually kills the bugs but doesn't eat them.  She does eat lizards, but not the heads - just the lower 2/3's of a lizard's body.  I guess the head doesn't taste as good?

I love the name Booboo!  It was one of many nicknames for my childhood cat (actual name Rasckel). 
Maybe they are offerings to show her hunting prowess and that she loves you? "I caught you a mighty foe!  You can eat it"

The first time Booboo left the head, we just assumed she played too hard with the critter.  The second time, she made a big deal to chomp the rest of the lizard into fine pieces before swallowing.  Like all cats we've had, she is extremely proud when she's caught something so maybe the head is to remind everyone!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 30, 2020, 04:33:10 PM
My godsister's sleek black kitty named Quasar used to do that. They lived right opposite a fenced-in reservoir, and I'm afraid the baby bunny population took a hit when Quasar was in nurturing mode.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 30, 2020, 06:40:08 PM
One of my childhood cats left snakes for my mother on the porch after he'd sneak outside to prowl. She was not appreciative.

Our current two do not leave us any bug/lizard trophies, but do leave any mice they catch for us in obvious places for us to find. The last time they caught one, they left it by their food bowls. We were not sure if the message was that they were saving it for later of if they wanted it noted that they were contributing to the food supply.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Morden on July 01, 2020, 03:38:21 PM
A few years ago, a random cat started snoozing on our deck. Periodically, he/she would leave dead mice at the door. I think it was a form of rent.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 02, 2020, 08:48:39 AM
I've just learned a wonderful new word: the shifting gold-green color of many cats' eyes is called aeneous.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 02, 2020, 08:57:50 AM
Oooo....thanks!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on July 02, 2020, 09:37:30 AM
A few updates on the Maestro:

1) Since "no!" and "ow" didn't seem to deter the nipping, the other day I tried my best imitation of a cat's hiss (no bopping or any other consequence, just a hiss). He instantly backed away looking at me with an expression of shock. Then he decided maybe it would be more fun to wrestle with his teddy bear instead. I really hope this works long-term.

I don't actually mind the nipping so much; it doesn't hurt too badly and it's mostly in play. But cat owners in my life are saying it's important to discourage the habit of biting people, because they can do some real damage when their adult teeth come in and their bite becomes more forceful.

2) This week I gave Maestro his first piano lesson. I say, "Maestro, piano!" and he presses the keys. He didn't always get a sound out of them, but at this stage I am rewarding him as long as he touches the keyboard. He looks so natural at the piano; must be the tuxedo.

3) He has now learned to get all his evening zoomies out by dashing around the floor, playing with his toys. Now when he comes to bed he is ready to snuggle in for sleep. Sometimes he even lets me wrap my arms around him as if he's a stuffed animal. Some nights he snuggles in even closer to my side, using my shoulder as a pillow for his head. I fall asleep to the sound of his tiny kitty snores.

He still gets nippy when he first wakes in the morning, but usually takes the hint when booted from the bed.

4) His new favorite toy is a plush fish only slightly smaller than he is. It's the perfect size and shape for him to wrap his front legs around and bunny-kick with the back. Sometimes we see him prancing around with the fish in his mouth, occasionally tripping over it because it is such a large toy. It's adorable.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 02, 2020, 09:47:55 AM
Glad you thought of the hiss, and that it worked!!

I also love the image of him toting the fish around and playing with it...and of you both cuddling up for bed. You're both lucky.

One of my students has two kitties, brothers, and my student's keyboard is right under the windowsill where one of them likes to bird-watch.

As we started the lesson, the dozing kitty awoke, sat upright, and leaped down--landing on some keys with a loud 'smush' of sound and looking so startled that he bolted from the room.

It took us both a minute to stop laughing so we could re-start the lesson...

M.

P.S., the Zez Confrey rag "Kitten on the Keys" is here:

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBxRRUj1bcA

Have fun!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 02, 2020, 01:22:37 PM

What a great Maestro update, smallcleanrat. Glad things are going well for you two.

Mamselle, your student's "kitten on the keys" story is really funny. Thanks.


Quote from: Larimar on July 02, 2020, 08:48:39 AM
I've just learned a wonderful new word: the shifting gold-green color of many cats' eyes is called aeneous.

Just to be exact, "aeneous" is an adjective, not a noun.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 02, 2020, 01:37:03 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 02, 2020, 09:37:30 AM
A few updates on the Maestro:

<snip>

Wonderful updates on Maestro, smallcleanrat.  He sounds like a wonderful kitten!  So glad he is learning the ways of ruling his people without bitting.  He sounds very talented with the piano already.  I love snuggly kitties. Neither of mine snuggle at night, so I"m a little jealous.  Prancing kitten! Ours prance with milk rings. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on July 02, 2020, 01:39:35 PM
Quote from: Larimar on July 02, 2020, 01:22:37 PM

What a great Maestro update, smallcleanrat. Glad things are going well for you two.


Yes, sounds like you two are doing great together! Cats often get snugglier as they grow out of some of their crazy kitten energy.

And hissing is often effective-- you are speaking cat with him! That's just what they do with each other when play gets too rough-- in my household when  panther boy forgets he's way bigger than little calico now, and she has to remind him to play nice.

Panther boy has taken to going into the yard on a leash (little calico has gone a few times, but generally declines to participate), and has become very vocal about it when he thinks it's time to go out (he seems to be part Siamese, so that's very vocal indeed!)-- I need to convince him that time to go out is after work, when I'm ready, and not any time I happen to get near the back door (luckily the back door opens into an enclosed porch with its own door, so there is a kitty airlock between him and the great outdoors. And he is NOT AMUSED if he can see me in the yard and I didn't take him with me.
He is pretty cute though-- he'll lay down to get his harness on, then rush through the door and make a beeline for the grass.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 02, 2020, 02:03:20 PM
Quote from: Puget on July 02, 2020, 01:39:35 PM
Panther boy has taken to going into the yard on a leash (little calico has gone a few times, but generally declines to participate), and has become very vocal about it when he thinks it's time to go out (he seems to be part Siamese, so that's very vocal indeed!)-- I need to convince him that time to go out is after work, when I'm ready, and not any time I happen to get near the back door (luckily the back door opens into an enclosed porch with its own door, so there is a kitty airlock between him and the great outdoors. And he is NOT AMUSED if he can see me in the yard and I didn't take him with me.
He is pretty cute though-- he'll lay down to get his harness on, then rush through the door and make a beeline for the grass.

Ninja loooooves to go outside with my SO. She prances through the grass, then appears to spend most of her time hanging out in the shade by the fence. If he is out there without her, she will sit by the backdoor and wail. She will not be distracted from her pleas to go out. And she is persistent!  If I'm working inside and am doing something that requires good attention (so no music/TV in background), I've actually had to take off my hearing tech (I am then almost completely deaf) to ignore her.  Occasionally, she will then come find me and yowl directly at me to make her point; she does not appear realize that if I've taken my tech off, I see her mouth open, but I don't hear anything.   
We didn't manage to harness train her b/c as a kitten she got her jaw stuck in her collar (scary for us and her; we must have had it on a little too loose).  After that, if we attempted to put a collar or anything similar on her, she had a panic attack.
But it is wonderful that Panther Boy has learned the steps to go outside (1st harness, then yard).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 07, 2020, 09:06:54 AM
Elder Evil cat has started dragging a blanket up the stairs. I wonder what he wants to do with it?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 07, 2020, 09:56:19 AM
Sure it's a he?

Sounds like nesting behaviour...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on July 07, 2020, 10:01:42 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 07, 2020, 09:06:54 AM
Elder Evil cat has started dragging a blanket up the stairs. I wonder what he wants to do with it?

I've been finding two throw pillows under the couch many mornings. These are not throw pillows FROM the couch mind you-- they are from a chair across the living room, and one of them is quite large. I imagine them proudly dragging them across the floor like a lion with a gazelle.  I'm a bit  tempted to get a wildlife cam to see what they get up to at night.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 07, 2020, 10:59:03 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 07, 2020, 09:06:54 AM
Elder Evil cat has started dragging a blanket up the stairs. I wonder what he wants to do with it?

He's dragging the blanket upstairs because the blanket belongs upstairs. Obviously.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 07, 2020, 11:03:08 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 07, 2020, 09:06:54 AM
Elder Evil cat has started dragging a blanket up the stairs. I wonder what he wants to do with it?

Secret cat business obviously! 
Maybe he's putting it back?  sleeping on it?  hunting it as a mighty foe?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 07, 2020, 11:07:45 AM
Elder Evil cat has always been vocal. I neglected to mention that when he drags the blanket upstairs, he is also howling/yowling and sometimes stops to knead it with front and back feet. He also carries around a stuffed crab (in his mouth) that belonged to deceased Evil dog. And yes, he is quite vocal about it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 07, 2020, 12:39:38 PM
Nesting.

He's a she.

Kittens coming soon...

(just kidding...)

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on July 07, 2020, 12:50:11 PM
Quote from: mamselle on July 07, 2020, 12:39:38 PM
Nesting.

He's a she.

Kittens coming soon...

(just kidding...)

M.

Perhaps he's planning to adopt.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 07, 2020, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 07, 2020, 12:50:11 PM
Quote from: mamselle on July 07, 2020, 12:39:38 PM
Nesting.

He's a she.

Kittens coming soon...

(just kidding...)

M.

Perhaps he's planning to adopt.

When my parents were newly married, they had a female cat (adopted from a shelter) and a male cat ("gifted" by a relative because he tended to mark his territory in the house). Then they found a tiny kitten in the street as they were coming home from a party. My dad put the kitten in his shirt pocket and brought her home.   Their female cat looked over the kitten, then walked away as if to say "you're on your own, kid."  Their male cat decided that the tiny fluffball was his kitten.   He bathed her, slept curled around her, and attempted to nurse her (BigGuy was a lover, but not too bright). They remained good friends until BigGuy died too young of kidney problems.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 07, 2020, 01:59:31 PM
Interesting.

Nah, Elder Evil cat is kind of a butthead when it comes to the other cats. He has really upped his domination game when he gives them 'the forehead.' He has a certain stance where it almost seems as if he's looking down his nose at the other cats. I think he tries to elevate his back end a little too. After he poses, then he strikes. We had a fur-flying episode last week. :(

Soooo, I don't see him adopting anything really, well, except me. He hates everyone else. He tolerates the SO. When SO moved in, Elder Evil cat started shitting in the bathtub, which he doesn't do now for some miraculous reason (wasn't health-related).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 08, 2020, 11:44:04 AM
Sounds like the battle cry of the triumphant hunter!  Buddycat used to "sing" to his favorite toys & carry them around.  Effie has a particular crooning song he sings while bringing us a particular toy.  He drops it near our feet, looks a bit confused, and walks away.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 08, 2020, 01:41:28 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on July 08, 2020, 11:44:04 AM
Sounds like the battle cry of the triumphant hunter!  Buddycat used to "sing" to his favorite toys & carry them around.  Effie has a particular crooning song he sings while bringing us a particular toy.  He drops it near our feet, looks a bit confused, and walks away.

Cute. He has been known to carry some of his toys upstairs, while 'singing.'

Oh, and Youngest Evil cat likes to eat romaine!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on July 08, 2020, 08:10:11 PM
So I know a lot of people have experienced phantom cell phone sensations, but are there similar phantom kitty sensations?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 08, 2020, 08:46:26 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 08, 2020, 08:10:11 PM
So I know a lot of people have experienced phantom cell phone sensations, but I
are there similar phantom kitty sensations?

Anything's possible.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 08, 2020, 11:37:24 PM
For a creature that can levitate itself twenty times its height to the top of a refrigerator, when its wants to, all bets are off.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 09, 2020, 07:21:02 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 08, 2020, 11:37:24 PM
For a creature that can levitate itself twenty times its height to the top of a refrigerator, when its wants to, all bets are off.

M.

Hilarious... and true!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on July 09, 2020, 07:37:37 AM
Hmm...

I was just wondering if anyone else feels the cat rubbing against their leg or the feel of fur and whiskers against your hand or the weight of the cat climbing on you in bed...only to find the cat is in another room entirely.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 09, 2020, 10:37:50 AM
Aww...that's just phantom kitty love.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 09, 2020, 11:06:24 AM
And they can be surprisingly quick.  I often say "How many Sir Puck's do we have?".  He will look like he's sound asleep on the couch, but then I'll walk into the bathroom and he's up on the counter sniffing out the window, then I'll walk into the living room and he's perched on his favorite table.  I don't see him moving at all.  It's like he can teleport!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 09, 2020, 11:46:52 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on July 09, 2020, 11:06:24 AM
And they can be surprisingly quick.  I often say "How many Sir Puck's do we have?".  He will look like he's sound asleep on the couch, but then I'll walk into the bathroom and he's up on the counter sniffing out the window, then I'll walk into the living room and he's perched on his favorite table.  I don't see him moving at all.  It's like he can teleport!

Cats have mastered the infinite nuances of quantum mechanics.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 09, 2020, 12:04:05 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on July 09, 2020, 11:06:24 AM
And they can be surprisingly quick.  I often say "How many Sir Puck's do we have?".  He will look like he's sound asleep on the couch, but then I'll walk into the bathroom and he's up on the counter sniffing out the window, then I'll walk into the living room and he's perched on his favorite table.  I don't see him moving at all.  It's like he can teleport!

Funny, a much more common phrase around here is "Have you seen the cat?" Ricochet is a master is camouflage. I can't count the number of times that I unsuccessfully search the (small) house for her and give up, only to have her wander out of the room I was just searching. Maybe she is teleporting into another dimension?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on July 09, 2020, 12:23:52 PM
Their silent swiftness is quite impressive.

SO bought a collar with a small bell on it for the Maestro, so we would have an easier time locating him (and avoiding tripping over him when he unexpectedly darts in our way).

One day I hear a startled yelp from the next room followed by "Where did you come from?!?" Maestro had figured out how to stalk SO without a single jingle of the bell.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 09, 2020, 12:48:47 PM
Maestro is channeling his inner Bastet.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 09, 2020, 08:49:27 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 09, 2020, 12:23:52 PM
Their silent swiftness is quite impressive.

SO bought a collar with a small bell on it for the Maestro, so we would have an easier time locating him (and avoiding tripping over him when he unexpectedly darts in our way).

One day I hear a startled yelp from the next room followed by "Where did you come from?!?" Maestro had figured out how to stalk SO without a single jingle of the bell.

That is impressive! Elder Evil cat is also very good at slinking around quietly. We were watching tv and heard growling from the other room. Elder Evil cat managed to sneak in there when we opened the gate for a nanosecond and was trying to intimidate Eldest Evil cat for her food.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 14, 2020, 09:34:47 AM
Last week, I added some cat nip to one of the cat beds. Neither cat appeared interested, and I though maybe it had lost potency.  This morning, Ricochet dived into the cat bed, writhed around in ecstasy, flipped the cat bed upside down, and flopped on the upside-down catbed and remained sprawled, eyes partially open for the better part of the morning.  Currently, she is sitting on top of the cabinet in the living room, staring at the wall.   She does not appear to have the munchies yet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on July 14, 2020, 10:10:47 AM
Catnip was created for the enjoyment of cat owners watching their cats partake of it.

(ALHS refuses to give it to ours, saying he won't be their drug hookup. I suppose I'm contributing to their delinquency.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 14, 2020, 10:32:53 AM
Just ran across this in a book on how to play the recorder (i.e., the early instrument) in the section on care and handling of the newly-purchased item in its case:

"If  your instrument is plastic, you will probably find the tenons of the center joint covered with plastic caps....Slip the caps off, and if you don't want them to get lost, put them back in the case, particularly if you have cats. Otherwise you will find them under the refrigerator someday." The author then goes on in a dry, informative way, to explain how to grease the joints.

You can always tell when people have/have had cats. You have to factor them into everything...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 14, 2020, 10:52:46 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on July 14, 2020, 09:34:47 AM
Last week, I added some cat nip to one of the cat beds. Neither cat appeared interested, and I though maybe it had lost potency.  This morning, Ricochet dived into the cat bed, writhed around in ecstasy, flipped the cat bed upside down, and flopped on the upside-down catbed and remained sprawled, eyes partially open for the better part of the morning.  Currently, she is sitting on top of the cabinet in the living room, staring at the wall.   She does not appear to have the munchies yet.

Hilarious.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on July 14, 2020, 11:05:09 AM
I just found all three cats in a circle in the kitchen, legs tucked up out of sight and NOT FIGHTING.

Sort of a Legless-cat Detente. 

Or Cat-Loaf Nirvana
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 14, 2020, 11:20:07 AM
Ha!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 14, 2020, 11:25:32 AM

Quote from: FishProf on July 14, 2020, 11:05:09 AM
I just found all three cats in a circle in the kitchen, legs tucked up out of sight and NOT FIGHTING.

Sort of a Legless-cat Detente. 

Or Cat-Loaf Nirvana

Curiouser and curiouser.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 14, 2020, 12:02:43 PM
Quote from: Larimar on July 14, 2020, 11:25:32 AM

Quote from: FishProf on July 14, 2020, 11:05:09 AM
I just found all three cats in a circle in the kitchen, legs tucked up out of sight and NOT FIGHTING.

Sort of a Legless-cat Detente. 

Or Cat-Loaf Nirvana

Curiouser and curiouser.

In best Professor Snape voice, "Careful . . someone might think you are . . . up to something."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 14, 2020, 12:54:12 PM
Quote from: FishProf on July 14, 2020, 11:05:09 AM
I just found all three cats in a circle in the kitchen, legs tucked up out of sight and NOT FIGHTING.

Sort of a Legless-cat Detente. 

Or Cat-Loaf Nirvana

Maybe you stumbled upon their weekly council meeting?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on July 15, 2020, 06:49:21 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 14, 2020, 12:54:12 PM
Quote from: FishProf on July 14, 2020, 11:05:09 AM
I just found all three cats in a circle in the kitchen, legs tucked up out of sight and NOT FIGHTING.

Sort of a Legless-cat Detente. 

Or Cat-Loaf Nirvana

Maybe you stumbled upon their weekly council meeting?

Based on their behavior this morning, they summoned a demon (or three)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 15, 2020, 07:26:27 AM
So, you're thinking cat-coven?

Mmmm.....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on July 15, 2020, 08:31:08 AM
The Illumicati
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 15, 2020, 08:48:28 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 15, 2020, 07:26:27 AM
So, you're thinking cat-coven?

Mmmm.....

M.

Don't they need 13 members for that? Maybe they're recruiting?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 15, 2020, 08:49:09 AM
Quote from: FishProf on July 15, 2020, 08:31:08 AM
The Illumicati

Yup.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on July 15, 2020, 10:48:32 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 15, 2020, 08:49:09 AM
Quote from: FishProf on July 15, 2020, 08:31:08 AM
The Illumicati

Yup.

This needs to be a comic.  First scene: that visual EPW described.

POV character: The hapless young pup in the house, who has just stumbled onto a secret no canine (or human) should know.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 16, 2020, 11:16:05 AM
Quote from: sprout on July 15, 2020, 10:48:32 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 15, 2020, 08:49:09 AM
Quote from: FishProf on July 15, 2020, 08:31:08 AM
The Illumicati

Yup.

This needs to be a comic.  First scene: that visual EPW described.

POV character: The hapless young pup in the house, who has just stumbled onto a secret no canine (or human) should know.

https://www.google.com/search?q=illumicati&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj90dmnsNLqAhXNct8KHSbdDPUQ_AUoAXoECAsQAw&biw=1252&bih=600#imgrc=8Ce39mD8TQ5rIM (https://www.google.com/search?q=illumicati&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj90dmnsNLqAhXNct8KHSbdDPUQ_AUoAXoECAsQAw&biw=1252&bih=600#imgrc=8Ce39mD8TQ5rIM)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 16, 2020, 11:18:20 AM
Double post.

Elder Evil cat is sitting/standing on my legs. His feet were cold, but they're not now. He had his chin resting on my arm a minute ago. Ten minutes before this, he was yowling his head off while carrying around a stuffed crab. I've starting hiding it in high out-of-the-way places and the bastard has managed to still get it!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on July 17, 2020, 11:12:13 PM
Further updates on the Maestro:

1) He continues to grow at an astonishing rate. We weigh him once per week, and last two weeks he has increased his mass by 14-15% each week! He often mews for food even though he's getting three meals a day. I was worried his meals weren't large enough and we were underfeeding him. SO says, given Maestro's ever increasing bulk, he's nowhere near underfed, just melodramatic.

On his first vet visit, at 5 weeks old, the vet mentioned that his tail was quite a bit smaller than average in proportion to his body size. Well, that stubby, little tail has lengthened (along with the rest of him) and is now about the length of his entire body (we measured it at about 7-8 inches). At times, he glimpses it on the ground twitching next to him, startles and attacks.

2) He mastered the piano trick in only two lessons (Maestro indeed!). I tested him by positioning myself behind him, holding his treats. He faced me, with his back to the keyboard, to see what command I would give, and promptly spun around (away from the treats!) and confidently sounded an F when I said, "Maestro, piano!" At times he gets creative and brings both front paws down, each paw pressing multiple notes. Maybe with a few more lessons he'll be ready to record his first album.

3) Maestro's love affair with his plush fish continues. When I bought it, it was bigger than he was and he was intimidated. When he grew to be just slightly bigger than the fish, it became his best friend, even though he could move it only with great difficulty. Now Maestro is long and lanky enough to easily tote the fish, running and leaping anywhere he pleases. He brings the fish into his pet bed and naps with a protective paw around it. SO says there was a time I went to the store, and SO heard Maestro crying about my absence and found the kitty clinging to his fish like it was a security blanket.

4) Hissing continues to serve as an effective nipping deterrent. He's invented an adorable way to stalk and "attack" me while still staying within the rules: he'll crouch, do the classic butt wiggle, and then rush forward, rear back on his hind legs and bop me with his front paws (claws retracted). Sometimes he just crouches, wiggles, and lunges, stopping abruptly right before making contact, peering at me with his innocent kitten eyes. It's as if he's saying, "Haha, fooled you! You thought I would attack, but I didn't."

He mostly seems to understand not to bite during playtime; but he will bite out of annoyance if he is not getting his way. He especially seems to be in some sort of battle for dominance with SO. While I now rarely get kitty-inflicted injuries, SO's hands and arms are a mess. He won't try the hissing trick. Instead I hear him yelling and swearing at the kitten as if Maestro had just cut him off on the freeway. I found it a little disturbing. He's only a little kitten.

Maestro seems far more defiant than he is scared of SO, so perhaps he is not being as traumatized as I feared he would be. But I still don't think this is an appropriate way to chastise a misbehaving kitten. SO still favors the "time out" approach (which often involves simply tossing him into my room, where he usually settles down and takes a nap). The bites and scratches SO receives are usually from the times he manhandles Maestro to put him in time out. Maestro is never injured, but he does get pretty angry.

Any advice on this?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on July 18, 2020, 06:19:50 AM
You could tell the SO to knock it off and that if it comes down to him or the cat, he might not like your choice.  (Just kidding, though I've told ALHS this many times.) 

But seriously--the SO isn't a child; he can treat the kitten well.  That's the line for me:  anybody who treats an animal badly isn't someone I'll tolerate, even if it's "only" yelling at a critter.  YMMV.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on July 23, 2020, 08:23:02 AM
One of our little boys is working on his nurse-kitty certificate.  I went to bed early last night with a headache and it only took a few minutes (and one pounce on the feet) before he curled up next to me. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on July 23, 2020, 09:03:13 AM
The biting and scratching are part of kitten play, when they're testing their limits and figuring out what hurts and what doesn't. When it happens, SO should just stop whatever they're doing with the kitten, disengage, and redirect to a toy. To extricate one's hand from a cat's death grip, move it towards the cat, not away from it. It's just like dealing with thorns: work with the thorn, not against it.

For my part, the littlest cat (who's the eldest, but 3/4 sized) had her teeth cleaned at the vet yesterday, and a resorbed (resorped?) tooth extracted, the poor love. She's better today, but still a bit wobbly and tired.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on July 24, 2020, 05:36:21 AM
Does anyone believe in feline reincarnation?  Last night our Foster Fail girl (I'll call her FF for fora purposes from here out) stole a corn cob from the sink and was happily munching away on it when StatSpouse found her.  The boys (we'll call them Yin and Yang) were curious but not really interested in eating it.  The only other cat I've ever seen like corn cobs was our LittleGirl.  It was quite an emotional moment. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 28, 2020, 03:39:08 AM
The Larimar household started off this morning with a really rousing game of Laser Light! Twerp and OrangeGuy worked in tandem. Calico, who has the thickest fur and been pretty languid in the heat, surprised me with how much energy she expended. Even HerMajesty participated in some royal recreation. Now they're all flopped on the floor and I need some coffee.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 28, 2020, 09:34:27 AM
Quote from: Larimar on July 28, 2020, 03:39:08 AM
The Larimar household started off this morning with a really rousing game of Laser Light! Twerp and OrangeGuy worked in tandem. Calico, who has the thickest fur and been pretty languid in the heat, surprised me with how much energy she expended. Even HerMajesty participated in some royal recreation. Now they're all flopped on the floor and I need some coffee.

That sounds like an excellent way to start the morning!

In the last few days, Ricochet (the Squirrelly TortieTM) has been doing her best impression of a domesticated cat.  She sat on my lap for a good 15 minutes in a position that was only 50% awkward.  She slept at the foot of the bed and let me pet her when I woke up rather than immediately bolting off the bed.  She did not automatically assume that a treat was poison and actually licked it (she didn't eat it, but you can't have everything).  And she let me brush her without attempting to amputate my fingers and even requested more brushing!  I have no idea what brought this on, but it's so flippin' cute.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on July 28, 2020, 10:42:51 AM
Lately I've noticed a curious behavior from Maestro. It's a variation on a behavior he's had since we first got him.

From day 1, Maestro enjoyed soft, fuzzy blankets. He would "nurse" from the blanket for about 5 minutes at a time: biscuit paws, suckling noises, fervent purring. I read this is fairly common behavior for kittens, especially when separated from mother too soon.

As he's matured, he's been nursing on blankets less often, and I've noticed a new quirk: as soon as SO enters the room, Maestro begins nursing and purring furiously. He will stop as soon as SO exits; we've tested this several times. Maestro does not do this with me. He and I can be lounging together on the bed peacefully, Maestro leaning against my side. Then SO pops in for a chat, Maestro leaps to his feet and attacks the blanket, making suckling noises and forcefully kneading the cloth.

Now I've read some opinions that cats nurse on objects as a form of comfort during stress. I've read others that say cats nurse as a form of comfort. Period. Cats do it because it feels nice, not necessarily because they are stressed.

Is Maestro just excited to see SO? He will often jump in SO's lap or follow him out of the room, so I'd like to think he is not seeing SO as a source of stress.

What does the forum think?

I've heard similarly divided reasons for purring. 1) Cats purr as an expression of pleasure and contentment. 2) Cats purr when experiencing stress or pain as a form of self-soothing. Maestro purrs loudly when I pick up his bowl to fill it and sometimes when he is eating. I assume these are purrs of pleasure. He will also purr sometimes if I simply move to be physically closer to him. No petting, just proximity, and he rumbles away like a motorcycle engine. I want to believe this just means he is happy to be hanging out with me.

How can I make sure he is not purring because he is stressed about me invading his space?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on July 28, 2020, 11:13:55 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 28, 2020, 10:42:51 AM
Lately I've noticed a curious behavior from Maestro. It's a variation on a behavior he's had since we first got him.

From day 1, Maestro enjoyed soft, fuzzy blankets. He would "nurse" from the blanket for about 5 minutes at a time: biscuit paws, suckling noises, fervent purring. I read this is fairly common behavior for kittens, especially when separated from mother too soon.

As he's matured, he's been nursing on blankets less often, and I've noticed a new quirk: as soon as SO enters the room, Maestro begins nursing and purring furiously. He will stop as soon as SO exits; we've tested this several times. Maestro does not do this with me. He and I can be lounging together on the bed peacefully, Maestro leaning against my side. Then SO pops in for a chat, Maestro leaps to his feet and attacks the blanket, making suckling noises and forcefully kneading the cloth.

Now I've read some opinions that cats nurse on objects as a form of comfort during stress. I've read others that say cats nurse as a form of comfort. Period. Cats do it because it feels nice, not necessarily because they are stressed.

Is Maestro just excited to see SO? He will often jump in SO's lap or follow him out of the room, so I'd like to think he is not seeing SO as a source of stress.

What does the forum think?

I've heard similarly divided reasons for purring. 1) Cats purr as an expression of pleasure and contentment. 2) Cats purr when experiencing stress or pain as a form of self-soothing. Maestro purrs loudly when I pick up his bowl to fill it and sometimes when he is eating. I assume these are purrs of pleasure. He will also purr sometimes if I simply move to be physically closer to him. No petting, just proximity, and he rumbles away like a motorcycle engine. I want to believe this just means he is happy to be hanging out with me.

How can I make sure he is not purring because he is stressed about me invading his space?
I don't think there's anything wrong -- try to just relax and enjoy him-- he seems like he's really enjoying both of you.

My understanding is that these behaviors indicate a desire for affiliation. Kittens purr, kneed and suck around their mother to elicit care and cement their bond, and cats have transferred some of these behaviors to us. So they do it when they're happy to be with us, and when greeting us (probably what he's doing when SO enters the room), and when they're stressed and want our reassurance and care.

My two sibs purr when I'm petting them and also when they are grooming each other, which I think amounts to basically the same things for cats. They are also highly attuned to each other's purrs even when too far away for me to hear them-- If I'm petting panther boy, little calico will come running from wherever she is to get in on the action.

He seems to have outgrown it now, but when panther boy was younger he'd try to nurse on little calico, sucking on random parts of her fur. She mostly tolerated it but sometimes got annoyed and stalked off.


Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on July 28, 2020, 11:26:20 AM
Yeah, I think the other behavioural cues all seem fine. As long as he's not avoiding contact when he purrs, or putting himself away in a dark corner, it should be fine and perfectly happy purring.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 28, 2020, 11:44:31 AM
He just thinks the two of you are funny-shaped, two-legged mother cats.

Sort of like my 5-year-old music student who likes to bang on coffee cans for drums, which we do, answering each other and playing rhythm games, for quite awhile sometimes.

I think he thinks I'm just a very large 5-year-old playmate.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 28, 2020, 01:31:01 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on July 28, 2020, 11:26:20 AM
Yeah, I think the other behavioural cues all seem fine. As long as he's not avoiding contact when he purrs, or putting himself away in a dark corner, it should be fine and perfectly happy purring.

I agree. It sounds like Maestro is most likely absolutely fine.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 28, 2020, 01:33:31 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 28, 2020, 10:42:51 AM
Lately I've noticed a curious behavior from Maestro. It's a variation on a behavior he's had since we first got him.

From day 1, Maestro enjoyed soft, fuzzy blankets. He would "nurse" from the blanket for about 5 minutes at a time: biscuit paws, suckling noises, fervent purring. I read this is fairly common behavior for kittens, especially when separated from mother too soon.

As he's matured, he's been nursing on blankets less often, and I've noticed a new quirk: as soon as SO enters the room, Maestro begins nursing and purring furiously. He will stop as soon as SO exits; we've tested this several times. Maestro does not do this with me. He and I can be lounging together on the bed peacefully, Maestro leaning against my side. Then SO pops in for a chat, Maestro leaps to his feet and attacks the blanket, making suckling noises and forcefully kneading the cloth.

Now I've read some opinions that cats nurse on objects as a form of comfort during stress. I've read others that say cats nurse as a form of comfort. Period. Cats do it because it feels nice, not necessarily because they are stressed.

Is Maestro just excited to see SO? He will often jump in SO's lap or follow him out of the room, so I'd like to think he is not seeing SO as a source of stress.

What does the forum think?

I've heard similarly divided reasons for purring. 1) Cats purr as an expression of pleasure and contentment. 2) Cats purr when experiencing stress or pain as a form of self-soothing. Maestro purrs loudly when I pick up his bowl to fill it and sometimes when he is eating. I assume these are purrs of pleasure. He will also purr sometimes if I simply move to be physically closer to him. No petting, just proximity, and he rumbles away like a motorcycle engine. I want to believe this just means he is happy to be hanging out with me.

How can I make sure he is not purring because he is stressed about me invading his space?

It sounds like Maestro loves both of you :o)
Two of my cats, Sir Puck & Lady Jane, will jump on my lap & to the "purr-y slobbers" with foot kneading when I'm wearing my pjs. I think it's because that's what I wore to cuddle with them when we brought them home.  It's a sign of happiness.  I think Maestro really loves your company and likes having you near.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on July 28, 2020, 01:48:00 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 28, 2020, 10:42:51 AM
Lately I've noticed a curious behavior from Maestro. It's a variation on a behavior he's had since we first got him.

From day 1, Maestro enjoyed soft, fuzzy blankets. He would "nurse" from the blanket for about 5 minutes at a time: biscuit paws, suckling noises, fervent purring. I read this is fairly common behavior for kittens, especially when separated from mother too soon.


We had an adult cat that would do this on one particular blanket.  And get so fixated/entranced that he'd let out a startled meow if you touched or otherwise interrupted him.  It got slightly uncomfortable at times, like, should we give them some privacy?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 28, 2020, 01:55:40 PM
Quote from: sprout on July 28, 2020, 01:48:00 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 28, 2020, 10:42:51 AM
Lately I've noticed a curious behavior from Maestro. It's a variation on a behavior he's had since we first got him.

From day 1, Maestro enjoyed soft, fuzzy blankets. He would "nurse" from the blanket for about 5 minutes at a time: biscuit paws, suckling noises, fervent purring. I read this is fairly common behavior for kittens, especially when separated from mother too soon.


We had an adult cat that would do this on one particular blanket.  And get so fixated/entranced that he'd let out a startled meow if you touched or otherwise interrupted him.  It got slightly uncomfortable at times, like, should we give them some privacy?

This! This is Elder Evil cat!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Catherder on August 01, 2020, 05:34:26 AM
"Look! A Bird"  I'm not sure if this belongs there or here.  With the very hot weather we've been having, all the doors and windows are open and my cat has been racing from one screen to another.  To the front door, sparrows on the lawn. To the back door, geese on the lawn. Leaping up to a side window, goldfinches in the lilac bushes. Up onto my desk, robins and doves in the cherry tree, and down to a back window, a catbird on the stump and a kingfisher hovering.  Lots of predatory crouching and tail lashing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 01, 2020, 10:54:12 AM
Quote from: Catherder on August 01, 2020, 05:34:26 AM
"Look! A Bird"  I'm not sure if this belongs there or here.  With the very hot weather we've been having, all the doors and windows are open and my cat has been racing from one screen to another.  To the front door, sparrows on the lawn. To the back door, geese on the lawn. Leaping up to a side window, goldfinches in the lilac bushes. Up onto my desk, robins and doves in the cherry tree, and down to a back window, a catbird on the stump and a kingfisher hovering.  Lots of predatory crouching and tail lashing.

Sounds like a lot of fun was had! And you have lilacs and a cherry tree in your yard? How lovely!

The other day I was bringing the trash bin back from the curb after the trash collectors had been through, and discovered a suspicious pile of gray feathers in the yard - probably mourning dove - and one of the feral colony cats was a plausibly-deniable distance away but looking quite proud of herself...

Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 03, 2020, 10:58:54 AM
Quote from: Catherder on August 01, 2020, 05:34:26 AM
"Look! A Bird"  I'm not sure if this belongs there or here.  With the very hot weather we've been having, all the doors and windows are open and my cat has been racing from one screen to another.  To the front door, sparrows on the lawn. To the back door, geese on the lawn. Leaping up to a side window, goldfinches in the lilac bushes. Up onto my desk, robins and doves in the cherry tree, and down to a back window, a catbird on the stump and a kingfisher hovering.  Lots of predatory crouching and tail lashing.

The mightiest of mighty hunters has to keep on their toes!  So many birds!  Any chirping or singing involved?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Catherder on August 03, 2020, 11:14:57 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 03, 2020, 10:58:54 AM


The mightiest of mighty hunters has to keep on their toes!  So many birds! Any chirping or singing involved?

Oh yes, my cat does both.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 10, 2020, 12:06:24 PM
I had the hardest time getting our cat in for an urgent, non-emergency vet appointment.  The 24-hour emergency vet said they would only take trauma cases, the local vet said they only take emergencies, and the far-side-of-town said they are booked solid for more than 2 weeks out.
I finally got her seen last week when I begged to drop her off and leave her all day with the local vet just in case she could be seen between scheduled cases.
But I could get a next-day appointment for vaccinations.  Really?!?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 10, 2020, 12:18:39 PM
They can charge extra for vaccinations.

Next time, book the vaccination first, and ask for an exam at the same time.

One has to be crafty....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 10, 2020, 01:17:34 PM
Quote from: mamselle on August 10, 2020, 12:18:39 PM
They can charge extra for vaccinations.

Next time, book the vaccination first, and ask for an exam at the same time.

One has to be crafty....

M.

I've been thinking and realized that the vaccinations can be handled by vet techs and don't require the main veterinarian.  That's probably why they are easy to schedule. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 10, 2020, 03:15:47 PM
Oh, OK, yeah.

Probably a less sinister reason.

Sorry....we don't need any more drama, do we?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: wareagle on August 12, 2020, 08:47:51 AM
Fatso Catso has CUPS, which I had never heard of, and is apparently fairly common.  He's never had great teeth, and I'm assuming at some point the ones that remain will be pulled.  He also has tooth resorption.  When I saw the X-rays, I was shocked.  Teeth and roots that were there in 2017 were completely gone three years later.

Fortunately, he loves canned food.  Good thing, since he'll be on it for the rest of his life.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 12, 2020, 10:08:38 AM
Quote from: wareagle on August 12, 2020, 08:47:51 AM
Fatso Catso has CUPS, which I had never heard of, and is apparently fairly common.  He's never had great teeth, and I'm assuming at some point the ones that remain will be pulled.  He also has tooth resorption.  When I saw the X-rays, I was shocked.  Teeth and roots that were there in 2017 were completely gone three years later.

Fortunately, he loves canned food.  Good thing, since he'll be on it for the rest of his life.

Poor kitty. Elder evil cat had several teeth pulled this year, so now one side of his mouth is lacking them. Makes eating cat grass interesting for him...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on August 13, 2020, 05:01:40 AM
We had a wonderful kitty when I was little who had no teeth for the last several years of her life, and did just fine.  We gave her wet food arranged in a "mountain" on the plate so she could lick it up easily. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 13, 2020, 06:26:40 AM
Kitty updates?

How's Maestro doing?

My students cats have stopped crowding into the background and looking out the window to distract me.

She says it's because her 5-year-old has taken to holding them hostage in his bedroom so he can play with them during her lesson.

I wonder...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 13, 2020, 08:48:09 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on August 13, 2020, 05:01:40 AM
We had a wonderful kitty when I was little who had no teeth for the last several years of her life, and did just fine.  We gave her wet food arranged in a "mountain" on the plate so she could lick it up easily.

Buddycat was close to being the "one toothed wonder" and still happily ate kibble and wet food.  Chewing is totally optional.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: MarathonRunner on August 22, 2020, 07:34:22 AM
I am currently owned by four cats. We never intended to have four, but, well, life happened. The eldest is on heart medication due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the next oldest has outlived his prognosis by 4 years (in Feb 2016 he was given 1-3 months to live). The two youngest are pretty much in good health (bar food/environmental allergies).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Cheerful on August 22, 2020, 09:48:16 AM
Anyone know how smallcleanrat is doing?  She used to post in this thread so thought I'd ask here.

She had a lot going on.  Hope she is doing well.  Wishing her the very best.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on August 23, 2020, 06:12:28 AM
Jake, our outside visiting cat, has disappeared since about 10 days ago.  I've cone some sneaky drives through the neighborhood and haven't seen anything hit by a car, which I'd think would be unlikely anyway, since he could run faster than any cat I've ever seen. 

With his personality, I'm convinced he took up with a  family who let him into the house, and he's found an inside home.  Good for him, both in the recent heat and with the coming winter.  (We couldn't--meaning, I wouldn't--let him in the house, both because I don't want my furniture shredded and also because the two girls would NOT have it.  They're 13 and deserve to not have their lives turned upside down by a kitten they clearly don't want in here.)

The girls are fat and sassy, and they lounge around in their late-summer way, lying in the sun while enjoying the AC. Come cooler weather, and they'll perk up and become frisky, if this year follows their usual pattern.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 23, 2020, 08:54:43 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 28, 2020, 10:42:51 AM
Lately I've noticed a curious behavior from Maestro. It's a variation on a behavior he's had since we first got him.

From day 1, Maestro enjoyed soft, fuzzy blankets. He would "nurse" from the blanket for about 5 minutes at a time: biscuit paws, suckling noises, fervent purring. I read this is fairly common behavior for kittens, especially when separated from mother too soon.

As he's matured, he's been nursing on blankets less often, and I've noticed a new quirk: as soon as SO enters the room, Maestro begins nursing and purring furiously. He will stop as soon as SO exits; we've tested this several times. Maestro does not do this with me. He and I can be lounging together on the bed peacefully, Maestro leaning against my side. Then SO pops in for a chat, Maestro leaps to his feet and attacks the blanket, making suckling noises and forcefully kneading the cloth.

Now I've read some opinions that cats nurse on objects as a form of comfort during stress. I've read others that say cats nurse as a form of comfort. Period. Cats do it because it feels nice, not necessarily because they are stressed.

Is Maestro just excited to see SO? He will often jump in SO's lap or follow him out of the room, so I'd like to think he is not seeing SO as a source of stress.

What does the forum think?

I've heard similarly divided reasons for purring. 1) Cats purr as an expression of pleasure and contentment. 2) Cats purr when experiencing stress or pain as a form of self-soothing. Maestro purrs loudly when I pick up his bowl to fill it and sometimes when he is eating. I assume these are purrs of pleasure. He will also purr sometimes if I simply move to be physically closer to him. No petting, just proximity, and he rumbles away like a motorcycle engine. I want to believe this just means he is happy to be hanging out with me.

How can I make sure he is not purring because he is stressed about me invading his space?

Agreed...I was also thinking of smallcleanrat a couple of days ago.

Her post on this thread, 3 weeks ago, was her most recent post overall.

I hope all is going as well as possible.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on August 24, 2020, 07:43:37 AM
My brother recently lost his cat of 12 years.  He was sad to lose the old fellow.  They still have a younger cat who is doing fine. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on August 24, 2020, 10:38:58 AM
Quote from: apl68 on August 24, 2020, 07:43:37 AM
My brother recently lost his cat of 12 years.  He was sad to lose the old fellow.  They still have a younger cat who is doing fine.
12 is not nearly long enough. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 24, 2020, 11:30:37 AM
Sorry to hear it. I agree that 12 years is not enough.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on August 26, 2020, 07:24:13 AM
This morning's feline encounter:

In the broad alley
A black cat crossing my path
Just what I needed!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 26, 2020, 07:27:01 AM
They're good luck, you know....

;--》

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on August 26, 2020, 08:41:11 AM
Orestes has grown so much when he stretches out on the floor, it looks like he has a 2nd cat midsection grafted in.  He's like an accordion.  Or a dining table with a leaf that drops into place when he goes long-cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on August 26, 2020, 10:21:32 AM
Quote from: Larimar on August 24, 2020, 11:30:37 AM
Sorry to hear it. I agree that 12 years is not enough.

In this case it was longer than they had expected.  The cat had had a chronic condition that could easily have cut his life much shorter.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on August 26, 2020, 10:24:15 AM
Quote from: mamselle on August 26, 2020, 07:27:01 AM
They're good luck, you know....

;--》

M.

Their reputation notwithstanding, I actually love black cats (As much as I can love a creature I'm allergic to and can't have around the house).  Our family had several over the years.  For a time Mom and Dad had both a black lab and a black cat.  Had they lived in old Salem Village they might have been in trouble with pets like that!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: San Joaquin on August 27, 2020, 07:52:19 PM
I'm ready for FB and such to cease the asinine political bickering and get back to posting cute cat videos.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on August 27, 2020, 09:27:18 PM
QuoteI'm ready for FB and such to cease the asinine political bickering and get back to posting cute cat videos.

I know that THIS is not the thread to make such statements, but I search the internet (even twitter) to see what Mable and Olive have posted lately!! 

I think that this was the last one I saw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l942GNHc7rw

(Sorry to put up a DOG video in the CAT thread.... not sorry, really.... That is JUST the politically divided world we are living in these days!!)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: fleabite on August 28, 2020, 04:26:02 AM
Quote from: FishProf on August 26, 2020, 08:41:11 AM
Orestes has grown so much when he stretches out on the floor, it looks like he has a 2nd cat midsection grafted in.  He's like an accordion.  Or a dining table with a leaf that drops into place when he goes long-cat.

I love these images!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 28, 2020, 10:33:56 AM
Izzy's 1st birthday was yesterday!  We celebrated with a birthday sign, new toys, and entirely too many treats.  I posted pictures on social media. 
My mom is slightly mortified.  She is still disappointed that I have cats and not kids.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 28, 2020, 10:41:30 AM
Tell her cats are easier to potty-train.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 28, 2020, 01:22:57 PM
Elder evil cat has learned how to headbutt open the gate to the kitchen. Now, not only can he open doors (so far, only with lever handles), but he can open gates (which swing open) by exerting enough force. Why do we have the gate?- so he won't eat Eldest evil cat's food.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on August 29, 2020, 07:27:08 AM
Quote from: FishProf on August 26, 2020, 08:41:11 AM
Orestes has grown so much when he stretches out on the floor, it looks like he has a 2nd cat midsection grafted in.  He's like an accordion.  Or a dining table with a leaf that drops into place when he goes long-cat.

I call that the "taffy puller" stage of kittenhood.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on August 29, 2020, 07:47:36 AM
Quote from: citrine on August 29, 2020, 07:27:08 AM
Quote from: FishProf on August 26, 2020, 08:41:11 AM
Orestes has grown so much when he stretches out on the floor, it looks like he has a 2nd cat midsection grafted in.  He's like an accordion.  Or a dining table with a leaf that drops into place when he goes long-cat.

I call that the "taffy puller" stage of kittenhood.

That is an apt description.  It is kind weird to watch.  As if he's attempting binary fission.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on August 29, 2020, 09:01:29 AM
The red cat never grew out of his taffy puller stage.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on August 29, 2020, 11:41:25 AM
I expect Orestes to grow to the point where picking him up doesn't get him off the floor.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on August 29, 2020, 03:48:58 PM
We set some peaches in a bowl on the counter this morning. I came into the kitchen later and found Ninja licking and rubbing her cheek against a peach.  Ummm, what?! No idea what brought that on. Any other fora cats like fruit?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on August 29, 2020, 06:22:03 PM
I broke down under the  insistence of Panther Boy that one short evening walk in his harness was completely inadequate (and his siamese heritage is confirmed in the volume at which he tells me this) and purchased what the company calls a catery but which I've dubbed the cat coop. It's a wood and wire structure about 3' deep by 6' long by 6' high, positioned against the side of the house so they can go out the window into it.

Took quite a lot of assembly but with my trusty cordless electric screwdriver I finished putting it together today and it took the cats about 30 seconds to head out the window into it when I opened the screen for them. Little Calico surprised me by going first, closely followed by her brother. They practiced going in and out several times to reassure themselves they could get back in, then settled in for a long session of smelling and eating the grass and sitting on the perches checking out the yard from their new vantage, observed by the neighbors who had been following this odyssey with interest. They are now back in and asleep-- so much excitement seems to have tuckered them out.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 30, 2020, 12:03:44 AM
Sounds a bit like the "catio" I saw advertised the other day.

What we don't do for them...!!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 30, 2020, 04:17:04 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on August 29, 2020, 03:48:58 PM
We set some peaches in a bowl on the counter this morning. I came into the kitchen later and found Ninja licking and rubbing her cheek against a peach.  Ummm, what?! No idea what brought that on. Any other fora cats like fruit?

Maybe it's a texture (fuzziness) thing?

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 30, 2020, 05:22:00 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 30, 2020, 04:17:04 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on August 29, 2020, 03:48:58 PM
We set some peaches in a bowl on the counter this morning. I came into the kitchen later and found Ninja licking and rubbing her cheek against a peach.  Ummm, what?! No idea what brought that on. Any other fora cats like fruit?

Maybe it's a texture (fuzziness) thing?



That'd be my guess.

The current Larimar cats don't go for fruit, but the late calico Harlequin did love corn chips!

Quote from: FishProf on August 29, 2020, 07:47:36 AM
Quote from: citrine on August 29, 2020, 07:27:08 AM
Quote from: FishProf on August 26, 2020, 08:41:11 AM
Orestes has grown so much when he stretches out on the floor, it looks like he has a 2nd cat midsection grafted in.  He's like an accordion.  Or a dining table with a leaf that drops into place when he goes long-cat.

I call that the "taffy puller" stage of kittenhood.

That is an apt description.  It is kind weird to watch.  As if he's attempting binary fission.

Quote from: FishProf on August 29, 2020, 11:41:25 AM
I expect Orestes to grow to the point where picking him up doesn't get him off the floor.

LOL!


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on August 30, 2020, 06:33:51 AM
It's cooled off a bit and the humidity has dropped, so the girls are in bliss:  Mom shut off the AC and opened the windows and doors.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 30, 2020, 08:12:34 AM
Puget:

That catio sounds pretty cool. As for Siamese heritage, I'm wondering if Elder evil cat has some. When he parades around the room, with a sock or toy in his mouth, he will howl and cry very, very loudly. I can hear him several rooms away if I'm not there with him!

Edit: He is also incredibly loud at other times and I think his mother 'may' have had some Siamese.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Catherder on August 30, 2020, 09:58:36 AM
My cat's cat noises are so soft that you have to touch her to know she's purring. Although every morning she does sing out at about 9 AM.

I've never heard her growl or hiss--she's really sweet-tempered. But yesterday evening I annoyed her by touching her paws while she was stretched out against me in the couch. She grabbed my hand, bit it (fiercely?  gently? Hard to tell.) and leapt off the couch, tail lashing. Most unusual.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on August 30, 2020, 11:10:14 AM
QuoteShe grabbed my hand, bit it (fiercely?  gently? Hard to tell.) and leapt off the couch, tail lashing. Most unusual

You were Spanked!!  you should THINK about that next time! 

My cat would then proceed to hold a grudge for a while.  Sitting with his back to me. The occasional tail swish marked the 'time out' clock. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 30, 2020, 01:18:33 PM
Quote from: clean on August 30, 2020, 11:10:14 AM
QuoteShe grabbed my hand, bit it (fiercely?  gently? Hard to tell.) and leapt off the couch, tail lashing. Most unusual

You were Spanked!!  you should THINK about that next time! 

My cat would then proceed to hold a grudge for a while.  Sitting with his back to me. The occasional tail swish marked the 'time out' clock.

The idea of a cat spanking someone just made me laugh.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on August 30, 2020, 01:58:58 PM
After more than 4 years, Ricochet appears to have finally figured out that 1) beds are good places to nap and 2) if the human comes into the room when she is on the bed, it is not necessary to immediately hide.  Now, if she is napping on the bed and one of us comes into the room, she will allow head scritches and some light full body petting, with an occasional tummy rub (not if both of us come into the room though, that requires immediate hiding because you never know what those humans will do if there's more than one of them at a time). Such a brave kitty!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 31, 2020, 04:49:01 AM
Yay for Ricochet's progress. Kitty-petting is a good thing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Geonerd on August 31, 2020, 08:26:27 PM
I now have a childproof lock on my freezer. The FurNerds have figured out how to open the door while sitting on top of the fridge. I'm both annoyed and proud.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 31, 2020, 08:57:57 PM
Let me guess.

The frozen fish was on top?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on September 02, 2020, 10:51:57 AM
We haven't seen any for a couple of months, but I just removed a tick from the corner of the red cat's eyelid. Those twizzlers are magic!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 02, 2020, 04:08:49 PM
Hurray for Ricochet becoming more friendly!
The FurNerds sound like they are entirely too clever.  I'm sure our cats would open the fridge if they knew it contained food.
And ticks are super gross.  I removed one from a cat's tail once.  I thought it was a growth or mole until I saw the legs.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on September 02, 2020, 05:07:08 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on September 02, 2020, 04:08:49 PM

And ticks are super gross.  I removed one from a cat's tail once.  I thought it was a growth or mole until I saw the legs.

*shudder*

The red cat gets, like, 30+ a year here. Spring is terrifying.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 02, 2020, 05:23:31 PM
I moved the bookcase this evening because the gas "wood" stove is going to go in that corner -- there were 20(!) of the plastic spring toys back there. I thought they were distributed under various radiators and the fridge, but nope.

Cats are stilling loving the cat coop. I think they will be very displeased when it gets cold-- we'll see down to what temperature they still want to go out there (and what temperature I'm willing to leave the window cracked for them to do so).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 02, 2020, 07:07:44 PM
Hey, when you find a good hiding place, why waste it?


    ^     ^
      o  o
  _ \ uu  /_
     /      \

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 03, 2020, 10:56:54 AM
Quote from: Puget on September 02, 2020, 05:23:31 PM
I moved the bookcase this evening because the gas "wood" stove is going to go in that corner -- there were 20(!) of the plastic spring toys back there. I thought they were distributed under various radiators and the fridge, but nope.

Cats are stilling loving the cat coop. I think they will be very displeased when it gets cold-- we'll see down to what temperature they still want to go out there (and what temperature I'm willing to leave the window cracked for them to do so).

Come now, can't you just heat up the outside?  Our cats are baffled when it gets too hot or too cold or too wet to go sniff around in the garden ("Well, aren't you going to fix this?!")
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 04, 2020, 10:14:55 AM
Sorry for the double-post.
Our Effie cat is in the vet with severe dehydration.  We think he's having another gastric ulcer like last year - vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 04, 2020, 10:31:09 AM
Sorry about Ephie.

In my house, Orestes continues to be a dunderhead.  While we have been zealous about keeping elastics (and thread, twine, ribbon etc) out of his reach.  Last night I heard the hairball sound, and walked into the kitchen to witness the regurgitation of a Nerf dart.

He is the dumbest cat I've ever known in this regard.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 04, 2020, 12:50:28 PM
Quote from: FishProf on September 04, 2020, 10:31:09 AM
Sorry about Ephie.

In my house, Orestes continues to be a dunderhead.  While we have been zealous about keeping elastics (and thread, twine, ribbon etc) out of his reach.  Last night I heard the hairball sound, and walked into the kitchen to witness the regurgitation of a Nerf dart.

He is the dumbest cat I've ever known in this regard.

Sorry to hear, FP.

Pica?

Youngest evil cat likes wires, so we also have to be pretty cautious about having her near them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 04, 2020, 12:54:08 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 04, 2020, 12:50:28 PM
Pica?

I suspect so. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 04, 2020, 12:58:49 PM
Poor Effie and Orestes. Hope they're both feeling better.

Speaking of feline regurgitations, Calico and HerMajesty have been getting some hairballs lately. Anyone know if those "hairball control" cat foods and cat treats actually help?


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 04, 2020, 01:00:29 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on September 04, 2020, 10:14:55 AM
Sorry for the double-post.
Our Effie cat is in the vet with severe dehydration.  We think he's having another gastric ulcer like last year - vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool.

Sorry to hear. :(
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 04, 2020, 01:01:29 PM
Quote from: Larimar on September 04, 2020, 12:58:49 PM
Poor Effie and Orestes. Hope they're both feeling better.

Speaking of feline regurgitations, Calico and HerMajesty have been getting some hairballs lately. Anyone know if those "hairball control" cat foods and cat treats actually help?


Larimar

We've been experimenting with hairball 'remedies' and so far the results are mixed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 04, 2020, 01:02:47 PM
Quote from: Larimar on September 04, 2020, 12:58:49 PM
Poor Effie and Orestes. Hope they're both feeling better.

Speaking of feline regurgitations, Calico and HerMajesty have been getting some hairballs lately. Anyone know if those "hairball control" cat foods and cat treats actually help?


Larimar

The liquid goop that's mostly mineral oil and molasses does help.  Don't give them as much as it recommends on the tube or it can cause oily stools.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 04, 2020, 01:09:03 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on September 04, 2020, 10:14:55 AM
Sorry for the double-post.
Our Effie cat is in the vet with severe dehydration.  We think he's having another gastric ulcer like last year - vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool.

Poor baby Effie cat. The OMY cats send scritches and hope he can escape from the vet soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 04, 2020, 05:29:33 PM
If it continues, take your kitty to the vet or call up for a checkup.

I ignored my longhaired, fluffy cat's spit-ups too long--thinking them just self-grooming by-products-- for the vet to be able to operate on the bowel obstruction that was growing.

They can indeed be nothing, but if they're really persistent, or contain a lot of mucous, it might be good to at least call it in.

Good luck and cuddly scritches to all Fora kitties.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on September 04, 2020, 05:54:46 PM
The hairball pastes are good. You can sometimes mix them with wet food if the cat won't eat them alone. Canned pumpkin is also a real wonder for getting things moving out the correct end. Again, you'll want to mix it with something since most cats will not enjoy it on its own.

I was the sole human servant for 21 kittens and 40 adult cats during my shelter shift on Thursday. Oof.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 04, 2020, 06:05:13 PM
Quote from: FishProf on September 04, 2020, 10:31:09 AM

In my house, Orestes continues to be a dunderhead.  While we have been zealous about keeping elastics (and thread, twine, ribbon etc) out of his reach.  Last night I heard the hairball sound, and walked into the kitchen to witness the regurgitation of a Nerf dart.

He is the dumbest cat I've ever known in this regard.

Perhaps he's a true experimentalist?  So, elastics are bad to eat, eating elastics gets me sent to the vet.  But what about these Nerf dart things? I mean, they could be bad like elastics or they could be OK.   Only one way to find out!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 05, 2020, 11:57:40 AM
Thanks, everyone.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 05, 2020, 12:11:39 PM
OR, maybe it feels like some atavistic, "gnawing on gristle" thing.

Are there any safe substitutes, like pig's knuckles, that don't have any actual bone in them?

Just brainstorming...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ursula on September 05, 2020, 07:38:03 PM
Quote from: FishProf on September 04, 2020, 10:31:09 AM
Sorry about Ephie.

In my house, Orestes continues to be a dunderhead.  While we have been zealous about keeping elastics (and thread, twine, ribbon etc) out of his reach.  Last night I heard the hairball sound, and walked into the kitchen to witness the regurgitation of a Nerf dart.

He is the dumbest cat I've ever known in this regard.

Our Cleo is nuts about earplugs.  We have to work to keep them out of her reach after she swallowed one, and cotched it up again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Catherder on September 07, 2020, 07:50:23 AM

[/quote]

Our Cleo is nuts about earplugs.  We have to work to keep them out of her reach after she swallowed one, and cotched it up again.
[/quote]

Oh yes, daughter's cat is also fascinated with earbuds. Over the past 4 years she has destroyed a few hundred $ worth. She doesn't swallow them, though. Just chews them up.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on September 07, 2020, 09:44:51 AM
How are the kitties today?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 07, 2020, 09:54:03 AM
Orestes spent the night vomiting, won't eat, and is now back at the hospital.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on September 07, 2020, 10:29:07 AM
Quote from: FishProf on September 07, 2020, 09:54:03 AM
Orestes spent the night vomiting, won't eat, and is now back at the hospital.

Sorry to hear that.  Hope he gets better soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 07, 2020, 10:33:14 AM
Quote from: FishProf on September 07, 2020, 09:54:03 AM
Orestes spent the night vomiting, won't eat, and is now back at the hospital.

Poor buddy. So sorry to hear this FishProf. Hope you get good news soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 07, 2020, 11:55:01 AM
Orestes is going under the knife again (that is 3x since March).  X-rays showed fluid build-up in intestines and some "loopy foreign bodies" in the intestines.

Foe those of you not up to speed on my little idiot, he likes to eat hair elastics.  19 all told last time.  Who knows how many this time.

He's lucky he's so cute....

I'm lucky I said yes to the under-enrolled extra courses.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 07, 2020, 12:23:12 PM
Quote from: FishProf on September 07, 2020, 11:55:01 AM
Orestes is going under the knife again (that is 3x since March).  X-rays showed fluid build-up in intestines and some "loopy foreign bodies" in the intestines.

Foe those of you not up to speed on my little idiot, he likes to eat hair elastics.  19 all told last time.  Who knows how many this time.

He's lucky he's so cute....

I'm lucky I said yes to the under-enrolled extra courses.

Poor baby and poor budget! Maybe it's time to ban elastics from the household? Bulky inedible barrettes only, or short hair for all!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 07, 2020, 12:28:40 PM
I threatened shaving everyone's head.  Smolt and MrsFsihProf were aghast, but i have the longest hair so the most to give up (although, given standard hair style lengths by gender, the least to lose).

A thorough cleaning up is a better plan.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 07, 2020, 01:14:26 PM
Sorry to hear it. Poor Orestes. Hope he'll be okay and won't eat any more hair elastics.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 07, 2020, 01:24:55 PM
Maybe some were still in his stomach and hadn't gotten into the part of the intestines they operated on the last time (trying to give Orestes at least a tiny bit of the benefit of the doubt...)?

But the ear-buds tell against him...

All good thoughts.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 07, 2020, 06:01:57 PM
Orestes is out of surgery.  It wasn't elastics, although the docs were all surprises based on the x-rays. 

It was some black cap thingie with threads.  I asked them to save it so I could know what he ate and keep similar things away from him.

But he's ok.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 07, 2020, 06:53:12 PM
Glad he's ok, hope he learns to curb his appetites.

Scritches, anyway....after all, he's a kitty.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 07, 2020, 10:26:46 PM
It's good to hear that Orestes is out of surgery.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 07, 2020, 10:35:06 PM
Glad Orestes got through the surgery okay. Hope he won't continue to eat weird stuff.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 08, 2020, 06:01:48 AM
Smolt just completed a top to bottom sweep of the house to collect anything he might eat. 

Basically, anything smaller than his head, apparently.

He comes home midday.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 08, 2020, 06:49:58 AM
Good use of children, to have them do the cleaning.

Cats the world over will take note, no doubt.

Happy homecoming to Orestes, and let's hope he stays out of trouble!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 08, 2020, 08:29:17 AM
Smolt found about a dozen of her own things that have been missing for months.  Bonus!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 08, 2020, 09:40:29 AM
Glad to hear that the surgery went well for Orestes.  Cats are indeed lucky they are cute!

In sad news, Effie cat died at the vets office.  We got to be there to say goodbye.  The vet thinks it was lymphoma based on the symptoms and the suddenness of it all.  It was a peaceful end, but it's heart-wrenching that they made us sign the damn paperwork first.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 08, 2020, 09:48:46 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on September 08, 2020, 09:40:29 AM
Glad to hear that the surgery went well for Orestes.  Cats are indeed lucky they are cute!

In sad news, Effie cat died at the vets office.  We got to be there to say goodbye.  The vet thinks it was lymphoma based on the symptoms and the suddenness of it all.  It was a peaceful end, but it's heart-wrenching that they made us sign the damn paperwork first.

I'm so sorry-- it's hard to lose them, even when they've had a good long life.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 08, 2020, 10:43:53 AM
Very sorry to hear about Effie. Agreed that it is really hard to lose a kitty.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on September 08, 2020, 01:04:56 PM
Very sorry to read about Effie. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 08, 2020, 01:38:42 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on September 08, 2020, 09:40:29 AM
Glad to hear that the surgery went well for Orestes.  Cats are indeed lucky they are cute!

In sad news, Effie cat died at the vets office.  We got to be there to say goodbye.  The vet thinks it was lymphoma based on the symptoms and the suddenness of it all.  It was a peaceful end, but it's heart-wrenching that they made us sign the damn paperwork first.

I'm so sorry.  Being there to say goodbye is so hard, but it is so important. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 08, 2020, 04:52:40 PM
Agreed.

I held my first kitty (FEL-V, age 4, before they had treatment regimens and vaccines) and brushed her, because that was her favorite thing, while they did the injections.

I've always been glad they let me do that.

RIP, Effie.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 08, 2020, 05:40:03 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on September 08, 2020, 09:40:29 AM
Glad to hear that the surgery went well for Orestes.  Cats are indeed lucky they are cute!

In sad news, Effie cat died at the vets office.  We got to be there to say goodbye.  The vet thinks it was lymphoma based on the symptoms and the suddenness of it all.  It was a peaceful end, but it's heart-wrenching that they made us sign the damn paperwork first.

I'm sorry to hear this.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 09, 2020, 10:36:10 AM
Thank you for the kind words.  Effie was Mr. Dr. Geneticist's cat, or rather Mr. Dr. Geneticist was Effie's person.  I was a distant second, but considering Effie disliked most all people I was happy that he let me pet him.  They were together 15 years.
Our other cats keep searching the house.  I think they are looking for Effie.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 09, 2020, 10:47:05 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on September 09, 2020, 10:36:10 AM
Thank you for the kind words.  Effie was Mr. Dr. Geneticist's cat, or rather Mr. Dr. Geneticist was Effie's person.  I was a distant second, but considering Effie disliked most all people I was happy that he let me pet him.  They were together 15 years.
Our other cats keep searching the house.  I think they are looking for Effie.

I'm so sorry to hear about Effie cat, but glad it was peaceful and you could be with him as he crossed the bridge.

When my tuxedo buddy died too young of renal complications, my fluffy calico, who had adopted him as her own, spent the next few days searching for him and crying.  She never "adopted" any of the other kittens that we brought into her life.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 10, 2020, 12:38:28 PM
Sorry for double posting.

Richochet is currently hanging out under my doc cam. Perhaps she thinks my students would prefer to admire her gorgeous tortie fur rather than practice hand calculations.

She is probably correct.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 10, 2020, 02:17:06 PM
You could take a screen shot and use it for your backdrop for the class....

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 14, 2020, 12:10:42 PM
Elder evil cat was baaaaaad during my last Webex. He howled and yowled because he wasn't in the room with me (which was intentional- he gets into everything). SO was preoccupied and so couldn't remove him. For almost 40 minutes he just stared at me from the other room.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on September 15, 2020, 11:59:42 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on September 10, 2020, 12:38:28 PM
Sorry for double posting.

Richochet is currently hanging out under my doc cam. Perhaps she thinks my students would prefer to admire her gorgeous tortie fur rather than practice hand calculations.

She is probably correct.

I'm still eagerly awaiting my doc cam, not least so I can screen-share it during my lectures to keep students paying attention. In its absence, Little Cat let out with a huge pitiful meow right before my second lecture ended today.  I guess it's hard to be deprived of cat treats and not say anything about it for a whole 2 hours and 45 minutes!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 15, 2020, 02:47:25 PM
Twerp climbed on my lap and was my teaching assistant for the last few minutes of class just now.

She's cute. And she knows it. And she milks it.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on September 16, 2020, 10:55:00 AM
Our giant kitty Poe got a bit of a respiratory infection with lots of sneezing and runny eyes. He managed to shake it off after a couple of days but poor little Hazel got it much worse, she's been really runny and goopy. If she doesn't look better by the time I get home today I'll have to take some time off tomorrow to take her to the vet. She's got a good amount of snowshoe in her and I think she's just built to suffer respiratory issues more with her muzzle shape.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 16, 2020, 11:12:50 AM
Those tiny little passageways are so easily clogged...poor kitties.

Hope they both get better soon.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 16, 2020, 01:03:57 PM
Orestes had a surgical follow-up.  Bit of an infection but a shot of antibiotics should clear it up.  He's not quite romping yet, but he will defend the food now.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 16, 2020, 02:56:46 PM
Best wishes for recovery for Poe, Hazel, and Orestes.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: brixton on September 16, 2020, 03:36:17 PM
I just put down a deposit to adopt a kitten from the humane society.   I keep checking my phone for updates, but nothing so far.  So I spend time on Amazon, looking at cat toys, trees and stuff.  It's been so long since I've had a kitten in my life.  Brixton passed away the January before last, and Pi (my little irrational-number of a cat) and I have been hanging.  (My nephew took care of her when I was in China.  He said she was a very lazy old lady.)  So, we are excited to welcome new-cat into the house hold to shake things up a bit.


Updates and names to follow when we meet and he whispers his real name in my ear.  Right now he is called Copycat at the shelter, which is a totally unsuitable name for an academic's cat.  They might as well have called him Plagiarism...

So send happy kitten thoughts my way!  I'll include pictures when I have them.  He looks lovely on the humane society website...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 28, 2020, 07:06:42 AM
Quote from: brixton on September 16, 2020, 03:36:17 PM
I just put down a deposit to adopt a kitten from the humane society.   I keep checking my phone for updates, but nothing so far.  So I spend time on Amazon, looking at cat toys, trees and stuff.  It's been so long since I've had a kitten in my life.  Brixton passed away the January before last, and Pi (my little irrational-number of a cat) and I have been hanging.  (My nephew took care of her when I was in China.  He said she was a very lazy old lady.)  So, we are excited to welcome new-cat into the house hold to shake things up a bit.


Updates and names to follow when we meet and he whispers his real name in my ear.  Right now he is called Copycat at the shelter, which is a totally unsuitable name for an academic's cat.  They might as well have called him Plagiarism...

So send happy kitten thoughts my way!  I'll include pictures when I have them.  He looks lovely on the humane society website...

This seems like a complicated process; I hope you get to bring not-Copycat home soon. I think when we last adopted our kitten pair, we went to the shelter, played with some cats, hubby fell in love with tiny black kitten (who has now become large black Ninja cat), we said "we'll take these two" (Ninja was paired with her litter mate, who is now our squirrelly tortie, Ricochet; they were Bumble and Bee at the shelter), and we signed on the dotted line.  We did have to wait until after their spay, but they were ours from that moment.

Ricochet continues her enrollment in the developmental certificate Living with Humans, and yesterday attempted to complete a lap-sitting assignment.  She did impressively flop down after only a couple minutes of jumping on and off.  She butted her head against my hand to indicate she wanted head-scritches and purred. Unfortunately, she was doing this when I was trying to finish a lecture, so I'd stop scratching her to type.  She was not impressed, and nipped me (softly) to keep me going.  Once she'd had enough, she jumped off and leaped on top of the tallest cabinet in the room to lick off the human scent. So, if we had a theme for today's assignment, it appears to be "in it for the scritches."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on September 28, 2020, 04:55:55 PM
Quote from: Cheerful on August 22, 2020, 09:48:16 AM
Anyone know how smallcleanrat is doing?  She used to post in this thread so thought I'd ask here.

She had a lot going on.  Hope she is doing well.  Wishing her the very best.

Thanks for thinking of me Cheerful and mamselle! Trying to rejoin the fora after a couple months' hiatus; for awhile things got too overwhelming to be able to string together coherent sentences.

I have quite a backlog of anecdotes, observations and questions centered around the Maestro to post here. He's about 5 months old now and quite a sleek, handsome fellow; long and lanky, but well-muscled (he's octupled in weight from the first week we got him). His milk mustache detracts a bit from the dignity of his visage, but adds charm and whimsy.

I love him so much. Even though I've seen him everyday for the past 4 months, my inner 6-year old still gleefully shouts, "Kitty!" every time. Often, adult-me says it out loud.

I was a bit nervous about committing to be his forever family when we first agreed to take care of him. We hadn't seen or interacted with the kitty in any way; we knew nothing about his breed, temperament, or...well, we knew nothing except that a 4-week old kitten needed care. On the way to meet the Maestro and bring him home with us, I said, "We can raise the kitten, get him healthy and well-socialized, and then I guess we could start inquiring about finding a home for him." SO gave me a skeptical look and said, "uh-huh; we'll see about that."

Of course, SO was right. Everyday I fell more and more in love with our serendipitous quarantine kitty, and now giving him up to anybody else is utterly unthinkable. This is our kitty, we are his family, and this seems to have become his apartment (initial plans to limit "cat stuff" to the living room fell through fairly quickly; he now has some combination of toys, scratching posts, cat trees, and beds in every room).

Awhile back I had a dream that a perfectly lovely couple, brimming with excitement, showed up at our door to adopt the Maestro and take him to live in what I assumed would be their perfectly lovely home. Dream-me told them, "This is our cat. Find your own cat!"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 28, 2020, 06:10:41 PM
Very glad to hear that Maestro is in charge, as he should be.

And very glad to see your post on the thread.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 29, 2020, 05:19:54 AM
Quote from: mamselle on September 28, 2020, 06:10:41 PM
Very glad to hear that Maestro is in charge, as he should be.

And very glad to see your post on the thread.

M.

+1 to this. Glad you're back, smallcleanrat. I've been wondering how you and Maestro are doing too. Glad you're both doing well.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Cheerful on September 29, 2020, 06:02:13 AM
Quote from: Larimar on September 29, 2020, 05:19:54 AM
Quote from: mamselle on September 28, 2020, 06:10:41 PM
Very glad to hear that Maestro is in charge, as he should be.
And very glad to see your post on the thread.
M.
+1 to this. Glad you're back, smallcleanrat. I've been wondering how you and Maestro are doing too. Glad you're both doing well.
Larimar

+1  Great to see your post, smallcleanrat.  Glad Maestro has brought you joy, as you have for him.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 29, 2020, 09:49:04 AM
Quote from: Cheerful on September 29, 2020, 06:02:13 AM
Quote from: Larimar on September 29, 2020, 05:19:54 AM
Quote from: mamselle on September 28, 2020, 06:10:41 PM
Very glad to hear that Maestro is in charge, as he should be.
And very glad to see your post on the thread.
M.
+1 to this. Glad you're back, smallcleanrat. I've been wondering how you and Maestro are doing too. Glad you're both doing well.
Larimar

+1  Great to see your post, smallcleanrat.  Glad Maestro has brought you joy, as you have for him.
+1 Indeed!  Glad you're back on the fora.  Your description of Maestro is just charming!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: brixton on September 29, 2020, 03:57:02 PM
Didi (formerly Copycat) is now safely ensconced at our house and is a complete sweetie pie.  Didi means younger brother in Chinese, and he is indeed a younger brother.  We still have Pi, our little irrational number, who is cranky as always.

QuoteThis seems like a complicated process; I hope you get to bring not-Copycat home soon. I think when we last adopted our kitten pair, we went to the shelter, played with some cats, hubby fell in love with tiny black kitten (who has now become large black Ninja cat), we said "we'll take these two" (Ninja was paired with her litter mate, who is now our squirrelly tortie, Ricochet; they were Bumble and Bee at the shelter), and we signed on the dotted line.  We did have to wait until after their spay, but they were ours from that moment.


Playing at cat shelters in San Diego is a thing of the past.  With COVID, all shelters are closed, and cats are at foster homes, so finding a new cat is very much like on-line dating.  You look at a picture, read the profile, and then finally after you've signed on the dotted line.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on September 30, 2020, 03:47:51 PM
Ok, kitty question.

Why does he stare at me so much?

He often does this while sitting in the doorway of my room. I call him and get no reaction. If I move over to him, sometimes he will accept petting and sometimes he dashes away.

If I do nothing, he will sit there for a good while just...staring. Sometimes he has a relaxed expression on his face and sometimes his expression is intense and hyper-focused.

I want to know what's happening in that little kitty brain of his.

Second question. Don't cats need to blink?!?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 30, 2020, 04:54:31 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on September 30, 2020, 03:47:51 PM
Ok, kitty question.

Why does he stare at me so much?

He often does this while sitting in the doorway of my room. I call him and get no reaction. If I move over to him, sometimes he will accept petting and sometimes he dashes away.

If I do nothing, he will sit there for a good while just...staring. Sometimes he has a relaxed expression on his face and sometimes his expression is intense and hyper-focused.

I want to know what's happening in that little kitty brain of his.

Second question. Don't cats need to blink?!?

Why the staring?
The "Observation of Humans and Their Weird Habits" is a time-honored feline pastime.  I like to joke that they are compiling reports on us to send to the "Cat Mothership".

Do they need to blink?
Theoretically.  Maybe.  Sometimes?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 30, 2020, 05:09:17 PM
He is contemplating his secret name.

The Naming of Cats

The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
     It isn't just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
First of all, there's the name that the family use daily,
     Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey—
     All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
     Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter—
     But all of them sensible everyday names,
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that's particular,
     A name that's peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
     Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
     Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum—
     Names that never belong to more than one cat.
But above and beyond there's still one name left over,
     And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover—
     But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
     The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
     Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
          His ineffable effable
          Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular name.
              -- T. S. Eliot - 1888-1965

(Or to hear it from the poet's own mouth):

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXkLgtusza4

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on October 02, 2020, 07:07:24 AM
Lil'Lil,  our tabby rescue that we adopted last year,  was inadvertently left outside all night in our screened in lanai.  She let us know very loudly this morning that our mistake was entirely unacceptable human behavior.  However, after a larger than normal breakfast, she calmed down and was her regular good natured self.   We were reprimanded to never let this happen again!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 02, 2020, 07:18:48 AM
The gas plumber is here hooking up the new fireplace. Naturally, both cats are in the back corner of the bedroom closet.

Before the pandemic, they were quite friendly with most new people (at least little calico was, and panther boy was once he could see that they didn't eat little calico), but six months of basically only being around me has turned them into scaredy cats around anyone else. I wonder if they will get over that once I can have guests in the house again?

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 02, 2020, 07:57:23 AM
Orestes deigned to let me rub his tummy this morning.  My eyes got leaky.

The cynical part of me thinks it's just because his incision is itchy.  The optimist told me to shut that noise and enjoy it.  So I did
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 03, 2020, 07:19:45 PM
Gratitude exercises are frequently recommended to counteract stress. Whenever I try one of those "Name 3 things you were grateful for today" or similar prompts, Maestro is always one of them. Here are some of my favorite things about him:

1) He doesn't just tolerate belly rubs; he enjoys them. He often rolls over when I approach him and purrs when I gently stroke that fuzzy tummy. Of course, like all things cat, he has to be in the right mood, but I still get in an average of one belly rub every day.

I long fantasized about having a belly-rub kitty, but I never thought the dream would come true. It's more than I dared to hope for.

2) He has an extremely expressive face. Like, cartoon character expressive. It's been the basis of some great photos. When anticipating food, his eyes sparkle and his entire face radiates joy. My favorite is the blissful smile: pet him in the right spots and the eyes close in contentment. The white mustache accentuating his mouth makes it look like a satisfied smile.  I love to see a happy cat.

3) The effects of petting on his purr are additive. One hand petting him gets a strong, rumbling purr. Two hands petting him at once adds a whole other layer of sound (a sort of high-pitched coo, like a pigeon's), rich with expression. I call it his Rainbow Purr, because of the wide spectrum of frequencies. SO calls him "aggressively happy" because of how fervently Maestro reacts to pleasant feelings.

He also seems happiest when both SO and I are with him. He will wedge himself between us on the couch or drape himself so that he is lying on both laps. In the bed, the blanket makes a little valley where it dips between SO and myself. Maestro likes to recline in it, stretched out on his back as if it were a hammock.

4) He's very smart and highly food-motivated, so clicker training has paid off more than I had hoped to expect. He's learned some practical commands: sit, up/down, wait, leave it. But he also has several cute tricks in his repertoire: hitting the piano keys, standing cute (like a meerkat), wave, high five, handshake, and play dead.

5) We've bonded. Well, at least I think so. I like to believe I'm more than just a warm body that dispenses food, interchangeable with any other warm body that dispenses food. When he shows me his belly or nuzzles me or nestles in my arms, I want to tell him that I'm honored by his trust. I like to think I am a member of a highly exclusive club: Maestro's Chosen Humans.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 04, 2020, 05:42:44 AM
Awww, that is so sweet. I'm glad that you and Maestro find such joy in each other.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 04, 2020, 05:50:37 AM
Love the Maestro updates, smallcleanrat. It definitely sounds like he has chosen you. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 05, 2020, 08:33:31 PM
Maestro and the Musical Beds

I had often heard that cats are creatures of habit, often finicky about food and consistency of routine. Does this set in during adulthood? Are kittens more willing to experiment?

For one thing, Maestro wants to sample every food that comes into our home. Even if it's something he tasted before and didn't like, he wants to taste it again. He's been able to develop a taste for some initially detested foods (citrus fruits, for example). We are constantly shooing him away from our plates at mealtime. He's like a feline garbage disposal.

For another, after months of having a pretty regular nighttime sleep routine, he's been bed-hopping. SO and I usually sleep in separate rooms (he snores, I kick). After months of sleeping next to me, Maestro switched to sleeping with SO (resting right on top of him, in contrast to snuggling next to me). He did this for about a week, and I dejectedly figured he had decided he was sleeping with SO from then on. Then one morning I woke up to find the kitty nestled by my side, using my shoulder as a pillow for his head. After that, some nights he'd be in my bed, some nights in SO's. Some nights he chooses one bed, only to hop out at 2-3am to sleep in the other. Some nights he doesn't sleep with either of us, preferring to curl up in his pet bed (in my room). I have no idea what motivates his choices.

Do adolescent cats go through a sort of Goldilocks stage in which they try a bit of everything to find that "just right" solution?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 05, 2020, 09:27:13 PM
They work very hard at being inscrutable and unpredictable.

They wouldn't want you to think you had a clue as to what they were thinking, you know?

In fact, I think the theme of this thread could be, "Who knows why cats do what they do?"

Maybe not even the cat...at least some of the time.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 06, 2020, 04:37:00 AM
Quote from: mamselle on October 05, 2020, 09:27:13 PM
They work very hard at being inscrutable and unpredictable.

They wouldn't want you to think you had a clue as to what they were thinking, you know?

In fact, I think the theme of this thread could be, "Who knows why cats do what they do?"

Maybe not even the cat...at least some of the time.

M.

They'd never admit it, though!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on October 06, 2020, 05:44:56 AM
I feel you Puget.  We always said the next time we adopted, we'd go out of our way to socialize with new people from the beginning.  And, here we are, three months later, and the only people they've seen besides us are cleaners (vacuum cleaners), the exterminator (scary smells), and the occasional work person (loud noises).  This is going to be interesting to try to undo later. 

Today is 3 years since I lost my LittleGirl.  As much as I already can't imagine being without our new additions, I don't have that same connection with any of them yet.  Part of me knows a bond like that takes time to build, and part of me is scared I only get one of "those" kitties in a lifetime. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 06, 2020, 08:41:57 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on October 05, 2020, 08:33:31 PM
Maestro and the Musical Beds

I had often heard that cats are creatures of habit, often finicky about food and consistency of routine. Does this set in during adulthood? Are kittens more willing to experiment?

For one thing, Maestro wants to sample every food that comes into our home. Even if it's something he tasted before and didn't like, he wants to taste it again. He's been able to develop a taste for some initially detested foods (citrus fruits, for example). We are constantly shooing him away from our plates at mealtime. He's like a feline garbage disposal.

For another, after months of having a pretty regular nighttime sleep routine, he's been bed-hopping. SO and I usually sleep in separate rooms (he snores, I kick). After months of sleeping next to me, Maestro switched to sleeping with SO (resting right on top of him, in contrast to snuggling next to me). He did this for about a week, and I dejectedly figured he had decided he was sleeping with SO from then on. Then one morning I woke up to find the kitty nestled by my side, using my shoulder as a pillow for his head. After that, some nights he'd be in my bed, some nights in SO's. Some nights he chooses one bed, only to hop out at 2-3am to sleep in the other. Some nights he doesn't sleep with either of us, preferring to curl up in his pet bed (in my room). I have no idea what motivates his choices.

Do adolescent cats go through a sort of Goldilocks stage in which they try a bit of everything to find that "just right" solution?

Cats have an instinct to move around their sleeping places to evade predators. Some do this more than others for whatever reason. Little Calico (who is clearly the smart one) rotates her sleeping spots all around the house, Panther Boy not so much. If there ever are really hyenas in the living room, he's the one who gets eaten and they'll never find Little Calico in her spot of the week.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on October 06, 2020, 09:19:52 AM
The musical beds may have something to do with the change in temperature in the house. I always knew when it was a cold night, because I would wake up with a cat between my legs and another with a nose in my neck. Never happened in the summer! It was too hot for that.

While cats like routine and can get irked if the routine is upset (mine KNEW dinnertime was 6 pm sharp!), they also have their own prerogatives.  This is one reason why some people like dogs better- they are ultimately more predictable. But it's why I love cats. When they hang with you, you know  it's by their own choice.

Maestro sounds like a wonderful companion. I'm impressed with your training!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 06, 2020, 11:56:05 AM
Just saw this and had to laugh.

   https://phys.org/news/2020-10-evidence-cat-mimicking-human-behavior.html

Why would cats ever want to be able to replicate what humans do?

Why limit themselves like that?

No wonder the replication rate is only 80%.

The rest of the time they're probably thinking, "This is so dumb."

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 06, 2020, 12:29:04 PM
Quote from: statsgeek on October 06, 2020, 05:44:56 AM
I feel you Puget.  We always said the next time we adopted, we'd go out of our way to socialize with new people from the beginning.  And, here we are, three months later, and the only people they've seen besides us are cleaners (vacuum cleaners), the exterminator (scary smells), and the occasional work person (loud noises).  This is going to be interesting to try to undo later. 

Today is 3 years since I lost my LittleGirl.  As much as I already can't imagine being without our new additions, I don't have that same connection with any of them yet.  Part of me knows a bond like that takes time to build, and part of me is scared I only get one of "those" kitties in a lifetime.

I feel you statsgeek.  I lost my beloved Buddycat 3 years ago.  Lady Jane, Sir Puck and Izzy kitten are sweet and silly kitties, but not even close to the same sort of bond.  And we just lost our Effie cat a month ago.  Mr. Dr. Geneticist is certain that he will never have another cat that special.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 06, 2020, 01:00:52 PM
When we said goodbye to the Mighty Bunga, I never expected to find another cat of comparable grandeur.   While Orestes is not yet there, his increasing chirpiness, robust purr, and cuddly loving of MrsFishProf and Smolt (but not yet me) has made him a solid contender.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 06, 2020, 02:51:51 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on October 06, 2020, 12:29:04 PM
Quote from: statsgeek on October 06, 2020, 05:44:56 AM
I feel you Puget.  We always said the next time we adopted, we'd go out of our way to socialize with new people from the beginning.  And, here we are, three months later, and the only people they've seen besides us are cleaners (vacuum cleaners), the exterminator (scary smells), and the occasional work person (loud noises).  This is going to be interesting to try to undo later. 

Today is 3 years since I lost my LittleGirl.  As much as I already can't imagine being without our new additions, I don't have that same connection with any of them yet.  Part of me knows a bond like that takes time to build, and part of me is scared I only get one of "those" kitties in a lifetime.

I feel you statsgeek.  I lost my beloved Buddycat 3 years ago.  Lady Jane, Sir Puck and Izzy kitten are sweet and silly kitties, but not even close to the same sort of bond.  And we just lost our Effie cat a month ago.  Mr. Dr. Geneticist is certain that he will never have another cat that special.
Quote from: FishProf on October 06, 2020, 01:00:52 PM


When we said goodbye to the Mighty Bunga, I never expected to find another cat of comparable grandeur.   While Orestes is not yet there, his increasing chirpiness, robust purr, and cuddly loving of MrsFishProf and Smolt (but not yet me) has made him a solid contender.

+1 to these. When Mr. Larimar and I lost our feisty little calico Harlequin a few years ago to a sudden heart attack, we were devastated. She was unique. Our current crew succeed her, not replace her. They're wonderful, but in different ways. Pets have individual personalities just like people do.


Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 06, 2020, 03:02:48 PM
I'm reminded of the ending of Charlotte's Web:

"Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart."

Some bonds really are exceptional.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 06, 2020, 06:54:19 PM
Ninja has decided to help me work on my work-life balance. I'm sick and still grading at almost 10pm. She is now sleeping on top of my grading materials.  This is a sign I should stop grading, right? Can't disturb the cat, right?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 06, 2020, 06:58:14 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on October 06, 2020, 06:54:19 PM
Ninja has decided to help me work on my work-life balance. I'm sick and still grading at almost 10pm. She is now sleeping on top of my grading materials.  This is a sign I should stop grading, right? Can't disturb the cat, right?

That would be my interpretation.

Maestro likes to step on the keyboard, and tends to smash the 'E' and 'W' keys which are sitting right next to each other. So more than once, my kitty's typed the message 'ewwwwwwww' onto the document I'm working on.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 06, 2020, 07:03:57 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on October 06, 2020, 06:58:14 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on October 06, 2020, 06:54:19 PM
Ninja has decided to help me work on my work-life balance. I'm sick and still grading at almost 10pm. She is now sleeping on top of my grading materials.  This is a sign I should stop grading, right? Can't disturb the cat, right?

That would be my interpretation.

Maestro likes to step on the keyboard, and tends to smash the 'E' and 'W' keys which are sitting right next to each other. So more than once, my kitty's typed the message 'ewwwwwwww' onto the document I'm working on.

Awww. When Ricochet was a kitten, she ran across the keyboard when I was in the midst of responding to student emails and somehow managed to send one.  Thus, a student received an email that went something like this:

Stu Dent,
That is a very good question.  I eoywe8ryw3hpriwe0yw8r

The student was apparently amused when I explained what happened, and also surprised. She said cats generally did not like her, so she never expected to get cat-mail.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 06, 2020, 09:17:25 PM
I may have said this upthread, but the student I referred to a bit ago was in the middle of playing her scales one day (must have been in the spring, it was online) when one of the baby boy-cats sitting on the nearby sofa just up and did a zoomie right across the keys and down again.

We were both startled, and just sat there for a moment, blinking.

We decided it was to send a message.

They do not LIKE it when you ignore them....unless they want you to.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 06, 2020, 09:30:44 PM
Elder evil cat decided to do some interior decorating today and vomited all over the carpet (it's always on the carpet- isn't it?). Instead of standing in one spot, he walked around the room until we could catch him! This happens when he gorges on cat food, so we have been limiting his intake. Unfortunately, he is very sneaky and will steal the other cats' food when we aren't looking or forget to put it out of his reach.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on October 07, 2020, 05:11:24 AM
We just cleaned spots of poop off the door, about two feet high.  I don't understand. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 07, 2020, 06:38:53 AM
Spraying?  Cats do have anal glands.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on October 07, 2020, 08:07:09 AM
Is the word "sharted"?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: spork on October 07, 2020, 01:03:23 PM
Maybe there is a parasitologist on this thread: the wifey has gotten involved with a cat rescue organization as a foster parent, which means I am now also a foster parent. We have adopted one of our foster kittens and are in the process of adopting a second kitten. Both have had the standard package of vet care including tests for various pathogenic organisms. They have been 100% indoor cats since they were rescued and will remain that way. We have given each them a single dose of Revolution Plus as ordered. The vet clinic used by the rescue organization recommends monthly treatments of Revolution Plus for all cats. The rescue organization's position is that it pays for one does of Revolution Plus then it's up to whoever adopts a cat to decide what to do, but it's not something they recommend.

For a possibly unrepresentative comparison, I had two indoor cats for 17 years, never gave them Revolution Plus or any other similar medication, and they never got fleas, ticks, or worms.

So is this monthly dosing cost effective? What's the number needed to treat?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 07, 2020, 01:37:12 PM
Quote from: statsgeek on October 07, 2020, 05:11:24 AM
We just cleaned spots of poop off the door, about two feet high.  I don't understand.

Is the door close enough to the litter box to be from overly enthusiastic litter flinging?
Or from wiping poop off of their paws?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: wareagle on October 07, 2020, 02:26:17 PM
Fatso Catso jumped in my lap last night, reeking of poop.  Could not find any on his butt, tail, or paws.

He got a bath anyway.  Not a happy cat.  But he smells much better.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on October 07, 2020, 03:38:44 PM
Quote from: spork on October 07, 2020, 01:03:23 PM
Maybe there is a parasitologist on this thread: the wifey has gotten involved with a cat rescue organization as a foster parent, which means I am now also a foster parent. We have adopted one of our foster kittens and are in the process of adopting a second kitten. Both have had the standard package of vet care including tests for various pathogenic organisms. They have been 100% indoor cats since they were rescued and will remain that way. We have given each them a single dose of Revolution Plus as ordered. The vet clinic used by the rescue organization recommends monthly treatments of Revolution Plus for all cats. The rescue organization's position is that it pays for one does of Revolution Plus then it's up to whoever adopts a cat to decide what to do, but it's not something they recommend.

For a possibly unrepresentative comparison, I had two indoor cats for 17 years, never gave them Revolution Plus or any other similar medication, and they never got fleas, ticks, or worms.

So is this monthly dosing cost effective? What's the number needed to treat?

Indoor only?  I wouldn't give it to them regularly.  I've only ever used it when I've seen evidence of infestation: bites, or the insects themselves.  It may take multiple doses to do a single course of treatment, though. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 07, 2020, 07:09:26 PM
Quote from: statsgeek on October 07, 2020, 05:11:24 AM
We just cleaned spots of poop off the door, about two feet high.  I don't understand.

Was your cat doing a downward dog pose while projectile pooping?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 08, 2020, 12:19:39 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on October 06, 2020, 09:19:52 AM

.................................

Maestro sounds like a wonderful companion. I'm impressed with your training!

Training has been so much fun. I've been impressed with how quickly the Maestro makes the connection between doing the action and getting the treat.

Every time we start training on a new trick, he wriggles this way and that, trying to find the magic combination of moves to get his treat. Learning "Wait" was initially confusing for him. He'd try one movement after another, eventually stopping for a breather. When he got his treat for just sitting there, he seemed so puzzled.

One things that slows things down a bit is that he feels the need to groom after every treat. So I have to wait for him to finish before we can go again. Sometimes I call his name to get his attention, but he just gives me a quick glance and then goes back to grooming. No further training until his dapperness has been restored...

His Play Dead trick is hilariously deliberate. I pretend to shoot him, he looks around for the best place to die, meanders to the right spot and proceeds to languidly lower himself to the ground. No flopping for this cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 10, 2020, 02:34:41 PM
Maestro sounds like quite the character! And such a smart kitty!

We've not attempted to teach Ricochet any tricks, and I'm not sure how we'd reward her for doing any of them. She's the least food-motivated cat I've ever met, as she seems frequently convinced that treats are poisonous. 

She has, however, taught us a game that she created--we have named it follow-follow.   She runs past you, then looks back to indicate you are to follow her (fast-walking pace preferred). Then she flops down and wants scritches for a few seconds.  Then she jumps up again and runs somewhere else, often jumping on top of a bookshelf or cabinet, so we have to stand on a stool to reach her. The game continues until she runs into the basement.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: geoteo on October 11, 2020, 09:53:04 AM
I haven't been here for awhile, and haven't caught up on the posts yet, but I have a question.  Beloved and I now have a cat, Nebula, who delivered a litter in our local no-kill shelter after living as a stray.  She is about a year old, a beautiful longish-hair dilute tortie. very affectionate.  She loves canned food, but she doesn't like her indoor kibble at all.  She's been forcing herself to eat a bit of it every day, but it doesn't meet her remarkably high standards.  What kibble are others feeding?   
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 11, 2020, 10:38:35 AM
The Larimar cats get Purina indoor cat kibble mixed with Meow Mix Hairball Control kibble.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 11, 2020, 10:41:34 AM
The only food Ricochet agrees to eat is Purina sensitive systems. But as she thinks canned food and treats are poison and supplements her diet with live bugs, you might not want to put too much stock in her recommendations.

Congrats on the newest member of the household, geoteo.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 11, 2020, 10:52:11 AM
Quote from: geoteo on October 11, 2020, 09:53:04 AM
I haven't been here for awhile, and haven't caught up on the posts yet, but I have a question.  Beloved and I now have a cat, Nebula, who delivered a litter in our local no-kill shelter after living as a stray.  She is about a year old, a beautiful longish-hair dilute tortie. very affectionate.  She loves canned food, but she doesn't like her indoor kibble at all.  She's been forcing herself to eat a bit of it every day, but it doesn't meet her remarkably high standards.  What kibble are others feeding?   

Congrats on your new addition! Cats seem to be very idiosyncratic in their food tastes. One of mine loves wet food and doesn't care much for kibble, whereas the other loves kibble (they are getting Purina ONE indoor) and thinks wet food is fine but nothing to get excited about. You may just have a wet food cat. That said, maybe experiment with poultry vs. fish flavors (cats seem to have a strong preference for one vs the other often). You can also try putting the wet food on top of the dry food-- she may go for it if it has wet food "sauce" on it. Final thought, though hopefully the shelter vet checked, is to make sure she doesn't have any tooth/mouth issues that make it painful for her to eat the dry food.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: geoteo on October 11, 2020, 03:11:24 PM
Many thanks for the answers!  We are trying original flavor Meow Mix right now, and it seems to be playing to rave reviews.  We'll see what she thinks of it tomorrow.

She sees the vet this week to be spayed and shot--I'll suggest they look inside her mouth while she's there.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 12, 2020, 03:18:28 PM
Cats are nothing if not particular about food.

We buy Friskies and Meow Mix kibble.  They also get a spoonful of Friskies wet food each at breakfast and dinner.

Sir Puck aka "Sir Chomps-A-Lot" approves of food in all it's forms and will happily eat any kind, any flavor, any texture. 
Lady Jane is convinced she doesn't need food and would prefer to be in the gardens all day.  She will eat the same kibble we put in the kitchen only when it's in the living room and only fish-flavored pate-style wet food.  She also eats bugs.
Izzy Kitten takes after Sir Puck, but doesn't care for "fancy" pate and only wants Friskies.  She will eat dried up food (or things that might possibly be food) off the floor and/or carpet.  Her nicknames are "Izzy! What did you just eat?!" and "Izzy!  Don't eat the rug!"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 12, 2020, 05:58:43 PM
As you all know, Orestes will eat anything that isn't nailed down.  And I wouldn't put pulling up nails to eat beyond him either.

As for food, he and the sisters (they are all now, collectively, the Thundercats) get a can of wet food in the morning.

For Kibble, I just switched to mixing meow mix with Blue Buffalo.  I'll report on its popularity in time.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 14, 2020, 04:07:56 PM
About a month ago, Maestro was shedding teeth. The first one we found was at the bottom of his food dish, smack in the center as if it were an offering. I picked it up and put it on my desk to keep until I could figure out what to do with it. It wasn't long before Maestro jumped onto my desk, spotted the tooth, licked it up, and ate it. Then he sauntered away, calm as you please, heedless of my protests. "Maestro, nooooooo!!!!"

Most of the other teeth have never been found (is he eating them? is this something cats do when teething, or is this a quirk?). But I did manage to snag a few more (one dropped out of his mouth mid-meow!).

Now I'd like to find out some way to save them, like a little case or whatever people do to put objects into scrapbooks. Has anyone done this before? I have no idea how to preserve teeth as souvenirs.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 15, 2020, 12:14:41 PM
Awww!  He got his adult teeth in!  I never found a single milk tooth from Puck or Jane or Izzy.  I think they must eat them or they are so tiny they just get vacuumed up.

I save tiny keepsakes in tiny glass bottles on a shelf.  You can get tiny bags or envelopes to put things in for a scrapbook.  I'm sure your local craft store will have entirely too many options!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 15, 2020, 01:22:16 PM
Sounds like a sweet idea! Some crafters make little decorated glass pill bottles for such things.

You can often find them online, with things like tiny shells or decorative beaded tops or sides added to the glass.

Some are listed as "potion" bottles, or "stash jars," also:

   https://www.buyhappyglass.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/spiral-glass-pill-bottle-stash-jar-519-9-e1557333225715.jpg

These little "pet hair keepsake" jars, with a tiny, named charm on the neck, could also work:

   https://www.google.com/search?q=tiny+decorated+glass+pill+bottles+keepsake+jars&client=firefox-b-1&sxsrf=ALeKk038pgHWPYJHQbY7UHV77VANATPXUw:1602792909610&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjlgJrwtLfsAhWpl-AKHU9-CkwQ_AUoAXoECAQQAw&biw=1408&bih=688#imgrc=bwObMt27NRYdnM&imgdii=Fdc7E68hsDUw0M

Or you could get little plain plastic ones with colorful caps (useful for other small stuff you want to keep, as well)

   https://i.pinimg.com/236x/2b/30/ef/2b30eff77edb33c100385232f2ee70fe--screw-caps-pill-bottles.jpg
   
And...scritches to Maestro from me!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 15, 2020, 09:15:04 PM
Smallcleanrat:

I haven't seen any baby kitty teeth- maybe my cats ate them too?

In other news, the two senior cats went to the vet today for preventatives and checkups. Youngest evil cat is convinced that they have been replaced by evil body snatchers and has been hissing and attacking when she can.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 15, 2020, 10:03:48 PM
Thanks, the_geneticist and mamselle. All those options sound like they would work nicely. I'm not very crafty, but I want to put together some kind of display or scrapbook and call it something like Maestro's Memoirs. It would tell the story of his journey from sad little fuzzball in a cardboard box to pampered prince of our household.

It might make a good gift for SO's mother. She loves cats and has lamented being out of state and not being able to watch her "grandkitty" grow up.

mamselle, Maestro happily receives your skritches and sends you back a purr and a milk mustachioed smile.

Also, poor youngest evil cat! I often wish I had some cat-to-English translation device. I want to know what's going on in those little kitty brains. Do you think she will be able to make peace with the senior cat impostors soon?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 15, 2020, 10:13:40 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on October 15, 2020, 10:03:48 PM
Thanks, the_geneticist and mamselle. All those options sound like they would work nicely. I'm not very crafty, but I want to put together some kind of display or scrapbook and call it something like Maestro's Memoirs. It would tell the story of his journey from sad little fuzzball in a cardboard box to pampered prince of our household.

It might make a good gift for SO's mother. She loves cats and has lamented being out of state and not being able to watch her "grandkitty" grow up.

Also, poor youngest evil cat! I often wish I had some cat-to-English translation device. I want to know what's going on in those little kitty brains. Do you think she will be able to make peace with the senior cat impostors soon?

A scrapbook sounds like a neat idea. You could put a little tuft of his fur in it and maybe another baby tooth if you can get it in time.

Yep. Youngest evil cat is confused. I think it's probably the 'vet smell' on them. They don't 'look' different, but I bet they sure smell different.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 16, 2020, 10:47:20 AM
Maestro has invented a new way to tell his humans, "Sleep time is over! I require breakfast!"

His typical method is to wriggle out of cuddles, march repeatedly over our bodies to make sure we're awake, and then gallop thunderously out of the bedroom to his empty food dish, giving us pointed looks.

Oversleeping get us nipped toes, but we make it a point not to respond to this so he doesn't learn that biting humans makes breakfast appear.

This morning marks an innovation. My new alarm clock: having his beloved stuffed fish dropped directly onto my face.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 16, 2020, 12:43:26 PM
Ah yes: Apply object directly to human face.  Suitable objects include toys, wet paws, and if necessary, your butt.

(Excerpt from the Feline Guide to Galaxy)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 16, 2020, 02:50:31 PM
Buddycat preferred the "gently tap face with paws" method.  If that failed, there was the "purr like a chainsaw and stomp across the person".  And the final stage was "carefully place one giant kitty paw over the mouth, place another over the nostrils, and press down".
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on October 16, 2020, 03:58:54 PM
I owned a waterbed when I was owned by a cat.  (He was named "Cat", "Sir Tristan de Lioness," or FatCat (as he was close to 20 pounds)).  If I 'overslept' he would get on the headboard and then Jump on the water bed and then run, making bigger waves.  He would do this repeatedly, IF I didnt get up. 

On the positive side, he would fetch!  It all started when I was trying to work on things and he would climb up and then bat, or chew on the pencil.  I balled up a small piece of paper, threw it and he would chase it down and then bring it back.  He did that once until my arm gave out.  (I wasnt really able to get my work done when he was in such a mood).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 16, 2020, 06:26:41 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on October 16, 2020, 02:50:31 PM
Buddycat preferred the "gently tap face with paws" method.  If that failed, there was the "purr like a chainsaw and stomp across the person".  And the final stage was "carefully place one giant kitty paw over the mouth, place another over the nostrils, and press down".

Wow. Buddycat's methods go from adorable to menacing real fast.

Quote from: clean on October 16, 2020, 03:58:54 PM
I owned a waterbed when I was owned by a cat.  (He was named "Cat", "Sir Tristan de Lioness," or FatCat (as he was close to 20 pounds)).  If I 'overslept' he would get on the headboard and then Jump on the water bed and then run, making bigger waves.  He would do this repeatedly, IF I didnt get up. 
...................................................

That's a fantastic image. I wonder if there are any animal behaviorists who would consider this a form of tool use.

I'm realizing now how much my first cat spoiled me. He was a polite elderly fellow. He always waited until I was actually out of bed to request breakfast (even if I overslept). And then it was a paw on the cupboard door where his food was kept and a gentle "Mrrrew?" as if he were saying "Might I trouble you for something to eat?"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 16, 2020, 08:14:08 PM
Quote from: clean on October 16, 2020, 03:58:54 PM
I owned a waterbed when I was owned by a cat.  (He was named "Cat", "Sir Tristan de Lioness," or FatCat (as he was close to 20 pounds)).  If I 'overslept' he would get on the headboard and then Jump on the water bed and then run, making bigger waves.  He would do this repeatedly, IF I didnt get up. 

On the positive side, he would fetch!  It all started when I was trying to work on things and he would climb up and then bat, or chew on the pencil.  I balled up a small piece of paper, threw it and he would chase it down and then bring it back.  He did that once until my arm gave out.  (I wasnt really able to get my work done when he was in such a mood).

That's cute. Elder evil cat used to fetch socks when he was an adolescent. Now, he just carries stuffed animals around in his mouth (and sometimes socks) and does this mournful meowing/yowling. It is annoying as hell.

Edit: Sorry, I've been grumpy this week. It's actually funny when he does it (when I'm in a better mood).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 17, 2020, 05:08:57 PM
Famous kitty modeling a kitty hammock:

   https://robbreport.com/style/accessories/karl-lagerfeld-cat-choupette-approves-lucybalu-new-cat-hammock-1234575623/

One wonders how she got up there....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 17, 2020, 07:34:47 PM
Elder evil cat almost ate a katydid tonight (that had been leaving peacefully in the house). Before I knew it, he had spotted it, ran over to the wall and grabbed it in his mouth. He dropped it on the floor and I tried to remove it, but it had grabbed the carpet with its mandibles and would not let go! I mean. this thing was really hanging on. I managed to loosen it's grip using a knife to dislodge the carpet fibers and put it out of cat reach.

This was after his 2nd lunch and pre-dinner snack of chicken.

Elder evil cat was still disappointed that he couldn't eat that bug. To make up for his loss, I have shared my electric blanket with him. He's still taking a nap on it now.

What a spoiled butthead.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 17, 2020, 09:59:56 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 17, 2020, 07:34:47 PM
Elder evil cat almost ate a katydid tonight (that had been leaving peacefully in the house). Before I knew it, he had spotted it, ran over to the wall and grabbed it in his mouth. He dropped it on the floor and I tried to remove it, but it had grabbed the carpet with its mandibles and would not let go! I mean. this thing was really hanging on. I managed to loosen it's grip using a knife to dislodge the carpet fibers and put it out of cat reach.

This was after his 2nd lunch and pre-dinner snack of chicken.

Elder evil cat was still disappointed that he couldn't eat that bug. To make up for his loss, I have shared my electric blanket with him. He's still taking a nap on it now.

What a spoiled butthead.

Are katydids really that tasty?

Do all your cats get second lunches and pre-dinner snacks or is elder evil cat an especially big eater?

Maestro gulped down a spider and it gave me the creeps.

SO: "I thought you'd be happy about that. You don't like spiders in the house."

Yes, well...I don't particularly want them in my fur baby's belly either...

But the Maestro seemed quite pleased with himself.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 17, 2020, 10:20:31 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on October 17, 2020, 09:59:56 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 17, 2020, 07:34:47 PM
Elder evil cat almost ate a katydid tonight (that had been leaving peacefully in the house). Before I knew it, he had spotted it, ran over to the wall and grabbed it in his mouth. He dropped it on the floor and I tried to remove it, but it had grabbed the carpet with its mandibles and would not let go! I mean. this thing was really hanging on. I managed to loosen it's grip using a knife to dislodge the carpet fibers and put it out of cat reach.

This was after his 2nd lunch and pre-dinner snack of chicken.

Elder evil cat was still disappointed that he couldn't eat that bug. To make up for his loss, I have shared my electric blanket with him. He's still taking a nap on it now.

What a spoiled butthead.

Are katydids really that tasty?

Do all your cats get second lunches and pre-dinner snacks or is elder evil cat an especially big eater?

Maestro gulped down a spider and it gave me the creeps.

SO: "I thought you'd be happy about that. You don't like spiders in the house."

Yes, well...I don't particularly want them in my fur baby's belly either...

But the Maestro seemed quite pleased with himself.

I don't know what they taste like. I do know that he ate a grasshopper earlier in the year and seemed to enjoy it.

We try to spread Elder evil cat's food out since he tends to eat way too fast and then barf it up. So, he gets a lot of mini meals throughout the day.

Hmm. Maybe he thinks he's helping clear out bugs in the house?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 17, 2020, 10:21:44 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 17, 2020, 07:34:47 PM
Elder evil cat almost ate a katydid tonight (that had been living peacefully in the house). Before I knew it, he had spotted it, ran over to the wall and grabbed it in his mouth. He dropped it on the floor and I tried to remove it, but it had grabbed the carpet with its mandibles and would not let go! I mean. this thing was really hanging on. I managed to loosen it's grip using a knife to dislodge the carpet fibers and put it out of cat reach.

This was after his 2nd lunch and pre-dinner snack of chicken.

Elder evil cat was still disappointed that he couldn't eat that bug. To make up for his loss, I have shared my electric blanket with him. He's still taking a nap on it now.

What a spoiled butthead.

Edited for spelling.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 18, 2020, 05:40:54 AM
Hm, it seems some bugs are tastier than others. I have discovered several black beetles in the house over the past couple of weeks that had apparently been dispatched but not eaten by the Larimar cats. However, I believe they would concur that orthopterids (crickets, grasshoppers, katydids) and lepidopterids (moths and butterflies) are delicious.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on October 18, 2020, 05:53:33 AM
Am giggling over the exploits of your felines....and learned that kitties have baby teeth!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 19, 2020, 11:35:10 AM
My kitties LOVE to catch & eat bugs. 
Tasty bugs: house flies, spiders, lady bugs, earwigs
Super tasty & super fun to catch: grasshoppers, crickets, bees*
Fun to catch but icky flavored: grubs, stinkbugs, ladybugs, cockroaches
Too small to bother: ants, aphids

They like to chase pillbugs, but can't figure out how to eat them.

*also slightly dangerous.  Sir Puck has been stung at least twice

Buddycat was a champion bug hunter in his youth.  I never had trouble with flies or spiders.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 19, 2020, 12:21:25 PM
Oh yes, mine are super excited about bug hunting too. The funniest is when there is a fly or something on the ceiling and they stand on their hind legs on top of whatever the tallest piece of furniture nearby is and wave their front paws toward it-- clearly judging distances is hard when you're a super excited little cat!

I'm happy to report that the cats have found the stress of having the stove installed in the living room has been worth it-- Little Calico in particular is a heat seeking missile, and will lay right next to it until her fur is toasty hot.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 19, 2020, 12:28:55 PM
Ricochet loves chasing (and eating) bugs.  She is amazingly fast and accurate.  Ninja thinks small game is beneath her and only gets excited about mice.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 20, 2020, 03:09:57 PM
Noticed a spider bite on my arm today. Maestro, go get 'em!

Unrelated Question: If a cat has learned not to bite one human, but still selectively bites the other human in the house, is there still a general concern that he will bite non-household humans?

He nips a lot less in general these days, but it still happens at times. Hissing still works like a charm for me, even when he's riled up in play mode. One hiss and he switches to lunging at me with an open mouth but no actual tooth-to-skin contact. Sometimes I don't even need the hiss: I saw "ow!" and he becomes gentler (he may even lick the spot he nipped).

He still seems to nip at SO fairly often. SO refuses to hiss at him because he feels silly doing it, but "No, stop that!" doesn't seem to make much of an impression on the kitty. Maestro's typical tactic is to charge at SO's feet and ankles, biting hard. If SO says "ow!" Maestro just continues biting.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 21, 2020, 09:19:34 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on October 20, 2020, 03:09:57 PM
Noticed a spider bite on my arm today. Maestro, go get 'em!

Unrelated Question: If a cat has learned not to bite one human, but still selectively bites the other human in the house, is there still a general concern that he will bite non-household humans?

He nips a lot less in general these days, but it still happens at times. Hissing still works like a charm for me, even when he's riled up in play mode. One hiss and he switches to lunging at me with an open mouth but no actual tooth-to-skin contact. Sometimes I don't even need the hiss: I saw "ow!" and he becomes gentler (he may even lick the spot he nipped).

He still seems to nip at SO fairly often. SO refuses to hiss at him because he feels silly doing it, but "No, stop that!" doesn't seem to make much of an impression on the kitty. Maestro's typical tactic is to charge at SO's feet and ankles, biting hard. If SO says "ow!" Maestro just continues biting.

Maestro is a clever kitty!  He's figured out that your SO is the go-to rough-and-tumble playmate.  If SO feels silly hissing, maybe he could try a spray bottle of water?  Or redirect to a favorite toy?
I wouldn't worry about him biting new people.  Nipping is classic play and hunting behavior.  Maestro is just practicing his skills as a mighty hunter!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 21, 2020, 10:17:44 AM
Do your cats growl (like a dog) when someone rings the doorbell? Elder evil cat just did.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 21, 2020, 11:17:02 AM
I had one kitty that used to growl, 'way down deep in his throat, at perceived threats.

He was a teensy, fluffy little thing the first time he did it.

I couldn't believe such a deep, intense sound could come from such a tiny little fluffball.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 21, 2020, 11:20:22 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 21, 2020, 10:17:44 AM
Do your cats growl (like a dog) when someone rings the doorbell? Elder evil cat just did.

My fluffy calico used to grow at a doorbell when it interrupted her nap. Naptime was sacrosanct. Thou shall not interrupt the nap.  Unless there was food.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 21, 2020, 11:43:10 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on October 21, 2020, 09:19:34 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on October 20, 2020, 03:09:57 PM
Noticed a spider bite on my arm today. Maestro, go get 'em!

Unrelated Question: If a cat has learned not to bite one human, but still selectively bites the other human in the house, is there still a general concern that he will bite non-household humans?

He nips a lot less in general these days, but it still happens at times. Hissing still works like a charm for me, even when he's riled up in play mode. One hiss and he switches to lunging at me with an open mouth but no actual tooth-to-skin contact. Sometimes I don't even need the hiss: I saw "ow!" and he becomes gentler (he may even lick the spot he nipped).

He still seems to nip at SO fairly often. SO refuses to hiss at him because he feels silly doing it, but "No, stop that!" doesn't seem to make much of an impression on the kitty. Maestro's typical tactic is to charge at SO's feet and ankles, biting hard. If SO says "ow!" Maestro just continues biting.

Maestro is a clever kitty!  He's figured out that your SO is the go-to rough-and-tumble playmate.  If SO feels silly hissing, maybe he could try a spray bottle of water?  Or redirect to a favorite toy?
I wouldn't worry about him biting new people.  Nipping is classic play and hunting behavior.  Maestro is just practicing his skills as a mighty hunter!

Right, SO has to speak cat if he wants Maestro to stop, otherwise from Maestro's perspective they are playing.
I'd never had two cats before, so it's been fun watching my two play-- they will roll around wrestling, biting and clawing in near silence (except for little rrr sounds), but if Panther Boy (who is much bigger and doesn't really know it) gets a bit too rough, Little Calico will hiss and he'll usually back off and lay down to see if she will play again or stalk off. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 21, 2020, 12:11:20 PM
Quote from: mamselle on October 21, 2020, 11:17:02 AM
I had one kitty that used to growl, 'way down deep in his throat, at perceived threats.

He was a teensy, fluffy little thing the first time he did it.

I couldn't believe such a deep, intense sound could come from such a tiny little fluffball.

M.

OrangeGuy sometimes chases HerMajesty around, partly wanting to play, partly wanting to be dominant kitty, and she might growl at him if he corners her. She, after all, is the queen here, and is far above playing rough with anyone. Mr. Larimar and I try to prevent OrangeGuy from chasing her, and we yell and hiss at him when we catch him starting. He'll freeze when we do that, but the lesson hasn't entirely stuck yet.

The first time we heard HerMajesty growl, it was hard to believe. She's loud and means business. It was surprising coming from such a sweetheart.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 21, 2020, 12:20:27 PM
The only times I've heard Maestro growl is when he manages to steal a big chunk of brisket or pot roast and I try to take it away.

I can snatch other foods away from him and he will look annoyed, but so far he only growls for beef.

This is my favorite video for contrasting cute kitten exteriors from the primal predator interiors:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq0Za47zaaQ
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: lillipat on October 21, 2020, 02:53:09 PM
The Princess growls when it's a specific individual at the door whom she doesn't like.  The rest of the time she's shy and/or pleasant, but let That Man come over, and she's in primal huntress mode.  Such a growl!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on October 22, 2020, 08:15:56 AM
There's no issue with posting images of our kitties, right?
https://imgur.com/gallery/RumeuP3 (https://imgur.com/gallery/RumeuP3)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 22, 2020, 09:03:04 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 22, 2020, 08:15:56 AM
There's no issue with posting images of our kitties, right?
https://imgur.com/gallery/RumeuP3 (https://imgur.com/gallery/RumeuP3)

Your kitties are adorable!

"Furonymus Bosch" is going on my list of Best Cat Names I've Ever Encountered. It's right up there with "Mr. Meowgi."

Is Poe the black-and-white kitty with the gorgeous green eyes? Is that a Siamese kitty chomping on his ear?

Love the pics. A nice way to start the morning :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 22, 2020, 09:18:25 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 22, 2020, 08:15:56 AM
There's no issue with posting images of our kitties, right?
https://imgur.com/gallery/RumeuP3 (https://imgur.com/gallery/RumeuP3)

Adorable kittehs!!  I agree with smallcleanrat that Furonymus Bosch is one of the best cat names ever!

Ricochet, who can usually only be found on one of her safe spots (current N=4), is lounging in a sunbeam on the kitchen floor. Any sudden movements will cause her to bolt, so I'm watching from afar.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on October 22, 2020, 09:28:05 AM
Thank you! Yes, we called him Poe because he has that little mustache. He was a rescue kitty and when we got him he was around a year old and weighed maybe 5 lbs, he's now up to 18. Hazel is probably a mix of snowshoe (like grumpy cat) and siamese, she was another rescue. I am a painter so I told my wife we had to have at least one cat with a painter's name.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 22, 2020, 09:37:36 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on October 22, 2020, 09:18:25 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 22, 2020, 08:15:56 AM
There's no issue with posting images of our kitties, right?
https://imgur.com/gallery/RumeuP3 (https://imgur.com/gallery/RumeuP3)

Adorable kittehs!!  I agree with smallcleanrat that Furonymus Bosch is one of the best cat names ever!


Aww, +1 to this. Hazel, Poe, and Furonymus are adorable.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 22, 2020, 04:02:38 PM
Ricochet got her head caught in a paper bag handle (I know, bad cat servants!) while I was teaching today. She zoomed through the house banging into things and dragging the bag. I had to stop class and go find her. Luckily she jumped on top of the bed instead of cowering under it, so I freed her quickly from offending bag.  All was then well, and she groomed herself to soothe from the trauma.  Luckily, my students have been mostly amused by cat antics while I am teaching (both cats like the doc cam and have shown up in videos).  I wonder if comments about my cats will show up in my evals.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 22, 2020, 05:30:57 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on October 22, 2020, 04:02:38 PM
Luckily, my students have been mostly amused by cat antics while I am teaching (both cats like the doc cam and have shown up in videos).  I wonder if comments about my cats will show up in my evals.

I've incorporated mine -- each online lesson ends with a picture of one of the cats "saying" something to the class-- sometimes related to the topic of the week, sometimes reminding them of something coming up. I added a free bonus point question to the end of the first exam about it:

Why does Prof. Puget have cats at the end of each online lesson?
A. Why are you asking this? Of course there should be more cats in everything!
B. Her (perhaps lame) attempt to add something light to our weeks
C. She is secretly biased against dogs.
D. More research is needed to test these theories.

Over half the class chose A. The rest were split. I invited the C people to send me pictures of their dogs to include at the end of upcoming lessons (only one has so far). Those who answered D are now my favorites (don't tell the others), as they are clearly the true nerds.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on October 23, 2020, 10:16:16 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on October 22, 2020, 04:02:38 PM
Ricochet got her head caught in a paper bag handle (I know, bad cat servants!) while I was teaching today. She zoomed through the house banging into things and dragging the bag. I had to stop class and go find her. Luckily she jumped on top of the bed instead of cowering under it, so I freed her quickly from offending bag.  All was then well, and she groomed herself to soothe from the trauma.  Luckily, my students have been mostly amused by cat antics while I am teaching (both cats like the doc cam and have shown up in videos).  I wonder if comments about my cats will show up in my evals.

Our cat Hazel is totally in love with bags, especially plastic ones. She has caught the bag around her neck three or four times now and she freaks out every time. She's cute but a bit dopey that way.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 23, 2020, 12:47:43 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on October 22, 2020, 04:02:38 PM
Ricochet got her head caught in a paper bag handle (I know, bad cat servants!) while I was teaching today. She zoomed through the house banging into things and dragging the bag. I had to stop class and go find her. Luckily she jumped on top of the bed instead of cowering under it, so I freed her quickly from offending bag.  All was then well, and she groomed herself to soothe from the trauma.  Luckily, my students have been mostly amused by cat antics while I am teaching (both cats like the doc cam and have shown up in videos).  I wonder if comments about my cats will show up in my evals.

Izzy kitten got stuck her head stuck in a bag handle during one of my meetings, ran around the house in a terrified sprint, and mushed herself as far under the bed as she could go.  I had to pause the meeting the grab her, remove the bag, and let her escape.  She is now scared of paper bags.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on October 23, 2020, 01:13:19 PM
Perhaps kitties are reminded (or should be reminded) of the words of Admiral Ackbar "It's a Trap!!"  with regard to the bags that once seemed so fun!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 24, 2020, 08:47:22 PM
So, I know cats love to stalk and chase because this is how predators play.

But do they also enjoy *being* chased?

When Maestro is in high energy mode, he often sprints away if I move closer to him. Sometimes I think it means that he doesn't want to be bothered, but other times I'm wondering if this is another way he likes to play. If he spots me while playing with his toys, he will bound over and hide somewhere near me, then jump away if I move towards him.

This evening seemed especially like it was a game. I reached to pet him and he bolted under the bed. Thinking he wanted some human-free time, I walked away whereupon he dashed back into the open and ran to my side. I turned to him and he promptly went back under the bed. We did this about a dozen times: every time I move towards him --> under the bed; every time I walk away --> pops out to run after me.

He would occasionally turn his ears sideways or briefly get into the defensive Halloween cat pose, which are things he does when startled or annoyed. But the back-and-forth game we had makes me wonder if this can also be part of play.

Does anyone else play tag with their kitties?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 24, 2020, 11:12:06 PM
I had one that used to play bottle-cap hockey.

She'd bat it all the way down the hall, then turn around and fire it back at me.

I was supposed to (I think) catch it and return it, but I often missed.

No Maple Leafs for me....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 25, 2020, 06:44:49 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on October 24, 2020, 08:47:22 PM
Does anyone else play tag with their kitties?

I think I've posted about it up-thread; Ricochet plays a version of chase/tag with us.  She runs to one of her safe petting spots (i.e.., on top of bookshelf, one top of armoire, on top of specific bag in living room, on mat in front of the front door), and she wants you to follow her (she'll look back if she thinks you are not coming).  Then she flops down and wants scritches.  After some quick scritches, she races to the next spot in the game. The game ends when she runs to the basement.  It is one of the main ways she initiates interaction with us.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on October 25, 2020, 07:00:04 AM
ALHS went to sneak an after-supper PB sandwich last night and saw something move in the bread drawer when he opened it.  After emptying drawers, under the sink, etc., he determined it was, indeed a mouse (our first since moving in here 17 years ago this month). 

Little Cat watched him search from a good, safe distance, and when he returned with traps from the dollar store and set one under the sink, she made sure she was clear across the kitchen, then down the hall, just to be extra sure.

Her housemate Fela was sound asleep in the basement the whole time.

I feel so safe with these two fierce cats around.  Pfft.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 25, 2020, 08:16:46 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on October 25, 2020, 06:44:49 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on October 24, 2020, 08:47:22 PM
Does anyone else play tag with their kitties?

I think I've posted about it up-thread; Ricochet plays a version of chase/tag with us.  She runs to one of her safe petting spots (i.e.., on top of bookshelf, one top of armoire, on top of specific bag in living room, on mat in front of the front door), and she wants you to follow her (she'll look back if she thinks you are not coming).  Then she flops down and wants scritches.  After some quick scritches, she races to the next spot in the game. The game ends when she runs to the basement.  It is one of the main ways she initiates interaction with us.

Youngest evil cat lets SO chase her and then hides in a 24 pack soda box. She will then bat at him, or a toy, from inside the box (body inside and arms out the open end [or the side holes]). He then shakes the box a little and she runs around the room again for a bit until she hides in the box again. I'm pretty sure she enjoys this because she will look out the box at us and wait for us to show her a toy so that she can play with it. It's funny and odd.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on October 25, 2020, 08:49:18 AM
taking turns 'hunting' can be a game.
I would hide in a door way and peek out periodically like I was stalking him.  You can also freeze when he sees you.  IF you get closer you can rock on your feet, like he will twich his back legs before a jump.

However, you may want your SO to play this game.  It may be better for you to be 'the lover/protector' and he the rough player.

At least for another six months so that he is less confused.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 25, 2020, 08:51:52 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on October 25, 2020, 07:00:04 AM
ALHS went to sneak an after-supper PB sandwich last night and saw something move in the bread drawer when he opened it.  After emptying drawers, under the sink, etc., he determined it was, indeed a mouse (our first since moving in here 17 years ago this month). 

Little Cat watched him search from a good, safe distance, and when he returned with traps from the dollar store and set one under the sink, she made sure she was clear across the kitchen, then down the hall, just to be extra sure.

Her housemate Fela was sound asleep in the basement the whole time.

I feel so safe with these two fierce cats around.  Pfft.

Ninja and Ricochet would be happy to demonstrate how it's done! We have had several mice quickly dispatched by our two.  Ninja, who is allowed outside occasionally when SO is working in the yard or grilling on the back porch, has even successfully hunted a couple outside mice.  She was not willing to take on the deer, however, despite SO's encouragement.  She and the deer pointedly ignored each other, until the deer apparently got tired of SO yelling at it and bounded over the fence.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on October 26, 2020, 07:51:02 AM
Monday morning cat dump cuz I don't want to deal with HR this early. Or ever, actually.
https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp (https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on October 26, 2020, 08:49:05 AM
Our older, larger,  tuxedo cat Booboo, often chases our smaller tabby Lilil. At first we worried about this but Lilil is far more athletic and can easily outrun and out jump Booboo.  As long as she is not cornered, we think she likes the chase game since she keeps coming back for more!  She also loves jumping up to a ledge and taunting Booboo by sprawling out with her paws and tail just out of reach - we call this her 'cool as a cucumber' position.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 26, 2020, 10:25:18 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 26, 2020, 07:51:02 AM
Monday morning cat dump cuz I don't want to deal with HR this early. Or ever, actually.
https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp (https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp)

I'm enchanted!

This thread makes all the other nonsense on the Fora worthwhile...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 26, 2020, 01:00:13 PM
Quote from: mamselle on October 26, 2020, 10:25:18 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 26, 2020, 07:51:02 AM
Monday morning cat dump cuz I don't want to deal with HR this early. Or ever, actually.
https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp (https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp)

I'm enchanted!

This thread makes all the other nonsense on the Fora worthwhile...

M.

I agree.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 26, 2020, 01:50:11 PM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 26, 2020, 07:51:02 AM
Monday morning cat dump cuz I don't want to deal with HR this early. Or ever, actually.
https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp (https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp)

Thank you so much! I needed some cat cuteness in my Monday. Sorry you are having to deal with HR. 

I love that they hang out with each other. Our two, despite being littermates, do not spend time with each other.  This may be partially because Ninja has decided that SO is her human, and spends time waiting for him in his office when he's at work or hanging out in whatever room he is in when he is home.  Ricochet has not adopted a human, as she is still unclear on what humans are for. We thought Ninja might teach Ricochet how to be domesticated, but so far, no such luck.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: wareagle on October 26, 2020, 03:02:07 PM
Ricochet has not made the connection of human = food?

Catso sits by his dish and simply waits for me to fill it.  I get the evil eye while he does so.  Since he has only one eye, it can get pretty malevolent.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 26, 2020, 03:24:55 PM
Sir Puck and Lady Jane used to cuddle when they were tiny kittens, but not anymore.  I think she got fed up with him winning every wrestling match since he's now much bigger than she is.  Izzy likes to cuddle with Sir Puck, he doesn't approve, but he will tolerate it until she chomps him.  Lady Jane says there aren't enough cat treats in the world to convince her to let Izzy touch her.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 26, 2020, 04:10:10 PM
Quote from: wareagle on October 26, 2020, 03:02:07 PM
Ricochet has not made the connection of human = food?

Ricochet is the least food-motivated (at least human-offered food) cat I've ever met. We are convinced she lives on bugs and air.  As much as I dislike our unfinished basement, I think if we had fewer available bugs in the house, Ricochet would starve.  Sometimes I see her sitting by the badly hung basement door, staring at the crack between the door and floor, waiting.

Quote from: wareagle on October 26, 2020, 03:02:07 PM
Catso sits by his dish and simply waits for me to fill it.  I get the evil eye while he does so.  Since he has only one eye, it can get pretty malevolent.

Love this image! I think we need a picture of Catso!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 26, 2020, 04:17:36 PM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 26, 2020, 07:51:02 AM
Monday morning cat dump cuz I don't want to deal with HR this early. Or ever, actually.
https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp (https://imgur.com/gallery/PVpWVlp)

Aww, they are adorable!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 27, 2020, 10:27:02 AM
SO and the Maestro Share a Tender Moment:

SO and Maestro are lounging on the couch together. SO is lying on his back, face-to-face with Maestro who is draped across SO's chest. SO skritches the kitty's head while kitty purrs and leans into the skritching appreciatively.

SO (smiling fondly): Awww, you're being such a sweet boy Mae-

*Maestro interrupts by ejecting a violent sneeze directly into SO's face*

SO (belatedly shielding face from the spray): gahhh!!! Why?!?

*Maestro blinks at him innocently, seemingly puzzled as to why the skritching has stopped*

I dearly wish I had been able to capture that on video.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: spork on October 27, 2020, 04:52:39 PM
Can anyone recommend a product that I can spray on indoor plants to stop cats from chewing on them? I'm bringing herbs and other plants indoors for the winter. Sprayed chili pepper water on the leaves, no effect -- our two cats immediately began chomping. A previous cat actually liked the taste/smell of lemon citrus oil that was advertised as a cat repellent.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 27, 2020, 05:42:00 PM
Quote from: spork on October 27, 2020, 04:52:39 PM
Can anyone recommend a product that I can spray on indoor plants to stop cats from chewing on them? I'm bringing herbs and other plants indoors for the winter. Sprayed chili pepper water on the leaves, no effect -- our two cats immediately began chomping. A previous cat actually liked the taste/smell of lemon citrus oil that was advertised as a cat repellent.

We got our kitty to stop chewing wires with this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Repellent-Furniture-Protector-Establish-Boundaries/dp/B087HJ6199

It's scented with rosemary and cinnamon. It seemed to be the scent that put him off more than anything. He'd run off if we so much as reached for the bottle.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on October 28, 2020, 06:49:56 AM
Our girls aren't chewers, but Kid #1 has a puppy (if you can call a 120-pound 10 month old moose/GSD a pup), and she had good luck using bitter apple spray to stop the chomping when he was younger.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 28, 2020, 08:50:08 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on October 27, 2020, 10:27:02 AM
SO and the Maestro Share a Tender Moment:

SO and Maestro are lounging on the couch together. SO is lying on his back, face-to-face with Maestro who is draped across SO's chest. SO skritches the kitty's head while kitty purrs and leans into the skritching appreciatively.

SO (smiling fondly): Awww, you're being such a sweet boy Mae-

*Maestro interrupts by ejecting a violent sneeze directly into SO's face*

SO (belatedly shielding face from the spray): gahhh!!! Why?!?

*Maestro blinks at him innocently, seemingly puzzled as to why the skritching has stopped*

I dearly wish I had been able to capture that on video.

Haha!  Cats sneezes are somehow really cute and really gross. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on October 29, 2020, 06:19:46 AM
The Shebah....a senior tortie....got a good checkup this week, though I have been over feeding her.  And she needs dental work.  Based on her blood work, she should be OK for surgery, but vet and I will decide tomorrow after consult with dental vet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 29, 2020, 09:28:38 AM
Youngest evil cat lounged on the table while I was working on my laptop. Apparently, she was very curious, or mischevious, because she put her paw into my mug and promptly dumped my coffee all over the table.

Sigh.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 29, 2020, 09:30:04 AM
But, hopefully, NOT into the laptop....??

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 29, 2020, 09:51:01 AM
Quote from: mamselle on October 29, 2020, 09:30:04 AM
But, hopefully, NOT into the laptop....??

M.

Correct. She pulled the mug towards herself, but missed getting doused (good cat reflexes!), but spilled liquid all over the table and floor.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 30, 2020, 10:10:00 AM
Youngest evil cat is pretty darn smart. I think she understands 'No', she just doesn't like it. I have her in my office where the basil, ginger, turmeric and pineapple plants are and she has been eyeing them. Of course, when I first let her in, she started chewing on a small pineapple plant leaf. After hearing me say, 'No', she ran over to the old black rug and flopped. She then got up and sauntered over to a different plant and the process repeated. So, I think she sees the black rug as the 'Safety Zone' where she won't get in trouble even after getting into things.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 30, 2020, 04:33:47 PM
I came home after work today to find that the cat food bowls were almost empty.  Both cats watched me as I filled them.  Ninja then walked over to the bowls and began eating.  Ricochet looked at the now full bowls and ran out of the kitchen to hide behind the couch. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 30, 2020, 10:32:09 PM
Quote from: clean on October 25, 2020, 08:49:18 AM
taking turns 'hunting' can be a game.
I would hide in a door way and peek out periodically like I was stalking him.  You can also freeze when he sees you.  IF you get closer you can rock on your feet, like he will twich his back legs before a jump.

However, you may want your SO to play this game.  It may be better for you to be 'the lover/protector' and he the rough player.

At least for another six months so that he is less confused.

Does the six-months suggestion have to do with Maestro still being young and impressionable?

Recently he was doing his best to entice me to chase him (SO noticed: "He really seems to like playing that keepaway game with you."). He doesn't seem to play this game with SO. If SO approaches, Maestro either wants to shadow box or he positions himself in anticipation of SO throwing a toy to be chased.

Last night, I tried just sitting on the couch when Maestro started his hiding-but-not-really routine. When I didn't approach, he tried a few more nearby "hiding" spots, crouched and poised to dash away as soon as I did my part and pursued him. Finally, when he realized I wasn't chasing, he decided to modify the rules and began sprinting at me to bop me with a paw before running off. Then he would find another starting spot, make another dash at me and another bop. A few times he popped up like a jack-in-the-box, head briefly springing up over the couch's arm rest ("Surprise!"), before dropping back to the floor to run off to a new spot to "attack" me from. I didn't have to move an inch, and I got a free show.

Does this sound like rough-and-tumble play I should maybe avoid? I'm not sure. He seems dead serious about attacking during the position-crouch-sprint part, but the actual attack part is adorably gentle. He knows he's not supposed to nip, so I get bopped by those little white socks or else he makes pretend bites (biting the air right next to my arm without actually touching me). I always feel absurdly flattered when he does this. It's like he's saying, "Playing with you is worth the effort of restraining myself."

Many a day this kitty has given me a much needed self-esteem boost. When I see him happily bounding all over the apartment, when he mews for my attention, when he purrs himself to sleep as I give him gentle skritches...I think, "This cat likes me. So at least I'm doing *something* right in my life."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on October 31, 2020, 08:57:26 AM
Quote
QuoteDoes the six-months suggestion have to do with Maestro still being young and impressionable?

yes,  he is young and you may be changing the rules and confusing him.

When he gets in his hunting mood, perhaps a feather on a string.

When I was training bird dogs (or when my grandfather was training ME to train bird dogs), we would get them to point by getting a cane pole (fishing pole) and tieing a bobber covered with feathers from quail. When  the puppy saw it they wanted to chase it.  We would let it down and when they got close we would swing it around.  Finally they got the idea that they would have to sneak up on it and point.

I suggest a similar game.  tie a ball of string  or a toy mouse with about four feet length of string and let him stalk the critter.

You could play his game by his rules.  Switch roles and stalk him!  But make sure it does not get rough or you will undo what you have been training to do (be gentle with you).  That is the biggest issue. You want to be the lover and protector. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: little bongo on November 04, 2020, 08:17:28 AM
[sorry--had a longish post that belonged in the mental health thread.]
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on November 05, 2020, 02:38:09 PM
It is drop day!  I gave an exam yesterday.  Worked all morning to get it graded, and now I am fielding the class questions.  I NEED kitty stories today!


(I went through Dogshaming.com yesterday while giving the exam, so I m caught up on dog stories!)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 05, 2020, 02:55:26 PM
I have a kitty story for you!

We have a compost pile in the yard.  It normally has a plastic mesh sort of fence around it, but I took it off to turn the pile.  We compost "all the things" including forgotten leftovers.  I was kind of lazy about covering up the last batch of leftovers.

Today, I caught Lady Jane eating a chunk of stale meatloaf from the compost.  Old, stale, covered in dirt, dried out meatloaf.  This is the same cat who turns up her nose at the can of patê at dinner if it's the same sort that she ate for breakfast.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 05, 2020, 03:08:00 PM
Given all that's going on in the world and the mountain of grading I have today, I'm celebrating the little things:

Today, I was giving Ninja a treat and Ricochet, who generally thinks treats are poison, came over to see what was happening. Not only did she actually eat the treat I gave her (took about a minute with lots of sniffing and licking first), she rubbed up against me requesting another one! And she ate it!

And last night, Ricochet, for the first time ever, laid down next to my legs and snoozed. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 05, 2020, 03:16:07 PM
Awww.....she's getting closer.

Soon she'll be tripping you up as she waltzes between your ankles at every turn.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 05, 2020, 05:07:51 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 05, 2020, 03:16:07 PM
Awww.....she's getting closer.

Soon she'll be tripping you up as she waltzes between your ankles at every turn.

M.

She already does the tripping part because she is so frickin' fast and zooms through the house.  She does not waltz between our ankles though.  That might take another 5 years.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on November 06, 2020, 05:03:47 AM
Our little boys are having a blast "helping" me with PT exercises on the floor 2x day. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on November 06, 2020, 06:09:34 AM
Today on Cat TV - Belligerent Squirrel!

Enjoy the adventures of a fat, belligerent squirrel as he sits inches from the glass partition, stuffing his face and never breaking eye contact, the little bastard.

Rated K-13 (will induce rage in Kitties in 13...12...11....)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 06, 2020, 03:31:03 PM
SO is working on fixing the 'big' couch (involves C clamps), so we moved the loveseat into the main room. The cats are puzzled. Now, all four of us are smooshed on a tiny couch. Oof!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 09, 2020, 07:23:11 AM
Yesterday, we had gorgeous weather, and we spend most of the afternoon outside on the deck.  SO manned the grill and finished reading a book. I graded and gorged myself on fresh-grilled, buttery flat bread.  Ninja romped in our small backyard for hours, and protested mightily when we brought her inside as the sun set (I assume she was saying "but I can see in the dark!").   Last night, she was sacked from all the fun. Today, she is still tuckered out and twitching in her sleep.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 09, 2020, 10:25:46 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 09, 2020, 07:23:11 AM
Yesterday, we had gorgeous weather, and we spend most of the afternoon outside on the deck.  SO manned the grill and finished reading a book. I graded and gorged myself on fresh-grilled, buttery flat bread.  Ninja romped in our small backyard for hours, and protested mightily when we brought her inside as the sun set (I assume she was saying "but I can see in the dark!").   Last night, she was sacked from all the fun. Today, she is still tuckered out and twitching in her sleep.

That sounds like a lovely day for all! Nice to hear about it.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 10, 2020, 09:01:15 AM
That sounds like a delightful day!  Fresh grilled, buttery bread and sunshine and happy cat :o)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 10, 2020, 09:09:23 AM
Maestro the Office Supplies Manager:

Every so often SO glances at his printer to find its self-diagnostic results sitting in the printout tray. Maestro has an uncanny habit of initiating the printer diagnostic. Even when the printer is off, Maestro will somehow turn it on and then print the diagnostic. This seems to be the only printer function he ever sets off (even though there are plenty of other options random button-mashing might produce).

We are finding this both amusing and unsettling.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 10, 2020, 09:30:57 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 10, 2020, 09:09:23 AM
Maestro the Office Supplies Manager:

Every so often SO glances at his printer to find its self-diagnostic results sitting in the printout tray. Maestro has an uncanny habit of initiating the printer diagnostic. Even when the printer is off, Maestro will somehow turn it on and then print the diagnostic. This seems to be the only printer function he ever sets off (even though there are plenty of other options random button-mashing might produce).

We are finding this both amusing and unsettling.

So cute! Maestro is a much more helpful office manager than either Ninja or Ricochet. Ninja's contributions include laying on top of the scanner and daring me to move her if I want to scan something.  She also has inserted herself into videos I make for my skills class when I am demonstrating skills under the doc cam (some of my instructions include: "remove cat from the work space"). She also tends to lay on top of whatever I need to be grading at the moment.  Ricochet's contributions include walking across the keyboard when I'm trying to type and occasionally sending an email that only she can decode. We think it's possible she's trying to contact the mothership to obtain more specific instructions on "how to cat" but, so far, she has only managed to send emails to my students.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 10, 2020, 09:42:18 AM
So many good cat antics!

We are having an amazing run of unseasonably lovely weather, so the cats are getting to once again enjoy their catio aka the cat coop (which they access through a window). They are both basking out there and watching cat TV, i.e., the bird feeder.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 10, 2020, 09:56:53 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 10, 2020, 09:30:57 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 10, 2020, 09:09:23 AM
Maestro the Office Supplies Manager:

Every so often SO glances at his printer to find its self-diagnostic results sitting in the printout tray. Maestro has an uncanny habit of initiating the printer diagnostic. Even when the printer is off, Maestro will somehow turn it on and then print the diagnostic. This seems to be the only printer function he ever sets off (even though there are plenty of other options random button-mashing might produce).

We are finding this both amusing and unsettling.

So cute! Maestro is a much more helpful office manager than either Ninja or Ricochet. Ninja's contributions include laying on top of the scanner and daring me to move her if I want to scan something.  She also has inserted herself into videos I make for my skills class when I am demonstrating skills under the doc cam (some of my instructions include: "remove cat from the work space"). She also tends to lay on top of whatever I need to be grading at the moment.  Ricochet's contributions include walking across the keyboard when I'm trying to type and occasionally sending an email that only she can decode. We think it's possible she's trying to contact the mothership to obtain more specific instructions on "how to cat" but, so far, she has only managed to send emails to my students.

Ahahaha; that's fantastic.

I've been meaning to ask if there are posts on this thread with the origin story of Ninja and Ricochet (especially how they got their fora names). They sound like quite an interesting pair of kitties!

I wonder if Ricochet and Maestro have the same contact. Sometimes in the middle of the night I'm awakened by the light from my computer monitor coming out of sleep mode, followed by the sound of typing. I will sit up in bed to see Maestro sitting on my desk, face bathed in the glow of the monitor, gaze intent, paws on keyboard.

If I say, "Maestro, what are you doing?" he whirls around, eyes wide and immediately bolts away. SO speculates the cat writes embarrassing fanfiction and fears being discovered. But your mothership idea seems quite plausible.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 10, 2020, 05:22:45 PM
We moved more furniture for seating in our 'family room' since we're repairing our large sofa/couch 'cause we're frugal nerds.

I have the little love seat and SO has an armchair. For some reason, two of the cats like the love seat. Elder evil cat is jealous of anyone who gets my attention, so he gets annoyed with Youngest evil cat, who will occasionally sprawl on me when the electric blanket is on. It's been interesting over here.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 10, 2020, 06:44:05 PM
Or maybe it's the electric blanket he's jealous of?

After all, he may see warming you up as HIS job...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 10, 2020, 07:44:05 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 10, 2020, 06:44:05 PM
Or maybe it's the electric blanket he's jealous of?

After all, he may see warming you up as HIS job...

;--}

M.

Probably. Every now and then I'll catch him staring at me (in disbelief?) when I pet Youngest evil cat. She's so floofy and soft, but she's not a long-haired. Our vet classified her as a medium-haired cat, which is interesting. I've only had one long-haired cat and the rest have been short-haired.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 11, 2020, 06:05:46 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 10, 2020, 09:56:53 AM

I wonder if Ricochet and Maestro have the same contact. Sometimes in the middle of the night I'm awakened by the light from my computer monitor coming out of sleep mode, followed by the sound of typing. I will sit up in bed to see Maestro sitting on my desk, face bathed in the glow of the monitor, gaze intent, paws on keyboard.

If I say, "Maestro, what are you doing?" he whirls around, eyes wide and immediately bolts away. SO speculates the cat writes embarrassing fanfiction and fears being discovered. But your mothership idea seems quite plausible.

LOL!

Twerp was the life of the party at my afternoon class yesterday. She spent most of it curled up quietly on my lap, under the radar of my web cam, so I just petted her while I lectured. A few minutes before class was over, though, she ran out of patience and started mewing, and ran across the keyboard several times. I had to shoo her away. Then I had a meeting with a student, and Twerp jumped back on my lap, put her paws near my shoulders, and got right in my face. The student laughed.

Mr. Larimar will be taking Calico to the vet at about lunch time today. She was licking frantically at her back, sides, front legs, and tail. No sign of fleas anywhere, and the other kitties seem fine, so we don't know what it is. I just hope we get some answers. For things like this, they can't always figure it out.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 11, 2020, 08:59:05 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 10, 2020, 09:56:53 AM
I've been meaning to ask if there are posts on this thread with the origin story of Ninja and Ricochet (especially how they got their fora names). They sound like quite an interesting pair of kitties!

Ninja and Ricochet origin: Well, their origin story with SO and me is that 5 years ago, SO's kitty companion, FloppyTail (RIP) passed away from bladder cancer.  At the time, we had my fluffy calico (FluffyGirl, RIP), who was decidedly my cat, and SO needed a cat, so when SO was ready, off to the shelter we went.  We initially thought we'd adopt an adult cat, but SO fell in love with two tiny kittens; both had heart murmurs and Ninja had parasites, so she was barely 2 pounds.  We took them out of their shared cage, and they crawled all over us, and that was it.  The first night we had them home, we put up a gate to keep them upstairs and away from FluffyGirl (we probably should not have bothered, she ignored them).  Ninja decided she was not having it, climbed over the gate, and tumbled down the stairs.  She was fine, but that essentially ended attempts at separation.

So, on their Fora names, well, Ninja is stealth and able to steal food out from under you (recent acquisition--pork).  Ricochet, well, she is a ricochet. She zooms around the house at warp speed. She frequently bolts when people come near her.  She has lived with us for 5 years now, and she still is confounded by humans.  She still, after these years with us (and we are decidedly cat people), flinches when we attempt to pet her about half the time.  If strangers are in the house, she zooms into a hiding place. When she allows me to love on her, I melt.

They are certainly an interesting pair.  Our lives are richer for them.  Sorry for long post.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 15, 2020, 01:31:14 PM
Double posting a few days apart.

As I've described upthread, Ricochet's primary manner of interacting with us is to initiate the follow-follow/chase game in which she runs (bolts) to a safe spot, we give her scritches, then she bolts to the next spot, and we follow her; the game occurs in short rounds that end when she refuses to come out of a corner or runs to the basement.  She has attempted to initiate the game eleventy-billion times today, interrupting my grading binge. I know I should grade instead of play with my cat, but she's just so flippin' cute. If only she'd interact with us by sitting next to us (or as Ninja does, sitting on the desk itself). I can pet and grade at the same time, but I cannot grade and run around the house at the same time (as evidenced by my still very large grading pile).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 15, 2020, 02:16:39 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 15, 2020, 01:31:14 PM
Double posting a few days apart.

As I've described upthread, Ricochet's primary manner of interacting with us is to initiate the follow-follow/chase game in which she runs (bolts) to a safe spot, we give her scritches, then she bolts to the next spot, and we follow her; the game occurs in short rounds that end when she refuses to come out of a corner or runs to the basement.  She has attempted to initiate the game eleventy-billion times today, interrupting my grading binge. I know I should grade instead of play with my cat, but she's just so flippin' cute. If only she'd interact with us by sitting next to us (or as Ninja does, sitting on the desk itself). I can pet and grade at the same time, but I cannot grade and run around the house at the same time (as evidenced by my still very large grading pile).

I think Ricochet takes issue with your base assumption. And haven't you read the research on the draining effects of multitasking? Single-tasking is all the rage these days; it's supposed to be much better for productivity *and* mental well-being. Ricochet is just looking out for you, OneMoreYear!

Thanks for sharing the backstory of your cute critters! I love that you went into the shelter with one set of cat criteria in mind only to jettison those criteria when you met Ninja and Ricochet because they were just that irresistible.

Before Maestro, I had been fantasizing about my future kitty, imagining wandering the shelter until I found The One. When Maestro made his surprise debut in our lives, my fantasy criteria no longer mattered. I never realized I needed a kitty with a silly milk mustache or a honking snore but Maestro showed me the way.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 15, 2020, 05:01:00 PM
Ha, just ran across this: The cats at Disneyland (in Anaheim, CA, that is) have their own website...

   https://disneylandcats.com/

And apparently the ones at Grizzly River Run are in the best shape right now:

   https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/While-the-crowds-are-away-Disneyland-s-cats-15726421.php

They say they try to ignore it was all started by a mouse, but I suspect they're pretty ecumenical for all that....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 15, 2020, 08:41:26 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 15, 2020, 02:16:39 PM
Before Maestro, I had been fantasizing about my future kitty, imagining wandering the shelter until I found The One. When Maestro made his surprise debut in our lives, my fantasy criteria no longer mattered. I never realized I needed a kitty with a silly milk mustache or a honking snore but Maestro showed me the way.

I don't believe much in fate, but I do think that sometimes the right cat finds the right person and it seems that Maestro is the right cat for you and you are the right person for him. Ninja is the right cat for SO, as he is her human, and she follows him around and sits on his lap and thinks he is the best thing since salmon treats.  I think we are the right people for Ricochet because we know that we have to be patient and accept her in all of her squirreliness and appreciate the little things, even though she remains confounded by us and we do not fully understand all of her rules.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on November 16, 2020, 04:43:29 AM
Anybody have tricks to prevent unrolling of toilet paper?  There's not really an easily accessible drawer we can put it inside.  We've lost 2 rolls in the last 24 hours, even after I explained that we couldn't afford to waste any right now. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 16, 2020, 05:30:00 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on November 16, 2020, 04:43:29 AM
Anybody have tricks to prevent unrolling of toilet paper?  There's not really an easily accessible drawer we can put it inside.  We've lost 2 rolls in the last 24 hours, even after I explained that we couldn't afford to waste any right now.

What, the explanation did not work? I think there are toilet paper guards you can buy to stop the cat from doing this. The other (free) trick is to squish the cardboard roll somewhat, so it's not a circle anymore, and the TP does not roll as easily (we did this with our kittens, and the TP game was not as much fun, so they gave up on it). Or keep the door to the bathroom closed?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 16, 2020, 03:47:50 PM
Youngest evil cat has been galloping around the room, down the stairs and back up again.

I think she's having a good time.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 16, 2020, 04:46:26 PM
The new gas "wood" stove in the living room has exponentially increased evening contentedness for all beings in the house. Currently Panther Boy is in one of the cat baskets directly in front of the fire, and Little Calico is temporarily eschewing her basket to nestle against my legs on the footrest poof.

They have learned the sound it makes when turned on and come running, if they aren't already hopefully lined up in their baskets waiting.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 16, 2020, 05:03:24 PM
They always know where the warmth is....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 17, 2020, 05:58:54 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 16, 2020, 03:47:50 PM
Youngest evil cat has been galloping around the room, down the stairs and back up again.

I think she's having a good time.

Does youngest evil cat need a (virtual) running partner? Ricochet is also an expert house galloper.

Quote from: Puget on November 16, 2020, 04:46:26 PM
The new gas "wood" stove in the living room has exponentially increased evening contentedness for all beings in the house. Currently Panther Boy is in one of the cat baskets directly in front of the fire, and Little Calico is temporarily eschewing her basket to nestle against my legs on the footrest poof.

They have learned the sound it makes when turned on and come running, if they aren't already hopefully lined up in their baskets waiting.

You are clearly an excellent cat servant, providing both heat and cat baskets.  A good life indeed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on November 17, 2020, 07:52:30 AM
As it has finally started to cool off here our cats are also getting more active. Our cat Poe, who weighs close to 20lbs now, went flying through the sunroom yesterday and scurried up the cat tower. Even with the tower as solid as it is there was a lot of rocking and swaying.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 17, 2020, 09:14:55 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 17, 2020, 05:58:54 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 16, 2020, 03:47:50 PM
Youngest evil cat has been galloping around the room, down the stairs and back up again.

I think she's having a good time.

Does youngest evil cat need a (virtual) running partner? Ricochet is also an expert house galloper.


Maybe. We've thought about adopting a kitten or puppy. The older cats don't really want to play with her. Sometimes Elder evil cat gets a bug up his bum and will play (a little), but most days, he will try to bite her. :(
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 17, 2020, 09:34:33 AM
I did a virtual session from home today for preschoolers, which involved puppets. Ninja usually snoozes while I teach class, although she occasionally walks in front of the computer or tries to lay under the doc cam. Today, she would not leave me alone. She kept trying to bop the puppets (which would have been awesome if we were doing Little Bunny Foo Foo, but alas we were not) and bat the papers from my hand. No idea what was up with her today. Maybe it is the increased activity with the colder weather, or maybe she really hates my turtle puppet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 17, 2020, 10:46:48 AM
I bet the preschoolers loved it, though!

(Maybe the cat has a good sense of her best, most natural audience and just knows to play to them?)

One of my cats, when she was a tiny kitten, used to jump up on the accordion when I was practicing. She'd land just under my nose, settle in, and try to stay there while I played, worked the bellows, etc.

She actually didn't always fall off, or jump, either.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 17, 2020, 01:02:09 PM
OneMoreYear, your post about the right cats finding the right people gave me such warm fuzzies. Wanted to write a heartfelt response, but the fuzzies in my brain are an obstacle at moment.

Really feeling unwell this past week; Maestro's been going above and beyond his companion cat duties. Spending a lot of time in bed feeling wretched; Maestro has been foregoing his usual routines to cuddle up with me (delaying his breakfast; skipping his morning zoomies; once even turning down an afternoon snack to stay by my side). I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for this sweet furry feline. It's like he's telling me "The kibble can wait. Right now, I just want to be here for you." If that's not a cat's version of saying, "I love you." I don't know what is.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 17, 2020, 01:32:25 PM
Awwww....good boy, Maestro.

I hope you feel better soon.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on November 17, 2020, 02:18:09 PM
QuoteI did a virtual session from home today for preschoolers, which involved puppets. Ninja usually snoozes while I teach class, although she occasionally walks in front of the computer or tries to lay under the doc cam. Today, she would not leave me alone. She kept trying to bop the puppets


Puppets are clearly kitty toys!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 17, 2020, 02:25:20 PM
Quote from: clean on November 17, 2020, 02:18:09 PM
QuoteI did a virtual session from home today for preschoolers, which involved puppets. Ninja usually snoozes while I teach class, although she occasionally walks in front of the computer or tries to lay under the doc cam. Today, she would not leave me alone. She kept trying to bop the puppets


Puppets are clearly kitty toys!!

Or tiny home invaders that need to be eradicated for the safety of the household.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 17, 2020, 02:35:07 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 17, 2020, 09:34:33 AM
I did a virtual session from home today for preschoolers, which involved puppets. Ninja usually snoozes while I teach class, although she occasionally walks in front of the computer or tries to lay under the doc cam. Today, she would not leave me alone. She kept trying to bop the puppets (which would have been awesome if we were doing Little Bunny Foo Foo, but alas we were not) and bat the papers from my hand. No idea what was up with her today. Maybe it is the increased activity with the colder weather, or maybe she really hates my turtle puppet.

Maybe she wanted to be in the show too!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on November 17, 2020, 02:44:51 PM
QuoteMaybe she wanted to be in the show too!

STAR in the show!!  Kitties are vain prima donnas! 

(They are not believers in the "no small parts - for losers!" school of thought!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 17, 2020, 03:19:08 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 17, 2020, 01:02:09 PM
OneMoreYear, your post about the right cats finding the right people gave me such warm fuzzies. Wanted to write a heartfelt response, but the fuzzies in my brain are an obstacle at moment.

Really feeling unwell this past week; Maestro's been going above and beyond his companion cat duties. Spending a lot of time in bed feeling wretched; Maestro has been foregoing his usual routines to cuddle up with me (delaying his breakfast; skipping his morning zoomies; once even turning down an afternoon snack to stay by my side). I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for this sweet furry feline. It's like he's telling me "The kibble can wait. Right now, I just want to be here for you." If that's not a cat's version of saying, "I love you." I don't know what is.

Awww, what a sweet kitty! He knows that you need love and support.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 17, 2020, 03:21:06 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 17, 2020, 01:02:09 PM
OneMoreYear, your post about the right cats finding the right people gave me such warm fuzzies. Wanted to write a heartfelt response, but the fuzzies in my brain are an obstacle at moment.

Really feeling unwell this past week; Maestro's been going above and beyond his companion cat duties. Spending a lot of time in bed feeling wretched; Maestro has been foregoing his usual routines to cuddle up with me (delaying his breakfast; skipping his morning zoomies; once even turning down an afternoon snack to stay by my side). I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for this sweet furry feline. It's like he's telling me "The kibble can wait. Right now, I just want to be here for you." If that's not a cat's version of saying, "I love you." I don't know what is.

You are his human and he is your cat. :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 17, 2020, 03:23:24 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 17, 2020, 01:02:09 PM
OneMoreYear, your post about the right cats finding the right people gave me such warm fuzzies. Wanted to write a heartfelt response, but the fuzzies in my brain are an obstacle at moment.

Really feeling unwell this past week; Maestro's been going above and beyond his companion cat duties. Spending a lot of time in bed feeling wretched; Maestro has been foregoing his usual routines to cuddle up with me (delaying his breakfast; skipping his morning zoomies; once even turning down an afternoon snack to stay by my side). I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for this sweet furry feline. It's like he's telling me "The kibble can wait. Right now, I just want to be here for you." If that's not a cat's version of saying, "I love you." I don't know what is.

Sorry to hear you are feeling so awful, smallcleanrat. I do think that choosing to cuddle with sick human rather than obtain a tasty snack is definitely "I love you" in cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 17, 2020, 04:36:01 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 17, 2020, 03:23:24 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 17, 2020, 01:02:09 PM
OneMoreYear, your post about the right cats finding the right people gave me such warm fuzzies. Wanted to write a heartfelt response, but the fuzzies in my brain are an obstacle at moment.

Really feeling unwell this past week; Maestro's been going above and beyond his companion cat duties. Spending a lot of time in bed feeling wretched; Maestro has been foregoing his usual routines to cuddle up with me (delaying his breakfast; skipping his morning zoomies; once even turning down an afternoon snack to stay by my side). I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for this sweet furry feline. It's like he's telling me "The kibble can wait. Right now, I just want to be here for you." If that's not a cat's version of saying, "I love you." I don't know what is.

Sorry to hear you are feeling so awful, smallcleanrat. I do think that choosing to cuddle with sick human rather than obtain a tasty snack is definitely "I love you" in cat.

+1 - Hope you feel better soon, smallcleanrat. Bravo to Maestro for all he's doing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FKM100 on November 20, 2020, 04:48:59 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 17, 2020, 03:21:06 PM
You are his human and he is your cat. :)

Oh drat! Now I've started singing that (the Jennifer Rush version, not the Celine Dion version) and I can't stop!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on November 21, 2020, 04:25:13 AM
The Shebah (around age 16 or so) had dental successful dental surgery but is now.....poopless.  Vet recommended human laxative powder which I am sprinkling on food, mixing in a little canned tuna, heating up a bit.  She finally ate all yesterday's dose (after remixing and reheating) and now has nibbled on this morning's.  Please poop, Shebah.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 21, 2020, 05:54:59 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 21, 2020, 04:25:13 AM
The Shebah (around age 16 or so) had dental successful dental surgery but is now.....poopless.  Vet recommended human laxative powder which I am sprinkling on food, mixing in a little canned tuna, heating up a bit.  She finally ate all yesterday's dose (after remixing and reheating) and now has nibbled on this morning's.  Please poop, Shebah.

Poor baby, Shebah. Sending poopy thoughts.
Have you tried reading Everybody Poops to her? Or perhaps a South Park episode?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 21, 2020, 07:13:11 AM
Quote from: FKM100 on November 20, 2020, 04:48:59 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 17, 2020, 03:21:06 PM
You are his human and he is your cat. :)

Oh drat! Now I've started singing that (the Jennifer Rush version, not the Celine Dion version) and I can't stop!

Sorry! Maybe that's what spurred me to say it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 21, 2020, 07:14:35 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 21, 2020, 05:54:59 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 21, 2020, 04:25:13 AM
The Shebah (around age 16 or so) had dental successful dental surgery but is now.....poopless.  Vet recommended human laxative powder which I am sprinkling on food, mixing in a little canned tuna, heating up a bit.  She finally ate all yesterday's dose (after remixing and reheating) and now has nibbled on this morning's.  Please poop, Shebah.

Poor baby, Shebah. Sending poopy thoughts.
Have you tried reading Everybody Poops to her? Or perhaps a South Park episode?

:D

There are several specials with the Xmas 'poo.' Hope your kitty feels better.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 21, 2020, 08:26:11 PM
Tonight, Ricochet has been practicing her pre lap-sitting skills.  She has had several sessions of kneading me, but none of them led to lap sitting, as she is still not sure that lap-sitting is advisable. She kneads me by keeping her back-paws on the coffee table and kneading my leg with her front paws, as if she is saying, "I'm not sure I can commit to this, so I'm not going to have my whole body on you in case I need to run away."  Does anyone else's cat knead in this way?

I hope that the Shebah has pooped and Maestro has continued his caretaking duties.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on November 22, 2020, 04:17:52 AM
Some progress on poop for The Shebah.   Crossing my fingers for more.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 22, 2020, 05:43:43 AM
Two rushes to the vet here lately: the first was for Calico, who was frantically scratching and licking at herself. The vet found a single dead flea on her (she and the others had just been given their flea-preventative meds) and determined that she's allergic to flea bites. We never saw any fleas or flea evidence, but we sprayed the house and washed all the bedding, rugs, and cushions anyway. Hoo-boy was that ever fun - not! Anyway, Calico had a course of antihistamines, and antibiotics for an infection the vet found, and she is better now. She goes back for a follow-up next week.

The second vet trip was yesterday, for OrangeGuy. I actually had to take him twice. For no apparent reason he suddenly had a complete freak-out hissy-fit the other night. He yowled and hissed and growled at us and his siblings and used the kind of alley cat language not suitable for polite company, and tried to hide under the furniture. He has never done anything like this before. We calmed him down, and I took him to the clinic first thing yesterday morning. The vet examined him and didn't find anything physically wrong. She said that something may have spooked him and that adrenaline rushes in cats last a lot longer than they do in humans - up to 24 hours. That was an interesting bit of trivia I hadn't known.

I took OrangeGuy home. Then he peed on the carpet, which he had also never done before. The vet managed to schedule him back in for the afternoon, so back we went. She examined him again, and said he likely has inflammation in his bladder, and prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication. We'll have to give him that for a few more days. He does seem to be doing okay now; no more freakouts. I must say I'm really relieved that it was nothing worse for both kitties!


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 22, 2020, 07:05:28 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 22, 2020, 05:43:43 AM
Two rushes to the vet here lately: [snip]

Oh no, Larimar! Poor kitties! Hope Calico and OrangeGuy continue to improve.  A few years ago, Ninja had a total freak out like OrangeGuy and was hyperventilating.  We took her to the emergency vet who monitored her for several hours, but could not find anything actually wrong. Her breathing calmed and we took her home. Then of course Ricochet flipped out because Ninja smelled different and she did appear to recognize that Ninja was the other cat who lives with you. We had to lock Ricochet in the bathroom until Ninja felt well enough to clean herself thoroughly so she smelled like herself again.
Gentle scritches to the Larimar cats.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 22, 2020, 09:25:14 AM
Thanks, OneMoreYear. Everything's all quiet with them at the moment. Everyone's asleep in a sun patch.

In answer to your previous question, no, when the Larimar cats knead, they're all in.

Nebo113, I hope Shebah is doing better!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on November 23, 2020, 04:13:46 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 22, 2020, 09:25:14 AM
Thanks, OneMoreYear. Everything's all quiet with them at the moment. Everyone's asleep in a sun patch.

In answer to your previous question, no, when the Larimar cats knead, they're all in.

Nebo113, I hope Shebah is doing better!

Who knew about feline hissy fits!  Wow!  The Shebah produced real poop sometime last night, but I am still going to talk with the vet today.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 23, 2020, 10:11:36 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 23, 2020, 04:13:46 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 22, 2020, 09:25:14 AM
Thanks, OneMoreYear. Everything's all quiet with them at the moment. Everyone's asleep in a sun patch.

In answer to your previous question, no, when the Larimar cats knead, they're all in.

Nebo113, I hope Shebah is doing better!

Who knew about feline hissy fits!  Wow!  The Shebah produced real poop sometime last night, but I am still going to talk with the vet today.

The medication used for anesthesia in humans is often constipating.  Is that true for cats too? 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 23, 2020, 03:31:46 PM
Larimar, how are Calico and OrangeGuy doing?

OneMoreYear, Ricochet sometimes sounds like the cat version of me. Very indecisive, always wants to keep the option to back out quickly. Is this new behavior? Maybe she's testing out the idea of being a lap cat?

Maestro used to sit on my lap when he was tiny, but he doesn't do it anymore. He will still jump into SO's lap, so I was left wondering what was wrong with mine. I think it's that his grownup frame doesn't settle as easily in my lap whereas SO's lap still has sufficient surface area to serve as a stable place to relax. They look like such good friends on the couch together. Maestro enjoys TV if there is a lot of action onscreen, so the two of them will watch sports with similar expressions of rapt attention.

Instead of my lap, Maestro has been using the top of my desk chair as a perch when he wants to hang out with me. Sometimes I get a paw patting my head as if he's saying "Good human."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 23, 2020, 03:33:38 PM
I had a cat that would tangle her claws in my hair when I wasn't looking...they're so sweet!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 05:35:38 PM
I am hiding under the electric blanket and I am flanked by cats!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 23, 2020, 06:45:18 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 05:35:38 PM
I am hiding under the electric blanket and I am flanked by cats!

Why of course-- what could be better than being under an electric blanket with a human hot water bottle to boot?!

We are arrayed before the fire as usual each evening. A little while ago both cats somehow crammed themselves into one basket (which is hardly large enough for Panther Boy by himself), with their paws around each other, and were licking one another's faces. That just never stops being adorable.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 07:36:46 PM
Quote from: Puget on November 23, 2020, 06:45:18 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 05:35:38 PM
I am hiding under the electric blanket and I am flanked by cats!

Why of course-- what could be better than being under an electric blanket with a human hot water bottle to boot?!

We are arrayed before the fire as usual each evening. A little while ago both cats somehow crammed themselves into one basket (which is hardly large enough for Panther Boy by himself), with their paws around each other, and were licking one another's faces. That just never stops being adorable.

Awwwww. The day that happens here, with any of our cats, will be the day Hell freezes over. It's hard enough to get them to lie next to each other.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Charlotte on November 24, 2020, 04:40:54 AM
I have a question and I'm hoping someone here has some advise! My dog has been on flea prevention ever since she was a puppy but not the cat since she is indoor only. My best guess is that my dog brought a flea in from outdoors and the flea decided to jump to my cat.

I treated the cat with the treatment you put on the back of their neck and the fleas did not leave. I tried to wait out the flea treatment but it seemed to be getting worse. I put a flea collar on the cat, made certain the dog had no fleas (no sign of them on her), vacuumed the whole house, washed every washable thing in the house and sprayed carpeted room, bedding, and cat's favorite places to hang out with flea killer that says it kills eggs, larvae, and adults. I also use a flea comb on the cat multiple times a day.

They are still coming. I see them mostly on her, but every now and then on the furniture.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to interrupt the flea cycle? I'm getting tired of washing everything every couple days and I know the fleas must be annoying the cat! I guess the flea collar isn't working so what do I use instead? A bath is out of the question unless I want to be murdered and I don't think I could get a pill down her. I also know cats are sensitive and don't want to harm her with too many chemicals.

If I keep up this routine of washing the washables every couple days, vacuuming daily, combing her daily, and spraying the chemicals every two weeks then will they eventually go away? I've been doing this for two weeks so I'm wondering if I need to change something.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 24, 2020, 05:47:15 AM
Sounds like you need to flea-bomb the house.

A serious infestation really only does go away with a systemic intervention like that.

One summer....oh, boy.....I've just repressed it, but that's really the only thing that worked.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on November 24, 2020, 06:23:19 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on November 23, 2020, 10:11:36 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 23, 2020, 04:13:46 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 22, 2020, 09:25:14 AM
Thanks, OneMoreYear. Everything's all quiet with them at the moment. Everyone's asleep in a sun patch.

In answer to your previous question, no, when the Larimar cats knead, they're all in.

Nebo113, I hope Shebah is doing better!



Who knew about feline hissy fits!  Wow!  The Shebah produced real poop sometime last night, but I am still going to talk with the vet today.

The medication used for anesthesia in humans is often constipating.  Is that true for cats too?

Unfortunately, yes.  And I probably waited too long to intervene.  And she was switched to all wet food when she is accustomed to dry in the morning and wet at night.  Too much change and trauma for an elderly feline.  Talked with vet and she cleared us for travel (and addition of dry food and two more days of laxative), which I will do on Thursday.  Be assured that I will not be joining family/friends for turkey, but relocating to winter quarters.  About an 8 or 9 hour drive, which will include stops for canine and me to pee; drive thru food and/or an egg salad sandwich.  Have a decent size hard sided carrier for feline, with pee pads and soft bottom.  Can ya'll tell I'm a bit anxious!?!?!?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 24, 2020, 08:09:17 AM
Do you possibly have a leash and harness for her to be able to let her out along the way?

I seem to recall someone, maybe it was InfoPri? who annually went from "Somewhere Warm" to "MyCity" with kitties and had a whole rigamarole worked out for them.

The thing was not to ever let them out of the car before the leash was on, that much I do remember...and there was often much yowling at the beginning of the trip.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 24, 2020, 08:44:06 AM
Quote from: Charlotte on November 24, 2020, 04:40:54 AM
I have a question and I'm hoping someone here has some advise! My dog has been on flea prevention ever since she was a puppy but not the cat since she is indoor only. My best guess is that my dog brought a flea in from outdoors and the flea decided to jump to my cat.

I treated the cat with the treatment you put on the back of their neck and the fleas did not leave. I tried to wait out the flea treatment but it seemed to be getting worse. I put a flea collar on the cat, made certain the dog had no fleas (no sign of them on her), vacuumed the whole house, washed every washable thing in the house and sprayed carpeted room, bedding, and cat's favorite places to hang out with flea killer that says it kills eggs, larvae, and adults. I also use a flea comb on the cat multiple times a day.

They are still coming. I see them mostly on her, but every now and then on the furniture.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to interrupt the flea cycle? I'm getting tired of washing everything every couple days and I know the fleas must be annoying the cat! I guess the flea collar isn't working so what do I use instead? A bath is out of the question unless I want to be murdered and I don't think I could get a pill down her. I also know cats are sensitive and don't want to harm her with too many chemicals.

If I keep up this routine of washing the washables every couple days, vacuuming daily, combing her daily, and spraying the chemicals every two weeks then will they eventually go away? I've been doing this for two weeks so I'm wondering if I need to change something.

You might want to ask your local vet if the flea population in your area is resistant to the active ingredient in the medication you used.  Might need to switch to another formulation. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 24, 2020, 12:45:38 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 24, 2020, 05:47:15 AM
Sounds like you need to flea-bomb the house.

A serious infestation really only does go away with a systemic intervention like that.

One summer....oh, boy.....I've just repressed it, but that's really the only thing that worked.

M.

+1 to this. Unfortunately, if you don't get them all, they will come back.

Quote from: the_geneticist on November 24, 2020, 08:44:06 AM

You might want to ask your local vet if the flea population in your area is resistant to the active ingredient in the medication you used.  Might need to switch to another formulation. 

This is a good idea too.



Calico and OrangeGuy both seem to be doing better. Calico goes to the vet for a follow-up tomorrow. Thanks for asking, smallcleanrat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 24, 2020, 01:10:43 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 23, 2020, 03:31:46 PM
OneMoreYear, Ricochet sometimes sounds like the cat version of me. Very indecisive, always wants to keep the option to back out quickly. Is this new behavior? Maybe she's testing out the idea of being a lap cat?

It's a little like she's thinking "OK, OK, this is good, I'm liking this, yes, I'm purring . . .  DANGER WILL ROBINSON!"  She is incredibly fast, and we don't stop her escaping (unless she's trying to bolt out the door; we'd never find her again). This particular type of kneading is new; yesterday, while I was grading in the kitchen, she had her back paws on the kitchen table and was kneading my lap. She got spooked when my SO came in to the kitchen (any unexpected movement while she is attempting to interact is cause to flee) and bolted pretty quickly.  I don't think she'll ever be a lapcat, and we don't expect her to, despite my want of one.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 01:31:12 PM
Somebody was bad today. Elder evil cat managed to open the baby gate and get Eldest evil cat's food. He's not supposed to eat it because he's on a special diet and she isn't.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 07:04:47 PM
Double-post.

Youngest evil cat is watching TV again. It's so funny. She's parked right in front of it, watching attentively.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 24, 2020, 07:09:43 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 07:04:47 PM
Double-post.

Youngest evil cat is watching TV again. It's so funny. She's parked right in front of it, watching attentively.

What's on?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 24, 2020, 07:36:09 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 24, 2020, 07:09:43 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 07:04:47 PM
Double-post.

Youngest evil cat is watching TV again. It's so funny. She's parked right in front of it, watching attentively.

What's on?

That's so cute, evil_physics_witchcraft! Does she seem to prefer shows with a lot of action/movement on screen? At least she is watching something logical; Ricochet stares at walls.  So, we either have something in the walls or it's some type of sensory modulation strategy. Neither of ours watch TV, though Ninja likes to join SO for TV time and sleep on his legs.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 08:10:26 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 24, 2020, 07:09:43 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 07:04:47 PM
Double-post.

Youngest evil cat is watching TV again. It's so funny. She's parked right in front of it, watching attentively.

What's on?

It's so funny. Today we were watching a show about snakes and she was mesmerized. She will also watch cartoons, The Daily Show and other UTube things.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 08:13:49 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 24, 2020, 07:36:09 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 24, 2020, 07:09:43 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 07:04:47 PM
Double-post.

Youngest evil cat is watching TV again. It's so funny. She's parked right in front of it, watching attentively.

What's on?

That's so cute, evil_physics_witchcraft! Does she seem to prefer shows with a lot of action/movement on screen? At least she is watching something logical; Ricochet stares at walls.  So, we either have something in the walls or it's some type of sensory modulation strategy. Neither of ours watch TV, though Ninja likes to join SO for TV time and sleep on his legs.

Well, we sort of trained her to get excited and play a cat string game on my computer (so Pavlovian since I give her a verbal cue- 'Look!'). Whenever I say 'Look!' in a certain pitch she runs over to my computer and waits for her game to start. She also plays this game (batting at a string) on the 'big' TV.

And like a typical cat, she is interested in watching birds and squirrels on TV. I think she was also watching the Animaniacs reboot tonight.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on November 25, 2020, 04:43:33 AM
Quote from: mamselle on November 24, 2020, 08:09:17 AM
Do you possibly have a leash and harness for her to be able to let her out along the way?

I seem to recall someone, maybe it was InfoPri? who annually went from "Somewhere Warm" to "MyCity" with kitties and had a whole rigamarole worked out for them.

The thing was not to ever let them out of the car before the leash was on, that much I do remember...and there was often much yowling at the beginning of the trip.

M.

She has never been on harness/leash, and at her age (and mine), we're both too old to try it now!  Vet thinks she will be OK; I am using a "live pet carrier" which will give her more room and putting in peed pads at one end and lambs wool at the other.  It will be stressful, but we will persevere.  And as for nomenclature, channeling Infropri....Mountaintop to Coast.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on November 25, 2020, 07:30:54 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 08:10:26 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 24, 2020, 07:09:43 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2020, 07:04:47 PM
Double-post.

Youngest evil cat is watching TV again. It's so funny. She's parked right in front of it, watching attentively.

What's on?

Our Lil'lil  likes watching the weather radar on the weather channel.  She will paw at the moving bar. 
It's so funny. Today we were watching a show about snakes and she was mesmerized. She will also watch cartoons, The Daily Show and other UTube things.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Charlotte on November 25, 2020, 07:47:08 AM
Quote from: mamselle on November 24, 2020, 05:47:15 AM
Sounds like you need to flea-bomb the house.

A serious infestation really only does go away with a systemic intervention like that.

One summer....oh, boy.....I've just repressed it, but that's really the only thing that worked.

M.

I was afraid this might be the only way. Thank you!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Charlotte on November 25, 2020, 07:47:58 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on November 24, 2020, 08:44:06 AM

You might want to ask your local vet if the flea population in your area is resistant to the active ingredient in the medication you used.  Might need to switch to another formulation.

That's an excellent idea. Thank you!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 25, 2020, 09:55:18 AM
Had a TV show on in which a character said cats are "light as a feather" seconds before Maestro leapt from the top of his cat tree to hit the floor with a hefty KERTHUNK. His lithe adolescent frame has been gaining more muscle lately.

He's becoming a hefty armful, but that just means more cat to hold during his cuddlier moods. Yesterday I got two instances of unambiguous slow-blink and for a while I was immersed in the feeling that everything was going to be ok. Happy cat, happy life?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 25, 2020, 10:09:43 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 25, 2020, 09:55:18 AM
Had a TV show on in which a character said cats are "light as a feather" seconds before Maestro leapt from the top of his cat tree to hit the floor with a hefty KERTHUNK. His lithe adolescent frame has been gaining more muscle lately.

He's becoming a hefty armful, but that just means more cat to hold during his cuddlier moods. Yesterday I got two instances of unambiguous slow-blink and for a while I was immersed in the feeling that everything was going to be ok. Happy cat, happy life?

Awww!  Maestro sounds like the very best cat!

And anyone who thinks cats are "light as a feather" clearly doesn't have cats that gallop around at 3:00am - I don't know how they do it, but ours sound like a herd of stampeding rhinos.  KERTHUNK indeed!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on November 25, 2020, 10:24:49 AM
Quotead a TV show on in which a character said cats are "light as a feather" seconds before Maestro leapt from the top of his cat tree to hit the floor with a hefty KERTHUNK.

Just remember that a pound of feathers still weighs a pound!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 25, 2020, 10:37:17 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on November 25, 2020, 10:09:43 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 25, 2020, 09:55:18 AM
Had a TV show on in which a character said cats are "light as a feather" seconds before Maestro leapt from the top of his cat tree to hit the floor with a hefty KERTHUNK. His lithe adolescent frame has been gaining more muscle lately.

He's becoming a hefty armful, but that just means more cat to hold during his cuddlier moods. Yesterday I got two instances of unambiguous slow-blink and for a while I was immersed in the feeling that everything was going to be ok. Happy cat, happy life?

Awww!  Maestro sounds like the very best cat!

And anyone who thinks cats are "light as a feather" clearly doesn't have cats that gallop around at 3:00am - I don't know how they do it, but ours sound like a herd of stampeding rhinos.  KERTHUNK indeed!

Glad Maestro is bringing you such comfort SCR!

I have one of each-- Panther Boy pairs rhino-like stampeding with opera singing, whereas Little Calico materializes silently as if from some inter-dimensional space only cats can traverse.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 25, 2020, 11:53:19 AM
Quote from: clean on November 25, 2020, 10:24:49 AM
Quotead a TV show on in which a character said cats are "light as a feather" seconds before Maestro leapt from the top of his cat tree to hit the floor with a hefty KERTHUNK.

Just remember that a pound of feathers still weighs a pound!!

Exactly!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 25, 2020, 11:55:03 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on November 25, 2020, 10:09:43 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 25, 2020, 09:55:18 AM
Had a TV show on in which a character said cats are "light as a feather" seconds before Maestro leapt from the top of his cat tree to hit the floor with a hefty KERTHUNK. His lithe adolescent frame has been gaining more muscle lately.

He's becoming a hefty armful, but that just means more cat to hold during his cuddlier moods. Yesterday I got two instances of unambiguous slow-blink and for a while I was immersed in the feeling that everything was going to be ok. Happy cat, happy life?

Awww!  Maestro sounds like the very best cat!

And anyone who thinks cats are "light as a feather" clearly doesn't have cats that gallop around at 3:00am - I don't know how they do it, but ours sound like a herd of stampeding rhinos.  KERTHUNK indeed!

Yep! Youngest evil cat gallops almost every night. She also parkours off the walls.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 25, 2020, 06:36:28 PM
Calico went back to the vet this morning for her follow-up, and she's got a clean bill of health. Yay!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 25, 2020, 08:02:41 PM
Whew!

And--a reminder to feed all kitties only the things that are good for them over the holidays.

There's quite a list, actually:

   https://www.banfield.com/pet-healthcare/additional-resources/article-library/safety-tips/holiday-foods-that-are-hazardous-to-pets#:~:text=In%20terms%20of%20vegetables%2C%20keep,be%20fatal%20in%20severe%20cases.

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 26, 2020, 12:21:34 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 25, 2020, 06:36:28 PM
Calico went back to the vet this morning for her follow-up, and she's got a clean bill of health. Yay!

Great news!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on November 26, 2020, 12:19:57 PM
Orestes gave us a moment of panic this morning when he started the hoarf-up-the-hairball sound.

Then I remembered that if it is in his throat, it isn't lodged in his intestines.

Then he coughed up 2/3 of a mouse.  A real mouse.  Sans head. 

Do I go look for the head?  Do I let it go and hope for the best?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on November 26, 2020, 02:10:41 PM
Winter Quarters reached.  Feline upstairs.  Canine downstairs.  Me drinking wine....though trip wasn't bad.  Not much traffic.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 26, 2020, 02:15:50 PM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 26, 2020, 02:10:41 PM
Winter Quarters reached.  Feline upstairs.  Canine downstairs.  Me drinking wine....though trip wasn't bad.  Not much traffic.

This reads like haiku-esque poetry.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 26, 2020, 02:17:59 PM
Quote from: FishProf on November 26, 2020, 12:19:57 PM
Orestes gave us a moment of panic this morning when he started the hoarf-up-the-hairball sound.

Then I remembered that if it is in his throat, it isn't lodged in his intestines.

Then he coughed up 2/3 of a mouse.  A real mouse.  Sans head. 

Do I go look for the head?  Do I let it go and hope for the best?

Oh, dear!! Given all Orestes has put you through gastro-intestinally, I'd call your vet on this one.

If he ate the head first, it might get as far down as his intestines and THEN cause unwanted trouble.

(Maybe do look for the head first, then, since that would allay those fears.)

He's a regular little "Omnivore-with-a-capital-O, though, isn't he?

(Poor mousie, too...)

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on November 26, 2020, 03:31:56 PM
Given his pitiful (if adorable) begging at dinner tonight, I'd say he is GI-fine right now.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 26, 2020, 03:35:11 PM
Quote from: FishProf on November 26, 2020, 03:31:56 PM
Given his pitiful (if adorable) begging at dinner tonight, I'd say he is GI-fine right now.

Was that 2/3 of a mouse in one piece? Was he trying to swallow the body whole?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on November 26, 2020, 03:43:33 PM
Yes, 2/3 of a mouse in one piece
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 26, 2020, 04:31:06 PM
Quote from: FishProf on November 26, 2020, 03:43:33 PM
Yes, 2/3 of a mouse in one piece

What is he?- part owl?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on November 27, 2020, 05:03:34 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 26, 2020, 02:15:50 PM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 26, 2020, 02:10:41 PM
Winter Quarters reached.  Feline upstairs.  Canine downstairs.  Me drinking wine....though trip wasn't bad.  Not much traffic.

This reads like haiku-esque poetry.

Thank you!  You gave me a chuckle.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on November 27, 2020, 05:04:43 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 26, 2020, 04:31:06 PM
Quote from: FishProf on November 26, 2020, 03:43:33 PM
Yes, 2/3 of a mouse in one piece

What is he?- part owl?


Catowl?

owcat?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: spork on November 27, 2020, 05:44:33 AM
Quote from: FishProf on November 26, 2020, 12:19:57 PM
Orestes gave us a moment of panic this morning when he started the hoarf-up-the-hairball sound.

Then I remembered that if it is in his throat, it isn't lodged in his intestines.

Then he coughed up 2/3 of a mouse.  A real mouse.  Sans head. 

Do I go look for the head?  Do I let it go and hope for the best?

My guess is that he severed the head and only gobbled up the juicy, tender part of the mouse.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on November 27, 2020, 08:51:58 AM
QuoteMy guess is that he severed the head and only gobbled up the juicy, tender part of the mouse.

Perhaps it is at the taxidermist to be mounted so that it can be a conversation piece.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 27, 2020, 09:07:39 AM
Quote from: spork on November 27, 2020, 05:44:33 AM
Quote from: FishProf on November 26, 2020, 12:19:57 PM
Orestes gave us a moment of panic this morning when he started the hoarf-up-the-hairball sound.

Then I remembered that if it is in his throat, it isn't lodged in his intestines.

Then he coughed up 2/3 of a mouse.  A real mouse.  Sans head. 

Do I go look for the head?  Do I let it go and hope for the best?

My guess is that he severed the head and only gobbled up the juicy, tender part of the mouse.

My guess is that he ate the head first (lots of protein for your obligate carnivore).  I'm surprised he ate the tail though. I hope he does not have any issues after his successful kill.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Morden on November 27, 2020, 09:24:38 AM
Local bobcats seem to really enjoy squirrel head--given the headless corpses we occasionally find.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on November 27, 2020, 10:35:50 AM
Kid #1 is renting a farm house surrounded by corn and bean (now winter wheat) fields.The guy she rents from farms the ground and uses the sheds and bins, so he keeps cats around to keep the mice down.  One of the kittens, a girl she named Waffles, had adopted her and her GSD (who picks Waffles up with a bird dog's soft mouth and carries her around like a toy.  Alternatively, the puff ball will stare or hiss at the 110 pound puppy and cause him to fall all over himself, backing away with his tail tucked.)

Waffles keeps pretty full on field mice, occasionally playing with them when the other two or watching.  She also likes to bite off the mouse's head and swallow that, and the rest of the mouse, pretty much whole.  Farm cats are a tough lot, though.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 28, 2020, 11:44:30 AM
Thanksgiving day, SO and I brought out a new ribbon chaser toy for the Maestro. After he had chased and pounced to his heart's content, he settled down to nap between us on the couch (head on my knee, paws pressed against SO's leg, body wedged between us).

SO looked down at this kitty cat we've raised and loved together and said, "Well, I think I know what we're both thankful for this year."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 29, 2020, 06:42:03 AM
Awww, that's lovely.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on December 01, 2020, 05:48:02 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on November 27, 2020, 10:35:50 AM
Kid #1 is renting a farm house surrounded by corn and bean (now winter wheat) fields.The guy she rents from farms the ground and uses the sheds and bins, so he keeps cats around to keep the mice down.  One of the kittens, a girl she named Waffles, had adopted her and her GSD (who picks Waffles up with a bird dog's soft mouth and carries her around like a toy. Alternatively, the puff ball will stare or hiss at the 110 pound puppy and cause him to fall all over himself, backing away with his tail tucked.)

Waffles keeps pretty full on field mice, occasionally playing with them when the other two or watching.  She also likes to bite off the mouse's head and swallow that, and the rest of the mouse, pretty much whole.  Farm cats are a tough lot, though.

Giggling and smiling over this.  Thank you!!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 01, 2020, 10:59:29 AM
I'm sick and trying to grade. It's a bad combination. Ninja, who is usually SO's cat, has deigned to lay on my lap as long as I don't pet her too much.  I'm not sure I'm grading any more effectively, but I appreciate her gesture.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on December 01, 2020, 11:03:48 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 01, 2020, 10:59:29 AM
I'm sick and trying to grade. It's a bad combination. Ninja, who is usually SO's cat, has deigned to lay on my lap as long as I don't pet her too much.  I'm not sure I'm grading any more effectively, but I appreciate her gesture.

More evidence for empathy in cats?

Unless you have a fever and Ninja is just enjoying the extra warmth...

Hope you feel better soon, OneMoreYear.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 01, 2020, 11:31:04 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on December 01, 2020, 11:03:48 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 01, 2020, 10:59:29 AM
I'm sick and trying to grade. It's a bad combination. Ninja, who is usually SO's cat, has deigned to lay on my lap as long as I don't pet her too much.  I'm not sure I'm grading any more effectively, but I appreciate her gesture.

More evidence for empathy in cats?

Unless you have a fever and Ninja is just enjoying the extra warmth...

Hope you feel better soon, OneMoreYear.

I'm not sure if it's empathy or if she likes the blanket I'm using. But sure, we'll go with empathy :)

In other news, we purchased an advent calendar for the cats (yes, we're those people).  However, it appears to be a complete bust. Our cats apparently do not like salmon + seaweed treats. I wasn't surprised that Ricochet ran away from them, but I thought Ninja would try them. No dice. Anyone have cats with sophisticated pallets that would appreciate an almost full advent treat calendar?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 02, 2020, 09:20:37 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 01, 2020, 11:31:04 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on December 01, 2020, 11:03:48 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 01, 2020, 10:59:29 AM
I'm sick and trying to grade. It's a bad combination. Ninja, who is usually SO's cat, has deigned to lay on my lap as long as I don't pet her too much.  I'm not sure I'm grading any more effectively, but I appreciate her gesture.

More evidence for empathy in cats?

Unless you have a fever and Ninja is just enjoying the extra warmth...

Hope you feel better soon, OneMoreYear.

I'm not sure if it's empathy or if she likes the blanket I'm using. But sure, we'll go with empathy :)

In other news, we purchased an advent calendar for the cats (yes, we're those people).  However, it appears to be a complete bust. Our cats apparently do not like salmon + seaweed treats. I wasn't surprised that Ricochet ran away from them, but I thought Ninja would try them. No dice. Anyone have cats with sophisticated pallets that would appreciate an almost full advent treat calendar?
I am also one of those people!  Our cats LOVED the first offering of treats, but seemed a bit baffled by the second ones.  Maybe the texture is too dense & chewy for them?
I actually got two advent calendars for the cats - one is cat treats and the other is canned food.  They have hand-knit Christmas stockings too.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 02, 2020, 09:43:36 AM
As I may have mentioned here before, in an effort to lighten up a hard semester I've been posting a cat picture at the end of each week's online lesson with some message related to the content that week. Many of the students seem to have really enjoyed it, and have sent me some of their own pet pictures (which I also posted one week).

This is the last week of classes, so I stopped by each of the TAs' (zoom) discussion sections to answer any questions and say goodbye to the students. First question in one of today's sections: "Can we see the famous cats?"
Little Calico was in her basket at my feet, so I was able to oblige with one cat at least.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 02, 2020, 09:45:42 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on December 02, 2020, 09:20:37 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 01, 2020, 11:31:04 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on December 01, 2020, 11:03:48 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 01, 2020, 10:59:29 AM
I'm sick and trying to grade. It's a bad combination. Ninja, who is usually SO's cat, has deigned to lay on my lap as long as I don't pet her too much.  I'm not sure I'm grading any more effectively, but I appreciate her gesture.

More evidence for empathy in cats?

Unless you have a fever and Ninja is just enjoying the extra warmth...

Hope you feel better soon, OneMoreYear.

I'm not sure if it's empathy or if she likes the blanket I'm using. But sure, we'll go with empathy :)

In other news, we purchased an advent calendar for the cats (yes, we're those people).  However, it appears to be a complete bust. Our cats apparently do not like salmon + seaweed treats. I wasn't surprised that Ricochet ran away from them, but I thought Ninja would try them. No dice. Anyone have cats with sophisticated pallets that would appreciate an almost full advent treat calendar?
I am also one of those people!  Our cats LOVED the first offering of treats, but seemed a bit baffled by the second ones.  Maybe the texture is too dense & chewy for them?
I actually got two advent calendars for the cats - one is cat treats and the other is canned food.  They have hand-knit Christmas stockings too.

You are right. I think it's the texture. They generally get crunchy dental treats and these are chewy. I'm going to look for the canned food advent calendar! I think at least Ninja would eat that.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 02, 2020, 09:59:05 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 01, 2020, 10:59:29 AM
I'm sick and trying to grade. It's a bad combination. Ninja, who is usually SO's cat, has deigned to lay on my lap as long as I don't pet her too much.  I'm not sure I'm grading any more effectively, but I appreciate her gesture.

I hope you feel better. Maybe she's administering feline homeopathic care?- Feliopathic? Or she could be channeling healing vibes from the cat home world. :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 05, 2020, 07:11:50 PM
We're watching Coyote Peterson's Brave Wilderness and so is Youngest evil cat! She is mesmerized with the alligator turtles. It's so funny to see this bulbous silhouette of a cat behind parked in front of the tv.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on December 06, 2020, 06:49:06 AM
Our two girls like B&W Gunsmoke episodes.  Fela loves anything with a horse. A number of years ago there was a PBS show about the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions, and she sat and stared at the screen the entire time.  Little Cat likes the horses but also often sits and watches when Marshall Dillion is chasing a bad guy or when Miss Kitty is onscreen (no joke).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 06, 2020, 04:22:17 PM
That's so cute that the e_p_w cats and AmLitHist cats like to watch TV. I've never had a cat that was interested.  We were watching The Last Dance last night (SO was born and raised in Chicago, though he cares more about The Bears than the Bulls).  Ninja happily sprawled on the bed next to SO.  Ricochet sat in front of the TV staring at us.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 06, 2020, 05:18:21 PM
OrangeGuy also likes TV. He'll jump up and sit right in front of the screen. Twerp likes TV too, to a lesser extent. Calico likes to climb on my lap and purr while we're watching TV, but she often arrives only shortly before the show is ended.

As for HerMajesty, she is above such things.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 06, 2020, 05:18:51 PM
Thought balloon over Ninja's head....


   "Someday I mi-i-i-i-ght understand them...."


M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on December 06, 2020, 05:23:14 PM
I am sure I told this story on the old fora, but the cat Advent calendar story made me think of it. The shelter where I volunteer sometimes has cats at one of the Big Box Pet Stores, and I used to do a volunteer shift there. One day on my shift, one of the sales reps for a boutique pet food line came up to me and said that she'd just bought back the entire line of their product that the store carried to replace it with their new improved line, and that she'd love to donate it to our shelter. (It was still unexpired and in the original packaging, which is all the shelter requires for donations.) I thanked her profusely and we fit about seventy five pounds of various foods and treats in the trunk of my car which I dutifully brought to the shelter.

When I did my shift at the shelter proper, I was so excited to give the cats some expensive boutique treats. I remember one was "duck and quinoa" flavor. Now, my shelter feeds "whatever we get donated" to all the animals unless the animals really need a special diet, and a lot of the shelter cats are picked up as strays and are happy to get meals brought to them on a regular basis instead of having to hunt them themselves. Most of them tuck in like they haven't seen food in days when they get their breakfasts. So you'd think they wouldn't be picky.

Every single cat turned up their noses at the fancy schmancy treats and begged for ones from the usual treat jar of "meat" flavored treats instead. It was hilarious.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 07, 2020, 11:02:31 AM
Quote from: citrine on December 06, 2020, 05:23:14 PM
I am sure I told this story on the old fora, but the cat Advent calendar story made me think of it. The shelter where I volunteer sometimes has cats at one of the Big Box Pet Stores, and I used to do a volunteer shift there. One day on my shift, one of the sales reps for a boutique pet food line came up to me and said that she'd just bought back the entire line of their product that the store carried to replace it with their new improved line, and that she'd love to donate it to our shelter. (It was still unexpired and in the original packaging, which is all the shelter requires for donations.) I thanked her profusely and we fit about seventy five pounds of various foods and treats in the trunk of my car which I dutifully brought to the shelter.

When I did my shift at the shelter proper, I was so excited to give the cats some expensive boutique treats. I remember one was "duck and quinoa" flavor. Now, my shelter feeds "whatever we get donated" to all the animals unless the animals really need a special diet, and a lot of the shelter cats are picked up as strays and are happy to get meals brought to them on a regular basis instead of having to hunt them themselves. Most of them tuck in like they haven't seen food in days when they get their breakfasts. So you'd think they wouldn't be picky.

Every single cat turned up their noses at the fancy schmancy treats and begged for ones from the usual treat jar of "meat" flavored treats instead. It was hilarious.
Hah!  That is great!
I bet you got a lot of "What is this?  This is not food!" looks too!
I bet you would have had more luck re-branding the fancy treats as some sort of paleo/keto snack and selling them to people.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on December 07, 2020, 11:16:57 AM
Fora! I need your input on kitty litter. We are planning to expand our cat family soon. With our previous cats (RIP) we used Arm and Hammer clumping litter, but had issues with the level of dust leading to me developing sinus/respiratory irritation as a result.  Now that we are again thinking cats and we want to find a better clumping option. Anyone here use "The World's Best Cat Litter"? It's corn based, rather than clay and very highly rated in several surveys. Or other brands to consider? I'm looking forward to your input.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: pringle on December 07, 2020, 11:51:23 AM
I use The Worlds Best Cat Litter! It was the first brand I tried (so I can't really make a comparison), but it's been working great for us.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 07, 2020, 12:29:11 PM
Fluffygirl (RIP) HATED World's Best Cat litter; she refused to use anything but TidyCat. But, she also had significant peeing outside the box issues. So, we stuck with TidyCat for Ninja and Ricochet. But, I don't think that would solve your dust problem. We have a (very) unfinished basement where the cat litter boxes are.
Congrats on expanding your cat family!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 07, 2020, 01:10:28 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on December 07, 2020, 11:16:57 AM
Fora! I need your input on kitty litter. We are planning to expand our cat family soon. With our previous cats (RIP) we used Arm and Hammer clumping litter, but had issues with the level of dust leading to me developing sinus/respiratory irritation as a result.  Now that we are again thinking cats and we want to find a better clumping option. Anyone here use "The World's Best Cat Litter"? It's corn based, rather than clay and very highly rated in several surveys. Or other brands to consider? I'm looking forward to your input.

I use paper pellet litter (there are several brands) because there is no dust or tracking. It isn't clumping, but I just change it all out every 3-4 days (you use a fairly thin layer). Top-entry litter boxes also help with keeping it all contained.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 07, 2020, 01:18:26 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on December 07, 2020, 11:16:57 AM
Fora! I need your input on kitty litter. We are planning to expand our cat family soon. With our previous cats (RIP) we used Arm and Hammer clumping litter, but had issues with the level of dust leading to me developing sinus/respiratory irritation as a result.  Now that we are again thinking cats and we want to find a better clumping option. Anyone here use "The World's Best Cat Litter"? It's corn based, rather than clay and very highly rated in several surveys. Or other brands to consider? I'm looking forward to your input.

We use a "dust free, multi-cat, clumping" litter and buy whatever brand is the cheapest.  Thankfully, ours cats are very non-picky about litter brands.  Nature's Miracle, Lucy Cat, and Lovesome all make some version of it (and probably many more).  I had to get a dust-free version for Buddycat (RIP) when he was recovering from surgery to avoid contaminating his incision site. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 07, 2020, 02:21:07 PM
Yea, new kitties!

I have had no experience with litter for awhile.

But I'm happy to hear of new baby fluffy things joining any household.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 07, 2020, 03:04:40 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on December 07, 2020, 01:18:26 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on December 07, 2020, 11:16:57 AM
Fora! I need your input on kitty litter. We are planning to expand our cat family soon. With our previous cats (RIP) we used Arm and Hammer clumping litter, but had issues with the level of dust leading to me developing sinus/respiratory irritation as a result.  Now that we are again thinking cats and we want to find a better clumping option. Anyone here use "The World's Best Cat Litter"? It's corn based, rather than clay and very highly rated in several surveys. Or other brands to consider? I'm looking forward to your input.

We use a "dust free, multi-cat, clumping" litter and buy whatever brand is the cheapest.  Thankfully, ours cats are very non-picky about litter brands.  Nature's Miracle, Lucy Cat, and Lovesome all make some version of it (and probably many more).  I had to get a dust-free version for Buddycat (RIP) when he was recovering from surgery to avoid contaminating his incision site. 

"Dust free, multi-cat, clumping litter" here too. We use Special Kitty, and our crew all seem to be fine with it.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on December 07, 2020, 05:03:32 PM
We switched to pine pellet bedding for litter at the shelter a year ago and it's been great. Minimal dust, much lower cost. You can line with puppy pads or newspaper if you need to, but they're super absorbent.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on December 08, 2020, 06:18:19 AM
Ulysses likes the no dust fresh step unscented just fine.  Not cheap, though it lasts well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on December 08, 2020, 09:43:02 AM
We order our cat litter from Chewy, they deliver free on orders over $50. Getting 150lbs of cat litter at a time without having to lug it out of the store, into the car, and then into the house is totally worth it. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on December 08, 2020, 10:03:45 AM
A staff member here reports that one of her cats brought her a mouse.  Not so unusual--except that this mouse was still very much alive!  When it got loose inside the house, her other cat seemed at a loss what to do with it.  It eventually helped the boss lady to corner the mouse so that she could dispatch it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 08, 2020, 10:58:35 AM
Quote from: apl68 on December 08, 2020, 10:03:45 AM
A staff member here reports that one of her cats brought her a mouse.  Not so unusual--except that this mouse was still very much alive!  When it got loose inside the house, her other cat seemed at a loss what to do with it.  It eventually helped the boss lady to corner the mouse so that she could dispatch it.

We once had a very confused young squirrel come into the house through an open garage door. My fluffy calico looked up at the squirrel from her catbed and promptly went back to sleep. Our other cat at the time (FloppyTail) was spitting pissed at me that I blocked her from chasing it. Squirrel was successfully dispatched out through the garage again; FloppyTail stood sentry for hours afterward growling at the door.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on December 08, 2020, 12:27:12 PM
Quote from: apl68 on December 08, 2020, 10:03:45 AM
A staff member here reports that one of her cats brought her a mouse.  Not so unusual--except that this mouse was still very much alive!  When it got loose inside the house, her other cat seemed at a loss what to do with it.  It eventually helped the boss lady to corner the mouse so that she could dispatch it.

Our tuxedo cat, Booboo, is a cold blooded killer and everything she catches is a goner.  But my wife's first cat, a beautiful Maine coon named Whiskers, liked bringing back live game!  I didn't meet Whiskers until she was elderly but even then,  she caught mice,  chipmunks, and one time, a bat.  The bat was the most problematic in getting out of the house.  It didn't help that both my wife and I are afraid of swooping bats!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on December 08, 2020, 12:41:17 PM
I wish one of these girls were a cold-blooded killer, or even a half-assed hunter.  Once in a great while Little Cat will go after a spider on the kitchen floor (usually putting a paw on it, then lifting it up to see if the critter is still alive) until she gets tired of it. 

I graded from 7 a.m. - 6 Sunday evening and was toast, so naturally there was a good-sized stink bug that managed to get in and buzz around the shade of the table lamp.  I was too lazy to go after it, and LC was, too, though she wasn't shy about digging her claws into my leg as the bug would get a little too close for her comfort.

ALHS and Fela were downstairs, thus no help.  As I told them both the next day, I don't know why I keep them around, if they're not going to defend me and LC from bugs.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 08, 2020, 01:34:57 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on December 08, 2020, 12:41:17 PM
I wish one of these girls were a cold-blooded killer, or even a half-assed hunter.  Once in a great while Little Cat will go after a spider on the kitchen floor (usually putting a paw on it, then lifting it up to see if the critter is still alive) until she gets tired of it. 

I graded from 7 a.m. - 6 Sunday evening and was toast, so naturally there was a good-sized stink bug that managed to get in and buzz around the shade of the table lamp.  I was too lazy to go after it, and LC was, too, though she wasn't shy about digging her claws into my leg as the bug would get a little too close for her comfort.

ALHS and Fela were downstairs, thus no help.  As I told them both the next day, I don't know why I keep them around, if they're not going to defend me and LC from bugs.

All three of ours are "the mightiest of mighty hunters" when facing bugs, cat toys, stolen hair ties, and random bits of fluff.  They are doofuses when it comes to trying to catch anything else.  Lady Jane managed to grab a bird from the feeder by leaping about 6' straight up, and immediately let it go upon landing.  She seemed confused that it flew away instead of holding still and letting her smack it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on December 08, 2020, 02:45:13 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on December 08, 2020, 01:34:57 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on December 08, 2020, 12:41:17 PM
I wish one of these girls were a cold-blooded killer, or even a half-assed hunter.  Once in a great while Little Cat will go after a spider on the kitchen floor (usually putting a paw on it, then lifting it up to see if the critter is still alive) until she gets tired of it. 

I graded from 7 a.m. - 6 Sunday evening and was toast, so naturally there was a good-sized stink bug that managed to get in and buzz around the shade of the table lamp.  I was too lazy to go after it, and LC was, too, though she wasn't shy about digging her claws into my leg as the bug would get a little too close for her comfort.

ALHS and Fela were downstairs, thus no help.  As I told them both the next day, I don't know why I keep them around, if they're not going to defend me and LC from bugs.

All three of ours are "the mightiest of mighty hunters" when facing bugs, cat toys, stolen hair ties, and random bits of fluff.  They are doofuses when it comes to trying to catch anything else.  Lady Jane managed to grab a bird from the feeder by leaping about 6' straight up, and immediately let it go upon landing.  She seemed confused that it flew away instead of holding still and letting her smack it.

hahaha

When Maestro pounces on a toy, he can take ages finding just the right direction and angle of attack. Pounces are often preceded by some of the longest kitty butt wiggles I've ever seen. A real prey animal would have been long gone.

A while back I had a nightmare in which cats had become illegal for some reason. Armed forces were going door-to-door forcing people to surrender their cats for destruction. SO and I saw them coming up our street and were desperately trying to convince Maestro to make a break for it into the woods. He kept looking at us with confusion. "What, me? Live in the wild? On my own?" I woke up just as we were coming to the despair of realizing our pampered little critter was probably doomed.

I told SO it's time to get him chipped, because losing this cat would be a real life nightmare.

I've toyed with the idea of leash-training Maestro so he could enjoy some outdoors time. I want him to experience trees and birds and squirrels - get the full feline experience. But SO had a frightening episode of almost losing a cat during a cross-country move when she slipped out of her harness at a rest stop and nearly ran off for good. So he is adamant the cat can only leave the apartment when secured in a carrier.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 08, 2020, 02:56:21 PM
Those little hulas they do before pouncing are indeed funny.

Getting Maestro chipped is a very good idea.

So many more "lost kitty" stories end up happily when the chip is read and the owner is found.

Glad you're all three having fun together.

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 08, 2020, 03:38:25 PM
Yes, the feline butt wiggle is hilarious!
I like to tease mine "Do REAL panthers wiggle theirs butts out hunting?"

I also support getting Maestro chipped.  And update the information any time you move or change phone numbers.  If you haven't already, get a cat-safe collar with his name and your phone number on it.  Much easier to find and return a cat that is obviously an owned pet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 08, 2020, 05:43:18 PM
+1 to the microchip. All four Larimar cats have them. They can save critters' lives. Collars are all very well, but not all cats will tolerate them. I've known several cats who couldn't abide collars, and who found very creative ways to slip out of or break them. They cannot break or lose a microchip.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on December 08, 2020, 06:56:38 PM
Quote from: Larimar on December 08, 2020, 05:43:18 PM
+1 to the microchip. All four Larimar cats have them. They can save critters' lives. Collars are all very well, but not all cats will tolerate them. I've known several cats who couldn't abide collars, and who found very creative ways to slip out of or break them. They cannot break or lose a microchip.

We'll probably try a collar and tag as well. I haven't had much luck with getting him to come on command, but I have taught him the name of his favorite kitty treat. So I know if he's ever lost but nearby, I can sing out the name of that treat to get him to come running. At least, that's the hope. It never fails at home.

SO and I are close friends with another couple who recently had to put down their dog of eleven years. He was their first fur baby as a couple and he'd been with them almost since the beginning of the relationship. This is heartbreaking for them. SO and I were very fond of him as well, so the mood here has been a bit somber.

When we got the news, SO turned to Maestro and said, "You stay with us for a good long time, you hear me?"

Maestro got extra treats and skritches that night. He was puzzled but pleased.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on December 08, 2020, 08:56:34 PM
Do any of your kitties have Christmas Trees to play in/with?

In the olden days, our kitties would bat the balls, and sleep on top of the boxes.

We had to move the candy canes to higher levels as the dog was  helping himself. 

(The dog had to have a stocking gift, rather than an under tree gift as he was able and willing to open his own presents and not willing to wait for Christmas to start)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 08, 2020, 09:10:28 PM
The first year I lived with my kitten I had to guy wire the tree into the window sill.

She loved to climb and would have had it down in no time.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on December 09, 2020, 03:17:03 AM
In a previous feline iteration, I had kittens that precluded ornaments on the lower 4ft of the tree.  The would fling themselves into the tree and tumble down knocking everything off.  Then they would do it again.  And again. At 4am.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 09, 2020, 05:26:17 AM
One of my childhood cats loved Christmas trees. From the moment it was set up in the house, she claimed a spot on the tree-skirt and hung out under the tree all day. She did not attempt to climb it or bat the ornaments, but the tree was her happy place.
We haven't put up a tree since adopting our current kitties. I'm confident Ricochet would be at the top of it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Catherder on December 09, 2020, 06:45:24 AM
Speaking of hunters, yesterday Daughter's Cat had a run in with a bat that had somehow invaded their basement apartment.

Major crisis. It involved a trip by public transport to the vet, a refusal of a rabies booster by the vet, apparently because the cat had given my daughter a tiny scratch, orders to quarantine the cat for 10 days, and instructions to contact the local public health authority.

This despite no evidence that the cat had been bitten or scratched by the bat (which escaped the way in came in).

My poor daughter is in panic state because she adores her puss. But the puss is eating and playing as usual.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on December 09, 2020, 07:51:02 AM
My wife has a love for clear glass ornaments so the tree is closed off in the sitting room with no kitties allowed. The cats were very excited when we brought the tree in and they maintain a deep disappointment that they aren't allowed to run amok.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on December 09, 2020, 07:55:42 AM
PlumpCat loved Christmas trees. She would live underneath ours every year. In stressful years, we joked that we only went and got one because she would be disappointed otherwise.

So the plan is that Mr. Buster and I will be headed to the local SPCA tomorrow afternoon to see who we fall in love with. I've been checking their photo gallery, but they change really frequently (yea!). So I think I'd rather just be surprised by who I find. Or rather, who finds us. A co-worker of Mr. Buster's is working to convince him that we need a pair, and this a pair would be less stressful for MythicPuppy to adapt to.

I made a preemptive trip to Pet Smart this morning and so have a small bag of World's Best litter and some food. We have lots of cat beds etc (fully laundered) from our dearly departed previous kitties. I will keep you all posted.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on December 09, 2020, 08:53:18 AM
Congrats on getting a new kitty! We got our last cat from the local humane society, the moment my wife picked him up and he just melted into her we knew that was the one.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on December 09, 2020, 09:22:07 AM
Orestes has decided that only the Finest Tree-Stand Water will satisfy his feline palate.  Destroying the presents in his way is a bonus, apparently.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 09, 2020, 09:44:28 AM
Quote from: mythbuster on December 09, 2020, 07:55:42 AM
PlumpCat loved Christmas trees. She would live underneath ours every year. In stressful years, we joked that we only went and got one because she would be disappointed otherwise.

So the plan is that Mr. Buster and I will be headed to the local SPCA tomorrow afternoon to see who we fall in love with. I've been checking their photo gallery, but they change really frequently (yea!). So I think I'd rather just be surprised by who I find. Or rather, who finds us. A co-worker of Mr. Buster's is working to convince him that we need a pair, and this a pair would be less stressful for MythicPuppy to adapt to.

I made a preemptive trip to Pet Smart this morning and so have a small bag of World's Best litter and some food. We have lots of cat beds etc (fully laundered) from our dearly departed previous kitties. I will keep you all posted.

Congrats on your pending new cat(s)! I must say, if you can get a bonded pair I'd encourage it.From what I've heard, male-female or male-male sibling pairs tend to work out the best, whereas two females can get territorial.

I'd only ever had one cat before, but because places around here will only adopt kittens in pairs for the most part, I came around to the idea a bit reluctantly and got my sibs together, and it has turned out great! They are good company and playmates for each other-- Panther Boy is still kind of high maintenance, but I can only imagine how much more demanding he would be without Little Calico to interact with. Plus they are just so darn cute when they snuggle and groom each other.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 09, 2020, 09:45:21 AM
Quote from: FishProf on December 09, 2020, 09:22:07 AM
Orestes has decided that only the Finest Tree-Stand Water will satisfy his feline palate.  Destroying the presents in his way is a bonus, apparently.

Ah yes, the festive holiday water dish with the rather over-the-top tree garnish was one of Buddycat's joys in life.

Lady Jane has ensured that all breakable, ribbon-festooned or hung-on-a-string ornaments are now high up on the tree.  She says that they are cat toys and it is entrapment to scold her for playing with them!

I also support the getting kittens in pairs (or more!).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 09, 2020, 09:54:00 AM
We subscribed to the "get kittens in pairs" advice because at the time we had FluffyGirl, a senior lazy calico.  When they were itty bitty two-pound kittens, they'd play with each other. Unfortunately, as an adult cat, Ricochet is not quite domesticated and spends a good portion of her time on her "safe spots." So, Ninja adopted SO as her playmate and follows him around the house.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 09, 2020, 03:18:35 PM
Youngest evil cat was actually playing a game on my phone. She's too darn smart.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on December 10, 2020, 07:23:42 AM
I hope the right cats find you, mythbuster! Today is my shelter volunteer day, and I know there will be a whole different group of cats there this week than there was last week. Cats go fast this time of year, especially kittens. Last week we had four kittens at noon and no kittens at two, which is when I left.

Also putting in an endorsement for chipping. My shelter reunited a cat with his people who had been missing for four years after he got out accidentally! It is briefly unpleasant for the cat (just like getting a shot) but I've held plenty of cats for the procedure and they were all fine afterwards, albeit disgruntled. If you get a collar, make sure it's a breakaway collar to avoid accidental injury to your cat if the collar were to get caught on something. You will also want to monitor collar fit and replace or adjust it if your cat changes size. To check and see if a collar is fitting properly, you should be able to slip one or two fingers under the collar with relative ease while the cat has it on. (I have seen the extreme cases of what happens if people leave a too-tight collar on for a long time, and it's...just take my word for it, okay?)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on December 10, 2020, 08:07:00 AM
Do cats like only real trees?  Or is Ulysses unusual in ignoring the artificial tree we put up?  Previous cats loved to climb the real cut trees we had and then shelter quietly under the branches.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on December 10, 2020, 10:38:20 AM
Excuse the double post.  Just back from Ulysses' yearly checkup.  Waited in parking lot while shots given and stethoscope applied.  Could hear Ulysses wailing from my car.  "Your cat certainly let us know how she felt about this," the vet said.  Yes, this is one talkative cat unafraid to express her needs.  And yes, Ulysses is female but was named because she tried 10 different houses in the neighborhood Bedford she found a home. In this case houses stood in for years.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 10, 2020, 12:48:55 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on December 10, 2020, 10:38:20 AM
Excuse the double post.  Just back from Ulysses' yearly checkup.  Waited in parking lot while shots given and stethoscope applied.  Could hear Ulysses wailing from my car.  "Your cat certainly let us know how she felt about this," the vet said.  Yes, this is one talkative cat unafraid to express her needs.  And yes, Ulysses is female but was named because she tried 10 different houses in the neighborhood Bedford she found a home. In this case houses stood in for years.

Poor kitty. Elder evil cat and Eldest evil cat are also very vocal (in terms of wailing/yodeling, etc.).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 10, 2020, 01:05:51 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on December 10, 2020, 08:07:00 AM
Do cats like only real trees?  Or is Ulysses unusual in ignoring the artificial tree we put up?  Previous cats loved to climb the real cut trees we had and then shelter quietly under the branches.

Buddycat LOVED the fake tree.  He would remove just one ornament every day when I was at work and then sit by it to say "See how good I was?  I only caught one of the sparkly toys".  And he chewed the needles off the lower branches.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: wareagle on December 10, 2020, 02:04:33 PM
Catso has never been into Christmas trees or ornaments (spider plants are another story).  Batting an ornament off the tree is too much like work for him.  Napping is a much better option.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on December 10, 2020, 03:36:23 PM
We are back with success! It was a competitive process.
     First you has to wait outside to be allowed in (good COVID Protocol). Then once you were let in (masks on!) you could browse either cats or dogs and put your name on a list for an adoption assistant when you wanted to meet someone. Two issues we ran into. First, at least a third of the cats (and almost all the kittens) had signs that they were already adopted and just awaiting pickup. Then many of the others were at the vet down the hall for surgery or a check up. So we surveyed the currently available and did not find many that were to our liking, or we didn't move fast enough and they were scooped up in time it took to survey a row! Like I said competitive, and I'm not about to strong arm a five year old out of the way for a kitten.
       But we lingered, and then the afternoon "delivery" came back from the vet. I quickly spied a pair that were slightly larger kittens and yet unclaimed. So we jumped in line to meet them. Not fast enough for one, but we started with the girl- a poly-dactyl pewter grey girl who really wanted to explore. She was a clear winner. So we immediately claimed her and then asked again about the cage mate. We were #2 in line to meet him and the #1 appointment did not show! So we got to meet the most mellow and snugly golden dilute tabby boy. So we happily claimed him as well.
   We pick them up on Saturday (they get "fixed" tomorrow). So we have time to set up a safe zone away from the dog and ponder names. Any suggestions?
     
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 10, 2020, 04:40:54 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on December 10, 2020, 03:36:23 PM
We are back with success! It was a competitive process.
     First you has to wait outside to be allowed in (good COVID Protocol). Then once you were let in (masks on!) you could browse either cats or dogs and put your name on a list for an adoption assistant when you wanted to meet someone. Two issues we ran into. First, at least a third of the cats (and almost all the kittens) had signs that they were already adopted and just awaiting pickup. Then many of the others were at the vet down the hall for surgery or a check up. So we surveyed the currently available and did not find many that were to our liking, or we didn't move fast enough and they were scooped up in time it took to survey a row! Like I said competitive, and I'm not about to strong arm a five year old out of the way for a kitten.
       But we lingered, and then the afternoon "delivery" came back from the vet. I quickly spied a pair that were slightly larger kittens and yet unclaimed. So we jumped in line to meet them. Not fast enough for one, but we started with the girl- a poly-dactyl pewter grey girl who really wanted to explore. She was a clear winner. So we immediately claimed her and then asked again about the cage mate. We were #2 in line to meet him and the #1 appointment did not show! So we got to meet the most mellow and snugly golden dilute tabby boy. So we happily claimed him as well.
   We pick them up on Saturday (they get "fixed" tomorrow). So we have time to set up a safe zone away from the dog and ponder names. Any suggestions?
   

Congrats!

How about Peter (Pan) and Wendy?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 10, 2020, 05:15:44 PM
Lovely!

I'd suggest Aureole and Ariel but they may sound too much alike for the cats to do whatever degree of learning their names that cats do is.

Happy you're happy!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 10, 2020, 05:48:23 PM
Congratulations Mythbuster! May you and your family and your kittens find much joy together.

For names for kitty twins, how about Sebastian and Viola? Luke and Leia?

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 10, 2020, 06:58:58 PM
Wonderful, mythbuster! Thank you for sharing your good news! May they rule over you for many happy years to come.
We need some pictures to fully appreciate their adorableness and help you decide on names.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on December 10, 2020, 07:02:36 PM
Do any of you ask for "PAPER" at the grocery store? 

Kitties really like to play in paper bags! 

Anyone have any stories to relate?


With Boxing Day coming up, make sure that your kitties have plenty of boxes to play with!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 10, 2020, 07:11:52 PM
Quote from: clean on December 10, 2020, 07:02:36 PM
Do any of you ask for "PAPER" at the grocery store? 

Kitties really like to play in paper bags! 

Anyone have any stories to relate?

With Boxing Day coming up, make sure that your kitties have plenty of boxes to play with!

In the...hmmm..80s? 90s?...there was what we'd now call a visual meme of a darkish, tigerish tabby kitten poking it's nose out of a paper bag

You'd see it on mugs, little tin boxes and the like.

My last kitty looked just like that, and indeed loved to burrow into paper bags and sqirm around to look at me balefully out of the sheltering depths of such a bag.

Somewhere there's a picture of Woodsmoke in her bag, sitting beside a little metal box whose lid looks just like her.

It looked as if she'd posed for it...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on December 11, 2020, 05:44:30 AM
Names:  Zim and Gir,

Poly and .....um...Cracker?

(Smolt suggests) Mollie and Tom (we are reading a cat adventure book)

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FKM100 on December 11, 2020, 06:21:00 AM
How about Sunny and Grey? (I like simple names).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 11, 2020, 09:22:14 AM
Athena and Hermes?  Stormy and Sunny?  Hemmingway & Jason?  Lady Jane and Sir Pounce?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on December 11, 2020, 10:36:44 AM
Welcome to the new kitties!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on December 11, 2020, 10:41:05 AM
Quote
In the...hmmm..80s? 90s?...there was what we'd now call a visual meme of a darkish, tigerish tabby kitten poking it's nose out of a paper bag
Quote

My local grocery chain will offer paper bags, but you have to ask, as the default is Plastic.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on December 11, 2020, 11:50:52 AM
I've always wanted to name a cat Mr. Pants or Professor Snugglesworth. There are, of course, endless variations on art related cat names (Clawed Monet, Frida Khatlo, Catavaggio, Albrecht Purer) but I do love me a bad dad jokes/puns. Food is also (too) important to me, so maybe Mac and Cheese, Burger and Fries, Rice and Beans, etc.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 11, 2020, 12:01:37 PM
I am so glad I'm not the only one with "backup" cat names for if/when a cat appears that fits the name.
Mine are Argyle for a tiger stripe and Waffles for an orange tabby.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: spork on December 12, 2020, 03:20:25 AM
Henri, le Chat Noir, is dead at age 17.

For those of you who might be unfamiliar with Henri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34z5dCmC4M&ab_channel=WillBraden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34z5dCmC4M&ab_channel=WillBraden).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on December 12, 2020, 07:29:41 AM
Oh, I'm so sorry, Spork!  RIP Henri.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 13, 2020, 04:23:39 PM
Mythbuster, I hope the new kitties are settling in! What did you decide on for their names?

I am on the couch grading this evening. In an impressive display of cat-human interaction, Ricochet has been hanging out on the couch with me near my knees (but not actually touching me, of course). Even more impressively, she actually stayed on the couch when I got up to get a snack and came back to sit down! I am actively resisting petting her so I don't disturb her and cause her to bolt.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 13, 2020, 09:33:55 PM
Quote from: spork on December 12, 2020, 03:20:25 AM
Henri, le Chat Noir, is dead at age 17.

For those of you who might be unfamiliar with Henri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34z5dCmC4M&ab_channel=WillBraden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34z5dCmC4M&ab_channel=WillBraden).

I'm sorry to hear of his loss and equally sorry not to have known of his films sooner.

Ah, the futilite....quel chat inebranlable...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 13, 2020, 11:04:31 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on December 10, 2020, 03:36:23 PM
We are back with success! It was a competitive process.
    [Snip]
   We pick them up on Saturday (they get "fixed" tomorrow). So we have time to set up a safe zone away from the dog and ponder names. Any suggestions?

Bubble and Squeak?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 14, 2020, 08:26:37 AM
Kit and Caboodle. :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on December 14, 2020, 09:10:34 AM
It's been an eventful weekend here in the Buster house!
   We picked up the kittens on Saturday. It turns out they are two boys, rather than a boy and a girl. Fine with us either way. Our house is set up so that we can "airlock" them in the guest bed/bath suite away from the dog. The dog knew something was up the moment we got home.
   We are currently still mulling names. They gray boy is fierce and fearless, but also will melt into a purring puddle of cuddle when the energy runs out. He's slightly smaller than his brother, but is eating to make up the difference! We have a likely name for him, based on a pop culture character who is fierce with heart of gold and lots of extra claws/toes.
   The orange one is more cautious. The ceiling fan perplexed him for a good 15 minutes when we first turned it on. But he is the natural athlete, and has already explored the closet shelving above my head! This morning I got to observe a full on wrestling match between the two that had good give and take on both sides. We did dig out the "cubes" that our previous cats loves to stalk from- they have entry holes on the top and two sides, so those are well in play.
   Poor Mythpup feels that she has been betrayed in the worst possible way. She has seen the kittens through a low window into the room. Unfortunately, when she first saw them I was cuddling them- the look of shock and betrayal by her "alpha" was visible on her face. Now she won't let either of us out of her sight. She's being much more needy than usual and when she goes outside just wants to stare though that one window! So introductions there will be slow and cautious- I'm sure it will be the Grey one who puts her in her place based on personalities.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on December 14, 2020, 11:41:59 AM
Leroy and Stitch.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on December 14, 2020, 05:18:06 PM
Congratulations on the new additions to your family, mythbuster!

Hope Mythpup comes around soon and can start enjoying time with her new siblings.

Looking forward to kitten stories!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on December 15, 2020, 05:14:00 AM
Those sound like two delightful kittens.

Orange boy cats in general seem to have been off chasing something when the gods of cats were handing out brains, but they usually have very sweet temperaments and are very playful. So grey boy may be the brains and orange boy may be the brawn in your little duo.

We are low on cats at the shelter right now, which is a nice problem to have, except that a lot of people do want to bring a cat home for the holidays...

(Also for names, or at least for nom de fora names: Adam [for the orange] and Jamie [for the grey])
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on December 15, 2020, 05:43:53 AM
Quote from: mythbuster on December 14, 2020, 09:10:34 AM
will melt into a purring puddle of cuddle

Awwwwwwww.....
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on December 15, 2020, 03:06:47 PM
Tom and Jerry

(my kitties were named that as my dad proclaimed "He's going to be a Tom!"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on December 15, 2020, 03:13:22 PM
Alexander and Louis?

Or Fleming and Pasteur?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: wareagle on December 16, 2020, 11:41:21 AM
Mutt and Jeff?

Oh, right, they're cats.  My bad.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on December 16, 2020, 02:05:26 PM
Quote from: citrine on December 15, 2020, 05:14:00 AM
Orange boy cats in general seem to have been off chasing something when the gods of cats were handing out brains...

In general, maybe, but we have two that are very smart.  One who, we think, is comparable to a three year old and gods help us if he had opposable thumbs.  The other is very wily, particularly when it comes to avoiding medicine.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 16, 2020, 04:37:29 PM
Quote from: nebo113 on December 15, 2020, 05:43:53 AM
Quote from: mythbuster on December 14, 2020, 09:10:34 AM
will melt into a purring puddle of cuddle

Awwwwwwww.....

I agree with Awwwwwww. Cuddly kitten!   
When we were viewing the cats at the shelter when we adopted Ricochet and Ninja, I met a huge orange cat who was nicknamed "The Lump." When I sat down next to him at the shelter, he slid his gigantic self over to me, poured himself into my lap, and melded into me while rumble purring. I think he would have stayed there for hours. The Lump was adopted the next time we went back and SO fell in love with our kittens. So, no puddle of cuddle for me.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on December 17, 2020, 06:32:38 AM
We had a major event in StatLand yesterday.  You may recall that last June/July, we adopted our FosterFail girl (about 2 yrs old) as well as two unrelated kitten boys - I'll call them Yin and Yang here.  Yin and Yang have been lap kitties from the first day, but FosterFail girl has not.  She's gentle and sweet, and likes to be petted (on her terms, of course), but is not a cuddle-kitty.  Well, yesterday, I was trying to talk on the phone without disturbing StatSpouse, so I sat down on the bed and FosterFail girl got up from where she was sleeping at the other the end, and crawled into my lap and curled up there!!!!  Her first lap!!!!  Even though she didn't stay long, I'm still thrilled and am now convinced we'll make a lap-kitty out of her yet. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 17, 2020, 09:36:22 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on December 17, 2020, 06:32:38 AM
We had a major event in StatLand yesterday.  You may recall that last June/July, we adopted our FosterFail girl (about 2 yrs old) as well as two unrelated kitten boys - I'll call them Yin and Yang here.  Yin and Yang have been lap kitties from the first day, but FosterFail girl has not.  She's gentle and sweet, and likes to be petted (on her terms, of course), but is not a cuddle-kitty.  Well, yesterday, I was trying to talk on the phone without disturbing StatSpouse, so I sat down on the bed and FosterFail girl got up from where she was sleeping at the other the end, and crawled into my lap and curled up there!!!!  Her first lap!!!!  Even though she didn't stay long, I'm still thrilled and am now convinced we'll make a lap-kitty out of her yet.

Yay! She trusts you.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 17, 2020, 10:26:27 AM
Yay for kitty cuddles!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on December 17, 2020, 11:47:53 AM
Is it cold there (was she trying you out as a water bottle)?

Otherwise, congratulations on being Kitty Approved.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 17, 2020, 02:10:40 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 17, 2020, 09:36:22 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on December 17, 2020, 06:32:38 AM
We had a major event in StatLand yesterday.  You may recall that last June/July, we adopted our FosterFail girl (about 2 yrs old) as well as two unrelated kitten boys - I'll call them Yin and Yang here.  Yin and Yang have been lap kitties from the first day, but FosterFail girl has not.  She's gentle and sweet, and likes to be petted (on her terms, of course), but is not a cuddle-kitty.  Well, yesterday, I was trying to talk on the phone without disturbing StatSpouse, so I sat down on the bed and FosterFail girl got up from where she was sleeping at the other the end, and crawled into my lap and curled up there!!!!  Her first lap!!!!  Even though she didn't stay long, I'm still thrilled and am now convinced we'll make a lap-kitty out of her yet.

Yay! She trusts you.

Woohoo! Her 1st lap! One of the 1st times Ricochet attempted to awkwardly flop on me, I tried to get a picture with my phone to document to milestone.  Or course, my slight movement scared her, so it is a picture of her tail. I hope FosterFail will learn that laps are good and make a successful transition to lapkitty.  Ricochet continues to occasionally awkwardly flop on me, but I think the transition to lapcat is not in the cards.  However,  she is now sitting on the other side of the couch instead of perching on top of the armoire! We take victories where we can get them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on December 23, 2020, 09:34:24 AM
It's been a busy week here at the Buster house. As I write this, kitten zoomies are flying around me! FishProfs suggested names made me laugh so lets go with Lewis and Stitch for fora names for these two. Lewis as in Carl Lewis- Mr. Orange is proving himself quite the athlete! and Stitch (as in Lilo and) for our charcoal grey guy with too many toes and claws.

I've spent much of the past week acting as distracted toddler mother to all of my pets. Spicy, our dog, has now become very protective of me and wants to be able to see where I go at all times! The issue with this is that my home office is in the "cat zone" and so simply checking my email at first really stressed the dog out. But she has slowly calmed down and we are sure to give her extra love and reassurance.
She has met the kittens through a window and is quite calm watching, until they begin to tumble and play. We think she wants to join in, but her 60 pounds versus two 4 pound cats makes use very cautious.  Over the Christmas weekend we will try some limited interactions across the baby gate- likely with one cat a time so it's easier to wrangle.

The kittens have rapidly settled in and are showing personalities distinct from our previous cats.  The zoomies right now are as they do battle for the one stuffed mouse we happened to have in a bin of old cat toys. Our previous cats has no real use for stuffed mice. And my giant microbe stuffed Listeria has now lost all appendages as he's the perfect size for the kittens to wrestle with.  Seeing Stitch cart that around in his mouth is adorable, as it's wider than he is.

So all is relatively well in the Buster household.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on December 24, 2020, 06:06:19 AM
Mother and her feline are in Winter Quarters with me, in their own suite.  Feline was restless, so I suggested that Mother put the heating pad on the bed and turn it on.  Feline in heaven!!! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 28, 2020, 04:33:50 PM
We bought a new heating pad for SO's bum knee. Unfortunately, the cats figured out how nice it is to lie on it.

In other news, why do the cats have to bounce around the couch only when I am trying to concentrate on something? It's like they know...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 31, 2020, 12:41:28 PM
If there's snow outside, and you can be sure they'll be safe, you could try letting them out to wear them out for a bit...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t773h9UolY

They're always kittens at heart....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 31, 2020, 03:45:15 PM
Quote from: mamselle on December 31, 2020, 12:41:28 PM
If there's snow outside, and you can be sure they'll be safe, you could try letting them out to wear them out for a bit...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t773h9UolY

They're always kittens at heart....

M.

Cute. No snow here. They're all taking a nap now. I guess they destroyed enough in the house for one day.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 31, 2020, 05:09:33 PM
Indeed. There is a quota...

I came home from a 4-week research trip to Europe to find my cat standing on a kitchen table whose papers, books, and tablecloth had clearly, systematically, been torn apart to protest my absence.*

The glare amidst the mess was unmistakably defiance.

"You don't DARE punish me!" it said...

M.

*Friends and paid caregivers had been in daily to provide sustenance, clean litter, and companionship....this kitty was not ignored
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on December 31, 2020, 05:34:06 PM
QuoteThe glare amidst the mess was unmistakably defiance.

"You don't DARE punish me!" it said...


You have it backwards!! You were the one being punished!!!

Cats (at least mine) would sit with their backs to you and periodically lick/clean their shoulders.

That was to let me know that I could look, but I was not yet going to be allowed to scratch them, or that they would rub on me, even if their shoulders could use a rubbing.


Just in case you see this one, sometimes as punishment, they would poop outside the box, or worse, poop on the mat outside the shower.  Those were sure signs of punishment!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 31, 2020, 05:38:03 PM
Well, yeah, I sort of figured I was the one in the corner, so to speak....

Thankfully, this one was not given to inappropriate placement of unwanted fecal matter...!

An earlier kitty, on the other hand, demanded an ultra-clean litter box at all times....or else...

I drew the line at getting up when I heard him scratching on the box at 2 AM, however.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 31, 2020, 10:14:37 PM
Yep, Elder evil cat did a 'protest poop' on New Year's Eve... right under the front room window. Granted, he did have a box there in March after his surgery, so maybe he had good intentions. While he decorated the rug, we were working in the kitchen and had him locked out (baby gate). He has a habit of headbutting it to force his way in for food (which is what we thought we wanted at the time).

Maybe he was saying 'So Long' to 2020?

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on January 11, 2021, 08:01:01 AM
We purchased a new loveseat for the living room, as our old couch springs gave up the ghost.

Ninja and Ricochet have expressed their appreciation for their new scratching post.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on January 17, 2021, 05:14:56 AM
An official Scene of Extreme Cuteness from yesterday:

Twerp and Calico snuggled up together taking a long nap in a basket of clean laundry.


Despite all of what's going on in the world... there are cats.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on January 17, 2021, 05:25:31 AM
"Despite all of what's going on in the world...there are cats." 

Amen. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on January 17, 2021, 03:49:41 PM
Quote from: statsgeek on January 17, 2021, 05:25:31 AM
"Despite all of what's going on in the world...there are cats." 

Amen.
x2,000
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on January 18, 2021, 05:25:36 PM
Here Kitty Kitty!!

Tell us a tale of tail chasing?  (it can be your own tail, the tail of a 'playful' critter you 'just want to be friends with' or the tail of one of your regal subjects).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on January 19, 2021, 08:44:42 AM
I know most of us likely had yesterday off but here's a start of the week cat post:
https://imgur.com/gallery/XQXn0jV (https://imgur.com/gallery/XQXn0jV)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 19, 2021, 09:11:12 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on January 19, 2021, 08:44:42 AM
I know most of us likely had yesterday off but here's a start of the week cat post:
https://imgur.com/gallery/XQXn0jV (https://imgur.com/gallery/XQXn0jV)

My first kitty looked exactly like Poe. She also had an affinity for holiday decorations: she was the reason I had to guy-wire the tree to the windowsill (mentioned above) because she kept wanting to climb it...

They're great!

Thanks for sharing.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on January 19, 2021, 09:34:24 AM
Quote from: clean on January 18, 2021, 05:25:36 PM
Here Kitty Kitty!!

Tell us a tale of tail chasing?  (it can be your own tail, the tail of a 'playful' critter you 'just want to be friends with' or the tail of one of your regal subjects).

Not tail chasing but I have a tail question.  Do all cats possess the ability to make their tail look gigantic when they are excited?  Our tuxedo, Booboo, can nearly double the size of her tail when she is chasing our tabby, Lilil.  But I've never seen Lilil's tail expand.  Both cats' fur are short too so I don't think its the fur size that makes a difference.  So, do some cats just have the ability to blow up their tail whereas others do not?  Or is Booboo just extremely excitable? 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on January 19, 2021, 10:51:54 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on January 19, 2021, 09:34:24 AM
Quote from: clean on January 18, 2021, 05:25:36 PM
Here Kitty Kitty!!

Tell us a tale of tail chasing?  (it can be your own tail, the tail of a 'playful' critter you 'just want to be friends with' or the tail of one of your regal subjects).

Not tail chasing but I have a tail question.  Do all cats possess the ability to make their tail look gigantic when they are excited?  Our tuxedo, Booboo, can nearly double the size of her tail when she is chasing our tabby, Lilil.  But I've never seen Lilil's tail expand.  Both cats' fur are short too so I don't think its the fur size that makes a difference.  So, do some cats just have the ability to blow up their tail whereas others do not?  Or is Booboo just extremely excitable?

I think that all cats can go "puffy tail", but some are more excitable than others.  Lady Jane and Sir Puck will only go "full puff" if they are really scared, but will get "half puffy" when they are annoyed and play fighting.  Jane will also get a raised ridge of fur along her spine when annoyed.
I've never seen Izzy go puffy and she's so fluffy already that she'd turn into a sphere.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on January 19, 2021, 11:23:32 AM
Little Cat has been spending days with me and the space heater in my office.  After today's class, she exploded--well, actually a big sneeze, but I've never heard such a big cat sneeze! I think it scared her:  she sat dead still and looked around for a few seconds, wondering what had just happened!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 19, 2021, 11:26:11 AM
...and then I bet she started washing her face as if to say, "Who, me? I didn't make that noise. You must have...."

  (Kitty control must prevail...)

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on January 19, 2021, 11:26:21 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on January 19, 2021, 10:51:54 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on January 19, 2021, 09:34:24 AM
Quote from: clean on January 18, 2021, 05:25:36 PM
Here Kitty Kitty!!

Tell us a tale of tail chasing?  (it can be your own tail, the tail of a 'playful' critter you 'just want to be friends with' or the tail of one of your regal subjects).

Not tail chasing but I have a tail question.  Do all cats possess the ability to make their tail look gigantic when they are excited?  Our tuxedo, Booboo, can nearly double the size of her tail when she is chasing our tabby, Lilil.  But I've never seen Lilil's tail expand.  Both cats' fur are short too so I don't think its the fur size that makes a difference.  So, do some cats just have the ability to blow up their tail whereas others do not?  Or is Booboo just extremely excitable?

I think that all cats can go "puffy tail", but some are more excitable than others.  Lady Jane and Sir Puck will only go "full puff" if they are really scared, but will get "half puffy" when they are annoyed and play fighting.  Jane will also get a raised ridge of fur along her spine when annoyed.
I've never seen Izzy go puffy and she's so fluffy already that she'd turn into a sphere.

Mine have only done it a few times when really startled by something (hilariously on one occasion when I dropped a flower stem and panther boy reacted like it was a snake, complete with jumping backward and full tail puff). They never do it when play chasing and wrestling each other, but do a lot of tail swishing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 19, 2021, 04:52:57 PM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on January 19, 2021, 09:34:24 AM
Quote from: clean on January 18, 2021, 05:25:36 PM
Here Kitty Kitty!!

Tell us a tale of tail chasing?  (it can be your own tail, the tail of a 'playful' critter you 'just want to be friends with' or the tail of one of your regal subjects).

Not tail chasing but I have a tail question.  Do all cats possess the ability to make their tail look gigantic when they are excited?  Our tuxedo, Booboo, can nearly double the size of her tail when she is chasing our tabby, Lilil.  But I've never seen Lilil's tail expand.  Both cats' fur are short too so I don't think its the fur size that makes a difference.  So, do some cats just have the ability to blow up their tail whereas others do not?  Or is Booboo just extremely excitable?

Youngest evil cat poofs her tail up so much that it resembles a fox tail.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 19, 2021, 07:14:51 PM
Double post.

Someone was snoring and it wasn't me! It was Youngest evil cat!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on January 20, 2021, 05:25:44 AM
FosterFail girl had the biggest tail puff we've seen to date from her the other day, in response to something she saw outside the office window.  She carried that bottle brush around for a good 30 minutes! 

My favorite recent tail story, though, comes from not so little anymore Yin of the unusually long tail.  He spent quite some time a couple weeks ago stalking this annoying black, furry thing that wouldn't leave him alone.  Just as he finally caught it, something grabbed his tail!  He jumped a good foot straight up in the air.  Of course, I then had the gall to laugh at him. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 21, 2021, 03:16:26 PM
Maestro had an almost stubby tail early in life (the vet commented on it being unusually short in proportion to the rest of him). As he grew, the tail lengthened to the point where it now looks abnormally long (the legs did the same, giving him the appearance of a cat on stilts until the rest of his body caught up). As the tail became long enough to enter his peripheral vision while sitting or lying down, it would often startle him. He'd take a defensive posture and eye the tail, like in some sort of Western showdown, and then...attack! Glad we got some good videos of this because he eventually made peace with his tail and no longer duels with it.

He doesn't puff up nearly as much as he used to when everything in the world was new and he was so tiny. I wish I had video of the time he spotted his shadow on the wall and instantly puffed up and arched his back. When shadow kitten did the same, Maestro attempted to arch and puff even more. When he saw shadow kitty was able to match that too the little Maestro backed down and ran.

And a tail puff incident that I've only ever seen once: he brushed past a rolled up yoga mat standing on its end. It took a few moments for the mat finish wobbling and then fall. Maestro seemed uncertain as to whether this event was alarming or no. So instead of the usual, near-instantaneous puff, his tail puffed up gradually, like a sponge soaking up water and expanding. It reached full puff when the mat finally landed on its side. Then he bolted from the scene of the crime.

Does anyone else feel just a smidge of pride when they can un-puff the cat with some gentle words and petting? Like...I just helped my cat feel safe and calm...and this is a critter who once jumped a foot in the air at the sight of a dropped sock.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 21, 2021, 03:18:10 PM
Awwww.....I wants me a Maestro....he sounds so sweet and goofy and cuddly.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 21, 2021, 07:58:38 PM
Quote from: mamselle on January 21, 2021, 03:18:10 PM
Awwww.....I wants me a Maestro....he sounds so sweet and goofy and cuddly.

M.

He is all those things, but he has his feisty, defiant side too.

When he was little and scolded away from forbidden places like the kitchen counters (or inside the fridge!) he would back off but not without a whining meow remarkably similar in tone to a five year old saying, "But Daaaaaaad, I wanna go up there!" When he hit adolescence, it changed to more of a sassy, sulky, lower-pitched meow that sounded more like a teenager saying "Geez, would you get off my case already?" Nowadays he mixes it up. Observing the evolution of his vocal repertoire has been quite an experience.

He is intensely sweet and cuddly, but on his own schedule. He will duck away from petting (or block your hand with a paw) if it's zoomie time and he is being the mighty hunter, bane of toy mice and jingly balls. Mighty hunters don't snuggle.

He is a goofball 24/7.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 21, 2021, 08:34:53 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on January 21, 2021, 07:58:38 PM
Quote from: mamselle on January 21, 2021, 03:18:10 PM
Awwww.....I wants me a Maestro....he sounds so sweet and goofy and cuddly.

M.

He is all those things, but he has his feisty, defiant side too.

When he was little and scolded away from forbidden places like the kitchen counters (or inside the fridge!) he would back off but not without a whining meow remarkably similar in tone to a five year old saying, "But Daaaaaaad, I wanna go up there!" When he hit adolescence, it changed to more of a sassy, sulky, lower-pitched meow that sounded more like a teenager saying "Geez, would you get off my case already?" Nowadays he mixes it up. Observing the evolution of his vocal repertoire has been quite an experience.

He is intensely sweet and cuddly, but on his own schedule. He will duck away from petting (or block your hand with a paw) if it's zoomie time and he is being the mighty hunter, bane of toy mice and jingly balls. Mighty hunters don't snuggle.

He is a goofball 24/7.

What a cutie! Youngest evil cat is still stuck in adolescence and she's going on 4...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on January 22, 2021, 04:52:57 AM
I had to rearrange my office ( 3 reasons; 1) My zoom background looked like the interrogation basement from Meet the Parents; MY desk/monitor height was causing neck problems; and 3) Smolt needed a better Remote schooling environment), and now the Thundercats have decide that my desk is THE PLACE TO BE, but only when I am here.  It is sweet, but annoying. Elektra wants to sit on my lap, or my wrists when I am typing.  Nox like to chase the mouse cursor. 

The have grown more affectionate, in the most inconvenient way possible.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 22, 2021, 05:00:43 AM
Remind me why a cat would be concerned with human convenience, again....?

;--》

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: brixton on January 22, 2021, 02:51:31 PM
Didi (Chinese for "Little Brother" )came to our house back in September.  I've been an absent fora member, but did want to report on my new addition.  He is the sweetest, most head-strong, super  friendly,  He  was identified as an Ocicat at the vet.  (To me he was just a shelter cat.)  I guess they have Siamese and Abyssinian, making them both athletic and clever, a dangerous combination.  But it his settling in well and making good friends with his older sister, Pi.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 22, 2021, 02:54:48 PM
Welcome Didi!

And hi, Pi!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on January 23, 2021, 10:21:23 AM
Ricochet has continued to attempt to learn the art of lap-sitting. It appears that she has concluded that one of the dangers of lap-sitting is that she might fall off the human's lap.  Thus, her new procedure involves:
1. jump on and off humans' lap several times
2. stand on human's lap showing butt to human
3. flop awkwardly on human's lap
4. grab human's pants with freshly sharpened claws and dig into human's legs while laying on lap in order to stay in place
5. Continue to use claws to hold self in place while getting head scritches for up to 5 minutes
6. hear a noise
7. bolt off human's lap making sure to dig claws into human's leg during take-off
6. calm down from stressful lap-sitting experience by jumping on top of armoire and staring at a wall.

I must now add Band-Aids to my shopping list.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 23, 2021, 10:51:50 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on January 23, 2021, 10:21:23 AM
Ricochet has continued to attempt to learn the art of lap-sitting. It appears that she has concluded that one of the dangers of lap-sitting is that she might fall off the human's lap.  Thus, her new procedure involves:
1. jump on and off humans' lap several times
2. stand on human's lap showing butt to human
3. flop awkwardly on human's lap
4. grab human's pants with freshly sharpened claws and dig into human's legs while laying on lap in order to stay in place
5. Continue to use claws to hold self in place while getting head scritches for up to 5 minutes
6. hear a noise
7. bolt off human's lap making sure to dig claws into human's leg during take-off
6. calm down from stressful lap-sitting experience by jumping on top of armoire and staring at a wall.

I must now add Band-Aids to my shopping list.

Aww...I'm sorry humans are being clawed in Ricochet's new endeavor. But I would like to applaud her decision to expand her kitty cat skill set.

Trying something new (especially something kinda scary) takes vision, drive, and courage. So, I say good for Ricochet.

I hope, in time, she will find the whole lap experience more enjoyable than scary, and that the forbearance of her humans is rewarded with many happy moments with Ricochet (lap-cat-in-training).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on January 23, 2021, 11:45:04 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on January 23, 2021, 10:51:50 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on January 23, 2021, 10:21:23 AM
Ricochet has continued to attempt to learn the art of lap-sitting. It appears that she has concluded that one of the dangers of lap-sitting is that she might fall off the human's lap.  Thus, her new procedure involves:
1. jump on and off humans' lap several times
2. stand on human's lap showing butt to human
3. flop awkwardly on human's lap
4. grab human's pants with freshly sharpened claws and dig into human's legs while laying on lap in order to stay in place
5. Continue to use claws to hold self in place while getting head scritches for up to 5 minutes
6. hear a noise
7. bolt off human's lap making sure to dig claws into human's leg during take-off
6. calm down from stressful lap-sitting experience by jumping on top of armoire and staring at a wall.

I must now add Band-Aids to my shopping list.

Aww...I'm sorry humans are being clawed in Ricochet's new endeavor. But I would like to applaud her decision to expand her kitty cat skill set.

Trying something new (especially something kinda scary) takes vision, drive, and courage. So, I say good for Ricochet.

I hope, in time, she will find the whole lap experience more enjoyable than scary, and that the forbearance of her humans is rewarded with many happy moments with Ricochet (lap-cat-in-training).

Thanks, smallcleanrat. We also hope she will eventually enjoy lapsitting, but, if not, that's OK too. We'll keep following her lead. Her littermate and housemate, Ninja, is a highly experienced lapsitter on her adopted human (my SO). Clearly observational learning is not in Ricochet's repertoire. She is more of an experimentalist.

I'm so happy to see the update on Maestro. He sounds like an amazing kitty. Wonderful that you can comfort him now. You are clearly his human.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 24, 2021, 12:20:08 PM
A well-known musical piece by a master composer, on the subject of...well, you know....

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJDtCw0MTNU

Cats.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 25, 2021, 12:56:11 AM
Quote from: mamselle on January 24, 2021, 12:20:08 PM
A well-known musical piece by a master composer, on the subject of...well, you know....

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJDtCw0MTNU

Cats.

M.

Ah...I remember the first time I heard this.

I had downloaded a compilation album called Altus: From Castrato to Countertenor onto my iPod.

While working in the lab, I was listening to these gorgeous arias and cantatas until suddenly I'm listening to coloratura meows. I set down my work, ripped off my gloves, and picked up the iPod to check screen, thinking "what IS this? A cat...duet? A cat duet!"

It was a good day.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on January 30, 2021, 09:57:29 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on January 25, 2021, 12:56:11 AM
Quote from: mamselle on January 24, 2021, 12:20:08 PM
A well-known musical piece by a master composer, on the subject of...well, you know....

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJDtCw0MTNU

Cats.

M.

Ah...I remember the first time I heard this.

I had downloaded a compilation album called Altus: From Castrato to Countertenor onto my iPod.

While working in the lab, I was listening to these gorgeous arias and cantatas until suddenly I'm listening to coloratura meows. I set down my work, ripped off my gloves, and picked up the iPod to check screen, thinking "what IS this? A cat...duet? A cat duet!"

It was a good day.

Thank you for posting that, Mamselle.  It made my day!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on January 30, 2021, 10:25:08 AM
My kitchen has a row of high storage cabinets above the regular upper cabinets. Panther Boy likes to get on top of the fridge and then paw at the doors of the ones above there until he gets one open enough to slip in (those ones are empty). Today the door closed behind him and he stayed quietly inside (he can easily push his way back out when he wants to). Little Calico wandered around the kitchen meowing at me, clearly quite perplexed about where her brother had gone! I finally stood on a chair and opened the door so she could see him-- he's still up there, peering down like, well, a panther in a cave. Now that she knows where he is, Little Calico has gone back to contentedly playing with a pompom and a paper grocery bag.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 30, 2021, 03:33:58 PM
She's clearly her brother's keeper...

;--})

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 01, 2021, 06:49:08 PM
Ricochet likes to nap on top of our tallest bookcase. It's one of her safe spots, where she allows us to pet her.  I have to stand on my tiptoes and reach to pet her. Today, as I was petting her, she scooted closer to the edge, so her butt was hanging slightly off the bookcase. She then got overly excited and apparently forgot where she was and fell off the bookcase onto my head (seriously!), grabbed my hair for some traction, then landed on all four paws, and bolted under the bed. Though I am a little scratched up, she seems no worse for wear.  An hour later, she jumped on top of the bookcase again, and meowed at me to pet her. We managed that time to have a petting session without any further excitement.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 01, 2021, 08:26:13 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on February 01, 2021, 06:49:08 PM
Ricochet likes to nap on top of our tallest bookcase. It's one of her safe spots, where she allows us to pet her.  I have to stand on my tiptoes and reach to pet her. Today, as I was petting her, she scooted closer to the edge, so her butt was hanging slightly off the bookcase. She then got overly excited and apparently forgot where she was and fell off the bookcase onto my head (seriously!), grabbed my hair for some traction, then landed on all four paws, and bolted under the bed. Though I am a little scratched up, she seems no worse for wear.  An hour later, she jumped on top of the bookcase again, and meowed at me to pet her. We managed that time to have a petting session without any further excitement.

Ricochet is really living up to her forum name.

It's cute that she has her designated pet-me spot!

Cats can be so poised and dignified and graceful...but they also seem to have enormous potential for pratfalls and general ridiculousness.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 02, 2021, 08:54:38 AM
Izzy kitten has decided that my office chair is a favorite napping spot. 
Mornings now involve a bit of negotiation . . .
me: Hi Izzy, I need my chair
Izzy: [stares at me]
me: Come on kitty, kitty.  I don't want to sit on you.
Izzy: [stares even harder]
me: Do you want some ear scritches? [moves hand slightly towards cat]
Izzy: [looks horrified at the thought]

It ends with her bolting out of the chair and me feeling slightly guilty for disturbing her morning nap.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 02, 2021, 09:36:27 AM
That was just the first of 100,000 naps for the day.

Be comforted. She'll find another spot.

This kitty owns an otter as well as a human:

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv7FdNAzgto

...and doesn't mind being groomed by the otter:

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-YPGFDfKRc

Clearly, I've found a new distraction...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on February 02, 2021, 09:58:59 AM
Little Cat has to go to the vet tomorrow--she has a bad tooth/cyst/who knows what in her mouth?  She's developed an Elvis sneer since Sunday night, and I'm not brave enough to put my fingers in there and aggravate her to find out.  It doesn't seem to hurt, and she's still eating, so we'll see.  This will be her first time to the vet--or even outside of the house--since she got spayed >12 years ago. (She's never been sick in her life.)  Getting her in the carrier and to the vet ought to be fun.  Not.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on February 02, 2021, 12:52:19 PM
Put the carrier out a and open overnight.   On more than one occasion I've found the patient-to-be asleep in there in the morning.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 02, 2021, 02:27:03 PM
Quote from: FishProf on February 02, 2021, 12:52:19 PM
Put the carrier out a and open overnight.   On more than one occasion I've found the patient-to-be asleep in there in the morning.

Put a towel and some treats inside it.  Makes it all the more enticing to explore.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on February 02, 2021, 02:44:53 PM
Today I walked past a house and saw a handsome black cat sitting in the window looking out.   It had been a while since I'd seen a cat looking out a window.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 02, 2021, 02:48:06 PM
No humans for people-watching....

I wonder what they'll think/do whenever/if-ever things return to anything like "normal"?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 02, 2021, 03:52:20 PM
Got a series of excited texts and video clips from SO while I was at lab.

Maestro, for the first time in his life, spontaneously started a game of fetch. He did several fetches in a row with variations in technique: pushing the toy ahead of him with his paws, carrying the toy in his mouth, and carrying the toy in his mouth while jumping over obstacles. We never trained him to retrieve; this was his own idea.

SO has been Maestro's designated Toy Master since his kittenhood. Since SO works remotely from the living room, he had to frequently toss toys to distract Maestro away from pestering him. Maestro quickly learned that humans can make his toys more fun.

We leave a few toys out for him at a time and keep the rest in drawers or on shelves on a rotating basis. When Maestro wants a particular toy that's packed away, he will emit a tragic wailing meow in front of whatever shelf or drawer holds the treasure, while giving SO a pleading look. He does the same thing when he's accidentally kicked his toy somewhere irretrievable, like under the stove or into the closet (via the gap beneath the door).

SO said it was extremely satisfying to see Maestro fetch, as it made their play feel more like bonding time. "Our special thing."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 02, 2021, 04:25:11 PM
Aww! I love fetching kitties, smallcleanrat!

Ricochet used to fetch as a kitten, and like Maestro, she'd initiate it by bringing us her micey. She was amazing at it, parkouring off the furniture and digging underneath things to find her treasure. She was persistent too; she would figure out how to get that micey, even if it required several steps. It was her primary method of feline-human interaction in her younger days. 

I hope Maestro and SO continue to bond with fetch-time.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 03, 2021, 07:06:22 AM
Elder evil cat also used to fetch when he was a young'un. It's so cute when they do that.

In other cat news, Youngest evil cat spontaneously jumped 5 feet in the air a couple of times yesterday. We think she was playing with a sunbeam spot on the carpet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 03, 2021, 07:20:01 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 03, 2021, 07:06:22 AM
Elder evil cat also used to fetch when he was a young'un. It's so cute when they do that.

In other cat news, Youngest evil cat spontaneously jumped 5 feet in the air a couple of times yesterday. We think she was playing with a sunbeam spot on the carpet.

That's adorable (and hilarious).

A frequent refrain in our household: "Cat, stop being cute for a while so we can get some work done!"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on February 03, 2021, 07:53:22 AM
Stitch is also learning to fetch. His favorite toy is my Giant Microbe stuffed Listeria. So thing a fuzzy blue stuffed Rod shape with eyes. It's lost all the dangling flagella. But he will cart it around in his mouth and will go running once you toss it. Since it started out almost as big as he was, it's cute to see him getting bigger and able to really move it around.

Our dog is continuing to adapt to a world with cats. We think we have progressed from them causing stress to just being curious about them. She no longer shakes with the effort of controlling herself! We no longer have to keep the window into the "cats' room" covered, and she will go watch them and they come up to the window to look at her.
We have had numerous supervised interactions and it all goes well until someone runs and she wants to lunge/ chase after them. Stitch in particular lacks the sensible gene and keeps trying to pounce on the dogs tail!

Overall it's great to have cats back in the house.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on February 03, 2021, 08:21:04 AM
Zoom is catnip for Elektra.  I may as well not exist except when she can be on camera.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 03, 2021, 08:46:19 AM
None of our cats are interested in traditional fetch, but will play a game where I gather up a bunch of toys, toss them one at a time for the cats to chase, and then I have to gather them up for another round of tossing.

Lady Jane plays a game that I call "chasing the invisible ghost bug in the bathtub".  She will hop in the tub, do a crazy gymnastics routine of leaping and whirling and pouncing with a running commentary of mrrrp! mrrow! mrrew!
There is nothing in the tub.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on February 03, 2021, 09:35:46 AM
I so miss having a cat that liked fetch.  Ulysses will bat an aluminum ball around a little, but fetch is beyond her interests.   Recommendations for fetchable toys?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 03, 2021, 05:51:12 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on February 03, 2021, 09:35:46 AM
I so miss having a cat that liked fetch.  Ulysses will bat an aluminum ball around a little, but fetch is beyond her interests.   Recommendations for fetchable toys?

Our kittens self-selected the things they would fetch.  Little furry mice were the only actual purchased cat toy that they would fetch, and only specific brands were acceptable for fetching. Other items that they fetched were twist ties, milk rings, and paperclips.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 03, 2021, 05:56:29 PM
My first kitty would play bottle-cap hockey up and down the hallway.

I sent the botllecap skidding along the floor, she intercepted, and ran it down the hall for a far-end goal.

But bringing it back to start over was my job, so I guess it wasn't really a "fetch" game, unless you count me as doing the fetching...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on February 04, 2021, 05:02:58 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on February 02, 2021, 09:58:59 AM
Little Cat has to go to the vet tomorrow--she has a bad tooth/cyst/who knows what in her mouth?  She's developed an Elvis sneer since Sunday night, and I'm not brave enough to put my fingers in there and aggravate her to find out.  It doesn't seem to hurt, and she's still eating, so we'll see.  This will be her first time to the vet--or even outside of the house--since she got spayed >12 years ago. (She's never been sick in her life.)  Getting her in the carrier and to the vet ought to be fun.  Not.

How is Little Cat?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on February 04, 2021, 06:34:20 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 03, 2021, 05:56:29 PM
My first kitty would play bottle-cap hockey up and down the hallway.

I sent the botllecap skidding along the floor, she intercepted, and ran it down the hall for a far-end goal.

But bringing it back to start over was my job, so I guess it wasn't really a "fetch" game, unless you count me as doing the fetching...

M.

Same experience here of willingness to play for a bit provided I do most of the work.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on February 04, 2021, 06:36:37 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on February 03, 2021, 05:51:12 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on February 03, 2021, 09:35:46 AM
I so miss having a cat that liked fetch.  Ulysses will bat an aluminum ball around a little, but fetch is beyond her interests.   Recommendations for fetchable toys?

Our kittens self-selected the things they would fetch.  Little furry mice were the only actual purchased cat toy that they would fetch, and only specific brands were acceptable for fetching. Other items that they fetched were twist ties, milk rings, and paperclips.

I'll have to try the last 3!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on February 04, 2021, 07:16:17 AM
This morning I saw some odd objects in the edge of the woods on the edge of town.  Stuffed animals?  Dead animals?  I paused and took a closer look.  Then I saw that it was a trio of cats.  One of them was looking at me with that wary look that cats get when they're thinking about fleeing your presence.  I apologized for interrupting and went on my way.

I hadn't seen that many cats in one place in months.  The temperature spike and overcast sky must have them stirring more.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 04, 2021, 07:41:29 AM
Quote from: apl68 on February 04, 2021, 07:16:17 AM
This morning I saw some odd objects in the edge of the woods on the edge of town.  Stuffed animals?  Dead animals?  I paused and took a closer look.  Then I saw that it was a trio of cats.  One of them was looking at me with that wary look that cats get when they're thinking about fleeing your presence.  I apologized for interrupting and went on my way.

I hadn't seen that many cats in one place in months.  The temperature spike and overcast sky must have them stirring more.

Maybe they were having one of their secret meetings?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on February 04, 2021, 07:55:55 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 04, 2021, 07:41:29 AM
Quote from: apl68 on February 04, 2021, 07:16:17 AM
This morning I saw some odd objects in the edge of the woods on the edge of town.  Stuffed animals?  Dead animals?  I paused and took a closer look.  Then I saw that it was a trio of cats.  One of them was looking at me with that wary look that cats get when they're thinking about fleeing your presence.  I apologized for interrupting and went on my way.

I hadn't seen that many cats in one place in months.  The temperature spike and overcast sky must have them stirring more.

Maybe they were having one of their secret meetings?

Well yes, that's why I apologized for interrupting!  Plus it seems to embarrass them when humans sneak up on them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 04, 2021, 08:01:42 AM
Quote from: Harlow2 on February 04, 2021, 06:36:37 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on February 03, 2021, 05:51:12 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on February 03, 2021, 09:35:46 AM
I so miss having a cat that liked fetch.  Ulysses will bat an aluminum ball around a little, but fetch is beyond her interests.   Recommendations for fetchable toys?

Our kittens self-selected the things they would fetch.  Little furry mice were the only actual purchased cat toy that they would fetch, and only specific brands were acceptable for fetching. Other items that they fetched were twist ties, milk rings, and paperclips.

I'll have to try the last 3!

Ricochet particularly liked when we strung several large paperclips together so we could wing it down the hall. She'll still sometimes chase it if we do that, but won't fetch anymore. Ninja would indicate her interest in fetching by dropping the item in our shoes. I hope you find some Ulysses approved fetch toys!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 04, 2021, 08:04:39 AM
Maybe they were telling each other their ineffable names and didn't want you overhearing.

Or they were relating anecdotes from their parmeous days...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM3GWjxIf2w

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 04, 2021, 10:16:57 AM
Effie cat (RIP) would fetch the rings from the top of milk jugs.  But only the red ones.

I think the cat will determine what toys are worthy of being fetched.  Ours like to play with stuffed mice, plastic springs, fabric balls with a bell inside, and stolen hair ties.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 04, 2021, 12:32:07 PM
Spouse and I both grew up with and love cats but have never been able to have them because of allergies. We had an unexpected opportunity to acquire a pair of very friendly outdoor cats a few weeks ago and we are both head-over-heels in love. Artemis is a sleek black huntress* about a year old, and Hestia is the most beautiful tabby I have ever seen (about 6 mos.). They are the gentlest and quietest cats I have ever met. Hestia loves to be petted and will leap into the first available lap and begin purring before her overture has even been acknowledged. When no lap is available, she will flop down on the ground, roll onto her back, and invite bystanders to rub her belly. Artemis prefers to sit serenely beside us, ever watchful and aloof, but she responds instantly to having her head scratched and grows affectionate when she has not been around people for a few hours (or when she is the focus of attention). Having lived on the same farm until they came to us, they play and cuddle often and so far seem to be the best of friends. They bring me great joy.

AR.

*So far Artemis has only hunted cat toys, cat food, her shadow, grass, twigs, leaves, wood shavings, bottle caps, string, ribbon, blankets, towels, feet, shoes, and Hestia, but we have high hopes that she will eventually expand her repertoire to include small rodents and large insects.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on February 04, 2021, 03:05:22 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 04, 2021, 10:16:57 AM
and stolen hair ties.
Yikes! Orestes EATS those.  Ended up having surgery TWICE last year because of it.

Yup.  He's a moron.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on February 05, 2021, 11:01:25 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on February 04, 2021, 05:02:58 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on February 02, 2021, 09:58:59 AM
Little Cat has to go to the vet tomorrow--she has a bad tooth/cyst/who knows what in her mouth?  She's developed an Elvis sneer since Sunday night, and I'm not brave enough to put my fingers in there and aggravate her to find out.  It doesn't seem to hurt, and she's still eating, so we'll see.  This will be her first time to the vet--or even outside of the house--since she got spayed >12 years ago. (She's never been sick in her life.)  Getting her in the carrier and to the vet ought to be fun.  Not.

How is Little Cat?

Ah, thanks for asking.  (Been up to my eyeballs in grading and am just now back to the Fora as I sneak a bite of lunch!)

She did well in the carrier/car, though she did meow periodically on the trip. Thank goodness it's only about 3 miles to the vet!  They did an exam, and she has a loose lower left canine tooth.  She's scheduled for their earliest dental appt. next Thursday morning.  She still isn't acting like anything hurts. There's no cyst or infection, which I'd been worried about. She is snaggle-toothed, though, and looks uncomfortable.

The really good news is that all her other teeth are good, and she seems to be in great shape otherwise:  clear eyes, good heart and lung sounds, good weight, and overall in excellent health for a 14-year-old kitty.

We're still trying to figure out why only this one tooth came up loose, out of the blue. My money is on a knock-down-drag-out with her big gray housemate.  Usually the big cat is the one who gets jumped and just walks away, although one time this past winter she had had enough of LC's bullshit and threw LC against the closet door and sat on her. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 05, 2021, 11:40:00 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on February 05, 2021, 11:01:25 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on February 04, 2021, 05:02:58 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on February 02, 2021, 09:58:59 AM
Little Cat has to go to the vet tomorrow--she has a bad tooth/cyst/who knows what in her mouth?  She's developed an Elvis sneer since Sunday night, and I'm not brave enough to put my fingers in there and aggravate her to find out.  It doesn't seem to hurt, and she's still eating, so we'll see.  This will be her first time to the vet--or even outside of the house--since she got spayed >12 years ago. (She's never been sick in her life.)  Getting her in the carrier and to the vet ought to be fun.  Not.

How is Little Cat?

Ah, thanks for asking.  (Been up to my eyeballs in grading and am just now back to the Fora as I sneak a bite of lunch!)

She did well in the carrier/car, though she did meow periodically on the trip. Thank goodness it's only about 3 miles to the vet!  They did an exam, and she has a loose lower left canine tooth.  She's scheduled for their earliest dental appt. next Thursday morning.  She still isn't acting like anything hurts. There's no cyst or infection, which I'd been worried about. She is snaggle-toothed, though, and looks uncomfortable.

The really good news is that all her other teeth are good, and she seems to be in great shape otherwise:  clear eyes, good heart and lung sounds, good weight, and overall in excellent health for a 14-year-old kitty.

We're still trying to figure out why only this one tooth came up loose, out of the blue. My money is on a knock-down-drag-out with her big gray housemate.  Usually the big cat is the one who gets jumped and just walks away, although one time this past winter she had had enough of LC's bullshit and threw LC against the closet door and sat on her.

Glad to hear Little Cat is ok. We have cat fights here too. :( Actually, there was one this morning, when I was on the phone trying to pay a bill (of course). Elder evil cat was giving Eldest evil cat 'the forehead' and everyone was poofed and pissed off. I broke it up before it could escalate any further. Do they all just have cabin fever, or are most cats just buttheads?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on February 06, 2021, 12:24:58 PM
EPW, they seem to be buttheads, IME.  What's stupid here is that the Big Cat is twice the size of Little Cat, yet LC is ballsy enough for them both.  They sit and do The Stare for awhile, and in every case, it's LC that starts the fight.  Sometimes Big Cat will try to be nice and wash Little Cat's head, but nope. Usually the big one takes off once the fight starts--she might give a head slap or two, but that's it.  I don't know if she's scared she'll hurt the little one or get in trouble or what. That's what made it so funny when she actually did take LC down and sit on her.

These two will chase (though not fetch--are you kidding?) the milk jug rings and balls of aluminum foil. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 06, 2021, 12:53:53 PM
Hilarious and interesting. Youngest evil cat likes to start a lot of crap here and she will tackle Elder evil cat who is a lot bigger than her. He just hisses and shakes it off. Unfortunately, he will also go after Eldest evil cat (who is tiny- the smallest cat we have) and they will have huge fights. He's become more of an ass around her.

Youngest evil cat is extremely territorial when it comes to Eldest evil cat, or maybe she's just protective of her Daddy- who knows? She will chase Eldest evil cat out of the room if she gets near him. It's just weird.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 06, 2021, 01:29:50 PM
Funny! I also have a big and little cat, but luckily they have stayed best buds. The big one does sometimes forget his size and play too rough, causing the little one to hiss at him and me to yell "play nice!". Sometimes works.

They have just been released from the bedroom, where they were exiled while I taught a webinar because the Panther Boy can't be trusted not to meow loudly while knocking things over, and tends to meow piteously if he is separated from Little Calico. So Little Calico unfairly got exiled too to babysit him. Three whole hours without petting was apparently very difficult-- wonder what they'll do when I'm back on campus for longer stretches?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 06, 2021, 02:37:49 PM
Ninja is about 5 pounds heavier than Ricochet, who tops out at 7 pounds.  They mostly ignore each other, but occasionally will have a wrestling skirmish--Ricochet has no problems holding her own.

Today, Ricochet reminded me how high she can jump. I was dangling string above her and she was leaping to bat at it.  A couple minutes into the game, instead of swatting at the dangling string, she jumped high enough to sink her claw into my finger. I dropped the string and she immediately pounced on her prey, highly pleased with her kill.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 07, 2021, 03:27:08 PM
Looking for opinions on whether or not cats care if they are a "good kitty."

When I do clicker training with Maestro, he gets a treat and some variation of "good kitty!" or "good boy!" Now, we know the treat is motivating, but we've been ambivalent about whether he cares about our opinions regarding his "goodness." He perks up visibly when a treat is offered, but there is no such obvious reaction to our verbal expressions of admiration.

We've sometimes observed that if we make too big a deal out of Maestro doing something spontaneously adorable or being especially well-behaved (e.g. scratching the cat scratcher instead of the couch), he will look at us with wide eyes, back away from whatever activity we were so happy about, and it may be some time before we see a repeat performance. SO calls it "performance anxiety" but we don't really know what's happening in his little cat brain.

Dogs certainly respond to praise, but cats....does anyone know?

Side note - Maestro's fetch items of choice: Milk jug caps and small springs. These and his stuffed fish are the only items he regularly carries around; I guess they are the easiest toys to pick up.

He's never fetched the fish, but I'll probably make a separate post about this. That fish has become his best buddy, and the development of their relationship over the time of Maestro's maturation is a story in itself. Sometimes I wonder whether it would make a good kid's book; it's so similar to the relationship a young child has with a teddy bear or security blanket.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: spork on February 07, 2021, 04:17:58 PM
I find that cats respond to tone and volume when a human expresses dissatisfaction with their behavior. And I've had cats that have come when called with a particular pitch, but only if they are in the mood.

Does anyone have a recommendation on a reasonably priced wet food that is majority animal protein? If I'm doing the calculation correctly, the two brands I currently feed our cats are ~ 35% protein, 55% fat, and 10% carbs by caloric composition. I want more protein, less fat, and less carbs.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 08, 2021, 11:15:53 AM
I think that cats do respond to praise.  Probably more the tone and singsong nature than the what you are saying.
Coupling the "good kitty!" praise with a treat will likely make him respond to the verbal praise after a while.  If nothing else, his little cat brain will associate the noise with a tasty snack.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on February 08, 2021, 02:13:33 PM
I don't think either of our cats care about being "good kitty."  If they are hiding, no cajoling will tempt them out of their caves.  Sometimes, but not always, shaking the food dispenser will get them out. We have also been unsuccessful in getting our big Tuxedo to stop stalking the smaller one or to get our smaller one to quit taunting the big one.  They are just lovable buttheads, I guess. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 08, 2021, 02:22:16 PM
For a cat to be worried about human approval, the cat would first have to be convinced that the human deserved higher esteem in the universal scope of things than the cat.

This is heterodoxy to many cats, if not all--it may even be a basic tenet of cathood to be suspicious of any creature's virtue as higher than their own.

Treats and a gracious inclination to briefly condescend to the human condition may temporarily alter behavior, but I doubt if it really affects their basic belief in themselves as superior to all other creatures.

They may even be right--we wouldn't know, would we?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 08, 2021, 04:34:48 PM
I know for certain that Panther Boy does not care that I don't want him jumping on the table or counters. He cares for about 3 seconds if I squirt him with the spray bottle and hiss at him for doing so. Then he either forgets or decides it's worth it and does it again. WHY these surfaces should be so much more attractive than all things he is allowed, even encouraged, to climb on is a mystery known only to him. It's a good thing he's cute and soft (he is currently angelically sleeping snuggled up against me).

Little Calico on the other hand seems to care, or at least not want to get sprayed-- on the rare occasions I catch her on the forbidden surfaces all it takes a saying her name in a stern voice and she jumps down and looks guilty (or what I perceive probably incorrectly as guilty).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 08, 2021, 05:50:07 PM
I think the adage is "People train dogs; cats train people."

As a kid, my family went to a "cat circus," and we asked the trainer how they trained the cats to do the tricks.  He said they just figured out what each cat wanted to do, and that was the cat's part in the show.

I don't think Ricochet is clear on the concept of "good kitty." We figure out what makes her happy and participate in it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 08, 2021, 10:33:00 PM
QuoteHe's never fetched the fish, but I'll probably make a separate post about this. That fish has become his best buddy, and the development of their relationship over the time of Maestro's maturation is a story in itself. Sometimes I wonder whether it would make a good kid's book; it's so similar to the relationship a young child has with a teddy bear or security blanket.

Oh, definitely, do the book.

That would be so cool!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on February 09, 2021, 06:09:00 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on February 05, 2021, 11:01:25 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on February 04, 2021, 05:02:58 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on February 02, 2021, 09:58:59 AM
Little Cat has to go to the vet tomorrow--she has a bad tooth/cyst/who knows what in her mouth?  She's developed an Elvis sneer since Sunday night, and I'm not brave enough to put my fingers in there and aggravate her to find out.  It doesn't seem to hurt, and she's still eating, so we'll see.  This will be her first time to the vet--or even outside of the house--since she got spayed >12 years ago. (She's never been sick in her life.)  Getting her in the carrier and to the vet ought to be fun.  Not.

How is Little Cat?

Ah, thanks for asking.  (Been up to my eyeballs in grading and am just now back to the Fora as I sneak a bite of lunch!)

She did well in the carrier/car, though she did meow periodically on the trip. Thank goodness it's only about 3 miles to the vet!  They did an exam, and she has a loose lower left canine tooth.  She's scheduled for their earliest dental appt. next Thursday morning.  She still isn't acting like anything hurts. There's no cyst or infection, which I'd been worried about. She is snaggle-toothed, though, and looks uncomfortable.

The really good news is that all her other teeth are good, and she seems to be in great shape otherwise:  clear eyes, good heart and lung sounds, good weight, and overall in excellent health for a 14-year-old kitty.

We're still trying to figure out why only this one tooth came up loose, out of the blue. My money is on a knock-down-drag-out with her big gray housemate.  Usually the big cat is the one who gets jumped and just walks away, although one time this past winter she had had enough of LC's bullshit and threw LC against the closet door and sat on her.

Glad it's nothing worse!  Old Shebah had dental surgery in December and came through quite well.  As for the possible cause of the tooth: darn big cat!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 09, 2021, 08:57:36 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on February 09, 2021, 06:09:00 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on February 05, 2021, 11:01:25 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on February 04, 2021, 05:02:58 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on February 02, 2021, 09:58:59 AM
Little Cat has to go to the vet tomorrow--she has a bad tooth/cyst/who knows what in her mouth?  She's developed an Elvis sneer since Sunday night, and I'm not brave enough to put my fingers in there and aggravate her to find out.  It doesn't seem to hurt, and she's still eating, so we'll see.  This will be her first time to the vet--or even outside of the house--since she got spayed >12 years ago. (She's never been sick in her life.)  Getting her in the carrier and to the vet ought to be fun.  Not.

How is Little Cat?

Ah, thanks for asking.  (Been up to my eyeballs in grading and am just now back to the Fora as I sneak a bite of lunch!)

She did well in the carrier/car, though she did meow periodically on the trip. Thank goodness it's only about 3 miles to the vet!  They did an exam, and she has a loose lower left canine tooth.  She's scheduled for their earliest dental appt. next Thursday morning.  She still isn't acting like anything hurts. There's no cyst or infection, which I'd been worried about. She is snaggle-toothed, though, and looks uncomfortable.

The really good news is that all her other teeth are good, and she seems to be in great shape otherwise:  clear eyes, good heart and lung sounds, good weight, and overall in excellent health for a 14-year-old kitty.

We're still trying to figure out why only this one tooth came up loose, out of the blue. My money is on a knock-down-drag-out with her big gray housemate.  Usually the big cat is the one who gets jumped and just walks away, although one time this past winter she had had enough of LC's bullshit and threw LC against the closet door and sat on her.

Glad it's nothing worse!  Old Shebah had dental surgery in December and came through quite well.  As for the possible cause of the tooth: darn big cat!!

Buddycat managed to knock out a fang by tripping over his own feet, falling off the back of a wooden chair and bonking his head on the seat.  It might have just been an unlucky landing for your kitty as well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on February 12, 2021, 11:17:34 AM
Little Cat is safely home, zonked out in my office by the space heater.  She was not happy about going out at 8 yesterday morning or again at 9 today in 10-degree weather, but even at that, she didn't say all that much.  She is a Good Kitty. 

After having that lower canine tooth pulled, she's on pain meds for a couple more days and antibiotics for a week, and no crunchy treats (O, the horror of that!) and soft food for two weeks.

She came out of the carrier when I got her home, did a wobbly tour of the house, and then spent the next 30 minutes making clear how happy she was to see and be with me in her place again.  There was much head butting, rubbing of my leg, circling and meowing, and betting her back scratched.  Then she played out and has slept off and on since.

Fela, her housemate, was worried sick this morning--no Other Cat was here, and that Other Cat is ALWAYS here.  She finally buried herself under covers on our bed and went to sleep.  She'll be surprised to see that Other Cat this evening when she comes out for supper, I think!

I'm looking forward to lots of quality time with her over the weekend.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 12, 2021, 03:34:35 PM
Canine teeth in cats--giggle.

Glad everyone's home, safe, warm, and properly medicated.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on February 12, 2021, 04:43:39 PM
Quote from: mamselle on February 12, 2021, 03:34:35 PM

Glad everyone's home, safe, warm, and properly medicated.

M.

+1 to this.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on February 14, 2021, 06:16:31 AM
Quote from: Larimar on February 12, 2021, 04:43:39 PM
Quote from: mamselle on February 12, 2021, 03:34:35 PM

Glad everyone's home, safe, warm, and properly medicated.

M.

+1 to this.

And from me....
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 16, 2021, 06:36:24 PM
Both cats have finally passed Pre-Lap Skills 50 (covering such topics as sleeping snuggled up against legs, laying on feet, and brief lap visits) and moved on to Introduction to Laps 101.

They are each progressing in their own way--Panther Boy has not figured out climbing into laps by himself, but if placed on a lap and petted will fall asleep there sometimes. Little Calico on the other hand is deeply offended by being picked up and placed anywhere, but will claim a lap on her own terms. Both will only do so if I'm sitting in front of the fire with my feet up so they can sprawl out full length on my legs.

How are the other cats doing in their studies this semester?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 17, 2021, 02:48:26 AM
Quote from: Puget on February 16, 2021, 06:36:24 PM
Both cats have finally passed Pre-Lap Skills 50 (covering such topics as sleeping snuggled up against legs, laying on feet, and brief lap visits) and moved on to Introduction to Laps 101.

They are each progressing in their own way--Panther Boy has not figured out climbing into laps by himself, but if placed on a lap and petted will fall asleep there sometimes. Little Calico on the other hand is deeply offended by being picked up and placed anywhere, but will claim a lap on her own terms. Both will only do so if I'm sitting in front of the fire with my feet up so they can sprawl out full length on my legs.

How are the other cats doing in their studies this semester?

Always nice to read more exploits of Panther Boy and Little Calico! Although I felt a split-second stab of horror when I read "Both cats have finally passed..."

I'm planning a retrospective post on Maestro's upcoming one year adoption anniversary: The Maestro Matures. We love the older, wiser (sort of), mellower adult Maestro, but I feel some need to write a tribute to the little kitten who is no more.

Hard to believe how nostalgic SO and I can get about Maestro's kittenhood considering it's only been a matter of months... But there are days when we dearly miss baby Maestro. Makes me hanker for a foster kitten or two. Someday...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 17, 2021, 04:47:48 AM
They really do grow up suddenly, from the tiny perpetual motion fluff-ball to the lanky adolescent to the filled-out, torporous adult...

Looking forward to the longer Maestro update!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 17, 2021, 11:39:55 AM
Quote from: Puget on February 16, 2021, 06:36:24 PM
Both cats have finally passed Pre-Lap Skills 50 (covering such topics as sleeping snuggled up against legs, laying on feet, and brief lap visits) and moved on to Introduction to Laps 101.

They are each progressing in their own way--Panther Boy has not figured out climbing into laps by himself, but if placed on a lap and petted will fall asleep there sometimes. Little Calico on the other hand is deeply offended by being picked up and placed anywhere, but will claim a lap on her own terms. Both will only do so if I'm sitting in front of the fire with my feet up so they can sprawl out full length on my legs.

How are the other cats doing in their studies this semester?

Yay for Panther Boy and Little Calico!

Ninja has graduated from the lap-sitting program, as she is very adept at lap-sitting and spends as much time as possible sitting on her preferred human (my SO, who, unfortunately for her, does not work from home during COVID).  Yesterday, she deigned to sleep on my lap for 2 hours while I was working on a lecture (I think she was cold, but I was thrilled).  We keep trying to draft her as a teaching assistant for the Developmental Laps course Ricochet is enrolled in, but so far, she has declined.

Ricochet has not yet passed Developmental Laps, as she is still not completely sure what might happen if she sits on a lap.  She is still in the standing and jumping off stage, primarily.  Occasionally, she'll flop awkwardly on my lap to get head scritches for a few minutes.  She seems to enjoy it (purrs, butts at my hand with her head), but she does not relax.  When Ninja lapsits, she melds into the person's lap and crashes deeply.   When Ricochet attempts her version of lapsitting, her ears remain poised for any concerning sounds, and her muscles remains taut and ready to jump at any moment.  It's a work in (very slow) progress.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 17, 2021, 11:45:05 AM
Lady Jane is treating my lap as a "wee beastie-free zone" and will sit on me in the mornings because she knows that Izzy (aka the "wee beastie") will not jump up there too.  I don't think she wants to be on my lap per se, but knows it's a safe location.
Sir Puck had resumed the slobbery purring on my lap.  This requires that I wear loose enough clothes that he can grab a mouthful of cloth to slurp on while happily purring and stomping on me.  Sir Puck approves of skirts, dresses, and tunics.  He does NOT like when I wear pants.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 17, 2021, 11:54:18 AM
Good to hear the other cats are also progressing through the lap curriculum!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 18, 2021, 09:55:56 AM
Hestia (younger cat) loves lap sitting. Most of the time, if I call her and pat my lap, she will scamper over and leap into it immediately. Our laps usually come covered in towels or sheets to help with allergies, and she will sometimes try to climb up the towel as it is being prepared. She will leave a lap if there is any hint of food elsewhere, or to play or hunt with Artemis, but otherwise will frequently sit (and sleep) for hours if allowed.

Artemis occasionally enjoys laps, but only on her own terms. It is a great treat when it happens.

Both (typically outdoor) cats have been indoors all week because of the weather, except for two short excursions into the backyard on afternoons when the temperature rose a bit above freezing. This has made it much harder to accommodate allergies, and also seems to have lessened the appeal of lap sitting (perhaps because the laps have been so much more available all week). Artemis' new favorite spot is on the front windowsill, intently watching the neighborhood, and Hestia wants to be next to (or on top of) Artemis whenever possible.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 18, 2021, 11:20:57 AM
Awww! Hestia and Artemis (great names/fora monikers!) sound like lovely kitties, and they are lucky that their humans are offering some inside time this winter despite allergies.

Ricochet apparently reads the fora and recognized her moniker. So today, she wanted to demonstrate and she too is progressing through the lap sitting curriculum. She jumped on my lap and sat down!  Without jumping on and off several times!  And while she did not achieve Nina-level cat relaxation on my lap, she did relax enough to give me some slow blinks.  And she stayed for 10 minutes! She wonders if she has now passed the proficiency exam for Developmental Laps (Laps 050) and can now move to Lap Sitting 101.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 18, 2021, 11:29:39 AM
Youngest evil cat has been taking an elective in "How to Destroy Vinyl Blinds Through Mastication."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on February 18, 2021, 11:51:36 AM
Kid #1 has brought Waffles, her barn kitten (who arrived shortly after she rented her farmhouse in the middle of nowhere) in the house this past frigid week. The kit has adjusted well to being in a pet carrier all night and let out in the house periodically and outdoors for short periods in the daytime.

Apparently the time hasn't been wasted.  As Kid was working in her studio last night, out of the corner of her eye she spied Waffles toddling across the living room floor, with the entirely useless GSD watching instead of sounding the alarm or corralling the kitty.  Kid put her back into the carrier and made sure the gate was latched tight. 

Soon after, she heard what she thought was a mousetrap snap and went to look.  There was Waffles, who had figured out the squeeze-spring latch and was happily batting the door back and forth on its hinges.  Gorilla tape has since been applied.  (I told Kid this is her version of having toddlers on snow days.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 18, 2021, 12:24:42 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 18, 2021, 11:29:39 AM
Youngest evil cat has been taking an elective in "How to Destroy Vinyl Blinds Through Mastication."

My cats excelled so well in this elective that I no longer have vinyl blinds.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 18, 2021, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 18, 2021, 11:29:39 AM
Youngest evil cat has been taking an elective in "How to Destroy Vinyl Blinds Through Mastication."

Our office blinds have a viewing gap chewed in them courtesy of Sir Puck (aka Sir Chomps a Lot)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 18, 2021, 01:27:01 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 18, 2021, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 18, 2021, 11:29:39 AM
Youngest evil cat has been taking an elective in "How to Destroy Vinyl Blinds Through Mastication."

Our office blinds have a viewing gap chewed in them courtesy of Sir Puck (aka Sir Chomps a Lot)

Our living room blinds have a viewing gap due to Ninja's unhappiness at the white things blocking her window.  She pushes into the blinds as she goes in and out of the window sill, so eventually parts of the blinds break off.  Then, no more white things blocking her window!  A problem-solver is Ninja.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on February 18, 2021, 02:16:13 PM
Our Booboo and Lilil are stuck in pre-lap snuggling only at bedtime 001.  They have no motivation to move past that.  Booboo also enforces her 6' social distance rule to anyone/anything not named A..(our daughter).  Picking either of them up to put on a lap results in a mad dash to freedom.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 18, 2021, 03:24:40 PM
Elder evil cat has decided to take a sports elective- "Counter Jumping 101."

I have had this cat for 15 years and he has never jumped on the counters.... until this year. Maybe he's modeling Youngest evil cat's bad behavior. Oh and Eldest evil cat (18) uses her stealthy ninja skills to bounce onto the counter tops. So, maybe both of them have influenced him.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 18, 2021, 03:27:05 PM
Izzy is majoring in Interior Decorating.  Her passions include shredding the sides of furniture, gently poking holes in pillows, and ripping holes curtains so large that they have to be removed.  No stupid curtains shall block her view of the birds and squirrels!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 19, 2021, 06:37:41 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on February 18, 2021, 11:20:57 AM
Awww! Hestia and Artemis (great names/fora monikers!) sound like lovely kitties.

Thank you! They are darling.

So lovely to hear about Ricochet's lap-sitting experiments. I hope they continue!

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on February 19, 2021, 07:03:11 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on February 18, 2021, 01:27:01 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 18, 2021, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 18, 2021, 11:29:39 AM
Youngest evil cat has been taking an elective in "How to Destroy Vinyl Blinds Through Mastication."

Our office blinds have a viewing gap chewed in them courtesy of Sir Puck (aka Sir Chomps a Lot)

Our living room blinds have a viewing gap due to Ninja's unhappiness at the white things blocking her window.  She pushes into the blinds as she goes in and out of the window sill, so eventually parts of the blinds break off.  Then, no more white things blocking her window!  A problem-solver is Ninja.

The blinds on our bedroom are permanently deformed from all of our kitties desperately wanting to see the side yard...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: wareagle on February 19, 2021, 07:11:58 AM
Catso has been falling down on his Cat Alarm duties; he will generally start meowing and stepping on my face at about 5:45, which gives me 30 minutes to decide if I truly want to get up.  The other day, though, it was well past 7:00.  No morning news and no lounging about that day.  He has since become more diligent about waking me up on time.  I haven't had to set the clock alarm in years now.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on February 19, 2021, 11:59:11 AM
Elektra is a ZoomCat.  I rarely see her, and never get to touch her, UNLESS I am on Zoom.  Then she is insatiable.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 19, 2021, 02:02:34 PM
So, Zooming Becomes Electra?

:--}

Sorry....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 19, 2021, 02:15:19 PM
Our winter week seems to be over, so the cats are back outside, and I am sitting on the patio to do some grading and administrative work because it is quite pleasant out. Artemis is not living up to her name and has fallen asleep under the table. Hestia, in contrast, caught (and ate) a small bug a few weeks ago and an earthworm (which we rescued) last week; she is currently scampering around the patio hunting ants. I'm pretty sure she thinks she is tracking one most impressively, but she keeps wandering away in distraction, coming back to the spot where she left it, and--surprise!--finding it* still there.

*there is a moderately steady stream of ants in one corner of the patio, which is why "it" is always still there, even when I know her past victim is long gone.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 19, 2021, 04:53:13 PM
Youngest evil cat decided that she didn't like my pants and chewed off the drawstring. Granted, they're old 'house pants', but what the hell Y.E.C?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 22, 2021, 01:17:55 PM
Anyone's kitties have unusual napping spots?

Ricochet naps in boxes, underneath furniture, on top of our tallest bookcase, and, in the winter, directly on top of the heating vents (under a side table). When she's feeling brave, she naps on the guest room bed (which is in the room farthest away from the people).

Ninja typically naps on beds or chairs or, when available, in laundry baskets on top of the clean laundry. However, recently, she has a new napping spot in the bathroom on the over-the-toilet towel shelf rack on top of the clean folded towels.  She crawls into her spot from the sink and is now spending most of her day in the bathroom. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 22, 2021, 01:52:21 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on February 22, 2021, 01:17:55 PM
Anyone's kitties have unusual napping spots?

At least in winter their napping spots are a very predictable rotation, between their baskets in front of the fire, my chair in front of the fire, the sofa, and the cat window shelf (which has a pet heating pad on it-- yes, they are spoiled). Occasionally Little Calico, who moves around more to evade the coyotes (she hasn't seen any yet, but that doesn't mean they aren't lurking in the living room someplace. . .) will move to a dining room chair or upstairs to the bed or cat condo. They also like boxes, but for play rather than napping.

In summer they like the windowsills of open windows and random shady spots on the wood floors, which must be cooler.

Right now Little Calico is sleeping on the sofa with her head under a throw pillow, and Panther Boy is sleeping on the window shelf.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on February 22, 2021, 02:59:16 PM
In laundry baskets... especially when the clothes are hot out of the dryer!

Long ago kitty used to nap IN the dryer.  After closing the door on him to fluff up the clothes, there was a terrible clunking sound from the dryer!  I opened the door, and he jumped out!  I m sure I was blamed for this offence, but I dont remember if he was cured of that habit.  However, I also learned to CHECK the dryer first!! before fluffing up the clothes!

Another kitty preferred to nap ON ME.  He became named "fat cat" for a reason!  so he wasnt exactly a joy to serve as a napping cushion! 

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on February 22, 2021, 05:27:33 PM
HerMajesty has taken to sleeping in the laundry hamper.

I'm too ignorant a human to understand why that is a regal place to be.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 23, 2021, 07:08:05 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on February 22, 2021, 01:17:55 PM
Anyone's kitties have unusual napping spots?

Ricochet naps in boxes, underneath furniture, on top of our tallest bookcase, and, in the winter, directly on top of the heating vents (under a side table). When she's feeling brave, she naps on the guest room bed (which is in the room farthest away from the people).

Ninja typically naps on beds or chairs or, when available, in laundry baskets on top of the clean laundry. However, recently, she has a new napping spot in the bathroom on the over-the-toilet towel shelf rack on top of the clean folded towels.  She crawls into her spot from the sink and is now spending most of her day in the bathroom.

At the base of my bed are two drawers in which I keep clothes. Since the drawers are only on on side, it's easy enough for Maestro to creep under the bed on the other side and climb into the drawers, using my clothes as bedding.

Lucky for me he's not a heavy shedder (so far).

When he's sleeping below and I'm lying on the mattress, the sound of his snores somehow seem even louder than when he's snoring right in my ear. I never knew mattresses were so good at conducting sound.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on February 23, 2021, 04:29:31 PM
My partner used to have a cat. A huge cat, part Maine-coon. The largest cat you ever saw. He was glorious. About six years ago, she gave him to her best friend (in a different city) because he clearly preferred to be an only cat, he needed to go outside, and because the neighbours where we lived at the time were constantly trying to steal him.

We just learned today that he was killed by the neighbour's dog.

The poor love. He was glorious, and we are very sad.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 23, 2021, 05:07:30 PM
How painful, and sad.

RIP, good kitty.

Know you were loved.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 23, 2021, 05:39:18 PM
My condolences Parasaurolophus.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on February 23, 2021, 05:56:15 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 23, 2021, 05:39:18 PM
My condolences Parasaurolophus.

My condolences too.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 23, 2021, 07:31:25 PM
Quote from: Larimar on February 23, 2021, 05:56:15 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 23, 2021, 05:39:18 PM
My condolences Parasaurolophus.

My condolences too.

Sending my condolences also, Parasaurolophus. The big guy sounds like a wonderful and much loved kitty.  Sending gentle pets/hugs to you and yours.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 04, 2021, 09:23:26 AM
Cats.

Poor OrangeGuy has been back to the vet again twice with painful urinary tract issues. He's going to have to be on a special prescription diet, probably permanently. We were told it was fine to give the special food to all the Larimar cats, so we did. OrangeGuy seems to be okay with this and is willing to eat the special food. He's a pretty laid-back kitty, and Mr. Larimar also theorizes that OrangeGuy's body tells him that the special food is good for him.

However, none of his sisters will have anything to do with it.

Calico sniffed at it, kind of jumped back, and looked up at me with big-kitty-eyes mournfulness and meowed as if to say, "What's this, Mom? Do I reeeeeeally have to eat it?"

Twerp went on a hunger strike in protest. Then when we did give them some of the regular food (after sequestering OrangeGuy away with his own food), Twerp bolted it down so fast that she promptly threw it up again, on the bedroom carpet, naturally. She had her annual checkup on Tuesday, and the vet said she'd lost a full pound (but was still within normal range) and asked what happened. We told him.

HerMajesty simply was nowhere to be found at dinner time.

For nearly a week now, we've been giving OrangeGuy his special food and the girls regular food, and alternating who gets sequestered. We ordered some more prescription food of another brand and a different flavor. It just arrived. We'll be trying it tonight. Please keep fingers crossed that we find something that all the Larimar cats will eat.

Thanks,

Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 04, 2021, 10:00:04 AM
Cats are nothing if not particular!  Let's hope you can find a brand a special food that they are all willing to eat.  If not, sequestering cats during meal time might just have to be the new normal.  You could also try the technology route.  There are food dishes that are programmed to open for cats with a fob on their collar.  No idea if your cats would either hate it or bully each other into opening the dish, but it's something to contemplate.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 04, 2021, 10:54:11 AM
Sorry your cats have staged a revolt, Larimar. Hopefully, there will be an appropriate food for OrangeGuy that the others will eat!
When FluffyGirl was on special prescription food, other cats apparently thought it was delicious.  After FluffyGirl cross the rainbow bridge, the other cats were disappointed that no more prescription food was available.

Ricochet will only eat one specific brand/flavor of crunchy cat food. We previously attempted to upgrade their diet into a more expensive cat food with fewer filler ingredients that was recommended by the vet. Ninja thought the new food was yummy.  Ricochet refused to try it and attempted to bury the food bowls with the mat. She was not fooled when we tried to mix the two foods together, to transition from one to the other.  She dumped to bowls, and appeared to be trying to pick out her preferred food from the mix.  Thus, we gave up and went back to cheaper food.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on March 04, 2021, 10:56:05 AM
Larimar,

After our orange (red!) cat developed some urinary issues we switched them all to wet food. It took a fair bit of experimentation and rotation to find wet foods that they would all eat, but we've found that, ultimately, inculcating feeding times (rather than allowing them to graze, which results in stale food) has helped. Keep at it!


For my part, we've removed the second tick of the day from the red cat (thankfully they hadn't latched on yet). March is tick bloom month here, so there's been at least one a day for a little while now. Shudder.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 04, 2021, 05:46:26 PM
Thanks for the support, everyone. First preliminary results are in: turkey & giblets flavored canned prescription food is a hit with everyone except HerMajesty, who has always only eaten kibble. Ocean Fish flavored prescription kibble, not so much. OrangeGuy is the only one who has touched it so far. We'll see what happens overnight, and tomorrow they try the other kind of canned food we got. I don't remember exactly what flavor it is, but some kind of fish.

Sorry to hear about the ticks, Parasaurolophus. Hope you're able to keep them at bay.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on March 05, 2021, 04:25:34 AM
Dear Elektra
I am not zooming right now, why are you all over me and my keyboard?
Fishprof
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on March 05, 2021, 08:01:58 AM
Hestia has discovered leaf piles. She stands on the edge and dives in, then pauses a moment, tail waving wildly, and slides in a different direction. Repeat.

It is so adorable that spouse and I now re-rake the same pile of leaves each evening just to watch her antics.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 05, 2021, 09:46:02 PM
AvidReader, that sounds darling!

We went on a socially-distanced road trip during my Spring Break week and returned home tonight. Ninja was happy to see her human (my SO), and immediately requested laptime.  Ricochet has gone feral again, as she appears to have forgotten who we are.  She ran away when we opened the door and is hiding under the bed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on March 06, 2021, 12:14:56 PM
Ricochet sounds like my kind of cat. Poor thing.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on March 06, 2021, 06:52:42 PM
Is the Rx diet for bladder stones?

IF so, there is a surgery that can be done to let them pass most anything! 

I dont know how it compares to the diet cost.

And when my cat was put on the Rx canned food, he gained a lot of weight. It is high calorie and he was a big eater to start with. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 09, 2021, 05:30:40 AM
Quote from: clean on March 06, 2021, 06:52:42 PM
Is the Rx diet for bladder stones?

IF so, there is a surgery that can be done to let them pass most anything! 

I dont know how it compares to the diet cost.

And when my cat was put on the Rx canned food, he gained a lot of weight. It is high calorie and he was a big eater to start with. 

The vet said it was crystals, which is probably pretty close. I do hope OrangeGuy can avoid surgery! I don't know how much it costs either, but I could see it being a case of 'if you have to ask, you can't afford it'. Thanks for the warning about the weight gain. Will be keeping an eye on them. Calico is already a bit overweight.

Second preliminary results of the prescription food test are in from the Larimar cats: Salmon flavored canned food gets paws up from OrangeGuy, Calico, and Twerp. (HerMajesty has always only eaten kibble.) Ocean Fish flavored prescription kibble, however, gets hisses from everyone but OrangeGuy. We've been giving it to OrangeGuy straight, and mixing it with the regular kibble for the girls, hoping to get them acclimated. We'll try another flavor when we run out.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 09, 2021, 09:00:49 AM
Buddycat had that surgery due to extreme crystal build-up in his urine.  The surgery is not too expensive (as far as pet surgeries go).   It's euphemistically called "urethral widening" surgery in male cats.  What is means is they remove the penis since the urethra is wider closer to the body.  The cat still has full bladder control afterwards since the muscles/nerves/etc. that control urination are internal.  It's a quick recovery too.  I think I had to buy some "low dust" litter just to avoid any potential irritation while the area healed. 
The original vet said Buddycat still needed the prescription food, but the next vet said the surgical fix meant he could eat anything he wanted.  Which was good because he turned up his nose at nearly every prescription food and LOVED the cheap canned stuff.  I think it was well worth the cost since I could feed Buddycat anything he wanted and didn't have to try and coordinate different foods for different cats.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on March 09, 2021, 10:14:09 AM
It's in the upper 50s and sunny today, so I let the cats out into the catio, aka cat coop- oh the joy! As soon as they saw me start to unlock the window they were in motion. It really is the best cat related purchase I've ever made. (The birds in the yard are somewhat else delighted, as  seem to forgotten from last year that the cats can't actually get to them-- I'm hearing some alarm calls).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 11, 2021, 05:03:41 AM
Poor Buddycat. Sorry to hear it. I hope OrangeGuy won't have to have that done. The vet has not said anything about it, so I don't think it's close to the horizon. Both Calico and Twerp have given the prescription kibble a small nibble within the last 24 hours. Hoping the acclimation mix is working.

Puget, your catio sounds great, and fun for everyone, except perhaps the birds.


Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: citrine on March 11, 2021, 08:31:20 AM
Ah, Ground Unicorn Chow, as we call it at the shelter, since it sure is pricey. But most cats who stay on it usually do very well as long as they're willing to eat it.

I have been "promoted" at the shelter to the Cat Enrichment Team, which means I spend a lot more time with the least social cats in the shelter attempting to convince them that humans are okay creatures and perhaps they'd like to go live with some of them eventually. There is one cat that I've been attempting to work with for a month now that I have never actually seen since someone put his carrier right into the cage and he stays in there if he hears a human coming. For the first two weeks I wasn't sure if there was a cat in there at all. The pace is glacial with a lot of them, but we have seen some good progress with a few in the last week. I've now been hissed at so many times that I think I'm starting to learn how to curse at someone in Feline.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on March 11, 2021, 09:02:06 AM
Quote from: Puget on March 09, 2021, 10:14:09 AM
It's in the upper 50s and sunny today, so I let the cats out into the catio, aka cat coop- oh the joy! As soon as they saw me start to unlock the window they were in motion. It really is the best cat related purchase I've ever made. (The birds in the yard are somewhat else delighted, as  seem to forgotten from last year that the cats can't actually get to them-- I'm hearing some alarm calls).


Glad your cats can get outside.  We have a screened in lanai but only one of our two cats is interested in going outside.  Booboo goes out and stalks and kills various insects, lizards, and the occasional toad that makes its way into our lanai.  It infuriate her to see wandering cats on the other side of the lanai.  When they stroll by, Booboo hisses, screams, and goes full puff tail.  Of course, the wanderers are never concerned.  There is one big orange friendly cat that will sit and watch Booboo scream and howl at him!  When that happens,  I have to chase Big Orange away so that Booboo will calm down. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 11, 2021, 09:07:34 AM
Quote from: citrine on March 11, 2021, 08:31:20 AM
Ah, Ground Unicorn Chow, as we call it at the shelter, since it sure is pricey. But most cats who stay on it usually do very well as long as they're willing to eat it.

I have been "promoted" at the shelter to the Cat Enrichment Team, which means I spend a lot more time with the least social cats in the shelter attempting to convince them that humans are okay creatures and perhaps they'd like to go live with some of them eventually. There is one cat that I've been attempting to work with for a month now that I have never actually seen since someone put his carrier right into the cage and he stays in there if he hears a human coming. For the first two weeks I wasn't sure if there was a cat in there at all. The pace is glacial with a lot of them, but we have seen some good progress with a few in the last week. I've now been hissed at so many times that I think I'm starting to learn how to curse at someone in Feline.
I've been doing the same at my local shelter!  I'll just sit and talk about whatever comes into my head or read a book aloud and see if the cat is interested in treats tossed near them.  Apparently cats like the sound of my voice, no idea why.  I was told that the hissing is only "serious" if the cat's ears are flat on their head and their tongue is curled.  Yeah right!

I've learned one curse word in Feline.  Lady Jane makes different chirp/squeak noises for birds, squirrels, and bugs.  If I pick her up and she doesn't like it, she will call me a bug.  She makes the same noise at Izzy kitten.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on March 11, 2021, 10:18:54 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 11, 2021, 09:07:34 AM
I've learned one curse word in Feline.  Lady Jane makes different chirp/squeak noises for birds, squirrels, and bugs.  If I pick her up and she doesn't like it, she will call me a bug.  She makes the same noise at Izzy kitten.

This is hilarious. Hestia has what we call the "hunting trill," but I've never heard her distinguish between target species.

Our cats live outdoors, so the birds are right to be anxious. Nevertheless, two birds have built a nest atop an electrical box (I think) on the side of the house. It is about 6' off the ground, with a defunct cable box beneath it. The cats were oblivious until perhaps three days ago. Now they spend most of their time waiting beneath the nest, sometimes stretching up to see if they can reach the cable box and leaping wildly when the bird parents switch out. The parent birds seem pretty savvy, but the hatchlings will only get one chance to fly.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 11, 2021, 03:07:10 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 11, 2021, 09:07:34 AM
I've learned one curse word in Feline.  Lady Jane makes different chirp/squeak noises for birds, squirrels, and bugs.  If I pick her up and she doesn't like it, she will call me a bug.  She makes the same noise at Izzy kitten.

Funny! This made my day. Maybe you can decode the language and write a book on it?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 11, 2021, 05:22:44 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 11, 2021, 03:07:10 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 11, 2021, 09:07:34 AM
I've learned one curse word in Feline.  Lady Jane makes different chirp/squeak noises for birds, squirrels, and bugs.  If I pick her up and she doesn't like it, she will call me a bug.  She makes the same noise at Izzy kitten.

Funny! This made my day. Maybe you can decode the language and write a book on it?

+1. That is a great idea.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 12, 2021, 01:46:35 PM
Quote from: Larimar on March 11, 2021, 05:22:44 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 11, 2021, 03:07:10 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 11, 2021, 09:07:34 AM
I've learned one curse word in Feline.  Lady Jane makes different chirp/squeak noises for birds, squirrels, and bugs.  If I pick her up and she doesn't like it, she will call me a bug.  She makes the same noise at Izzy kitten.

Funny! This made my day. Maybe you can decode the language and write a book on it?

+1. That is a great idea.

I can try! The "bug" noise is a sort of "Eek/Ick" squeak and the "bird" noise is a "Brr!" and sometimes "Ya-ah".
If she is really upset she will call you a bug while putting her ears flat and swishing her tail.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on March 12, 2021, 03:46:57 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 12, 2021, 01:46:35 PM
Quote from: Larimar on March 11, 2021, 05:22:44 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 11, 2021, 03:07:10 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 11, 2021, 09:07:34 AM
I've learned one curse word in Feline.  Lady Jane makes different chirp/squeak noises for birds, squirrels, and bugs.  If I pick her up and she doesn't like it, she will call me a bug.  She makes the same noise at Izzy kitten.

Funny! This made my day. Maybe you can decode the language and write a book on it?

+1. That is a great idea.

I can try! The "bug" noise is a sort of "Eek/Ick" squeak and the "bird" noise is a "Brr!" and sometimes "Ya-ah".
If she is really upset she will call you a bug while putting her ears flat and swishing her tail.

This seems relevant: https://people.com/pets/cat-southern-accent-well-hi-video/?amp=true

Cat says "well, hi!" in a southern accent.

You have to crank up the sound for this one.

I guess, once in a while, a cat will descend to speaking human language.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 12, 2021, 03:51:45 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on March 12, 2021, 03:46:57 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 12, 2021, 01:46:35 PM
Quote from: Larimar on March 11, 2021, 05:22:44 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 11, 2021, 03:07:10 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 11, 2021, 09:07:34 AM
I've learned one curse word in Feline.  Lady Jane makes different chirp/squeak noises for birds, squirrels, and bugs.  If I pick her up and she doesn't like it, she will call me a bug.  She makes the same noise at Izzy kitten.

Funny! This made my day. Maybe you can decode the language and write a book on it?

+1. That is a great idea.

I can try! The "bug" noise is a sort of "Eek/Ick" squeak and the "bird" noise is a "Brr!" and sometimes "Ya-ah".
If she is really upset she will call you a bug while putting her ears flat and swishing her tail.

This seems relevant: https://people.com/pets/cat-southern-accent-well-hi-video/?amp=true

Cat says "well, hi!" in a southern accent.

You have to crank up the sound for this one.

I guess, once in a while, a cat will descend to speaking human language.

Cute!!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 12, 2021, 04:06:58 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 12, 2021, 01:46:35 PM
Quote from: Larimar on March 11, 2021, 05:22:44 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 11, 2021, 03:07:10 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 11, 2021, 09:07:34 AM
I've learned one curse word in Feline.  Lady Jane makes different chirp/squeak noises for birds, squirrels, and bugs.  If I pick her up and she doesn't like it, she will call me a bug.  She makes the same noise at Izzy kitten.

Funny! This made my day. Maybe you can decode the language and write a book on it?

+1. That is a great idea.

I can try! The "bug" noise is a sort of "Eek/Ick" squeak and the "bird" noise is a "Brr!" and sometimes "Ya-ah".
If she is really upset she will call you a bug while putting her ears flat and swishing her tail.

That is hilarious that her biggest insult is to call you a "bug." I wonder if that is universal in cat language. Ricochet thinks bugs are yummy (yummier than cat food), so I wonder if "You Bug!" would be her label of scorn, since at least bugs have some redeeming value.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on March 12, 2021, 06:15:05 PM
In other news, Maestro has been a lovely companion cat this week.

I had oral surgery to remove a difficult molar (multiple root canals, chronic infections), and was not expecting the subsequent days to be this painful. I may need to go back to get checked out because it seems to be getting worse rather than better.

After the surgery, spent the day in bed with throbbing pain and swollen jaw.

Maestro, who has been sleeping in my bed far less frequently as he's matured, stayed by my side pretty much the whole time, snuggling up to me, and at one point even took my hand between his two front paws and drew it towards him so he could "groom" me.

This level of affectionate behavior for such a prolonged amount of time is atypical. He can be a very cuddly cat, but will usually get restless and bound away to some other activity before too long. So it really did seem as if he was being extra sweet because he could tell I didn't feel well.

How does he know?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 12, 2021, 07:12:57 PM
So sorry to hear you've been in pain, smallcleanrat. Yes, I think cats, and other animals, just kind of 'know.' Maybe he's reading visual cues? What a good kitty.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 13, 2021, 05:19:59 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 12, 2021, 07:12:57 PM
So sorry to hear you've been in pain, smallcleanrat. Yes, I think cats, and other animals, just kind of 'know.' Maybe he's reading visual cues? What a good kitty.

+1. Hope you recover quickly, and glad that Maestro has been such a sweetheart.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on March 13, 2021, 07:22:44 AM
They know, SCR.  After various hospitalizations and surgeries, especially in the past couple of years, Little Cat has been attached to ALHS/me both before and after the event.  She always has her routine of sitting or sleeping with/on one or the other of us, but when one of us isn't well, she's very clingy and protective.

(ALHS just had yet more surgery Thursday, and she's been glued to him since he came home.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on March 27, 2021, 10:59:33 AM
Stumbled upon a video of a kitten who strongly resembles Maestro.

So, if anyone is curious as to what Maestro looked like in his half-grown state, this kitten is eerily close:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=277mFcHNGpM&list=WL&index=109

The socks, the fluffy white chest, the disproportionately large, greenish eyes...just imagine a thicker, more glorious milk mustache and you've pretty much got Maestro's clone.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 27, 2021, 12:09:52 PM
Aww, he's adorable.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on March 28, 2021, 07:51:06 PM
He's wonderful. Could almost  be a sibling of Ulysses, who is mellowing at age 5
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 29, 2021, 09:14:02 AM
Awww!  So cute!  I have quite the soft spot for tuxedo cats.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on March 29, 2021, 07:09:59 PM
The cats are asleep in their baskets on either side of the fire-- Little Calico is curled up like a normal cat. Panther Boy has his butt up on the side of the basket with one leg and his tail hanging out, and his head under the cushion. Pretty much how they roll.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on March 30, 2021, 08:47:36 AM
I made the three cats their own Cat-TV window bench with blanket, and bird feeder right outside. 

They are all piled into the same one.  Growling.  But no one will move.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on March 31, 2021, 11:00:05 AM
We periodically talk about getting harnesses for the cats so they can go on walks, laugh about how they would each keel over and act dead if we could ever get the things on, and forget about it.

The idea came up again today, so we measured them.  There was much hissing, yowling, and side-eye from both.  Big Cat would probably wear one and go for a walk, since she likes to go outside when it's nice; Little Cat might like a stroller, once she'd get over the shock of being outdoors, where it is Big and Scary.  We'll see.  Right now neither is so much as looking at us.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on March 31, 2021, 01:14:51 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on March 31, 2021, 11:00:05 AM
We periodically talk about getting harnesses for the cats so they can go on walks, laugh about how they would each keel over and act dead if we could ever get the things on, and forget about it.

The idea came up again today, so we measured them.  There was much hissing, yowling, and side-eye from both.  Big Cat would probably wear one and go for a walk, since she likes to go outside when it's nice; Little Cat might like a stroller, once she'd get over the shock of being outdoors, where it is Big and Scary.  We'll see.  Right now neither is so much as looking at us.

Panther Boy adores going out in a harness-- he will run and sit on the shoe bench waiting for me to put it on when he sees it out, then run to the door. Then we have to make a grand tour of the back yard and down the driveway as far as the sidewalk. Last summer I started combining his outings with watering, since standing around while a cat smells everything and rolls in the grass is otherwise sort of boring. He really liked watching the spray of water and would sort of chase it and the moving hose around which was both amusing and helpful in getting him to go where I wanted.

Little Calico is much less sure-- sometimes she wants to go along, but mostly the backyard is just a little too scary. Plus wrangling two cats is tough-- they go in opposite directions or one doesn't want to go anywhere while the other tugs (would be easier for you with one person per cat).

They both love going out in the catio structure though (I think being enclosed makes Little Calico feel safe)-- if that's an option for you, that may work better for your two. Big plus with that is you can leave it open whenever the weather is good and you're home, so they can spend more time out.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 31, 2021, 01:55:32 PM
We are considering building a new garden shed.  That will require taking down part of the fence for a while so no taking the cats outside to "romp in the out".
I think we're going to have to build a catio if we don't want to hear endless wailings of sad cats and/or frantically trying to catch cats that escape outside with no fence to keep them safe.  The property line ends on a parking lot and near a busy road.  Too dangerous for adventuring kitties!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 31, 2021, 02:35:49 PM
Youngest evil cat has finally executed her nefarious plans (she was in it for the long haul). She has had a fascination with one of my sweaters (which has large wooden buttons) and managed to chew one of the buttons in half. I'd been hiding this sweater in the other room, but forgot and left it on the sofa, for not even two minutes, and the little shit got into it.

I really like this sweater. Grr.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 01, 2021, 07:28:27 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 31, 2021, 02:35:49 PM
Youngest evil cat has finally executed her nefarious plans (she was in it for the long haul). She has had a fascination with one of my sweaters (which has large wooden buttons) and managed to chew one of the buttons in half. I'd been hiding this sweater in the other room, but forgot and left it on the sofa, for not even two minutes, and the little shit got into it.

I really like this sweater. Grr.

Get a variety of wooden buttons if you can't find one to match and mix 'em up..keep one original in every other slot and put in different buttons in the off-slots.

Or, if you never button up the top or bottom button, use that and move it into the empty spot.

Costumer's tricks...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Ruralguy on April 01, 2021, 07:43:56 AM
My daughter has successfully trained  sweet 16 year old Ruralkitty to sit, offer paw, and run around in a circle.  The only problem is that she trained him with treats, and most of the time he will only bother listening to voice command if he's given the treat. Which makes him smart, and probably fatter.
Who's training who?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 01, 2021, 08:05:39 AM
SO and Maestro have developed quite a relationship. Maestro has always loved playing with SO, following him around, and resting in his lap. Over time they have developed a lot of little rituals that are just between them.

Maestro likes to perch on the bathroom counter and watch SO do his morning routine (tooth-brushing, shaving, etc...). He whines if the door is shut. He takes no interest in *my* tooth-brushing activities. (Although he does sit between my ankles facing the door when I use the toilet, like he's guarding me. He's done this since he was only 6 weeks old. He doesn't do this for SO for whatever reason. I'm perpetually mystified by his decision-making process.)

This morning, SO took a few moments in the middle of his routine to give the Maestro some head skritches. Immediately afterwards, Maestro dashed off, returned a few moments later with a small toy, dropped the toy at SO's feet, and ran off again.

We are speculating the toy is meant to be a gratuity for SO's service.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on April 01, 2021, 08:39:17 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on March 31, 2021, 11:00:05 AM
We periodically talk about getting harnesses for the cats so they can go on walks, laugh about how they would each keel over and act dead if we could ever get the things on, and forget about it.

Our cats primarily live outdoors and have since birth (they were barn cats when we acquired them), but we did get harnesses and leashes for their cross-country move. Recently I suggested to spouse that we should put the harnesses on periodically in case we need them at a later date. Artemis was largely nonplussed, but Hestia did exactly as you describe. She stalked over to the food dish with her tail lowered; when I attached the leash, she flopped over on her side and refused to move, even with the promise of treats.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 01, 2021, 08:44:17 AM
Quote from: mamselle on April 01, 2021, 07:28:27 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 31, 2021, 02:35:49 PM
Youngest evil cat has finally executed her nefarious plans (she was in it for the long haul). She has had a fascination with one of my sweaters (which has large wooden buttons) and managed to chew one of the buttons in half. I'd been hiding this sweater in the other room, but forgot and left it on the sofa, for not even two minutes, and the little shit got into it.

I really like this sweater. Grr.

Get a variety of wooden buttons if you can't find one to match and mix 'em up..keep one original in every other slot and put in different buttons in the off-slots.

Or, if you never button up the top or bottom button, use that and move it into the empty spot.

Costumer's tricks...

M.

I will try gluing the button together first. If that fails, then I'll look through my button stash. :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 04, 2021, 05:20:05 PM
The Larimar cats celebrated Easter this morning! Mr. Larimar had gotten a bunch of brightly colored plastic Easter eggs, filled them with catnip, and left a big pile of them in the upstairs hall first thing in the morning.

Let's just say that the Easter bunny's gifts were very well received!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 04, 2021, 05:24:33 PM
So, does that mean the eggs went hopping down the stairs instead of the bunny?

( )
     //
         ( )
             //
                ( )  ( )   
                  ( )     (~~~)
                                       (
                                         ~~~)     

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 04, 2021, 10:14:36 PM
Maestro just had his one-year vet visit. He got a clean bill of health, but the vet did call him a "solid boy" and recommended we drop him from three meals a day to two. Maestro's been complaining some, but mostly seems to be taking it in stride.

Unloading some random cat questions:

1) Does anyone else's kitty holler every time they use the litter box? Maestro's has been doing this consistently since he was a tiny kitten. It's a loud, high-pitched wailing meow that begins as he walks towards the box and continues until a little after he starts doing his business. We have no idea what it means.

The litter can be perfectly clean, he doesn't seem to be uncomfortable or having difficulty, and when we come look at him to see if something's wrong he just stares back at us placidly.

2) Sometimes SO and I will find small kitty toys underneath the blankets of our beds. We're not sure if Maestro is using our beds as a storage area, or if these are some of those little "gifts" cats sometimes offer their humans.

He has occasionally brought his stuffed fish into the bed, but only because he wants to sleep cuddled up next to it (too cute!). He always takes the fish back in the morning.

3) Does anyone have a cat that opens doors? Maestro seems to understand that the doorknob is the key to entering or exiting any room he pleases. He will stand on his hind legs, reach up with both front paws, and try to grab the knob. Since they're round he can't really grip them (I'm pretty sure if they were handles instead of knobs he would have succeeded by now). Is this something I could/should discourage? I'm not *too* concerned about the front door since it's quite heavy for a 12-pound cat to move, but I may be underestimating him.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on April 05, 2021, 05:19:01 AM
Ulysses vocalizes AFTER using the litter box and when she is looking for something to do. She walks around making cat-comments that I cannot decipher but stops when I imitate. I would love to know more about cat vocalizing.  As for doors, she loves to open any door that's no completely shut and is always opening the lower kitchen cabinets and around for food.  She loves to eat
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on April 05, 2021, 09:20:32 AM
2) Sometimes SO and I will find small kitty toys underneath the blankets of our beds. We're not sure if Maestro is using our beds as a storage area, or if these are some of those little "gifts" cats sometimes offer their humans.


My guess is both.  Be thankful that the gifts are just toys.   Out master hunter Booboo sometimes catches roaches at night and brings them back to our daughter's bed when she is sleeping!  We have been awakened by hysterical screaming upon discovery of a huge dead roach at the foot of her bed!! 

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 05, 2021, 09:26:36 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 04, 2021, 10:14:36 PM
Maestro just had his one-year vet visit. He got a clean bill of health, but the vet did call him a "solid boy" and recommended we drop him from three meals a day to two. Maestro's been complaining some, but mostly seems to be taking it in stride.

Unloading some random cat questions:

1) Does anyone else's kitty holler every time they use the litter box? Maestro's has been doing this consistently since he was a tiny kitten. It's a loud, high-pitched wailing meow that begins as he walks towards the box and continues until a little after he starts doing his business. We have no idea what it means.

Yes! Elder evil cat will run up the stairs, jump up and grab the door frame and make some weird-ass meows- EVERY TIME. Then, he drops back down to all-fours and walks away nonchalantly.

Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 04, 2021, 10:14:36 PM2) Sometimes SO and I will find small kitty toys underneath the blankets of our beds. We're not sure if Maestro is using our beds as a storage area, or if these are some of those little "gifts" cats sometimes offer their humans.

He has occasionally brought his stuffed fish into the bed, but only because he wants to sleep cuddled up next to it (too cute!). He always takes the fish back in the morning.

Elder evil cat has a habit of carrying around plushies and meowing very, very loudly. Youngest evil cat will carry around plushies and drop them randomly. Maestro could be giving you gifts. Maybe he wants to play fetch? Elder evil cat used to do that with socks when he was much younger.

Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 04, 2021, 10:14:36 PM3) Does anyone have a cat that opens doors? Maestro seems to understand that the doorknob is the key to entering or exiting any room he pleases. He will stand on his hind legs, reach up with both front paws, and try to grab the knob. Since they're round he can't really grip them (I'm pretty sure if they were handles instead of knobs he would have succeeded by now). Is this something I could/should discourage? I'm not *too* concerned about the front door since it's quite heavy for a 12-pound cat to move, but I may be underestimating him.

Elder evil cat (gets into everything), will stand on his hind legs and pull down on the lever doors we have- and open them. He will let the other two cats out, so if we don't want them in a certain room, we have to lock doors. I don't know how he learned it, but he did. The other two (and our past cats) have not opened doors the way he does. The others will use a paw and pull under the door if it is slightly ajar. It's up to you if you want him to open doors. I'm not sure what danger would be involved, but you could lock doors or look into some kind of child-proofing item to keep them locked.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on April 05, 2021, 09:32:00 AM
My kitty was aware of tools.  He knew that door knobs would let him in or out .  He knew that you needed a hand with a thumb to open the cat food can.  He could direct the 'stupid human'.  Pat the can opener. then pull the hand to the opener...  It is hard work being an overseer to these bald apes! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 05, 2021, 09:42:54 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on April 05, 2021, 09:20:32 AM
2) Sometimes SO and I will find small kitty toys underneath the blankets of our beds. We're not sure if Maestro is using our beds as a storage area, or if these are some of those little "gifts" cats sometimes offer their humans.


My guess is both.  Be thankful that the gifts are just toys.   Out master hunter Booboo sometimes catches roaches at night and brings them back to our daughter's bed when she is sleeping!  We have been awakened by hysterical screaming upon discovery of a huge dead roach at the foot of her bed!!

My cat growing up was an indoor/outdoor cat and a mighty hunter. She definitely left us gifts, in the form of dead rodents placed outside our bedroom doors at night. Went I went to college, my parents reported that she persisted in leaving me rodents for awhile, then stopped. When I came home on breaks, she would resume. So clearly the gifts were intended for each of us to have for breakfast!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 05, 2021, 10:08:39 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 04, 2021, 10:14:36 PM
Maestro just had his one-year vet visit. He got a clean bill of health, but the vet did call him a "solid boy" and recommended we drop him from three meals a day to two. Maestro's been complaining some, but mostly seems to be taking it in stride.

Unloading some random cat questions:

1) Does anyone else's kitty holler every time they use the litter box? Maestro's has been doing this consistently since he was a tiny kitten. It's a loud, high-pitched wailing meow that begins as he walks towards the box and continues until a little after he starts doing his business. We have no idea what it means.

The litter can be perfectly clean, he doesn't seem to be uncomfortable or having difficulty, and when we come look at him to see if something's wrong he just stares back at us placidly.

2) Sometimes SO and I will find small kitty toys underneath the blankets of our beds. We're not sure if Maestro is using our beds as a storage area, or if these are some of those little "gifts" cats sometimes offer their humans.

He has occasionally brought his stuffed fish into the bed, but only because he wants to sleep cuddled up next to it (too cute!). He always takes the fish back in the morning.

3) Does anyone have a cat that opens doors? Maestro seems to understand that the doorknob is the key to entering or exiting any room he pleases. He will stand on his hind legs, reach up with both front paws, and try to grab the knob. Since they're round he can't really grip them (I'm pretty sure if they were handles instead of knobs he would have succeeded by now). Is this something I could/should discourage? I'm not *too* concerned about the front door since it's quite heavy for a 12-pound cat to move, but I may be underestimating him.

Maestro sounds like a very clever kitty!
One of our cats would make a weird "mewp! mewp!" noise when pooping in the litter box.  He wasn't in pain or anything, but it was odd.
I agree that it's probably both gifts and toy storage.  Lady Jane LOVES hair elastics and will hide them under area rugs, in the bathtub, and a few other spots to "discover" later and play with.  She will sometimes bring me one when I'm working at home.  It's quite adorable.
Sir Puck knows that doorknobs open doors.  He will stare at them and wail or reach up to grab them, but ours are too slippery and hard to turn for him to get a good grip on.  I'm glad that he hasn't figured out how to push the screens out of the windows and is far too plump to squeeze out the mail slot.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: spork on April 06, 2021, 02:05:11 PM
Does anyone have a home remedy for a cat that's a puker? One of our two foster fails occasionally vomits right after eating wet food. These cats are grazers; we keep food in their bowls. So it's not like the cat is ravenous and eats too much too quickly. He will go back and eat again a little while after vomiting, but not vomit a second time. And what he pukes up looks like it is all food; no clumps of hair, half-chewed insects, or other foreign objects.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 06, 2021, 03:09:13 PM
Quote from: spork on April 06, 2021, 02:05:11 PM
Does anyone have a home remedy for a cat that's a puker? One of our two foster fails occasionally vomits right after eating wet food. These cats are grazers; we keep food in their bowls. So it's not like the cat is ravenous and eats too much too quickly. He will go back and eat again a little while after vomiting, but not vomit a second time. And what he pukes up looks like it is all food; no clumps of hair, half-chewed insects, or other foreign objects.

Are they only eating wet food? Have you tried changing brands? Is it a senior cat? Maybe the food is too rich? Have you consulted your vet?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on April 07, 2021, 10:08:20 AM
Quote from: spork on April 06, 2021, 02:05:11 PM
Does anyone have a home remedy for a cat that's a puker? One of our two foster fails occasionally vomits right after eating wet food. These cats are grazers; we keep food in their bowls. So it's not like the cat is ravenous and eats too much too quickly. He will go back and eat again a little while after vomiting, but not vomit a second time. And what he pukes up looks like it is all food; no clumps of hair, half-chewed insects, or other foreign objects.

Oh, we have one like this.  It seems to happen if he gets a bit overexcited after eating - no playing with the boy when he's just been at the food bowl.  Other than that, no suggestions, just commiseration. And make sure you're buying cat food that won't permanently stain the carpet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 07, 2021, 10:23:15 AM
+1 to checking with a vet.

Bowel obstructions can cause this and can be dangerous.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on April 07, 2021, 12:20:24 PM
+200

That was the behavior that preceded Orestes needing bowel obstruction surgery TWICE last year.  The first time he swallowed 19 hair elastics, the 2nd was the feather plug off a cat dancer toy.

It's a good thing he's cute....
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 07, 2021, 01:52:05 PM

Quote from: spork on April 06, 2021, 02:05:11 PM
Does anyone have a home remedy for a cat that's a puker? One of our two foster fails occasionally vomits right after eating wet food. These cats are grazers; we keep food in their bowls. So it's not like the cat is ravenous and eats too much too quickly. He will go back and eat again a little while after vomiting, but not vomit a second time. And what he pukes up looks like it is all food; no clumps of hair, half-chewed insects, or other foreign objects.

Has he always done that, or is it a new problem? If it's new, epw, mamselle, and FishProf are right; definitely see a vet.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 07, 2021, 03:45:17 PM
Quote from: Larimar on April 07, 2021, 01:52:05 PM

Quote from: spork on April 06, 2021, 02:05:11 PM
Does anyone have a home remedy for a cat that's a puker? One of our two foster fails occasionally vomits right after eating wet food. These cats are grazers; we keep food in their bowls. So it's not like the cat is ravenous and eats too much too quickly. He will go back and eat again a little while after vomiting, but not vomit a second time. And what he pukes up looks like it is all food; no clumps of hair, half-chewed insects, or other foreign objects.

Has he always done that, or is it a new problem? If it's new, epw, mamselle, and FishProf are right; definitely see a vet.

That's a good point. Is the behavior new? Sounds like it might be.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: spork on April 07, 2021, 04:57:43 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 07, 2021, 03:45:17 PM
Quote from: Larimar on April 07, 2021, 01:52:05 PM

Quote from: spork on April 06, 2021, 02:05:11 PM
Does anyone have a home remedy for a cat that's a puker? One of our two foster fails occasionally vomits right after eating wet food. These cats are grazers; we keep food in their bowls. So it's not like the cat is ravenous and eats too much too quickly. He will go back and eat again a little while after vomiting, but not vomit a second time. And what he pukes up looks like it is all food; no clumps of hair, half-chewed insects, or other foreign objects.

Has he always done that, or is it a new problem? If it's new, epw, mamselle, and FishProf are right; definitely see a vet.

That's a good point. Is the behavior new? Sounds like it might be.

It's not strictly new. This is a cat that is barely a year old. He's vomited food on prior occasions. Maybe on average once a month for the last six months. Only once has the vomit contained a foreign object in addition to food he had eaten a few minutes before -- a piece of a cotton drawstring that he had chewed off and swallowed at some earlier point in time. Since then no elastics, scrunchies, pieces of cardboard, or small plastic items have gone missing that I'm aware of. His appetite and digestive habits are otherwise normal.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 07, 2021, 05:25:00 PM
Quote from: spork on April 07, 2021, 04:57:43 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 07, 2021, 03:45:17 PM
Quote from: Larimar on April 07, 2021, 01:52:05 PM

Quote from: spork on April 06, 2021, 02:05:11 PM
Does anyone have a home remedy for a cat that's a puker? One of our two foster fails occasionally vomits right after eating wet food. These cats are grazers; we keep food in their bowls. So it's not like the cat is ravenous and eats too much too quickly. He will go back and eat again a little while after vomiting, but not vomit a second time. And what he pukes up looks like it is all food; no clumps of hair, half-chewed insects, or other foreign objects.

Has he always done that, or is it a new problem? If it's new, epw, mamselle, and FishProf are right; definitely see a vet.

That's a good point. Is the behavior new? Sounds like it might be.

It's not strictly new. This is a cat that is barely a year old. He's vomited food on prior occasions. Maybe on average once a month for the last six months. Only once has the vomit contained a foreign object in addition to food he had eaten a few minutes before -- a piece of a cotton drawstring that he had chewed off and swallowed at some earlier point in time. Since then no elastics, scrunchies, pieces of cardboard, or small plastic items have gone missing that I'm aware of. His appetite and digestive habits are otherwise normal.

Ah, so a baby kitty. Maybe he has a food intolerance or sensitive tummy? Do you give them any kind of hairball remedy or cat grass? I'm not a vet, just throwing out ideas based on my experience with cats. I would still suggest getting a vet's opinion.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 07, 2021, 05:25:27 PM
But bowel obstructions can also be tumors, and even very young cats can get them.

The vet misdiagnosed my kitty because she thought her kidneys were just getting indurated, and it turned out, by the time she figured it out, that the tumor was to big to take out.

So, while it can also be missing compasses, bottle caps and golf balls (making light here, obviously those are all too big) it could also be an operable mass if seen to soon.

Hope it's not, but better to know.

In any cases, happy scritches to your furry one.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: spork on April 07, 2021, 06:52:56 PM
It's just a cat. (https://youtu.be/X3GzxHm3bnA?t=182)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 10, 2021, 05:34:09 PM
The OMY cats are trying to help me with my work, but are not very adept at computers yet.
During a Friday Zoom meeting, Ricochet jumped on the table, bolted across my computer keyboard, and advanced the slide deck about 3 slides. Confusion ensued temporarily.
Today, Ninja jumped on the table and sat down on my computer keyboard before I could grab her while I was grading. When I moved her off the keyboard, I had a message that asked me if I wanted to permanently delete a file (which was the rubric I was using to grade). NO, I do not!
We are enrolling them in Computers 035: Appropriate Feline Keyboarding. Neither cat appears very motivated to read the syllabus.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 10, 2021, 06:48:00 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 10, 2021, 05:34:09 PM
The OMY cats are trying to help me with my work, but are not very adept at computers yet.
During a Friday Zoom meeting, Ricochet jumped on the table, bolted across my computer keyboard, and advanced the slide deck about 3 slides. Confusion ensued temporarily.
Today, Ninja jumped on the table and sat down on my computer keyboard before I could grab her while I was grading. When I moved her off the keyboard, I had a message that asked me if I wanted to permanently delete a file (which was the rubric I was using to grade). NO, I do not!
We are enrolling them in Computers 035: Appropriate Feline Keyboarding. Neither cat appears very motivated to read the syllabus.

You are mistaken-- they are actually enrolled in Human Psychology 300: Reactions to Feline Technology Interruptions. So far, their data collection is going well, but they will need more for their final reports so watch out.

Panther Boy and Little Calico supervised me from the catio all day while I built the human patio. They are exhausted from their supervisory duties and are now fast asleep in the living room.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on April 12, 2021, 07:18:50 AM
Heard some caterwauling coming from somewhere in the neighborhood last night.  This morning the cats I saw on my walk seemed to be quite calm.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 12, 2021, 11:12:17 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 10, 2021, 05:34:09 PM
The OMY cats are trying to help me with my work, but are not very adept at computers yet.
During a Friday Zoom meeting, Ricochet jumped on the table, bolted across my computer keyboard, and advanced the slide deck about 3 slides. Confusion ensued temporarily.
Today, Ninja jumped on the table and sat down on my computer keyboard before I could grab her while I was grading. When I moved her off the keyboard, I had a message that asked me if I wanted to permanently delete a file (which was the rubric I was using to grade). NO, I do not!
We are enrolling them in Computers 035: Appropriate Feline Keyboarding. Neither cat appears very motivated to read the syllabus.

I think they are registered for a version taught by cats.  Lessons include how to best interrupt meetings, debating whether it's more adorable to sniff the camera or smack your human in the face with your tail, and effective keyboard stomping.  Bonus tutoring in which objects to knock onto the floor
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on April 13, 2021, 07:09:03 AM
Saw a cat this morning that was dark with one white back leg.  It looked like it was wearing a little cast.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: wareagle on April 13, 2021, 01:17:00 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 10, 2021, 05:34:09 PM
The OMY cats are trying to help me with my work, but are not very adept at computers yet.
During a Friday Zoom meeting, Ricochet jumped on the table, bolted across my computer keyboard, and advanced the slide deck about 3 slides. Confusion ensued temporarily.
Today, Ninja jumped on the table and sat down on my computer keyboard before I could grab her while I was grading. When I moved her off the keyboard, I had a message that asked me if I wanted to permanently delete a file (which was the rubric I was using to grade). NO, I do not!
We are enrolling them in Computers 035: Appropriate Feline Keyboarding. Neither cat appears very motivated to read the syllabus.

Is this offered online?  Because Catso could stand to take it as well.  I will read the syllabus out loud to him if you think that might be helpful.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 15, 2021, 06:38:26 AM
Quote from: Puget on April 10, 2021, 06:48:00 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 10, 2021, 05:34:09 PM
The OMY cats are trying to help me with my work, but are not very adept at computers yet.
During a Friday Zoom meeting, Ricochet jumped on the table, bolted across my computer keyboard, and advanced the slide deck about 3 slides. Confusion ensued temporarily.
Today, Ninja jumped on the table and sat down on my computer keyboard before I could grab her while I was grading. When I moved her off the keyboard, I had a message that asked me if I wanted to permanently delete a file (which was the rubric I was using to grade). NO, I do not!
We are enrolling them in Computers 035: Appropriate Feline Keyboarding. Neither cat appears very motivated to read the syllabus.

You are mistaken-- they are actually enrolled in Human Psychology 300: Reactions to Feline Technology Interruptions. So far, their data collection is going well, but they will need more for their final reports so watch out.


Ah, yes. That makes more sense.  Ricochet has enthusiastically embraced the repeated measurement requirements of the Single-N design (she's jumped on the computer multiple times).  Ninja appears to be using a case study approach, as she's only bothered to lay on the computer once (I am not her preferred human and am typically ignored).

Quote from: wareagle on April 13, 2021, 01:17:00 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 10, 2021, 05:34:09 PM
The OMY cats are trying to help me with my work, but are not very adept at computers yet.
During a Friday Zoom meeting, Ricochet jumped on the table, bolted across my computer keyboard, and advanced the slide deck about 3 slides. Confusion ensued temporarily.
Today, Ninja jumped on the table and sat down on my computer keyboard before I could grab her while I was grading. When I moved her off the keyboard, I had a message that asked me if I wanted to permanently delete a file (which was the rubric I was using to grade). NO, I do not!
We are enrolling them in Computers 035: Appropriate Feline Keyboarding. Neither cat appears very motivated to read the syllabus.

Is this offered online?  Because Catso could stand to take it as well.  I will read the syllabus out loud to him if you think that might be helpful.

Why of course! Based on the mid-term survey, participants requested no more than one assignment per week, with the option to substitute napping-on-your-human for any in-class activities.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 17, 2021, 11:20:58 AM
After weeks of Maestro spending his nights in my sock drawer (drawer at the bottom of bed frame, open on one side so he can easily climb in) I was really missing feeling his warm weight leaning against me. That and the rhythm of his breathing are quite soothing, and it's been harder to get sleep without them.

A few days ago, I took the socks out of the drawer so there is no longer a layer of soft fuzzy things for him to nestle into. That's caused him to lose interest in the drawer and enticed him back into snuggling with me at night. He's had various phases of favoring the couch, his cat tree, or one of his cat beds for sleeping at night, but it seems my bed is now the next-best pick behind the sock drawer.

It's been nice to have him next to me again, but I'm thinking maybe it was a little mean. Maybe I should put the socks back, so he has that option again, and try to think of another way to make my bed more attractive than the drawer. Or maybe it's just another phase and he'll change his mind again on his own.

Every day I ponder over how his little cat brain makes decisions.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 17, 2021, 01:53:55 PM
This reminds me of the Japanese fellow on the YouTube otter thread who asks his pet river otter (not smuggled, for those concerned) searching questions, like, "Why do you sleep that way (upside down, head below belly, or curled up on his back in a comma shape with no supports), or "Do you wonder why it rains?"

Asking is a form of listening.

Listen and you'll figure it out...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 20, 2021, 07:10:21 AM
Maestro just leaped from the top of his cat tree and landed with a thunk on the floor. There are platforms at lower levels he could use to jump down in steps, but he rarely does.

This time he made a couple of short, warbly meows that sounded *exactly* like "Oh, ow!" in his little kitty voice.

I think my cat is learning English.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 20, 2021, 07:19:11 AM
Awww...scritches to him from me.

I hope he lands safely. I came home once to a 10-week old kitten who'd actually broken a tiny tibia with her intrepid leaping.

I knew something was wrong when she just lay on the sofa and wouldn't get up and run around as usual.

Somewhere I have a photograph of her on the sofa with a little pink cast on her front leg.

Thankfully it healed well and she recovered.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 20, 2021, 07:33:20 AM
I think I've accidentally conditioned Panther Boy to be an annoying pill in the morning because the one sure way to get him to stop batting things, jumping where he's not supposed to, and yodeling is to let him out into the catio, which is what he really wants.

This is just the sort of accidental conditioning I warn about in developmental psych with regards to giving in to kid's tantrums. I should know better!


Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 20, 2021, 01:24:17 PM
Quote from: Puget on April 20, 2021, 07:33:20 AM
I think I've accidentally conditioned Panther Boy to be an annoying pill in the morning because the one sure way to get him to stop batting things, jumping where he's not supposed to, and yodeling is to let him out into the catio, which is what he really wants.

This is just the sort of accidental conditioning I warn about in developmental psych with regards to giving in to kid's tantrums. I should know better!

He's just helpfully providing you with another example of conditioning you can use in class!

Ninja tries these tactics also when she thinks we should be awake and giving her attention. SO (her preferred person) pulls the covers over his head and ignores her until she leaves the room. We have learned not to leave breakable items on our bedside tables or the dressers.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 20, 2021, 02:44:40 PM
Or your favorite rings...like your grandmother's Art deco pinky amethyst ring, and your birthstone caubuchon in a silver setting.


   ...and...

            ...especially not when there's a little waste can right under the bedside table and it's trash day the next day and you're in a hurry....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 21, 2021, 10:15:34 AM
My HVAC is broken and it's so cold in here that Ninja (who claims SO as her human) has deigned to sleep on my lap to steal my body heat. I'm sure she'll deny this ever happened once the heat comes back on.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 21, 2021, 11:14:59 AM
I've been teaching Maestro a new trick: "Where's your fishie?" He will then touch his beloved stuffed fish with his paw.

His accuracy has been improving, but I'm still not sure how much he understands. I've been training him to specifically pick the fish, none of the other toys, because it's his favorite and the only toy he carries around and snuggles with. If the fish is right in front of him, he's pretty accurate. If touching the fish requires take 1-3 steps, he's less consistent, but often still completes the trick. If the fish is any farther away than 3 steps, he might look at it, but rather than make the trek he points his paw at me instead.

I'm not sure if he understands he needs to touch the fish and is just too lazy to travel for it, or if he thinks I'm asking him to point to anything in the immediate vicinity.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on April 21, 2021, 11:41:03 AM
Kid #1 has taught her barn cat to sit and high-five.  The GSD pup (~125 lbs.) can, too.  Luckily, the cat is fearless and can move fast, else I'd worry about  her getting squashed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 21, 2021, 03:06:25 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 21, 2021, 11:14:59 AM
I've been teaching Maestro a new trick: "Where's your fishie?" He will then touch his beloved stuffed fish with his paw.

His accuracy has been improving, but I'm still not sure how much he understands. I've been training him to specifically pick the fish, none of the other toys, because it's his favorite and the only toy he carries around and snuggles with. If the fish is right in front of him, he's pretty accurate. If touching the fish requires take 1-3 steps, he's less consistent, but often still completes the trick. If the fish is any farther away than 3 steps, he might look at it, but rather than make the trek he points his paw at me instead.

I'm not sure if he understands he needs to touch the fish and is just too lazy to travel for it, or if he thinks I'm asking him to point to anything in the immediate vicinity.

You're learning, but it's a process...

He's teaching you that he's not going to get up and go get some stuffed toy just because you tell him to.

Nearby? 

OK, he'll stir his paws for that.

Far off?

Forget it. Sleeping is much more important.

Cats are very patient with us, but they do eventually get us trained.

After awhile, you'll forget why you thought that was even a good idea, because--well, why would he want to get up, just to do something like that?

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 22, 2021, 08:23:41 AM
Quote from: mamselle on April 21, 2021, 03:06:25 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 21, 2021, 11:14:59 AM
I've been teaching Maestro a new trick: "Where's your fishie?" He will then touch his beloved stuffed fish with his paw.

His accuracy has been improving, but I'm still not sure how much he understands. I've been training him to specifically pick the fish, none of the other toys, because it's his favorite and the only toy he carries around and snuggles with. If the fish is right in front of him, he's pretty accurate. If touching the fish requires take 1-3 steps, he's less consistent, but often still completes the trick. If the fish is any farther away than 3 steps, he might look at it, but rather than make the trek he points his paw at me instead.

I'm not sure if he understands he needs to touch the fish and is just too lazy to travel for it, or if he thinks I'm asking him to point to anything in the immediate vicinity.

You're learning, but it's a process...

He's teaching you that he's not going to get up and go get some stuffed toy just because you tell him to.

Nearby? 

OK, he'll stir his paws for that.

Far off?

Forget it. Sleeping is much more important.

Cats are very patient with us, but they do eventually get us trained.

After awhile, you'll forget why you thought that was even a good idea, because--well, why would he want to get up, just to do something like that?

;--}

M.

Haha. This is probably a pretty accurate description of his though process. SO's guess was that the trick was too simple ("an insult to his mighty intellect").

I have noticed that if I try to get him to do anything that requires moving from one spot to another he will pause, as if thinking it over, and then 'play dead'. It's his favorite trick, and he will try to revert any training session to a "play dead" session when he doesn't feel like expending a lot of effort to get a treat.

I'm still not completely used to the grown-up version of Maestro. Kitten Maestro's default means of getting around was to gallop everywhere, zipping all over the place. Grown-up Maestro favors a cool, self-possessed saunter.

Sometimes I look at this handsome, dignified feline and wonder where my goofy little fluffball has gone. Then I'll start skritching his head resulting in an open-mouthed, eyes-rolled back expression of utter bliss, and I'll think "Ah, there he is."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: arcturus on April 22, 2021, 11:15:42 AM
@SCR I very much enjoy reading your tales (tails?) of the mighty Maestro. You have an engaging tone for your postings and your words help me visualize the exact scene. Please keep posting! I may no longer have a cat of my own, but I can enjoy Maestro vicariously through your words here.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on April 22, 2021, 11:17:47 AM
QuoteI very much enjoy reading your tales (tails?) of the mighty Maestro. You have an engaging tone for your postings and your words help me visualize the exact scene. Please keep posting! I may no longer have a cat of my own, but I can enjoy Maestro vicariously through your words here.

++
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 22, 2021, 05:13:04 PM
Quote from: clean on April 22, 2021, 11:17:47 AM
QuoteI very much enjoy reading your tales (tails?) of the mighty Maestro. You have an engaging tone for your postings and your words help me visualize the exact scene. Please keep posting! I may no longer have a cat of my own, but I can enjoy Maestro vicariously through your words here.

++

Ditto here. Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: fleabite on April 22, 2021, 05:22:37 PM
I enjoy the reports about Maestro too.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 23, 2021, 10:27:01 AM
I'm so glad to know that people enjoy reading my posts about the Maestro (because I certainly enjoy writing them)!

I know when I was pet-less I got a lot of satisfaction out of other people's pet stories. I was a frequent lurker in the cat and dog threads on the old fora. And I love reading about the fora cats on this thread.

Looking forward to sharing many more Maestro stories here in the future! :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 25, 2021, 08:15:09 AM
Maestro is great! Keep the stories coming our way.

In Evil Cat news.... Eldest evil cat has started howling more when she's unhappy. We suspect that she may have vision and hearing issues (and possibly dementia) at the age of 18 years, which may be part of the reason she's doing this (according to the vet).

Now this cat can project her voice with some intensity! Imagine a teeny tiny black cat that suddenly destroys the calm peaceful silence with a tremendous yowl. Yes, I am trying to grade and I was brought back to reality by her earth-shattering screams. I worry because it sounds like she may be hurting herself (I mean she's really putting her back into creating noise), but I should know better. As soon as I let her into the room she commences with her chirps and 'happy cat' noises. What a butthead!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on April 25, 2021, 09:30:28 AM
Agree that Maestro rocks.

Ulysses likes to sit on laptop keyboard and is shedding madly.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 25, 2021, 09:33:23 AM
Eldest evil cat clearly wants to be with you....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 25, 2021, 09:52:38 AM
Quote from: mamselle on April 25, 2021, 09:33:23 AM
Eldest evil cat clearly wants to be with you....

M.

Nah, she just tolerates me. I've only known her for 13 years. She just wanted her food.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 25, 2021, 10:05:08 AM
Great moments in squirrely cat history!
Ricochet the squirrely tortie (who has lived with us for her entire life) is trying out a new napping spot*. She is napping . . . on a chair!  In the living room!  With both eyes closed! Such a brave kitty! What will she try next?
* previous safe napping spots include: in the back bedroom when no one is there, on top of the highest bookshelf, and on top of the 7 foot tall cat tree, and in the back of a closet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 25, 2021, 10:12:41 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 25, 2021, 10:05:08 AM
Great moments in squirrely cat history!
Ricochet the squirrely tortie (who has lived with us for her entire life) is trying out a new napping spot*. She is napping . . . on a chair!  In the living room!  With both eyes closed! Such a brave kitty! What will she try next?
* previous safe napping spots include: in the back bedroom when no one is there, on top of the highest bookshelf, and on top of the 7 foot tall cat tree, and in the back of a closet.

How bold of her! Maybe she's coming out of her shell more?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 25, 2021, 04:39:46 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 25, 2021, 08:15:09 AM
Maestro is great! Keep the stories coming our way.

In Evil Cat news.... Eldest evil cat has started howling more when she's unhappy. We suspect that she may have vision and hearing issues (and possibly dementia) at the age of 18 years, which may be part of the reason she's doing this (according to the vet).

Now this cat can project her voice with some intensity! Imagine a teeny tiny black cat that suddenly destroys the calm peaceful silence with a tremendous yowl. Yes, I am trying to grade and I was brought back to reality by her earth-shattering screams. I worry because it sounds like she may be hurting herself (I mean she's really putting her back into creating noise), but I should know better. As soon as I let her into the room she commences with her chirps and 'happy cat' noises. What a butthead!

The scenario you describe reminded me of this comic:

https://mobile.twitter.com/eevee/status/924427298022998016/photo/1


Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 25, 2021, 05:15:38 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 25, 2021, 04:39:46 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 25, 2021, 08:15:09 AM
Maestro is great! Keep the stories coming our way.

In Evil Cat news.... Eldest evil cat has started howling more when she's unhappy. We suspect that she may have vision and hearing issues (and possibly dementia) at the age of 18 years, which may be part of the reason she's doing this (according to the vet).

Now this cat can project her voice with some intensity! Imagine a teeny tiny black cat that suddenly destroys the calm peaceful silence with a tremendous yowl. Yes, I am trying to grade and I was brought back to reality by her earth-shattering screams. I worry because it sounds like she may be hurting herself (I mean she's really putting her back into creating noise), but I should know better. As soon as I let her into the room she commences with her chirps and 'happy cat' noises. What a butthead!

The scenario you describe reminded me of this comic:

https://mobile.twitter.com/eevee/status/924427298022998016/photo/1

Yep. That's basically it. Elder evil cat will go down into the basement and yodel- his behavior is pretty predictable, but eldest evil cat seems to looove to break the silence randomly with earth-shattering screams.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on April 26, 2021, 05:17:32 AM
We've had a lot of squirrel, bird, and bunny activity here that's kept our three glued to the windows.  Even had a few instances of ill-advised pounce attempts hitting the glass, and one almost-broken screen that means they now only get open-window time when we're right here supervising. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 26, 2021, 07:58:09 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on April 26, 2021, 05:17:32 AM
We've had a lot of squirrel, bird, and bunny activity here that's kept our three glued to the windows.  Even had a few instances of ill-advised pounce attempts hitting the glass, and one almost-broken screen that means they now only get open-window time when we're right here supervising.

Youngest evil cat loves to watch the birds and chipmunks that frolic in the yard. Skinks and lizards are starting to emerge and she will soon be glued to the window watching them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 26, 2021, 09:56:11 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 26, 2021, 07:58:09 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on April 26, 2021, 05:17:32 AM
We've had a lot of squirrel, bird, and bunny activity here that's kept our three glued to the windows.  Even had a few instances of ill-advised pounce attempts hitting the glass, and one almost-broken screen that means they now only get open-window time when we're right here supervising.

Youngest evil cat loves to watch the birds and chipmunks that frolic in the yard. Skinks and lizards are starting to emerge and she will soon be glued to the window watching them.

If at all feasible, I highly recommend installing a "catio" they can go out into through a window. A kit can be had for a few hundred bucks. I've mentioned here before how much mine LOVE being out there. They'll spend hours watching the wildlife and basking in the sun, then come in go to sleep-- no more crazy cat energy behavior issues. They've also started carrying their toys out there, which is pretty cute (and sometimes but not always bringing them back in).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on April 26, 2021, 10:25:39 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on April 26, 2021, 05:17:32 AM
We've had a lot of squirrel, bird, and bunny activity here that's kept our three glued to the windows.  Even had a few instances of ill-advised pounce attempts hitting the glass, and one almost-broken screen that means they now only get open-window time when we're right here supervising.

Mine are outdoor cats, and they are fascinated by the squirrels and birds but so far (that we know of) they have been unable to come close to catching these larger critters. Both cats have mastered dragonflies and grasshoppers, and Artemis last week took a flying leap towards a lizard on the side of the house and got six feet up a vertical wall (but missed the lizard, the poor dear).

Last week I learned that YouTube has videos for cats (birds, squirrels, mice, etc). We opened one and took a laptop out to the cats to see what they thought. Artemis watched for about 5 minutes and then wandered off in search of real prey, but Hestia watched intently for a while then tried to get around to the back side of the laptop where, she was sure, she would find the prey. (She did not).

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 26, 2021, 11:48:19 AM
Quote from: Puget on April 26, 2021, 09:56:11 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 26, 2021, 07:58:09 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on April 26, 2021, 05:17:32 AM
We've had a lot of squirrel, bird, and bunny activity here that's kept our three glued to the windows.  Even had a few instances of ill-advised pounce attempts hitting the glass, and one almost-broken screen that means they now only get open-window time when we're right here supervising.

Youngest evil cat loves to watch the birds and chipmunks that frolic in the yard. Skinks and lizards are starting to emerge and she will soon be glued to the window watching them.

If at all feasible, I highly recommend installing a "catio" they can go out into through a window. A kit can be had for a few hundred bucks. I've mentioned here before how much mine LOVE being out there. They'll spend hours watching the wildlife and basking in the sun, then come in go to sleep-- no more crazy cat energy behavior issues. They've also started carrying their toys out there, which is pretty cute (and sometimes but not always bringing them back in).

I'd love to do this but we need to put our porch back in first. :) Youngest evil cat will walk on a leash and harness and basically spends her time looking at and smelling things.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 26, 2021, 12:26:33 PM
Ah, the joys of being a cat in Springtime. So many things to watch and stalk!
Ninja joins us in our fenced backyard when we are on the porch relaxing/grilling.  This weekend, she spent several hours outside in kitty bliss prancing in the grass and rolling in the sun.  At one point, we noticed that she was very intently watching something near the fence.  Then, she bolted across the fenceline, and we saw a bunny bound on top of a wood pile and jump the fence into the neighbor's yard.  Ninja spent the rest of outside-time watching the fence for the bunny.  The bunny declined to return. [no bunnies were harmed in the writing of this post]
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 26, 2021, 12:39:44 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 25, 2021, 08:15:09 AM
Maestro is great! Keep the stories coming our way.

In Evil Cat news.... Eldest evil cat has started howling more when she's unhappy. We suspect that she may have vision and hearing issues (and possibly dementia) at the age of 18 years, which may be part of the reason she's doing this (according to the vet).

Now this cat can project her voice with some intensity! Imagine a teeny tiny black cat that suddenly destroys the calm peaceful silence with a tremendous yowl. Yes, I am trying to grade and I was brought back to reality by her earth-shattering screams. I worry because it sounds like she may be hurting herself (I mean she's really putting her back into creating noise), but I should know better. As soon as I let her into the room she commences with her chirps and 'happy cat' noises. What a butthead!

Buddycat also got VERY loud as his hearing declined.  On the plus side, he was no longer terrified of the vacuum cleaner.  I could even use the hose attachment on his heated cat bed while he was sitting on it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 27, 2021, 08:55:47 AM
Elder evil cat brought his blanket upstairs again. I noticed it when I got up this morning.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 27, 2021, 06:10:05 PM
Double post.

Elder evil cat is lying next to me on the couch and he just licked my armpit. And he has horrible gas.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 27, 2021, 06:58:24 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 27, 2021, 06:10:05 PM
Elder evil cat is lying next to me on the couch and he just licked my armpit. And he has horrible gas.

Elder evil cat sounds like a trip!

Ricochet does not lick us, not even our fingers as some cats may do.  If she allows us to pet her for a few moments, she immediately follows the petting session with a furious cleaning session to lick the human off. Perhaps we smell bad to her?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 27, 2021, 07:33:28 PM
I had a couple colleagues over for a patio meeting this afternoon. The cats have become incredibly socially phobic during the pandemic-- the other humans weren't even inside, and yet when I came in afterward Panther Boy was hiding under the throw blanket on a living room chair. Little Calico was slightly less freaked out and was sleeping on the couch, but was certainly not going to go out in the catio while they were there. They are going to need some re-socialization to other people plus adjusting to me being gone more.

(They recovered, and went back out to the catio-- I had to bribe them in with catnip when I wanted to close the window for the night).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 27, 2021, 07:54:41 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 27, 2021, 06:58:24 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 27, 2021, 06:10:05 PM
Elder evil cat is lying next to me on the couch and he just licked my armpit. And he has horrible gas.

Elder evil cat sounds like a trip!

Ricochet does not lick us, not even our fingers as some cats may do.  If she allows us to pet her for a few moments, she immediately follows the petting session with a furious cleaning session to lick the human off. Perhaps we smell bad to her?

That's an understatement. He's very clingy and will basically try to meld his body with mine, which he did tonight (pushed me up against the arm of the couch). Heck, he used to push me off the bed!

Hmm. Not sure. Maybe she likes to taste you indirectly? Or maybe you need some cat cologne? Actually, this reminds me of a video I saw of a woman who got her cat to 'like' her by wearing a fake beard. Her husband has a beard and their cat loves him, but her not so much. She bought a fake beard and the cat started loving on her! You've got to find a way to trick them!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 28, 2021, 03:12:05 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 27, 2021, 06:58:24 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 27, 2021, 06:10:05 PM
Elder evil cat is lying next to me on the couch and he just licked my armpit. And he has horrible gas.

Elder evil cat sounds like a trip!

Ricochet does not lick us, not even our fingers as some cats may do.  If she allows us to pet her for a few moments, she immediately follows the petting session with a furious cleaning session to lick the human off. Perhaps we smell bad to her?

Sir Puck and Lady Jane with both do the furious bathing if we pet them at the wrong time.  Like "Ugh!  It's going to take forever to get this fur back in order and get the human germs off!  Gross!  Ick!  I am Most Displeased!" 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 29, 2021, 03:12:55 PM
It's been raining all day and the cats have reverted to sleepy winter mode. It struck me that I could create a cat clock, with time measured not in hours but in changes of cat sleeping locations. Today has gone something like this:

1. Panther Boy on the chair next to me, Little Calico on the heated cat window seat
2. Little Calico on the footrest with my legs as a pillow, Panther Boy on the window seat
3. Little Calico in the cat basket by the fire, Panther Boy still on the window seat
(Panther Boy jumps down and visits Little Calico's basket. Brief interval of mutual grooming.)
4. Panther Boy takes over the basket, Little Calico decamps to the couch
(We all have lunch)
5.Panter Boy on the chair with me again, Little Calico back on the couch
6. Panther Boy on the chair alone, Little Calico still on the couch (this time with me).

What exciting further developments might this evening bring?!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 29, 2021, 06:27:39 PM
Quote from: Puget on April 29, 2021, 03:12:55 PM
It's been raining all day and the cats have reverted to sleepy winter mode. It struck me that I could create a cat clock, with time measured not in hours but in changes of cat sleeping locations. Today has gone something like this:

1. Panther Boy on the chair next to me, Little Calico on the heated cat window seat
2. Little Calico on the footrest with my legs as a pillow, Panther Boy on the window seat
3. Little Calico in the cat basket by the fire, Panther Boy still on the window seat
(Panther Boy jumps down and visits Little Calico's basket. Brief interval of mutual grooming.)
4. Panther Boy takes over the basket, Little Calico decamps to the couch
(We all have lunch)
5.Panter Boy on the chair with me again, Little Calico back on the couch
6. Panther Boy on the chair alone, Little Calico still on the couch (this time with me).

What exciting further developments might this evening bring?!

Is there any observable regular periodicity to the shifts of sleeping places?

Any patterns of instigation--does one initiate more often than the other, or all the time, or do they take turns?

Is the observable time frequency of changes adaptable to the vibrations of quartz?

Who yawns first?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 29, 2021, 06:46:34 PM
Quote from: mamselle on April 29, 2021, 06:27:39 PM
Quote from: Puget on April 29, 2021, 03:12:55 PM
It's been raining all day and the cats have reverted to sleepy winter mode. It struck me that I could create a cat clock, with time measured not in hours but in changes of cat sleeping locations. Today has gone something like this:

1. Panther Boy on the chair next to me, Little Calico on the heated cat window seat
2. Little Calico on the footrest with my legs as a pillow, Panther Boy on the window seat
3. Little Calico in the cat basket by the fire, Panther Boy still on the window seat
(Panther Boy jumps down and visits Little Calico's basket. Brief interval of mutual grooming.)
4. Panther Boy takes over the basket, Little Calico decamps to the couch
(We all have lunch)
5.Panter Boy on the chair with me again, Little Calico back on the couch
6. Panther Boy on the chair alone, Little Calico still on the couch (this time with me).

What exciting further developments might this evening bring?!

Is there any observable regular periodicity to the shifts of sleeping places?

Any patterns of instigation--does one initiate more often than the other, or all the time, or do they take turns?

Is the observable time frequency of changes adaptable to the vibrations of quartz?

Who yawns first?

M.

Clearly more research is needed. A quantum entanglement theory may be needed to explain their motions.
The current data point is Panther Boy on the chair next to me and Little Calico on footrest (which is certainly one of her preferred spots).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 29, 2021, 07:08:29 PM
Quote from: Puget on April 29, 2021, 06:46:34 PM
Quote from: mamselle on April 29, 2021, 06:27:39 PM
Quote from: Puget on April 29, 2021, 03:12:55 PM
It's been raining all day and the cats have reverted to sleepy winter mode. It struck me that I could create a cat clock, with time measured not in hours but in changes of cat sleeping locations. Today has gone something like this:

1. Panther Boy on the chair next to me, Little Calico on the heated cat window seat
2. Little Calico on the footrest with my legs as a pillow, Panther Boy on the window seat
3. Little Calico in the cat basket by the fire, Panther Boy still on the window seat
(Panther Boy jumps down and visits Little Calico's basket. Brief interval of mutual grooming.)
4. Panther Boy takes over the basket, Little Calico decamps to the couch
(We all have lunch)
5.Panter Boy on the chair with me again, Little Calico back on the couch
6. Panther Boy on the chair alone, Little Calico still on the couch (this time with me).

What exciting further developments might this evening bring?!

Is there any observable regular periodicity to the shifts of sleeping places?

Any patterns of instigation--does one initiate more often than the other, or all the time, or do they take turns?

Is the observable time frequency of changes adaptable to the vibrations of quartz?

Who yawns first?

M.

Clearly more research is needed. A quantum entanglement theory may be needed to explain their motions.
The current data point is Panther Boy on the chair next to me and Little Calico on footrest (which is certainly one of her preferred spots).


Spooky action at a distance.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 30, 2021, 05:11:41 AM
Twerp just ate a camel cricket. I have no idea how it got into the house. In any case, Twerp said it was the best breakfast she'd had in ages.


Now, back to our regularly scheduled kitty positioning data collection.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 30, 2021, 05:55:23 AM
Puget, love the cat clock!

Ricochet's cat clock:
Time period 1: kitty zoomies
Time period 2: the cat is . . . somewhere, possibly another dimension, definitely not findable
Time period 3: standing on human time!--2 minutes max
Time period 4: safe space time
Time period 5: the cat is . . . somewhere, possibly another dimension, definitely not findable
Time period 6: safe space time
Time period 7: safe space time
Time period 8: safe space time
Time period 9: kitty zoomies

It is much less useful clock.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on April 30, 2021, 07:40:18 AM
Happy Friday, time for some kitty pics:
https://imgur.com/gallery/JpNEG1T (https://imgur.com/gallery/JpNEG1T)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on April 30, 2021, 08:00:05 AM
They are so handsome, onehappyunicorn!

Artemis and Hestia change their locations regularly, but they probably go something like this:

1. Waiting outside for the humans to wake up. They are usually sitting expectantly outside the back door by 6 a.m., but I don't know if they respond to movement/light in the house or not. (They are not waiting for food; we have a food dish with a timer.)
2. Morning pettings
3. Backyard playtime. If we are there, they will play with us or toys; otherwise, they tussle and hunt bugs
4. Sleeping. In summer, they prefer the neighbors' yards, which have trees. In winter, they tend to stay closer to home (preferred spots include the space beneath the dryer vent, the south wall of the house, the patio chairs, and the electric box, which is always warm).
5. Lunchtime! If we eat outside on the patio, they come back for lunch. Artemis will sit under a chair and go to sleep; Hestia will wait beside whomever she thinks is most likely to drop food; after lunch, she expects pettings.
6. Nap time. If we ate lunch outside, they often stay under the chairs or move up onto the chairs once vacated. If we ate indoors, they typically stay in the neighbors' shady yards for the heat of the day.
7. Dinner! Though the food dish is off by a few minutes each day, they know when they think it should rotate and tend to sit and wait for it to open for the last 15-20 minutes.
8a. If we are outdoors, Hestia will leap from lap to lap for pettings. Artemis will lie on the concrete beneath one of our chairs. She is willing to be petted, but not if she has to absorb our body heat (from laps) in the process.
8b. If we are not outdoors, or when they are tired of us, it is hunting time. They often hunt for an hour or so in our yard as the sun sets, and then presumably have other hunting grounds beyond our property.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 30, 2021, 08:19:40 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on April 30, 2021, 07:40:18 AM
Happy Friday, time for some kitty pics:
https://imgur.com/gallery/JpNEG1T (https://imgur.com/gallery/JpNEG1T)

I love the last pic because it looks like the kitty is doing yoga :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 30, 2021, 08:25:01 AM
Sorry, should have added to my previous post RE: cat clocks.

SO's been marveling at Maestro's impeccable sense of timing. SO works from home and the exact minute he clocks out for the day Maestro begins demanding supper. It seems unlikely his internal clock is that precise, but SO cannot figure out how Maestro realizes he's clocked out, because he doesn't immediately get up from his chair or log off his computer or any other obvious visual signal indicating he is now free to respond do the cat's demands.

I'm speculating some subtle release of tension in the way he carries himself, but it's still pretty amazing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on April 30, 2021, 08:34:34 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 30, 2021, 08:19:40 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on April 30, 2021, 07:40:18 AM
Happy Friday, time for some kitty pics:
https://imgur.com/gallery/JpNEG1T (https://imgur.com/gallery/JpNEG1T)

I love the last pic because it looks like the kitty is doing yoga :)

Chime!

They each look so intentional in their own way.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on April 30, 2021, 09:44:56 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 30, 2021, 08:25:01 AM
Sorry, should have added to my previous post RE: cat clocks.

SO's been marveling at Maestro's impeccable sense of timing. SO works from home and the exact minute he clocks out for the day Maestro begins demanding supper. It seems unlikely his internal clock is that precise, but SO cannot figure out how Maestro realizes he's clocked out, because he doesn't immediately get up from his chair or log off his computer or any other obvious visual signal indicating he is now free to respond do the cat's demands.

I'm speculating some subtle release of tension in the way he carries himself, but it's still pretty amazing.


I wonder if it is an internal signal?  Ulysses shoes up at 4:38 (plus or minus a couple of minutes). no matter which room I'm in or whether I'm reading or at the computer.  Then shows up around 9:39 for treats, but that's less precise.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 30, 2021, 02:56:34 PM
We have a bird clock that makes a different bird chirp at every hour.  Sir Puck is very, very attuned to the clock since they get fed at 5:00pm.  He starts pacing right about 4:00, and will dash from room to room to try and get at least one of us to make a move towards the kitchen.  About 4:55pm he will dramatically flop in his favorite spot like he's going to starve if dinner isn't served RIGHT NOW.  The 5:00 bird chirps are the signal to dash around around and yowl at us until the food hits his plate.
Izzy comes out from hiding between 3:15 and 4:30 and will zip to her dish at 5:00.
Lady Jane thinks food is for lesser beings, but will usually wander towards the kitchen.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 30, 2021, 04:18:04 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on April 30, 2021, 02:56:34 PM
We have a bird clock that makes a different bird chirp at every hour.  Sir Puck is very, very attuned to the clock since they get fed at 5:00pm.  He starts pacing right about 4:00, and will dash from room to room to try and get at least one of us to make a move towards the kitchen.  About 4:55pm he will dramatically flop in his favorite spot like he's going to starve if dinner isn't served RIGHT NOW.  The 5:00 bird chirps are the signal to dash around around and yowl at us until the food hits his plate.
Izzy comes out from hiding between 3:15 and 4:30 and will zip to her dish at 5:00.
Lady Jane thinks food is for lesser beings, but will usually wander towards the kitchen.

That's funny. Youngest evil cat does the dramatic flop too. You'd think that we all starve our cats by the way they act (but not when you look at them).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 02, 2021, 05:31:02 AM
The weather is looking more Spring-like, and we've started opening the tops of the windows, particularly upstairs in the partially-renovated attic/office space, where the air-conditioning never works.  Ninja lived up to her fora-name yesterday, by almost climbing out of the top of the upstairs window. She got halfway out of the window (head, upper body, and front paws), before SO caught her. When he yelled "stop," she looked at him with an expression that said "What are you going on about, human? This is fine. I'm almost outside." As he was on the ball, he snapped a picture before dragging her back in and raising the window to shorten the opening.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 04, 2021, 01:25:57 PM
double post, couple days later:

Ricochet continues to work on her bravery exposures.  Yesterday, she napped on the loveseat in the living room.  Today, she napped on the living room chair again.  This morning also brought one of the best attempts at lap sitting so far.
Maybe I'll use her examples when I teach about developing fear ladders.  Near, the top would be--being pet if both humans are in the room (she'll let us pet her if only one of us is in the room with her). Hmm, what's the cat-version of a SUDS rating?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 04, 2021, 01:59:47 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 04, 2021, 01:25:57 PM
double post, couple days later:

Ricochet continues to work on her bravery exposures.  Yesterday, she napped on the loveseat in the living room.  Today, she napped on the living room chair again.  This morning also brought one of the best attempts at lap sitting so far.
Maybe I'll use her examples when I teach about developing fear ladders.  Near, the top would be--being pet if both humans are in the room (she'll let us pet her if only one of us is in the room with her). Hmm, what's the cat-version of a SUDS rating?

You could set up shop as a cat therapist- I bet there's a market!
As we emerge from the pandemic, I'm sure mine are not the only cats who need someone to convince them that (a) humans in the house are allowed to leave the house for more than a few hours at a time and (b) humans outside the house are allowed to come into the house and will not eat the cats therein.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 04, 2021, 06:43:29 PM
Quote from: Puget on May 04, 2021, 01:59:47 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 04, 2021, 01:25:57 PM
double post, couple days later:

Ricochet continues to work on her bravery exposures.  Yesterday, she napped on the loveseat in the living room.  Today, she napped on the living room chair again.  This morning also brought one of the best attempts at lap sitting so far.
Maybe I'll use her examples when I teach about developing fear ladders.  Near, the top would be--being pet if both humans are in the room (she'll let us pet her if only one of us is in the room with her). Hmm, what's the cat-version of a SUDS rating?

You could set up shop as a cat therapist- I bet there's a market!
As we emerge from the pandemic, I'm sure mine are not the only cats who need someone to convince them that (a) humans in the house are allowed to leave the house for more than a few hours at a time and (b) humans outside the house are allowed to come into the house and will not eat the cats therein.

I would love to be a cat therapist! However, I don't think I could use Ricochet as a success story in my advertising. Let's see:
Hire me as your cat therapist and in 5 short years, your anxious cat will be able to: sit on your living room furniture, stand on your lap, and allow you to pet her one at a time for up to 5 minutes if she is on a safe spot! If you order the deluxe therapy package, your cat may occasionally eat a treat! Hire me today!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 05, 2021, 01:32:10 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 04, 2021, 06:43:29 PM
Quote from: Puget on May 04, 2021, 01:59:47 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 04, 2021, 01:25:57 PM
double post, couple days later:

Ricochet continues to work on her bravery exposures.  Yesterday, she napped on the loveseat in the living room.  Today, she napped on the living room chair again.  This morning also brought one of the best attempts at lap sitting so far.
Maybe I'll use her examples when I teach about developing fear ladders.  Near, the top would be--being pet if both humans are in the room (she'll let us pet her if only one of us is in the room with her). Hmm, what's the cat-version of a SUDS rating?

You could set up shop as a cat therapist- I bet there's a market!
As we emerge from the pandemic, I'm sure mine are not the only cats who need someone to convince them that (a) humans in the house are allowed to leave the house for more than a few hours at a time and (b) humans outside the house are allowed to come into the house and will not eat the cats therein.

I would love to be a cat therapist! However, I don't think I could use Ricochet as a success story in my advertising. Let's see:
Hire me as your cat therapist and in 5 short years, your anxious cat will be able to: sit on your living room furniture, stand on your lap, and allow you to pet her one at a time for up to 5 minutes if she is on a safe spot! If you order the deluxe therapy package, your cat may occasionally eat a treat! Hire me today!
I'd like to nominate myself as a cat therapist as well!  After 1.5 years, what you though was a snuggly kitten will finally emerge from their hiding place under the bed, allow you to pet her a few times only if she asks and only when you are sitting on certain furniture, and will sometimes sneak into the bathroom to rub your legs if you get up in the night.  However, she will happy scarf down any and all things that might be treats.  With the super deluxe special, the cat may stare out the window at you when you're outside, but dash away in terror if you happen to walk too close (within 15 or so feet).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 05, 2021, 01:42:43 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on May 05, 2021, 01:32:10 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 04, 2021, 06:43:29 PM
Quote from: Puget on May 04, 2021, 01:59:47 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 04, 2021, 01:25:57 PM
double post, couple days later:

Ricochet continues to work on her bravery exposures.  Yesterday, she napped on the loveseat in the living room.  Today, she napped on the living room chair again.  This morning also brought one of the best attempts at lap sitting so far.
Maybe I'll use her examples when I teach about developing fear ladders.  Near, the top would be--being pet if both humans are in the room (she'll let us pet her if only one of us is in the room with her). Hmm, what's the cat-version of a SUDS rating?

You could set up shop as a cat therapist- I bet there's a market!
As we emerge from the pandemic, I'm sure mine are not the only cats who need someone to convince them that (a) humans in the house are allowed to leave the house for more than a few hours at a time and (b) humans outside the house are allowed to come into the house and will not eat the cats therein.

I would love to be a cat therapist! However, I don't think I could use Ricochet as a success story in my advertising. Let's see:
Hire me as your cat therapist and in 5 short years, your anxious cat will be able to: sit on your living room furniture, stand on your lap, and allow you to pet her one at a time for up to 5 minutes if she is on a safe spot! If you order the deluxe therapy package, your cat may occasionally eat a treat! Hire me today!
I'd like to nominate myself as a cat therapist as well!  After 1.5 years, what you though was a snuggly kitten will finally emerge from their hiding place under the bed, allow you to pet her a few times only if she asks and only when you are sitting on certain furniture, and will sometimes sneak into the bathroom to rub your legs if you get up in the night.  However, she will happy scarf down any and all things that might be treats.  With the super deluxe special, the cat may stare out the window at you when you're outside, but dash away in terror if you happen to walk too close (within 15 or so feet).

Why oh why do cats dash away like that?

I'm pretty sure Maestro is not scared of me, but he often stares at me with intense, wide eyes. If I make a move to approach him, he dashes away, often with a warbly "Waaah!"

Why?!?

I think *sometimes* he wants me to chase him around for play, but I don't that that's true every time. He knows I love to smother him with affection; sometimes he's in the mood for it, sometimes not. Is he running from the possibility of snuggles?

I appeal to the collective cat wisdom of the fora.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on May 05, 2021, 02:42:45 PM
Quotebut he often stares at me with intense, wide eyes. If I make a move to approach him, he dashes away, often with a warbly "Waaah!"

Why?!?

I think *sometimes* he wants me to chase him around for play,

That is how I read it.

consider this game...

Stalk him - sort of....

peak around the corner and if he notices, duck back around the corner.  (soon you will find that he is right there waiting to pounce YOU from around the very corner).

another thing to try is to find a small ball (or even a milk carton cap) and skip it across the floor, bouncing off the wall (or 2)  when he is in such a mood.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 05, 2021, 02:59:19 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on May 05, 2021, 01:42:43 PM
Why oh why do cats dash away like that?

I'm pretty sure Maestro is not scared of me, but he often stares at me with intense, wide eyes. If I make a move to approach him, he dashes away, often with a warbly "Waaah!"

Why?!?

I think *sometimes* he wants me to chase him around for play, but I don't that that's true every time. He knows I love to smother him with affection; sometimes he's in the mood for it, sometimes not. Is he running from the possibility of snuggles?

I appeal to the collective cat wisdom of the fora.

Why cats do anything is a mystery, but mine certainly initiate chasing/co-zooming with each other like this, so I'd go for probably he wants to play. The play running involves a lot of zipping in loops around the house and/or full out up and down the stairs, ending with flopping over wherever they run out of steam. That behavior looks very different from scared running away, where they head straight for a safe hiding spot and go to ground.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 05, 2021, 04:02:28 PM
He thinks you're a big cat, and you want to play, too...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 06, 2021, 05:58:58 PM
So, elder evil cat likes to drag one of his blankets around the house. We've noticed, in the past few years, that he also starts to hump it AND make biscuits while yowling with part of the blanket in his mouth. Does anyone else have a cat that does this?

Is my cat broken???
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on May 06, 2021, 07:07:46 PM
QuoteSo, elder evil cat likes to drag one of his blankets around the house. We've noticed, in the past few years, that he also starts to hump it AND make biscuits while yowling with part of the blanket in his mouth. Does anyone else have a cat that does this?

Is my cat broken???

Perhaps your kitty has created some sort of adult kitty inflatable?
Im not sure if he is broken, but this may signal that he could be 'fixed'.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 06, 2021, 07:56:39 PM
Quote from: clean on May 06, 2021, 07:07:46 PM
QuoteSo, elder evil cat likes to drag one of his blankets around the house. We've noticed, in the past few years, that he also starts to hump it AND make biscuits while yowling with part of the blanket in his mouth. Does anyone else have a cat that does this?

Is my cat broken???

Perhaps your kitty has created some sort of adult kitty inflatable?
Im not sure if he is broken, but this may signal that he could be 'fixed'.

:)

Oh, he was fixed a long time ago. He's a randy 15 year old senior cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 07, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 06, 2021, 07:56:39 PM
Quote from: clean on May 06, 2021, 07:07:46 PM
QuoteSo, elder evil cat likes to drag one of his blankets around the house. We've noticed, in the past few years, that he also starts to hump it AND make biscuits while yowling with part of the blanket in his mouth. Does anyone else have a cat that does this?

Is my cat broken???

Perhaps your kitty has created some sort of adult kitty inflatable?
Im not sure if he is broken, but this may signal that he could be 'fixed'.

:)

Oh, he was fixed a long time ago. He's a randy 15 year old senior cat.

2nd kittenhood? Did he carry around a plushy as a kitten?
Did something change in the household before he started to do this, so he needed a new comfort behavior?
Or, perhaps, just another example of the mystery of cats.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 07, 2021, 03:17:14 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 07, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 06, 2021, 07:56:39 PM
Quote from: clean on May 06, 2021, 07:07:46 PM
QuoteSo, elder evil cat likes to drag one of his blankets around the house. We've noticed, in the past few years, that he also starts to hump it AND make biscuits while yowling with part of the blanket in his mouth. Does anyone else have a cat that does this?

Is my cat broken???

Perhaps your kitty has created some sort of adult kitty inflatable?
Im not sure if he is broken, but this may signal that he could be 'fixed'.

:)

Oh, he was fixed a long time ago. He's a randy 15 year old senior cat.

2nd kittenhood? Did he carry around a plushy as a kitten?
Did something change in the household before he started to do this, so he needed a new comfort behavior?
Or, perhaps, just another example of the mystery of cats.
Effie the cat (male cat) used to do that - the kneading, humping, and vocalizing on a particular pillow.
Sir Puck is now imitating that behavior, but he only does it on my lap when I wear certain skirts.  He purrs and slobbers too.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 07, 2021, 03:37:55 PM
After my (neutered, I thought) young male cat continued to "anoint" my old tube amplifier (shorting it out, finally), I asked the vet how that could happen.

"Actually," the vet said, "sometimes the little tiny bits of the plumbing are so small the surgeon misses something and their systems still produce hormones. They're no longer fertile, or a danger to the ladies, but certain instincts don't go as completely extinct as you'd expect..."

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 07, 2021, 08:01:57 PM
Maestro is neutered, but I still occasionally walk in on him late at night with the teddy bear he's had since he was a kitten. The bear is roughly the size of adult Maestro. Maestro always turns it facedown, grabs the back of its head with his teeth and makes slow, sweet love to it.

He always seems self-conscious when we walk in on him, as though this is not an act meant for the eyes of humans. He'll drop the bear and walk away, leaving the poor toy face-down and all alone.

Apart from these intimate nighttime sessions, Maestro wants nothing to do with his bear. He no longer plays with it or snuggles against it as he did when he was a kitten. If we try to encourage him to play with the bear he will bat it away, almost contemptuously. I feel a bit sorry for it; it's fallen so far from favor. The stuffed fish is the only toy worthy of Maestro's enduring affection. The teddy bear has been relegated to a life of neglect, enlivened only by the occasional booty call.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 08, 2021, 04:22:45 AM
You could write an adult novel about Maestro.

Maybe even a graphic novel....

(Mostly kidding, although it's something you might get Wendy Snow to consider...)

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 08, 2021, 07:11:56 AM
Quote from: mamselle on May 08, 2021, 04:22:45 AM
You could write an adult novel about Maestro.

Maybe even a graphic novel....

(Mostly kidding, although it's something you might get Wendy Snow to consider...)

M.

Oh Lord! This made me chuckle.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on May 08, 2021, 07:39:14 AM
Poor teddy bear, but your depiction of it is hilarious!

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on May 08, 2021, 02:20:30 PM
Maybe the bear needs some make up?

Perhaps rub it with cat nip (or some tuna juice behind the ears).


(Tangent....

I used to teach classes for the local Bankruptcy Trustee.  I told this story as part of the class.

" A husband and wife are discussing the budget. The husband thinks that the wife is spending too much on make up and the wife complains that the husband spends too much on beer.  The wife says, "I buy make up for our love life- so that I look attractive to you".  The husband replies, "That's what the beer is for!"

Maybe there is something that the bear needs... either kitty make up or kitty beer!)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on May 10, 2021, 09:01:44 AM
It's pouring rain here today, so Artemis has been allowed to curl up indoors on a chair by my desk and is snoring contentedly as I grade--and she really does snore! Hestia was given the same offer but did not want to stay on the chair, so has found herself a dry spot outdoors.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 10, 2021, 09:05:39 AM
Youngest evil cat has decided to pause in her destruction of the Universe and sit on the electric blanket with me.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 10, 2021, 09:37:37 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 10, 2021, 09:05:39 AM
Youngest evil cat has decided to pause in her destruction of the Universe and sit on the electric blanket with me.

Well, you might as well be comfortable when you are plotting the next act of destruction, right?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on May 10, 2021, 10:11:19 AM
She is absorbing excess heat to power up the eye-lasers
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 10, 2021, 10:27:30 AM
I think my cat clock is broken-- the Little Calico hand has stalled out on the couch, while the Panther Boy hand is zooming erratically around the house, out to the catio, and back.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 10, 2021, 11:08:37 AM
Quote from: mamselle on May 07, 2021, 03:37:55 PM
After my (neutered, I thought) young male cat continued to "anoint" my old tube amplifier (shorting it out, finally), I asked the vet how that could happen.

"Actually," the vet said, "sometimes the little tiny bits of the plumbing are so small the surgeon misses something and their systems still produce hormones. They're no longer fertile, or a danger to the ladies, but certain instincts don't go as completely extinct as you'd expect..."

M.

I suspect that was true for my childhood cat!  He had a big head and thick muscle on his shoulders like what you see in unaltered males even though he was neutered as a tiny kitten.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 10, 2021, 12:02:05 PM
Quote from: FishProf on May 10, 2021, 10:11:19 AM
She is absorbing excess heat to power up the eye-lasers

Most likely. She's 4 and still acts like a kitten.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on May 12, 2021, 03:30:14 PM
Don't know if this is behind the paywall, but it's an interesting perspective on felines and boxes:  https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/05/cats-climbing-into-boxes/618858/
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 14, 2021, 08:25:22 AM
Ricochet, who is frequently confused by such concepts as "what is treat? it is poisonous? should I eat it?" and "what do I do if there are 2 humans in the same room?",  is apparently a hidden computer genius. Today, she walked on my computer keyboard and in a matter of seconds, she 1) deleted 1 file; 2) turned off the computer microphone; and 3) turned the computer screen 90 degrees. Of course, she managed to do this 10 minutes before my next meeting.  She then jumped in a box and showed me her tummy because, well, cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 14, 2021, 08:29:39 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 14, 2021, 08:25:22 AM
Ricochet, who is frequently confused by such concepts as "what is treat? it is poisonous? should I eat it?" and "what do I do if there are 2 humans in the same room?",  is apparently a hidden computer genius. Today, she walked on my computer keyboard and in a matter of seconds, she 1) deleted 1 file; 2) turned off the computer microphone; and 3) turned the computer screen 90 degrees. Of course, she managed to do this 10 minutes before my next meeting.  She then jumped in a box and showed me her tummy because, well, cat.

I feel like Ricochet needs to be a character in a comics series.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 14, 2021, 09:22:25 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on May 14, 2021, 08:29:39 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 14, 2021, 08:25:22 AM
Ricochet, who is frequently confused by such concepts as "what is treat? it is poisonous? should I eat it?" and "what do I do if there are 2 humans in the same room?",  is apparently a hidden computer genius. Today, she walked on my computer keyboard and in a matter of seconds, she 1) deleted 1 file; 2) turned off the computer microphone; and 3) turned the computer screen 90 degrees. Of course, she managed to do this 10 minutes before my next meeting.  She then jumped in a box and showed me her tummy because, well, cat.

I feel like Ricochet needs to be a character in a comics series.

I like that idea.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 14, 2021, 09:31:48 AM
Was it a real box or a virtual box?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 14, 2021, 06:00:43 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 14, 2021, 09:31:48 AM
Was it a real box or a virtual box?

M.

:)  A real box. We are those cat people. We keep a box on top of another box in the living room because it is Ricochet's preferred box at preferred height.

I love the idea of turning Ricochet into a comic book character.  I'm going to need a plan b pretty soon, so cat comic book series writer sounds good. Do I need artistic talent for that?

SCR, maybe we can start a writing group as you are turning Maestro's exploits into an adult graphic novel co-starring his teddy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 15, 2021, 03:57:23 PM
More on cats and boxes:

   https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/05/cats-climbing-into-boxes/618858/

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 16, 2021, 08:33:27 AM
!!!

Got notification of an opportunity to take in an 11-week old kitten, male.

According to the neighborhood cat-watchers, there's a very good chance this kitten is a full sibling to Maestro. Apparently, there is an extremely evasive mama cat who regularly produces litters, and often associates with the same tom (presumably the father).

I am so very tempted to adopt a sibling for Maestro and to raise another kitten. But also nervous about the responsibility of taking on a second cat.

SO says the main hurdle will be to introduce the two kitties gradually and hope to get Maestro to accept the new kitty as a friend, not a rival. SO also thinks *if* we are going to get a second cat, now is better than later, when Maestro still has the playful energy of a young cat and is more likely to find fun in roughhousing with a kitten. Older Maestro might be grumpier about the whole prospect.

Any type of change makes me anxious, so going with my gut instinct isn't always helpful.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 16, 2021, 08:44:13 AM
Keep them mostly separated at first, with tiny moments of supervised interaction to see how they do together.

Keep any sense of anxiety or edginess out of your voice and actions so as not to arouse either of their suspicions, or plotting-to-destruct-the-world mechanisms.

Increase the amount of time together, still overseen by an all-wise human who stays more and more to the sidelines to allow play to develop, but able to gently separate any attack behavior on either one's part (tiny baby kittens have a fierce bite...as you probably still remember...Maestro will, too, all his life...)

Otherwise, as long as shots, quarantine, food issues, and equal cuddling time are managed well, it could work.

If it doesn't though, think through a Plan B before you start.

My 2 x 2 sets of cats never did get along and had to be separated by a locked room at all times, with separate litter boxes, food, etc.

That's also do-able, you just have to be prepared for it as a possibility and have the logistics figured out.

What we want for cats, as you may have noticed by now, only operates at a skewed relationship with what they want for themselves, the points of intersection having to do with food and the good spot in the sunlight on the floor under the window.

They'll have to figure it out, especially if there are enough sunlit spots, or if the sole spot that's there is big enough for two.

Hugs and scritches to the little one, in any case.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 16, 2021, 09:14:11 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on May 16, 2021, 08:33:27 AM
!!!

Got notification of an opportunity to take in an 11-week old kitten, male.

According to the neighborhood cat-watchers, there's a very good chance this kitten is a full sibling to Maestro. Apparently, there is an extremely evasive mama cat who regularly produces litters, and often associates with the same tom (presumably the father).

I am so very tempted to adopt a sibling for Maestro and to raise another kitten. But also nervous about the responsibility of taking on a second cat.

SO says the main hurdle will be to introduce the two kitties gradually and hope to get Maestro to accept the new kitty as a friend, not a rival. SO also thinks *if* we are going to get a second cat, now is better than later, when Maestro still has the playful energy of a young cat and is more likely to find fun in roughhousing with a kitten. Older Maestro might be grumpier about the whole prospect.

Any type of change makes me anxious, so going with my gut instinct isn't always helpful.

Thoughts?

Can you try fostering him first and see how how it goes? Some cats love a companion and others are very territorial. If it works out a bonded pair is great though, especially when they're young and have lots of energy to burn.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 16, 2021, 09:55:29 AM
Quote from: Puget on May 16, 2021, 09:14:11 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on May 16, 2021, 08:33:27 AM
!!!

Got notification of an opportunity to take in an 11-week old kitten, male.

According to the neighborhood cat-watchers, there's a very good chance this kitten is a full sibling to Maestro. Apparently, there is an extremely evasive mama cat who regularly produces litters, and often associates with the same tom (presumably the father).

I am so very tempted to adopt a sibling for Maestro and to raise another kitten. But also nervous about the responsibility of taking on a second cat.

SO says the main hurdle will be to introduce the two kitties gradually and hope to get Maestro to accept the new kitty as a friend, not a rival. SO also thinks *if* we are going to get a second cat, now is better than later, when Maestro still has the playful energy of a young cat and is more likely to find fun in roughhousing with a kitten. Older Maestro might be grumpier about the whole prospect.

Any type of change makes me anxious, so going with my gut instinct isn't always helpful.

Thoughts?

Can you try fostering him first and see how how it goes? Some cats love a companion and others are very territorial. If it works out a bonded pair is great though, especially when they're young and have lots of energy to burn.

Yes, I think we are leaning towards fostering and seeing how it goes.

Funny thing, this little guy is the last of the litter. The other kittens have already been adopted in pairs.

Maestro was also the last of the litter, with his other siblings adopted in pairs before him.

Maybe they will bond over their shared experience as "leftovers."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on May 16, 2021, 10:39:28 AM
Keep your expectations low and Good Luck!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 16, 2021, 12:27:33 PM
Quote from: clean on May 16, 2021, 10:39:28 AM
Keep your expectations low and Good Luck!

This should be on a motivational poster.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 16, 2021, 05:08:34 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 14, 2021, 06:00:43 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 14, 2021, 09:31:48 AM
Was it a real box or a virtual box?

M.

:)  A real box. We are those cat people. We keep a box on top of another box in the living room because it is Ricochet's preferred box at preferred height.

I love the idea of turning Ricochet into a comic book character.  I'm going to need a plan b pretty soon, so cat comic book series writer sounds good. Do I need artistic talent for that?

SCR, maybe we can start a writing group as you are turning Maestro's exploits into an adult graphic novel co-starring his teddy.

I did mention in another thread that I wanted to start a thread about skill-building.

I have been getting interested in learning how to draw and trying some creative writing projects. Fora kitties seem as good a subject as any.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 16, 2021, 09:28:12 PM
General note on pet health with regards to Brood X's immanent arrival, (unrelated to above...)

   https://www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/your-dog-or-cat-ate-a-cicada-what-to-know-about-brood-x-cicadas-and-pet-safety/

That crunch-crunch you hear may be their own...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 17, 2021, 08:13:01 AM
Quote from: mamselle on May 16, 2021, 09:28:12 PM
General note on pet health with regards to Brood X's immanent arrival, (unrelated to above...)

   https://www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/your-dog-or-cat-ate-a-cicada-what-to-know-about-brood-x-cicadas-and-pet-safety/

That crunch-crunch you hear may be their own...

M.

Too bad we're not quite in the brood X zone -- Panther Boy successfully hunted and crunched a fly this morning but cicadas would be way more exciting (and filling!).

Periodicity is a fascinating and unusual survival strategy, known as "predator satiation" -- basically, if you are a delicious and defenseless protein nugget your best bet is to emerge in such quantities that your predators can't possibly eat you all before you can reproduce. Cicadas that emerge early or late get eaten, which puts strong selective pressure on evolving accurate timing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 17, 2021, 10:37:35 AM
Quote from: Puget on May 17, 2021, 08:13:01 AM
Quote from: mamselle on May 16, 2021, 09:28:12 PM
General note on pet health with regards to Brood X's immanent arrival, (unrelated to above...)

   https://www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/your-dog-or-cat-ate-a-cicada-what-to-know-about-brood-x-cicadas-and-pet-safety/

That crunch-crunch you hear may be their own...

M.

Too bad we're not quite in the brood X zone -- Panther Boy successfully hunted and crunched a fly this morning but cicadas would be way more exciting (and filling!).

Periodicity is a fascinating and unusual survival strategy, known as "predator satiation" -- basically, if you are a delicious and defenseless protein nugget your best bet is to emerge in such quantities that your predators can't possibly eat you all before you can reproduce. Cicadas that emerge early or late get eaten, which puts strong selective pressure on evolving accurate timing.
All of my cats LOVE crunchy bugs.  I'm sure they would think a cicada is a worthy adversary.  But we are on the west coast and do not have cicadas as far as I know.  We do have some gigantic shiny green beetles.  Sir Puck will sometimes dig the larvae out of the compost and they are almost the size of a thumb.  He loves to carry them around, smack them with his paws, and then leave them on the patio (for later? as a gift?).  Apparently they taste nasty since he has learned to not chomp into them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 19, 2021, 08:01:40 PM
Been in too much brain fog to write the last few days, but today is the third day of the kitten's arrival.

The kitty is light brown, with dark stripes all over, except on the belly. The belly has leopard spots! New kitty resembles the mom, whereas Maestro the tuxedo cat favors the dad.

Kitten (separated from Maestro by a door) seemed to feel at ease quite quickly, nuzzling up to me and to SO (I think we have ourselves a Velcro cat). Relaxed enough to eat, sleep, and play with a toy. From the very start, Maestro was very interested in the kitten, but not in a wary or aggressive sort of way. More in the curious/excited/anticipatory way he gets when we start taking a new toy out of the package. He has been surprisingly gentle with the kitten from the start.

We moved the kitten to a mesh playpen, so he and Maestro could look at each other, but not touch. They watched each other for hours in mutual fascination. No hissing or puffing of tails. When Maestro walked away for a water break, the kitten squeaked repeatedly in displeasure, throwing himself at the mesh as if trying to follow. He kept squeaking until Maestro came back into view. SO thought this was promising enough to try a supervised play session.

They wore each other out playing chase all over the apartment. Maestro showed no possessive behaviors over toys or nap spots or dishes. The kitten felt confident enough to make several play attack dashes at the Maestro. Maestro never did any play pounces at the kitten (perhaps he understands the kitten is too little for that?), but he did seem to quite enjoy the chasing game. At one point the kitten chomped on poor Maestro's tail, but Maestro was able to chastise him with a soft-pawed bop on the head.

In the last 24 hours we've seen the two best milestones yet:
1) Maestro and the kitten shared the bed with me and slept peacefully; Maestro even conceded his preferred spot to the kitten (I think because he got tired of repeatedly shooing the kitten away because the little one didn't seem to be taking the hint).

2) Maestro has started tentatively grooming the kitten. The kitten would back away at first, but by the end of the day I found him on the couch, sprawled on his back asleep, with Maestro delicately licking his ears and cheeks.

Maybe they're going to be good buddies after all.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on May 19, 2021, 08:10:06 PM
That's adorable! Congrats on upgrading to a two cat household. I look forward to more heart warming reports.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 20, 2021, 04:30:16 AM
That's great news! Glad Maestro and his sibling have hit it off so well!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 20, 2021, 08:35:16 AM
Awww.

Extra scritches to both from me, please.

How lovely.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on May 20, 2021, 09:04:46 AM
Sounds like Maestro and his sibling are getting along great.

We also have decided to foster a young kitten after getting a desperate call for help from our local humane society.  Someone abandoned a 2 week old male at their door and they couldn't care for him.  Its been almost two weeks now and things are going well.  He is now rapidly gaining weight,  eating a mixture of food/formula on his own, and using his litter box.  We call him Lil'Man to distinguish him from Lil'Lil,  our adult former feral tabby. 

We were worried how our two adult cats would handle a new kitten but so far,  they seem to just ignore him when they see/smell him.  We keep him in his own room most of the time.  Our two adult are extremely territorial and don't get along very well when in the same room.  However, with the kitten,  we haven't noticed any hissing/ears back/aggressive behavior when in the same room. 

We aren't going to keep Lil'Man however.  Once he gets to a certain weight,  we'll return him to the Humane Society to find a loving home. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 20, 2021, 12:13:00 PM
Awww!  Maestro and the kitten seem to be getting along splendidly! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 20, 2021, 12:30:38 PM
Yay! If Maestro is grooming the kitten (what will the kitten's fora name be?), then I think you are good to go!

When I adopted mine, they had been separated for a while after Little Calico's spay, and had hissed at each other the first time the fosterer tried reuniting them, so they freaked out and separated them again and the rescue group "cat behaviorist" had this week's long plan for how to very slowly reintroduce them that she wanted me to follow. That lasted about half an hour of them crying from separate rooms when I brought them home, and then let them both out-- there was a brief interval of hissing, some chasing, and then they settled down on the bed and started madly grooming one another's faces. I sent a video of that to the "behaviorist" who was mad I had not followed her plan, but I sort of figured my PhD in psychology made me at least as qualified to predict behavior as her Ed.D in nothing to do with animals ;-) They still groom each other and it is still adorable.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 20, 2021, 01:22:20 PM
Aww, so much cuteness! Belly spots! It does sound like Maestro and Lil'Bro are going to be good buddies!
And wonderful news from the Volhiker78 household, also, with the new foster.

I would love to foster, as our local no-kill shelter often asks for volunteers. Ninja is human-focused, so I think she'd probably ignore another cat (she ignores Ricochet's squirrelly behavior), but we're concerned Ricochet may regress and hide again. She has now adopted a new safe space--the chair nobody sits in--and has even been inviting tummy rubs.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 20, 2021, 01:46:20 PM
Quotelocal no-skill shelter

You meant "no-kill," right?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 20, 2021, 01:51:41 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 20, 2021, 01:46:20 PM
Quotelocal no-skill shelter

You meant "no-kill," right?

M.

Thanks, mamselle! Yup! no-kill :)  They are very skilled in finding homes for the kitties and teaching the scared ones that humans might be good things.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on May 20, 2021, 03:27:21 PM
Quote from: Puget on May 20, 2021, 12:30:38 PM
(what will the kitten's fora name be?)

Novizio?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 24, 2021, 10:54:22 AM
I just stepped on the red cat (accidentally, of course). I don't think I'd put my weight down much at all before I noticed it, but he was utterly silent, and utterly silently sped off and now he's hiding from me (despite treats) and my heart is broken. Poor love.


Update: an hour later, I was provisionally forgiven. But he's made it clear that I'm skating on thin ice, and need to work to rebuild trust.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 26, 2021, 05:58:34 PM
Having some difficulty sorting through the jumble of cat happenings I've wanted to share.

The biggest thing is that Maestro seems to have really taken to the role of elder brother. There's been some hissing and possessiveness, but all from the kitten so far (and even this isn't too frequent). Maestro has been nothing but gentle with the little one, even when he boldly tries to shoulder Maestro aside to eat his kibble (although there have been times Maestro's turned a pleading look to SO or me as though to say "Are you really going to let him do this?").

Oddly, the kitten seems more independent than the Maestro. He enjoys play and cuddles, but doesn't seem to feel the need to come seek them out. Maestro at the same age was always following us around or perching himself somewhere he could stare at us creepily; he still does this to a certain extent. Even if he's not in a cuddle mood, he prefers to be near at least one of his humans. Both at once are even better.

After that first night, the kitten's been sleeping on his own in the living room by his own choice. Maestro, on the other hand, has been glued to my side at night. In Maestro's kittenhood, he often slept nestled under my arm, lying next to me lengthwise with my shoulder as his pillow. As an adult, he preferred a little less contact during sleep-time, opting to curl up between my shins or at the end of the bed. Now he presses his whole body against mine, and snuggles right in when I put an arm around him. It's like he's gone back to his own kittenhood.

SO says Maestro's been a tad clingy since the kitten arrived, wanting more lap-time on the couch. Of course, we're both happy to give him any extra attention he wants.

Still, on the whole, Maestro seems quite happy with his brother. They play together a lot, and during quiet times, Maestro likes to lounge in a spot where he can see the kitten. He also bathes the kitten morning, noon, and night. Since the kitten only puts up with this for a few seconds before trying to escape the washing, Maestro has taken to waiting until kitten is eating or drinking to groom him.

It's pretty funny to see the kitten start to take a drink when Maestro dashes over to snag his opportunity. He once used a little too much force when licking the top of the kitten's head, and the little one's face was pushed into the water. There was a little scuffling after that, but they were friends again soon enough.

I'm still struggling a bit to settle on a fora name for the new kitty.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 26, 2021, 06:18:51 PM
Very cute SCR! Cats certainly have different personalities. It makes sense that Maestro needs a little reassurance he hasn't been forgotten right now, just like human older siblings when a new baby appears.

We're currently having a thunderstorm after a very hot day, and I've opened all the windows. The cats are surprisingly OK with the thunder, and seem to be enjoying the cool breeze
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on May 27, 2021, 07:55:26 AM
I'm impressed with how well the brothers are doing, SCR!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 27, 2021, 10:46:50 AM
How sweet! Maestro is a really good big brother. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 27, 2021, 02:31:26 PM
SCR, you have the best kitty stories!  I think there is some rule in cat society that adult cats are not allowed to smack tiny kittens.  The cat dynamic in our house changed when Izzy grew from tiny, fuzzy kitten to round, floofy cat.  Puck will now wrestle and box with her instead of just pushing her away.

Maybe call the new one "Crescendo" or another musical term - spotted coat is like music notes & plays well with the Maestro.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 27, 2021, 02:48:07 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on May 27, 2021, 02:31:26 PM
I think there is some rule in cat society that adult cats are not allowed to smack tiny kittens.

SO's previous cat, FloppyTail, did not know this rule. SO tried to do an emergency foster of a little blue kitten that had been found wondering down his street.  However, FloppyTail would not have it. When he brought the kitten out to introduce them, FloppyTail growled at the kitten, smacked it, the chased it under one of the kitchen cabinets and stood guard, daring the kitten to make a move.  Obviously, little blue kitten was moved to a different foster home.

It's wonderful to hear about the continued adorableness of Maestro and his little buddy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 04, 2021, 01:31:50 PM
First sighting today of the feral kittens born in April to one of the colony cats who we've been feeding! Four orange ones and one gray tabby. They're toddler stage, and they've been hanging out under my car most of the day. Mom let them hang out and took a nap right near our doorstep, then crawled under the car and flopped to nurse the kittens. It was adorable.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 05, 2021, 06:41:29 AM
The catnip plant in my herb bed is growing huge--I'm amazed, with the number of cats that used to be in the neighborhood (though now that I think of it, I haven't seen many in recent months).

Fela has hoisted her plump self into the raised bed a couple of times when I haven't given her a leaf first. She has me trained by now to offer her some before she has to go to all that trouble.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 05, 2021, 08:06:26 PM
Maestro continues to astound me with his caring behavior toward the kitten. Kitten also seems to be warming up to Maestro, now treating him more like a buddy than a giant toy. I have seen him give the Maestro cheek nuzzles and make a few perfunctory attempts at grooming. He has also largely stopped resisting the frequent baths Maestro insists upon.

Their play has progressed to some roughhousing, which I found a bit alarming, but after some yowls and hisses were exchanged they seemed to come to an understanding of boundaries quickly enough.

The other day, I saw the kitten snuggle up to Maestro for the first time. They napped together on the windowsill all afternoon.

I've been kicking around the idea of calling the kitten Il Divo on the fora or some other opera-related term (or maybe a character). He has an impressively clear, piercing mew, and he holds it longer than any cat I've ever heard. Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew! It's almost like singing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 06, 2021, 03:22:15 AM
Tosca.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 06, 2021, 04:54:42 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 05, 2021, 08:06:26 PM
Maestro continues to astound me with his caring behavior toward the kitten. Kitten also seems to be warming up to Maestro, now treating him more like a buddy than a giant toy. I have seen him give the Maestro cheek nuzzles and make a few perfunctory attempts at grooming. He has also largely stopped resisting the frequent baths Maestro insists upon.

Their play has progressed to some roughhousing, which I found a bit alarming, but after some yowls and hisses were exchanged they seemed to come to an understanding of boundaries quickly enough.

The other day, I saw the kitten snuggle up to Maestro for the first time. They napped together on the windowsill all afternoon.

I've been kicking around the idea of calling the kitten Il Divo on the fora or some other opera-related term (or maybe a character). He has an impressively clear, piercing mew, and he holds it longer than any cat I've ever heard. Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew! It's almost like singing.

That's good news. It is a joy to see kitties snuggling together.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 11, 2021, 07:42:49 AM
Youngest evil cat is crying because I don't have any food out. I just wanted to finish my coffee in peace (trying to sneak it before anyone else wakes up), but I guess I have to feed her now.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 13, 2021, 05:20:08 PM
I just got up to check on my banana bread and elder evil cat took my spot!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 13, 2021, 05:51:52 PM
QuoteI just got up to check on my banana bread and elder evil cat took my spot!

I think it is a matter of perspective!!
YOU were in elder Cat's SPOT!  ALL spots belong to the cats (even if it means that they sit ON Your Lap to prove it!)  And you should be glad that Elder Cat did not punish you for your intrusion!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 13, 2021, 08:25:02 PM
Quote from: clean on June 13, 2021, 05:51:52 PM
QuoteI just got up to check on my banana bread and elder evil cat took my spot!

I think it is a matter of perspective!!
YOU were in elder Cat's SPOT!  ALL spots belong to the cats (even if it means that they sit ON Your Lap to prove it!)  And you should be glad that Elder Cat did not punish you for your intrusion!

Ha! Yes, he probably does think that way.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 14, 2021, 06:42:12 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 13, 2021, 05:20:08 PM
I just got up to check on my banana bread and elder evil cat took my spot!
You mean you warmed up the seat for the kitty. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on June 14, 2021, 07:30:33 AM
Cats have proliferated around town lately.  I know of at least two yards where whole litters congregate.  The black cats that were so common up until a few years ago have been replaced with tri-colored pelts for some reason.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on June 14, 2021, 09:37:13 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on May 20, 2021, 09:04:46 AM
Sounds like Maestro and his sibling are getting along great.

We also have decided to foster a young kitten after getting a desperate call for help from our local humane society.  Someone abandoned a 2 week old male at their door and they couldn't care for him.  Its been almost two weeks now and things are going well.  He is now rapidly gaining weight,  eating a mixture of food/formula on his own, and using his litter box.  We call him Lil'Man to distinguish him from Lil'Lil,  our adult former feral tabby. 

We were worried how our two adult cats would handle a new kitten but so far,  they seem to just ignore him when they see/smell him.  We keep him in his own room most of the time.  Our two adult are extremely territorial and don't get along very well when in the same room.  However, with the kitten,  we haven't noticed any hissing/ears back/aggressive behavior when in the same room. 

We aren't going to keep Lil'Man however.  Once he gets to a certain weight,  we'll return him to the Humane Society to find a loving home.

Tomorrow will be a sad day as Lil'Man will return to the Humane Society.  He came to us as a 6 ounce 2 week old and leaves a 2 lbs furry, friendly kitten.  My two daughters will shed some tears but they will be proud that they cared for him and he leaves in such good shape. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 15, 2021, 05:54:36 AM
Orestes the Magnificent (he's Huuuuuge), has done it again.  Bowel obstruction. 

This time is so much worse.  His home hospital could not see him (full) and the new hospital couldn't treat him b/c he seems to have some cardiomyopathy (not uncommon in Maine Coons) and they want an echocardiogram before they send him to surgery.  He new has a nasogastric tube, cardiac meds, lasix, etc.  just in the hope of getting him stabilized enough for surgery.

If the echo comes back with heart problems, we would be putting him through a very risky surgery to buy him 6-9 months of life (he's 2).

Some very tough decisions for the fishprof household coming. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 15, 2021, 06:08:51 AM
So sorry FishProf! Hoping for the best for all of you.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 15, 2021, 08:45:05 AM
Poor kitty! So sorry to hear it, fishprof. Wishing Orestes the best. The Larimar cats have paws crossed for him.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 15, 2021, 08:53:23 AM
Sorry to hear it Fishprof.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 15, 2021, 09:45:06 AM
Poor kitty!

Internal or external obstruction?

I.e., something he ate (again) or...???

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 15, 2021, 10:22:00 AM
Oh no! Poor buddy Orestes! Gentle pats and scritches to the FishProf family.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 15, 2021, 01:10:35 PM
Alas, the ginormous Orestes has gone on to the Mewlysian fields.  His heart could not take the strain. 

I am waiting for his mortal remains to carry hem back to MrsFishProf and Smolt, who are also distraught.

Once home, he will join the might Bunga in the family meowsoleum.

(Sorry, puns help me cope).

Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, and purrs.


Fishprof
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 15, 2021, 01:43:27 PM
So sorry-- always hard, but especially with a young one.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on June 15, 2021, 01:55:56 PM
Fishprof - very sorry to hear the sad news. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 15, 2021, 02:28:52 PM
So sorry to hear about the magnificent Orestes, FishProf. Hugs to you all.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 15, 2021, 02:47:14 PM
Oh, no! Poor little guy.

So sorry for your family's loss, FishProf.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: glendower on June 15, 2021, 02:47:55 PM
This is very sad. I am so sorry! Condolences to the FishProf family.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 15, 2021, 02:58:43 PM
Oh, no.

I'm so sorry.

Good thoughts to you all.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 15, 2021, 04:45:27 PM
So sorry to hear it, Fishprof.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 15, 2021, 05:48:16 PM
My condolences to the family, and the extended forum family that lives with the kitties through these boards.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: fleabite on June 15, 2021, 06:14:32 PM
I'm so sorry, Fishprof. I hope Orestes gets to eat all the hair ties and headless mice he desires, without repercussions, in the Mewlysian fields. But he will leave a big hole in your heart.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: San Joaquin on June 15, 2021, 06:20:04 PM
Deepest condolences to you and family.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 15, 2021, 06:30:13 PM
Thanks to all.  Orestes packed a lot of love (and a lot of cat) into a little life.  That is no mean feat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 15, 2021, 07:09:02 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, FishProf.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on June 16, 2021, 06:07:39 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about Orestes.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on June 17, 2021, 08:12:38 AM
So sorry, FishProf.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 17, 2021, 11:53:37 AM
Adding my sympathies, FishProf.  I'm so very sorry.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on June 18, 2021, 12:10:28 PM
So very sorry, fishprof.  It's always too soon, but 2...I can't even imagine the heartbreak.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 20, 2021, 03:29:27 PM
This afternoon, we interred the Magnificent Orestes (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ces6do6ksfWd3g8reZLRxvnxZj1MpDyM).

The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long, and your cuteness has burned so very bright.



Thanks to all for your kind words.  The Thundercats are very perplexed at the absence of their nemesis/l'il brother.  They are also uncommonly affectionate, and that is sorely needed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 20, 2021, 03:42:32 PM
For a dead kitten:

Put the rubber mouse away,
Pick the spools up from the floor,
What was velvet shod, and gay,
Will not want them, any more.

What was warm, is strangely cold.
Whence dissolved the little breath?
How could this small body hold
So immense a thing as Death?

- Sara Henderson Hay

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on July 16, 2021, 02:12:58 PM
Returning to this thread with a query.

Spouse and I have this spring invested in two food dispensers to help us keep our cats fed regularly. The first one, which ran on batteries, had a habit of running out of battery unexpectedly, so we shelled out for a more expensive variety that features a power cable with battery backup. The power cable has been a big hit in the worst possible way; we noticed the first one was shredded after three days, and one or both (we suspect Artemis) destroyed the replacement overnight (it was in six pieces when we came outside the next morning).

The feeder is outdoors (as the cats are) and about two feet from the outlet we want to use (sheltered under a ledge on the back patio). The actual outlet is hard to access but we will always have at least a foot of cable that needs covering. Spouse wants to build a box/frame to cover that foot of space, which is feasible but will take some time. We've also considered taping the cable to the floor/wall, encasing the cable in a pool noodle, or cutting PVC pipe to fit the space. In most cases, we are still worried about the cats being able to work their way into gaps, whether by moving the feeder to create slack or by getting into (for instance) the space at the end of a PVC pipe. Floor is concrete, wall is brick, and feeder is plastic, if any of that matters.

Do any of you have experience protecting cables?

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 16, 2021, 04:46:18 PM
You can get what look like coiled telephone cords to put around the cord.  Or slide it in a metal conduit/pipe.  Or try just scrunching aluminum foil along the entire length.  Most cats will dislike chewing on metal foil.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on July 17, 2021, 10:56:56 AM
Thanks, the_geneticist! I saw the coils online and wasn't sure how they would work (the cats attack anything that moves). I'll try some scrunched foil on its own and see if that is a preferred or distasteful substance.

I appreciate the suggestions!

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on July 18, 2021, 09:13:29 AM
QuoteMaestro continues to astound me with his caring behavior toward the kitten. Kitten also seems to be warming up to Maestro, now treating him more like a buddy than a giant toy. I have seen him give the Maestro cheek nuzzles and make a few perfunctory attempts at grooming. He has also largely stopped resisting the frequent baths Maestro insists upon.


What is the update?  Does the new kitty have a name?  Are they still getting along? Any new tales to tell?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on August 02, 2021, 07:11:09 AM
As we slide into August, I hope everyone's cats are doing well!

Ricochet the squirrelly tortie has survived the invasion of the scary humans (my BIL and nephews). She escaped to another dimension for 3 days through an apparent wormhole in our basement. She has now returned, but has been tightlipped about her travels. She has identified a new "space spot"--on top of the shoe rack, and is now sleeping on top of my sandals next to SO's hiking boots.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on August 02, 2021, 08:04:45 AM
Our cats are also tightlipped about their travels, OneMoreYear! We sometimes joke that it would be fun to put a GoPro on Artemis to see where she goes when she disappears for multiple hours, but we don't want to violate our neighbors' privacy.

Hestia turns one year old this month (Artemis is four months older). Both cats love hunting dragonflies and lizards, often successfully. We had guests for dinner on the patio a few weeks ago, and we discovered that Artemis is still skeptical of unfamiliar humans, but Hestia will leap onto the lap of anyone who offers her a treat (and nuzzle the nearby hands until she gets it). While the cats have explored all the backyards that intersect with ours, they have only recently started venturing out into our front yard, where there is an excellent climbing tree. Hestia in particular is a big fan and has gotten quite high (and back down) on several occasions.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 02, 2021, 11:45:58 AM
The Larimar cats haven't been doing much in the way of interdimensional travelling. It's too hot, and we spent this past week without air conditioning because our elderly unit cratered. Thank goodness we now have it replaced! The Larimar cats have mostly been flopped on the floor in various spots around the house. There was one day when they didn't even want to play laser light.

HerMajesty went to see the royal physician last Tuesday for her annual vaccinations. She was, of course, declared in perfect royal health.

Calico was in on the excursion as well. The vet said she's generally healthy, but needs to lose some weight, 2, maybe 3 pounds. She was already on the rubenesque side, and since we started giving the crew the prescription food that OrangeGuy needs, Calico has gained another full pound. This means we'll need to change what food we're feeding them again. I hope they'll like the stuff we're thinking of ordering as much as they do the current stuff.

Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on August 03, 2021, 06:40:18 AM
Quote from: clean on July 18, 2021, 09:13:29 AM
QuoteMaestro continues to astound me with his caring behavior toward the kitten. Kitten also seems to be warming up to Maestro, now treating him more like a buddy than a giant toy. I have seen him give the Maestro cheek nuzzles and make a few perfunctory attempts at grooming. He has also largely stopped resisting the frequent baths Maestro insists upon.


What is the update?  Does the new kitty have a name?  Are they still getting along? Any new tales to tell?

Realizing I've been away for quite a while (offline life's been a bit much).

The brothers are still doing very well. The kitten adores the Maestro, and on the whole Maestro is showing a whole new level of contentment ever since his little bro arrived. He used to have occasional spells of moodiness and irritability, but having another kitty in the house seems to have been just the remedy he needed. Now he has a playmate, a grooming buddy, and a nap partner who, unlike those selfish humans, never leaves the house or spends hours staring at a glowing rectangle instead of paying attention to the dashing tuxedo cat.

Still, as the kitten has grown, Maestro has gradually been peeling off the kid gloves. He's a very patient brother, but sometimes the little one pushes his buttons one too many times and then the fur (literally) flies. He's obviously still holding back, only using as much force as required to get the kitten to back off and give him a break. He's taken to retreating to the top of the kitchen cabinets when he needs some kitten-free time. The kitten is now developed enough to be able to join Maestro (jump from floor to footstool to counter to top of fridge to cabinets), but he doesn't seem to have figured this out. He keeps trying to jump straight up from the floor, falling comically short, and whining.

RE: the kitten's fora name. I liked Fishprof's earlier suggestion of Novizio, but the more I've observed him the more I realize that he's less an apprentice than he is a comic relief sidekick. He has a very sweet, easygoing personality, with none of the Maestro's feisty intensity or focused contemplation (or intelligence, to be frank, lol). His most distinctive physical feature is his soft, brown eyes. He has an innocent, guileless gaze, rather like an animal in a Disney film. I can make him purr by cradling him in my arms like a baby. He melts into the cuddle, relaxed as a rag doll, with an expression of drowsy contentment. Not a care in the world (or a thought in his head).

So, the name I'm considering at this point (to go with this sweet brown-eyed little kitty) is Caramelo.

I found some pictures of cats on the internet that have a strong resemblance to our brown tabby kitten and our milk-mustachioed tuxedo cat:

(kitten's photo double)
https://www.cathouseonthekings.com/mobile/animal.php?id=17260&n=Hazel

(I can't believe it's not Maestro! He loves to relax in this exact pose, and the markings are very similar)
https://twitter.com/nwilliams030/status/1303156427956125696/photo/1

(This kitty has a bit of a longer face than the Maestro, but those eyes are very Maestro-esque)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/782078291516352583/


Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 03, 2021, 07:09:13 AM
AWwwwwww, thanks for the update and the pix!

Glad you are enjoying them so much, and their doppelgangers are adorable.

Stay strong!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 03, 2021, 06:07:28 PM
Quote from: mamselle on August 03, 2021, 07:09:13 AM
AWwwwwww, thanks for the update and the pix!

Glad you are enjoying them so much, and their doppelgangers are adorable.

Stay strong!

M.

+1 to all of this. Glad you - and Maestro and Caramelo - are back, smallcleanrat.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on August 04, 2021, 03:43:49 PM
Caramelo's love language is gifts. Maestro gets the majority, but yesterday he trotted over to me with a toy mouse and dropped it at my feet (and then requested head skritches).

A few days ago, Maestro was in his pet bed taking a nap when his little brother walked over to him with a toy, dropped it in the bed, then walked away. Maestro blinked at the toy in confusion then looked at SO and me with wide eyes like he didn't know what to make of it.

I like to think it was a token of brotherly love, but Caramelo has stolen far more toys from the Maestro than he's given. Maybe it was merely an act of appeasement.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 14, 2021, 08:35:35 AM
Youngest evil cat is addicted to cat grass. She has been known to stand on her hind legs with her front paws on the kitchen door while howling for someone to open it. Why? The treasure trove of cat grass lies beyond the big white door and she can't open it.

She did it just now.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 22, 2021, 09:33:49 AM
Delayed double-post.

I think that I taught youngest evil cat how to sit! I use a hand command and a verbal command and she sits!!! I think the main motivator is cat grass. She used to jump up and grab at it, but now, she politely sits.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 22, 2021, 10:34:28 AM
Like!!!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on August 23, 2021, 06:17:49 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/V1fxGQn (https://imgur.com/gallery/V1fxGQn)

So we now have a sixth cat though we're hoping to find her a home. Sassy is the newest, she was really not being taken care of by someone who had way too much on their plate. This person moved and wasn't able to take Sassy with them and rather than have this poor cat go to the shelter we agreed to foster.
Sassy was about 6 pounds when we got her, she is now up to 13. Sassy only has three teeth left (she really was neglected) but she is so territorial that she has scared all of our other cats from going upstairs at our house. So, for now, the upstairs belongs to her alone. She would make a great cat for someone who only wants one cat, she really is a sweetheart, she just can't tolerate the idea of another cat existing in her space. I am guessing she had some nasty fights when she was an outdoor kitty (she has not even once wanted to go outside since we got her).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on August 23, 2021, 07:06:00 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 22, 2021, 09:33:49 AM
Delayed double-post.

I think that I taught youngest evil cat how to sit! I use a hand command and a verbal command and she sits!!! I think the main motivator is cat grass. She used to jump up and grab at it, but now, she politely sits.

The two of you are impressive!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 23, 2021, 08:42:42 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on August 23, 2021, 06:17:49 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/V1fxGQn (https://imgur.com/gallery/V1fxGQn)

So we now have a sixth cat though we're hoping to find her a home. Sassy is the newest, she was really not being taken care of by someone who had way too much on their plate. This person moved and wasn't able to take Sassy with them and rather than have this poor cat go to the shelter we agreed to foster.
Sassy was about 6 pounds when we got her, she is now up to 13. Sassy only has three teeth left (she really was neglected) but she is so territorial that she has scared all of our other cats from going upstairs at our house. So, for now, the upstairs belongs to her alone. She would make a great cat for someone who only wants one cat, she really is a sweetheart, she just can't tolerate the idea of another cat existing in her space. I am guessing she had some nasty fights when she was an outdoor kitty (she has not even once wanted to go outside since we got her).

Sassy is beautiful.

Truly.

A friend had a kitty with that pewter-gold fur, named Peaches.

I thought I was seeing her ghost.

Even if you're just a temporary custodian in Sassy's life, and despite her difficult behaviors, I'd say you've been blessed....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 23, 2021, 09:00:18 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on August 23, 2021, 06:17:49 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/V1fxGQn (https://imgur.com/gallery/V1fxGQn)

So we now have a sixth cat though we're hoping to find her a home. Sassy is the newest, she was really not being taken care of by someone who had way too much on their plate. This person moved and wasn't able to take Sassy with them and rather than have this poor cat go to the shelter we agreed to foster.
Sassy was about 6 pounds when we got her, she is now up to 13. Sassy only has three teeth left (she really was neglected) but she is so territorial that she has scared all of our other cats from going upstairs at our house. So, for now, the upstairs belongs to her alone. She would make a great cat for someone who only wants one cat, she really is a sweetheart, she just can't tolerate the idea of another cat existing in her space. I am guessing she had some nasty fights when she was an outdoor kitty (she has not even once wanted to go outside since we got her).

Aww, poor Sassy cat must have really had a rough past to be so skinny & feisty.  Glad that you are giving her a safe place to get plump and happy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on August 23, 2021, 09:34:48 AM
Sassy is so beautiful! Also, I love the name (and the pictured dignity of) Furonynmus Bosch.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 23, 2021, 05:56:53 PM
Aww, your kitties are so sweet! Furonymous actually looks somewhat like my OrangeGuy, and Hazel could be the twin of the late lamented Harlequin. Sassy is gorgeous. Glad a kitty who had such a tough previous life is now in a place where she feels safe & relaxed enough to sleep upside down like that.

Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on August 24, 2021, 06:06:28 AM
Furonymous is just a big bag of cat jelly, he is probably the most gentle, goofy cat we've ever had.
It's taken Sassy a month to come out from underneath the upstairs bed for more than a few minutes so she is definitely more comfortable. I felt so bad when we first got her home because she would eat so quickly that she kept throwing up. Hopefully we'll find her a good home but we know it's likely we'll end up with her long-term. I'm certainly not going to post on craigslist or anything similar and while I support the local humane society they freely acknowledge that they have a hard time homing any cats older than a year or two.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 24, 2021, 09:27:40 AM
I have a feeling there are several of us who, having seen the furry horde, would gladly chip in for the extra cat food if that would help in your decision to let Sassy continue to boss your household around...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on August 31, 2021, 04:26:07 PM
Ricochet the squirrelly tortie has a new safe-spot for this week--on the uncomfortable loveseat that nobody sits on. I threw a blanket on it one day as I was cleaning, and she claimed it as her spot. Impressively, she is allowing us to pet her as she sits on the loveseat. Even more impressively, she is sometimes allowing us to sit next to her and pet her.  And, in an unprecedented move that will probably never be replicated, one time she allowed me to sit next to her, pet her, and lay my head gently on her to hear her purring.

Ninja gave us a scare this weekend. She likes to go outside in the fenced backyard when we hang out on the porch or in the yard. My SO had let her out when he was some weeding. He came back in to grab a drink, leaving her outside for a few minutes, and accidentally left the gate open.   She apparently decided it was an invitation to go exploring.  After some frantic searching, we found her under our neighbor's car.  She spent the rest of the day sacked out from all the adventuring.

Hope everyone's kitties are doing well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: paultuttle on September 02, 2021, 02:38:31 PM
Loud meows were coming from (apparently) nowhere while I was waiting for my Subway salad at a drive-through window today at lunchtime. I looked all around my car, but I couldn't tell where the sounds were coming from. So--worried that whatever it was might be actually under my car--I switched off the engine.

Lo and behold, a tiny gray-and-white-striped kitten emerged from a downspout next to the drive-through window. When it seemed to be getting up the courage to step down onto the pavement and into harm's way, I turned on my car's engine and it vanished into the downspout again.

I told the Subway employee about the kitten. She was surprised that it was so close to her window, because she hadn't heard it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 02, 2021, 05:07:51 PM
Awww....you didn't pick it up out of the downspout and take it home?

Don't you really, really, really, down deep inside want a tiny gray-and-white-striped kitten?

Really?

(But I'm glad you told the Subway clerk).

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 04, 2021, 10:03:56 AM
It must be shedding time. All of the evil cats have experienced hairball issues this week. I guess we'll have to brush them and give them some nasty hairball paste. They love it.

Youngest evil cat has a game that she plays with her Daddy. He throws a sheet over her and she goes ballistic. She races around under it and grabs at the sheet. I started playing a similar game with her using an old towel that we keep for the cats. She played under it and then hauled cat butt across the room.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on September 07, 2021, 01:05:26 PM
QuoteIt must be shedding time. All of the evil cats have experienced hairball issues this week. I guess we'll have to brush them and give them some nasty hairball paste. They love it.

We have the same issue when summer starts to turn to fall and winter to spring. There's nothing like being woken up at 3am by a cat horking a hairball on you...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 07, 2021, 06:13:26 PM
Youngest evil cat is lying on me (sleeping) and is pushing elder evil cat off the couch!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: 0susanna on September 09, 2021, 08:53:57 AM
Let's see if this group has any advice I haven't already tried with my newish catten. Here's the backstory: early in December last year, I discovered a 6-week-old tabby kitten with white paws, vest, in my garage. I'm pretty sure it was one of a feral litter I'd seen in the yard earlier (don't know what happened to the others). I fed it and gradually tamed it, brought it into the house & confirmed it was female. I have several pics of her cuddling serenely in my lap, next to my face, etc. She got along with the other two cats. She went to the vet for her first checkup & shots. A couple months later, the vet said, "Bring her in to be spayed." Kitten categorically refused to be put into the carrier, and ever since will not allow me to pick her up or hold her. She never goes outside, and the other two cats are neutered, so no danger of unplanned kittens, but at some point, this cat needs veterinary care. I've been working for months to calm her down, and she will approach me and occasionally sit on my lap, brings me toys to throw for her, but she's still very spooky. (The other two cats are extremely mellow and love everyone.)

Things that have failed so far:
drugs--she now refuses tuna (disguising the sedative), and last time, the other cat ate it instead and had a very sleepy morning.
leaving the carrier out--she just ignores it, even if a treat is inside. One of the other cats has slept inside the open carrier very happily.
wrapping her in a towel or pillowcase--she runs away from any large, flappy objects, including laundry being folded
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on September 09, 2021, 11:19:25 AM
grind the pill to a powder first, and then put the powder in something she will eat/drink. 
Often pills are bitter, so that may cause a taste problem with milk or something else.

My cat loved chicken livers.  IF you can stand raw chicken liver, perhaps mashing the liver and mixing the pill powder will work.

Try a time or 2 to see if it works and then maybe put her in the box when she is out will remove the fear.  IF she wakes up in the box, safe and secure, it may reduce that fear. 

(Or she will also avoid liver, and that may make your life easier, because my kitty demanded chicken parts whenever I was cooking chickens!)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 09, 2021, 12:30:09 PM
Sorry to hear your catten is spooked, 0susanna.
Does she respond to catnip?
Does Feliway work for her?   It did not work for my squirrelly kitty (the vet suggested the the diffusers), but I know folks with cats that responded well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 12, 2021, 09:24:18 AM
You could try shutting her in a small room with food, water, and litter box.  Best if the room has nothing the kitty can hide in or under that you can't reach.  Leave her for the night.  Put on sturdy clothes you do not care about.  Shut yourself in the room with the kitty and a carrier.  Be determined to catch the kitty.  Ignore the whirling dervish of claws/howling/peeing.  Attempt to put kitty in the carrier and secure the door.
I'd put your odds at 50/50.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on September 12, 2021, 09:30:26 AM
QuoteYou could try shutting her in a small room with food, water, and litter box.  Best if the room has nothing the kitty can hide in or under that you can't reach.  Leave her for the night.  Put on sturdy clothes you do not care about.  Shut yourself in the room with the kitty and a carrier.  Be determined to catch the kitty.  Ignore the whirling dervish of claws/howling/peeing.  Attempt to put kitty in the carrier and secure the door.
I'd put your odds at 50/50.

I would NOT try this. 
This is a trust issue. You dont want to be on the kitty's 'bad side'.  And kitties have long memories!

Just a note about zoos.... The one giving the shots is NOT the same person that does the other things for the animals. The one that is associated with 'pain' is not the one that is the 'helper'/good guy. 

Trust is hard to regain once lost.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: 0susanna on September 13, 2021, 09:08:39 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on September 09, 2021, 12:30:09 PM
Sorry to hear your catten is spooked, 0susanna.
Does she respond to catnip?
Does Feliway work for her?   It did not work for my squirrelly kitty (the vet suggested the the diffusers), but I know folks with cats that responded well.
She doesn't seem very interested in catnip (maybe too young?) But I plugged in a Feliway diffuser last week and it seems to be making a difference in that she's a bit calmer, more willing to be touched. So I call that progress.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: 0susanna on September 13, 2021, 09:12:57 AM
Quote from: clean on September 12, 2021, 09:30:26 AM
QuoteYou could try shutting her in a small room with food, water, and litter box.  Best if the room has nothing the kitty can hide in or under that you can't reach.  Leave her for the night.  Put on sturdy clothes you do not care about.  Shut yourself in the room with the kitty and a carrier.  Be determined to catch the kitty.  Ignore the whirling dervish of claws/howling/peeing.  Attempt to put kitty in the carrier and secure the door.
I'd put your odds at 50/50.

I would NOT try this. 
This is a trust issue. You dont want to be on the kitty's 'bad side'.  And kitties have long memories!

Just a note about zoos.... The one giving the shots is NOT the same person that does the other things for the animals. The one that is associated with 'pain' is not the one that is the 'helper'/good guy. 

Trust is hard to regain once lost.
I am concerned about this. I'm pretty sure her first experience with the carrier & vet is what led to her current unwillingness to repeat the experience. But I'm the only person who can do it--though friends have offered to come and help if I get the cat into a small room, etc. Since the immediate project is getting her spayed, a vet making house-calls won't work, either. We continue the calming process.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: MarathonRunner on September 13, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
Haven't posted in ages but we lost our rescue to a sudden saddle thrombosis. Now our youngest cat is lost - our two older boys are old and don't play anymore. Looking for a new rescue. Hope to give a cat in need a loving home before too long. Playing with our youngest as much as I can, but I'm obviously not the same as having a feline playmate.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 13, 2021, 02:20:50 PM
Oohh, so sorry.

Your youngest cat is lucky you understand her needs.

You could try connecting with Sassy's people (upthread...)

But they might have decided to let her keep them.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: 0susanna on September 16, 2021, 10:10:15 AM
Quote from: MarathonRunner on September 13, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
Haven't posted in ages but we lost our rescue to a sudden saddle thrombosis. Now our youngest cat is lost - our two older boys are old and don't play anymore. Looking for a new rescue. Hope to give a cat in need a loving home before too long. Playing with our youngest as much as I can, but I'm obviously not the same as having a feline playmate.
Very sorry about this loss, MarathonRunner. About 12 years ago, a stray my cat had "adopted" for us died from the same thing, and it was traumatic for everyone. About a month later, a young cat reached out to me at an adoption event, and he has been the best cat ever since. I'm sure you'll find the one soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 16, 2021, 01:51:53 PM
Quote from: MarathonRunner on September 13, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
Haven't posted in ages but we lost our rescue to a sudden saddle thrombosis. Now our youngest cat is lost - our two older boys are old and don't play anymore. Looking for a new rescue. Hope to give a cat in need a loving home before too long. Playing with our youngest as much as I can, but I'm obviously not the same as having a feline playmate.

Sorry to hear it, MarathonRunner. Hope you find the right new kitty soon!

Osusanna, wish I had some advice for you about getting your kitty to the vet for spaying; unfortunately I don't. I do wish you luck.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: spork on September 17, 2021, 04:06:59 PM
Does anyone have a specific recommendation for an extra-strong cat litter scoop? My wife decided to "help" by cleaning the cat litter box and promptly snapped the scoop in half. I feed our two pandemic cats a wet food-only diet, and there are always lots of large, heavy pee clumps in the litter box.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 17, 2021, 04:21:19 PM
Quote from: spork on September 17, 2021, 04:06:59 PM
Does anyone have a specific recommendation for an extra-strong cat litter scoop? My wife decided to "help" by cleaning the cat litter box and promptly snapped the scoop in half. I feed our two pandemic cats a wet food-only diet, and there are always lots of large, heavy pee clumps in the litter box.

We bought a metal scooper.  It was worth the cost. 
Or maybe a small garden shovel?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 29, 2021, 02:34:06 PM
Youngest evil cat spent the last 20 minutes hauling ass around the room. Well, essentially, she did some parkour off the walls, leaped over the baby gate, you know- what she usually does. Now she's taking a nap on one of the arms of the sofa.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 29, 2021, 02:56:01 PM
The cats are exceedingly pleased about the return of the down comforter to the bed and the throw blanket to the couch. They will be even more pleased by the eventual return of the gas fireplace.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on September 29, 2021, 03:45:32 PM
It has been a busy and stressful day.  I am glad that there were posts to this thread!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on September 29, 2021, 03:57:17 PM
Quote from: Puget on September 29, 2021, 02:56:01 PM
The cats are exceedingly pleased about the return of the down comforter to the bed and the throw blanket to the couch. They will be even more pleased by the eventual return of the gas fireplace.

Those are some comfy kitties!

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 29, 2021, 07:27:35 PM
It's kitty marathon time. Youngest evil cat has the zoomies. She bounces off the door frame and over the gate and just makes the room shake when she lands. Sheesh!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 29, 2021, 09:37:27 PM
Just think if you had otters...they do backflips and 'tornadoes' in the bathtub...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiBr46IEBSE

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on September 30, 2021, 07:16:41 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on September 29, 2021, 03:57:17 PM
Quote from: Puget on September 29, 2021, 02:56:01 PM
The cats are exceedingly pleased about the return of the down comforter to the bed and the throw blanket to the couch. They will be even more pleased by the eventual return of the gas fireplace.

Those are some comfy kitties!

Previous Cat loved to lie on the bricks under the wood stove in the winter. Warmth above and below. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on September 30, 2021, 07:20:11 AM
I'm also getting out the extra blankets and checking the windows to be sure the insulation layers are intact and in place.

A kitten at my toes would be most welcome on cold nights in bed.

I do miss. that.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 30, 2021, 07:49:29 AM
Quote from: Harlow2 on September 30, 2021, 07:16:41 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on September 29, 2021, 03:57:17 PM
Quote from: Puget on September 29, 2021, 02:56:01 PM
The cats are exceedingly pleased about the return of the down comforter to the bed and the throw blanket to the couch. They will be even more pleased by the eventual return of the gas fireplace.

Those are some comfy kitties!

Previous Cat loved to lie on the bricks under the wood stove in the winter. Warmth above and below.

Our cat when I was a kid did this too. Sometimes her fur got almost too hot to touch but apparently there was no such thing as too warm as far as she was concerned!

The gas stove really only puts out heat through the front, so my current pair camp out in front rather than under it. They have a pair of cat baskets there, but Little Calico strongly prefers to lie on top of my feet on the footrest whenever possible, which also puts her level with the glass stove door where all the heat comes out.  She knows what she wants and she isn't afraid to meow piteously at me to get it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 04, 2021, 04:41:18 PM
It was a cool and rainy day and I got my flu shot and was feeling a bit chilled when I got home from work, so decided to turn the gas fire on for the first time this season. Little Calico has clearly not forgotten the beep the remote makes-- as soon as she herd it she came running and circled between me and the stove chirping frantically until the fire came on. She's now stretched on the chair beside me staring into the flames and purring. I think the theory that cats domesticated themselves by sidling up to the camp fire seems highly plausible.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 04, 2021, 04:48:49 PM
Quote from: Puget on October 04, 2021, 04:41:18 PM
It was a cool and rainy day and I got my flu shot and was feeling a bit chilled when I got home from work, so decided to turn the gas fire on for the first time this season. Little Calico has clearly not forgotten the beep the remote makes-- as soon as she herd it she came running and circled between me and the stove chirping frantically until the fire came on. She's now stretched on the chair beside me staring into the flames and purring. I think the theory that cats domesticated themselves by sidling up to the camp fire seems highly plausible.

How cute!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 04, 2021, 05:02:46 PM
The ginormous cat tree/kitty condo that we ordered for the Larimar cats arrived today!

It's really tall, and covered in nice soft cream-colored fuzzy fabric. It has several perches, lots of scratching-post pillars, one hideaway, and two dangling objects, one ball, one mouse-shaped, for them to bat around.

Best. Thing. Ever.

All four kitties were climbing on it before Mr. Larimar and I even finished assembling it.

Even Calico, who can be rather timid about exploring new things, went for it. In fact, she was the first to climb on it. HerMajesty took possession of the hideaway, while Twerp went for the highest perch. Orange guy climbed all over and probably was the first one to visit every perch.

They love it! I'm happy!


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 04, 2021, 07:45:02 PM
Quote from: Larimar on October 04, 2021, 05:02:46 PM
The ginormous cat tree/kitty condo that we ordered for the Larimar cats arrived today!

It's really tall, and covered in nice soft cream-colored fuzzy fabric. It has several perches, lots of scratching-post pillars, one hideaway, and two dangling objects, one ball, one mouse-shaped, for them to bat around.

Best. Thing. Ever.

All four kitties were climbing on it before Mr. Larimar and I even finished assembling it.

Even Calico, who can be rather timid about exploring new things, went for it. In fact, she was the first to climb on it. HerMajesty took possession of the hideaway, while Twerp went for the highest perch. Orange guy climbed all over and probably was the first one to visit every perch.

They love it! I'm happy!


Larimar

Yay! We have a bunch of cedar we bought to build a cat tree + hammock, but we haven't got around to it yet...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on October 05, 2021, 05:12:34 AM
Quote from: Larimar on October 04, 2021, 05:02:46 PM
The ginormous cat tree/kitty condo that we ordered for the Larimar cats arrived today!

It's really tall, and covered in nice soft cream-colored fuzzy fabric. It has several perches, lots of scratching-post pillars, one hideaway, and two dangling objects, one ball, one mouse-shaped, for them to bat around.

Best. Thing. Ever.

All four kitties were climbing on it before Mr. Larimar and I even finished assembling it.

Even Calico, who can be rather timid about exploring new things, went for it. In fact, she was the first to climb on it. HerMajesty took possession of the hideaway, while Twerp went for the highest perch. Orange guy climbed all over and probably was the first one to visit every perch.

They love it! I'm happy!


Larimar

We have something very similar, it is one of the few pieces of furniture that came with us on our last move. Now it's about 7-8 years old and the cats are still sleeping on it every day. We need to replace the scratching post materials and the dangling objects are long gone but it has held up really well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on October 05, 2021, 08:16:28 AM
Kid #1 has two barn cats at the farmhouse she's renting. Waffles (girl) showed up last summer, and Fuzz (boy) arrived this spring. They've become great friends, and she's shown him the ropes of how to cat. They've hunted all summer; even in the heat, there have been small birds, mice, and the occasional skink or lizard.

Last week their prey was some sort of large black/dark bird (from all the dark feathers on the back porch). I initially thought it was probably a grackle or starling, but as I think about it, I wouldn't put it past the two of them to have taken down a crow. They're pretty fierce for a couple of furballs!

(They left the heart for the Kid. They weren't impressed.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on October 05, 2021, 11:25:06 AM
AmLitHist, that bodes well for mousing this winter!

Puget, I don't think our cats have ever seen fire, but now I really hope they can!

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 05, 2021, 11:36:59 AM
Hubby is having a health flare and is weak. Ninja has appropriately determined that her role is to sleep next to him on the bed.  Ricochet does not yet participate in human caregiving. However, she was unexpectedly interested in the dark chocolate ensure I am forcing him to drink to get some calories in him. Seriously, the cat will only eat one type of cat food and refuses treats 99% of the time. But, she kept jumping on the side table and sticking her nose in the glass.  Now that the glass is empty, she has retreated through her wormhole again to reemerge sometime tonight when it is safer. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 05, 2021, 01:06:13 PM
All good thoughts to you and your hubby. Glad to know that he has a cat-caregiver on the scene to help you with the important tasks.

And it sounds like little Ricochet is still progressing....coming out a wormhole, even just to sniff at someone else's food, and even if only to return therein, counts for something!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 05, 2021, 04:26:47 PM
Quote from: mamselle on October 05, 2021, 01:06:13 PM
All good thoughts to you and your hubby. Glad to know that he has a cat-caregiver on the scene to help you with the important tasks.

And it sounds like little Ricochet is still progressing....coming out a wormhole, even just to sniff at someone else's food, and even if only to return therein, counts for something!

M.

+1 to this. Fingers crossed for you, OneMoreYear.



Yesterday, the brand new (& expensive) kitty condo playground was the best thing ever to the Larimar cats.

Today, none of them have gone near it.

Cats.

If it weren't so funny, I'd be annoyed.


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 05, 2021, 05:04:26 PM
Well, you know...

They can't let you think it matters TOO much to them, can they?

They'll come back. They're probably just plotting what platforms belong to whom, and who they'll attack for the next round, and...

You know.

Thinking like cats....

;--》

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 06, 2021, 02:27:21 AM
You're probably right.   :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on October 06, 2021, 05:46:24 AM
Four years today since we lost our LittleGirl.  I'm completely in love with our (not so little anymore) Yin and Yang, and with our FosterFail girl, but it's still just not the same.  Still wondering if "they" are right that you only get one of those special pet bonds in a lifetime, but also glad I can appreciate our current crew for the unique personalities they are. 

Meanwhile, I left the house for 20 minutes the other day and got a picture from StatSpouse of Yin balanced up on top of the bedroom door!  And last night's NasCat races ran late and right through the bed.  Yang came running at the alarm this morning for his usual morning cuddles.  They really are constant entertainment. 

(Larimer - we covered our new tree with their towels for a few weeks until it started smelling "right" and now it's their favorite place again.) 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on October 06, 2021, 06:00:00 AM
Our two permanent residents,  Booboo and Lil'lil,  continue to act like N and S Korea to each other.   Each has their own territory of the house of approximately equal area. The family room in the middle is the DMZ.   There are occasionally chases and hissing within the DMZ but I've never seen them physically fight each other.  Mostly,  they just stare at each other from different heights. 

My daughter is temporarily fostering 2 kittens from the Humane Society in a separate bedroom.  This makes her cat, Booboo (N. Korea in my analogy) extremely jealous but she has never attacked any previous foster kitties. 

Good to hear news about everyone else's cats. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 06, 2021, 07:12:01 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on October 06, 2021, 05:46:24 AM
Four years today since we lost our LittleGirl.  I'm completely in love with our (not so little anymore) Yin and Yang, and with our FosterFail girl, but it's still just not the same.  Still wondering if "they" are right that you only get one of those special pet bonds in a lifetime, but also glad I can appreciate our current crew for the unique personalities they are. 

Meanwhile, I left the house for 20 minutes the other day and got a picture from StatSpouse of Yin balanced up on top of the bedroom door!  And last night's NasCat races ran late and right through the bed.  Yang came running at the alarm this morning for his usual morning cuddles.  They really are constant entertainment. 

(Larimer - we covered our new tree with their towels for a few weeks until it started smelling "right" and now it's their favorite place again.)

It's been 4 years since my Buddycat died in his sleep.  Our current 3 are cute and playful and each have their own quirks, but it's just not the same.  They just don't love me in the way or depth Buddycat did.  I don't know if it's a just once in a lifetime or not, but some cats are just more special.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on October 06, 2021, 01:47:35 PM
Like the previous posters, for me there has been one memorable cat, Previous Cat, about whom we continue to reminisce. She fetched, played with the American Eskimo dog's wispy tail, and loved to play chase games. Of our 5 cats she was the most marvelous fun. Ulysses is memorable and loves to connect, but only on her cat terms.

Got up a bit early to make the slightly spicy baked tofu I've been yearning for.  The tofu achieved a lovely crispy golden brown. No where to leave it in the kitchen to cool (and thinking surely Ulysses wouldn't like it), I placed it on the counter.  Upstairs I started work only to have a computer semi-meltdown.  Once I returned to the kitchen anticipating at least a respite from frustration, I found sweet Ulysses had sampled about a third of the tofu cubes, tossed a few on the floor, and then absconded, leaving traces of the olive oil coating on stove and counters. Now she is begging loudly for dinner.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on October 06, 2021, 02:47:12 PM
A while ago I was outside dealing with ant mounds in the library's yard when I discovered a deceased black cat.  It appeared half-grown and seemed to have yielded up the ghost a day or two ago.  I found a spare cardboard box to rake it into and relocated it to the woods behind the library's property.  I'm glad that a certain staff member had a scheduled off day today.  She would have been very distressed if she had seen it.  Now she'll hopefully never have to know.

I wasn't an ornament to my day either.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 06, 2021, 04:20:54 PM
I am missing my FluffyGirl, my companion through grad school and postdoc who apparently thought cuddling with me was her purpose in life.  Ninja is hubby's cat, and Ricochet is not yet domesticated (maybe we should try fire?). I am tired and stressed and all I wanted to do is go to bed and cuddle with a cat. But I cannot because I need to get more done tonight and neither of the cats would offer to cuddle anyway. I love them for them, but I miss having a lapcat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 06, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Youngest evil cat has been very bad today, according to SO. He said that she moved the gate in front of the TV with her paws and then jumped behind the TV TWICE. He basically had to use the jaws of life to extract her from the tiny space that is behind the TV cabinet.

She has spent the past 20 minutes hauling major ass around the room, leaping onto boxes, diving under cat beds and complaining- loudly.

I've been keeping an eye on her to make sure she doesn't try to access the forbidden space again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 06, 2021, 04:31:24 PM
Quote from: apl68 on October 06, 2021, 02:47:12 PM
A while ago I was outside dealing with ant mounds in the library's yard when I discovered a deceased black cat.  It appeared half-grown and seemed to have yielded up the ghost a day or two ago.  I found a spare cardboard box to rake it into and relocated it to the woods behind the library's property.  I'm glad that a certain staff member had a scheduled off day today.  She would have been very distressed if she had seen it.  Now she'll hopefully never have to know.

I wasn't an ornament to my day either.

That's always difficult. I'm sorry you had to deal with it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 06, 2021, 04:51:27 PM
<<Got up a bit early to make the slightly spicy baked tofu I've been yearning for.  The tofu achieved a lovely crispy golden brown. No where to leave it in the kitchen to cool (and thinking surely Ulysses wouldn't like it), I placed it on the counter.  Upstairs I started work only to have a computer semi-meltdown.  Once I returned to the kitchen anticipating at least a respite from frustration, I found sweet Ulysses had sampled about a third of the tofu cubes, tossed a few on the floor, and then absconded, leaving traces of the olive oil coating on stove and counters. Now she is begging loudly for dinner.>>

Did she at least leave you a few cubes to sample, now that she's industrially tested the rest?

@apl68: Seconding the commiseration. Poor kitty, and I'm sorry you had to move it along, as well.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on October 07, 2021, 07:04:08 AM
Our back yard neighbors are having their roof replaced. They have a crew of six or seven workers who worked diligently yesterday from about 8 a.m. to well after dark. If Hestia even noticed, it was momentary. Artemis, on the other hand, is terrified of any stranger she can see, regardless of how far away the stranger is or how hard it would be for the stranger to reach her. She spent half of yesterday cowering under a bush in front of the house until we brought her indoors. Spouse and I were sipping coffee on the patio this morning, cats lounging contentedly at our feet, when the first roofer's emerged over the crest of the roof and our sweet Artemis compressed her fairly hefty body into the smallest shape she could make, then slunk back to the house and plastered herself against our door. Poor thing.

Once inside, she occasionally forgets about the danger and asks to go back out, only to retreat in terror (each time) when she sticks her nose out and sees the horrors anew.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on October 07, 2021, 07:23:37 AM
The cat-loving staff member who was off duty yesterday while I dealt with the deceased feline at work is going on and on about cats up front even as I type.  SO glad she didn't have to see that dead cat!  Hoping that none of the staff members who do know about it slips up and comments about it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 07, 2021, 11:59:43 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on October 06, 2021, 05:46:24 AM

(Larimer - we covered our new tree with their towels for a few weeks until it started smelling "right" and now it's their favorite place again.) 

Thanks for the idea, Statsgeek.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on October 08, 2021, 10:47:41 AM
OneMoreYear, we have a cat nursing staff as well. One assists ALHS every morning and night when he takes his BP (she lays her tail across his arm, presumably taking his pulse). The other has a very definite schedule of where to sleep every day and for how long; after ALHS has been off his feet following foot surgery a couple of weeks ago, she's abandoned her schedule to monitor his days, sitting by his big booted foot on the recliner.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on October 08, 2021, 10:51:59 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on October 08, 2021, 10:47:41 AM
OneMoreYear, we have a cat nursing staff as well. One assists ALHS every morning and night when he takes his BP (she lays her tail across his arm, presumably taking his pulse). The other has a very definite schedule of where to sleep every day and for how long; after ALHS has been off his feet following foot surgery a couple of weeks ago, she's abandoned her schedule to monitor his days, sitting by his big booted foot on the recliner.

That's a lovely story.  And hope he's recovering nicely with the bedside attention.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on October 08, 2021, 11:54:43 AM
Thanks, Harlow, he's on the mend! And he's one of those guys who swears allegiance to "dogs only," yet these cats have always had him wrapped around their fingers, er, toe beans!  :-)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on October 20, 2021, 06:19:04 AM
This morning I saw a cat perched atop a board fence like an owl, surveying the neighborhood.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on October 21, 2021, 11:35:36 AM
Lately I've been seeing a black cat in an alley that I often walk through in the morning.  This morning I saw it there again.  Only a few feet away, behind a fence across the alley, I saw another black creature about its size.  Did it have a twin?  Then I realized that the second creature was actually a tiny black dog.  It was the same color, about the same size, and only a few feet away, so that at a glance they looked like siblings.  What are the odds?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 21, 2021, 01:00:23 PM
The feral cat we've been feeding has taken to greeting me in the parking lot whenever I get home and get out of my car, and then she'll walk me to the door. It's sweet, but kind of annoying, because I don't want her rubbing against me or my stuff that I then need to take into the house. We don't want our indoor crew exposed to her.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 21, 2021, 02:20:59 PM
How long before you adopt her?

That's clearly what she's angling for.

She knows a good thing when she sees it....

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 23, 2021, 10:39:05 AM
When I first posted about Caramelo joining the family, I mentioned he seemed more independent than Maestro (as in, didn't seem to feel much need to seek out attention).

I take it all back. I suppose he just hadn't enough experience being doted on to realize how much he liked it.

For the first several months, he was Maestro's fuzzy little shadow. There were times we had to hold him to allow Maestro a little peace to finish a meal or use the litter box. Caramelo even mirrored Maestro's poses. If Maestro was a bread loaf, so was little brother. If he was curled in a ball, flopped over on his side, or sprawled on his back, there would be the tiny brown mimic a few inches away in exactly the same position. I never knew cats were such imitators!

Caramelo even learned a couple of the Maestro's tricks strictly through observation (without direct training)!

But more recently, it seems the novelty of having a baby brother has worn off somewhat for the Maestro. They still play, groom, and nap together, but Maestro's been asserting a need for regular bouts of kitten-free time (both alone and with his humans).

Thus, Caramelo has gradually started to become *my* shadow, since he knows the charm of his cute kitty face is still as influential as ever with me. He greets me at the door demanding pets and stands on his hind legs to get his head to my hand all the faster. He sleeps at my side as if he's been attached with velcro and never seems to get enough skritches. I love it.

I have a backlog of cat stories and questions from living with two cats with such very different quirks and personalities. Will be deploying them in the near future.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on October 23, 2021, 10:54:34 AM
dont delay! 
More cat stories are welcome!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 23, 2021, 01:12:49 PM
Quote from: clean on October 23, 2021, 10:54:34 AM
dont delay! 
More cat stories are welcome!

+1 to this. We look forward to hearing the further adventures of Maestro and Caramelo.


Quote from: mamselle on October 21, 2021, 02:20:59 PM
How long before you adopt her?

That's clearly what she's angling for.

She knows a good thing when she sees it....

;--}

M.

Thanks, Mamselle.

Unfortunately, Mr. Larimar and I cannot adopt our fuzzy outdoor friend. We don't have the space or the budget for more than four kitties. We do try to be a good friend to her though.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 23, 2021, 05:36:01 PM
I really should get up and do some things, but Little Calico is stretched out full length on my legs in front of the fire. So I can't possibly move, can I?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on October 23, 2021, 05:57:27 PM
Well...here's a story.

Heard some shuffling noises in my room and looked to see Maestro dragging his teddy bear across the carpet. He then leaped onto my bed with it, mated with it, and is currently spooning with it while he drifts off to sleep.

Caramelo watched the whole process with puzzled fascination.

Um...ewww...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 23, 2021, 05:58:30 PM
Quote from: Puget on October 23, 2021, 05:36:01 PM
I really should get up and do some things, but Little Calico is stretched out full length on my legs in front of the fire. So I can't possibly move, can I?

Absolutely not.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 26, 2021, 07:17:44 AM
It has rained for the first time in months.  The cats are Not Pleased.  Why is the outside wet?  Why is it cold?  Why is there mud? Why is water falling from the sky? Why won't the human staff just fix it?!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 26, 2021, 08:05:48 AM
I installed a cat door insert in the window to allow them continued access to the catio without heating the great outdoors. So far, Panther Boy has mastered it (he is highly motivated, and also a pro at opening cupboard doors), but Little Calico will only go through if I hold the flap at least partly open for her. I think she gets the concept, but won't push hard enough to release the magnetic latch and seems a little afraid of the flap hitting her-- training tips welcome!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 26, 2021, 08:07:32 AM
Put food on the other side?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on October 26, 2021, 09:05:02 AM
Quotetraining tips welcome!

I think that she has trained you quite well! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 26, 2021, 09:47:44 AM
Quote from: clean on October 26, 2021, 09:05:02 AM
Quotetraining tips welcome!

I think that she has trained you quite well!

Haha, that is very true!

Quote from: mamselle on October 26, 2021, 08:07:32 AM
Put food on the other side?

M.

Unfortunately she isn't particularly food motivated.

I may see if temporarily blocking the magnet so it swings more easily helps.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on October 27, 2021, 05:59:36 AM
My Yin and Yang boys were extra snuggly last night - which was great until I woke up waaaayyyyy too warm and had to fight the "I gotta get out of this blanket now" urge enough to slow down and NOT send everyone flying. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on October 27, 2021, 09:14:56 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/pptSxmY (https://imgur.com/gallery/pptSxmY)
The cats sure love it when I get art supplies in the mail, all that shipping paper is clearly what is important.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on October 27, 2021, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 27, 2021, 09:14:56 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/pptSxmY (https://imgur.com/gallery/pptSxmY)
The cats sure love it when I get art supplies in the mail, all that shipping paper is clearly what is important.

You have supplied them with playthings for hours!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on October 27, 2021, 11:44:19 AM
Quote from: Puget on October 26, 2021, 08:05:48 AM
I installed a cat door insert in the window to allow them continued access to the catio without heating the great outdoors. So far, Panther Boy has mastered it (he is highly motivated, and also a pro at opening cupboard doors), but Little Calico will only go through if I hold the flap at least partly open for her. I think she gets the concept, but won't push hard enough to release the magnetic latch and seems a little afraid of the flap hitting her-- training tips welcome!

Our cats don't seem to fully understand pushing.  We have unlatched cupboards - just pull open - and the cats are expert at getting inside, but often get stuck and can't push open the same door they had to have pulled open.  We're alerted by the cupboard door banging. Our hypothesis is that maybe the pushing puts pressure on their whiskers that tells them to stop?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 27, 2021, 12:52:40 PM
I have had several cats that needed "help" in going through the cat door.  When they were "helped" to the less pleasant side, they eventually learned how to operate the door to get back.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 27, 2021, 02:19:08 PM
Quote from: sprout on October 27, 2021, 11:44:19 AM
Quote from: Puget on October 26, 2021, 08:05:48 AM
I installed a cat door insert in the window to allow them continued access to the catio without heating the great outdoors. So far, Panther Boy has mastered it (he is highly motivated, and also a pro at opening cupboard doors), but Little Calico will only go through if I hold the flap at least partly open for her. I think she gets the concept, but won't push hard enough to release the magnetic latch and seems a little afraid of the flap hitting her-- training tips welcome!

Our cats don't seem to fully understand pushing.  We have unlatched cupboards - just pull open - and the cats are expert at getting inside, but often get stuck and can't push open the same door they had to have pulled open.  We're alerted by the cupboard door banging. Our hypothesis is that maybe the pushing puts pressure on their whiskers that tells them to stop?

Interesting hypothesis-- Panther Boy, who has mastered the cat door, seems to always put a paw through first, then his head, so maybe he is trying to create an opening for his whiskers.

I mean, I think I would hesitate a bit to walk into a seemingly solid surface head first, so I can't really blame them.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 27, 2021, 05:14:25 PM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 27, 2021, 09:14:56 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/pptSxmY (https://imgur.com/gallery/pptSxmY)
The cats sure love it when I get art supplies in the mail, all that shipping paper is clearly what is important.

You should start a company that ships cat food/toys/etc that all arrives in a box of crackly, brown paper.  Hours of fun!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 27, 2021, 05:27:30 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on October 27, 2021, 05:14:25 PM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on October 27, 2021, 09:14:56 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/pptSxmY (https://imgur.com/gallery/pptSxmY)
The cats sure love it when I get art supplies in the mail, all that shipping paper is clearly what is important.

You should start a company that ships cat food/toys/etc that all arrives in a box of crackly, brown paper.  Hours of fun!

This company exists-- it is called Chewy. Every month when the big Chewy box of food and litter arrives, the cats are beside themselves waiting for me to empty it so they can take possession. Not only does it have lots of crinkly paper, but it is cat food scented!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 28, 2021, 03:39:06 AM
Oh, yes. Chewy boxes are very popular here too!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 28, 2021, 06:38:59 AM
Quote from: Larimar on October 28, 2021, 03:39:06 AM
Oh, yes. Chewy boxes are very popular here too!

Same here. Youngest evil cat has amassed quite a collection and has established Ft. Evil in a corner of the tv room.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 28, 2021, 05:09:05 PM
Quote from: Puget on October 26, 2021, 09:47:44 AM
Quote from: clean on October 26, 2021, 09:05:02 AM
Quotetraining tips welcome!

I think that she has trained you quite well!

Haha, that is very true!


Speaking of which-- within a week of the return of colder weather, she has me very well trained to turn on the fire for her in the evening and then sit in front of it with my legs up so she can lay on my legs. The minute I'm done with dinner (or she thinks I *should* be done) she starts chirping and trying to lead me to the living room. I generally don't take too much persuasion.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on October 28, 2021, 06:52:55 PM
I am sure that she is quite pleased with how trainable you are. I m sure that she has had many frustrating times to get you to where you are now, but I am sure that she would give you a Golden Catnip on your Report Card. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on October 28, 2021, 07:54:19 PM
I, alas, am the heater for Ulysses, who leans against me, paws on my arm just loose enough that I can still type on the iPad.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 01, 2021, 02:16:51 PM
Does anyone else have a kitty who likes to drown toys?

Maestro never did this, but Caramelo loves to trot his toys over to the water dish and drop them in the drink. Sometimes he'll happily fish it out and then toss it back in over and over again. Sometimes he just leaves it in there like some kind of decoration (think little pink umbrellas, except the umbrellas are fuzzy, felt mice discoloring the water).

It's pretty funny, but it also makes soft toys pretty disgusting. SO throws out all the cloth toys so they won't get moldy (a practice which both cats protest, since they enjoy the soft toys).

A few times, Caramelo has also stolen a sock or even a pair of drawstring pants from me and left it soaking in the dish for me to find.

We're not sure why he does this, or how to persuade him to stop.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 02, 2021, 11:49:29 AM
Thankfully ours don't put toys in their water fountain, but Lady Jane will deposit her favorite toys in special hiding places.  That includes: in the bathtub (no water), under the throw rugs, folded into the bathmat, and tucked into the dish of kibble.  I think it's a bit of an instinct to hide "prey/food" and a bit of her not wanting to share with the other cats.

You could always put the soggy toys in a delicates bag & put them in the dryer. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 02, 2021, 02:15:58 PM
Ours used to put their toys in their water bowls. When we switched to the fountain, they longer do so. I've seen varying reasons why cats do this--they are saving their prey for later, because It's Fun!, and because they are trying to teach their humans how to hunt. I think it's pretty instinctual, so I'm not sure what method would get it to stop.

Ours do continue to put their "prey" (large paperclips, milk rings, twist ties) in their food bowls.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 02, 2021, 02:51:35 PM
Mine also don't put them the water, but do like to deposit them in other receptacles-- their beds, boxes, and my shoes being favorites. They also carry them out to the the catio and leave them there, like kids abandoning their toys in the yard.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 02, 2021, 03:08:52 PM
Silly humans!

Anycat knows you puts them in the water to softens them up....so they're easier to chew...eat...swallow!

Live or stuffed...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on November 02, 2021, 03:31:12 PM
Ulysses ignores her toys; she wants me to entertain her. Maybe we need new toys?  She isn't interested in things that roll around or light up, and gets bored pretty quickly with the feathered ball in a stick and laser she used to like. Loves the cardboard box with internal baffles you can hide treats in, and she comes to tell me every night around 9 that it's time to fill it, after she's opened all the cupboards to see if magically there is food for her there. Sounds like  Small Clean Rat's cat is conducting her own research!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 06, 2021, 02:23:07 PM
Quote from: Puget on October 27, 2021, 02:19:08 PM
Quote from: sprout on October 27, 2021, 11:44:19 AM
Quote from: Puget on October 26, 2021, 08:05:48 AM
I installed a cat door insert in the window to allow them continued access to the catio without heating the great outdoors. So far, Panther Boy has mastered it (he is highly motivated, and also a pro at opening cupboard doors), but Little Calico will only go through if I hold the flap at least partly open for her. I think she gets the concept, but won't push hard enough to release the magnetic latch and seems a little afraid of the flap hitting her-- training tips welcome!

Our cats don't seem to fully understand pushing.  We have unlatched cupboards - just pull open - and the cats are expert at getting inside, but often get stuck and can't push open the same door they had to have pulled open.  We're alerted by the cupboard door banging. Our hypothesis is that maybe the pushing puts pressure on their whiskers that tells them to stop?

Interesting hypothesis-- Panther Boy, who has mastered the cat door, seems to always put a paw through first, then his head, so maybe he is trying to create an opening for his whiskers.

I mean, I think I would hesitate a bit to walk into a seemingly solid surface head first, so I can't really blame them.

I am happy to report that Little Calico is now using the cat door with ease. For anyone looking to train a hesitant cat, I think the trick ended up being to pick her up and push her head first through the flap when she wanted to go out, so she could experience first hand how it was done and that the flap would move and not hurt her. That, and once she was out, ignoring her pleas to be let back in and making her open it herself instead. A few repetitions of that, and the complete unacceptability of watching Panther Boy enjoy the catio without her did the trick in a couple of days.

Pleased this has worked and they can continue to have catio access without me heating the great outdoors in the process.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 07, 2021, 04:28:00 AM
Congratulations to both of you.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 08, 2021, 11:38:31 AM
Cats do NOT approve of this whole "set the clocks back" nonsense.  They were convinced we were trying to starve them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 08, 2021, 11:40:26 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on November 08, 2021, 11:38:31 AM
Cats do NOT approve of this whole "set the clocks back" nonsense.  They were convinced we were trying to starve them.

Same-- the cats think dinner should appear when it gets dark. Never mind that is now 4:30 PM.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 08, 2021, 01:36:52 PM
Split the difference (i.e., a 15 min-1/2 hour adjustment)?

Or does feeding depend on Standard-time humans arriving home first, so they can use their opposable thumbs to operate the can-opener?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 08, 2021, 02:24:47 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 08, 2021, 01:36:52 PM
Split the difference (i.e., a 15 min-1/2 hour adjustment)?

Or does feeding depend on Standard-time humans arriving home first, so they can use their opposable thumbs to operate the can-opener?

M.

No can opener (wet food has pull tabs), but yes, the human servant is needed to serve dinner, but inconveniently has a second job that outside the home.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 09, 2021, 11:56:35 AM
We have a clock that makes a different bird call every hour.  The cats only took 2 days to associate the 5:00pm chirp-chirp noise with us serving them their evening meal.  I'm sure Sir Puck thought the clock was broken.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on November 09, 2021, 12:53:23 PM
Electra was vigorously meowing at me (she never does this) while I was doing laundry, until I stopped and asked her what she wanted.  She led me over to the basement corner to show me the dead mouse she had killed (I presume).  She was so proud (or whatever the cat equivalent is) of herself.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on November 09, 2021, 02:07:06 PM
You are fortunate that your kitty is providing support for the poor human underlings!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 09, 2021, 03:19:40 PM
Quote from: FishProf on November 09, 2021, 12:53:23 PM
Electra was vigorously meowing at me (she never does this) while I was doing laundry, until I stopped and asked her what she wanted.  She led me over to the basement corner to show me the dead mouse she had killed (I presume).  She was so proud (or whatever the cat equivalent is) of herself.

What a clever kitty!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 09, 2021, 05:45:34 PM
Quote from: FishProf on November 09, 2021, 12:53:23 PM
Electra was vigorously meowing at me (she never does this) while I was doing laundry, until I stopped and asked her what she wanted.  She led me over to the basement corner to show me the dead mouse she had killed (I presume).  She was so proud (or whatever the cat equivalent is) of herself.

A cat wants to be acknowledged for a job well done.

When I was a kid we had an indoor/outdoor cat who was a mighty hunter-- she always wanted to bring us her kills, and seemed truly perplexed that we did not want them. When she caught things at night, she would leave them as gifts outside our bedroom doors, certain we would want them for breakfast. I think our failure to either learn to hunt for ourselves or at least appreciate her meals must have been a source of disappointment, but she was very tolerant of our failures.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 09, 2021, 06:34:22 PM
She was probably wishing for at least a rabbit head in return...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 09, 2021, 07:06:12 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 09, 2021, 06:34:22 PM
She was probably wishing for at least a rabbit head in return...

M.

Oh, she was more than capable of supplying her own rabbits, sometimes nearly as big as she was.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 10, 2021, 03:46:21 AM
Congratulations to Electra the mighty huntress!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Morden on November 10, 2021, 09:46:08 AM
A neighbour's cat once left us a mouse beside our back door; I think it was in appreciation of the soft cushions on deck chairs.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on November 10, 2021, 09:54:46 AM
Note - IF Elektra killed the mouse, she didn't know what to do with it afterward.  No interest in eating it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 10, 2021, 11:04:37 AM
Ours don't have interest in eating the mice they catch either, though Ricochet eats bugs (our basement is unfinished so I'm more than happy to have her hunt small prey down there). Ricochet does apparently associate mice with "food" as she has deposited her kills next to the food bowls.

Congrats to Electra!

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on November 10, 2021, 11:04:53 AM
Many years ago one of our cats was a hunting machine. He would catch mice and eat the top half of them leaving their haunches all of the yard...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on November 12, 2021, 08:37:13 AM
When we first moved to a house with mice, Previous Cat watched them as the strolled past her in the living room.  A couple or more months  passed before something clicked and she began to think of mice as prey rather than fellow residents. I was relieved when I finally didn't have to set traps.  But then, body parts. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 12, 2021, 09:06:08 AM
I did some bedding laundry and threw it on the bed to make it later. Ricochet has decided the pile of blankets makes a good, safe nest and has decided to live there for the foreseeable future. Guess I'm not making the bed!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 12, 2021, 11:52:30 AM
We didn't put away the new bag of cat food fast enough and Lady Jane tore a hole through the bag and helped herself.
She looked quite pleased.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on November 17, 2021, 05:26:27 PM
Ulysses is right now engrossed in an episode of Nature on the Rockies . She was trying to figure out how to get closer to the kangaroo rats and Sanhill cranes on the TV but is equally fascinated by the bighorn sheep and bison. I wish I'd realized earlier that she would respond to this as she is often bored.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 17, 2021, 07:52:43 PM
So...cat TV instead of bird TV, hunh?

Who knew!!??

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 19, 2021, 07:40:45 AM
It's chilly outside and youngest evil cat is sitting with me on the couch with the electric blanket (which makes everything so toasty). She's in 'a mood' and has been a bit bitey.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 19, 2021, 08:45:20 AM
Panther Boy would like me to turn the temperature back up outside. He keeps going out to the catio for a few minutes (thank you new cat door!) and then coming in and meowing at me. Sorry cat, my powers are limited to indoor climate control.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 20, 2021, 05:28:25 AM
The Larimar cats have been reacting to the cold, too. OrangeGuy and Calico have wanted to be on the bed at night, and HerMajesty and Twerp are making much more use of the kitty cushions than during the summer.

Unfortunately, the fancy new kitty condo in the living room doesn't get much attention at all. HerMajesty likes the highest perch, but that's it; no one else has been interested in playing on it.

Cats.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on November 21, 2021, 09:27:31 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 20, 2021, 05:28:25 AM

Unfortunately, the fancy new kitty condo in the living room doesn't get much attention at all. HerMajesty likes the highest perch, but that's it; no one else has been interested in playing on it.

Cats.

Ulysses liked hers for a couple of months but has been ignoring it for the last year. I tried moving it but that didnt make a difference..right now she's more interested in the cardboard box with 6-inch holes that she can race in and out of.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on November 21, 2021, 10:10:20 AM
Perhaps a basket placed (maybe tied down) on one of the shelves

and ask for paper bags at the grocery store rather than plastic.  It is better for society, and kitties like playing in bags as much as boxes!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 22, 2021, 10:18:53 PM
One of our cat trees is right outside my bedroom.

Maestro often perches on top, sitting upright and alert like an adorable sentry. I'm not sure if he's actually trying to "guard" me, but it often looks that way.

Maestro seems to feel responsible for overseeing house and family in general.

Caramelo, as Maestro's little fan boy, would often rest on the level just below Maestro's and gaze at him adoringly.

When Caramelo takes the top of the tree, he's almost always snoozing, never guarding.

As a little bitty kitten, Caramelo loved to clamber his way up to the top of the cat tree, but wasn't nearly so confident about clambering back down.  At times when SO and I would be showering Maestro with affection, Caramelo would whine pitifully, not wanting to be left out, yet feeling stuck at the top of the tree. One of us would have to go "rescue" him and carry him over to join the cuddlefest.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 23, 2021, 02:02:38 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 22, 2021, 10:18:53 PM

As a little bitty kitten, Caramelo loved to clamber his way up to the top of the cat tree, but wasn't nearly so confident about clambering back down.  At times when SO and I would be showering Maestro with affection, Caramelo would whine pitifully, not wanting to be left out, yet feeling stuck at the top of the tree. One of us would have to go "rescue" him and carry him over to join the cuddlefest.

Awww!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on November 23, 2021, 02:14:36 PM
I visited Kid #1 at their farmhouse after work, and got great joy from watching the two farm cats aggravate the Wonder-dog (still a GSD puppy and 125 pounds).

The cats hid under her low-slung Volvo, with only their whiskers showing outside. The pup would look and look before finally finding them.  He'd go charging up, only to get 2, 3, or four front paws flung out to swat at him. The cats would then run to the other side of the car, where he'd find them and start it all over again.  They were having great sport of it, and the pup wanted under that car so badly! 

After about 15 minutes of this, one cat crept out and headed under the deck while the doggo was on the other side of the car; by the time he figured it out, the other cat had joined the first, just out of arm's/paw's reach under the deck.  Both cats took off like a shot under the deck, but stopped dead in the middle of it--while poor pup stood at the far end, trying to figure out where they'd gone after (he presumed) they'd shot out from underneath.  He worried himself sick for a few minutes until he caught their scent and realized they were hiding out right underneath him!

It takes so little to amuse farm cats (and me)!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ursula on November 29, 2021, 09:59:04 AM
Quote from: Harlow2 on November 21, 2021, 09:27:31 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 20, 2021, 05:28:25 AM

Unfortunately, the fancy new kitty condo in the living room doesn't get much attention at all. HerMajesty likes the highest perch, but that's it; no one else has been interested in playing on it.

Cats.

Ulysses liked hers for a couple of months but has been ignoring it for the last year. I tried moving it but that didnt make a difference..right now she's more interested in the cardboard box with 6-inch holes that she can race in and out of.

Our had ignored their cat tower for over s year -- so long that we started using it to pile things on.  Then last week Cleo climbed up there, knocked all our crap on the floor, and made it her perch again (for now).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 29, 2021, 10:00:25 AM
That'll show ya...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 29, 2021, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: ursula on November 29, 2021, 09:59:04 AM
Quote from: Harlow2 on November 21, 2021, 09:27:31 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 20, 2021, 05:28:25 AM

Unfortunately, the fancy new kitty condo in the living room doesn't get much attention at all. HerMajesty likes the highest perch, but that's it; no one else has been interested in playing on it.

Cats.

Ulysses liked hers for a couple of months but has been ignoring it for the last year. I tried moving it but that didnt make a difference..right now she's more interested in the cardboard box with 6-inch holes that she can race in and out of.

Our had ignored their cat tower for over s year -- so long that we started using it to pile things on.  Then last week Cleo climbed up there, knocked all our crap on the floor, and made it her perch again (for now).

Well you see, by putting your stuff on it you suggest that it was a place you *didn't* want cats, so naturally it became a highly attractive place for cats.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 29, 2021, 10:05:46 AM
Quote from: Puget on November 29, 2021, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: ursula on November 29, 2021, 09:59:04 AM
Quote from: Harlow2 on November 21, 2021, 09:27:31 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 20, 2021, 05:28:25 AM

Unfortunately, the fancy new kitty condo in the living room doesn't get much attention at all. HerMajesty likes the highest perch, but that's it; no one else has been interested in playing on it.

Cats.

Ulysses liked hers for a couple of months but has been ignoring it for the last year. I tried moving it but that didnt make a difference..right now she's more interested in the cardboard box with 6-inch holes that she can race in and out of.

Our had ignored their cat tower for over s year -- so long that we started using it to pile things on.  Then last week Cleo climbed up there, knocked all our crap on the floor, and made it her perch again (for now).

Well you see, by putting your stuff on it you suggest that it was a place you *didn't* want cats, so naturally it became a highly attractive place for cats.

Just because they don't want it doesn't mean they don't want it available.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on November 29, 2021, 10:18:58 AM
We moved out cat tower to the diametrically opposite corner and the Thundercats LOST.THEIR.MINDS.

Zoomies up around and through the tower, multilevel wrestling, and sneak attacks on feet ensued.

Now it appears to be the command post for the impending assault on the Christmas tree.  They are up to something....
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on November 30, 2021, 04:50:58 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on November 29, 2021, 10:05:46 AM
Quote from: Puget on November 29, 2021, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: ursula on November 29, 2021, 09:59:04 AM
Quote from: Harlow2 on November 21, 2021, 09:27:31 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 20, 2021, 05:28:25 AM

Unfortunately, the fancy new kitty condo in the living room doesn't get much attention at all. HerMajesty likes the highest perch, but that's it; no one else has been interested in playing on it.

Cats.



Ulysses liked hers for a couple of months but has been ignoring it for the last year. I tried moving it but that didnt make a difference..right now she's more interested in the cardboard box with 6-inch holes that she can race in and out of.

Our had ignored their cat tower for over s year -- so long that we started using it to pile things on.  Then last week Cleo climbed up there, knocked all our crap on the floor, and made it her perch again (for now).

Well you see, by putting your stuff on it you suggest that it was a place you *didn't* want cats, so naturally it became a highly attractive place for cats.

Just because they don't want it doesn't mean they don't want it available.

So that's the secret: architectural ornamentation! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 30, 2021, 07:01:37 PM
Quote from: FishProf on November 29, 2021, 10:18:58 AM
We moved out cat tower to the diametrically opposite corner and the Thundercats LOST.THEIR.MINDS.

Zoomies up around and through the tower, multilevel wrestling, and sneak attacks on feet ensued.

Now it appears to be the command post for the impending assault on the Christmas tree.  They are up to something....

Hilarious. I'm imagining cat rampage.

Youngest evil cat has learned how to jump up on top of the fridge. Why? We occasionally put Eldest evil cat's medicated food up there. Youngest evil cat is VERY food-motivated.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 04, 2021, 07:56:04 AM
Ricochet did her best attempt at lap sitting this morning! She jumped on to my lap (and only jumped on and off 3 times) and flopped down (she does not appear to understand how to do the circle-before-lying-down move). Then she stayed and purred for 5 minutes! Unfortunately, there will never be documentation of the lap sitting, as I must use my right hand to give her head scritches, and my left hand to gently pet her body (no tummy rubs).  These two things must occur the entire time she is on my lap, or she jumps off. SO stood in another room and peered briefly at the proceedings (if he comes into the room, she immediately jumps off), but she apparently felt his presence and bolted before he could take a picture.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 04, 2021, 08:08:15 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 04, 2021, 07:56:04 AM
Ricochet did her best attempt at lap sitting this morning! She jumped on to my lap (and only jumped on and off 3 times) and flopped down (she does not appear to understand how to do the circle-before-lying-down move). Then she stayed and purred for 5 minutes! Unfortunately, there will never be documentation of the lap sitting, as I must use my right hand to give her head scritches, and my left hand to gently pet her body (no tummy rubs).  These two things must occur the entire time she is on my lap, or she jumps off. SO stood in another room and peered briefly at the proceedings (if he comes into the room, she immediately jumps off), but she apparently felt his presence and bolted before he could take a picture.

Good job!

Lap sitting skill development can take time. Last winter, Little Calico was enrolled in Lab Sitting 101, but she has since become a graduate level lap sitter. Every evening she waits for me to turn on the fire and sit in the designated lap sitting chair (if this process is delayed she will encourage it along with lots of squeaking and circling) and settles in until I have to displace her to get up and do something else or go to bed. Panther Boy doesn't lap sit per se, but likes to lie pressed up next to me.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 04, 2021, 10:35:32 AM
Quote from: Puget on December 04, 2021, 08:08:15 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 04, 2021, 07:56:04 AM
Ricochet did her best attempt at lap sitting this morning! She jumped on to my lap (and only jumped on and off 3 times) and flopped down (she does not appear to understand how to do the circle-before-lying-down move). Then she stayed and purred for 5 minutes! Unfortunately, there will never be documentation of the lap sitting, as I must use my right hand to give her head scritches, and my left hand to gently pet her body (no tummy rubs).  These two things must occur the entire time she is on my lap, or she jumps off. SO stood in another room and peered briefly at the proceedings (if he comes into the room, she immediately jumps off), but she apparently felt his presence and bolted before he could take a picture.

Good job!

Lap sitting skill development can take time. Last winter, Little Calico was enrolled in Lab Sitting 101, but she has since become a graduate level lap sitter. Every evening she waits for me to turn on the fire and sit in the designated lap sitting chair (if this process is delayed she will encourage it along with lots of squeaking and circling) and settles in until I have to displace her to get up and do something else or go to bed. Panther Boy doesn't lap sit per se, but likes to lie pressed up next to me.

:) We adopted Ricochet more than 5 years ago as a little kitten.  Ninja (her litter mate) immediately figured out what people were for (to serve her), and has been a lapcat from the get-go.  Ricochet is continually enrolled in developmental courses in the Human-Feline Interaction certificate. We think we have finally convinced her that we are not going to eat her, but that knowledge is only applied to SO and I; if any other people enter the house, she heads through a wormhole again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 05, 2021, 06:09:36 PM
The cats made two unauthorized excursions to the unfinished basement today.

First one this morning-- They weren't in the bedroom when I woke up, which is unusual. A bit later they silently slunk up the stairs together, always a sign they've been up to no good. The cobwebs in their whiskers gave them away (I guess I should vacuum the basement). Sure enough the door was ajar.

I figured I must have accidentally not closed it completely when doing laundry. But then this evening it was again suddenly too quiet and cat free, and I caught them red-pawed down there, and I KNOW I closed it firmly after this morning's escapade. So clearly they have somehow learned to open the door, though it beats me how.

I have now ordered a slide bolt for the door. They are back in the living room, acting all cuddly and innocent. But they've still got bits of cobweb clinging to them to say otherwise.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 05, 2021, 06:20:30 PM
One occasionally sees enterprising felines on a YouTube site as it flashes by, hanging onto a doorknob until it opens....

Maybe they're watching your computer at night, too??

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 07, 2021, 08:15:18 AM
Quote from: mamselle on December 05, 2021, 06:20:30 PM
One occasionally sees enterprising felines on a YouTube site as it flashes by, hanging onto a doorknob until it opens....

Maybe they're watching your computer at night, too??

M.

I wouldn't put it past them-- they've almost figured out how to use the remote to turn on the gas fireplace.
They got the door open again last night. Even when fully shut, it isn't quite flush with doorjamb (old house). They (and by "they" I really mean Panther Boy, who is shockingly strong for a cat) must be pawing at the bit of door that sticks out from the frame until it pops open. The barrel bolt should arrive today, and then they will be sadly thwarted.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on December 07, 2021, 10:29:03 AM
My parents' new kitten is now arriving at a mutual understanding with their dog.  In particular, he now understands that the dog's food belongs to the dog.  Meanwhile he continues to be a kitten, both cute and annoying.  He'll probably be a real handful if and when they get their Christmas tree up.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 07, 2021, 02:43:09 PM
Ours are mostly leaving the tree alone - no climbing, only a few ornaments on the floor.  But Izzy has discovered that she can lurk underneath the tree and dash out to scare the other cats.  It's a new variation in the game called "go away Izzy kitten!".  Izzy LOVES this game. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 08, 2021, 04:41:05 AM
We stopped decorating the house for Christmas entirely. Around here, deck the halls would quickly turn into wreck the halls with our four around. They want to investigate and participate in anything new that goes on, and they love to play with anything that crinkles or looks stringy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on December 08, 2021, 05:18:07 AM
Quote from: Larimar on December 08, 2021, 04:41:05 AM
We stopped decorating the house for Christmas entirely. Around here, deck the halls would quickly turn into wreck the halls with our four around. They want to investigate and participate in anything new that goes on, and they love to play with anything that crinkles or looks stringy.

Fortunately our sitting room can be closed off so that is where our tree and decorations are. My wife loves blown glass ornaments and the cats would so love to break every one of them...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on December 08, 2021, 12:03:45 PM
Quote from: Larimar on December 08, 2021, 04:41:05 AM
We stopped decorating the house for Christmas entirely. Around here, deck the halls would quickly turn into wreck the halls with our four around. They want to investigate and participate in anything new that goes on, and they love to play with anything that crinkles or looks stringy.

This needs to be an illustrated children's story...




Not bothering with decorations for the home this year, but SO did purchase little red-and-white Santa hats and scarves for the kitties.

The plan was to adorn them right after they'd had dinner, in the hopes they would be sufficiently sleepy and content to tolerate the costumes for long enough to snap a few pictures.

Little Caramelo was a good sport about it, but wriggled out of the outfit as soon as we were done with his pictures. Maestro, that strange and wondrous cat, did not care for the hat, but firmly resisted the removal of his scarf. He LOVES that soft, fuzzy thing.

Red contrasts well with his black-and-white tuxedo coloring and his pictures are a marvel to behold.

Caramelo's expression in his own pictures give a clear vibe of a young child feeling fidgety in their good clothes. Maestro's expression has the relaxed confidence of one who is reveling in the knowledge that they look GOOD. (But it's probably just the look of a kitty who really enjoys being wrapped up in soft fuzziness).

He's always been a dapper kitty, very meticulous with his grooming. He's also had a habit since kittenhood of parking himself in front of a mirror and gazing at his reflection for half an hour or more. Unlike Caramelo, Maestro seems to understand that the kitty on the other side of the glass is his own handsome self.

I think Maestro might be the feline equivalent of a dandy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 08, 2021, 12:11:08 PM
THAT needs to be a children's picture book, too!!!

Love the images...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 08, 2021, 12:50:46 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on December 08, 2021, 12:03:45 PM
Quote from: Larimar on December 08, 2021, 04:41:05 AM
We stopped decorating the house for Christmas entirely. Around here, deck the halls would quickly turn into wreck the halls with our four around. They want to investigate and participate in anything new that goes on, and they love to play with anything that crinkles or looks stringy.

This needs to be an illustrated children's story...




Not bothering with decorations for the home this year, but SO did purchase little red-and-white Santa hats and scarves for the kitties.

The plan was to adorn them right after they'd had dinner, in the hopes they would be sufficiently sleepy and content to tolerate the costumes for long enough to snap a few pictures.

Little Caramelo was a good sport about it, but wriggled out of the outfit as soon as we were done with his pictures. Maestro, that strange and wondrous cat, did not care for the hat, but firmly resisted the removal of his scarf. He LOVES that soft, fuzzy thing.

Red contrasts well with his black-and-white tuxedo coloring and his pictures are a marvel to behold.

Caramelo's expression in his own pictures give a clear vibe of a young child feeling fidgety in their good clothes. Maestro's expression has the relaxed confidence of one who is reveling in the knowledge that they look GOOD. (But it's probably just the look of a kitty who really enjoys being wrapped up in soft fuzziness).

He's always been a dapper kitty, very meticulous with his grooming. He's also had a habit since kittenhood of parking himself in front of a mirror and gazing at his reflection for half an hour or more. Unlike Caramelo, Maestro seems to understand that the kitty on the other side of the glass is his own handsome self.

I think Maestro might be the feline equivalent of a dandy.

FTR, I can't take credit for the phrase "wreck the halls". I'm not sure where or when I saw it; it was a greeting card, probably.

And Awww, how sweet. Maestro and Caramelo sound like perfect holiday photo subjects.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on December 08, 2021, 01:24:46 PM
Accidentally stepped on the red one earlier, so now the poor love is very leery of me.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 15, 2021, 03:51:09 PM
We had to put eldest evil cat to sleep today. She was 18 and had cancer. :( She was SO's princess...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 15, 2021, 05:36:07 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 15, 2021, 03:51:09 PM
We had to put eldest evil cat to sleep today. She was 18 and had cancer. :( She was SO's princess...

I'm so sorry-- it's hard even when they've lived a good full life.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 15, 2021, 06:11:50 PM
Very sorry to hear it, epw. Condolences from the Larimar crew.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 15, 2021, 06:17:23 PM
So sorry.

She'll be missed here, too.

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on December 15, 2021, 06:51:55 PM
So sorry for your loss. :(

She will be fondly remembered.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on December 16, 2021, 08:38:30 AM
So sorry to hear that, it's never easy even though it's the right thing to do.
I'm sure you gave her a wonderful life.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on December 16, 2021, 09:28:45 AM
So sorry, E_P_W.  Condolences to both you and SO.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on December 16, 2021, 10:01:46 AM
Adding sympathy and head-butts from our house, too, EPW.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 16, 2021, 10:08:39 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about SO's princess kitty, EPW. Condolences to you, SO, and the rest of the EPW family.  The OMY cats send sympathy comfort purrs.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 16, 2021, 10:28:53 AM
Thanks everyone. It's been a difficult semester. It has been hard for SO since he's experienced a lot of loss, well, we both have. It may be too soon, but I was thinking that SO and I could use some kitten or puppy love.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 16, 2021, 10:33:55 AM
It works differently for different people.

I needed to wait a bit; a friend went to the nearby adoption agency and got a new kitty the next day.

Whatever works best for you both is what you do....all good thoughts in figuring out what that may be, and in welcoming furry purrs or puppy scampers into your hearts whenever you decide to do that.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on December 17, 2021, 07:25:55 AM
This morning I learned that one of our staff members has a cat trapped in her vehicle.  She heard meowing at home, and meowing after she came to work.  Two others here at work also heard the meowing.  We went out a few minutes ago and listened again, and didn't hear anything this time.  Hopefully that means that the cat has found its way out and run away.  But I don't know.  The previous librarian's son once had to take his pickup truck to a dealership and have it partially dismantled to rescue a trapped cat.  At least the sweltering weather makes it unlikely that the cat will crawl into the engine seeking warmth and get eaten by the engine.

It's a good thing cats have nine lives, because they wouldn't get far with only one.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on December 17, 2021, 07:49:45 AM
The cat has now been heard inside the vehicle again.  Looks like it is indeed trapped.  I hope they don't have to go to too much trouble to get it out.  The family has already had two minor accidents with damage in the last couple of weeks, and now this.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on December 17, 2021, 09:16:05 AM
The cat has now been rescued!  One of the police officers who had been beating the bushes looking for squatters came back, crawled under the vehicle, and got it out.  It then ran to another staff member's vehicle and crawled up into it!  Then it was pulled out of that vehicle before it got stuck.  The officer has taken it to the animal shelter, and they are working on getting it adopted.  Turns out it was a kitten of prime adoptable age, so that shouldn't be a problem. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on December 17, 2021, 11:26:57 AM
Quote from: apl68 on December 17, 2021, 09:16:05 AM
The cat has now been rescued!  One of the police officers who had been beating the bushes looking for squatters came back, crawled under the vehicle, and got it out.  It then ran to another staff member's vehicle and crawled up into it!  Then it was pulled out of that vehicle before it got stuck.  The officer has taken it to the animal shelter, and they are working on getting it adopted.  Turns out it was a kitten of prime adoptable age, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Hurray for a happy ending to the story!  Kitty should get a good name out of the experience - auto mechanic? Lyft? engine block?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 17, 2021, 11:50:38 AM
Glad that story has a happy ending. The best of luck to the kitten.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on December 17, 2021, 11:55:29 AM
Quote from: Larimar on December 17, 2021, 11:50:38 AM
Glad that story has a happy ending. The best of luck to the kitten.

Yes.

More name suggestions: Uber, Taxicab.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on December 17, 2021, 01:44:41 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on December 17, 2021, 11:26:57 AM
Quote from: apl68 on December 17, 2021, 09:16:05 AM
The cat has now been rescued!  One of the police officers who had been beating the bushes looking for squatters came back, crawled under the vehicle, and got it out.  It then ran to another staff member's vehicle and crawled up into it!  Then it was pulled out of that vehicle before it got stuck.  The officer has taken it to the animal shelter, and they are working on getting it adopted.  Turns out it was a kitten of prime adoptable age, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Hurray for a happy ending to the story!  Kitty should get a good name out of the experience - auto mechanic? Lyft? engine block?

I can just see it now on LOL Cat--"I'm in ur car, fixin ur enginez."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on December 17, 2021, 02:39:56 PM
Chassis
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 17, 2021, 04:07:52 PM
I'm glad the kitty was rescued. :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 05, 2022, 11:31:18 AM
SO returned from his out-of-state Christmas visit with his family last week. Within a day of his return, he was down with some pretty awful (cold, we think/hope) symptoms.

Both kitties were unsettled by this turn of events. They didn't know what to make of SO's violent coughing fits.

Maestro's response: rubbing up against SO's legs, placing a paw on his arm or knee (as if to say, "Hey, human, are you ok?"), and cuddling up to him in bed.

Caramelo's response: running to me, meowing in distress, and nuzzling me with more fervor than he's ever displayed before. He loves cuddles in general, but in this case he seemed to have an urgent need for them.

I think their attitudes were essentially:
Maestro -- My human is in distress. I must watch over him. I must comfort him.
Caramelo -- My human is in distress. That puts me in distress. Somebody needs to comfort me!

Maestro can be feisty, but he is also incredibly caring (if I'm not anthropomorphizing too much, here).

There have been times when noises outside have unsettled his little brother. Maestro responds to his whines and cries by walking over to him, putting a paw around him, and grooming him until the whimpers stop.

I sometimes get the notion that Maestro sees himself as head of the household and responsible for all of us.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 05, 2022, 12:12:44 PM
That squares (your last observation, that is).

Kitties are so much more altruistic than people give them credit for--especially people who don't know kitties well.

Extra scritches to both of them, for sure.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on January 08, 2022, 08:50:44 AM
I've been having a health flare for the last couple weeks and have spent most of my time in the living room on the couch (going back the classroom on Monday is going to be rough). I've been using the recliner feature of the couch to sit up and work on my laptop. We haven't used that feature much and the footrest extension has been a novelty to the cats. Their responses seem to be:

Ninja: Aww. My subjects have offered me a new throne. This blanket is soft. Yes, this is an acceptable offering. There is enough room for my subject's legs and me.  Bow before your cat queen. I will nap now.  ZZZZZZZ.

Ricochet: SOMETHING IS DIFFERENT! DIFFERENT IS BAD! I MUST HIDE IN THE OTHER ROOM!

We have had a regression in lap-sitting training, as Ricochet will not approach the couch with the footrest up.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 08, 2022, 08:59:08 AM
Well, of course.

It might eat him!

How can you humans be so blind to the dangers?

It might even eat YOU!

And then, who would put out the cat food...??!!

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 08, 2022, 01:40:08 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on January 08, 2022, 08:50:44 AM
I've been having a health flare for the last couple weeks and have spent most of my time in the living room on the couch (going back the classroom on Monday is going to be rough). I've been using the recliner feature of the couch to sit up and work on my laptop. We haven't used that feature much and the footrest extension has been a novelty to the cats. Their responses seem to be:

Ninja: Aww. My subjects have offered me a new throne. This blanket is soft. Yes, this is an acceptable offering. There is enough room for my subject's legs and me.  Bow before your cat queen. I will nap now.  ZZZZZZZ.

Ricochet: SOMETHING IS DIFFERENT! DIFFERENT IS BAD! I MUST HIDE IN THE OTHER ROOM!

We have had a regression in lap-sitting training, as Ricochet will not approach the couch with the footrest up.

Sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. Yes, our cats are also either 'Oh my Lord- what is THAT?' or 'Meh. Whatever.'

Elder evil cat was upset that we left him in the kitchen (baby gate up) while we did something in the other room (and yes, he could see us partially). When I came back, he had licked and scratched off a spot on his back- BALD! No fleas, mange, mites, etc. Since he hasn't done it since, we think he was just upset. He's gotten really needy in his old age. :P
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on January 09, 2022, 07:42:05 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on January 08, 2022, 08:50:44 AM
I've been having a health flare for the last couple weeks and have spent most of my time in the living room on the couch (going back the classroom on Monday is going to be rough). I've been using the recliner feature of the couch to sit up and work on my laptop. We haven't used that feature much and the footrest extension has been a novelty to the cats. Their responses seem to be:

Ninja: Aww. My subjects have offered me a new throne. This blanket is soft. Yes, this is an acceptable offering. There is enough room for my subject's legs and me.  Bow before your cat queen. I will nap now.  ZZZZZZZ.

Ricochet: SOMETHING IS DIFFERENT! DIFFERENT IS BAD! I MUST HIDE IN THE OTHER ROOM!

We have had a regression in lap-sitting training, as Ricochet will not approach the couch with the footrest up.

It's a cat masher!  Run! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on January 13, 2022, 06:04:29 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/TSIInEX (https://imgur.com/gallery/TSIInEX)
Hazel likes to lie on her back on the rug when we get out of the shower so she can attack our feet as we try to get by.
Princess has decided that Poe is her new favorite, she likes to nurse on his paw. She used to do this with Hugo, our elder cat who passed away a few years ago. Poe has been tolerant enough to let her do it to him now.
Poe is also obviously very comfortable in feeling he is the king of the house, he likes to lay on his back and side on the thresholds to the rooms.
As it has been somewhat cold here the cats keep living most of their days on our bed, some days I get home to all five in a pile.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 17, 2022, 11:30:03 AM
Youngest evil cat has been acting out more and has taken out her wrath on elder evil cat (in the latest episode, she bit his tail pretty hard and he did not like it and screamed which freaked me out). I wonder if this could be due to eldest evil cat's passing. Youngest evil cat messed with the eldest ALL the time (who did not enjoy it).

I really think we need a younger cat who can play with her in the rough and tumble way that she seems to want. They've both been driving me nuts lately. Youngest is acting out and elder has been anxious and needy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 17, 2022, 12:10:36 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 17, 2022, 11:30:03 AM
Youngest evil cat has been acting out more and has taken out her wrath on elder evil cat (in the latest episode, she bit his tail pretty hard and he did not like it and screamed which freaked me out). I wonder if this could be due to eldest evil cat's passing. Youngest evil cat messed with the eldest ALL the time (who did not enjoy it).

I really think we need a younger cat who can play with her in the rough and tumble way that she seems to want. They've both been driving me nuts lately. Youngest is acting out and elder has been anxious and needy.

They're clearly trying to tell you, "Three kitties is the right number. We need another kitty. Triumvirates rule."

Sounds like you're starting to get the message....

;--》

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on January 18, 2022, 07:26:40 AM
I've come across two poor cats run over in the street in the past week.  I don't know what caused each of them to be unlucky.  It looked as if each of them died instantly, at least.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 18, 2022, 10:20:03 AM
If they're near the neighboring woods you've described at times, they may have been ferals seeking food or shelter further afield, if those have been threatened lately, or temps have become colder.

They may not have ventured out during the daytime as often before, or tried crossing roads often enough to recognize the best strategies for survival.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on January 18, 2022, 10:57:52 AM
onehappyunicorn, thank you for the pictures! I love the pile o' cats. Such fluffiness!  I would love to have a pile o' cats of my own, but ours rarely interact and definitely do not sleep together.

EPW, I hope your two kitties settle down, with or without a 3rd joining the household.  I'd like to have a 3rd, but we are concerned that adding to the household may drive Ricochet back into hiding.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 18, 2022, 11:44:50 AM
+1, I missed the link to the photos before!

Definitely the cozy, fluffy warmth found at the center of the universe, here.

(Although for a moment, I also confess to thinking, "Oh, sorry--Ms. Whoo, Ms. Whatsit, and Ms. Which, I didn't mean to disturb you!")

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on January 23, 2022, 04:51:04 PM
How are all of the kitties dealing with the recent cold weather?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on January 23, 2022, 05:02:47 PM
Elektra has become a very long cat stretching to cover the entire radiator box, while Nox is holed up in a box in the corner or at the very top of the cat tower (when sunbeams hit it).

They aren't pleased, but they cope.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 23, 2022, 05:27:43 PM
Maestro will occasionally "request" his red-and-white Christmas scarf by pulling it out of the box of cat stuff and giving SO and I meaningful looks. I never expected to have a cat who WANTS his humans to dress him.

Caramelo sleeps by my side most nights, but last night he was extra cuddly. Not only did he snuggle up next to me, he also wrapped his front legs around my arm and nuzzled into my shoulder. We slept with him nestled in my arms like a teddy bear.

In the morning, I was gushing about how sweet and affectionate he'd been, but SO pointed out he was probably just cold.

Can't it be both?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on January 23, 2022, 05:42:47 PM
Little Calico is a heat seeking missile. Her winter habitats of choice are, in order of preference given availabilty, my lap/legs in front of the gas fire, cat basket right in front of the fire, heated cat window perch. Panther Boy is less of a heat seeker and still often prefers his basket elsewhere, but will also spend time in front of the fire and on the window perch. For some reason neither has really become a bed sleeper, though Panther Boy usually comes up as soon as I'm awake for snuggles (and to let me know he'd like breakfast soon, thank you very much).

Panther Boy still loudly demands to go out into the catio every morning. I have the cat door in the storm window, with the window shut in front of it in cold weather and at night. If I give him access he'll then stand with his head through the cat door and his back half on the inside window sill deciding if he really wants to go out in the cold or not (and letting in cold air in the process). He'll usually finally go out for awhile. Meanwhile, Little Calico thinks she wants to go out too until she gets up on the window sill and feels the cold air coming through. Then she jumps down and complains to me. Since I control the temperature inside she just doesn't understand why I'm not properly controlling the temperature out there too. . .
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on January 23, 2022, 05:52:23 PM
Ninja has two strategies: 1) sleep curled up on a fleece blanket, and 2) borrow a human's body heat. Bonus points for sleeping on a fleece blanket that is on a human's lap.

Ricochet thinks Ninja's plans with humans are dangerous. She prefers to stay warm by: 1) running back and forth down the hall at top speed; 2) sleeping directly on top of the vents.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on January 23, 2022, 06:11:33 PM
I am so pleased to read that your kitties have all trained you all so well! 
Keep up the reports!  I enjoy reading this thread and the exploits of the Masters and their support personnel.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 23, 2022, 08:07:31 PM
Youngest evil cat flops on the heating pad, which can be irksome when SO needs it. Elder evil cat will stretch out on the electric blanket. Basically, they're both spoiled and warm.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 23, 2022, 09:12:26 PM
Our dog used to climb into bed with my mom (the one person who had opposed having a dog at first, of course).

My brother used to tip his head slightly, and ask, "Is it love--or is it body heat?"

I think it's sometimes the same with cats (but we won't tell them).

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on January 24, 2022, 06:15:44 AM
We were wondering why our FosterFail girl has suddenly been sleeping on top of StatSpouse's dresser....until we realized it's directly under the heat vent.  She really is smarter than the rest of us combined. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on January 24, 2022, 06:26:09 AM
Calico, Twerp, and OrangeGuy all like to sleep on the bed at night in the winter. It makes for rather crowded conditions, but it's amusing. OrangeGuy even burrows under the blankets to snuggle up to Mr. Larimar. As for HerMajesty, she has much better things to do than hang out with humans. She prefers the cushions on top of Mr. Larimar's tall dresser.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on January 24, 2022, 08:53:51 AM
The other evening, Artemis and Hestia joined us on the couch, one on each lap. Artemis settled for a few minutes, then stretched, stood up, sauntered over to spouse's lap, and sat down directly on top of Hestia!

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 24, 2022, 07:46:54 PM
Quote from: AvidReader on January 24, 2022, 08:53:51 AM
The other evening, Artemis and Hestia joined us on the couch, one on each lap. Artemis settled for a few minutes, then stretched, stood up, sauntered over to spouse's lap, and sat down directly on top of Hestia!

AR.

Cute and funny. Maybe a display of dominance? Is there an alpha cat?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on January 24, 2022, 08:24:19 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 24, 2022, 07:46:54 PM
Cute and funny. Maybe a display of dominance? Is there an alpha cat?

Interesting query! I don't know. Artemis is 4 months older (22 months to Hestia's 18) and a bit chunkier; they have play-fought in the past and we have often gotten the sense that Artemis was holding back, though this has recently lessened as Hestia has matured (and found other sparring partners two houses down the street). Artemis, who rarely initiates conflict, gets noticeably jealous. She wants to be special (don't we all?). Spouse is a big fan of making sure that things are very equal (Artemis had two treats, so Hestia must, also), but Artemis is much happier when her treats or cuddles or indoor time occur independently of Hestia's; she will behave for hours on her own, but will act out quickly if she senses that Hestia is getting equal rewards for less preferred behaviour (sadly, Hestia's M.O, where Artemis is much more a rule-follower).

In this instance, Hestia initially didn't seem to mind being sat upon, but after a few minutes she wriggled out, jumped down to the floor, and had a bath.

Also, Hestia is largely an equal-opportunity cat, and will sit on whichever human is available, while Artemis goes through stages of preferring one of us to the other. Currently it is mostly my month, which is another reason this was a surprise.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on January 25, 2022, 07:46:24 AM
This morning I saw a cat cross the street going toward a house.  A moment later I heard some terrible caterwauling and saw two cats come dashing away from the house, screeching and carrying on as only cats can do.  They ran under the carport of a house across the street and disappeared into a covered corner.  A few moments later one of them came sauntering out.  The other remained under cover.  A fight?  Or an assignation?  With cats it can be hard to tell the difference.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on January 25, 2022, 08:22:11 AM
Oh dear. I believe we have a full on pet turf war happening at our house.
     We have a 60 pound dog and in December of 2020 got 2 pandemic kittens. They initially lived in the guest bedroom as we slowly introduced them to the dog. After several months of increasing interactions through a pet gate etc., it appeared that everyone was living in harmony with free run of the house. One of the cats is brash and friendly and like to wrestle with the dog. The other is a more traditional, cautious cat but the dog generally leaves him be, and his favorite spot is the top of the cat tree, out of reach from the dog.
   All seemed well until I resumed in person on campus instruction 2 weeks ago. The dog is clearly not happy about being left home alone during the day, without her previous ability to go in and out of the yard as she pleases. The dog protests this by breaking into the guest bedroom, where the litter boxes are. Yes a 60 pound dog can wiggle though the mini cat door on a full size pet gate! She may be snacking from the box as well, but that's a lesser problem right now.
   This has now caused our more cautious cat to initiate a urine based turf war. So far he has hit both of the dog's pet beds AND the guest bed mattress. And it's not just a spray, it's the entire full bladder worth. My guess is that that one was in response to the dog hanging out on the guest bed in protest of my being gone for the day.
   We used to have the dog contained to the Master bedroom during the day (pre-pandemic, pre-cats) one idea is to return to that. MY fear is that if this cat wants "ownership" of our room, he will pee on our bed!  So I'm going to buy some Feliway diffusers and ponder how to give Mr. Cautious his space in harmony with everyone else. If anyone has ideas, I'll gladly try them out.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on January 25, 2022, 09:03:46 AM
Quote from: mythbuster on January 25, 2022, 08:22:11 AM
Oh dear. I believe we have a full on pet turf war happening at our house.
     We have a 60 pound dog and in December of 2020 got 2 pandemic kittens. They initially lived in the guest bedroom as we slowly introduced them to the dog. After several months of increasing interactions through a pet gate etc., it appeared that everyone was living in harmony with free run of the house. One of the cats is brash and friendly and like to wrestle with the dog. The other is a more traditional, cautious cat but the dog generally leaves him be, and his favorite spot is the top of the cat tree, out of reach from the dog.
   All seemed well until I resumed in person on campus instruction 2 weeks ago. The dog is clearly not happy about being left home alone during the day, without her previous ability to go in and out of the yard as she pleases. The dog protests this by breaking into the guest bedroom, where the litter boxes are. Yes a 60 pound dog can wiggle though the mini cat door on a full size pet gate! She may be snacking from the box as well, but that's a lesser problem right now.
   This has now caused our more cautious cat to initiate a urine based turf war. So far he has hit both of the dog's pet beds AND the guest bed mattress. And it's not just a spray, it's the entire full bladder worth. My guess is that that one was in response to the dog hanging out on the guest bed in protest of my being gone for the day.
   We used to have the dog contained to the Master bedroom during the day (pre-pandemic, pre-cats) one idea is to return to that. MY fear is that if this cat wants "ownership" of our room, he will pee on our bed!  So I'm going to buy some Feliway diffusers and ponder how to give Mr. Cautious his space in harmony with everyone else. If anyone has ideas, I'll gladly try them out.

Sounds stressful for everyone involved! There are cat doors that work with a chip on their collar to only open for the designated cat(s), so if you can put one of those in the guest room door that might be a solution.

In the meantime, is doggy daycare at all an option for you? Sounds like your pup would be happier with people and outdoor play during the day.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on January 25, 2022, 10:13:16 AM
Quote from: mythbuster on January 25, 2022, 08:22:11 AM
Oh dear. I believe we have a full on pet turf war happening at our house.
     We have a 60 pound dog and in December of 2020 got 2 pandemic kittens. They initially lived in the guest bedroom as we slowly introduced them to the dog. After several months of increasing interactions through a pet gate etc., it appeared that everyone was living in harmony with free run of the house. One of the cats is brash and friendly and like to wrestle with the dog. The other is a more traditional, cautious cat but the dog generally leaves him be, and his favorite spot is the top of the cat tree, out of reach from the dog.
   All seemed well until I resumed in person on campus instruction 2 weeks ago. The dog is clearly not happy about being left home alone during the day, without her previous ability to go in and out of the yard as she pleases. The dog protests this by breaking into the guest bedroom, where the litter boxes are. Yes a 60 pound dog can wiggle though the mini cat door on a full size pet gate! She may be snacking from the box as well, but that's a lesser problem right now.
   This has now caused our more cautious cat to initiate a urine based turf war. So far he has hit both of the dog's pet beds AND the guest bed mattress. And it's not just a spray, it's the entire full bladder worth. My guess is that that one was in response to the dog hanging out on the guest bed in protest of my being gone for the day.
   We used to have the dog contained to the Master bedroom during the day (pre-pandemic, pre-cats) one idea is to return to that. MY fear is that if this cat wants "ownership" of our room, he will pee on our bed!  So I'm going to buy some Feliway diffusers and ponder how to give Mr. Cautious his space in harmony with everyone else. If anyone has ideas, I'll gladly try them out.

Is kennel or crate training an option for the dog?  Or the ability to build an outdoor dog run?
You could also consider confining all of the critters.  Cats get the guest bedroom; dog gets another area.
Cautious cat needs to feel safe to use the litter box without dog interference.
Nature's Miracle cleaner or Oxyclean both work wonders for cat pee removal.  You really need the enzyme cleaning action or else the smell does not go away.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on January 25, 2022, 01:23:52 PM
We own proverbial stock in Nature's Miracle from our last pets! Thanks for the suggestions. The true solution to this of course if for me to go back to only working from home so I can cater to all the pets whims! But that can't happen.
Unfortunately, our dog does not like most other dogs, so daycare is not a good solution. An outside run is a possibility though. We will ponder this.
I actually don't think the issue is the litter box so much as just "get out of my room!". Of course that is whatever room Cautious Cat  (CC) is in at the moment. Sigh. He really is cute otherwise.
The other thing I think contributed to this is that we travelled over the break and the Cats had a week at home without the dog. CC may have discovered how nice it is without the dog around!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on January 25, 2022, 05:45:06 PM
Can you place something in front of the door (like a box or a crate) that allows the cats access to the cat flap but prevents the dog from getting there (or makes the angle unworkable)?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on January 28, 2022, 10:33:39 PM
Will we have posts from the White House now that a First Kitty has moved in? 
Will Commander (White House Puppy) get along with White House Tabby?

Im sure that the internet demands to know!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on January 31, 2022, 07:24:42 AM
It was warm enough this morning that the cats were out around town.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 31, 2022, 08:21:47 AM
I crumpled a piece of packing paper into a ball and tossed it to the kitties.

Maestro got to it first and began merrily using his front paws to bat it all over the apartment. Caramelo gave chase and stole the ball away from Maestro, prompting Maestro to chomp on the ball, initiating a tug-of-war. Caramelo yanked the ball away, triumphant, but was immediately flattened by a full body tackle from Maestro. Maestro regained possession and ran, Caramelo in hot pursuit.

I crumpled a second piece of paper to make another ball.

I tossed the second ball to the kitties saying, "There. Now there's one for each of you. No need to steal from your brother."

Both kitties immediately lost interest.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 31, 2022, 08:35:33 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on January 31, 2022, 08:21:47 AM
I crumpled a piece of packing paper into a ball and tossed it to the kitties.

Maestro got to it first and began merrily using his front paws to bat it all over the apartment. Caramelo gave chase and stole the ball away from Maestro, prompting Maestro to chomp on the ball, initiating a tug-of-war. Caramelo yanked the ball away, triumphant, but was immediately flattened by a full body tackle from Maestro. Maestro regained possession and ran, Caramelo in hot pursuit.

I crumpled a second piece of paper to make another ball.

I tossed the second ball to the kitties saying, "There. Now there's one for each of you. No need to steal from your brother."

Both kitties immediately lost interest.

Yup. Typical cat behavior. Of course they'll lose interest when things are fair. :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on January 31, 2022, 09:15:59 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 31, 2022, 08:35:33 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on January 31, 2022, 08:21:47 AM
I crumpled a piece of packing paper into a ball and tossed it to the kitties.

Maestro got to it first and began merrily using his front paws to bat it all over the apartment. Caramelo gave chase and stole the ball away from Maestro, prompting Maestro to chomp on the ball, initiating a tug-of-war. Caramelo yanked the ball away, triumphant, but was immediately flattened by a full body tackle from Maestro. Maestro regained possession and ran, Caramelo in hot pursuit.

I crumpled a second piece of paper to make another ball.

I tossed the second ball to the kitties saying, "There. Now there's one for each of you. No need to steal from your brother."

Both kitties immediately lost interest.

Yup. Typical cat behavior. Of course they'll lose interest when things are fair. :)

"But, I want the one that is Wanted."

I had lots of fun in the cat shelter watching a litter of 6 kittens romp around and fight over exactly ONE of 3 identical yellow jingle ball toys. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on January 31, 2022, 10:16:59 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on January 31, 2022, 08:21:47 AM
I crumpled a piece of packing paper into a ball and tossed it to the kitties.

Maestro got to it first and began merrily using his front paws to bat it all over the apartment. Caramelo gave chase and stole the ball away from Maestro, prompting Maestro to chomp on the ball, initiating a tug-of-war. Caramelo yanked the ball away, triumphant, but was immediately flattened by a full body tackle from Maestro. Maestro regained possession and ran, Caramelo in hot pursuit.

I crumpled a second piece of paper to make another ball.

I tossed the second ball to the kitties saying, "There. Now there's one for each of you. No need to steal from your brother."

Both kitties immediately lost interest.

SomeKitty has had Woody Hayes for a coach in another life...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on January 31, 2022, 12:01:33 PM
Hestia has squidged herself into a shoebox beneath a sunny windowsill and fallen asleep. She is snoring softly.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mahagonny on February 04, 2022, 03:23:37 PM
Our female cat is coming home tomorrow. Been at the vet's since Monday. Getting 'zapped' for hyper (hypo?) thyroidism, I believe it is. Wife is more knowledgeable than I am. The male cat kept walking though the house the first couple of days looking for her. They say she's doing fine. It's supposed to be a permanent cure. Maybe no more pills.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 04, 2022, 04:23:29 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 04, 2022, 03:23:37 PM
Our female cat is coming home tomorrow. Been at the vet's since Monday. Getting 'zapped' for hyper (hypo?) thyroidism, I believe it is. Wife is more knowledgeable than I am. The male cat kept walking though the house the first couple of days looking for her. They say she's doing fine. It's supposed to be a permanent cure. Maybe no more pills.

If it's the radioactive iodine treatment, then it's a cure for hyperthyroidism.  My Buddycat had it and it was a permanent cure!  No more pills.
But he did have to be on subcutaneous fluids for a while when we got him home.  He was 17, so maybe it was just due to his age?  He actually managed to gain weight during his 1 week at the radiation vet due to being in a cubby with endless wet food.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 04, 2022, 06:22:11 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 04, 2022, 04:23:29 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 04, 2022, 03:23:37 PM
Our female cat is coming home tomorrow. Been at the vet's since Monday. Getting 'zapped' for hyper (hypo?) thyroidism, I believe it is. Wife is more knowledgeable than I am. The male cat kept walking though the house the first couple of days looking for her. They say she's doing fine. It's supposed to be a permanent cure. Maybe no more pills.

If it's the radioactive iodine treatment, then it's a cure for hyperthyroidism.  My Buddycat had it and it was a permanent cure!  No more pills.
But he did have to be on subcutaneous fluids for a while when we got him home.  He was 17, so maybe it was just due to his age?  He actually managed to gain weight during his 1 week at the radiation vet due to being in a cubby with endless wet food.

How was that managed? Some sort of enormous feeder he could access ad libitum?

The image that flashed into my head was Buddycat polishing off one dish and then raising a paw to summon a server for another. Like at one of those all-you-can eat restaurants.

Glad your cat is doing better, mahagonny.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 05, 2022, 12:39:03 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on February 04, 2022, 06:22:11 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 04, 2022, 04:23:29 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 04, 2022, 03:23:37 PM
Our female cat is coming home tomorrow. Been at the vet's since Monday. Getting 'zapped' for hyper (hypo?) thyroidism, I believe it is. Wife is more knowledgeable than I am. The male cat kept walking though the house the first couple of days looking for her. They say she's doing fine. It's supposed to be a permanent cure. Maybe no more pills.

If it's the radioactive iodine treatment, then it's a cure for hyperthyroidism.  My Buddycat had it and it was a permanent cure!  No more pills.
But he did have to be on subcutaneous fluids for a while when we got him home.  He was 17, so maybe it was just due to his age?  He actually managed to gain weight during his 1 week at the radiation vet due to being in a cubby with endless wet food.

How was that managed? Some sort of enormous feeder he could access ad libitum?

The image that flashed into my head was Buddycat polishing off one dish and then raising a paw to summon a server for another. Like at one of those all-you-can eat restaurants.

Glad your cat is doing better, mahagonny.
It was kind of like that!  They had a live video feed & the staff would top off the food and water if it was getting low.  I would watch the video while I was at work and it was mostly Buddycat snoozing or leaning over to eat.  The food was right next to the cat bed with smelly socks I'd left for him.  Apparently it's really common for folks to leave used clothing so their cat has something familiar to smell.  Typical choice was a shirt, but socks and even underwear were common.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mahagonny on February 05, 2022, 03:37:53 PM
Got the cat back today. she seems like her old self. The expectation is no more pills, better life expectancy and less urinating. It cost a bundle, but you know how it is...the cat's a member of the family!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 05, 2022, 03:55:16 PM
Member of? They usually rule it.

Glad your kitty is feeling better.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 05, 2022, 04:07:03 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 05, 2022, 03:37:53 PM
Got the cat back today. she seems like her old self. The expectation is no more pills, better life expectancy and less urinating. It cost a bundle, but you know how it is...the cat's a member of the family!

Good news! Well, except for the hit to your wallet.

Was your other cat glad to see her?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mahagonny on February 05, 2022, 04:23:46 PM
Yes he was. thank you

Yes we left old clothes with her at the vet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 06, 2022, 07:11:32 AM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 05, 2022, 03:37:53 PM
Got the cat back today. she seems like her old self. The expectation is no more pills, better life expectancy and less urinating. It cost a bundle, but you know how it is...the cat's a member of the family!

Hurray!  I'm sure she is glad to be back to her kingdom and human staff.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 06, 2022, 11:52:05 AM
Life Before Kitties

Things SO has said:
"I know we both want pets someday, and I think it's important to commit to ground rules and boundaries early on so we don't spoil them too much."

"I'm all for giving pets lots of love and attention and care. But we need to make sure they understand they are not in charge. No spoiling."

Life With Kitties

Things SO does:
Scene 1
Maestro approaches the couch and eyes the bare cushion next to SO. He turns to SO with an expectant gaze and waits. SO responds by grabbing a blanket and arranging it over the cushion, providing Maestro with an extra plush and fuzzy resting spot. Maestro settles in contentedly, but not without a mildly disapproving side glance to communicate to SO that the blanket should have already been set up and waiting for him.

Scene 2
Caramelo is eating his kibble with SO standing at his side. Once every few mouthfuls, Caramelo will glance up at SO with a short, sharp mew which translates to, "I can see the bottom of the bowl!" SO responds by reaching down to shake the dish and redistribute the kibble from sides to center, before straightening back up to wait until he services are required again.

Scene 3
SO comes back from putting a load of laundry in the wash. Maestro sees the empty basket and meows. SO is not allowed to put the laundry basket away until Maestro has had his basket ride. SO lowers the basket, Maestro hops in, and SO hoists the basket onto one shoulder. SO then marches at a deliberate pace through every room of the apartment. Throughout the march, Maestro is sitting up and peering over the edge, his keen eyes surveying every part of his kingdom. He will complain loudly if the tour is cut short. Every room of his domain must be visited.

Thing SO says now:
"We have a couple of very spoiled kitties."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on February 06, 2022, 02:00:54 PM
LOL, smallcleanrat!

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mahagonny on February 06, 2022, 02:15:39 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on February 06, 2022, 11:52:05 AM
Life Before Kitties

Things SO has said:
"I know we both want pets someday, and I think it's important to commit to ground rules and boundaries early on so we don't spoil them too much."

"I'm all for giving pets lots of love and attention and care. But we need to make sure they understand they are not in charge. No spoiling."

Life With Kitties

Things SO does:
Scene 1
Maestro approaches the couch and eyes the bare cushion next to SO. He turns to SO with an expectant gaze and waits. SO responds by grabbing a blanket and arranging it over the cushion, providing Maestro with an extra plush and fuzzy resting spot. Maestro settles in contentedly, but not without a mildly disapproving side glance to communicate to SO that the blanket should have already been set up and waiting for him.

Scene 2
Caramelo is eating his kibble with SO standing at his side. Once every few mouthfuls, Caramelo will glance up at SO with a short, sharp mew which translates to, "I can see the bottom of the bowl!" SO responds by reaching down to shake the dish and redistribute the kibble from sides to center, before straightening back up to wait until he services are required again.

Scene 3
SO comes back from putting a load of laundry in the wash. Maestro sees the empty basket and meows. SO is not allowed to put the laundry basket away until Maestro has had his basket ride. SO lowers the basket, Maestro hops in, and SO hoists the basket onto one shoulder. SO then marches at a deliberate pace through every room of the apartment. Throughout the march, Maestro is sitting up and peering over the edge, his keen eyes surveying every part of his kingdom. He will complain loudly if the tour is cut short. Every room of his domain must be visited.

Thing SO says now:
"We have a couple of very spoiled kitties."

+1

'My wife wanted to have two cats. I wanted us to have one. So we compromised and got three.'
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 07, 2022, 07:09:42 PM
My legs and two cats are currently sharing one poof footrest in front of the fire. All three are very toasty. Obviously I'm not allowed to get up.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 07, 2022, 07:24:00 PM
Quote from: Puget on February 07, 2022, 07:09:42 PM
My legs and two cats are currently sharing one poof footrest in front of the fire. All three are very toasty. Obviously I'm not allowed to get up.

Sounds lovely.

Youngest evil cat got upset with elder evil cat after he rolled over on her (accidentally) and bit him on the neck. She would not let go and I had to tap her on the butt to get her to stop!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on February 08, 2022, 05:44:42 AM
Calico, OrangeGuy, and Twerp found a stink bug in the house this morning. I swooped in with a plastic dish and put it outside. I petted and praised them and told them they were good kitties and mighty hunters, but they were still disappointed that I interrupted their fun.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 08, 2022, 09:39:48 AM
Quote from: Larimar on February 08, 2022, 05:44:42 AM
Calico, OrangeGuy, and Twerp found a stink bug in the house this morning. I swooped in with a plastic dish and put it outside. I petted and praised them and told them they were good kitties and mighty hunters, but they were still disappointed that I interrupted their fun.

Recognition is nice, but a kill would have been even better.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 08, 2022, 08:30:22 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on February 08, 2022, 09:39:48 AM
Quote from: Larimar on February 08, 2022, 05:44:42 AM
Calico, OrangeGuy, and Twerp found a stink bug in the house this morning. I swooped in with a plastic dish and put it outside. I petted and praised them and told them they were good kitties and mighty hunters, but they were still disappointed that I interrupted their fun.

Recognition is nice, but a kill would have been even better.

Sir Puck and Lady Jane can verify that stinkbugs taste icky.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 09, 2022, 09:43:20 AM
Our beautiful Artemis is terrified of everything. She cowers when we bring the rolling trash can back up the driveway. Strangers, thunder, and loud noises herald her own personal apocalypse.

Bad weather in late summer damaged many of the houses in our neighborhood, and we quickly earned that roofers are the worst, even when they are working two or three houses away. Visible strangers making loud noises terrify our cat more than anything else. If we catch the sounds of roofers early enough in the day, she now gets to come indoors until they finish. If we don't notice the roofers quickly enough, she disappears, not to be seen again until an hour or two after they have left.

Today the house behind us is having its roof redone, but we also have workers in our house doing a fairly extensive bathroom repair that has already included cutting into a wall and may include drilling into the floor. My sweet, terrified cat is in spouse's study (the furthest room from the bathroom), wedged firmly between the couch, a box, and the wall. It is going to be a long two days.

In contrast, Hestia spent the morning investigating the equipment the workers brought and then snuck into the house when one of them left a door unlatched. She is currently splayed across a patch of sunlight on the living room floor, not minding the banging, grinding, or vibrations in the least.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 09, 2022, 10:15:44 AM
Quote from: AvidReader on February 09, 2022, 09:43:20 AM
Our beautiful Artemis is terrified of everything. She cowers when we bring the rolling trash can back up the driveway. Strangers, thunder, and loud noises herald her own personal apocalypse.

Bad weather in late summer damaged many of the houses in our neighborhood, and we quickly earned that roofers are the worst, even when they are working two or three houses away. Visible strangers making loud noises terrify our cat more than anything else. If we catch the sounds of roofers early enough in the day, she now gets to come indoors until they finish. If we don't notice the roofers quickly enough, she disappears, not to be seen again until an hour or two after they have left.

Today the house behind us is having its roof redone, but we also have workers in our house doing a fairly extensive bathroom repair that has already included cutting into a wall and may include drilling into the floor. My sweet, terrified cat is in spouse's study (the furthest room from the bathroom), wedged firmly between the couch, a box, and the wall. It is going to be a long two days.

In contrast, Hestia spent the morning investigating the equipment the workers brought and then snuck into the house when one of them left a door unlatched. She is currently splayed across a patch of sunlight on the living room floor, not minding the banging, grinding, or vibrations in the least.

AR.

It's funny what cats are afraid of and how much that differs. Mine are both terrified of strangers -- even package deliveries are met with growling and slinking upstairs. Anything I'm doing on the other hand, no matter how loud, is to be investigated and supervised, especially by Panther Boy. Vacuuming the stairs? He's there on every step, exactly in the way. Putting together furniture? He's staring at the electric screwdriver in action from close range, and trying to purloin any loose screws.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 09, 2022, 11:18:24 AM
Some of their fears may be related to a lack of visitors in lockdown times.

I did pet care for a student's family recently, and their two kitties, who grew up knowing me during weekly lesson visits before March, 2020, have been completely alone with their immediate family for the past two years.

They had just barely gotten to feeling safe enough, last month, to come downstairs when I showed up each AM and PM to feed them, or a couple times sat on the sofa a bit to see if they'd come and sniff me, when their people got back home 10 days later.

They're fine otherwise, but have adopted the "Our People are OK, Other People may eat you" philosophy since I last saw them.

Never did get to pet either one.

M.   
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 09, 2022, 11:42:40 AM
Quote from: Puget on February 09, 2022, 10:15:44 AM
Anything I'm doing on the other hand, no matter how loud, is to be investigated and supervised, especially by Panther Boy. Vacuuming the stairs? He's there on every step, exactly in the way. Putting together furniture? He's staring at the electric screwdriver in action from close range, and trying to purloin any loose screws.

Ours are selective. When we use power tools, both our cats will come to investigate and often take naps nearby once they've watched the device work a few times. Rakes and brooms, on the other hand, are terrifying, even when not in use (e.g. propped against a wall).

Quote from: mamselle on February 09, 2022, 11:18:24 AM
Some of their fears may be related to a lack of visitors in lockdown times.
[. . .]
They're fine otherwise, but have adopted the "Our People are OK, Other People may eat you" philosophy since I last saw them.

Quite possibly. We've only had them since autumn 2020, so everyone is a stranger.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on February 09, 2022, 05:10:11 PM
We too are having a bathroom remodel and the Thundercats are responding in completely opposite ways.

Nox is hiding in the camping gear in the little room in the far corner of the unfinished basement (Smolt did a poor job of rolling a sleeping bag and now it contains a Nox-nest.

Elektra has breached the barricades twice to get into the construction zone.  She nearly got herself stuck in the newly opened bathroom floor/kitchen ceiling, and fell asleep in the circular saw case during lunch break.

The are sisters and as different as night and day.  Ahem, Nox and say.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 10, 2022, 05:26:20 AM
Elektra in the circular saw case! Amazing.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on February 10, 2022, 06:09:32 AM
Quote from: AvidReader on February 10, 2022, 05:26:20 AM
Elektra in the circular saw case! Amazing.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 10, 2022, 06:36:12 AM
It took me a minute, but I think I got it.

You meant Nox (as in 'nox, 'noctis') and 'day,' yes?

;--》

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on February 10, 2022, 11:29:38 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 10, 2022, 06:36:12 AM
It took me a minute, but I think I got it.

You meant Nox (as in 'nox, 'noctis') and 'day,' yes?

;--》

M.

Yes, stupid autocarrot. (https://imgflip.com/i/1jckv4)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on February 10, 2022, 02:20:21 PM
Over the course of her pregnancy and for the life of the hatchling, my partner has come to resent and somewhat hate the big cat. I don't know why. We've had him for seven years, and she loved him for the first five. She's now agitating hard to find him a new home, which might be somewhat in his interest (all he wants is for no doors to beclosed, and to cuddle a few hours a day, neither of which is currently super practical; maybe also to sleep with us, but he's been ok with that change), but also just breaks my heart. I don't know what to do about it, since it seems her feelings are only intensifying over time.

Sigh.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 10, 2022, 03:27:23 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on February 10, 2022, 02:20:21 PM
Over the course of her pregnancy and for the life of the hatchling, my partner has come to resent and somewhat hate the big cat. I don't know why. We've had him for seven years, and she loved him for the first five. She's now agitating hard to find him a new home, which might be somewhat in his interest (all he wants is for no doors to be closed, and to cuddle a few hours a day, neither of which is currently super practical; maybe also to sleep with us, but he's been ok with that change), but also just breaks my heart. I don't know what to do about it, since it seems her feelings are only intensifying over time.

Sigh.

OH, no!

I'm surprised that if there were any issues about having a cat in the house, they didn't crest to a close during the pregnancy, that's usually when worries about contamination, etc. come to the fore.

But--still--the kitty won't be aware of having done anything wrong, and will be dislocated from people it's come to view as its Own.

A ruler sent into exile for unclear reasons finds it hard to comprehend, I should think....let alone the willing parts of their Populace...

My strong thoughts and sympathies....hope it can be resolved.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 15, 2022, 12:40:51 PM
Happened across a page from Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters, and Journals in a chapter containing excerpts from her childhood.

One educational exercise has Louisa listing her 'vices.'

Among them: "Impatience" "Selfishness" "Love of cats"

What?!?

If loving cats is wrong, do any of us want to be right?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 15, 2022, 01:13:50 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on February 10, 2022, 02:20:21 PM
Over the course of her pregnancy and for the life of the hatchling, my partner has come to resent and somewhat hate the big cat. I don't know why. We've had him for seven years, and she loved him for the first five. She's now agitating hard to find him a new home, which might be somewhat in his interest (all he wants is for no doors to beclosed, and to cuddle a few hours a day, neither of which is currently super practical; maybe also to sleep with us, but he's been ok with that change), but also just breaks my heart. I don't know what to do about it, since it seems her feelings are only intensifying over time.

Sigh.

The no closed doors thing is honestly an easy fix if you are not worried about the cat getting into things.  Maybe big cat can be convinced to sit next to or in the same room as the people?  Or you could take on more cat cuddle time so your partner is left alone more?  But some are just velcro kitties.  My sister has one that will try and climb your leg to get you to hold him.  And will wail with sadness if you put him down.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 15, 2022, 03:32:12 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on February 15, 2022, 12:40:51 PM
Happened across a page from Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters, and Journals in a chapter containing excerpts from her childhood.

One educational exercise has Louisa listing her 'vices.'

Among them: "Impatience" "Selfishness" "Love of cats"

What?!?

If loving cats is wrong, do any of us want to be right?

Context might help there....remember that cats weren't only, ever, or even always 'house pets,'  but barn animals, kept mostly to take care of mice, rats and other vermin.

So, loving cats (much as I'll confess to the same vice, gladly) wasn't always seen as a virtue, especially by those who, like Alcott, had lived a large part of her life (especially growing up) in the semi-rural area that was then Concord (although the family had lived 'in town' before, and did again, later, Orchard House was basically on a country road).

Might help some.

I suspect she may have also been saying it tongue-in-cheek.

One suspects her Aunt May, for one, was not so sentimental, and Alcott was fond of long-distance prods to others' stuffiness.

Even--maybe especially--as a child.

M. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 21, 2022, 07:36:22 PM
Youngest evil cat is upset because her Daddy is OUTSIDE! She has now gotten into the habit of yowling in front of the garage door every time he takes out the trash. I wonder if she thinks he's not coming back?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 21, 2022, 07:51:34 PM
Double post.

Elder evil cat is carrying around his stuffed crab (in his mouth) while yowling in the kitchen. This behavior makes it really hard to concentrate on this test I'm trying to write...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 22, 2022, 06:45:52 AM
Sounds like you need your own stuffed crab and a good place for yowling...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 22, 2022, 07:29:35 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 22, 2022, 06:45:52 AM
Sounds like you need your own stuffed crab and a good place for yowling...

M.

Probably. Actually, I need to find a way to decompress (like a deep tissue massage). Now, if I could train the cats to do it...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 22, 2022, 07:40:32 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 22, 2022, 07:29:35 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 22, 2022, 06:45:52 AM
Sounds like you need your own stuffed crab and a good place for yowling...

M.

Probably. Actually, I need to find a way to decompress (like a deep tissue massage). Now, if I could train the cats to do it...

Like this?

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-rqqd-KTNY

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 22, 2022, 12:04:58 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 21, 2022, 07:51:34 PM
Double post.

Elder evil cat is carrying around his stuffed crab (in his mouth) while yowling in the kitchen. This behavior makes it really hard to concentrate on this test I'm trying to write...

Perhaps he's just trying to remind you of what your real job is: paying attention to your adorable and hilarious kitties.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on February 22, 2022, 03:18:33 PM
For the past 3 days, Ricochet has napped ON A BED. And allowed a person to pet her while ON A BED. She still spends most of her time on top of a bookshelf or escaping through the wormhole in the basement, but progress!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 22, 2022, 03:24:48 PM
Awww.

Sweet, fragile Ricochet, learning to trust.

The kitty I'm house-sitting for let me very tentatively scritch her back and run my hand along it and over her tail.

I felt honored....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on February 22, 2022, 04:45:31 PM
For the past 2 weeks Ulysses has been convinced that there is something of interest in the coat closet.  She darts in without my realizing it, sits happily for a few minutes, and then cries to be let out. 2 hours later we do the same dance again. I wish I knew what she was after.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 22, 2022, 05:19:02 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on February 22, 2022, 04:45:31 PM
For the past 2 weeks Ulysses has been convinced that there is something of interest in the coat closet.  She darts in without my realizing it, sits happily for a few minutes, and then cries to be let out. 2 hours later we do the same dance again. I wish I knew what she was after.

This is a sign you need to install a cat flap on the coat closet door.  Or never, ever close the door again.
Maybe it's nice and warm in there?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 27, 2022, 03:19:04 AM
I'm in kitty-love.

The little soft, furry grey critter I've been caring for this past week has found a tiny warm corner in my heart, and curled up and gone to sleep there.

I'm enchanted.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on February 27, 2022, 04:47:44 AM
Awwww.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on February 27, 2022, 06:01:04 AM
Yesterday was a sad day for my youngest daughter, G, who fosters kittens for the Humane Society. She had gotten very attached to a male, ginger, Mel.  Mel was a sweetheart, very trusting and friendly.  G asked whether we could adopt Mel last week and we told her if we did, we had to stop fostering as our house would have 3 cats. We also warned that Mel would have a tough time fitting in with our older two as both are very territorial and solitary.  G decided yesterday that Mel would have a better life being someone else's kitty and returned her to the Humane Society.  It was sad especially for G but I was proud of her for making a decision for Mel's best interests.  Have a wonderful life, Mel. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mahagonny on February 27, 2022, 06:10:01 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on February 27, 2022, 06:01:04 AM
Yesterday was a sad day for my youngest daughter, G, who fosters kittens for the Humane Society. She had gotten very attached to a male, ginger, Mel.  Mel was a sweetheart, very trusting and friendly.  G asked whether we could adopt Mel last week and we told her if we did, we had to stop fostering as our house would have 3 cats. We also warned that Mel would have a tough time fitting in with our older two as both are very territorial and solitary.  G decided yesterday that Mel would have a better life being someone else's kitty and returned her to the Humane Society.  It was sad especially for G but I was proud of her for making a decision for Mel's best interests.  Have a wonderful life, Mel.

She sounds like a great kid.
We had a pregnant stray cat in our neighborhood. I trapped four feral kittens in a wire cage and brought them indoors. The idea was to quickly socialize them and then give them to a shelter where they would get adopted, being still kittens. We ended up keeping two.  I suspect the head of the household (me) was influenced by the young daughter. Well, they turned out to be fine cats.
Sadly the mother disappeared and was found, deceased, under a neighbor's porch.

Update about our female who had iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism: She has had fluid in her lungs and so was given several medications including antibiotics. Might have picked up an infection while hospitalized. Last night was rough but she looks a little better today. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 27, 2022, 06:49:59 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 22, 2022, 05:19:02 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on February 22, 2022, 04:45:31 PM
For the past 2 weeks Ulysses has been convinced that there is something of interest in the coat closet.  She darts in without my realizing it, sits happily for a few minutes, and then cries to be let out. 2 hours later we do the same dance again. I wish I knew what she was after.

This is a sign you need to install a cat flap on the coat closet door.  Or never, ever close the door again.
Maybe it's nice and warm in there?

Or less happily, maybe you have a mouse.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on February 27, 2022, 07:36:34 AM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 27, 2022, 06:10:01 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on February 27, 2022, 06:01:04 AM
Yesterday was a sad day for my youngest daughter, G, who fosters kittens for the Humane Society. She had gotten very attached to a male, ginger, Mel.  Mel was a sweetheart, very trusting and friendly.  G asked whether we could adopt Mel last week and we told her if we did, we had to stop fostering as our house would have 3 cats. We also warned that Mel would have a tough time fitting in with our older two as both are very territorial and solitary.  G decided yesterday that Mel would have a better life being someone else's kitty and returned her to the Humane Society.  It was sad especially for G but I was proud of her for making a decision for Mel's best interests.  Have a wonderful life, Mel.

She sounds like a great kid.
We had a pregnant stray cat in our neighborhood. I trapped four feral kittens in a wire cage and brought them indoors. The idea was to quickly socialize them and then give them to a shelter where they would get adopted, being still kittens. We ended up keeping two.  I suspect the head of the household (me) was influenced by the young daughter. Well, they turned out to be fine cats.
Sadly the mother disappeared and was found, deceased, under a neighbor's porch.

Update about our female who had iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism: She has had fluid in her lungs and so was given several medications including antibiotics. Might have picked up an infection while hospitalized. Last night was rough but she looks a little better today. Fingers crossed.


Thanks, she is.

Best wishes for your female.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mahagonny on February 27, 2022, 12:43:35 PM
Female cat has died. We took her to the hospital and they found that she has had kidney trouble for some time. The thyroid condition had masked the kidney trouble. In addition, fluid around the lungs was likely caused by either lung cancer or congestive heart failure. So the outlook was grim. Her body temperature was only 90.6 degrees and her heart rate was 130 (normal is 200). So we made the agonized decision, stop now. No future. It turned out she was probably some 5-9 years older than we had believed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 27, 2022, 01:19:21 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 27, 2022, 12:43:35 PM
Female cat has died. We took her to the hospital and they found that she has had kidney trouble for some time. The thyroid condition had masked the kidney trouble. In addition, fluid around the lungs was likely caused by either lung cancer or congestive heart failure. So the outlook was grim. Her body temperature was only 90.6 degrees and her heart rate was 130 (normal is 200). So we made the agonized decision, stop now. No future. It turned out she was probably some 5-9 years older than we had believed.

So sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mahagonny on February 27, 2022, 03:28:36 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 27, 2022, 01:19:21 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 27, 2022, 12:43:35 PM
Female cat has died. We took her to the hospital and they found that she has had kidney trouble for some time. The thyroid condition had masked the kidney trouble. In addition, fluid around the lungs was likely caused by either lung cancer or congestive heart failure. So the outlook was grim. Her body temperature was only 90.6 degrees and her heart rate was 130 (normal is 200). So we made the agonized decision, stop now. No future. It turned out she was probably some 5-9 years older than we had believed.

So sorry for your loss.

Indeed - thank you. it's rough. We've all been there I guess.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 27, 2022, 03:37:38 PM
The kindest thing is the hardest thing. Four times, now, and it never gets easier.

All good thoughts.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on February 27, 2022, 04:10:10 PM
Quote from: Puget on February 27, 2022, 06:49:59 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 22, 2022, 05:19:02 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on February 22, 2022, 04:45:31 PM
For the past 2 weeks Ulysses has been convinced that there is something of interest in the coat closet.  She darts in without my realizing it, sits happily for a few minutes, and then cries to be let out. 2 hours later we do the same dance again. I wish I knew what she was after.

This is a sign you need to install a cat flap on the coat closet door.  Or never, ever close the door again.
Maybe it's nice and warm in there?
[/quote

Or less happily, maybe you have a mouse.

Good point about the mouse Lots of camping equipment stored in the back, so I'll have to do some excavating.  Hope it's just warmth.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on February 27, 2022, 04:11:18 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 27, 2022, 12:43:35 PM
Female cat has died. We took her to the hospital and they found that she has had kidney trouble for some time. The thyroid condition had masked the kidney trouble. In addition, fluid around the lungs was likely caused by either lung cancer or congestive heart failure. So the outlook was grim. Her body temperature was only 90.6 degrees and her heart rate was 130 (normal is 200). So we made the agonized decision, stop now. No future. It turned out she was probably some 5-9 years older than we had believed.

So sorry, Mahagonny.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 27, 2022, 04:15:03 PM
Best wishes, mahagonny. That's never easy.

I'm sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on February 27, 2022, 05:08:09 PM
Sorry to hear it, Mahagonny.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on February 27, 2022, 08:03:15 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 27, 2022, 12:43:35 PM
Female cat has died. We took her to the hospital and they found that she has had kidney trouble for some time. The thyroid condition had masked the kidney trouble. In addition, fluid around the lungs was likely caused by either lung cancer or congestive heart failure. So the outlook was grim. Her body temperature was only 90.6 degrees and her heart rate was 130 (normal is 200). So we made the agonized decision, stop now. No future. It turned out she was probably some 5-9 years older than we had believed.

That's terrible. I'm so sorry.


For my part, I lost the case for Big Cat, and we've found him a new home. Moving day is next weekend. They seem absolutely lovely, and he will probably be happier there than here, where there's a hatchling and a bullying cat and the doors are sometimes closed (which stresses him out) and he can't sleep with us any more and doesn't get enough attention.

But my heart is broken all the same.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on February 27, 2022, 08:08:34 PM
Can you ask for visiting privileges?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 27, 2022, 08:15:50 PM
Oh, no.

Sorry to hear things didn't work out with Big Cat, Parasaurolophus.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on February 28, 2022, 06:09:12 AM
Quote from: mahagonny on February 27, 2022, 12:43:35 PM
Female cat has died. We took her to the hospital and they found that she has had kidney trouble for some time. The thyroid condition had masked the kidney trouble. In addition, fluid around the lungs was likely caused by either lung cancer or congestive heart failure. So the outlook was grim. Her body temperature was only 90.6 degrees and her heart rate was 130 (normal is 200). So we made the agonized decision, stop now. No future. It turned out she was probably some 5-9 years older than we had believed.

I am very sorry for your loss. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on February 28, 2022, 06:37:39 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on February 27, 2022, 08:15:50 PM
Oh, no.

Sorry to hear things didn't work out with Big Cat, Parasaurolophus.

+1 to this.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on March 01, 2022, 07:58:34 AM
While at my parents' house over the weekend, I had much opportunity to observe their rescue kitten's behavior.  He bats toys and pieces of dry food all over the house, appears and vanishes in the blink of an eye, gets into various kinds of trouble, plays with the dog, and now and then tries to pounce on and ride the dog (Who is not much bigger than he is).  He's rather incompetent in burying his litter, although he's quite industrious in scratching and digging around while trying to do so.  He's a natural acrobat whose front end often comes to a halt before his rear end does.

It's good that kittens are so fascinating and adorable.  That and the hope that they'll catch mice (New Kitten caught his first one the evening before last, by the way) are the only two pros to set against a lot of cons.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on March 01, 2022, 08:38:01 AM
Quote from: mamselle on February 27, 2022, 08:08:34 PM
Can you ask for visiting privileges?

M.

Yes, I'm sure they'd be amenable, so there's that. And they're both librarians in our small town, so we can certainly get frequent updates.

Quote from: smallcleanrat on February 27, 2022, 08:15:50 PM
Oh, no.

Sorry to hear things didn't work out with Big Cat, Parasaurolophus.

Thanks for the sympathy. It's just especially hard for them not to work out after seven years, and after they've most definitely worked out on my end. Sniffle.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 01, 2022, 09:06:53 AM
Hmmm....some libraries even have their own resident cats...

Or so I've heard...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 01, 2022, 11:39:39 AM
Quote from: apl68 on March 01, 2022, 07:58:34 AM
While at my parents' house over the weekend, I had much opportunity to observe their rescue kitten's behavior.  He bats toys and pieces of dry food all over the house, appears and vanishes in the blink of an eye, gets into various kinds of trouble, plays with the dog, and now and then tries to pounce on and ride the dog (Who is not much bigger than he is).  He's rather incompetent in burying his litter, although he's quite industrious in scratching and digging around while trying to do so.  He's a natural acrobat whose front end often comes to a halt before his rear end does.

It's good that kittens are so fascinating and adorable.  That and the hope that they'll catch mice (New Kitten caught his first one the evening before last, by the way) are the only two pros to set against a lot of cons.

Awww!  Kittens are so cute and capable of so much chaos! 
I've told Sir Puck he's lucky he's cute.  His list of destroyed "enemies" include: an antique cake plate, a digital camera, one smartphone screen, a decorative glass object, a decorative concrete object, and one lamp.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on March 01, 2022, 01:25:07 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 01, 2022, 11:39:39 AM
Quote from: apl68 on March 01, 2022, 07:58:34 AM
While at my parents' house over the weekend, I had much opportunity to observe their rescue kitten's behavior.  He bats toys and pieces of dry food all over the house, appears and vanishes in the blink of an eye, gets into various kinds of trouble, plays with the dog, and now and then tries to pounce on and ride the dog (Who is not much bigger than he is).  He's rather incompetent in burying his litter, although he's quite industrious in scratching and digging around while trying to do so.  He's a natural acrobat whose front end often comes to a halt before his rear end does.

It's good that kittens are so fascinating and adorable.  That and the hope that they'll catch mice (New Kitten caught his first one the evening before last, by the way) are the only two pros to set against a lot of cons.

Awww!  Kittens are so cute and capable of so much chaos! 
I've told Sir Puck he's lucky he's cute.  His list of destroyed "enemies" include: an antique cake plate, a digital camera, one smartphone screen, a decorative glass object, a decorative concrete object, and one lamp.

This one broke a large vase right before my eyes only a couple of nights ago.  I now have to be careful at my parents' house not to leave my hands unguarded, lest they be clawed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on March 01, 2022, 01:58:43 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 01, 2022, 11:39:39 AM
Quote from: apl68 on March 01, 2022, 07:58:34 AM
While at my parents' house over the weekend, I had much opportunity to observe their rescue kitten's behavior.  He bats toys and pieces of dry food all over the house, appears and vanishes in the blink of an eye, gets into various kinds of trouble, plays with the dog, and now and then tries to pounce on and ride the dog (Who is not much bigger than he is).  He's rather incompetent in burying his litter, although he's quite industrious in scratching and digging around while trying to do so.  He's a natural acrobat whose front end often comes to a halt before his rear end does.

It's good that kittens are so fascinating and adorable.  That and the hope that they'll catch mice (New Kitten caught his first one the evening before last, by the way) are the only two pros to set against a lot of cons.

Awww!  Kittens are so cute and capable of so much chaos! 
I've told Sir Puck he's lucky he's cute.  His list of destroyed "enemies" include: an antique cake plate, a digital camera, one smartphone screen, a decorative glass object, a decorative concrete object, and one lamp.

I am imagining a parody of The Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar.

Instead of a caterpillar eating things, every turn of the page shows Sir Puck destroying a different object.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 01, 2022, 03:15:47 PM
:--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 02, 2022, 09:58:43 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on March 01, 2022, 01:58:43 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 01, 2022, 11:39:39 AM
Quote from: apl68 on March 01, 2022, 07:58:34 AM
While at my parents' house over the weekend, I had much opportunity to observe their rescue kitten's behavior.  He bats toys and pieces of dry food all over the house, appears and vanishes in the blink of an eye, gets into various kinds of trouble, plays with the dog, and now and then tries to pounce on and ride the dog (Who is not much bigger than he is).  He's rather incompetent in burying his litter, although he's quite industrious in scratching and digging around while trying to do so.  He's a natural acrobat whose front end often comes to a halt before his rear end does.

It's good that kittens are so fascinating and adorable.  That and the hope that they'll catch mice (New Kitten caught his first one the evening before last, by the way) are the only two pros to set against a lot of cons.

Awww!  Kittens are so cute and capable of so much chaos! 
I've told Sir Puck he's lucky he's cute.  His list of destroyed "enemies" include: an antique cake plate, a digital camera, one smartphone screen, a decorative glass object, a decorative concrete object, and one lamp.

I am imagining a parody of The Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar.

Instead of a caterpillar eating things, every turn of the page shows Sir Puck destroying a different object.

Ha! That would be great!  "Sir Puck the Rompy, Stompy cat"
We have now used quake hold, also called museum wax, to secure items like lamps & vases.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on March 04, 2022, 06:16:28 PM
Tomorrow's the day. I dread it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 04, 2022, 07:12:41 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on March 04, 2022, 06:16:28 PM
Tomorrow's the day. I dread it.

Ohhhhh........

Very sorry.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 05, 2022, 05:00:34 AM
Sorry to hear it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on March 05, 2022, 09:29:32 PM
It's done. They sent us a video a couple of hours ago, though, and he seemed pretty happy. With any luck, I'm sadder than he is.

It sure feels empty around here with only two out of three cats, though. Three was always too many, but...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 05, 2022, 10:19:28 PM
Thinking of you.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 06, 2022, 05:18:58 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on March 05, 2022, 09:29:32 PM
It's done. They sent us a video a couple of hours ago, though, and he seemed pretty happy. With any luck, I'm sadder than he is.

It sure feels empty around here with only two out of three cats, though. Three was always too many, but...

So sorry. :(
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on March 06, 2022, 06:23:47 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on March 05, 2022, 09:29:32 PM
It's done. They sent us a video a couple of hours ago, though, and he seemed pretty happy. With any luck, I'm sadder than he is.

It sure feels empty around here with only two out of three cats, though. Three was always too many, but...

Hugs and tears
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on March 07, 2022, 11:04:36 AM
Thank you.


So far, he seems to have adjusted very well to his new people and environment. From their reports, videos, and pictures, he seems pretty comfortable, like he's getting more of the kind of attention he needs, and like he's already appreciating having fewer stressors around (especially no longer having the bedroom door closed, and being able to climb into bed again). So that's all to the good, although it's paradoxically just as heartbreaking for me.

*sniffle*
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 08, 2022, 10:27:25 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on March 07, 2022, 11:04:36 AM
Thank you.


So far, he seems to have adjusted very well to his new people and environment. From their reports, videos, and pictures, he seems pretty comfortable, like he's getting more of the kind of attention he needs, and like he's already appreciating having fewer stressors around (especially no longer having the bedroom door closed, and being able to climb into bed again). So that's all to the good, although it's paradoxically just as heartbreaking for me.

*sniffle*

So sorry, Parasaurolophus, that Big Cat needed to move to a new home. I'm glad he is adjusting to his new surroundings. You provided a wonderful home for him to learn that humans are Good Things that he wants attention from. And now it sounds like he is finding his way to attach to new humans.  I hope the Para household is overall less stressed with the change and the hatchling is doing well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 08, 2022, 02:42:03 PM
Double post (sorry).

I came home from work today, and I opened the front door with my hands full. Ricochet  bolted out of the house and off of the front porch. She's cheetah-fast, so I'm not even sure what direction she headed. So, I was in full-blown panic-mode because she does not respond to her name.  I checked under the car first as that was one of my other cats favorite spots (nope), then turned around the check the backyard when I see her back on the porch in front of the door. Apparently she decided that she did not like outside.  Thank goodness! I'm still calming down. INSIDE CAT!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on March 08, 2022, 03:01:52 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on March 08, 2022, 02:42:03 PM
Double post (sorry).

I came home from work today, and I opened the front door with my hands full. Ricochet  bolted out of the house and off of the front porch. She's cheetah-fast, so I'm not even sure what direction she headed. So, I was in full-blown panic-mode because she does not respond to her name.  I checked under the car first as that was one of my other cats favorite spots (nope), then turned around the check the backyard when I see her back on the porch in front of the door. Apparently she decided that she did not like outside.  Thank goodness! I'm still calming down. INSIDE CAT!

Phew!

Our little cat likes to do exactly that, especially at night when she's not allowed out. She's super sneaky and lightning fast... but doesn't actually want to be out there. She just wants you to chase her up and down the hill a few times. =/
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 08, 2022, 05:07:45 PM
She's your exercycle...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on March 09, 2022, 06:20:40 AM
My parents' cat is showing potential as a mouser.  Maybe he'll fix their vermin problem.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 09, 2022, 09:56:57 AM
Quote from: apl68 on March 09, 2022, 06:20:40 AM
My parents' cat is showing potential as a mouser.  Maybe he'll fix their vermin problem.

Just having the cat around will deter a lot of rodents.  The smell of predator & the litter box will make them leave even if the cat doesn't personally catch any mice.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on March 09, 2022, 10:10:29 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on March 09, 2022, 09:56:57 AM
Quote from: apl68 on March 09, 2022, 06:20:40 AM
My parents' cat is showing potential as a mouser.  Maybe he'll fix their vermin problem.

Just having the cat around will deter a lot of rodents.  The smell of predator & the litter box will make them leave even if the cat doesn't personally catch any mice.

I've been in other houses where the smell of the litter box made me want to leave!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on March 11, 2022, 05:30:49 PM
These Cats Smash Model Trains for a Living:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzZqHPbj65I

Cute 1-minute video:
QuoteImagine a world full of massive cats knocking structures and buildings over. It's safe to say it won't happen in real life, but a restaurant in Japan has the next best thing. A stray cat family now lives at "Daiorama Cafeteria" in Osaka. They spend their days sitting beside miniature houses and smashing model trains.

Adorable variation on dinner-and-a-show.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on March 12, 2022, 06:12:08 AM
That's hilarious!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 12, 2022, 02:49:09 PM
Love it!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 13, 2022, 10:21:34 AM
I need to find a way to prevent youngest evil cat from chewing on cords, but I don't want to have to spray or paint everything with bitter apple/hot sauce. She bit a phone charger cord neatly in half a few weeks ago and is waaaay too interested in larger cords- really anything that kind of dangles or looks like a string.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on March 13, 2022, 10:51:43 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 13, 2022, 10:21:34 AM
I need to find a way to prevent youngest evil cat from chewing on cords, but I don't want to have to spray or paint everything with bitter apple/hot sauce. She bit a phone charger cord neatly in half a few weeks ago and is waaaay too interested in larger cords- really anything that kind of dangles or looks like a string.

Maestro and Caramelo both had bad cord-chewing habits.

Maestro never chews anymore; Caramelo does, but it's rare now.

It can help to use cord coverings and velcro or adhesive holders to fix cords in place (along the wall or the desk or under a covering on the floor). The less dangling and cord movement, the less tempting a target.

That coupled with numerous iterations of "No!" and pulling kitty away seems to have helped a lot.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 13, 2022, 12:01:14 PM
You can buy cord covers.  They look sort of like old-school phone cords.  But your kitty might find them just as tasty!
My sister had good luck covering cords with aluminum foil when her kitties were in a chewing phase.  Not great for the decor, but at least deterred the cats.
Maybe try a chewy cat toy?  Or a strip of raw hide?  Redirect the behavior to allow for chewing on approved objects. 
And some cats like hot sauce.  Buddycat didn't seem to mind the flavor at all.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 13, 2022, 01:43:34 PM
We've considered the cord covers and the rawhide. Elder evil cat used to chew on our dog's rawhide bone. Maybe I'll pick up some rawhide and see how youngest likes it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 13, 2022, 02:28:03 PM
Ninja is being velcro-kitty this weekend. She's usually SO's cat and hangs out in the same room with him, sometimes on his lap. But this weekend, she has apparently decided to attempt to spend the majority of the weekend on my lap while I'm working. It's nice to have a lapcat, but a weird change.  Maybe she heard me lamenting about not having a lapcat too (Ricochet is definitely not a lapcat) and decided to give me some love.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on March 13, 2022, 02:53:57 PM
Artemis is also a cord-eater and will also chew anything that looks like metal (including tinfoil). The cardboard inserts for paper towel and toilet paper rolls have worked better, but we've also taken to hiding a lot of cords inside closed cardboard boxes and just letting them come out the corners. Spouse has made some plywood covers for cords that don't work in our boxes. I bought a pool noodle to try but we've had good luck with the cardboard so haven't gotten to that yet.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on March 13, 2022, 03:00:27 PM
My grocery store has the option of paper bags.  I take them up on that option.  In the olden days when I had cats, paper bags were lots and lots of fun.  Perhaps a 'new toy' of paper bags and something to pounce from the new lair would distract them from the cord chewing. 

However, the bad tasting stuff may be most effective.  Sometimes, what works best is the most work!  (there is NO 'Easy Button')
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 14, 2022, 04:58:31 PM
Elder evil cat got a half bath today since he managed to somehow get poop on his stomach and feet. He is not a long hair cat, so I have no idea how he got it on his belly. Let me just say, it was not fun cleaning him.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 14, 2022, 05:04:51 PM
Did he roll in it? Usually it's dogs that do that, but I suppose a cat can, too....

Yuck!!!!!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 14, 2022, 06:43:52 PM
Quote from: mamselle on March 14, 2022, 05:04:51 PM
Did he roll in it? Usually it's dogs that do that, but I suppose a cat can, too....

Yuck!!!!!

M.

No clue.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 23, 2022, 06:24:39 AM
So, I'm sitting here about to tackle email and a few other things and suddenly I hear the most lugubrious/mournful meow/yowl from elder evil cat. He had dragged one of his blankets upstairs and wanted me to know about it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 24, 2022, 11:08:52 AM
I've been sitting here working on my writing, and HerMajesty has jumped up on my lap. I'm being treated to regal purring and the opportunity to stroke soft regal fur. I feel blessed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 26, 2022, 11:28:41 AM
Today's lap-sitting adventures with the OMY cats:

Ninja (12-pound queen of the household): Let's see, the person is sitting on the couch with two open laptops, a stack of student papers, and reference material. Yes, I can totally squeeze right here stretched on top of the person's lap, the student papers, and at least one laptop. Yes, this is totally comfortable. I will now nap for the next 2 hours. ZZZZZZZZZ

Ricochet (7 pounds, might be an alien): OK, I see the person on the couch on a break from work.  No computers. Reading a book.  The person pats their lap and makes cooing sounds at me.  OK, ok I can move closer.  I will stretch one paw onto the lap. Ok, nothing bad happened . . . maybe the other paw . . . EEK RUN AWAY!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on March 26, 2022, 03:13:22 PM
Today's lap-sitter here is Calico. She gets really into it. She rolls and revels and nuzzles and purrs. It's adorable and I can't help but laugh. The only problem is if she jumps on me when I'm not expecting it. She's 18 pounds of large, solid feline.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on March 29, 2022, 06:23:29 PM
Ulysses' recent penchant for exploring the downstairs coat closet led her to spend the night there last night. I awoke this morning to considerable wailing. Tonight she wanted back in.  I wonder what she did all night; it's not a big closet and there's not much to play with.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on March 29, 2022, 06:45:41 PM
Scene:
Little Calico is sitting in patch of sun coming through the kitchen window, mewing insistently at me.
Guessing that she wishes to sleep in the sun, but needs a receptacle in which to do so, I move a box into the patch of sun.
Little Calico immediately jumps into the box.
Panther Boy comes over, jumps in the box, causing Little Calico to jump out of the box.
Panther Boy lies down in the box. Little Calico sits a foot away staring unblinkingly at him. Several minutes pass this way.
Panther Boy, apparently disconcerted, gets up and returns to his basket.
Little Calico retakes possession of the box and goes to sleep in it.

Conclusion:
Although she is the smallest creature in the house, Little Calico usually gets what she wants.

Quote from: Harlow2 on March 29, 2022, 06:23:29 PM
Ulysses' recent penchant for exploring the downstairs coat closet led her to spend the night there last night. I awoke this morning to considerable wailing. Tonight she wanted back in.  I wonder what she did all night; it's not a big closet and there's not much to play with.

Have you considered to possibility that it is a portal to another dimension?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on March 29, 2022, 06:47:12 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on March 29, 2022, 06:23:29 PM
Ulysses' recent penchant for exploring the downstairs coat closet led her to spend the night there last night. I awoke this morning to considerable wailing. Tonight she wanted back in.  I wonder what she did all night; it's not a big closet and there's not much to play with.

Maybe she's visiting Narnia?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 29, 2022, 06:56:25 PM
Remind her to watch out for Puddleglums...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on March 30, 2022, 08:30:03 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on March 29, 2022, 06:47:12 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on March 29, 2022, 06:23:29 PM
Ulysses' recent penchant for exploring the downstairs coat closet led her to spend the night there last night. I awoke this morning to considerable wailing.
Maybe she's visiting Narnia?

Explains the wailing: "I was gone for MONTHS--and you didn't feed me ONCE!"

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 30, 2022, 10:15:40 AM
The last few nights, as I've been cleaning up before bed, I've found both Ninja and Ricochet in the kitchen near the back door.  Initially, I thought perhaps they were stalking something, which is typically the only reason they hang out together. But, there have been no mice placed in the food bowls (their preferred display place). They are clearly up to something. But neither one is talking.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on March 30, 2022, 12:29:12 PM
Quote from: Puget on March 29, 2022, 06:45:41 PM
Scene:
Little Calico is sitting in patch of sun coming through the kitchen window, mewing insistently at me.
Guessing that she wishes to sleep in the sun, but needs a receptacle in which to do so, I move a box into the patch of sun.
Little Calico immediately jumps into the box.
Panther Boy comes over, jumps in the box, causing Little Calico to jump out of the box.
Panther Boy lies down in the box. Little Calico sits a foot away staring unblinkingly at him. Several minutes pass this way.
Panther Boy, apparently disconcerted, gets up and returns to his basket.
Little Calico retakes possession of the box and goes to sleep in it.

Conclusion:
Although she is the smallest creature in the house, Little Calico usually gets what she wants.


That's fantastic.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on March 30, 2022, 07:03:37 PM
Quote from: Puget on March 29, 2022, 06:45:41 PM


Have you considered to possibility that it is a portal to another dimension?

It's the only thing that makes sense.  She's drawn to the closet like a magnet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on March 30, 2022, 07:07:22 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on March 29, 2022, 06:47:12 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on March 29, 2022, 06:23:29 PM
Ulysses' recent penchant for exploring the downstairs coat closet led her to spend the night there last night. I awoke this morning to considerable wailing. Tonight she wanted back in.  I wonder what she did all night; it's not a big closet and there's not much to play with.

Maybe she's visiting Narnia?

That must be it; and there's actually a small door into what we used to call our secret space under the stairs —-apparently more powerful than I imagined.  My grandson loved the idea that you could disappear within the house.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 31, 2022, 10:01:57 AM
All 3 of my cats LOVE to eat bugs.  I've learned to mimic the "bug!" chirp and all of them now come running to smack the bug or eat the bug I smacked for them.
Moths are apparently a delicious treat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on March 31, 2022, 10:54:17 AM
Quote from: Puget on March 29, 2022, 06:45:41 PM

Although she is the smallest creature in the house, Little Calico usually gets what she wants.



It's the same with ours. She's, like, 3/4 the size of a normal adult cat, but she eats first (they graze, but she'll bump the others out of the way when they're on their way to the food, even if it's in separate dishes). The others steer clear of her sleeping spots.


Yesterday, the red cat went to the vet because he's been straining to pee, which suggests a urinary crystal resurgence. Then yesterday afternoon his face swelled up, so he went back today. Abcess. Poor dear. Two is a lot of trips to the vet in as many days.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 31, 2022, 12:12:45 PM
Quote from: Puget on March 29, 2022, 06:45:41 PM

Although she is the smallest creature in the house, Little Calico usually gets what she wants.

Lady Jane wishes that were true for her, as she is the daintiest of tiny cats.  But Sir Puck is the greedy chomper of all food, is totally willing to battle for who get to sit in the best box/chair/sunny spot.  And Izzy just ignores Lady Jane or takes the grumbling & swatting as an invitation to PLAY!  "I love this game!  Let's play another round of "go away Izzy kitten!"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on March 31, 2022, 12:28:51 PM
Rough night here at the Buster house. Trouble, our polydactyl cat, decided that my feet were the perfect 4am prey. Pounce on them if they move, and sit and knead/gnaw on them if you hold them still.
   And of course he cries if you shut him out of the bedroom!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on March 31, 2022, 02:40:04 PM
It's that developmental thing.

Thumbs just spell trouble in mammals...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 16, 2022, 04:22:00 PM
Does anyone else have a cat who growls like a dog when the doorbell rings? We do. Elder evil cat has done this for years. Why? I don't know.

Why do I mention this?

We decided to treat ourselves to pizza and the delivery guy rang the doorbell. One cat growled and the other hauled ass to some dark crevice in the house.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 16, 2022, 05:11:02 PM
HerMajesty growls if any of the others try to play with her when she's not in the mood, or if OrangeGuy chases her, trying to be alpha kitty. Twerp will sometimes growl if OrangeGuy plays with her too rough. Nobody here growls because of the doorbell, though.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 17, 2022, 05:14:58 AM
The Larimar cats got an Easter treat first thing this morning. Mr. Larimar had gotten some brightly colored hollow plastic Easter eggs, and filled them with catnip, and had been saving them in a padded mailing envelope. This morning he upended the envelope onto the floor in the upstairs hallway. We now have some very happy, well exercised, and loopy cats!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 17, 2022, 07:36:12 AM
We know when we've had any sort of delivery because Sir Puck growls ferociously before dashing away to hide.  Izzy just hides.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on April 17, 2022, 07:39:33 AM
How about some kitty updates around the board? 
How are our kitty overlords faring, and are they happy with the training efforts that they have put forward, or are they STILL working on overcoming problems..... "you can give them thumbs, but you cant make them use them!"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on April 17, 2022, 07:35:15 PM
Quote from: Larimar on April 17, 2022, 05:14:58 AM
The Larimar cats got an Easter treat first thing this morning. Mr. Larimar had gotten some brightly colored hollow plastic Easter eggs, and filled them with catnip, and had been saving them in a padded mailing envelope. This morning he upended the envelope onto the floor in the upstairs hallway. We now have some very happy, well exercised, and loopy cats!

I was working in the garden and noticed that the catmint I planted last year is roaring along. Guess I will pick some foe Ulysses.

Question:  does it have to be dried first?  What about the flowers?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 17, 2022, 07:46:21 PM
Our like it fresh or dried both
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on April 18, 2022, 04:44:19 AM
Our boys are terrified of the attic steps (no idea why).  Yesterday, when the steps came down, they were in the bedroom across the hall from their preferred hiding place under our bed.  As the steps started down, Yin skittered across the hall and under the bed (you know the cartoons where the legs move faster than the bodies...) but Yang was still "trapped".  He eventually decided to make a run for it under the steps but either lost control of his skitter or miscalculated and hit the door jamb on his way into the bedroom.  So there I am in the hall, with StatSpouse trying to hand me the boxes we were retrieving, laughing so hard I couldn't breathe...

There are days with these guys I wish I had cameras always running. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 18, 2022, 03:16:31 PM
We visited my MIL at her assisted living center over Easter weekend. She has two senior cats. Within a half-hour of us being there, they were swirling at our feet, and the first evening we were there, they explored our laps. By the 2nd day, one of them plopped down on my lap for several hours while we were watching TV and chatting.
In contrast, when we arrived home after 2 days away, Ricochet bolted under the bed and it took her an hour to decide we were safe enough for petting.  She did engage in a brief period of lap-standing practice and has disappeared again. Silly cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 19, 2022, 09:59:48 AM
I visited my grandfather and he has a very round, friendly tabby cat.  She was clearly torn between wanting to lounge in front of the fire, wanting pettings, and being VERY CONCERNED that I move much faster than my 95 year old grandfather.  I accidentally gave her too much food one evening and we are now the best of friends.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 10, 2022, 12:19:16 PM
Waffles, the barn cat at Kid #1's farmhouse, had kitties this morning--two little stripey gray kitties!  SO exciting, and Waffles is such a GOOD mama cat. Kid said she came to get her and Norman the Huge GSD when they were playing frisbee in the yard around 6 this morning; Waffles took them to her crate to show off the babies.

(Kid said she thought the cat was pregnant, but I don't see her close enough or often enough; I didn't think she was. Glad to be wrong, and I hope they all do OK. Waffles is a fierce hunter, and she adores the Kid and Norman. They'll all look out for each other.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 22, 2022, 12:40:52 PM
Ricochet has been trying out new safe spaces. This week's contenders: on the back of the couch, on the mat in front of the front door, and in a laundry basket of dirty clothes.  So far, the mat is winning. The mat is the only place that she will roll over and appear that she wants a tummy rub.  Sometimes, you can pet her tummy gently and be rewarded with a purr before she bolts. Sometimes, she goes Venus flytrap on your hand with her claws and teeth, though she does not typically draw blood. She is a master of variable ratio reinforcement.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 22, 2022, 01:54:47 PM
Good for Ricochet. Like the Venus flytrap comparison. Twerp does something similar sometimes.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 23, 2022, 09:56:06 AM
Little Cat and Fela were lying together in the sun, both snoozing, when LC reached over and bit the heck out of Fela's butt!  No idea where that came from, though LC is decidedly a shit-disturber.

(Fela is about 3 times LC's size--I think that's what's called "gutsy" on LC's behalf.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 23, 2022, 12:00:57 PM
Youngest evil cat (well, younger, since we only have two now), is contemplating the power strip. I suppose it looks tasty to her- she has a tendency to chew on wires. :(
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 23, 2022, 01:45:36 PM
Earlier today our friend the feral kitty left a gift on our doorstep of a partially eaten baby rabbit. Um, thanks, kitty, but EEWWWWW! and please don't do that again! Mr. Larimar spared me the cleanup (I washed the dishes instead), but it was a nasty mess. We had to throw our welcome mat in the garbage.


For the record, OneMoreYear, I meant good for Ricochet for trying new things and purring, not for biting and clawing you!


Larimar
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 23, 2022, 03:32:18 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 23, 2022, 12:00:57 PM
Youngest evil cat (well, younger, since we only have two now), is contemplating the power strip. I suppose it looks tasty to her- she has a tendency to chew on wires. :(

Yikes, if she decides to try it you may only have one kitty left--not a desirable case at all!!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 23, 2022, 03:41:38 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 23, 2022, 03:32:18 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 23, 2022, 12:00:57 PM
Youngest evil cat (well, younger, since we only have two now), is contemplating the power strip. I suppose it looks tasty to her- she has a tendency to chew on wires. :(

Yikes, if she decides to try it you may only have one kitty left--not a desirable case at all!!

M.

I know. She only seems to like the dangly ones. We monitor her when she's out and have tried hot sauce which seemed to work. I think we need to reapply it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 23, 2022, 03:42:18 PM
Quote from: Larimar on May 23, 2022, 01:45:36 PM
Earlier today our friend the feral kitty left a gift on our doorstep of a partially eaten baby rabbit. Um, thanks, kitty, but EEWWWWW! and please don't do that again! Mr. Larimar spared me the cleanup (I washed the dishes instead), but it was a nasty mess. We had to throw our welcome mat in the garbage.


For the record, OneMoreYear, I meant good for Ricochet for trying new things and purring, not for biting and clawing you!


Larimar

Thank goodness for spouses and SOs.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 23, 2022, 04:42:04 PM
Our cats are Super Excited that we now have a large rabbit in the yard.  They zoom at top speed from one window to the next to observe.  They haven't paired a noise with the rabbit yet - it must not fit in the same category as a bug or a bird and doesn't cause the puffy-tail upset of seeing another cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 23, 2022, 05:21:04 PM
Is it known if all Cat is articulated in the range of sound that is audible to Humans?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 26, 2022, 07:44:50 AM
ALHS is on the s%t list with Fela.  It's been off-and-on stormy and rainy here for a week. Yesterday evening around 5:30, Fela went outside when he was bringing in groceries; I didn't even notice she was out, and since she usually hides and hibernates in the evening, nobody missed her. We got a huge windy downpour for almost 40 minutes around 7.

When ALHS took out a trash bag at 10:30, in shot Fela--damp and NOT happy.  Poor old thing!  She doesn't like wind to begin with, and she'd never been outside alone that long, and never after dark.  She must have hunkered down under the wide eaves during the storm.

Someone is getting extra pampering today, while she's shooting the stink-eye at ALHS. I bet it's the last time he does that!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 26, 2022, 08:36:07 AM
Aww, poor FelFellow!

Any baby kitty updates, while you're at it?

;--》

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 27, 2022, 11:08:29 AM
Baby kits are growing like weeds. Both are about 4x their size at birth, about 17 days ago.  Waffles is a good mama cat.

Here in town, Fela and Little Cat are confused and concerned with my post-surgery hugely wrapped foot. They're taking shifts sitting in the living room and watching me doze in my recliner.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on May 27, 2022, 12:33:57 PM
Aww, how sweet to be able to see a mother cat raise her kittens.

Hope your recovery is going well, ALH.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on May 29, 2022, 08:23:05 PM
Seconding Mamselle's wishes for a good recovery.

I just found Ulysses furiously licking a peanut butter jar whose lid I had forgotten to attach. I did not know cats liked peanut butter.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 30, 2022, 09:52:41 AM
Recovery is OK so far, thanks for asking (which is to say, I'm being a PitA patient and already bored out of my mind with sitting and t.v. and crocheting, after only 3 days. I have a knee roller thingy, which is a lot less fun than it looks). 

I don't know if our two like peanut butter, but Little Cat has a thing for French onion dip (the kind made with a tub of sour cream and an envelope of Lipton soup).  ALHS put some on a plate with his chips and sandwiches, put the tub back in the fridge, and turned around to see LC lapping away, with sour cream all over her whiskers.

I know cats aren't supposed to have onions, but she was fine afterward, which reminds me that dogs aren't supposed to have onions, chocolate, and other things.  Of course, our late little terrier Max found and devoured one of those huge (12 oz.?) Hershey bars within about 15 minutes, and his only ill effect was a burp or two (and lived another happy 10 years). Maybe we have animals with cast-iron stomachs?

The kittens are growing, and their eyes are open!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 30, 2022, 11:40:28 AM
Awww, little blinky-eyed kitties...tiny scritches from me...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on May 30, 2022, 01:16:38 PM
Any word from Small Clean Rat and her 2 kitties? 

Has she trained them, (or they trained her and her hubby) to do any more tricks?)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on May 30, 2022, 03:23:52 PM
I was just wondering about them as well.

Hope Maestro and Co. have things under control!

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on June 13, 2022, 07:43:03 AM
My parents' cat, which they adopted as a kitten before Christmas, has unexpectedly proven useful:


The cat prowls around
Leaving the kitchen littered
With bug carcasses
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 14, 2022, 05:43:10 AM
Great haiku!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 18, 2022, 06:59:24 PM
Whooo weeeee! We're sitting on the couch with the cats (watching Netflix) and someone (I'm thinking feline) ripped something nasty! P U!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 27, 2022, 07:09:25 PM
I stopped at a gas station on the way home from a long trip.  I was about 150 miles from home, at a Buc-ees!  IF any of you dont know Bucc-ees, you are in for a treat when one is on your travel route!

I gassed up. They have like 50 or more pumps!! many people gas up, but leave their car parked at the pump and go inside.  I didnt. I moved the car to the side near the grass dog walk area.

I went in, did my business, which included getting a drink!  When I returned to my car I heard quite a racket.  I thought it was a bird and looked to see what kind. Instead I saw a tiny kitten. 
At first, I thought, "let nature take its course", but it was so damn hot.  I got in the car and started it, but I thought, "this will haunt you later".  So (in a move similar to Star Wars when Darth Vader grabs the Emperor and throws him to the core)  I got out, grabbed the kitty and headed out.  It was 101 at the time, and it was in the sun, near the parking lot, with no sign of anything or anyone else.  It was panting hard, so I put it in a baseball cap and on the seat.  I figured that it probably would not live to make it home, but if it died, at least it was more comfortable.

Well, it is not dead yet! When I got home, I went to Petsmart and got $35 worth of droppers, bottles and kitty formula (premixed).

The little kitty looks to be just 3 weeks old tops.  Its eyes are open, but its ears dont have form. It has a bouncy head and can toddle, but not really walk.

It wants to find a nipple, but does not like the formula, or the bottle and hates the dropper. 

I used 1/4 of the can of formula, and I am wearing most of it! 

If it survives the night, I will call the local no kill cat shelter to see if they have fosters available. 

0000

I didnt even want to tell my bride about it, but she called when the kitty was screaming at me, so I told her what i did. She was excited, "You got us a cat?!!"  .... NO!!  If it survives the night, it is going to a foster who can feed it! 


At the moment, she is with her parents in Houston as her dad is undergoing cancer treatment.  She wont be home before Friday, so Im just not able to keep up with a weeks old kitten that wont cooperate in its feeding!


At the moment, I put a few towles in the bathtub.  It can not get out of that!  Ill try to feed it again tonight, and then tomorrow morning.  Then I have some doctor's appointments myself and Ill get it to the shelter by lunch.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 27, 2022, 07:21:00 PM
You're doing a good thing clean, good luck to you and the kitten!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 27, 2022, 09:30:32 PM
Awwwww....very good to hear.

Tiny scritches from me.

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on June 28, 2022, 05:17:06 AM
Quote from: Puget on June 27, 2022, 07:21:00 PM
You're doing a good thing clean, good luck to you and the kitten!

Quote from: mamselle on June 27, 2022, 09:30:32 PM
Awwwww....very good to hear.

Tiny scritches from me.

M.




+1!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on June 28, 2022, 06:27:09 AM
Good luck with the kitten!   
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 28, 2022, 07:12:44 AM
Quote from: Larimar on June 28, 2022, 05:17:06 AM
Quote from: Puget on June 27, 2022, 07:21:00 PM
You're doing a good thing clean, good luck to you and the kitten!

Quote from: mamselle on June 27, 2022, 09:30:32 PM
Awwwww....very good to hear.

Tiny scritches from me.

M.




+1!

Making the world a better place, clean!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on June 28, 2022, 07:28:12 AM
Sunday evening I met the new kitten of the family that hosted the evening Bible study group.  He already seems to be tolerated by the family's two grown golden retrievers.  They intend to raise this rescue kitten into their replacement barn cat.  Barn cat is not a bad gig for a cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 28, 2022, 08:22:09 AM
Im reaching out for foster families to help feed this monster infant. 
I put it in the bathtub with towels down.  It can not get out of that, so it is safe. it primarily sleeps. This morning I checked and it was still alive so I warmed up some of the kitty milk (store bought) and got the bottle and dropper ready. 

I woke it up and while it was still groggy I was able to get 2 droppers full of canned kitty "milk" down it, but the jostling  woke it up and it fought the rest of the way.  We again got more On us, then in it. 

It makes the infant noises, and is trying to find the source of the stuff it wants. (it roots around my neck or arms and would really like a passifier or something to latch on to!)
It knows what it wants, and it knows how it used to find it.  I dont offer anything close to that.
It doesnt taste the same, it doesnt look the same, it doesnt feel the same, it doesnt smell the same.....  and same is good, new is bad!

It is back in the tub.  I will wake it up again soon enough and try some more down it before it wakes up too much.

NO replies from the places Ive tried for help.  You need an appointment to drop anything off, and they dont answer the phone- only email or facetube messenger and so far no responses. 

It crawls on my arm and tries to find something to latch on to.  (but it wont take the bottle nipple).  Any ideas on how to trick or create a passifier like device?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 28, 2022, 09:09:10 AM
SO raised tons of kittens and strongly recommends using the dropper (in other words, keep trying, gently). He said to encourage it to use the bottle too.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 28, 2022, 09:23:35 AM
You can also dip your little finger in a small dish of the formula and let them lick/suck on that.

Sucking helps activate the muscles throughout their digestive system, so even if they're only getting a little bit of food at a time, it's helping them process whatever they do take in.

And it's a skin-to-skin connection that reinforces other kinds of development, as well.

More sweet little scritches from me (envious, really...)

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 28, 2022, 10:38:06 AM
Clearly, the kitty has NOT watched the youtube videos on how it is supposed to do ITS share of the work! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 28, 2022, 10:41:29 AM
Some of those are learned behaviors, and if it's only 3 days old, it hasn't even been exposed to those.

Also, their tiny elimination systems have to be stimulated by tummy-rubs (which is why mother cats lick them a lot)--they can get constipated if they're not induced to develop those muscles as well.

Human babies come with a lot more add-on features already loaded, as you can tell...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Morden on June 28, 2022, 10:43:51 AM
Sending you and the kitten all good thoughts Clean!
Whatever the outcome, thank you for trying to help the little creature.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 28, 2022, 11:08:16 AM
Quote from: mamselle on June 28, 2022, 09:23:35 AM
You can also dip your little finger in a small dish of the formula and let them lick/suck on that.

Sucking helps activate the muscles throughout their digestive system, so even if they're only getting a little bit of food at a time, it's helping them process whatever they do take in.

And it's a skin-to-skin connection that reinforces other kinds of development, as well.

More sweet little scritches from me (envious, really...)

M.

Yep. This is also a good way to encourage them to eat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 28, 2022, 05:23:05 PM
a coworker sent a video of someone using make up sponges.  Soak the sponge in the milk and see if that helps.

I now have a few of them to try.

I think that the kitten is more than 10 days old, but I doubt that it is 15 days old.  Its eyes are open, but its ears have not come up. I can feel the start of teeth, but nothing that has come up very far.

Today I picked up the sponges from the coworker, who gave me 4, and i heard the monster baby awake and noisy, so I figured I d go ahead and see how much I could get it to eat.  By the time I got the food warm and ready to serve, it was sound asleep.  (which I was not going to disturb!)

I will reheat in an hour or so. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 28, 2022, 05:45:07 PM
Clean, I think you now have officially joined the ranks of the cat servants. Good work!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on June 29, 2022, 04:03:38 AM
Sponges should work. I think we used to use a small square of an absorbent fabric like flannel or muslin, dipped in milk. But sponges are probably better.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Morden on June 29, 2022, 04:42:23 PM
Any news, Clean? Hoping for a kitten update.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 29, 2022, 06:24:55 PM
QuoteAny news, Clean? Hoping for a kitten update.

It Lives!

I ran to the store today to get some flu/cold/(covid?) remedies.  I was not gone long, and it was well fed earlier so I thought I had more time.

It woke up and demanded to know my whereabouts and what steps I would take to ensure that such mismanagement never occurs again!

I think that it got up to 9 ML of formula.  I doubt it was more. 

Then, as usual, it ignores the bottle, it ignores the sponge, it fights the nipple with the syrringe, but eventually takes it.  It has no interest in the bottle though. 

Then the annoying part... It roots around for the next 20 minutes making rooting noises, licking or trying to latch on to my elbow.  Sometimes it will latch on to part of my thumb or pinky finger.  ...So It refuses anything that would feed it, but it will insist that it gets plenty of suckling time before it tries to sleep.

It seems to take 20 to 30 minutes to placate the creature. 

On MY health front, I have come down with something.... I got a COVID test today.  I have a cough and let me tell you that coughs are NOT on the kitty approved sounds! 

I got a short nap today, and tonight I am running a temperature of 100.5. 

I hope that someone is able to take this responsibility off my hands soon! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 29, 2022, 06:29:25 PM
Thanks for the update, clean. Sounds like you're doing your best with the little kitty. I hope you feel better soon. Being sick sucks big time.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 30, 2022, 02:05:14 AM
Agreed. Mommies give good care even when they're sick, so now you can check that box, too.

And just think...

Your kitty-mom experience will look good on your resume, besides.

Feel better soon.

Does the small, furry one have a Fora-name?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 30, 2022, 08:56:14 AM
Not my cat.  NO names!

I dont know if it is a he or a she.   (dont care to know.

I think that it is awake again.

It skipped a feeding last night. I took some night time flu/cold stuff and I woke up only an hour and a half after last feeding, so I didnt get up. Then it was after 6... usually I awaken about 4 am for one reason or another.

It is later now than it was before...
a few hours later!
the monster/warden/creature is awake.  It will sleep for like 5 minutes on my arm.

it is up and moving, screaching/squeeking rooting for something to latch on to.

I have put it 'to bed' twice, but that doesnt seem to work just now. 
I dont know if this is part of the punishment for missing the feeding.... I can no longer be trusted to be around WHEN it demands attention.

On the other hand, IF it can get to sleep, for the most part, it only wakes up when I wake it up to service it.

I definately have an infection. When I cough I am greeted with a screech that says, "I was ALMOST asleep, and NOW i have to start ALL OVER! 

Im thinking tht its "bed' is just not warm enough for now, but it could just be a few days older and more demanding 


BREAKING NEWS!
My COVID test (that I took yesterday on campus) came back POSITIVE. 
I told you I was sick!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 30, 2022, 09:18:49 AM
So sorry to hear that you've got Covid. :(

Have you tried soaking a corner of a washcloth with kitten formula to see if it will suck on it?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 30, 2022, 09:31:30 AM
QuoteHave you tried soaking a corner of a washcloth with kitten formula to see if it will suck on it?

yes
not a fan

clearly it has its own thoughts on these things and it thinks youtube advice is bunk
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Morden on June 30, 2022, 10:32:14 AM
QuoteIm thinking tht its "bed' is just not warm enough for now, but it could just be a few days older and more demanding

Full disclosure: I know nothing about kittens, but when we first got our puppy (many, many years ago), it missed the warmth of its siblings & mama. We heated up one of those bean bag things in the microwave (not too hot!) and put it in his bed. He snuggled up and settled down.

I am very sorry to hear you have COVID. Best wishes for recovery.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 30, 2022, 10:44:07 AM
OH, dear, no.

It's definitely harder to be a caregiver to a kitty when you're sick, too.

Second the idea of a warm plush toy or rolled-up blankets close by.

They were all packed together in the womb, they feel lost without other warm bodies/things close by.

Or, you could make a little nest and put it near you to sleep, so it gets your body warmth and hears your heartbeat.

That's another thing i've heard, a ticking clock, wrapped in a thick towel or blanket, can help with sleeping issues.

Get well.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: fleabite on June 30, 2022, 11:31:12 AM
Clean,

I admire your willingness to cater to the needs of the little creature that adopted you. I am sorry that you now have to do so in the face of illness. Because it has not yet been mentioned on this thread, I feel that I should note that kittens and cats can catch COVID-19 from people. If at all possible, I recommend wearing a tightly fitting mask when you are tending to the kitten and scrubbing your hands and arms well before interacting with it. But from what I've read (I'm not a vet or doctor), cats generally don't get very sick from covid. Therefore, your guest's need for human-servant contact probably outweighs the need to protect it from covid by isolating yourself. Feel better soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 30, 2022, 12:07:57 PM
Quote from: Morden on June 30, 2022, 10:32:14 AM
QuoteIm thinking tht its "bed' is just not warm enough for now, but it could just be a few days older and more demanding

Full disclosure: I know nothing about kittens, but when we first got our puppy (many, many years ago), it missed the warmth of its siblings & mama. We heated up one of those bean bag things in the microwave (not too hot!) and put it in his bed. He snuggled up and settled down.

I am very sorry to hear you have COVID. Best wishes for recovery.

I have also read about people using small stuffed animals, or as mamselle said, something that ticks. Got an old watch?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 30, 2022, 01:09:08 PM
Clean,
Maybe one of the rescue agencies could get you in touch with someone who is fostering a nursing cat with kittens.  Most mama cats are open to adding another kitten, especially one that is so young.  I hope you feel better soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 30, 2022, 01:17:26 PM
Clean, so sorry that you're sick, and that the kitty is a challenge.  Finding a foster would be a great solution.

I don't know where you are, but if anywhere remotely close to a rural area, contacting a large-animal vet that deals with cattle, hogs, or horses could get you a contact to a farmer with a mama cat who could help out!  (The vets wouldn't have treated the mom/kittens, but they do know who has cattle etc., and those need feed, which draws mice and rats, which means barn cats!) Just a suggestion.

Take care, and feel better SOON!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 30, 2022, 06:58:23 PM
im on the waiting list for a feeder.  Next avaiability is July 14

we had a bath.

Not saying that it is clean,  but it is cleaner

it does not like to have its tail touched. 

but it is clean and dry and now it is trying to sleep... when my coughing allows it to sleep... If my cough wakes it up, I hear the complaint and it moves to try to find another place to sleep.

It would be nicer if it would stay in its bed, but i m positive that I am warmer (with my fever, I m probably just the right temperature!

I really dont want to get it used to sleeping on me.  (it sets up bad habits)!                   
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 30, 2022, 07:25:43 PM
Quote from: clean on June 30, 2022, 06:58:23 PM
im on the waiting list for a feeder.  Next avaiability is July 14

we had a bath.

Not saying that it is clean,  but it is cleaner

it does not like to have its tail touched. 

but it is clean and dry and now it is trying to sleep... when my coughing allows it to sleep... If my cough wakes it up, I hear the complaint and it moves to try to find another place to sleep.

It would be nicer if it would stay in its bed, but i m positive that I am warmer (with my fever, I m probably just the right temperature!

I really dont want to get it used to sleeping on me.  (it sets up bad habits)!                 

Normal cat body temp is 101-102.5 so you're probably right. Hope you feel better soon!

At some point you're also going to have to give up the idea that this is "Not my cat". You have been adopted. Happens to the best of us. My sadly departed cat of 14 years was "just staying with me for the weekend until the rescue can find a permanent placement". (Current two little beasts were acquired intentionally).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 30, 2022, 07:48:17 PM
Quoteou're also going to have to give up the idea that this is "Not my cat". You have been adopted.

Im thinking of the people that have experience with 4H.  Some, especially the youngest, get attached and are unable to get rid of the new pet.

Others are glad that it is over and will gladly add the critter into their own freezer if no one else buys it.  (my nephew's wife, said that she was happy to eat the pig she raised!)

So, I think that I can turn over the responsibility  when the time finally comes. 

The hard part is going to be keeping my bride out of the picture!  She is currently helping her parents in Houston (her dad is starting cancer treatments at MD anderson).

Now that I am positive, I think that I can head her off for at least 5 more days... but that leaves 8 or 9 days when she may be in the susceptability window.

I have alergies, so adopting a cat for this house is not going to be a starter for me!  However, If she falls in love with the kitty, she may have to pick one of us... and no matter what she picks I will lose! 


This is another reason not to let it sleep on my arm/tummy/neck... she will want an arm/neck/tummy warmer too!


2 years ago, I was put in a similar situation.  My dad was off for knee replacement surgery and as they were walking to the car up screamed a very young kitten (did I mention screaming?) 

So I took care of it.  Initially it was to keep it safe outside so that its crying would remind its mama to retrieve it.
She didnt. 
I misjudged the age and I think that i tried to give it real food before its tummy was ready and it died 2 days later. 
This one also slept on my chest (for warmth or domination... not sure).  Anyway, that kitten was older, and didnt make it.  SO Im not really interested in dealing with these issues again.  Very disappointing to know that I was unable to keep that critter alive. 

So no names, and no promises. I will do my best, but I have asked for professionals to take this task and there are no spaces available until July 14.  If it makes it that long, that is great!  A success!  most likely it will live a long (or 9) life/lives. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on June 30, 2022, 08:11:55 PM
A follow up...
The creature/monster just pooped on me! 

Yea, I dont think that I will feel bad about handing it off!

(I am sure that I related in the start of this saga/drama, that the reason that I put the car back into park and got out of the running car was the Fear of Regret!   
I knew that if I left it, that it would likely die within hours, and I expected, given how overheated it was, that it would be dead before i got home.  But IF i left it, I would always wonder, and think that I COULD have saved it and underevaluated the work that it demands!  I certainly would not have imagined that getting pooped on in my ideal, underrated ideal situation.   

Given how hard it has been finding anyone else to take over this charge, letting nature take its course is not sounding so harsh.
To quote Jose Whales, "Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms". 

(I am really doing my best NOT to accept the proposed adoption, is the bottom line). 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on June 30, 2022, 08:26:28 PM
Aww, clean, you're so sweet. Fight it off if you need to, if only to uphold your sense of dignity...

I do understand about the feelings of sorrow at losing a kitten when it turns out one might have done something differently, or more, or whatever...my first kitty had Fel-V and no-one then knew much about it, and I didn't realize what was going on, either, entirely.

So, yes, the pain associated with that kind of situation can scare you off.

It really does hurt, and if it turns out that another kitty-home turns up, that's fine, too.

But beneath that hard outer financial exterior shell, I'm starting to think you're just an old softie inside.

(And that the kitten has already figured it out, as well.)

Plus--it's actually a very good sign that all her digestive functions are working properly.

That's a way of marking their territory, or their people, you know.

Their mothers often clean it up for them directly, so it's clear she trusts you...

Whatever does happen, she's being kept warm and cared for, and that's what matters.

Blessings all 'round.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on July 01, 2022, 04:06:56 AM
what are the dreams of week's old kittens? (not what are their aspirations... like what do they want to be when they grow up?)
but what would cause such movement of all four feet and legs?

been up for 75 minutes or so.  now i return to my own bed to hope that my cough doesnt wake the neighborhood!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 01, 2022, 09:12:48 AM
They're dreaming of nursing.

Those little pushes are what they do to get the momma's milk to let down.

That's also one of the probable causes of them 'making biscuits' on a beloved human.

It's a transference of trusting behavior, knowing at some deep level that there is nurturance to be had.

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on July 01, 2022, 10:39:05 AM
Great news for the critter/creature/monster/warden kitten!  Its chances for survival have likely increased a lot!  One of the Cat Ladies (that feed the campus cats) is an admin assistant for the dean.  She has volunteered to pick it up after work today! 

Im pretty sure that I can keep it alive until then! 

Im leery of even posting this until after it happens so that I dont jinx it! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on July 01, 2022, 04:56:12 PM
Good job Clean.  Now take care of yourself.   
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: fleabite on July 07, 2022, 02:01:02 PM
Sounds like the kitten found a good servant. Now, how are you doing? I hope you are recuperating well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on July 07, 2022, 03:12:24 PM
Hope you're doing better, Clean!

In our cat world, Kid #2's mama cat Waffles had a rough day yesterday:  her two kitties, 7 weeks old and just really starting to get around well, disappeared. So did the adoptive dad (the other barn cat), Fuzz.  Poor Waffles was bereft all day (not to mention probably hurting, as one of the kits isn't weaned yet!), as was Kid. They and Norman the Wonder-GSD kept looking all around the farm, the LP tank, the trees, the edges of the fields around the house, the lane, the machine sheds--nothing.

By late afternoon, Fuzz came back, but no babies.  Then Waffles and Fuzz disappeared for about an hour and came back--no babies. Towards dark, the entire search party (Kid, GSD, and cats) were combing the yard, under the deck, in all the nooks and crannies, and still nothing. The dog had kept stopping and looking at one area of the cornfield that comes up to the yard, and finally, out strolled the little ones, no worse for wear after being lost in the heat for at least 12 hours with no food, acting like nothing had happened.  Whew!

(I told Kid #2 I could just imagine if they all could talk. Waffles was probably chewing Fuzz out up one side and down the other: "After 7 solid weeks of these kids being all over me, I ask you to watch them for ONE hour, and what happens?!")

All's well that ends well:  they had supper and lots of family time after dark, and when I went out to the farm this afternoon, mom was herding the babies around on the deck; if either one got more than 6-7 feet away, she'd pick them up by the scruff and take them to the back door where she could keep an eye on them!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 07, 2022, 03:14:05 PM
Any updates, Clean?

ALH, that's adorable, exasperating, and amazing, all at once!

Glad everyone made it home safe and sound.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on July 07, 2022, 03:38:16 PM
The kitty has trained her new servants well! 
Kitty is officially a 'she' and she has chosen the name Molly.
Her ears are up now (she wasnt old enough when I had her for them to be more than outlines of ears).
She has now accepted a bottle, to the great relief of her new caregivers!
She gets, and likes baths! 
Her new caregiver are letting her walk about some in the room she rules from so that she can get stronger. I think that she is still a bit wobbly, but past the toddler stage.

Tomorrow she will be in her new abode for one (glorious, fabulous, quiet, fantastic) week! 
(especially since I have been dealing with COVID and really could not provide her the care she needed to thrive and grow).

In my COVID world, my fever has broken.  Im still coughing, congested and very grumpy.  Sometimes I have a mild headache.  Mostly I m having problems sleeping. Last night I went to bed about 10 and went right to sleep, but then woke up before midnight and was up until between 2 and 3.  Then I slept in til 1030 this morning.  I needed a nap about 330 today, but i have to hold a Zoom Conference for my MBA class in 20 minutes! 

My plan is to retest tomorrow. It takes a day to get the results from the on campus testing kiosk.  Then we will plan from there to see if My Bride returns. 
In the drama department, her parents are now visiting the stand alone ER (not a hospital) because they are not feeling well.  They were supposed to return to the cancer hospital for my FIL to start radiation treatment.  .... News Flash. They are negative.  Later i will discover the details of whatever caused them to seek treatment in the first place (or if they were simply seeking to preventativly start the antiviral)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 07, 2022, 07:59:04 PM
That was a funny story, ALH. If animals could talk (and we could understand them) maybe it would be something like this? The Natural Habitat Shorts are hilarious!

https://falseknees.com/420.html (https://falseknees.com/420.html)

https://www.naturalhabitatshorts.com/shorts (https://www.naturalhabitatshorts.com/shorts)

Clean, you did a great job and wonderful thing for that little baby. I'm glad your fever broke. Being sick sucks everything. Take care and allow yourself some grumpy time.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on July 08, 2022, 10:56:23 AM
Clean, that's way too much drama for one month. Hope you can chill out a bit now that you've saved a life and begun to recover.  ALH, Whew, indeed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on July 09, 2022, 06:18:52 AM
Cousin took RV to dealer for some maintenance.  Returned, picked it up, drove home.....and heard mewling.  Four kittens with unopened eyes.  Momma must have had them there or moved them there, and may have been seen and thrown out by people working on the RV.  Other cousins very good with felines and has two daughters who are feeding them....including at nights.  Daughters exhausted.  Babies doing fine.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on July 09, 2022, 08:57:22 AM
Mother cats can move their young into the most inopportune places!  Those kittens are very fortunate that they landed with somebody who'll take good care of them.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 09, 2022, 10:30:45 AM
Did they find the mother cat?

She could be in need of various kinds of postnatal care, and/or be a potential candidate for mastitis if her breasts remain engorged.

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on July 10, 2022, 11:44:22 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 09, 2022, 10:30:45 AM
Did they find the mother cat?

She could be in need of various kinds of postnatal care, and/or be a potential candidate for mastitis if her breasts remain engorged.

M.

Unfortunately, kittens were not discovered until RV was home, about 60 miles from dealer.   I know that Momma cat is grieving for the loss of her babies.  My first reaction was "Oh no, poor momma."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on July 11, 2022, 07:39:23 AM
This morning I saw a cat lying dead on a well-traveled street.  It must have been hit only last night.  Poor thing. 

The family of cats that I regularly see hanging around a house on a less-traveled street some blocks away seem to be doing fine.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 13, 2022, 06:25:45 PM
Ricochet the squirrelly tortie has apparently determined that the large beings she lives with (my SO and I) need more explicit instruction in how to interact with her, and she's now trying a new strategy. She has identified a "safe spot" near where the large beings hang out (a chair in the living room that is now "her" chair.") When she wants attention she rolls on her back to display her tummy and merrrs at us. We are then to pet her briefly on the chair. She then jumps off the chair and flops down on the mat and merrrs. We are then to pet her on the mat.  She then trots down the hall and stops at certain spots for additional petting at that spot. If you do not follow her, she looks back and merrrs. This continues until she hides under a bed, at which point the interaction is over.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on July 13, 2022, 06:30:37 PM
Glad to hear Ricochet is making progress in her training of the servants-- they are so hard to train properly!

I've just returned from a week away. Cats had one of their usual sitters who they love, so they don't seem too out of sorts, though they have let me know that a more full time servant is expected.

My catnip is blooming, so I picked some buds for them tonight. Apparently buds are MUCH better than leaves!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 13, 2022, 08:29:39 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on July 13, 2022, 06:25:45 PM
Ricochet the squirrelly tortie has apparently determined that the large beings she lives with (my SO and I) need more explicit instruction in how to interact with her, and she's now trying a new strategy. She has identified a "safe spot" near where the large beings hang out (a chair in the living room that is now "her" chair.") When she wants attention she rolls on her back to display her tummy and merrrs at us. We are then to pet her briefly on the chair. She then jumps off the chair and flops down on the mat and merrrs. We are then to pet her on the mat.  She then trots down the hall and stops at certain spots for additional petting at that spot. If you do not follow her, she looks back and merrrs. This continues until she hides under a bed, at which point the interaction is over.

Gives new meaning to the teaching concept of "successive approximation..."

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 14, 2022, 06:47:48 AM
We have a new motion activated closet light in the bedroom closet.  At 2am, the light goes on, then it goes off, then it goes on again, then it goes off. This occurs several times before my brain figures out why there would be a blinking light in the bedroom.
I discover that SO had left the closet door open and Ricochet is sitting on the top shelf staring down at me. I think she was using the light to contact her home planet using a modified Morse code.

Quote from: Puget on July 13, 2022, 06:30:37 PM
I've just returned from a week away. Cats had one of their usual sitters who they love, so they don't seem too out of sorts, though they have let me know that a more full time servant is expected.

Our cat sitter usually reports that when she arrives to check the litter box and food bowls, Ninja prances out to investigate and then requests to go home with the sitter because she requires access to full time staff and hers have DISAPPEARED!  The cat sitter has never seen Ricochet.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on July 20, 2022, 06:32:06 PM
The red cat has been gone for about 24 hours now, which is unprecedented. He frequently decides he'd rather not come home at dusk, but he's usually home by 04h00. There hasn't been a sign of him today, however.

I hope the poor guy's okay and just being a brat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 20, 2022, 06:53:17 PM
+1

If it's hot where you are, maybe he's just decided to stay out for some fresh air?

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on July 21, 2022, 08:27:31 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 20, 2022, 06:53:17 PM
+1

If it's hot where you are, maybe he's just decided to stay out for some fresh air?

M.

It hasn't been too hot here (thankfully!).

Quote from: Parasaurolophus on July 20, 2022, 06:32:06 PM
The red cat has been gone for about 24 hours now, which is unprecedented. He frequently decides he'd rather not come home at dusk, but he's usually home by 04h00. There hasn't been a sign of him today, however.

I hope the poor guy's okay and just being a brat.

He came back sometime in the wee hours, stuck around a while, and now is out again. The brat.

Whew!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Thursday's_Child on July 21, 2022, 08:43:54 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on July 21, 2022, 08:27:31 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 20, 2022, 06:53:17 PM
+1

If it's hot where you are, maybe he's just decided to stay out for some fresh air?

M.

It hasn't been too hot here (thankfully!).

Quote from: Parasaurolophus on July 20, 2022, 06:32:06 PM
The red cat has been gone for about 24 hours now, which is unprecedented. He frequently decides he'd rather not come home at dusk, but he's usually home by 04h00. There hasn't been a sign of him today, however.

I hope the poor guy's okay and just being a brat.

He came back sometime in the wee hours, stuck around a while, and now is out again. The brat.

Whew!

Are we sharing a cat?  I have one who does this a few times a month, with no clear pattern that I can see.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 21, 2022, 10:38:41 AM
Just a note, it's been March since we've seen a post from SmallCleanRat, hope they're OK.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on July 21, 2022, 11:30:53 AM
I hope that Ratty is well also.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on July 21, 2022, 12:08:20 PM
QuoteAre we sharing a cat? 

It is a wise kitty that has multiple servants trained and ready for action.  Besides one house may have better winter sunbeams and one better summer sunbeams (or better views from the respective kitty trees - thrones)  One may be warmer when needed (winter) and one cooler when desired (summer).

Servants should always be ready to serve and grateful for the Royal Kitty Rubs bestowed! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 21, 2022, 12:25:36 PM
Yes, a friend in France lived in a 4 x 4 apartment where each of the back apartments had a large window opening onto the shared garden.

She would feed a stray cat for a couple days, then it would disappear, then come back a couple days later.

Finally, it took to coming in at night, and then leaving the next AM.

Eventually, she discovered her neighbor on the other side of the hallway was feeding the same cat--and letting it in during the day.

The little two-timer!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on July 21, 2022, 03:52:05 PM
I have a new grad student cat sitter for my upcoming trip, since the usual two aren't available. She came over to see where everything was and "meet the cats". Panther Boy at least let himself be seen from the safety of his above the fridge cabinet cave. Little Calico disappeared completely, which is her speciality when intruders are in the house. Really, we toured the whole house, including all the usual hiding places, and she was nowhere to be seen. Sitter had to take my word for it that there was a second cat. Moments after she left, said cat silently reappeared from parts unknown.  I think there may be an alternate dimension involved.

(They'll both come around when they realize sitter is the only source of pets available).

Quote from: mamselle on July 21, 2022, 12:25:36 PM
Yes, a friend in France lived in a 4 x 4 apartment where each of the back apartments had a large window opening onto the shared garden.

She would feed a stray cat for a couple days, then it would disappear, then come back a couple days later.

Finally, it took to coming in at night, and then leaving the next AM.

Eventually, she discovered her neighbor on the other side of the hallway was feeding the same cat--and letting it in during the day.

The little two-timer!

M.

There is a children's book called "Seven Dinner Sid" with a similar plot.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 21, 2022, 07:57:49 PM
I'll have to look for that.

Re: the disappearing kitty: Do you ever have stray Narnians wandering about?

Maybe there's a closet somewhere...

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on July 22, 2022, 10:09:43 AM
Has anybody here ever been to Catbells?


https://www.walkupscafellpike.co.uk/lake-district-walk/classic-lake-district-walks-walk-up-catbells/


Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 22, 2022, 11:16:34 AM
OOoh!

I've been to Keswick, and spent an afternoon along the lake avoiding the swans (who can be quite aggressive if they think you have sandwiches). We also visited the B. Potter House (from the outside, couldn't get in that day).

And...kitties? Trifecta. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on July 25, 2022, 09:09:29 PM
Ricochet has been highly interactive all day. This afternoon, she made two lapsitting attempts and stayed for almost 10 minutes on the second one. This evening, she was super excited about a toy and was talking to us all evening. She apparently did not want us to throw the toy, just to acknowledge that she had the toy. But the best part has been tonight.  I've been stretched on the recliner finishing up some emails, and she flopped down next to my knees and sat next to me for an hour, lounging, bathing, and playing with a pen. She has never done that before. I'm hoping she'll try it again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on July 26, 2022, 04:42:49 AM
Maybe it's kitty melting season?

The two I'm currently sitting for have progressed from hissing at me from the top of the stairs to (one) winding itself around my feet while I opened the cat food tins (maybe they think that speeds up the gears that open the tins?) and then letting me scritch its ears while it ate.

Then both returned to the living room, looked as if they MIGHT deign to join me on the sofa while I sipped my cocoa...then remembered,  apparently,  that I COULD STILL EAT THEM and ran back upstairs.

Still...progress.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on August 03, 2022, 07:15:22 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/JmfdFlX (https://imgur.com/gallery/JmfdFlX)
Back on contract and not wanting to start my massive syllabus template editing project, so here are some of our cats that obviously lead hard lives...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on August 03, 2022, 09:57:46 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on August 03, 2022, 07:15:22 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/JmfdFlX (https://imgur.com/gallery/JmfdFlX)
Back on contract and not wanting to start my massive syllabus template editing project, so here are some of our cats that obviously lead hard lives...

You have a pile of fluffiness! They are seriously cute. I don't know how you could get any syllabus editing done when your cats need you to snuggle with them and/or admire their snuggliness.

Ricochet the squirrelly tortie appears to be closer to figuring out how to cat. Last Monday, she investigated whether it was safe to lay on the recliner at my knees. And she has decided it is safe! Over this last week, she has spent at least several hours per day curled up next to my legs on the recliner as I am doing course prep from home. I am allowed to briefly reach down and pet her and sometimes I get some purring. It only took 6 years. Ninja, her litter mate, figured out how to cuddle with humans pretty much from Day 1. Ricochet took her own path.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 03, 2022, 10:01:36 AM
It's been great to hear of R's progress.

Kudos to all of you.

M.

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on August 03, 2022, 10:23:14 AM
I've been coming back from occasional weekend visits to my parents' house with bad headaches that persist into the next day.  Monday it was bad enough that I took a half-day off sick.  We're beginning to suspect that I may be having a reaction to their cat, who is now full grown and presumably at maximum allergen output--the one thing that cats do better than anything else. 

I've always been allergic to cats.  That's why when we were growing up my brother's cats had to stay outside, while we kept a non-shedding dog for an indoor pet.  But my allergy has always manifested itself with breaking out on my skin, a bit of sneezing, and some eye discomfort.  I've had less trouble with it as an adult.  If this is something to do with the cat, it's different from my previous experiences.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 03, 2022, 01:08:36 PM
What you say is possible--allergies manifest differently in different life cycle points...but it sounds more like a response to mold or a bacteria in the house that could be affecting your sinuses or eyes, leading to a headache.

Weather, rainfall, roof or groundfloor leaks or ventilating pipe infestations often get worse or sprout new bugs during a hot summer.

Might be worth asking your MD to refer you for a differential allergen test.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 08, 2022, 09:36:04 AM
My old man cat is acting out, or it's his arthritis. He decided to poop on one of their cat toys. It is circular pad with a ball that rolls around the outside and a scratch pad inside (except the scratch pad wore out a long time ago). He usually poops in the boxes and we scoop them often, so not sure what's going on (no obvious symptoms of illness either). He's also on an RX for crystals.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 08, 2022, 12:39:31 PM
Is it hard for old man kitty to get in the boxes?  Maybe one with a low clearance would be appreciated?
You didn't happen to move the litter box or change litter brands or anything else?  Pooping outside the box usually means kitty is feeling unhappy (medically or other reasons).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 10, 2022, 09:40:39 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 08, 2022, 12:39:31 PM
Is it hard for old man kitty to get in the boxes?  Maybe one with a low clearance would be appreciated?
You didn't happen to move the litter box or change litter brands or anything else?  Pooping outside the box usually means kitty is feeling unhappy (medically or other reasons).

We're wondering if it's his arthritis. Most of the boxes are converted Rubbermaid HUGE storage containers (he's a Looooooooong cat) and have a low clearance, but maybe it needs to be lower. Haven't changed brands. He only did it once this past week, so I think we'll continue to monitor him (no other symptoms) and then maybe do his annual checkup early at the vet.

Edit: He may also be expressing his disdain for younger evil_cat, since it was on her toy. She drives him nuts and needs a wrestling partner (used to be our dog, but she passed a year and a half ago).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on August 10, 2022, 03:55:33 PM
Ricochet is VERY focused on something under the couch.   Ninja, a known mouser, is not interested in the slightest. It is possible that Ricochet is chasing a Nargle, as she does spend time randomly staring at walls.  We shall see.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on August 10, 2022, 05:19:45 PM
When I first read this up post, I thought, "The cat is punishing someone!" 
Now we know the target of the punishment!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 10, 2022, 07:24:59 PM
Izzy the "now that she's two is no longer a kitten" has decided she LOVES the furminator brush. As long as she is unaware that a human is holding said brush.  Humans are scary, horrible creatures that might squish or eat her.  She permits petting when it's either full dark or the human is sitting in an armchair and mostly out of sight.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on August 11, 2022, 07:30:48 AM
My brother's cats and chickens seem to have developed a wary tolerance for each other.  The chickens keep an eye on the cats and shadow them around when they go nearby.  The cats keep an eye on the chickens, in case one of them suddenly launches into the whole squawking, wing-flapping, intimidating display thing.  To humans it looks funny, but to an animal a cat's size a chicken in full alarm display mode must look like some kind of monster.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on August 11, 2022, 07:54:50 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 10, 2022, 07:24:59 PM
Izzy the "now that she's two is no longer a kitten" has decided she LOVES the furminator brush. As long as she is unaware that a human is holding said brush.  Humans are scary, horrible creatures that might squish or eat her.  She permits petting when it's either full dark or the human is sitting in an armchair and mostly out of sight.

I think my Ricochet kitty and Izzy-no-longer-a-kitten might be related.  We spent a long time trying to convince Ricochet that "the humans don't want to eat you."  Now that she has lived with us for 6 years, she is definitely making progress, though she still approaches all human interaction with her claws at the ready, just in case. Even if she is purring, the claws are out. I hope that Izzy-no-longer-a-kitten will be a quicker study.  Congrats on her furminator progress!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on August 11, 2022, 08:54:45 AM
Quote from: apl68 on August 11, 2022, 07:30:48 AM
My brother's cats and chickens seem to have developed a wary tolerance for each other.  The chickens keep an eye on the cats and shadow them around when they go nearby.  The cats keep an eye on the chickens, in case one of them suddenly launches into the whole squawking, wing-flapping, intimidating display thing.  To humans it looks funny, but to an animal a cat's size a chicken in full alarm display mode must look like some kind of monster.

Growing up, we had an indoor/outdoor cat and chickens we sometimes let out in the yard to forage. Cat would stalk the chickens but as soon as one clucked or moved toward her would zoom up the nearest tree or deck post. Clearly to a cat chickens are a very confusing combination of potential prey and predator.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 11, 2022, 08:59:21 AM
Yes, for the cat:

    "...they're birds...so they ought to be scared of me! But they're not scared! And those wings!!! Aaaaaaahhhhh!"

The kitties I was sitting for two weeks ago were only just getting over their Covid-induced "not ALL Humans will eat you" mantra: one allowed scritches--on occasion--the other was still on full-run-up-the-steps-and-under-the-bed mode.

Just in case I'd become a felineovore.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on August 11, 2022, 10:51:14 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 10, 2022, 09:40:39 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 08, 2022, 12:39:31 PM
Is it hard for old man kitty to get in the boxes?  Maybe one with a low clearance would be appreciated?
You didn't happen to move the litter box or change litter brands or anything else?  Pooping outside the box usually means kitty is feeling unhappy (medically or other reasons).

We're wondering if it's his arthritis. Most of the boxes are converted Rubbermaid HUGE storage containers (he's a Looooooooong cat) and have a low clearance, but maybe it needs to be lower. Haven't changed brands. He only did it once this past week, so I think we'll continue to monitor him (no other symptoms) and then maybe do his annual checkup early at the vet.

Edit: He may also be expressing his disdain for younger evil_cat, since it was on her toy. She drives him nuts and needs a wrestling partner (used to be our dog, but she passed a year and a half ago).


That last explanation seems very likely.  We have the same toy.  Only my younger cat plays with it.  The other day she was casually sitting and playing with it to make the ball go  as fast as it can while giving the older cat the evil eye.  Clearly taunting,  "I'm as cool as a cucumber even when you are around - what?,  you say the noise is annoying?,   well I cam it get even louder."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on August 15, 2022, 07:24:39 AM
Most mornings my dad drives into town to check the post office box and run any other necessary errands.  He always takes their dog with him.  That daily ride is a real highlight for him.  Recently the cat seems to have noticed that pattern.  Mom says that he sits up where he can see out the window and waits until Dad and the dog come back.  He also is now in the habit of jumping into Dad's lap each morning after he has taken the dog out for his usual early morning tour of the property.

It looks remarkably like the cat is jealous of the dog's attention.  For an aloof feline, he is developing an almost canine sense of routine and desire for attention.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on August 15, 2022, 10:07:12 AM

A cat (from a glimpse, I think an indoor/outdoor cat, as it looked to well nourished to be a stray or ferrel) has been visiting our yard after dark in the evenings. If I haven't shut the catio door yet, Panther Boy sits out there and does the most atrocious "I want a piece of you!" yowling until it leaves. He is not normally a very brave cat, so I think having the catio mesh in between them is the cat equivalent of someone threatening to pick a bar fight knowing their friends will hold them back so they won't actually have to follow through. Afterward he always struts around the house with his tail bushed up like he's just successfully defended his property. Little Calico sensibly wants no part in any of this.

Quote from: apl68 on August 15, 2022, 07:24:39 AM
Most mornings my dad drives into town to check the post office box and run any other necessary errands.  He always takes their dog with him.  That daily ride is a real highlight for him.  Recently the cat seems to have noticed that pattern.  Mom says that he sits up where he can see out the window and waits until Dad and the dog come back.  He also is now in the habit of jumping into Dad's lap each morning after he has taken the dog out for his usual early morning tour of the property.

It looks remarkably like the cat is jealous of the dog's attention.  For an aloof feline, he is developing an almost canine sense of routine and desire for attention.

Oh, cats definitely get jealous! If I'm petting Panther Boy and he starts purring, Little Calico will come running from wherever in the house she is meowing indignantly at me until I pay attention to her. Never mind that she could have requested pets before and didn't-- he's not allowed to get attention without her.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on August 15, 2022, 11:41:12 AM
Has anyone ever given canned pumpkin to a feline, to add fiber?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ohnoes on August 15, 2022, 01:21:21 PM
Quote from: nebo113 on August 15, 2022, 11:41:12 AM
Has anyone ever given canned pumpkin to a feline, to add fiber?

Yep.  My feline overlords have gotten it for ages.  I'll put a teaspoon in a small dish and we all pretend it's a treat.  We're offering it AM and PM, and more often than not, they eat it all.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on August 15, 2022, 04:44:58 PM
You may remember that I was oppressed by a kitty (monster, warden, burden) at the start of July.  It has survived.  I was told it was a girl by the people that should know.  They named her Molly.  Molly has moved on to yet another couple of kitty helpers.  The new helpers report that Molly is now Wally!  Wally also has a new best buddy.  They are also caring for a kitty probably 2 weeks older.  They play together and keep each other company as they explore the world that they currently lord over.
Im told that they will be with this couple until they are old enough for shots and to get their vet visit to 'fix' what I m sure they do not recognize is broken!

The new servants have forwarded a short video of Wally trying to play with a feather on a cat tree.  The buddy then tries to see what all of the excitement is.  But they are still cute.  My Bride gets excited, but when I suggest that her parents would be better at adopting both kitties, she sort of gets it.
But this house aint big enough for my allergies and 2 kitties!  It is barely big enough for the pair of us (and as we have both been home for COVID, maybe not really!)

But I am glad to report that it seems that The Monster/Warden/Burden Molly/Wally is alive, well, and on the road to being a fabulous Kitty Overlord!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on August 15, 2022, 05:09:11 PM

Congratulations Clean, well done saving Wally's life!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 15, 2022, 05:29:29 PM
Quote from: Puget on August 15, 2022, 05:09:11 PM

Congratulations Clean, well done saving Wally's life!

+1
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: glendower on August 16, 2022, 06:32:50 AM
+2! This is good news and I'm glad you let us know.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 17, 2022, 10:51:13 AM
The Larimar cats are not having a good week. We're getting our master bathroom remodeled, and the cats have had to be locked away, in the home office by day, in the bedroom by night. We're giving them maximum possible time with their humans during the disruption, but, predictably, they are NOT HAPPY about the sudden loud noises, the paint smells, and being cooped up. OrangeGuy has had the roughest time. He'll stand by the closed door and yowl (he can be pretty darn loud!), and sometimes he'll even claw the door frame. All four kitties are hunkered down and clingy. Sorry, fuzzies, but it's not safe for you to be running around with all the construction equipment and materials lying about, and with the front door continually opening.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 17, 2022, 11:27:59 AM
Even more reason to send them to the department meeting....(interthreaduality...)

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 17, 2022, 02:45:23 PM
Quote from: mamselle on August 17, 2022, 11:27:59 AM
Even more reason to send them to the department meeting....(interthreaduality...)

;--}

M.


It would certainly raise the bar for the meeting! The kitties, however, would be slumming.   :)

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 18, 2022, 12:03:56 PM
Quote from: Larimar on August 17, 2022, 10:51:13 AM
The Larimar cats are not having a good week. We're getting our master bathroom remodeled, and the cats have had to be locked away, in the home office by day, in the bedroom by night. We're giving them maximum possible time with their humans during the disruption, but, predictably, they are NOT HAPPY about the sudden loud noises, the paint smells, and being cooped up. OrangeGuy has had the roughest time. He'll stand by the closed door and yowl (he can be pretty darn loud!), and sometimes he'll even claw the door frame. All four kitties are hunkered down and clingy. Sorry, fuzzies, but it's not safe for you to be running around with all the construction equipment and materials lying about, and with the front door continually opening.

I ended up putting Buddycat in a harness and tying his leash to a stake in the yard so he could "help" with home renovation projects.  He really, really wanted to sit on the door I was repainting, sniff the bucket of paint, walk in the fresh cement patch on the front steps, etc.  We compromised by letting him supervise.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 18, 2022, 01:30:39 PM
After several days of warily getting closer, one of the two huge orange marmalade tabbies I'm pet-sitting for just plopped himself into my lap and started purring while pointing out the areas on his neck, behind his ears, and under his chin that needed attention.

Of course, I complied. I'm now covered in what looks like fuzzy baby lion-fur.

The other still runs away whenever I go by: clearly he still fears I'll eat them both.

:--}

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 19, 2022, 04:02:22 AM
Quote from: mamselle on August 18, 2022, 01:30:39 PM
After several days of warily getting closer, one of the two huge orange marmalade tabbies I'm pet-sitting for just plopped himself into my lap and started purring while pointing out the areas on his neck, behind his ears, and under his chin that needed attention.

Of course, I complied. I'm now covered in what looks like fuzzy baby lion-fur.

The other still runs away whenever I go by: clearly he still fears I'll eat them both.

:--}

M.


Awwww!

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on August 19, 2022, 06:38:43 AM
One of the cats apparently managed to drag their fishing pole toy out into the catio, which is impressive given that this involved getting it up onto the windowsill and out through the small cat door! I would have loved to see how that was managed. It was not managed without breaking the pole though, so I'll have to order a new one for them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on August 22, 2022, 10:00:10 AM
Quote from: Puget on August 19, 2022, 06:38:43 AM
One of the cats apparently managed to drag their fishing pole toy out into the catio, which is impressive given that this involved getting it up onto the windowsill and out through the small cat door! I would have loved to see how that was managed. It was not managed without breaking the pole though, so I'll have to order a new one for them.
Our little chunky one, Hazel, sometimes decides that the time to play is 3AM. She will drag one of the fishing pole toys onto our bed, I've woken up with it on my chest before.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on August 22, 2022, 11:50:13 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on August 22, 2022, 10:00:10 AM
Quote from: Puget on August 19, 2022, 06:38:43 AM
One of the cats apparently managed to drag their fishing pole toy out into the catio, which is impressive given that this involved getting it up onto the windowsill and out through the small cat door! I would have loved to see how that was managed. It was not managed without breaking the pole though, so I'll have to order a new one for them.
Our little chunky one, Hazel, sometimes decides that the time to play is 3AM. She will drag one of the fishing pole toys onto our bed, I've woken up with it on my chest before.

We have to keep the fishing pole toys out of reach of top of a tall bookshelf.  Sir Puck has recently discovered how to get on top of said bookshelf.  Now I have to hide the toys in the hall closet with the door closed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 22, 2022, 01:14:54 PM
The second of the two kitties I'm sitting for let me sit down for a minute and scritch his ears before oozing away.

Progress.

His people come home tomorrow night, we'll see how it goes.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on August 22, 2022, 05:37:07 PM
We just acquired 2 new boyz (Thor and Loki).  They are adorable and friendly.  They seem intent on stealing the Thundercats moniker from Nox and Electra.

Nox, usually the shy one, has willingly interacted 2x now.  One a staring contest, the other a slouch-by hissing.

Elektra has moved to the basement and just glares at me when I come down to do laundry.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 22, 2022, 05:48:27 PM
A Thunderquad, perhaps?

Congratulations on the new additions...it's hard enough to serve two cat-masters, doubling your over-lordship might be four times as difficult, not just twice...!

M. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on August 22, 2022, 05:58:34 PM
Well, we will keep that name in the possibles pile, until the inevitable Sorting-of-the-Hierarchy takes place.

Probably at 2am on a Sunday.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on August 25, 2022, 06:54:05 AM
Water dish empty this morning.  Feline gently put her paw in the dish and looked up at me....reproachfully, I think.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 25, 2022, 10:40:10 AM
Awww.

Such a sensitive kitty-master.

She wants you to know your failings without making heavy weather of it.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on August 25, 2022, 02:20:02 PM
Anyone dealt with a kitten who refused to wean?  On of Kid #1's is a little over 3 months old and has been refusing to eat.  Mama cat has stopped making milk.  A month ago, the little one was really tiny, wouldn't eat soft food, dry kitten food, either one slurried  with formula, etc., and cried constantly. We were afraid she was going to literally starve herself to death. After a can of dry kitty formula, which is nearly empty, she still isn't interested in the slurry, wet food, or dry.  I bravely told the Kid that if kitty gets hungry enough, she'll eat, but I'm still concerned.

The other thing we could get her to eat in the early days was baby-food turkey and chicken, a teaspoon or so at a meal, warmed up a little in the microwave.  That gets expensive fast, though. She has put on a good deal of weight and size and is pretty much caught up with her litter-mate sister; she has good energy and runs and plays now, and doesn't display any health/physical problems.

Ideas or suggestions?  (I'm sure my farm-boy dad would roll in his grave if he knew how we were babying this barn cat!)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on August 25, 2022, 02:27:09 PM
Is she eating from a dish or taking liquids and semi-solids from a bottle?

Were there any issues with nursing as an infant (like mom pulling away) that 'taught' her a kind of anorectic/ambivalent relationship to her desires for food?

Can you feel any little tummy or throat obstructions? Any obvious tooth problems that make eating painful?

Those are the things I've had kitties balk over in the past; otherwise, maybe call the vet?

Sorry--it's so frustrating when they can't talk to tell us what's wrong....

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on August 25, 2022, 05:08:58 PM
A vet visit may be in order to be sure that there are no issues that are preventing the kitty from solid food. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on August 26, 2022, 01:10:29 PM
We are having a major t-storm. I love it (we really really need the rain). The cats, not so much- they are now both hiding in the cupboard above the fridge.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 26, 2022, 05:43:02 PM
The Larimar cats don't like thunderstorms either. They'll jump or cringe at sudden loud thunder or bright lightening.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on August 26, 2022, 06:02:58 PM
Quote from: Larimar on August 26, 2022, 05:43:02 PM
The Larimar cats don't like thunderstorms either. They'll jump or cringe at sudden loud thunder or bright lightening.

They usually don't mind too much but this one was pretty intense- some simultaneous flash bang going on, so they sensibly took shelter in their cave. Now peace and tranquility have been restored, and they once again prowl their domain.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on August 27, 2022, 05:31:07 AM
The Thundercat-Asgardians merger is in full swing.

Yesterday, Thor, Loki (newbies) and Nox (the older, shier one) had breakfast together!  Growling, Elektra made her way in, growling the whole time, and then got into it with.....Nox.  Her sister she's been with her whole like.  WTF?

Thor and Loki ignored it and just kept eating.

Today, all 4 of them ate together, and when Elektra started growling, BOTH the kittens hissed at her (first time!) and she ran off.  Nox snuggled in between the boys and ate heartily.

These are all good signs.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 28, 2022, 07:49:49 AM
You know it's going to be a fun day when one of your cats hurls on the floor and you have to fight off the other cat (who is on an Rx diet) so he won't eat it. Or is that just a normal day?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on August 28, 2022, 08:06:07 AM
Hubby went to bed earlier than I did last night and opened the windows for air circulation.  A little while later, he comes back through the living room, opens the front door, and Ninja prances inside. Apparently, the screen was not down and Ninja decided to go for a night walk.
We are lucky that:
1. He heard noises outside and realized that he didn't have the screen down (I'm deaf at night without my hardware and would not have heard the cat)
2. Ninja came back to the front porch instead of exploring the neighborhood.
3. Ricochet did not jump out the window. We would have never found her.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on August 28, 2022, 08:30:35 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on August 28, 2022, 08:06:07 AM
Hubby went to bed earlier than I did last night and opened the windows for air circulation.  A little while later, he comes back through the living room, opens the front door, and Ninja prances inside. Apparently, the screen was not down and Ninja decided to go for a night walk.
We are lucky that:
1. He heard noises outside and realized that he didn't have the screen down (I'm deaf at night without my hardware and would not have heard the cat)
2. Ninja came back to the front porch instead of exploring the neighborhood.
3. Ricochet did not jump out the window. We would have never found her.

Glad that ended well!
I've had a couple of instances when Panther Boy has managed to slip out of his harness in the back yard, and know the panic of an indoor cat loose outside. Luckily both times he didn't take off, and let me pick him up and carry him back inside without fuss.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on August 30, 2022, 04:59:02 AM
A cat  translation app, of all things!   Article behind paywall, most likely.  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/29/science/cats-pets-ommunication-artificial-intelligence.html
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 10, 2022, 04:42:10 PM
Ricochet continues to work on her computer skills by jumping onto my laptop. Today's skills:

1. Mute the specific program, but not the computer speakers
2. Mute the computer speakers
3. Disable the mousepad
4. Open a new web browser
5. Pause a video
6. Rotate the screen 90 degrees
7. Close an open Word document
8. Draft an email with the text reading "qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq280356"

I think she may be more computer literate than some of my students. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on September 17, 2022, 06:49:36 AM
Fabulous work, Ricochet! (Can you film the cat and post those as instructional videos for your students?)

Artemis and Hestia are mostly outdoor cats but sometimes (er, often, when I am home, but less often when spouse is home) allowed inside. Artemis is very happy to be an outdoor cat (she is, in fact, a fearsome huntress of dragonflies and lizards), but Hestia is a fan of being let in, then back out, then back in, etc. Often, when Hestia wants to come in, she will jump onto the window ledge adjacent to my desk and miaou at me. If I open the back door, she will sprint over with great haste and come in for a few minutes.

This morning Hestia jumped up and cried with great urgency, so I eventually went to the door to let her in. Artemis came bolting across the yard and into the house (unusual), and Hestia strolled over, watched Artemis enter, and then sat down outdoors to have a very contented bath. How kind of her to ring the figurative doorbell for Artemis!

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 19, 2022, 12:51:07 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 28, 2022, 07:49:49 AM
You know it's going to be a fun day when one of your cats hurls on the floor and you have to fight off the other cat (who is on an Rx diet) so he won't eat it. Or is that just a normal day?

Sounds pretty normal.  We tried to keep our adult cat from eating the mega-high calorie kitten food (and the kittens from eating the adult kibble) for about 1/2 a day.  Then we just gave up.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 24, 2022, 03:39:10 PM
Quote from: AvidReader on September 17, 2022, 06:49:36 AM
Fabulous work, Ricochet! (Can you film the cat and post those as instructional videos for your students?)

Both the OMY cats have made appearances in my teaching videos, particularly videos made during the last two years when I brought a doc cam home. Both cats looooved to lay under the doc cam and play with things I was demonstrating. My videos are frequently entitled: Explanation of [basketweaving skill] with special appearance from my cat.

Quote from: AvidReader on September 17, 2022, 06:49:36 AM
This morning Hestia jumped up and cried with great urgency, so I eventually went to the door to let her in. Artemis came bolting across the yard and into the house (unusual), and Hestia strolled over, watched Artemis enter, and then sat down outdoors to have a very contented bath. How kind of her to ring the figurative doorbell for Artemis!

This was incredibly sweet of Hestia and so smart! I don't either of my two kitties would put any effort into helping the other cat do anything.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on October 18, 2022, 10:05:27 AM
Learned recently that one of my brother's cats has been presenting them with freshly-killed moles lately.  He's performing quite the service for them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 18, 2022, 05:06:26 PM
Now that it's cooled off at night, Lady Jane has decided that she needs to sleep on the bed.  But we are NOT allowed to move or disturb Her Ladyship.
I wake up with my legs cramped up due to being scooted into a weird position by a 6 pound cat.  How?!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 19, 2022, 04:02:48 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on October 18, 2022, 05:06:26 PM
Now that it's cooled off at night, Lady Jane has decided that she needs to sleep on the bed.  But we are NOT allowed to move or disturb Her Ladyship.
I wake up with my legs cramped up due to being scooted into a weird position by a 6 pound cat.  How?!

Six pounds? We must have bowling-ball-butt cats over here. They're all 12 pounds and up!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 19, 2022, 08:20:19 AM
It starts.

Yesterday, Thor (still a kitten, technically) squared off with the Lady Nox (who has been a real monster to the boys since they came home) and he kicked her butt.  Fur flying and much wailing and gnashing of teeth.

While the fur has settled, dominance remains very much up in the air.

MrsFishprof is upset, but I am enjoying the animal behavior experiment playing out in my living room.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 19, 2022, 04:37:59 PM
Lady Jane is the "daintiest of dainty cats".  Her brother, Sir Puck, aka "Sir Chomps a Lot the Bold" is nearly twice her weight.  And feels HEAVY, even the vet said he was surprisingly hefty for his apparent size. 

Oof, cat squabbles for dominance are always dramatic.  Lady Jane insists she is "Top Cat".  Izzy Kitten does not believe this to be true.  Either that or she speaks a different dialect of Cat and hears "Oh, let's play!" rather than "Go away, you horrible beastie!"

All three cats try to claim the top of the cat tree and the preferred wooden rocking chair.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 19, 2022, 06:31:08 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on October 19, 2022, 04:37:59 PM
Lady Jane is the "daintiest of dainty cats".  Her brother, Sir Puck, aka "Sir Chomps a Lot the Bold" is nearly twice her weight.  And feels HEAVY, even the vet said he was surprisingly hefty for his apparent size. 

Oof, cat squabbles for dominance are always dramatic.  Lady Jane insists she is "Top Cat".  Izzy Kitten does not believe this to be true.  Either that or she speaks a different dialect of Cat and hears "Oh, let's play!" rather than "Go away, you horrible beastie!"

All three cats try to claim the top of the cat tree and the preferred wooden rocking chair.

Panther Boy is likewise an enormous cat, whereas Little Calico is well, little. Despite this, she is the boss. They mostly are good buds, but if he plays too rough or takes her spot she hisses and bops him on the nose and he almost always immediately flops over in submission pose. Sometimes all she has to do is stare at him and he surrenders. It's pretty funny to watch! He never seems to mind and never hisses back.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 19, 2022, 07:56:37 PM
Nina was the runt of the litter when we got her (barely the 2 pounds required for a spay), which Ricochet at the time was almost 3. Now, as adult cats, Ninja is no longer a runt, and weighs in at almost 12 lbs, which Ricochet is only 7.  Ricochet is a world-class sprinter, so her constant training keeps her lean.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 20, 2022, 08:02:30 AM
Elder evil cat is about 14 lbs and LONG. He can stand on his hind legs and open doors. Youngest evil cat is short and stout- 12 lbs! The vet said she needs to drop at least a pound.

Lately she's been bothering elder evil cat (trying to pounce on him) and he's licked most of the fur off his back front legs. Vet suggested getting a pheromone collar since the licking isn't due to an infection. We also got her a new toy to distract her, but what we really need is a young playmate so that the old man can get some peace!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on October 20, 2022, 02:53:24 PM
We have constant cat mind games between our 14 lb tuxedo, Booboo, and our 11 lb tabby, Lil.  They've never gotten along and usually stay on their side of the house. But the family room in the middle is in constant play. Mostly they stare at each other but Booboo sometimes gets mad enough that she chases Lil. Lil is much faster and more agile and can usually get away easily. Occasionally she gets cornered and then she lets out ferocious shreaks and hisses.  Only once was there a physical fight and both cats came away with claw injuries.

We've given up trying to get them more used to each other. The only time that I can remember them tolerating each other was during a ferocious thunderstorm.  Both cats got nervous, crouching down low near each other. At least they had the good sense to realize if the house blew away, they had bigger problems than getting on each other's nerves! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 20, 2022, 05:37:20 PM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on October 20, 2022, 02:53:24 PM
We have constant cat mind games between our 14 lb tuxedo, Booboo, and our 11 lb tabby, Lil.  They've never gotten along and usually stay on their side of the house. But the family room in the middle is in constant play. Mostly they stare at each other but Booboo sometimes gets mad enough that she chases Lil. Lil is much faster and more agile and can usually get away easily. Occasionally she gets cornered and then she lets out ferocious shreaks and hisses.  Only once was there a physical fight and both cats came away with claw injuries.

We've given up trying to get them more used to each other. The only time that I can remember them tolerating each other was during a ferocious thunderstorm.  Both cats got nervous, crouching down low near each other. At least they had the good sense to realize if the house blew away, they had bigger problems than getting on each other's nerves! 

Ha! The "any port in a storm" mindset.  Izzy has claimed the spot underneath our bed as hers, but all three will smoosh themselves underneath if there is something scary like a thunderstorm or us hosting a party.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 24, 2022, 07:21:30 AM
I moved the bird feeder to a branch just outside the window where the cats' window seat is. The feeder is getting constant heavy use as the weather's gotten cool, and it's like I've installed a big screen TV with a premium cable cat channel.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on October 25, 2022, 06:40:13 AM
Woke up the other night to find Yin/Yang boys were not in the bed...hmmm....what are they getting into?  Got up to investigate and, long story short, the bug they'd cornered ran right over my foot - indirectly waking StatSpouse.  The ensuing chaos and a lingering case of zoomies from all the excitement ended all thoughts of sleep for the night.  We went to bed early last night. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 25, 2022, 07:36:48 AM
The Careful What You Ask For Files, ep.271.

I brought the new boys to the 3rd floor for a sleepover, as they haven't taken to bed-sleeping yet (but have PhDs in couch-lap napping).   Oops.  Loki is ambivalent, but Thor thinks this is an invitation to a purring, head-butting, drooling loveapalooza.   I learned my lesson.

Alas, so did he, as he's been back the last 3 nights in a row.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on October 25, 2022, 07:40:06 AM
We tossed a cloth bag on the couch last week, and Ricochet has decided that she lives there now. If she's not eating, using the litter box, or having zoomy time, she's in the bag. If the bag is open properly, she hangs out in the bag; sometimes you can just see her ears poking out. If the bag has fallen closed, she hangs out on top of the bag. Seriously, it's not a very large house, but there is more than one room and more than one piece of furniture. But, nope, she'll be in the bag, thank you very much.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on October 25, 2022, 07:53:22 AM
We went to Costco several weeks ago and they packed our stuff in one of those produce boxes with an open top. Mr. Buster made the mistake of leaving it in a corner after we emptied it. It has now bee claimed by the cat and we are now stuck with a box from an apple farm in the corner of our kitchen. He carries all his stuffed mice there to defend them from the dog. So I get the deal with the grocery bag!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on October 25, 2022, 01:54:58 PM
Buddycat claimed an empty cardboard tray from a case of bottled water as a preferred napping spot.  I thought "I'll get him a cat bed!" and tossed the tray.  He sulked for a MONTH before he decided to try the cat bed.  I should have just kept the cardboard.
Embrace the cloth bag.  It's her lair of solitude!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: paultuttle on October 27, 2022, 06:34:41 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on October 25, 2022, 01:54:58 PM
Buddycat claimed an empty cardboard tray from a case of bottled water as a preferred napping spot.  I thought "I'll get him a cat bed!" and tossed the tray.  He sulked for a MONTH before he decided to try the cat bed.  I should have just kept the cardboard.
Embrace the cloth bag.  It's her lair of solitude!

Sheldon Cooper: "That's my spot!"



:ducks and runs:
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on October 27, 2022, 08:01:57 AM
The little finicky barn kitten who refused anything but milk and baby-food chicken. . . . is now eating real (canned) cat food!  Ta da! It only took her 5 1/2 months.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on November 17, 2022, 04:15:49 AM
From today's WashingtonPost.    Diane Harlan of Portland, Ore., was helping her mother carve second helpings for their family dinner. "We went into the kitchen and to our absolute horror, there was a black tail coming out of the turkey cavity," she wrote. "We literally had to pull the cat out of the turkey by the tail and he was clawing like mad to stay right where he was. We got him out, but he was covered in turkey juice and the remnants of stuffing."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 17, 2022, 05:00:17 AM
Howl!

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on November 17, 2022, 05:09:03 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 17, 2022, 04:15:49 AM
From today's WashingtonPost.    Diane Harlan of Portland, Ore., was helping her mother carve second helpings for their family dinner. "We went into the kitchen and to our absolute horror, there was a black tail coming out of the turkey cavity," she wrote. "We literally had to pull the cat out of the turkey by the tail and he was clawing like mad to stay right where he was. We got him out, but he was covered in turkey juice and the remnants of stuffing."

Hilarious.  Both our cats have an interest in 'People Food' but their tastes are different.  Lil is the meat eater.  We caught her once trying to steal a pork chop off of a plate.  Her only comment when we got it away from her was 'overcooked - I prefer my meat on the raw side.'   Boo is the sweet tooth and enjoys cake frosting especially. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on November 17, 2022, 07:20:53 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 17, 2022, 04:15:49 AM
From today's WashingtonPost.    Diane Harlan of Portland, Ore., was helping her mother carve second helpings for their family dinner. "We went into the kitchen and to our absolute horror, there was a black tail coming out of the turkey cavity," she wrote. "We literally had to pull the cat out of the turkey by the tail and he was clawing like mad to stay right where he was. We got him out, but he was covered in turkey juice and the remnants of stuffing."

I thought that only happened in Garfield cartoons, not in real life!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on November 17, 2022, 08:01:02 PM
Quote from: apl68 on November 17, 2022, 07:20:53 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 17, 2022, 04:15:49 AM
From today's WashingtonPost.    Diane Harlan of Portland, Ore., was helping her mother carve second helpings for their family dinner. "We went into the kitchen and to our absolute horror, there was a black tail coming out of the turkey cavity," she wrote. "We literally had to pull the cat out of the turkey by the tail and he was clawing like mad to stay right where he was. We got him out, but he was covered in turkey juice and the remnants of stuffing."

I thought that only happened in Garfield cartoons, not in real life!

One year, we left the just-cooked golden brown turkey cooling in its juices on top of the stove and turned around to set the table. When we turned back we saw our cat pulling the 15 pound turkey (cat was 10 pounds) off the stove. She had a drumstick clenched in her teeth and was heading toward the basement door with a wild look.  Fortunately we rescued the turkey and the guests seated in the living room did not notice any tooth marks on the drumstick. We did wipe it carefully.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 18, 2022, 07:04:12 AM
Wow!  Think of how joyfully proud those cats were. "I have caught the Biggest Bird Ever."
We shall compose epic songs to praise their skills as the mightiest of mighty hunters.


Don't tell Sir Puck about the cat-inside-turkey or he will demand to try it for himself.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 20, 2022, 06:07:12 AM
I think the Larimar cats would be interested in trying it, too, especially Twerp.

Luckily, there will be no turkey roasting in the house here. My sister-in-law and niece will be doing it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 20, 2022, 02:51:41 PM
Please send your thoughts and prayers for Panther Boy and Little Calico, who have had a hard week--

First, there were workers at the house. They were only outside and in the basement, but they could have gotten inside and eaten them at any moment.

Then, we were out of kibble for 24 hours and they were forced to subsist on all wet food (actually, only Panther Boy needs thoughts on prayers on this one, Little Calico would like this to be the permanent state of affairs).

Then today I had people over for brunch, and although they had lots of brunch food to eat and showed no signs of being interested in eating cats, you just never do know.

Now everyone is gone, and there is both kibble and wet food, so hopefully they can begin to recover from these trying times.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 20, 2022, 05:04:59 PM
Awwww....poor kitties.

Good thoughts winging their way.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 20, 2022, 05:19:39 PM
I think my Ricochet kitty might be distantly related to Panther Boy and Little Calico. Ricochet recommends hiding under the furniture when scary humans (i.e., anyone aside from hubby and I) are in the house. In an emergency, she recommends locating the wormhole in the basement and not returning until several hours after the scary humans have left. She agrees with Panther Boy that there should never be a substitution for kibble.

Ninja offers the cat-version of rolling her eyes and wishes to remind Panther Boy and Little Calico that they are the kings/queens of the household, and they should act like it. New people are in the house to worship the feline royalty, and royalty should not hide.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 20, 2022, 05:24:11 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 20, 2022, 05:19:39 PM
I think my Ricochet kitty might be distantly related to Panther Boy and Little Calico. Ricochet recommends hiding under the furniture when scary humans (i.e., anyone aside from hubby and I) are in the house. In an emergency, she recommends locating the wormhole in the basement and not returning until several hours after the scary humans have left. She agrees with Panther Boy that there should never be a substitution for kibble.

Ninja offers the cat-version of rolling her eyes and wishes to remind Panther Boy and Little Calico that they are the kings/queens of the household, and they should act like it. New people are in the house to worship the feline royalty, and royalty should not hide.

Panther Boy and Little Calico say that under furniture is for cats who want to get eaten. Cats that do not want to get eaten hide in the cabinet above the refrigerator (Panther Boy) and the top shelf of the bedroom closet behind the out of season shoes (Little Calico).

But now everyone is arranged in front of the fireplace uneaten, so all is well in the world again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on November 21, 2022, 07:56:15 AM
Izzy says the only place to avoid being smashed and eaten is to cram yourself in the deepest, darkest spot under the bed.  And to live there.  If it's truly dire, then Sir Puck and Lady Jane will join her.

Send sympathy to our cats as we shall also have company.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 23, 2022, 07:18:55 AM
The cat heating pads are back out for the season, and there is much rejoicing.

Quote from: the_geneticist on November 21, 2022, 07:56:15 AM
Izzy says the only place to avoid being smashed and eaten is to cram yourself in the deepest, darkest spot under the bed.  And to live there.  If it's truly dire, then Sir Puck and Lady Jane will join her.

Send sympathy to our cats as we shall also have company.

Why do we all insist on bringing potential cat eaters into our homes? The gall!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on November 23, 2022, 07:31:25 AM
Quote from: Puget on November 23, 2022, 07:18:55 AM
The cat heating pads are back out for the season, and there is much rejoicing.

I think I need to get Ricochet one of these, since she's currently laying directly on top of the heading vent. Does anyone have a recommendation for one? Do you use the kind that is electric?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on November 23, 2022, 08:30:49 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on November 23, 2022, 07:31:25 AM
Quote from: Puget on November 23, 2022, 07:18:55 AM
The cat heating pads are back out for the season, and there is much rejoicing.

I think I need to get Ricochet one of these, since she's currently laying directly on top of the heading vent. Does anyone have a recommendation for one? Do you use the kind that is electric?

Yes, electric, but it must be one sold specifically as a pet heating pad (human ones can get too hot, or be unsafe if chewed/scratched). There are a ton of them available from online pet supply stores or Amazon-- not sure there is much difference between them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on November 24, 2022, 08:27:16 AM
Kid #1 made a cat shelter for her barn cats out of a big plastic tote, insulated with cardboard and lined with a space blanket, with a flap to keep the wind out.  She gave us a couple of pieces of the leftover liner to see if our girls will like it to reflect their heat when they go to their respective nests.  (Fela has developed a fondness for sleeping on a clean furnace filter of all things; ALHS has gotten her to move onto an old thick quilt folded several times--very cushy.)  Of course, both have nice plush cat beds that Santa brought last year; only Little Cat uses hers. 

As to Kid #1's barn cats, they love the EZ Bake Cat Oven, as she calls it--it gets SO warm when they use it!

ETA:  as I was putting the turkey breast into the crock pot last night, to cook this morning, Fela arose from the dead (or a similarly deep sleep) in the basement, came upstairs, and immediately came to the kitchen with her tail straight up and stiff, sniffing the air.  Talk about a good sense of smell!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 24, 2022, 09:17:47 AM
Youngest evil cat has learned a new 'trick.' She LOVES going into my plant room (so she can try to eat them), so we keep the kitchen door closed. However, she is allowed in there when she is supervised. So, she has learned that when I point at the kitchen door and say 'outside', that we are going on a trip to the plant room. She will run over to the door, sit and meow plaintively until I open it. She also knows how to sit (again I use a hand gesture and a vocal 'command').
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 27, 2022, 03:00:37 PM
The wildercat dismembered a spider in the tub. Eight legs and a body. 0_o
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on November 30, 2022, 01:02:07 PM
I just learned about Talking Buttons for cats (https://www.outdoorbengal.com/blogs/talking-buttons-for-cats/how-to-use-talking-buttons-train-a-cat-to-use-talking-buttons) and I'm honestly fascinated.  I'm pretty sure we have at least one cat who would be perfect for it, maybe two.  Has anyone on here tried it?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mamselle on November 30, 2022, 02:54:58 PM
I've followed "BiiliiSpeaks" for a little while now.

It's...interesting...

I usually knew when one of my cats wanted something because they walked me to the refrigerator, wrapped themselves around my ankles, or jumped into my lap.

Not sure how the interface improves on that at times.

M.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on December 01, 2022, 05:01:50 AM
I have an acquaintance who's used something like this with much success.  I'm just worried about how much mine would ask for food! 

In other news, our FosterFail girl only started her lap-sitting certification about a year ago, but her "velcro" is already growing in!  She's permanently stuck to me any time I'm at home. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on December 01, 2022, 05:24:37 AM
Our tuxedo totally failed the lap-sitting course - no interest whatsoever.   Our tabby also dropped out of that course but subsequently enrolled in the 'crotch-curl' class and decided that was her major.  She only wants us to lie down either in the bed or couch,  with our feet apart,  so that she can curl up and drop in between using either our stomach or leg as a head rest. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on December 02, 2022, 05:11:08 AM
Loki thinks he's a dog.  He plays fetch.

Thor thinks he's an alarm clock.  And thinks I should get up and feed him earlier.  He doesn't have a snooze button, but will escalate to biting and trying to drag me out of bed.

We certainly adopted interesting cats.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 02, 2022, 08:17:02 AM
Quote from: FishProf on December 02, 2022, 05:11:08 AM
Loki thinks he's a dog.  He plays fetch.

Thor thinks he's an alarm clock.  And thinks I should get up and feed him earlier.  He doesn't have a snooze button, but will escalate to biting and trying to drag me out of bed.

We certainly adopted interesting cats.

My cats ARE the snooze button-- the alarm going off is the signal for one or both of them to come up on the bed for snuggles and pets, which is not at all conducive to getting up.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 02, 2022, 04:44:01 PM
Elder evil cat is *READY* to go sit in the TV room and watch Netflix. He has been pacing and going bananas while we were eating dinner in the kitchen.

Uh oh! SO finally let him out and now he's on the couch in *HIS* spot waiting for me to sit down and watch TV.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 02, 2022, 05:18:50 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 02, 2022, 04:44:01 PM
Elder evil cat is *READY* to go sit in the TV room and watch Netflix. He has been pacing and going bananas while we were eating dinner in the kitchen.

Uh oh! SO finally let him out and now he's on the couch in *HIS* spot waiting for me to sit down and watch TV.

Hilarious-- mine do the same thing, but with getting me to turn on the fireplace so we can all settle in in front of it. They think this should happen when they are done with *their* dinners, not when I'm done with *my* dinner.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on December 06, 2022, 07:52:15 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/Mqt9TsZ (https://imgur.com/gallery/Mqt9TsZ)
My sister in-law knitted a little cat couch for us, Poe has really taken to it.
We had a stray female cat show up at our back door, she is pretty young and we didn't want to deal with kittens so she has been living in our sitting room for the past couple of weeks. She just went through her heat so we are going to go and get her fixed and see if we can adopt her out. She is a sweetheart but definitely does not get along with our other cats...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 06, 2022, 10:48:29 AM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on December 06, 2022, 07:52:15 AM
https://imgur.com/gallery/Mqt9TsZ (https://imgur.com/gallery/Mqt9TsZ)
My sister in-law knitted a little cat couch for us, Poe has really taken to it.
We had a stray female cat show up at our back door, she is pretty young and we didn't want to deal with kittens so she has been living in our sitting room for the past couple of weeks. She just went through her heat so we are going to go and get her fixed and see if we can adopt her out. She is a sweetheart but definitely does not get along with our other cats...

So cute!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on December 07, 2022, 07:04:59 AM
Fela, our good big black and gray mackerel tabby, died about 8:30 last night.  ALHS and I were with her and petted and talked to her as she went.

She'd been slowing down and slept a lot the past week, and it seems her heart just stopped.  She was 16 or 17; we're not sure. She never had a sick day, and she knew she was loved and well-treated.  Her favorite things were neck and chin rubs, going outside to "help" me and ALHS on warm days, and spending her days burrowed under the comforter by my pillow and sleeping all day.

She was a College Cat:  our oldest daughter and some of her classmates found a litter in the gap under a shed on campus, and after a surprise late-season freeze killed a couple of the babies, she and some others took the others home. The kittens were only a few days old, so Fela went to classes for several weeks hidden in a sweatshirt pocket so she could be bottle fed every couple of hours.

RIP Fela-cat.  You were the very best girl.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on December 07, 2022, 09:01:18 AM
I'm so sorry AmLitHist-- never easy, but it sounds like Fela had a great and long life with you!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: onehappyunicorn on December 07, 2022, 09:23:03 AM
I'm so sorry to hear that AmLitHist, it's clear that she was given a great life.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on December 07, 2022, 11:56:25 AM
I'm sorry for your loss. Fela was a wonderful companion; glad you found each other. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on December 07, 2022, 12:20:26 PM
Adding my hopes that everyone feels better soon, remembering the best of times.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on December 07, 2022, 12:52:15 PM
So sorry to hear it, AmLitHist.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 07, 2022, 01:07:24 PM
Sorry to hear it, ALH.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on December 08, 2022, 09:42:08 AM
Thanks everyone. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 24, 2023, 08:11:23 PM
Does anyone else have a cat that has a love-hate relationship with being groomed?

Maestro has a short, silky coat that barely sheds, so he needs minimal maintenance from us humans. Caramelo, on the other hand, has some form of double coat with a layer of detachable fluff beneath a coarser outer coat. If he doesn't get brushed, we get little tumbleweeds of Caramelo rolling about the place.

I bought one of those grooming gloves with rubber spikes that catch the fur as I pet him. Caramelo loves the feel of it, and purrs when I run it along his back, but I always have to do this when he is preoccupied with food or television. If he happens to glance behind him and see the black, spiked glove going for his hindquarters his eyes widen, his fur bristles, and his whole expression screams, "That's what was touching me?!? Get it away!"

Fortunately, he's easily distracted again and happily accepts more grooming (so long as he doesn't actually look at the monstrous tool doing the deed).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on January 25, 2023, 05:45:20 AM
Calico has a coat like Caramelo's. She sheds more than the other three Larimar cats put together. I have a comb for her, and will sometimes use it when she's on my lap. She likes it okay, but has a limited attention span for it. She'll abruptly decide she's had enough and will jump down from my lap and take off. The only trouble I have with her is if she gets mats and knots in her undercoat. She has a very low tolerance for tugging at snags in her fur. She'll complain loudly, and has even bitten me a time or two. I had to figure out a new technique. When I find a snag, I put the comb down and pull the snag apart slowly with my fingers until it's no longer a tight knot before combing it out. Calico tolerates this much better.

Welcome back, Smallcleanrat, Maestro, and Caramelo. Glad to hear from you.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on January 25, 2023, 07:00:36 AM
Our floofy, floof beast also has a love/hate of getting brushed.  Sometimes Izzy will come trotting over, purr, roll around with happiness while getting furminated. Other times she will notice that A HUMAN is holding the brush and jump scare like "you were going to try and touch me?!?  Ahhhh!!"  Sometimes both in the same session.

Some cats get overly stimulated from being brushed. Offering a toy they can attack can help.

So happy to hear from you, small clean rat!  We love updates about you and your kitties.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 29, 2023, 09:15:14 AM
I enjoy your updates too, scr! Keep 'em coming!

Here's the 1 million dollar question-

Why does my cat (and most other cats) insist on sitting on my paperwork (especially when I'm working on it)? Why???
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on January 30, 2023, 06:20:06 AM
^ If it fits, I sits. Applies to boxes, papers, printed crochet patterns I'm trying to use, et al. 

When it involves work-related papers, clearly it's a sign you must stop and try again another day.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on January 30, 2023, 09:32:55 AM
The Center of Attention is to the one you serve! 
IF you are ignoring the Master, then the Master will move to reorient you toward the center! 

(my kitty - now departed- used to chew on the pencil/pen I was trying to write with!)

Please consider it this way... IF you were playing with a mouse, wouldnt you want the kitty to join in?   
Since you are focusing on paper, you must be waiting for the mouse!  And Kitty will wait for the mouse with you!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on January 30, 2023, 10:14:48 AM
What is More Important that the cat?  Clearly, you are distracted by these silly, human items and the cat will help remind you of the Importance of Cat.  Now that you are properly focused, you may rub their ears.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 30, 2023, 04:21:11 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 29, 2023, 09:15:14 AM
I enjoy your updates too, scr! Keep 'em coming!

Here's the 1 million dollar question-

Why does my cat (and most other cats) insist on sitting on my paperwork (especially when I'm working on it)? Why???

Maestro enjoys sitting on papers. I think for him the explanation is AmLitHist's "If it fits, I sits." He also has an active mind and craves novelty. I can almost see the speech bubble over his head: "Well, here's something I've never parked my butt on before."

Caramelo only seems interested in the papers I'm specifically trying to work with. In his case, I'd say clean and the_geneticist are describing it exactly right: he is interposing himself between me and the not-him object currently commanding my attention.

I was trying to work my way through a stack of bills this weekend, and Caramelo made the task twice as long as it needed to be. Maybe it's not just attention; maybe he also wants my money diverted away from anything that is not him.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on January 30, 2023, 04:47:02 PM
This may (or may not) help. 
When I was a kitty servant, and kitty was chewing my pencil as I worked, I wadded up a (now messed up) page, and threw it for him!  He Fetched it Back!  We did that until my arm gave out! 

It may be enough to entertain the kitty, but it may not actually let you get any work done!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 10, 2023, 03:45:36 PM
Anyone else's cats periodically reject their food? Little Calico occasionally will just turn up her nose at the wet food for several days in a row (maybe nibble the dry food, which she generally doesn't eat much of anyway), causing me to worry something is wrong with her, then resuming chowing down on it like nothing happened. She hasn't otherwise acted sick during these episodes so I wonder if there are sometimes batches of the cans that smell or taste different? Panther Boy will eat anything at any time, so he's no help.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 10, 2023, 05:02:07 PM
Quote from: Puget on February 10, 2023, 03:45:36 PM
Anyone else's cats periodically reject their food? Little Calico occasionally will just turn up her nose at the wet food for several days in a row (maybe nibble the dry food, which she generally doesn't eat much of anyway), causing me to worry something is wrong with her, then resuming chowing down on it like nothing happened. She hasn't otherwise acted sick during these episodes so I wonder if there are sometimes batches of the cans that smell or taste different? Panther Boy will eat anything at any time, so he's no help.

Do we have shared cats?
Lady Jane will sometimes give the wet food a sniff, disapprove, and walk away.  Why?!?  It's the same flavor she liked before, same style, same bowl in the same spot.  Sometimes even the SAME CAN that she was willing to eat at breakfast.  Maybe it's less tasty when cold? And she nibbles the dry food all day "Kibble shall suffice".
Sir Puck aka "Sir Chomps A Lot The Bold" will eat anything.  He eats so fast I don't think he even tastes the first few bites. "He who chomps fastest chomps most".
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on February 10, 2023, 05:22:24 PM
Quote from: Puget on February 10, 2023, 03:45:36 PM
Anyone else's cats periodically reject their food? Little Calico occasionally will just turn up her nose at the wet food for several days in a row (maybe nibble the dry food, which she generally doesn't eat much of anyway), causing me to worry something is wrong with her, then resuming chowing down on it like nothing happened. She hasn't otherwise acted sick during these episodes so I wonder if there are sometimes batches of the cans that smell or taste different? Panther Boy will eat anything at any time, so he's no help.

HerMajesty sometimes rejects her royal repast too. She did it this evening, in fact. She showed her royal disapproval by knocking over the kibble dish, scattering kibble all over the floor. Sigh. I don't know why cats do this. I wish I knew. Maybe they're bored with the food? Maybe the food dish needs washing? It could be anything you've mentioned or something we incompetent humans are too dim to think of.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on February 10, 2023, 06:14:27 PM
Good to know Little Calico is in good company! Maybe they do it to keep us, their servants, on our toes?
This week the wet food is delectable, last week it was trash-- same flavor.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 10, 2023, 06:16:44 PM
My boys get kibble in the morning and wet food at night.

Caramelo has never rejected any food, and neither of them has ever rejected wet food. However, there is the occasional morning when Maestro will eye his breakfast and get a "ho-hum, kibble again?" expression on his face.

I've found a couple of ways to entice him to eat:

1) Hand-feed him the kibble, one-by-one.

I was very worried about him when he first started turning up his nose at meals, so I did this many a morning before SO insisted I experiment with letting him get a bit hungrier to see if he would willingly come back to the food. He always did. He wasn't sick; just a bit bored with the kibble.

SO once caught me hand-feeding a reclined Maestro and said, "Anything else, Caesar?"

2) Throw the kibble, one-by-one.

This livens up his breakfast by adding a chase-and-catch element. He sprints and pounces, and often will use his white-socked paw to pick up the kibble and feed himself. It looks so delicate and proper; like he's saying, "Well, I'm certainly not going to eat if off the ground like some kind of animal."
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on February 10, 2023, 09:22:27 PM
I think that there is a ball you can get an fill, with some holes in it and they have to roll the ball around until the food comes out.  So that is supposed to entertain them.
I heard another way, that I probably would not want to try... hide the food in different places and make them hunt for it. 

My fear would be that they would not find it all but the invertible six legged critters would
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on February 11, 2023, 03:20:57 PM
Our wet food eater, Booboo, prefers a fresh can. She will still eat leftovers but when she hears the sound of a new can opening, she goes WILD, howling, rubbing against your leg, and running around her bowl!  She's pretty big (nearly 15 lbs) and we give her less than a half a can a day so she never refuses food.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 14, 2023, 04:32:36 AM
Ours will eat dry food out of the treat ball when it is otherwise boring. We also use it when we think Hestia is eating too quickly; it slows her down.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 14, 2023, 04:06:49 PM
Quote from: AvidReader on February 14, 2023, 04:32:36 AM
Ours will eat dry food out of the treat ball when it is otherwise boring. We also use it when we think Hestia is eating too quickly; it slows her down.

AR.

I really need to get one of these for my senior cat. He inhales his food and gets so upset, if he isn't fed immediately, that he will sometimes vomit.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on February 14, 2023, 07:02:40 PM
https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-slimcat-interactive-cat/dp/48573?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17874858853&utm_content=PetSafe&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiA_6yfBhBNEiwAkmXy5yM4gG8q7PcYOH5GU9LcFTTgBqAaUdpK2Y5YTf_I54-2d6HHkkbFuRoCuPgQAvD_BwE
(https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-slimcat-interactive-cat/dp/48573?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17874858853&utm_content=PetSafe&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiA_6yfBhBNEiwAkmXy5yM4gG8q7PcYOH5GU9LcFTTgBqAaUdpK2Y5YTf_I54-2d6HHkkbFuRoCuPgQAvD_BwE)

https://www.chewy.com/catit-senses-20-food-tree-cat-feeder/dp/178226 (https://www.chewy.com/catit-senses-20-food-tree-cat-feeder/dp/178226)

Those should be entertaining!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on February 14, 2023, 07:44:13 PM
Buddycat was so overly domesticated that he would not eat food or treats or catnip that touched the floor.

"You expect me to eat That? It's contaminated!"
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 15, 2023, 05:02:25 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 14, 2023, 04:06:49 PM
I really need to get one of these for my senior cat. He inhales his food and gets so upset, if he isn't fed immediately, that he will sometimes vomit.

Oh my! Hestia vomits when she eats too fast (we think). The balls have made a big difference, and are entertaining as well. After the first two from the pet store broke, we ordered a larger cheaper pack on eBay and they are still going strong.

Hestia uses treat balls by whacking the ball with a paw so that it skitters across the patio and then walking the path of the ball, sniffing for food and treats. Artemis uses treat balls by placing the top of her head against the ball and walking it in a slow circle until the food drops out. Watching them try to share a ball is hugely entertaining.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 15, 2023, 01:50:15 PM
Quote from: AvidReader on February 15, 2023, 05:02:25 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 14, 2023, 04:06:49 PM
I really need to get one of these for my senior cat. He inhales his food and gets so upset, if he isn't fed immediately, that he will sometimes vomit.

Oh my! Hestia vomits when she eats too fast (we think). The balls have made a big difference, and are entertaining as well. After the first two from the pet store broke, we ordered a larger cheaper pack on eBay and they are still going strong.

Hestia uses treat balls by whacking the ball with a paw so that it skitters across the patio and then walking the path of the ball, sniffing for food and treats. Artemis uses treat balls by placing the top of her head against the ball and walking it in a slow circle until the food drops out. Watching them try to share a ball is hugely entertaining.

AR.

Yep. Actually, I meant to say that if he isn't fed at the 'appropriate cat time', then he will vomit in protest. He will also vomit if he eats too quickly. In the past, we had a small carboard box with holes and some dry food in it that they could bat around. I think I need to make a new one.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on February 15, 2023, 04:08:39 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 15, 2023, 01:50:15 PM
Yep. Actually, I meant to say that if he isn't fed at the 'appropriate cat time', then he will vomit in protest.

Oh my gracious. Bless you. That sounds so frustrating!

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 15, 2023, 04:12:28 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 15, 2023, 01:50:15 PM
Quote from: AvidReader on February 15, 2023, 05:02:25 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 14, 2023, 04:06:49 PM
I really need to get one of these for my senior cat. He inhales his food and gets so upset, if he isn't fed immediately, that he will sometimes vomit.

Oh my! Hestia vomits when she eats too fast (we think). The balls have made a big difference, and are entertaining as well. After the first two from the pet store broke, we ordered a larger cheaper pack on eBay and they are still going strong.

Hestia uses treat balls by whacking the ball with a paw so that it skitters across the patio and then walking the path of the ball, sniffing for food and treats. Artemis uses treat balls by placing the top of her head against the ball and walking it in a slow circle until the food drops out. Watching them try to share a ball is hugely entertaining.

AR.

Yep. Actually, I meant to say that if he isn't fed at the 'appropriate cat time', then he will vomit in protest. He will also vomit if he eats too quickly. In the past, we had a small cardboard box with holes and some dry food in it that they could bat around. I think I need to make a new one.

Yes, he makes mornings very difficult.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 18, 2023, 04:49:17 PM
Quote from: clean on February 14, 2023, 07:02:40 PM
https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-slimcat-interactive-cat/dp/48573?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17874858853&utm_content=PetSafe&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiA_6yfBhBNEiwAkmXy5yM4gG8q7PcYOH5GU9LcFTTgBqAaUdpK2Y5YTf_I54-2d6HHkkbFuRoCuPgQAvD_BwE
(https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-slimcat-interactive-cat/dp/48573?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17874858853&utm_content=PetSafe&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiA_6yfBhBNEiwAkmXy5yM4gG8q7PcYOH5GU9LcFTTgBqAaUdpK2Y5YTf_I54-2d6HHkkbFuRoCuPgQAvD_BwE)

https://www.chewy.com/catit-senses-20-food-tree-cat-feeder/dp/178226 (https://www.chewy.com/catit-senses-20-food-tree-cat-feeder/dp/178226)

Those should be entertaining!

At one point, we gave both of these to our kitties.

We stopped using the treat ball because, if the cats weren't hungry, they would roll the ball around and just watch food fall out without eating it. Made a mess.

The treat tower was a lot of fun; the two cats had very different strategies. Maestro would meticulously move a single kibble at a time from top to bottom and then bring it delicately to his mouth with his paw. Caramelo tried to follow his brother's lead, but didn't understand the underlying principle. He would poke his paw in repeatedly without realizing the food needs to go down the hole. Kibble would shuffle around, but not drop. He eventually developed his own method: head-butting the tower to cause a cascade of kibble to rain down to the bottom.

Less elegant than Maestro's technique, but more effective.

Unfortunately, repeated bashing ultimately resulted in a broken tower.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 18, 2023, 05:02:04 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on February 18, 2023, 04:49:17 PM
Quote from: clean on February 14, 2023, 07:02:40 PM
https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-slimcat-interactive-cat/dp/48573?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17874858853&utm_content=PetSafe&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiA_6yfBhBNEiwAkmXy5yM4gG8q7PcYOH5GU9LcFTTgBqAaUdpK2Y5YTf_I54-2d6HHkkbFuRoCuPgQAvD_BwE
(https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-slimcat-interactive-cat/dp/48573?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17874858853&utm_content=PetSafe&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiA_6yfBhBNEiwAkmXy5yM4gG8q7PcYOH5GU9LcFTTgBqAaUdpK2Y5YTf_I54-2d6HHkkbFuRoCuPgQAvD_BwE)

https://www.chewy.com/catit-senses-20-food-tree-cat-feeder/dp/178226 (https://www.chewy.com/catit-senses-20-food-tree-cat-feeder/dp/178226)

Those should be entertaining!

At one point, we gave both of these to our kitties.

We stopped using the treat ball because, if the cats weren't hungry, they would roll the ball around and just watch food fall out without eating it. Made a mess.

The treat tower was a lot of fun; the two cats had very different strategies. Maestro would meticulously move a single kibble at a time from top to bottom and then bring it delicately to his mouth with his paw. Caramelo tried to follow his brother's lead, but didn't understand the underlying principle. He would poke his paw in repeatedly without realizing the food needs to go down the hole. Kibble would shuffle around, but not drop. He eventually developed his own method: head-butting the tower to cause a cascade of kibble to rain down to the bottom.

Less elegant than Maestro's technique, but more effective.

Unfortunately, repeated bashing ultimately resulted in a broken tower.

Interesting. We may try to cobble something together over here, or just buy one.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on March 13, 2023, 01:27:07 PM
While walking to lunch today I had a black cat cross the street right in front of me.  As if with ongoing HVAC issues, planning for an upcoming outdoor event with a chance of rain in the forecast, and assorted deadlines looming I didn't have enough to deal with.  Thanks a lot, cat!


(Seriously, though, it was a lovely cat.  First time in a good while I've seen a beautiful black cat in our neighborhood.  We used to have a couple of them, but they've gone away.  I hope this one sticks around.)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on March 13, 2023, 05:54:09 PM
I have a raised bed in the back yard. I will be returning it to use very soon. 
However, there is a cat that has been making good use of it for  a Bed already!
Not sure what people the cat owns. 
Id prefer not to have a cat sleeping in my garden though! 

Tonight I pointed out the cat to My Bride.  I tapped on the glass.  He/she looked at me with great contempt.   "That ALL you got?  Your Intrusion in Unwelcome!"    It put its head down, but its eyes were not quite closed, as it continued to keep an eye on the window.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on March 13, 2023, 06:07:55 PM
Quote from: clean on March 13, 2023, 05:54:09 PM
I have a raised bed in the back yard. I will be returning it to use very soon. 
However, there is a cat that has been making good use of it for  a Bed already!
Not sure what people the cat owns. 
Id prefer not to have a cat sleeping in my garden though! 

Tonight I pointed out the cat to My Bride.  I tapped on the glass.  He/she looked at me with great contempt.   "That ALL you got?  Your Intrusion in Unwelcome!"    It put its head down, but its eyes were not quite closed, as it continued to keep an eye on the window.

The solution is clear-- you must provide the cat with a superior cat bed of its own near the garden bed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on March 13, 2023, 06:57:49 PM
Hmmmm...
I already own a live trap.... OR I can spend more money to give the cat, who is not mine, a bed so that he will have a nearby potty!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on March 14, 2023, 07:38:29 AM
Your garden plans need to showcase the cat!  Mine enjoy the shade offered by leafy vegetables like chard, the scent of rosemary, and freshly churned soil for napping.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on March 14, 2023, 09:37:36 AM
I suppose that I could use a Watch Cat.  I think that last season a squirrel (I hope!) seemed to eat my eggplant off the plant.  Maybe this could serve as a deterrent.... But if I have to deal with vermin eating my produce and cat poop in the boxes, Watch Cat will get FIRED and 'escorted off the property'.   
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 14, 2023, 12:21:44 PM
Quote from: clean on March 14, 2023, 09:37:36 AM
I suppose that I could use a Watch Cat.  I think that last season a squirrel (I hope!) seemed to eat my eggplant off the plant.  Maybe this could serve as a deterrent.... But if I have to deal with vermin eating my produce and cat poop in the boxes, Watch Cat will get FIRED and 'escorted off the property'.

You could enclose the entire bed in a dog kennel. :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: paultuttle on March 20, 2023, 06:08:01 AM
A black cat was in my parents' side yard when I visited this past Saturday, walking my father back from the mailbox. We both thought it was a piece of wood until Dad stopped and said, "One of its ears just moved."

So I said "Psss psss psss," trying to invite it to come closer, but sadly scared the little thing so badly it leaped away immediately through the underbrush like a Thoroughbred over fences. Oh, well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on March 20, 2023, 07:34:33 AM
My brother's cats have been having to get used to coexisting with chickens, rabbits, goats, and now pigs.  He's practically turning into a small-scale stock raiser. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on March 21, 2023, 10:38:27 PM
I am up late tonight due to illness and also trying to catch up on work. Ricochet the squirrelly tortie is apparently confused as to why both of the large beings are not laying in the bed, so she knows where they are. She has been following me around all night and is now sitting on the couch next to me, which is an unusual behavior for her.  Ninja is of course sleeping next to my husband. Neither cat has offered to do my grading.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 04, 2023, 09:44:57 AM
Quote from: clean on March 17, 2023, 02:22:56 PM
Write us a Cat Story, and then look at it from the perspective of WINNING!  How did those events help guide your next actions - What did you learn from them??

Since clean set me a writing task...

I suppose this is a win in the category of personal growth: I have made peace with the fact that I am Maestro's second-favorite human.

Each of the cats has chosen a primary human. That would be the human they follow around the most, the one they most want to cuddle up next to, and the one they single out for special interactions exclusive to that human. Caramelo has chosen me; Maestro has chosen SO.

Maestro adores SO. You can see it in the way the cat gazes at him with soft, admiring eyes. While Maestro is happy enough to receive attention from me, he actively seeks out and demands interaction with SO. He cries when SO is out of the apartment, even if it's only for a few minutes. He always wants to be in whatever room SO is in. He frequently rubs foreheads with SO as a sign of affection, something he never does with me.

When Maestro is with me, he's content. When he's with SO, he's in heaven.

Not gonna lie. For a time, this was hard on my ego. Maestro came into my life at a time when he was desperately needed. Loving him helped me get through a deep depression. He's a very special kitty to me. I wanted to be his favorite human.

But I learned to let go of my insecurity, and I can simply enjoy my role as the second-favorite. Now I can just be happy that Maestro and SO have such a strong bond. I still have Maestro's trust and affection; I'm still one of his chosen humans, even if I'm not THE ONE. And I have my special bond with my sweet Caramelo.

All-in-all we're a happy family. I love all my boys and I feel lucky to have them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on April 04, 2023, 10:24:56 AM
Thanks for the update!

Have you figured what best motivates Maestro? Is he food motivated, attention motivated, or play motivated? 
Perhaps you can feed his needs and desires to get a little more 'special' interaction with him.

Also, from my cat serving days, being the Favorite isnt always the best thing!  My cat was FAT (between 15 and 20 pounds.)  He always wanted to sit ON me (not near me, but ON me!) 
Cats are hot! 
They shed too.
It was great to have the attention, but some 'alone time' could be nice every now and again! 
So enjoy your freedom! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on April 04, 2023, 11:18:53 AM
Awww!  It's good to hear from you and get an update about your kitties.

I feel the hurt about not being the favorite.  I picked out Izzy kitten when I was sad & recovering from surgery.  I thought we had/would have a special bond since she was SO HAPPY to be out of the kitten enclosure at the shelter.  But no, I am not her Favorite Human.  She does not care much for any humans, but clearly I am the second choice human in the household. 

My childhood cat was a "I will climb your leg and cry until you carry me around like a baby".  Buddycat was the same way - trained me to carry him to his food dish in the morning so his toes didn't have to touch the cold floor.

I was hoping for that, but it's just not to be.  Or we just need to turn the heat off!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: MarathonRunner on April 04, 2023, 11:53:43 AM
We had to help our eldest cat to the Rainbow Bridge. He was my cat, the next eldest (now the eldest) is definitely devoted to spouse. Our two youngest don't have favourites. So it's an adjustment no longer having a cat who dotes on me, but seeing our new eldest totally devoted to my spouse, and having the two younger give us equal attention. I'm the cat person, and we only have cats because of me (spouse loves ours, but would never have had cats without me).

I miss our grumpy old fart. He had heart failure and kidney failure, and eventually stopped eating, even with appetite stimulants, so we made the hard choice to say goodbye. I now have a heart-shaped necklace that has his ashes infused.

Younger of the two youngest has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, so that sucks too. New eldest has cancer. The now middle girl at least is healthy, with no issues so far (she's now six, new eldest is 15, youngest is almost 2).

As much as it hurts to lose one, I can't imagine life without a cat. There's something about a purr, or a knead, that just makes everything okay.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on April 05, 2023, 07:09:37 AM
I'm so sorry, MarathonRunner.  Hugs and skritches to all.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 05, 2023, 02:15:19 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your eldest cat, MarathonRunner.  It's clear he was loved and loved you. I agree that a house is not a home without a cat for me (luckily hubby feels the same way).

I also miss being the favorite person of a cat.  We adopted the our 2 when hubby lost his cat too young to cancer. He fell in love with a pair of kittens barely old enough for adoption. Ninja correctly ascertained that he was a man in need of a cat and claimed him as her human. She follows him around the house, sleeps on his laundry when he's at work, and sits on his lap whenever possible. Ricochet has claimed neither of us, though she seems reasonably convinced at this point that we won't eat her.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 05, 2023, 03:42:51 PM
My condolences, MarathonRunner.


Today the red cat came home with a fully gorged tick... on his anus.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: nebo113 on April 05, 2023, 04:29:44 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on April 05, 2023, 03:42:51 PM
My condolences, MarathonRunner.


Today the red cat came home with a fully gorged tick... on his anus.

Will not ask.....
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 05, 2023, 04:31:26 PM
Quote from: nebo113 on April 05, 2023, 04:29:44 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on April 05, 2023, 03:42:51 PM
My condolences, MarathonRunner.


Today the red cat came home with a fully gorged tick... on his anus.

Will not ask.....

Um. Wow. That must have hurt.

My condolences, as well, MarathonRunner.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on April 06, 2023, 03:26:12 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 05, 2023, 04:31:26 PM
Quote from: nebo113 on April 05, 2023, 04:29:44 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on April 05, 2023, 03:42:51 PM
My condolences, MarathonRunner.


Today the red cat came home with a fully gorged tick... on his anus.

Will not ask.....

Um. Wow. That must have hurt.

My condolences, as well, MarathonRunner.

I bet MarathonRunner didn't feel a thing....
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: MarathonRunner on April 06, 2023, 11:58:46 AM
Thanks all. The two youngest seem to be paying me more attention the past few days. I guess they are also missing our "grumpy old fart" now that he's gone. I guess we'll see how things work out over time.  Especially once new eldest passes. He is 16 with cancer, so at most 4 years left, but even that's unlikely. But we've been saying that since he diagnosis and he continues to defy the vets' prognoses (gave him 1-3 months to live in 2016, he is still happy but slower).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on April 12, 2023, 05:48:11 AM
Good to hear how you and your kitties are doing, Smallcleanrat.

Belated condolences to MarathonRunner and family.

Best wishes from Calico, OrangeGuy, Twerp, and HerMajesty too.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on April 18, 2023, 09:20:12 AM
Kid #1's barn cat, Waffles, is a momma again!  When they got up to go in to work for an overnight shift, they heard kitties mewing in the cat house on the deck.  Don't know how many yet; they'll let me know later today when they get home from work.

I'm a sucker for baby kits with their big eyes and tiny little tails.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 18, 2023, 06:09:46 PM
Aww, baby kitties! I hope mama Waffles is doing well. Did her previous litter all become barn cats or were they adopted?

Ricochet continues her computer education. This week's skills: deleting an email, archiving an email, closing a Word document, closing an internet tab, moving the web browser into incognito mode, and writing a partial email (though it does not appear she is writing in English, as there were no vowels; luckily she's not sending them yet).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on April 19, 2023, 06:29:18 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 18, 2023, 06:09:46 PM
Aww, baby kitties! I hope mama Waffles is doing well. Did her previous litter all become barn cats or were they adopted?

Ricochet continues her computer education. This week's skills: deleting an email, archiving an email, closing a Word document, closing an internet tab, moving the web browser into incognito mode, and writing a partial email (though it does not appear she is writing in English, as there were no vowels; luckily she's not sending them yet).

Has she learned Welsh?

Last year's litter stayed with Mom and became barn cats. They've been sitting outside the box where the new babies and Mom are, standing guard.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on April 19, 2023, 06:44:04 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on April 19, 2023, 06:29:18 AM

Last year's litter stayed with Mom and became barn cats. They've been sitting outside the box where the new babies and Mom are, standing guard.

Very cute! But also, time to get Mom fixed before she gets pregnant again.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 19, 2023, 07:08:59 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on April 19, 2023, 06:29:18 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 18, 2023, 06:09:46 PM
Aww, baby kitties! I hope mama Waffles is doing well. Did her previous litter all become barn cats or were they adopted?

Ricochet continues her computer education. This week's skills: deleting an email, archiving an email, closing a Word document, closing an internet tab, moving the web browser into incognito mode, and writing a partial email (though it does not appear she is writing in English, as there were no vowels; luckily she's not sending them yet).

Has she learned Welsh?

Last year's litter stayed with Mom and became barn cats. They've been sitting outside the box where the new babies and Mom are, standing guard.

Hubby thinks Hebrew.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 05, 2023, 08:07:17 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 23, 2022, 06:24:39 AM
So, I'm sitting here about to tackle email and a few other things and suddenly I hear the most lugubrious/mournful meow/yowl from elder evil cat. He had dragged one of his blankets upstairs and wanted me to know about it.

He's doing it again. Whenever he's upset, or feels slighted, or we're just not paying enough attention to him- dammit! Driving me up the wall!!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on May 05, 2023, 08:24:52 PM
It seems that you are not exactly fulfilling your duties as a kitty servant. 
Hopefully your kitty overlord will be forgiving (which would be very UNkitty like!) 
Sheba have mercy on your soul. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 09, 2023, 10:28:07 AM
We have shown our cats the "Mouse for Cats" game on the iPad.  The are addicted.
Sir Puck has the high score with over 1000 points and has beat the game many, many times.  He is rather behind on his morning naps.
Lady Jane managed to not only beat the game, but also reset the sound, opened my email, and I swear she was about ready to order something from Amazon!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 09, 2023, 05:26:50 PM
Quote from: clean on May 05, 2023, 08:24:52 PM
It seems that you are not exactly fulfilling your duties as a kitty servant. 
Hopefully your kitty overlord will be forgiving (which would be very UNkitty like!) 
Sheba have mercy on your soul.

He's a very demanding senior citizen. Trust me, he gets plenty of treats, love and catnip!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on May 09, 2023, 06:34:42 PM
The New Thundercats have been tearing around the place for the last half-hour.  Loki just stole food off my plate, but managed to only get halfway across the room before Thor tackled him and absconded with the prize.

Loki is now attacking my feet under the table as I grade exams.

Cats + Wine + Fatigue = Better for students?

We shall see....
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 15, 2023, 10:11:46 AM
Just got back from the vet with Little Cat. She's been dropping weight since Christmas but has otherwise been OK--eating, singing, playing, etc. as always.  She got blood work done and has thyroid problems.  So, out with ALL the treats--she lives for Temptations treats--and cat food, both wet and dry. She can only have the Rx food (dry and wet). We'll take her back in 8 weeks to see if it's working; if not, we might have to add a pill once or twice a day. 

I'm glad it can be managed, and that she's overall in good health/has her normal good quality of life.  We lost Fela before Christmas; I'm not ready to lose another pet right now.  She is 17, though, but the vet said she should have a number of good years left, esp. since she's an indoor, pampered cat.

I expect to get the stink eye for a day or so, both for taking her out of the house to the vet (only her second time since being spayed as a kit) and for taking away all the yummy food and treats.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on May 15, 2023, 11:41:08 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on May 15, 2023, 10:11:46 AM
Just got back from the vet with Little Cat. She's been dropping weight since Christmas but has otherwise been OK--eating, singing, playing, etc. as always.  She got blood work done and has thyroid problems.  So, out with ALL the treats--she lives for Temptations treats--and cat food, both wet and dry. She can only have the Rx food (dry and wet). We'll take her back in 8 weeks to see if it's working; if not, we might have to add a pill once or twice a day. 

I'm glad it can be managed, and that she's overall in good health/has her normal good quality of life.  We lost Fela before Christmas; I'm not ready to lose another pet right now.  She is 17, though, but the vet said she should have a number of good years left, esp. since she's an indoor, pampered cat.

I expect to get the stink eye for a day or so, both for taking her out of the house to the vet (only her second time since being spayed as a kit) and for taking away all the yummy food and treats.

Not sure if it's available near by, but the radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism is well worth it.  One (expensive!) week at a radiation clinic, needing to scoop & flush cat litter for a few days, and that's it.  And since it's a cure, she can eat whatever she wants after a few weeks.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on May 16, 2023, 05:11:26 AM
Our LittleGirl (of blessed memory) lived for a lot of years with thyroid disease managed by meds.  When she was diagnosed, our vet told us this was the best possible "older cat" problem to have because it was the most manageable.  Best of luck to AmLit Hist and LittleCat learning to manage this new chapter. 

Our excitement last night involved the stealing of socks by one of my (not little any more) Yin/Yang boys.  Yin stole a pair of my new wool socks off my dresser and paraded them through the living room to show us his prize (he was SO PROUD).  I finally managed to negotiate a trade for a feather toy, but we might need to get Yin a sheep. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: paultuttle on May 16, 2023, 07:27:28 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on May 16, 2023, 05:11:26 AM
Our LittleGirl (of blessed memory) lived for a lot of years with thyroid disease managed by meds.  When she was diagnosed, our vet told us this was the best possible "older cat" problem to have because it was the most manageable.  Best of luck to AmLit Hist and LittleCat learning to manage this new chapter. 

Our excitement last night involved the stealing of socks by one of my (not little any more) Yin/Yang boys.  Yin stole a pair of my new wool socks off my dresser and paraded them through the living room to show us his prize (he was SO PROUD).  I finally managed to negotiate a trade for a feather toy, but we might need to get Yin a sheep.

Just don't let him near the shears!

;)

(ducks and runs)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on May 22, 2023, 07:25:58 AM
Saturday morning I heard meowing outside the staff entrance in back of the library building.  A bit later a newly-arrived staff member spoke of seeing a cat out there.  Sure enough, we had an orange cat none of us had ever seen before perched in the window of a back office.  It meowed at me and did not flee.  It was obviously not feral, and seemed well cared-for. 

A check of local social media found a report of a missing orange cat from a neighboring town about fifteen miles away.  We doubted that that could be it.  Although I did recently hear of one accidentally hitching a ride on the undercarriage of a family's car from their home to the local McDonald's....

A patron ended up coming with food and a cat carrier to take the cat in.  So it's in good hands.  Don't know whether it will end up back at its original home, assuming it still has one.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 22, 2023, 02:45:07 PM
Quote from: apl68 on May 22, 2023, 07:25:58 AM
Saturday morning I heard meowing outside the staff entrance in back of the library building.  A bit later a newly-arrived staff member spoke of seeing a cat out there.  Sure enough, we had an orange cat none of us had ever seen before perched in the window of a back office.  It meowed at me and did not flee.  It was obviously not feral, and seemed well cared-for. 

A check of local social media found a report of a missing orange cat from a neighboring town about fifteen miles away.  We doubted that that could be it.  Although I did recently hear of one accidentally hitching a ride on the undercarriage of a family's car from their home to the local McDonald's....

A patron ended up coming with food and a cat carrier to take the cat in.  So it's in good hands.  Don't know whether it will end up back at its original home, assuming it still has one.

Smart cat to request help at the library!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on May 24, 2023, 07:40:30 AM
Booboo was totally freaked out yesterday when servicemen came and replaced the carpet in her favorite rooms!  After they finished, she refused to step into her rooms for several hours.  After we remade the bed, she decided it was ok to sit on the bed.  We fed her this morning and she had to walk on the new carpet to get to the food. When I left for work, she was sitting on the new carpet so perhaps all is ok. I did replace her litter with fresh litter to hopefully prevent a major protest.  She warned me that alterations of her environment without her permission are unacceptable!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 31, 2023, 08:07:25 AM
Sad news. We lost elder evil cat and I am crushed. He was such a good boy.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on May 31, 2023, 08:48:30 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 31, 2023, 08:07:25 AM
Sad news. We lost elder evil cat and I am crushed. He was such a good boy.

I'm so sorry-- always such a hard thing, even when they've had a good long life it is never long enough.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on May 31, 2023, 09:03:49 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 31, 2023, 08:07:25 AM
Sad news. We lost elder evil cat and I am crushed. He was such a good boy.
I'm so sorry, EPW.  We lost Fela before Christmas, and I've been worried about our Little Cat.  Hugs and head bumps from here.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on May 31, 2023, 11:22:00 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 31, 2023, 08:07:25 AM
Sad news. We lost elder evil cat and I am crushed. He was such a good boy.

I am sorry for your loss. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 31, 2023, 11:54:37 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 31, 2023, 08:07:25 AM
Sad news. We lost elder evil cat and I am crushed. He was such a good boy.

I'm so sorry to hear about elder evil cat, EPW. The time we have with them is never enough. Gentle scritches to you and yours.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on May 31, 2023, 12:36:46 PM
Sorry to hear that Evil Cat is gone, EPW. 

A piece of wisdom my father shared with me and my brother when we lost a dog when I was about eight--losing pets is a part of having them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: MarathonRunner on May 31, 2023, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 31, 2023, 08:07:25 AM
Sad news. We lost elder evil cat and I am crushed. He was such a good boy.

So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. May you treasure good memories of elder cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on May 31, 2023, 02:35:00 PM
So sorry, EPW.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 31, 2023, 06:33:10 PM
epw, I'm so sorry for this sad news.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 01, 2023, 08:02:33 AM
Thanks everyone. It's just been so empty and quiet over here. :) He was a very loud man cat (when he was young and old and everything in between).

SO and I are considering getting a kitten or two for youngest evil cat. I think she's been confused and a little lonely without her 'boyfriend.' I put that in quotes because she drove him nuts with her unwanted affections.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: MarathonRunner on June 01, 2023, 11:56:57 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 01, 2023, 08:02:33 AM
Thanks everyone. It's just been so empty and quiet over here. :) He was a very loud man cat (when he was young and old and everything in between).

SO and I are considering getting a kitten or two for youngest evil cat. I think she's been confused and a little lonely without her 'boyfriend.' I put that in quotes because she drove him nuts with her unwanted affections.

We got a kitten for our tortie when it was clear she was mourning the unexpected loss of our rescue. When we lost eldest cat, we didn't, as our remaining cats seemed fine. A kitten can definitely help in some circumstances, especially if a cat is used to having a playmate and no longer has one. All the best to you.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on June 02, 2023, 08:08:31 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on May 15, 2023, 11:41:08 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on May 15, 2023, 10:11:46 AM
Just got back from the vet with Little Cat. She's been dropping weight since Christmas but has otherwise been OK--eating, singing, playing, etc. as always.  She got blood work done and has thyroid problems.  So, out with ALL the treats--she lives for Temptations treats--and cat food, both wet and dry. She can only have the Rx food (dry and wet). We'll take her back in 8 weeks to see if it's working; if not, we might have to add a pill once or twice a day. 

I'm glad it can be managed, and that she's overall in good health/has her normal good quality of life.  We lost Fela before Christmas; I'm not ready to lose another pet right now.  She is 17, though, but the vet said she should have a number of good years left, esp. since she's an indoor, pampered cat.

Not sure if it's available near by, but the radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism is well worth it.  One (expensive!) week at a radiation clinic, needing to scoop & flush cat litter for a few days, and that's it.  And since it's a cure, she can eat whatever she wants after a few weeks.

Ulysses was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism on Tuesday. She'd been slowly drinking more and peeing more, and when I got home from vacation drank nearly a quart. Hungry, too.  For now we are doing the meds; but I'm considering the radioactive iodine treatment so I can travel without burdening the neighbor who is willing to catsit. So following everyone's experiences with interest.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 02, 2023, 09:09:02 AM
Harlow, we have to take Little Cat back in late June to see if the diet is working for her hyperthyroidism. She went a few days last week where she wouldn't eat much at all; now she's eating the special kibble again. She doesn't feel quite so bony as she had, but she's still way underweight.  I hope we can avoid the twice-daily pills (for the sake of not having to aggravate her with them--I wouldn't mind doing it so much, but I know she'd be pissed every time).

They say the radioactive iodine works, but we just can't see doing it in our case:  she's 17; it costs a small fortune which, honestly, I just don't have; and we'd have to go to Mizzou or U of I to have it done at their vet school (a couple of hundred miles, plus the trauma to her of being away from us for a month).

Good luck--I hope it works out for you and Ulysses!  (How much drama is the medication, by the way?)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on June 02, 2023, 01:36:50 PM
ALH, for right now the meds are going splendidly (but this is our fist full day). Ulysses loves peanut butter, and the tiny pills are easy to hide in a dollop.  This morning I just popped one in her wet food, and she gobbled up the teaspoon full of food containing the pill before getting the rest. Fingers crossed that that will last. The pills are a dollar a day (generics should be cheaper; got these from the vet) so probably cheaper than custom food. 

There's also a gel that can be applied to ears 2 X day; don't know cost. I'll try that if her appetite wanes.  Ulysses is 7, so considerably younger than Little Cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 02, 2023, 05:04:24 PM
I got back from a week long trip last night. Despite having their usual cat sitter who they adore, they have been letting me know they missed me. So much so that Panther Boy really needed to wake me up with loud and persistent mewing at 5 AM to pet him. Early to bed tonight. . .
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 03, 2023, 08:24:18 AM
Thor and Loki's 4am parkour workout was interrupted by a cat fight w/ Nox <4feet from my head.  A thrown pillow broke that up.

Parkour (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JEg6qQj6RRg) resumed.
Then a steel-cage death match took place ON MY BACK at 4:30 am.

At 5, parkour had resumed and was capped off by using my foot hanging off the end of the bed as a launchpad.  Cue cursing, and bleeding.  So I had to get up and tend to a 2 inch cut and its attendant blood.

I love my cats...I love my cats...I love my cats...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 03, 2023, 09:16:59 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 03, 2023, 08:24:18 AM
Thor and Loki's 4am parkour workout was interrupted by a cat fight w/ Nox <4feet from my head.  A thrown pillow broke that up.

Parkour (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JEg6qQj6RRg) resumed.
Then a steel-cage death match took place ON MY BACK at 4:30 am.

At 5, parkour had resumed and was capped off by using my foot hanging off the end of the bed as a launchpad.  Cue cursing, and bleeding.  So I had to get up and tend to a 2 inch cut and its attendant blood.

I love my cats...I love my cats...I love my cats...

:D Ha! Youngest evil cat does parkour every day (bouncing off walls, over gates, etc.).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 03, 2023, 11:37:50 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 03, 2023, 09:16:59 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 03, 2023, 08:24:18 AM
Thor and Loki's 4am parkour workout was interrupted by a cat fight w/ Nox <4feet from my head.  A thrown pillow broke that up.

Parkour (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JEg6qQj6RRg) resumed.
Then a steel-cage death match took place ON MY BACK at 4:30 am.

At 5, parkour had resumed and was capped off by using my foot hanging off the end of the bed as a launchpad.  Cue cursing, and bleeding.  So I had to get up and tend to a 2 inch cut and its attendant blood.

I love my cats...I love my cats...I love my cats...

:D Ha! Youngest evil cat does parkour every day (bouncing off walls, over gates, etc.).

Oh, this explains what Richochet is doing when she is racing around the house, bounding on the furniture! Though, she usually ends up somewhere very high, peering down at us like a gargoyle. She does not have a parkour partner, as Ninja looks at her like she's insane.

After 8 years, I can report that Ricochet may have figured out how to sit next to people on the couch. She had explored hanging out by my feet and was getting pretty good at lap-standing. But, this week, she has actually snoozed next to me on the couch and allowed petting. Apparently what she needed was a large stack of papers, about as tall as the couch arm. She now apparently thinks this is "her spot." So, now I cannot organize the large stack of papers on the couch because the cat needs to sit on them.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on June 05, 2023, 07:33:13 AM
The other day I saw a cat chasing a squirrel away from a yard.  Then the cat ran up under a tree.  I heard a bunch of avian squawking.  It sounded like the cat was now terrorizing a bird.  Then I saw the can run away from the tree with a squawking bird in pursuit.  Then I realized that maybe it wasn't the cat that was doing the terrorizing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 05, 2023, 08:17:16 AM
Quote from: apl68 on June 05, 2023, 07:33:13 AM
The other day I saw a cat chasing a squirrel away from a yard.  Then the cat ran up under a tree.  I heard a bunch of avian squawking.  It sounded like the cat was now terrorizing a bird.  Then I saw the can run away from the tree with a squawking bird in pursuit.  Then I realized that maybe it wasn't the cat that was doing the terrorizing.

Haha. Poor kitty. Wonder if it got too close to the nest.

What sort of bird was it?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on June 05, 2023, 10:13:44 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 05, 2023, 08:17:16 AM
Quote from: apl68 on June 05, 2023, 07:33:13 AM
The other day I saw a cat chasing a squirrel away from a yard.  Then the cat ran up under a tree.  I heard a bunch of avian squawking.  It sounded like the cat was now terrorizing a bird.  Then I saw the can run away from the tree with a squawking bird in pursuit.  Then I realized that maybe it wasn't the cat that was doing the terrorizing.

Haha. Poor kitty. Wonder if it got too close to the nest.

What sort of bird was it?

I wasn't close enough to get a look.  Which has to be pretty close indeed, with my poor distance vision.  I strongly suspect a mockingbird.  They're famously protective of their young.  As I once found out firsthand at age seven.  I still have a vivid image in my mind of a winged beak diving right at my face....
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 06, 2023, 03:31:09 AM
Why Cats Knead (https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/why-do-cats-knead/?utm_source=pocket-newtab&fbclid=IwAR0dDtchKRP5HM2MxFhP_e8xHWu8dI0GGByfC5bm3AEDWjzD5PcYyYEQpVU)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: glendower on June 06, 2023, 07:24:00 AM
If you're in the right area, the cat-chasing bird could be a red-winged blackbird. They are very aggressive when nesting. I've been buzzed by one a few times when all I did was walk on a paved path too close to his tree.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on June 06, 2023, 07:26:58 AM
Quote from: glendower on June 06, 2023, 07:24:00 AM
If you're in the right area, the cat-chasing bird could be a red-winged blackbird. They are very aggressive when nesting. I've been buzzed by one a few times when all I did was walk on a paved path too close to his tree.

That is a possibility here, now that you mention it.  Never had any run-ins with them myself.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on June 15, 2023, 11:48:30 AM
Looking for opinions on cats in the kitchen. Are yours allowed? And is it safe to have cats around when cooking?

Neither SO or I cooks much, so it hasn't been much of an issue until recently, when I've been trying to learn. The bustle and the smells draw the curious kitties into the kitchen, and I'm constantly kicking them out worrying that they will singe a paw or burn their little noses getting too close to a hot oven or stove. I also worry about them snatching a bite of something cats shouldn't eat, like garlic.

We've tried locking them in another room, but this results in sad, howling kitties.

After being ejected from the kitchen about a dozen times, they will finally settle down and content themselves with watching from the sidelines. I'd like to train them to stay there from the beginning, and I wonder if anyone here has done something like that?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 15, 2023, 12:41:23 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on June 15, 2023, 11:48:30 AMLooking for opinions on cats in the kitchen. Are yours allowed? And is it safe to have cats around when cooking?

Neither SO or I cooks much, so it hasn't been much of an issue until recently, when I've been trying to learn. The bustle and the smells draw the curious kitties into the kitchen, and I'm constantly kicking them out worrying that they will singe a paw or burn their little noses getting too close to a hot oven or stove. I also worry about them snatching a bite of something cats shouldn't eat, like garlic.

We've tried locking them in another room, but this results in sad, howling kitties.

After being ejected from the kitchen about a dozen times, they will finally settle down and content themselves with watching from the sidelines. I'd like to train them to stay there from the beginning, and I wonder if anyone here has done something like that?

I've never attempted to keep cats out of any room except the guest room (which they of course then want to sneak into). The cabinet above the fridge is a favorite cat lair, and they are fed in the kitchen. They aren't supposed to be on the counters, though I suspect that only applies when I'm watching. I haven't had any problems with them when cooking-- they do like to supervise.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on June 15, 2023, 01:22:05 PM
We don't try and exclude our cats from the kitchen. They've never been close to the stoves when they are on and I suspect they avoid anything that has a flame.

Occasionally they hop up on the kitchen island and investigate food items left up there.  Most of the time they aren't that interested and we shoo them away before they try and steal anything. We lecture our teenagers that they need to finish anything they are eating at the island or potentially lose it to either the cats or the garbage can via our hands.

Bottom line: cats in the kitchen not a huge concern for us.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on June 15, 2023, 07:02:50 PM
We feed Ulysses in the kitchen, and we feed her before we cook dinner so she isn't underfoot circling and pacing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 16, 2023, 07:38:32 AM
ALHS weighed Little Cat yesterday:  7 lbs., up from 6 lbs. 3 oz. on May 15 when her hyperthyroidism was first diagnosed. So it seems like the thyroid diet rx food is helping!

As to cats and the kitchen:  ours were/always are there. They'd get their wet food every evening when I'd start supper, and their dry food dish is there.  Neither has ever been a problem on cabinets or such (though LC has recently started going into the bottom cabinet where my big baking dishes live, when my back is turned). She's also found the small gap between the range and the cabinet and occasionally squeezes herself in, then has to back out!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on June 16, 2023, 02:47:58 PM
Ours are fed in the kitchen and their water fountain is in there too.  No point in trying to exclude them from the room.  Lady Jane is the self-appointed supervising cat for any meal prep and cooking.  She either sits on a chair on in a basket on the kitchen cart.  Having a designated spot for kitties to sit seems to help a lot.
To avoid the begging for treats/snacks while we cook, we only give treats in the living room (even if the treat is a piece of cooked chicken).
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on June 16, 2023, 09:15:29 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on June 16, 2023, 07:38:32 AMALHS weighed Little Cat yesterday:  7 lbs., up from 6 lbs. 3 oz. on May 15 when her hyperthyroidism was first diagnosed. So it seems like the thyroid diet rx food is helping!

That's great, ALH! 13 oz is a lot!  Can you describe the food, i.e, is it something like KD? Ulysesses has an appointment for a blood draw this week, so I'd like to be able to ask the vet about it.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 17, 2023, 09:23:45 AM
Quote from: Harlow2 on June 16, 2023, 09:15:29 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on June 16, 2023, 07:38:32 AMALHS weighed Little Cat yesterday:  7 lbs., up from 6 lbs. 3 oz. on May 15 when her hyperthyroidism was first diagnosed. So it seems like the thyroid diet rx food is helping!

That's great, ALH! 13 oz is a lot!  Can you describe the food, i.e, is it something like KD? Ulysesses has an appointment for a blood draw this week, so I'd like to be able to ask the vet about it.

From the order I placed yesterday:  "Hill's Prescription Diet Feline y/d Thyroid Care Chicken Flavor." 

The stuff must have yak's tears and gold in it:  it's $48 for a 4-lb. bag at the vet's office.  (If you need it, I ordered from PetFlow.com yesterday--even with $6 shipping, I also found an $8 discount so it ended up around $37 for the bag, all told. I think their list price was $37-38.)  The little cans of soft food, which last her about a week, are around $3 each. Still, if it's making her better, that's fine; I'm just used to spending about $30 on the huge 14-pound Earthborne Feline that would last her a couple of months!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ohnoes on June 18, 2023, 11:10:36 AM
Catnoes, the last of his line, has moved on.  It was time, but still far too soon.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 18, 2023, 11:15:40 AM
Oh, so sorry to hear this!  Hugs and head bumps from here.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 18, 2023, 12:29:36 PM
Quote from: ohnoes on June 18, 2023, 11:10:36 AMCatnoes, the last of his line, has moved on.  It was time, but still far too soon.

So sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ohnoes on June 19, 2023, 12:56:51 PM
Thanks, EPW and ALH.  Catnoes was a major headbumper.  :)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 19, 2023, 01:00:45 PM
Quote from: ohnoes on June 18, 2023, 11:10:36 AMCatnoes, the last of his line, has moved on.  It was time, but still far too soon.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, ohnoes. Gentle scritches and headbumps to you and yours. You said that Catnoes was the last of his line. Are you now cat-less?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: ohnoes on June 19, 2023, 04:59:10 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on June 19, 2023, 01:00:45 PMI'm sorry to hear of your loss, ohnoes. Gentle scritches and headbumps to you and yours. You said that Catnoes was the last of his line. Are you now cat-less?

Well, there's still plenty of hair...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Harlow2 on June 19, 2023, 07:38:47 PM
Quote from: ohnoes on June 18, 2023, 11:10:36 AMCatnoes, the last of his line, has moved on.  It was time, but still far too soon.

So sorry, Ohnoes.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on June 20, 2023, 11:28:44 AM
Quote from: ohnoes on June 19, 2023, 04:59:10 PMWell, there's still plenty of hair...

Five years on, we still occasional find a souvenir of the Late, Great Bunga.  Happy tears, every time.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on June 20, 2023, 12:08:13 PM
My condolences ohnoes!

Here, I'm about to leave on a trip, and the appearance of the suitcase has provoked great suspicion on the part of the cats. Little Calico has become glued to my lap, and Panther Boy is following me around the house even more than he usually does. They have a usual sitter who they adore and who spoils them on two lengthy daily visits, but apparently it is just not the same as having full-time staff.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on June 20, 2023, 02:44:18 PM
Quote from: Puget on June 20, 2023, 12:08:13 PMHere, I'm about to leave on a trip, and the appearance of the suitcase has provoked great suspicion on the part of the cats. Little Calico has become glued to my lap, and Panther Boy is following me around the house even more than he usually does. They have a usual sitter who they adore and who spoils them on two lengthy daily visits, but apparently it is just not the same as having full-time staff.

Your cats are smarter than ours, Puget. We too have the suitcases out. Neither cat appears to have associated suitcase with a time that their humans leave.  Ninja thinks that suitcases make a good napping station. Otherwise it's business as usual.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on June 21, 2023, 08:51:08 AM
A coyote got one of the baby kittens (~10 weeks) at Kid #1's farm overnight. One of the hazards of living on a farm with barn cats.  Poor baby.

Puget, just make sure they stay on the right side of the suitcase (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2022/11/23/cat-checked-bag-airport-tsa-x-ray/10761932002/)!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 19, 2023, 05:37:52 PM
The Larimar cats have just inherited the toys of my mother-in-law's much-missed kitty, who passed away from kidney disease a couple of months ago. There are several catnip mice, two feather wands, a large ball with a squeaky toy inside it, and a ring toy with a small ball inside to bat around. We will see what happens...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on July 20, 2023, 07:14:45 AM
This morning one of our staff members awoke to find that her cat had killed a big water bug (aka woods roach) and left it lying right on top of her as a morning present.  This prompted another staff member to describe how her own cat had recently brought her a live mouse.  I guess the only way cats know to show love is to kill something and bring it to you, as they would to their kittens.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 20, 2023, 01:25:28 PM
Well, food is a love language for many humans too...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on July 20, 2023, 01:52:08 PM
And yet most humans do not appreciate the gifts left by their kitty overlords! 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 20, 2023, 03:38:43 PM
No, they don't. But nobody said humans have good taste, or for that matter, any sense.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on July 21, 2023, 07:20:30 AM
I used to know a man whose dog kept bringing him freshly-killed nutria rats from the nearby city park pond.  He didn't much appreciate his dog's gifts, but did appreciate the public service the dog was performing.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on July 23, 2023, 03:48:40 PM
Looking for advice on the best way to relocate a couple of cats a couple thousand miles.

SO and I are planning to move in a few months, and are discussing whether flying or driving is the safest, least stressful way to move the cats. We have been harness training them to get them accustomed to being on leashes.

Driving would take several days, requiring the kitties to spend long hours each day in their carriers. Each day would also require a stop at a pet-friendly motel and every transfer from car to outdoors to building and back again seems to me an opportunity for a potential escape.

Flying would mean that transport is completed in a single day, reducing the amount of stress-inducing carrier time. SO, however, thinks this has more potential problems. Our cats are large, so their carriers may not fit under the seats. SO also thinks the airport will make us take off their harnesses to go through the security checkpoint, risking an escape. Does this match anyone else's experience?

Once in the new place, what can we do to help them adjust to their new home?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on July 23, 2023, 05:04:31 PM
See what suggestions their vet may offer. 

As for having them get used to the new home, that is probably a non issue.  Take their toys and anything that they prefer to sleep on/in and let them explore on their own.
It may be harder if you are also moving furniture and have to wait for the movers to unpack you.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 24, 2023, 04:47:39 AM
Quote from: clean on July 23, 2023, 05:04:31 PMSee what suggestions their vet may offer. 


Asking the vet is a good idea.

When my family made a cross-country move with a cat and dog while I was an undergraduate, we drove, and it took a number of days. My cat at the time was a yowler, so the vet gave us sedative pills to calm her down. She still yowled, but perhaps not as much. The trip went smoothly. We stayed at pet-friendly motels and were extremely careful about keeping track of where kitty was to prevent escapes. It worked.

My in-laws made a cross-country move with a cat a long time ago, and they flew. That also worked. I'd recommend considering your timetable, your finances, Maestro's and Caramelo's temperaments, and especially the advice of your vet. Hope the move goes well.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 24, 2023, 06:39:39 AM
We're taking the plunge and bringing another cat into the evil household. He's an orange tabby cat (I haven't had an orange cat since I was a kid!), about 5 months old and needs a name!!! Very sweet. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 24, 2023, 06:41:56 AM
Quote from: clean on July 23, 2023, 05:04:31 PMSee what suggestions their vet may offer. 

As for having them get used to the new home, that is probably a non issue.  Take their toys and anything that they prefer to sleep on/in and let them explore on their own.
It may be harder if you are also moving furniture and have to wait for the movers to unpack you.

Agreed. The vet should have some good ideas. I'd keep them in a room away from the movers until everything has been put in place.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on July 24, 2023, 08:27:48 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on July 23, 2023, 03:48:40 PMLooking for advice on the best way to relocate a couple of cats a couple thousand miles.

SO and I are planning to move in a few months, and are discussing whether flying or driving is the safest, least stressful way to move the cats. We have been harness training them to get them accustomed to being on leashes.

Driving would take several days, requiring the kitties to spend long hours each day in their carriers. Each day would also require a stop at a pet-friendly motel and every transfer from car to outdoors to building and back again seems to me an opportunity for a potential escape.

Flying would mean that transport is completed in a single day, reducing the amount of stress-inducing carrier time. SO, however, thinks this has more potential problems. Our cats are large, so their carriers may not fit under the seats. SO also thinks the airport will make us take off their harnesses to go through the security checkpoint, risking an escape. Does this match anyone else's experience?

Once in the new place, what can we do to help them adjust to their new home?

Unless your cats are really comfy being in carriers in the car and being in new places, I would vote for flying, but ONLY if you can make it a non-stop flight (just got back 24 hours late from a trip because of flight cancelations and delays- you don't want that happening I the middle of a trip with cats). It is stressful no matter how you do it, but getting it over quickly is probably easiest on the cats.

You must get airline approved carriers (there will be information on the airline website)-- these will have the right dimensions to go under the seats. You just remove them from the carriers to go through security, but not from their harnesses- they will have you carry them through in the harness with the leash attached so they can't escape, and then you can put them immediately back into the carriers.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 24, 2023, 12:09:22 PM
You can also have the cats flown on the plane & pick them up at the airport.  You don't personally have to fly with them.

Not sure about the price, needs some paperwork (e.g. proof of vaccination), and an airline approved carrier.  I think you could put 2 cats in 1 carrier if you think they are OK being together.

I've done several long moves in the car with a cat.  #1 rule is KEEP THEM IN THE CARRIER.  A free-roaming kitty in a car is likely to wedge themself somewhere unsafe like under a seat or even under a brake pedal. 

Also, if you or your SO is the type of person that wants to "go sightseeing", that is NOT a possibility.  You cannot leave kitties in the car unattended!  Not even just to have a meal or get gas.  If kitty is in the car, a person must be in the car & the AC turned on.  Heat is deadly.

Adjusting to the new home is pretty easy.  You can try confining them to a room that is "theirs" for a few days.  Put their litter box, food, water, bedding in there.  Then, leave the door propped open & let them out.  Most cats are happy to explore & claim their new kingdom.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: arcturus on July 24, 2023, 01:31:02 PM
I've done several moves with a cat in the car. I was worried about it the first time, too. My vet suggested taking drives around town before the long trip (several thousands of miles) to let my cat adjust to the car. Given that my cat yowled loudly on the trips to the vet...I wasn't willing to spend hours driving around town just so that he could practice some more. Particularly since I was already stressed about finishing my dissertation! In this case, I can personally verify the_geneticist's comment that a freely wandering cat is likely to end-up someplace bad, like under the brake pedal while traveling through a construction zone. We survived...and he eventually found a place to curl up quietly for most of the trip.

It is possible to do some sightseeing along the way, but not with the cat in the car. One of my moves included transit through extremely picturesque areas. I simply booked the hotel for two nights and left my cat in the hotel room while I went to the tourist spots. Do keep the a/c on and the car at a comfortable temperature when you have the cats in the car. Your cats are wearing fur coats!

In terms of the new place, I usually start with the cat in the bathroom (with all their needs and some toys) just to keep them confined while adjusting furniture and unpacking. After it is less dangerous (i.e., less likely that a cat will be underfoot when moving heavy furniture), I let the cat out to explore the new space. I have had no problems with this approach. And, despite the howls while being confined to small spaces while in transit, my cats have always forgiven me, eventually.

ETA: One piece of advice from a friend before my first trip: don't use clumping litter for the days in transit. Your stressed-out cat will sweat a little more and clumping litter is difficult to remove from their fur coats!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on July 25, 2023, 06:37:00 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 24, 2023, 06:39:39 AMWe're taking the plunge and bringing another cat into the evil household. He's an orange tabby cat (I haven't had an orange cat since I was a kid!), about 5 months old and needs a name!!! Very sweet. Any ideas?


Orange cats are great!  Is it a male?  Interesting genetics in orange cats result in them being predominately male.  Magnus is a famous warlock if you have a male. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on July 25, 2023, 06:41:39 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on July 25, 2023, 06:37:00 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 24, 2023, 06:39:39 AMWe're taking the plunge and bringing another cat into the evil household. He's an orange tabby cat (I haven't had an orange cat since I was a kid!), about 5 months old and needs a name!!! Very sweet. Any ideas?


Orange cats are great!  Is it a male?  Interesting genetics in orange cats result in them being predominately male.  Magnus is a famous warlock if you have a male. 

Congratulations on the new Evil family member! I've always found I needed to wait a bit and see what name fit the cat. I'm sure he'll name himself when he's ready!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 25, 2023, 07:32:18 AM
Quote from: Puget on July 25, 2023, 06:41:39 AM
Quote from: Volhiker78 on July 25, 2023, 06:37:00 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 24, 2023, 06:39:39 AMWe're taking the plunge and bringing another cat into the evil household. He's an orange tabby cat (I haven't had an orange cat since I was a kid!), about 5 months old and needs a name!!! Very sweet. Any ideas?


Orange cats are great!  Is it a male?  Interesting genetics in orange cats result in them being predominately male.  Magnus is a famous warlock if you have a male. 

Congratulations on the new Evil family member! I've always found I needed to wait a bit and see what name fit the cat. I'm sure he'll name himself when he's ready!

Yep. It's a boy!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on July 25, 2023, 09:20:06 AM
Awww, orange boys tend to be such sweetie pies!  My childhood cat was an orange tabby so I have quite the soft spot for them.

Food-themed name ideas:
Sweet potato? Pumpkin? Cheddar? Macaroni? Cheez-it? Cheeto? Mango? Sweetie pie?

Historical/literary figure name ideas:
Hector? Thor? Eric (the red)? Vincent (Van Gough)?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on July 25, 2023, 12:06:17 PM
El Tigre (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPewrBjNVVI)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on July 26, 2023, 05:17:04 AM
OrangeGuy says congratulations EPW on being adopted by an orange tabby. He says they're the best!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 28, 2023, 07:43:50 AM
Quote from: Larimar on July 26, 2023, 05:17:04 AMOrangeGuy says congratulations EPW on being adopted by an orange tabby. He says they're the best!

Thanks all. I wonder if we goofed on the introduction. Our vet said he didn't need to be quarantined, since the foster had him so long and he had no signs of URI. He's had his first set of boosters, negative for FIV & leuk., got flea treatment, dewormer, etc. So, we set up his cat 'playpen' (enclosed 4+ ft. diameter circular hut) in our tv room. Youngest evil cat was not pleased. We thought we could introduce them this way so that there is a visible barrier between them. He's just a baby, but she ain't having any of it. Lots of hissing, staring, etc. on her part. Any suggestions on what to do, or should we just give it time?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on July 28, 2023, 09:44:28 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 28, 2023, 07:43:50 AM
Quote from: Larimar on July 26, 2023, 05:17:04 AMOrangeGuy says congratulations EPW on being adopted by an orange tabby. He says they're the best!

Thanks all. I wonder if we goofed on the introduction. Our vet said he didn't need to be quarantined, since the foster had him so long and he had no signs of URI. He's had his first set of boosters, negative for FIV & leuk., got flea treatment, dewormer, etc. So, we set up his cat 'playpen' (enclosed 4+ ft. diameter circular hut) in our tv room. Youngest evil cat was not pleased. We thought we could introduce them this way so that there is a visible barrier between them. He's just a baby, but she ain't having any of it. Lots of hissing, staring, etc. on her part. Any suggestions on what to do, or should we just give it time?

No direct experience (mine are litter mates and came pre-bonded), but I've heard that giving them each other's bedding to interact with, or even rubbing it on them, can help, since smell is so important. Maybe also giving (the former) youngest EC lots of attention and treats in the room with the new kitten so she associates him with good things?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on July 28, 2023, 03:35:26 PM
They should have their own litter boxes too. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 28, 2023, 05:10:40 PM
Quote from: clean on July 28, 2023, 03:35:26 PMThey should have their own litter boxes too. 

Yep. We're keeping everything separate for now. Youngest evil cat is still very unsure of the new kid.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 05, 2023, 10:06:12 AM
It has been a roller coaster of a week over here. Newest evil cat (our kitten) has a URI. We went to the ER vet once and received meds. His fever went down (yes, we took his temperature rectally and that's how we knew he had a fever and why we went to the ER in the first place) and then it went back up again yesterday. Called our vet, she said double the dose. So, we took him to our vet bright and early this morning and she looked him over (gave him fluids, verified that his temp. went down after doubling the dose [we took it this morning and it was within range]). He's still sneezing and mucousy, but I think he's doing better than he was yesterday.

I am SO TIRED!!!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 05, 2023, 02:29:55 PM
Poor kitten. Poor humans too. Hope the little orange one gets better quickly!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 05, 2023, 04:37:57 PM
Quote from: Larimar on August 05, 2023, 02:29:55 PMPoor kitten. Poor humans too. Hope the little orange one gets better quickly!

Thanks. Our vet said the ER vet under dosed him (probably partially because he's a kitten). *Shrug* Anyway, he does seem to be feeling better. He actually got out of his comfy cat box (printer paper box with blankets in it) and rubbed all over his humans. Oh, and he drooled too. He's been eating and using the litter box this entire time, so that's something.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Parasaurolophus on August 05, 2023, 05:42:55 PM
Poor guy!

Our own red cat has been limping hard for the last week, with some days putting no weight on his paw. Nothing showed up on the x-ray, at least.

It hasn't really been improving, though, which is leading is to reassess our planned trip to the east coast... Tuesday morning. It would be one thing if he were consistently improving, but...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on August 06, 2023, 05:26:19 AM
Wishing a quick and complete recovery to your orange kitty too.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 06, 2023, 08:46:50 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on August 05, 2023, 05:42:55 PMPoor guy!

Our own red cat has been limping hard for the last week, with some days putting no weight on his paw. Nothing showed up on the x-ray, at least.

It hasn't really been improving, though, which is leading is to reassess our planned trip to the east coast... Tuesday morning. It would be one thing if he were consistently improving, but...

Is he an outside cat? Maybe he stepped on a thorn, or pulled something doing zoomies?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: latico on August 13, 2023, 12:32:44 PM
So sorry for this late reply to SCR's post about moving with cats, but I had a good experience moving our cats a few years ago and thought I would share.  We were moving cross-country.  There are quite a few companies out there that will manage the transport for you:  they do all the paperwork ahead of time; they inform you about every possible shot/medical treatment your cats will need (you have to confirm, for example, that their claws have been clipped); they instruct you about the best crates to get and how to attach packages with food and water to the outside (in case of a delay which would mean your cats need food and water); they also send a packet with stickers for the crates saying "live animals" and with the cats' names, so anyone handling them can use their name. 

The day of, you take the cats to the airport (you go to the shipping area of the airport, which is usually off to the side somewhere; the company also looked that up for me!).  My mom was with me when I did this (my husband was in the process of driving cross-country at the time) and I was an absolute wreck.  I was so worried.  When we got to the airport, I handed the paperwork to the shipping clerk and they looked surprised that it was all correct!  It was incredibly easy.  A British woman and her kids were shipping their cat back to England and had screwed up the paperwork and it was turning into a huge nightmare for them. 

As my mom would attest, as soon as we were driving away, I felt better. Still really worried!  But not looking at my babies and thinking "How can I leave you behind?"  We got home, and it seemed like about twenty minutes had passed when the guy from the cat shippers called to say: "Your cats are in Dallas; we have checked on them, nothing to worry about!" Then it was just a couple more hours before they were on the other coast, where my husband met them.  He said that the entire hour-long drive to our new apartment, there was not a peep out of the cats, though he was talking to them!  But as soon as he let them out of the crates, they took over the new apartment and were totally not traumatized. Indeed, the older cat had been way more traumatized by a cross-country move we did, with her in her crate next to us in a UHaul truck.  Cats don't sweat, except through their paws and their nose.  She was a white cat, and by the end of the two days of driving, she had a sweat stain on her nose!  It took several days to disappear.  And it wasn't hot in the truck; she was just really stressed, despite being with us the whole time.

So I can say that shipping the cats with the aid of professionals worked really, really well for us!  You can also do it so that you are on the same flight as your cats; we just happened to be traveling separately. When I did this, I googled something like "how to ship your cat by air" and various companies popped up. I wrote to several; they all wrote back with descriptions of how they did things, their pricing, and so on.  I talked to two or three on the phone, and chose the one I felt most confident about.

Anyway, SCR, I thought I would add my experience in case it helped to hear another option!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on August 18, 2023, 11:43:05 AM
Thanks everybody for all your suggestions RE: moving with cats.

It looks like we are going to drive (should take 3-4 days). We bought a large 2-cat carrier that came with a portable litter box. There is space for them to stand and sit up. We set it up in the living room for now, and they are thoroughly enjoying it. Hopefully it will keep them comfortable. Kitties will definitely not be left in the car unattended.

We are going to ask their vet if sedatives are recommended.

epw, how is your little orange kitty doing?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 18, 2023, 05:04:00 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on August 18, 2023, 11:43:05 AMThanks everybody for all your suggestions RE: moving with cats.

It looks like we are going to drive (should take 3-4 days). We bought a large 2-cat carrier that came with a portable litter box. There is space for them to stand and sit up. We set it up in the living room for now, and they are thoroughly enjoying it. Hopefully it will keep them comfortable. Kitties will definitely not be left in the car unattended.

We are going to ask their vet if sedatives are recommended.

epw, how is your little orange kitty doing?

Good luck with the kitties, scr. That carrier sounds very luxurious.

Orange man is doing MUCH better. He got over his illness and is now missing body parts (neuter). Poor little man. I felt bad, but, well, our cats were broken, so we had to fix them. Youngest evil cat, I guess I need to rename her since she's now an elder evil cat, is still quite pissed at our new addition. He is oblivious to her tirades, hissing and swiping. At least she can sit in the same room with him now.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on September 01, 2023, 02:25:30 PM
Having a bit of a rough week, and could use a little cheering up.

Does anyone have anything cat-related to share? Funny stories, sweet moments, random thoughts?

Maestro and Caramelo are doing great. I love my sweet babies.

Lately I've been trying to get a good video of one of their cutest tricks: I say "Where's your brother?" and one cat pats the other with his paw. Both cats can do the trick, but only Maestro can do it ambidextrously.

Caramelo can only "find" his brother if Maestro is to his right. If Maestro is to the left, Caramelo's right paw lifts up and pats empty air. His little face registers something is wrong, but for the life of him he cannot figure out what.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: fleabite on September 02, 2023, 09:41:35 AM
Friend has a sweet cat. However, she detests her annual vet visit. Most recent visit: He captures her. She escapes. He captures her again. She escapes. He captures her a third time. She escapes—and hides herself so successfully in his tiny one-room apartment that he can't find her for the rest of the day. (The previous year, she compressed herself into a pancake and dived into a space beneath a cabinet that would challenge a cockroach.)

He had to postpone this year's appointment. On the day of the rescheduled visit, he swooped down on her with a towel and bundled her into the cat carrier as she hissed and fought. Luckily, she doesn't carry a grudge once the visit is over.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on September 06, 2023, 03:49:59 AM
We have recently moved to an apartment, and Artemis and Hestia have become mostly-indoor cats (with outdoors only on leashes) as opposed to mostly-outdoor cats with limited indoor privileges. Aside from their newfound hatred of harnesses and constant begging to go outdoors, and their brief discovery of the top of the table (previously forbidden) when we went away for a short vacation, this transition has gone better than expected.

The biggest change for us is that they used to be kicked outside when we were cooking. Now they have learned that kitchen sounds occasionally lead to nice food: tin can sounds are always good (sometimes it is actually for them) and chopping sounds could lead to dropped chicken or cheese. Tin cans are mostly ok, but spouse takes a salad to work almost every day, and the start of the salad preparations now initiates a lively dialogue every morning, which consists mainly of pitiful miaous interspersed with "but you don't like lettuce!" Even letting them sniff a little of the vegetables doesn't work: they are convinced that we are holding out on them.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 06, 2023, 06:28:07 AM
Quote from: AvidReader on September 06, 2023, 03:49:59 AMWe have recently moved to an apartment, and Artemis and Hestia have become mostly-indoor cats (with outdoors only on leashes) as opposed to mostly-outdoor cats with limited indoor privileges. Aside from their newfound hatred of harnesses and constant begging to go outdoors, and their brief discovery of the top of the table (previously forbidden) when we went away for a short vacation, this transition has gone better than expected.

The biggest change for us is that they used to be kicked outside when we were cooking. Now they have learned that kitchen sounds occasionally lead to nice food: tin can sounds are always good (sometimes it is actually for them) and chopping sounds could lead to dropped chicken or cheese. Tin cans are mostly ok, but spouse takes a salad to work almost every day, and the start of the salad preparations now initiates a lively dialogue every morning, which consists mainly of pitiful miaous interspersed with "but you don't like lettuce!" Even letting them sniff a little of the vegetables doesn't work: they are convinced that we are holding out on them.

AR.

Glad they've mostly transitioned OK! If you have a patio or balcony at your new place, you might want to consider getting a catio (you can get a kit for a few hundred dollars). I have a house, but don't let the cats out on their own (one loves to go out in a harness, the other rejected that idea), so I put a catio in the back yard they can go into through a cat door installed in a window and they absolutely love being out there.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on September 06, 2023, 07:59:33 AM
Quote from: Puget on September 06, 2023, 06:28:07 AMGlad they've mostly transitioned OK! If you have a patio or balcony at your new place, you might want to consider getting a catio (you can get a kit for a few hundred dollars). I have a house, but don't let the cats out on their own (one loves to go out in a harness, the other rejected that idea), so I put a catio in the back yard they can go into through a cat door installed in a window and they absolutely love being out there.

Oh, I'd LOVE that, and they would too. We are renting, and the complex is pretty fussy about anything that goes on patios/balconies (they even have an approval process for actual patio furniture) so I don't think that is an option till we move.

. . . I say hatred of harnesses, but we do a leash walk every evening (works best if spouse and I each take one, as they never want to go in the same direction) and try to let them out to sit on the patio when we have coffee in the mornings. We are ground floor, so that makes quick jaunts easy, and sometimes I sit out with my laptop and they lounge at my feet. Apparently our harnessed cats on walks were the talk of the neighborhood right after we arrived!

I don't think they would ever come back in if we had a catio! I keep wishing I had ways to let them sit out for longer. So glad yours can.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on September 06, 2023, 02:21:06 PM
AR, there's a young couple in our neighborhood this summer who have been walking their kitten on a leash and/or pushing her in a baby (not cat) stroller. The kitten also sits and shakes hands on command. (Far better trained than our puppy!)
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on September 08, 2023, 08:53:37 AM
AmLitHist, that's AMAZING! Ours will both tap a closed fist with a gentle paw to see if there is a treat inside, but that's not as fun as shaking hands. I want to teach Hestia to play "fetch" but she hasn't figured out that she can walk or run if she has a toy in her mouth. But if she's on a walk and is in sight of our house, if we show her a treat and say "Home!" she will run home at top speed and wait for the treat, which is really nice because it sort of doubles as a safety measure.

AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 08, 2023, 08:59:33 AM
That's clever! I'll have to see if Panther Boy can be taught to do that. Currently, I carry him inside when outside time is over- he sometimes complains if he thinks it was too short, but never struggles in my arms, so that's good. He does know he gets dinner when he goes in. His only other trick is to sit (usually after several tries) in order get me to throw a crunchy treat for him to chase across the room.

Little Calico is much less food motivated, and will just wait for me to hand her treats while her brother is chasing them down.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 08, 2023, 05:06:08 PM
Little Orange Man has been f*cking with youngest evil cat HARD. Cat politics. I suppose they're sorting out who's in charge? He likes to chase her around the tv room and she likes to slap him in the head (repeatedly). I don't know who's winning the race over here.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 08, 2023, 06:10:11 PM
I'm taking care of the neighbors' 20 year old (!) cat for the weekend. She is a crotchety old lady, and they warned she might not want pets, but she requested and got an extended head scratching and petting session this evening and even purred for me, so I'm putting that on my CV.

So far, mine have not objected to me coming home smelling of another cat.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 13, 2023, 11:52:32 AM
Izzy kitten (ok, she's 3, but still the youngest), will play a game I call "hockey goalie cat".  She waits in the door to the hall and I toss treats across the floor.  If the treat hits the wall, it's a goal.  She's very good - can catch 2 treats at once and her feet are so floofy that she can smack a treat and pick it up in her toes.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: sprout on September 18, 2023, 01:34:29 PM
Quote from: AvidReader on September 06, 2023, 03:49:59 AMThe biggest change for us is that they used to be kicked outside when we were cooking. Now they have learned that kitchen sounds occasionally lead to nice food: tin can sounds are always good (sometimes it is actually for them) and chopping sounds could lead to dropped chicken or cheese. Tin cans are mostly ok, but spouse takes a salad to work almost every day, and the start of the salad preparations now initiates a lively dialogue every morning, which consists mainly of pitiful miaous interspersed with "but you don't like lettuce!" Even letting them sniff a little of the vegetables doesn't work: they are convinced that we are holding out on them.

One of ours is very food-focused.  He'll twine around underfoot, meow pitiably, and reach up as high as he can (almost high enough) whenever we're cooking.  A happy compromise can be reached if one of us picks him up so that he can watch what we're doing, and be available for sniff-testing.

Last Thanksgiving, a family member thought we were kidding when we said her job was to hold the cat while we cooked.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 19, 2023, 12:14:15 PM
We have a kitchen cart that has been commandeered by Sir Puck and Lady Jane. She likes to sit in a peach basket and observe us while we cook.  She also demands to be petted during the observation.  We joke that whoever isn't cooking is on "Jane duty".
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 19, 2023, 01:24:01 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on September 19, 2023, 12:14:15 PMWe have a kitchen cart that has been commandeered by Sir Puck and Lady Jane. She likes to sit in a peach basket and observe us while we cook.  She also demands to be petted during the observation.  We joke that whoever isn't cooking is on "Jane duty".
Panther Boy uses the top of the microwave (which is on a small cart) for this purpose. He also likes to lie there in general. Weird cat!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 20, 2023, 04:18:22 AM
HerMajesty's reign has ended. She had to be put down Monday night. She'd been ill and not eating for over a week, and neither our regular vet nor the local ER vet could figure out what was wrong. We drove over an hour to take HerMajesty to another emergency vet that a friend recommended in our state capital. They offered to do some high tech fancy expensive tests that would give more information, but said that no matter what the tests showed, the situation would not be good. There's a bit more to the story that I'm leaving out, but it came down to the best we could do was let her go. We are devastated, and the other kitties are wondering what happened.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AmLitHist on September 20, 2023, 06:15:54 AM
Oh, Larimar, I am so sorry. (I fear similar is coming for our Little Cat, sooner rather than later.) You did right by her, but I know that doesn't help in the moment. Sending hugs from here, and head bumps from LC, too.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: AvidReader on September 20, 2023, 07:32:12 AM
Oh, Larimar, that's an awful choice to have to make. I'm so glad HerMajesty is out of her pain or discomfort, but so sorry you will be without her.
AR.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 20, 2023, 08:11:02 AM
So very sorry Larimar!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 20, 2023, 09:11:28 AM
Larimar
The Clowder of the Great Beyond is enriched.  It is never easy for we who must remain behind.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 20, 2023, 05:31:32 PM
So sorry to hear it, Larimar.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 21, 2023, 02:42:48 AM
Thank you all.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on September 21, 2023, 12:16:38 PM
Sorry to hear of your loss, Larimar.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on September 21, 2023, 12:18:12 PM
We just discovered a cat hanging around our library.  It's a young one, about half-grown, with a collar.  May have wandered across the highway and now can't get back home.  The cat actually got into the building a little while ago and had to be escorted out.  We're trying to find out who it might belong to.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 21, 2023, 01:35:13 PM
Quote from: apl68 on September 21, 2023, 12:16:38 PMSorry to hear of your loss, Larimar.

Quote from: apl68 on September 21, 2023, 12:18:12 PMWe just discovered a cat hanging around our library.  It's a young one, about half-grown, with a collar.  May have wandered across the highway and now can't get back home.  The cat actually got into the building a little while ago and had to be escorted out.  We're trying to find out who it might belong to.

Thank you, apl68, and hope you are able to find the people of the kitty at the library and get him or her home.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on September 21, 2023, 08:24:10 PM
So very sorry for your loss. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on September 22, 2023, 10:21:25 AM
The cat has been claimed.  I'm not sure if it was by the owner, or a concerned rescuer.  At any rate, the kitty is in safe hands.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 22, 2023, 03:06:01 PM
Thank you, clean, and glad to hear the kitty at apl68's library has a home.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Volhiker78 on September 23, 2023, 11:40:36 AM
Larimar - sorry to read about your loss. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 25, 2023, 06:10:20 AM
Thank you, Volhiker.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 25, 2023, 06:45:51 AM
Thor, Loki, and Elektra are coming to school today for some animal behavior obsrvations.

Fingers, toes, and toe-beans crossed
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 25, 2023, 05:58:59 PM
Quote from: FishProf on September 25, 2023, 06:45:51 AMThor, Loki, and Elektra are coming to school today for some animal behavior obsrvations.

Fingers, toes, and toe-beans crossed

That sounds like so much fun! How did it go?
Ninja and Ricochet make frequent appearances in my videos for class, but they've never actually come to the classroom. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 26, 2023, 04:02:08 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on September 25, 2023, 05:58:59 PMThat sounds like so much fun! How did it go?

Elektra gave a perfect demonstration of scaredy-cat and the boys were great intrepid explorers until Thor curled up in the lap of my most difficult student and went to sleep.

so, win-win!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 26, 2023, 05:44:03 AM
Quote from: FishProf on September 26, 2023, 04:02:08 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on September 25, 2023, 05:58:59 PMThat sounds like so much fun! How did it go?

Elektra gave a perfect demonstration of scaredy-cat and the boys were great intrepid explorers until Thor curled up in the lap of my most difficult student and went to sleep.

so, win-win!

Sounds like that was a fun day! How cute!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on September 26, 2023, 06:56:57 AM
Last year all four cats just hid in a cabinet (which I blocked off this year) or under a chest freezer (no longer in lab).

Major improvement this time around.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: the_geneticist on September 26, 2023, 10:29:10 AM
Quote from: FishProf on September 25, 2023, 06:45:51 AMThor, Loki, and Elektra are coming to school today for some animal behavior obsrvations.

Fingers, toes, and toe-beans crossed

Awww!  I wish I had an academic reason to bring my cats (and that the cats wouldn't just be freaked out of their minds the entire time).

Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on September 27, 2023, 07:23:54 AM
Yin (of my Yin/Yang teenage boys) has now started going for the knobs to try to open cabinets.  Breaking out the child kitten-proofing latches again. 
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 27, 2023, 12:26:00 PM
Ricochet the squirrely tortie has decided to partially domesticate herself. She has now decided that sitting on the couch next to a human is a good thing. When I work from home on my laptop on the couch, she hangs out much of the day next to me allowing petting/scritches. She'll even do this when there is a 2nd human in the room (my SO). Previously, it appeared she was afraid of being outnumbered, as she'd only hang out in high spaces or across the room if we were both in the living room. It took 7 years, but this is considerable progress.  She had been cuddling in short bursts, but even that was inconsistent.

One of my childhood cats did not hang out near people until the last couple years of her life. Sometimes you play the long game.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on September 27, 2023, 03:13:07 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on September 27, 2023, 12:26:00 PMRicochet the squirrely tortie has decided to partially domesticate herself. She has now decided that sitting on the couch next to a human is a good thing. When I work from home on my laptop on the couch, she hangs out much of the day next to me allowing petting/scritches. She'll even do this when there is a 2nd human in the room (my SO). Previously, it appeared she was afraid of being outnumbered, as she'd only hang out in high spaces or across the room if we were both in the living room. It took 7 years, but this is considerable progress.  She had been cuddling in short bursts, but even that was inconsistent.

One of my childhood cats did not hang out near people until the last couple years of her life. Sometimes you play the long game.

How cute-- Cats work in mysterious ways!

Little Calico just in the last few weeks has decided that she is a bed sleeping cat. Before, both cats would come up for pets in the morning but neither would sleep on the bed at night. Then Little Calico discovered she could get pets while I was reading in bed a night too (shocking discovery!). And I guess once you're all cozy on the bed, why get off to go sleep elsewhere?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on September 29, 2023, 02:22:31 PM
Quote from: Puget on September 27, 2023, 03:13:07 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on September 27, 2023, 12:26:00 PMRicochet the squirrely tortie has decided to partially domesticate herself. She has now decided that sitting on the couch next to a human is a good thing. When I work from home on my laptop on the couch, she hangs out much of the day next to me allowing petting/scritches. She'll even do this when there is a 2nd human in the room (my SO). Previously, it appeared she was afraid of being outnumbered, as she'd only hang out in high spaces or across the room if we were both in the living room. It took 7 years, but this is considerable progress.  She had been cuddling in short bursts, but even that was inconsistent.

One of my childhood cats did not hang out near people until the last couple years of her life. Sometimes you play the long game.

How cute-- Cats work in mysterious ways!

Little Calico just in the last few weeks has decided that she is a bed sleeping cat. Before, both cats would come up for pets in the morning but neither would sleep on the bed at night. Then Little Calico discovered she could get pets while I was reading in bed a night too (shocking discovery!). And I guess once you're all cozy on the bed, why get off to go sleep elsewhere?

Aww, and good job to Richochet and Little Calico.

Quote from: the_geneticist on September 26, 2023, 10:29:10 AM
Quote from: FishProf on September 25, 2023, 06:45:51 AMThor, Loki, and Elektra are coming to school today for some animal behavior obsrvations.

Fingers, toes, and toe-beans crossed

Awww!  I wish I had an academic reason to bring my cats (and that the cats wouldn't just be freaked out of their minds the entire time).



I second this!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 07, 2023, 08:09:00 AM
We are now a three cat household. The Universe threw another cat our way and I encountered it outside the other day. He's still a kitten- about 2.5 to 3 months old and skinny as hell. He's in quarantine at the moment (clean bill of health in terms of FIV and Feleuk). This little man has also been dewormed and received flea meds (he was covered in them). I'm anxiously awaiting the time when this Venn diagram of housecats intersects!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 07, 2023, 11:21:30 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 07, 2023, 08:09:00 AMWe are now a three cat household. The Universe threw another cat our way and I encountered it outside the other day. He's still a kitten- about 2.5 to 3 months old and skinny as hell. He's in quarantine at the moment (clean bill of health in terms of FIV and Feleuk). This little man has also been dewormed and received flea meds (he was covered in them). I'm anxiously awaiting the time when this Venn diagram of housecats intersects!
The cat distribution system at work! Welcome to your new little one, I'm sure he's very happy to be fed and free of fleas. Hopefully he will be accepted by your current household overlords.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on October 08, 2023, 04:38:33 AM
Congrats EPW on your adoption by a new kitty!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on October 17, 2023, 10:05:46 PM
Any kitty updates?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 18, 2023, 03:37:15 AM
Littlest evil cat will soon be coming out of quarantine. This should be exciting!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: FishProf on October 18, 2023, 11:10:24 AM
Thor was my alarm clock this morning, but in a totally sweet way.  He got on the bed, let out the quietest little mew, and when I responded, erupted in full blown purrs, head butts, and rubbing.   

As if he didn't want to wake me, but wanted to know if I was awake...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Puget on October 18, 2023, 03:04:30 PM
Quote from: FishProf on October 18, 2023, 11:10:24 AMThor was my alarm clock this morning, but in a totally sweet way.  He got on the bed, let out the quietest little mew, and when I responded, erupted in full blown purrs, head butts, and rubbing.   

As if he didn't want to wake me, but wanted to know if I was awake...

That's cute! I have one of those sunrise simulator alarm clocks, and both cats know that once it starts to glow they can generally solicit half-asleep pets if they snuggle to me on the bed. This however makes it harder for me to actually get out of bed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 07, 2023, 04:00:49 PM
Our middle evil cat knows how to unzip the doors to the cat forts. We just saw him do it. I've never had a cat do this. Sure I had one who could open doors, but not use a zipper.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: statsgeek on November 08, 2023, 05:29:20 AM
My little Foster Fail girl just left her spot on the blanket to resettle on my lap.  How far we've come, and how much my heart just soared...
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: clean on November 12, 2023, 03:06:20 PM
Have we heard from SCR since her move?  Have the kitties adjusted to their new digs?  How did the trip go?
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: smallcleanrat on November 28, 2023, 09:00:08 AM
Quote from: clean on November 12, 2023, 03:06:20 PMHave we heard from SCR since her move?  Have the kitties adjusted to their new digs?  How did the trip go?

We made it!

The drive took four days. The cats protested vociferously on day 1, but after that seemed to resign themselves to life on the road. They completely stopped resisting when I was getting them in and out of their carriers, as if thinking, "Well, I guess this is my life now." All things considered, everything went very smoothly, including all the transfers from car to hotels and back again.

Poor things barely ate the whole trip though, even when offered their favorite wet food (the kind with gravy).

At the new house, we started them off in the laundry room, and Caramelo almost immediately got himself wedged behind the dryer and had to be rescued.

When we opened the door to let them explore their new digs, Caramelo refused to budge while Maestro seemed totally at ease surveying his new kingdom. He scared us half to death by jumping on the second story railing and walking across it like a tight-rope walker. SO had to line the railing with aluminum foil to discourage Maestro from jumping up there again.

As we unpack and arrange our stuff, the cats have to explore anew as their home changes around them. Hopefully, we will have everything organized and settled soon.

Meanwhile, their appetites have returned in force and Caramelo has ventured to join his brother in exploration. They are also back to galloping and chasing each other around during zoomie time.

Welcome home, cats!
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: Larimar on November 29, 2023, 04:20:56 PM
Congrats, SCR, Caramelo, and Maestro on your new home.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: mythbuster on November 30, 2023, 08:16:28 AM
So glad to hear the move went well. We have videos of our previous cats when we would let them loose to explore the new digs. One was very adventurous while the other would not venture out until she was sure the first one hadn't been eaten by something!
   Is this their first experience with stairs? If so you are in for a treat as they learn about traversing them at speed.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 27, 2023, 03:49:30 PM
Our middle cat, kitten prodigy (not even a year old yet), has now learned how to open doors. Jesus! I'm going to have to start locking them again. The only other cat who opened doors was elder evil cat who passed this year.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: apl68 on December 28, 2023, 07:14:04 AM
My parents' cat was inconvenienced over the Christmas season by decorations and gifts stacked in places that made it harder for him to get around the room without ever touching the floor.  He had to be called down now and then to keep from damaging stuff.  As far as I know, he didn't damage anything.  Now things are returning to normal, and so is his life.  He did get to enjoy exploring some empty Christmas gift bags, at least.

He has turned out to be quite good at catching mice.  Unfortunately he only wants to play with them, and so lets them get away.  Dad has to finish running them down.  Given the cat's idea of "play," you'd think the poor little things would collapse from a heart attack.
Title: Re: Herd your cats here
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 02, 2024, 08:12:22 PM
I haven't mentioned it, until now, but the newest member of the evil clowder tested positive for FeLv (swollen glands gave it away). Our vet thinks that he must have just been infected when we found him and he tested negative. We were and are still devastated to discover this. Currently, he's isolated from the other two, who were also separated so that we could test them all again (TWICE!) to make sure that nobody else was infected. The other two evil cats are negative and now mingling again. We really can't foresee a happy life for him alone by himself, so we're looking for a place that adopts FeLv + cats. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm listening.