Cat advice: Companion kitty for senior cat?
sas95
10 days ago
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sas95
10 days agoRelated Discussions
Calling cat owners - need advice about my new kitty
Comments (28)You are all wonderful - thank you for your responses! This forum always amazes me. Bestyears - thanks for pointing out the hand feeding. I will do that for sure. I think one kitty is good for us with the dog but maybe once he passes, another kitty might be in order. I can see how people adopt mucltiple cats. They are so much easier than dogs. (But I adore my dog) :) Busybee - I did not know that about the purring. I hope she wasn't purring at the shelter because she was stressed although I am sure it is possible. She purrs when she eats and plays so I think that's a happy purr. Aunjen - how kind of you to adopt feral cats! I would want to love on them too. I agree that no matter her disposition, we will love her and it will be a rewarding relationship. Thank you. teacats - I will use all of your suggestions. Chijim - She is doing a lot better with my husband - I think it is going to be fine. I have had him feed her. He has taught her to drink water from the faucet. So, they're bonding. My 16 year old son is the next one who needs to feed her. Kiki - really good information - I am going to get her some treats today and start with the rewards immediately! It makes sense about the hands. She does let me pet her - when she's in the mood. I am really gentle with her and try to avoid sudden movements. I also pick her up when she lets me hoping that she will get used to it. I put her down right away once I sense she's had enough. HIIWTHI - more reassurance - thank you and thank you for the kind words. I'm glad I did too even if the adjustment takes a bit longer. There were beautiful cats at the shelter that had been there for 2 years. That would really be a tough adjustment! Thank you again. You have helped so much! Dawn...See MoreSenior Cat Has Ear Infection
Comments (9)The one question I have about this thread is - do these vets actually identify specific bacteria that actually need to eradicated with antibiotic or are they just guessing and throwing a drug at a problem (like happens with humans overprescription of antibiotics). If the latter - look at systemic issues. My cats both had brownish discharge and constant scratching of ears until they were diagnosed with hyperthyroid and treated - then it completely cleared up. Ear discharge is on no lists of hyperthyroid symptoms , but yet since hyperthyroid speeds everything up and throws body metabolism so out of whack - its not unreasonable to conclude there was a connection. Agree that using ANY reported toxic substance on or around cats should be scrupulously avoided. Consider that cats are doubly at risk - because of their habit of obessively licking and cleaning themselves they are going to ingest far more of anything than another animal woud....See MoreWould a new cat(s) pee in old cat's smelly pee spot?
Comments (3)Not necessarily so but yes, you could be headed into a problem. Scent is a big thing for cats and the new one may start marking because he smells marks on the rug already. It's probably going to be dependent on the cat. Why is your cat peeing on the rug? You didn't mention him having medical problems so that leaves a behavioral issue. What have you used to clean your rugs? If you can still smell pee in the house (unless its from a brand new pee episode) you haven't used the correct cleaner. I've learned the correct cleaner is a necessity. You've got to get a good enzyme cleaner designed for pet urine. Soak the soiled areas and you might have to go down to the padding/floor boards if it was deeply soaked. Sometimes you have to do it twice. It's a chore but try to eradicate any sign of odor to see if you can correct it if he's having a behavioral issue. (They sell black lights that you shine on your carpet in the dark and urine spots show up to help you find the places needing treatment). Does he seem lonely for a playmate? He might be happier living out his days as a solo cat if he's elderly rather than being introduced to a new guy. That's a consideration, too all dependent on his personality and age. I'd personally try to get his problem corrected before bringing in a new one. Pee smell in the house is awful! Remember, a new guy is going to cause him some type of stress which might exasperate the situation....See MoreFor Senior Cats - What Temp. Do You Keep House in Winter?
Comments (32)Labmomma-My inside cat is totally inside. Has never has been out. I can definitely tell a difference in her coat from summer to winter. And,as I mentioned,it is a more subtle change than that of the outside cats,but a change that is noticeable. It is also possible that the climate you live in has something to do with your cat's coats? If your climate is cooler year round,a winter coat might not be as much of a change as it would be if your summers are very hot and winters are very cold. I live in W TX where summers are in the hundreds most of the time and winters can get very cold. I think that is why there is such a drastic change in the cat's coat about this time of year. Anyway,I do see it in most animals and believe that it is natures way of protecting them. That is why I mentioned it in the first place. I just had a thought about something to use for a warmer that would also be very inexpensive. I make warmers for my gourd bread warmers like this and someone else had mentioned using the same principle with an old sock for a sore neck. Cut an old towel or some fleece fabric in a square,oval or round,whatever size you like,sew it up and fill it with rice. Heat it up in the microwave and it will stay warm for a long time. You can stick this in the cat's bed and cover it with a blanket or something that will also help to hold the heat in. Dried corn can also be used as the filler. If you use rice be sure it isn't the quick cooking kind,just regular long grain rice....See Moresas95
10 days agogsciencechick
10 days ago
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