Cats

What are you planning on talking about on this conference? I am a lifelong cat lover, and I'd love to get into a conversation about them! I am curious to know about why there is very little overlap between dog lovers and cat lovers--it seems that most people are either one or the other.

interesting question. i've noticed the same thing with people who like math and hate english and the other way around. quite curious, isn't it? i had a bad experience with a cat at a young age and so have been leary of them although i know that experiences like that are not common. have owned two cats. one was a stray who chose to stay with us until a neighbor moved out to the country. he loved Fred and we gave him to him so Fred could live in the country and not have to worry about traffic (he was an outside cat). my other kitten (Sylvester) was a cutie who just loved me. he crawled up onto my shoulder and fell asleep once! unfortunately, sylvester went outside for a bit and got into a fight with a van. i cried my eyes out because this kitty was bound and determined to change my v ew on cats! he was so sweet. my daughter ran around with him like he was a doll! he didn't fight with her at all. she even put pink lipstick on his nose!!

My first cat also got run over - That's how most cats loose their lives. Mao had several severe accidents - I really hope he has learned it now! How could you learn a cat to keep away from cars?

Fortunately, I've never had a cat lose its life to a car. My cat, whom I adored, died at the age of 13 from lung failure. In one of my classes, we were talking about how pets were like members of the family, especially for people without children, and some people just didn't understand how anyone could become so attached to an animal. Losing my cat was like losing a child. I still mourn for her after two years, and I've never found another animal who could hold a candle to her.

*hugs* sweetie, i understand this very well.

That's very sad. I remember all the pets I had as a child far better than any of the friends I had. That says something about animals.

Animals never do the things that humans do--they don't decide that you're not cool enough to hang out with them, they never abandon you because they decide that their boyfriend/girlfriend is more important than you (although I have had some male cats run away when they learned that there were little girl cats who wanted them,) they know when you're sick or upset and don't hassle you about it...goodness, why would anyone NOT want a pet?

I know about cats moving into fights between people and shouting along until the people shut up and behave like decent folks again (or, like decent felines, that is!). And there are cases of cats jumping ship, and moving in with other people down the block. Happens not too seldom, either. Young cats often seek friendship of older cats, who then are often annoyed. My first cat, beautiful Valerie (then about half a year old), acquainted an old gray male, one-eyed veteran of many winters in the wild outdoors. He always came by to pick her up, and go prowl the hunting grounds together.

I live on a busy corner. Before moving here, I was a very firm believer in letting cats be "natural", come and go as they please (cat-door), etc. I lost three cats to traffic in the space of 3 years. So when I got Korben Dallas, a purebred Ragdoll, I radically changed my philosophy. Korben, and his stepsister Bowie, will never know the outside. They're happy (and safe!) and I'm happy. Seti and Fabio are half-wild and quite content to stay outdoors all the time. I could not break Fabio from spraying, so I had to exile him years ago. Of course, I am lucky to live in Southern California where I don't have to worry about Fabio and Seti freezing in the winter! And if you've never had a Ragdoll, may I highly recommend them!

Hi Charlotte! I also have a Ragdoll who came into my life quite unexpectedly. She just showed up on my mom's doorstep in all of her chocolate-point loveliness, about to starve to death. I rescued her, named her Daphne Rose, and I've had her for over a year. She's the most easygoing cat there ever was, except she isn't very lovable. She's pretty independent, but being a Ragdoll, she doesn't mind being dragged around by my two-year-old brother!

have a couple pics of isabel's cats. as soon as i figure the proper proportion, will post them but only if it's alright with terry (because of space problems). if not, i'll link them somewhere.

It's fine, I just freed up 150 megs on this server. There's room!

t'anks!!

isabel's cats (and i forgot which one is which, so please enlighten us, isabel)

let's try the other one again!

i must say that i love the above pic!

My only Grandchild:

His (neutered and huge) name is Critter Little.

what a great pic!!

Got a bunch more (like any grandmother worthy of the name. Son took it with his digital camera - does an excellent job! Thanks!

Both Isabel's and Marcia's tabbies look like Garfield.

True, but Garfield has an attitude that is alien to Critter. Critter has never learned to meow because he has not needed to. He chirps and warbles and does all sorts of funny sounds, but no meowing. He also likes to sleep curled up against the small of my back or at the top of my head. He is very VERy dear!

The first one (Resp. 14) shows my beloved Mao on the piano, he's my little sunshine and a good and brave hunter and a very friendly person. He's a real winner, whatever strikes him down, he survives! By now he has had more then four serious traffic accidents, three cancer operations - and he's only six! The second (Resp. 15) shows Piao in the yard. The lady is a little piqued about your Garfield comment, John. It's true she looks a little round on this photo, but she is not a fatty at all! She is a quite agile and a vicious and ferocious hunter, as all the mice and rats who have met her cannot testify to anymore! Critter Little is a very beautiful cat, Marcia! Thank you for posting the pics, Wolfie!!!

Thank you, Isabel, and your furchildren are equally adorable. poor Mao...how fortunate he has seven lives...sounds like he's gonna need them!

They're gorgeous! And good at posing for the camera too!

My friend Tami's cat is lost, I hope she finds it. It's a Persian and she's very attached to it. She's looked all over the woods and talked to the the neighbors, but no luck after 5 days.

Great pics! Critter Little is a honey! Let's get a nice close-up of Mao with that digital camera!

Terry, when Mao got lost once, we phoned up all the animal vets around and the animal shelters. We didn't find him there (and he luckily found home by himself), but as Mao and Piao were litle kittens they got a number tattooed in their ear, that says were they come from and who they belong to. Nowadays you can even get little micro-chips implanted! If they turn up somewhere vets or shelters are able to find out their home! I don't have a didital camera yet, but many nice photos of Mao. You have to see a colour picture of him, he's sooo beautiful with his red and white fur. Mao lived trough so much grief, but is the friendliest cat there ever was. When he was a baby, I always feared somebody would take him away, because he was smooching with every stranger who came by the house. By now he has two homes, ours and the neighbors house, because there lives his girl-friend "Bussy" a-three-coloured beauty. He loves to stay in the neighbor-house because nobody's there in the morning and so he can sleep undisturbed. They love him just as much as we do and just can't make him go home But at least I always know where to find him! When he got his last cancer operation in August, I had to tell them that he won't visit for a few days, else they would have been in deep sorrow. The first time out again after two weeks arrest, he promtly went to the neighbors to tell them all his griefs...

And I bet his girlfriend had missed him, too. Cats are like that!

Here are my children for you to ooh and ahh over. :) Bowie on the left has one green eye and one yellow eye (but you'll just have to take my word for it from this photo!) so she's named after David Bowie. Korben Dallas is reigning over the right side of the sofa. And here is Korben Dallas showing off his blue-pointedness.

cutey!

yeah, what a couple of sweeties!

They're gorgeous!! And how old are they, Charlotte?

Still no sign of Jasmine, it's been 6 days now, could she have run off to the woods in heat?

Have you phoned the vets and shelters around?

No luck there, either.

not boding well for Jasmine...

Bowie is nearly 4. Korben Dallas was one on 4/1/99. He's still an adolescent. Ragdoll's are not full grown until around 3. *LOVE* the new background, Wolfie!

That's really sad, Terry. Some years ago, when I missed one of my cats, I hung up notes in the neighborhood, I don't know if this might bring any sucess, maybe somebody has seen her. My cats always found home by themselves. Till once when we found Konitzky, my first cat, in the road-ditch... I hope everything's ok with Jasmine and she will find her way home again! Gawd, that makes me depressed, I don't know what I would do without my little kitties - sometimes I think they're the only ones that don't think of me as a complete dumba�� - at least they don't show it too obvious...

Terry, perhaps the cat HAS gone rampaging - one just never knows with them. It must be terribly worrying for Tami - I do hope you'll find her. It is awful when pets get lost.

does she have tags so that if someone else were to find her they would know who to call?

Someone just emailed me the cutest little program for Windows called felix.exe. It has been thoroughly scanned and is virus free. Is it possible to post it here somehow?

terry? what do you think about felix.exe? isabel--i know the feeling. when everyone else acts like i'm an idiot, my dogs sure know how to make me feel special!

I don't know about felix.exe. It's ok to post a link I guess. Jasmine still missing, has tags.

How about I email it to you, Wolfie. Or to Terry. And you can then decide. I don't think a link will work because geocities won't allow executables to be uploaded. I'm so depressed about Jasmine!

My Mom's cats have been known to stay away for a month at (in all probability) somebody else's home and then come back, so keep your fingers crossed for Jasmine!

We sure will, Terry.

Any news?

My question as well...Terry?!

On the subject of cats - has anyone ever come up with a really good virtual cat? I'm a long time cat person, but can't have one at present.

have you heard of dogz? they're virtual pets that play on your screen. also, karen sent me a cat that plays on the screen too. let me see if i can find it and maybe i can email it to you, but only at your request. the dogz do cost something to get the program. i saw it for free and you can play with it, feed it, and send it outside! lemme see if i can find something more feasable. surely they have cats too!

I just sent Maggie a virtual lamb which frolics on your screen and plays and makes cute noises. If anyone else would like Ron, just let me know!

yes, indeed! send away, those things are cute!!

He is now yours, Wolfie, and he is scampering around my monitor as well. I think he is a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, come to look at him closer. Whatever, he is so cute!!!

i was wondering why you sent a picture of "ron"!! (forgot he was the sheep)

Did you put him someplace safe so you can click on him and have him running around on your monitor? Mine is!

he's running around as we speak (and bouncing). you're right, he's a ram!

her's a virtual petz website as promised, think they have a demo to download: http://www.pfmagic.com/central/default.asp

Thanks for that URL... (Did he wee on your monitor yet? He is definitely a He!)

...think I might rename mine...*grin*

Whats with the space ship that came and sucked up Ron? Wierd or what!!!!

Have you seen the little alien, too? They give him back...*smile*

no aliens yet but what about the flaming ron dropping from the sky and falling into a tub? and who's his friend that shows up now and again?

Don't know...Don't remember a friend. Better Boot mine again and check. I think he does that flaming thing when you are not paying enough attention to him and he wants attention.

this other bighorn sheep came flying out of the sky and chased ron around a bit. and ron seems to have trouble landing sometimes. he just crashes and his eyes are x'd out. i'll need to watch carefully for the alien.

He falls off the program windows when you close them, too. He is a fast mender, though! I noted the little black-faced critter when I was posting about your Christmas light problem. If you put the cursor on him he stops and goes the other way. If you right click it when the hand is on him, yhou get options from which to choose.

i tried to put the cursor on him (the visitor sheep) and nothing happened. tried to right-click on the big horn and nothing happened either. he must be happy because he's eating and running around. oh, and he watches the sky and when his friend stops by (he's been running along the top of my screen), ron just watches.

It is a double click which activates your choices. Sorry! He is not a very good climber yet, is he?!

Rejoice! Rejoice! We are getting cats!!! Yes, cats plural! Daughter 2 is coming home from Uni for good in May and it has been decided we will get two kittens - if mum is willing to 'socialise' them - is she just! Husband is still grumbling about the cost - but we'll wear him down. This time they will be indoor cats (at least when we're out, I can't cope with another run over) hence the stipulation we'll get two for company. At least I'll get to enjoy them for a few months before I leave for Africa.

How lovely! And, two is the proper number. How delightful for Mom, daughter and kittens. Husband is reacting just as My father did when we got our cat all those years ago. Must be something on the Englishman's makeup which does not allow for affection for cats but prizes dogs over their own children...*lol*

Instructions for Giving Your Cat a Pill 1) Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow. 2) Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process. 3) Retrieve cat from bedroom and throw away soggy pill. 4) Take new pill from foil wrap. Cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of 10. 5) Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden. 6) Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously. 7) Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered Doulton figures from hearth and set to one side for gluing later. 8) Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil, and blow down drinking straw. 9) Check label to make sure pill is not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap. 10) Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck, leaving its head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with plastic band. 11) Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus jab. Throw T-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom. 12) Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil-wrap. 13) Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy-duty pruning gloves from shed, and force cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth, followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour pint of water down throat to wash pill down. 14) Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room. Sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table. 15) Arrange for SPCA to collect cat, and ring local pet shop to see if it has any hamsters.

*lol*

It's an oldie - but goodie...!

You betcha! Reminds me of a metaphor for the research process someone gave me. I'll see if I can find it. It feels truer every day.

Here's that metaphor from Kharyssa on the Phinished message board. For serious metaphors I have always thought of the thesis as trying to catch an angry wet cat. If you have ever chased a half-bathed cat around your house, you know exactly what I mean. Things start off well... you draw the bath with the perfect kitty temperature; set up the soap and fresh dry towels; vow to stay relatively dry yourself; and bring in the unsuspecting feline (intro). As soon as you pick the animal up, he knows what is about to happen... after all you have donned your gardening gloves and are holding him by the paws and scruff of the neck. At the first touch of water the skirming worsens, but eventually the cat calms down and submits to the vigorous soapy scrubbing (theory). Realize, of course, that the cat is planning his escape. The moment you reach for more soap he is gone in a flurry of water and claws (methods). You spend the next 20 minutes trying to catch the cat (results), who's wet soapy fur makes it easy for him to slip through your hands (conclusion). Finally he makes that one fata move... he is caught; and quickly brought, hissing and squirming back to the bath, where you beg him to stay still long enough to rinse him off (committee revisions). When all is said and done, you set to the task of mopping up the sopping bathroom, ringing out the drenched towels, and changing into dry clothes (defense).

I forwarded this to John, who is, as we speak, working on his Master's Thesis. That is lovely! And all too true! Thanks for sharing it with us!

i love this, maggie!

go john go!! master thesis away!!!!

I second that - push through the tough bits, it's worth it in the end.

I fancy myself as his chief Cheerleader and angst reliever. I forwarded him your messages. Thanks!

John's and My comments crossed in the email...as your comments went out this came in from him: "Yeah, and the cat is a full-grown tiger."

Definitely, and i ain't got a chair!

*haha*

I suggested to him that he have his personal tiger, declawed, defanged and castrated to even the playing field. Have not heard back, yet.

We could offer to be the team with sticks and chairs and things helping the tamer? or aternatively we could offer tea and sympathy. Wonder which he'd choose!

John: "haven't found the gun with the tranquilizer dart yet"

LOL...He has gotten plenty of *hugs* and sympathy from me...I sent him your comment and I also wonder which he would choose.

ah, but watch out when he wakes up from the tranquilizer dart - you'll need us ladies then to protect you!

I just email him your comment...waiting for his response *grin* You are right, though! Don't mess with an Englishwoman. It reminds me of Edna Mae Oliver in "A Tale of Two Cities" when she was about to be taken prisoner by the rabble in Paris. She drew herself up full height and said "I am an Englishwoman!" in no uncertain terms. The rabble backed out and closed the door. We protect our own!

Definitely, I'm a real mothercat! (BTW daughter 2 had a birthday yesterday, today she rings up to ask how to make pancakes (crepes to you I think). We're going to see her at the weekend)

Crepes are just that - dessert and very different from the breakfast sort which we call pancakes. At least she is not making them from a box mix!

It was really funny - I was reading out to her from the cook book and she was shouting out instructions to her housemate. Did I tell you about the little kittens they had a t a house I went to for a meeting the other day. There was one which was black with white paws and a white bib. It was adorable (apart from the fleas!). The mother looked really nice too. Should I get a brother and sister or go for cats from different families? The only male cat I've had before was one of our kittens and he turned ferral. The grandmother came from chatham dockyard from the ferral pack there, and out of each litter of kittens we had half went ferral.

Get your kittens from a domesticated cat or the animal shelter and let them know you want to have them be companions. Be sure they are neutered - that will keep them from wandering. Brother and sister can be wonderful companions - just don't breed them Choose them for personality! I have this most entertaining image in my mind of the pancake instructions being relayed. Wonder if they got it right!

Haven't heard yet. Wonder what she'll cook for sunday dinner. She's enjoying showing me that she's domesticated. (unlike me!) T's cooking dinner agin - chicken korma tonight. I am tempted to contact the lady whose house I was at, maybe put down for some from the next brood.

Sounds like a good idea to reserve first choice!

it was a darling. i bet the next litter look as nice.

Have you seen the Daddy of the litter? They will probably be as adorable as the other bunch. Who can resist a kitten or two (other than husbands, that is!)

no father in sight only two mums. husband is still being worked on!

they all are, huh? "work in progress" they should all carry "danger" signs! *grin* i'd go with the animal shelter or vet first only because the kitties have been checked (or a pet store-although one pet store around here had rabid kitties and had to vaccinate everyone who came in the store and played with them, sad)...

"work in progress" they should all carry "danger" signs! You ARE talking about the house males, aren't we? *grin*

yeah! the ones that are actually getting worked on (for years and years and years) *grin*

...The Never-Ending Story was written about that, no?!

we will win in the end and get kitties.

Get siblings (and don't be upset if they start to fight occasionally, or try to breed), and make sure you don't leave one behind.

Hmh, but if YOU go to Africa, does the whole Lingo-tribe follow? Or do some stay behind, and can care for the furries?

Oh, and do something so you don't get kitties yourself. Neuter both.

the ONLY reason I've agreed to cats now is that daughter 2 will have finished Uni and looking for a graduate placement in accountancy and will be living at home. daughter 1 has returned to the family mansion following emotional upheaval (which then passed to mum). Boy do I sound old - I am Alexander, I am!However, They have requested that I housetrain the critters before upping and leaving.

they want you to housetrain their kitties? sounds like kids!

Cats are easy to train. A couple months, and they're fine. It's easier if they spend longer time with Mommy... which would deprive you of the baby kitty-phase, but makes for healthier, fitter cats. Yes, make sure they know you before you leave. Else they will be upset when you come back - they will be upset, anyway, but it'd be much worse. There are two main problems with cats: scratching up things and spraying (marking?) in the house. For the first, get a rough coco-fiber carpet in the hallway, and for the latter, make sure they can get out whenever they want. Spraying is a sign of unhappiness, much less of marking the territory.

and neuter them BEFORE they start spraying (if you get a male).....

Reason I get the job - is cos I've done it lots of times before. Also, I'm home-working just now. Also, to be honest, I volunteered.

we knew the truth was in there somewhere *wink*

I'll need a support group - volunteers?

that's what we're here for! go, maggie, go!!!!

Knew I could count on you.

*grin*

Me too! I had kitties, too!!! (or support for anything else. ) You know Wolfie and I are good for that sort of thing! *hugs* all round!

There was one in the paper today. He travelled 400 miles from scotland under the bonnet of a car. when the driver opened the bonnet (oh that's the bit where the engine is by the way) there was what looked like a feather mop. it growled. he's lost one eye and looks dreadful. i can't make the decision. it's got to be Hannah cos it's her kittens.

oh this pooor baby. i'd growl too travelling that far and being rudely awakened! oh, i just want to hug him!!!!

The resident compulsive collector has another cat to add to his marmalade kitty. This one is a lop-eared blocky-built Saimese. Most strange-looking critter I ever saw but it is quiet and peaceful and they are coming to tolerate each other. The new one will also eat the bargain brands of cat food the marmalade princess would not touch!

Do you think the marmalade princess might teach the new kitty fussy food habits? She is after all a cat and has her mystique to maintain.

Most likely! Like any of God's critters, what the one has the other wants, too. The new one is still a little iffy in our affections which she recognizes and is grateful for free food. However, I am sure it is just a matter of time until the cat in her surfaces and the obliging feline becomes Siamese royalty.

OK... gag-o-matic moment here! I wear a heart monitor when I work out. I finished yesterday and took the tranmitter belt from around my chest and put it on the hall table... where my cat Nike promptly upchucked all over it! Yuck!!!! Makes me really want to put that transmitter back on tomorrow, uh-huh.

Maybe make Nike wear it for a day, just kidding!

Nothing like having an in-house critic. What's the cat's major problem - taking you away from her???

that's what i was gonna say. nike doesn't want you to leave, huh?

No... she's bolemic. No, really, she is. Has been since she was little. Skinny as a rail, eats then urps about every other day on whatever she's sitting on. When she was younger I asked several vets about it... they found nothing wrong with her. She just wants to stay thin... Meanwhile her sister Reebok is a chunk! Rarely drops a tidbit of food, and only urps an occasional furball.

(the exercise, that is) Siamese Queen cat is kitty-non-grata around here, now! A good ratter, but far too feisty with house cat.

Never heard of that, but ...lots of things I have never heard of, but I am listening...

OK you guys, where's my kitten support team??? We need good kitten finding vibes just now - the hunt is on. The order is for a silver short haired tabby and one other to keep it company. I'll be contacting the cat rescue people soon. Husband is coming round - he loves cats, but is on about the expense. If we find them pretty soon, that give me five months cat time before I leave and the girls take over, and hopefully they'll be old enough to leave at home while the girls are at work. I'm really looking forward to socialising kittens again.

Cats are not expensive. Dogs are expensive! Charming Kitty-beams aimed in your direction, Maggie. Just have then neutered ASAP

We have cats skittering around the backyard. They are not allowed anywhere in the house except in Jane and Dora's rooms. So they just go in and out of these girls rooms.

Well diciplined! Did that missing kitty last year ever come back?

good luck kitty hunting, maggie. i don't think i'd get over on the customs folks trying to smuggle a cat fitting your description if i said "but maggie must have this one!" *grin*

Nope, but thanks for trying Wolfie!!! I'm putting out feelers. House male is still on about neutering costs, injections, etc. Need vibes for daughter 2 to get a well-paid accountancy placement as these will be her cats, and she will foot the bills.

It lurks around the neighborhood maybe, or else it's a lookalike.

Cats are opportunistic. So does the Siamese we had to chase off. Don't actually think we succeeded since there are signs arund that she/he is still here, but at least it is not fighing with ours in the middle of the night anymore.

The EMAZING Cat Tip of the Day - Wednesday May 10, 2000 Wild Reasons to Keep Your Cat Inside Cats kill 4-5 million birds each day. Collar bells on cats don't work because birds and other wildlife do not associate bells with being stalked. Ground-nesting birds are particularly susceptible to predation by cats. Cats will hunt small wild animals, despite how well-fed they are. Almost all young birds leave the nest before they can fly well and spend a day or two on the ground. As these fledglings are learning to fly, cats frequently catch them. Most of the birds caught by cats, but not killed outright, die of their injuries or infection. Cats that kill small rodents can eliminate a critical food source for owls and hawks. - Lisa Scott

Cloning Kitty Have you ever wished you could have another cat just like your current one? Well, that may not be too far off in the future. No one knows for certain when, or if, animal cloning will be technically and commercially possible. What is known is that since a sheep, Dolly, was cloned in Scotland in 1996, scientists have successfully cloned cattle and mice in their laboratories. Information abounds about cloning mammals and now there is a company that offers to store your cat's DNA to clone it at a future date! Viable DNA is taken from your valued animal and stored in a Bio-Shelter (trademark). Once animal cloning becomes a reality, you may be able to use the preserved DNA to clone your prized animal.

Not just kitties either. Can you imagine what people who breed racehorses will make out of this?

How do you keep neighbor stray cats out of your own cats food? The cat is fed outdoors, it's an outdoor cat and I don't want to feed it inside.

You cannot unless you stand by the cat while it eats. Ours gets fed in the anteroom between the outside and the kitchen (in what used to be the garage but is now a storge room.) We have tried just about everything we could think of to keep the other cats away - I have not yet found a way other than isolating our outdoor (entirely - I insist on it) cat. Cat Scratch Fever Have you heard of Cat Scratch Fever? Not the song, the disease. For almost 100 years, cat scratches have been associated with illness in people. One estimate by the Centers for Disease Control found that there were 2.5 cases of CSF, or CSD (Cat Scratch Disease) as it is also known, per 100,000 people each year in the United States. Typically, a small skin lesion (resembling an insect bite) develops at the site of a cat scratch or (less commonly) a bite, followed within two weeks by swollen lymph nodes and sometimes a fever. The illness is mild and self-limiting in the majority of patients, although it may take some months for the swollen lymph nodes to return to normal. Treatment is usually not required.

DECLAWING YOUR CAT: SHOULD YOU OR SHOULDN'T YOU? When it comes to the raging controversy over declawing cats, it's important to remember that sometimes the choice comes down something this simple: What's better? A homeless cat or a declawed one? It's not a hypothetical question. In one study of declawed cats, half of the owners who had chosen the surgery reveal- ed that they would not have kept their cats otherwise. And nearly three-quarters admitted to having an improved relationship with their pet after surgery. Mind you, I'm no fan of routine declawing. I shudder when people asked me to recommend a veterinarian to declaw their kitten, as if amputating the tips of their pet's toes was an automatic part of the new pet startup kit. But I'm also realistic enough to know that in a battle of spouses over shredded furniture, or when new furniture arrives in a household with a scratching cat, declawing may be the only thing between a once-cherished pet and a trip to the shelter. You can argue that people who would choose furniture over a pet shouldn't have one. You'd have plenty of company. But I stick to my belief that in some cases declawing is the les- ser of two evils. I know many, many people who have had their cats declawed, and the animals have come through the trauma splendidly and been adored and well-cared-for pets for years. In all other respects, you couldn't ask for better owners. They said, declawing should never be a pre-emptive response to the possibility of a cat's scratching. Nor should it be the first strategy chosen when scratching is discovered. In last week's column I talked about nonsurgical alternatives to destructiveness: How to encourage a cat to scratch where you want him to, while discouraging him from digging his claws in where you don't. (That column is available in the Pet Connection archives, at www.vin.com/petcare.) If you've tried retraining, consider a couple of final steps before declawing: trimming the claws, or capping them. Clip- ping the tips of your cat's claws on a monthly basis makes them less efficient at shredding, and you can take it a step further by gluing Soft Paws nail caps over the trimmed tips. With gentle, encouraging handling, many cats get used these procedures. Have your veterinarian show you how to get started. Soft Paws are available though veterinarians, or through some pet-supply catalogs. You can also order directly from the company at 1-800-989-2542, or on the Web at www.softpaws.com. So you've tried everything and are at the end of your rope? Then talk to your veterinarian about declawing. There are two procedures used today, and you should be well informed about them both in order to make a decision. On each of the front toes, a procedure roughly comparable to cutting off your own fingertip at the first joint. The skin is then glued or stitched over the exposed joint, the feet are bandaged, and the cat is sent home to heal for the next couple of weeks. (Your veterinarian will have her own guide- lines for after-care for you to follow.) Some veterinarians offer the alternative of severing the tendons that allow a cat to unsheathe his claws. One of the drawbacks of this surgery is that the claws continue to grow, and must be kept trimmed. No matter which procedure you choose, you must remember that you have a special responsibility to the cat you have so altered. While living indoors is safer for all cats, it's especially important for a declawed one. Cats without the ability to use their claws have been deprived of an important defensive tool and are in grave danger outdoors. This decision to declaw should never be taken lightly. But in some situations, it's a hard choice that is better than the alternatives.

FOODS AND FELINES CAT QUIZ #2 TRUE OR FALSE? 1. Cats like chocolate and you should feed it to them regularly. 2. Cats should have some tuna in their diet everyday. 3. If your cat can't smell her food, she won't eat it. 4. Cats cannot taste sweet foods. 5. An average cat food dinner is equal to about 5 medium- sized field mice. (Check your answers at bottom.) WHO'S THAT HISTORICAL AILUROPHOBE? Famous Cat Haters: Much to our dismay, there are and have been people in the world who are total ailurophobes - those who hate or are terrified of cats. We find it hard to comprehend, but it is so. You may find this portion of the newsletter hard to read, but press on! Here are a few historical figures who could form their own anti-cat club: --William Shakespeare - probably thought the only good cat was a dead one. (Okay, Willie, I'll not read another one of your plays!) --President Dwight Eisenhower - banished cats from the White House and ordered his staff to shoot them on sight if any came onto the grounds. (That's no way for a five star GENERAL to act is it? There goes my "I Like Ike button!") ---Johannes Brahms, composer of some of the world's most beautiful music - refused to even go near a cat. Obviously a cat was not responsible for inspiring any of his music. (Well, Joe, I'm going to check my classical CD collection for your stuff right now!) BUT the cat hater of all cat haters - the one whose picture you see next to the definition of ailurophobe in the dictionary - is none other than: ---Napoleon Bonaparte - He had an extreme and irrational fear of felines. He would be transformed from a courageous world conquering warrior emperor into a trembling, sweating, wimp if he even thought there was a cat anywhere near him. He could conquer the world, but not his fear of an innocent pussycat! (I thought it was Waterloo that did him in, but maybe there was a cat on the battlefield!) BUT - we shouldn't be too harsh on those who are truly afraid of cats, and I'm just kidding with my remarks in parentheses. Experts on the subject say the cause probably comes from a childhood incident when a cat either attacked or frightened the person for whatever reason. But there is hope for current sufferers. The condition is treatable. The best method for a cure is to gradually relearn how to associate with cats and to realize there is nothing to fear from our gentle lovable feline creatures. (Are you ready to "adopt an ailurophobe?" Sounds like a good cause to me.) MORE KITTY QUOTES: --"There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a cat." --Wesley Bates, American writer --"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. --Albert Schweitzer AMAZING CAT-STATS: Cat owners in the United States in an average year are spending a total of $2.2 billion on cat food and nearly $300 million on kitty litter. That's a lot of scooping! FUN STUFF - KITTY WEBSITE FREEBIES: From Garfield, America's favorite lasagna-loving cat, free games and e-mail. Visit: http://www.garfield.com If you don't have a website yet for your fair feline, you can get a FREE one now. Answer a few questions and upload your cat's favorite photo, and your puss will have a home on the Web. Visit: http://www.burnerkitty.com/get_page.shtml ******** Answers to CAT QUIZ #2 - True or False? 1. Cats like chocolate and you should feed it to them regularly. ----False. No way. Never feed your cat chocolate. It's poisonous and can be fatal. (Also, FYI, don't let her eat avocado, lily of the valley, morning glory, poinsettia, and Tylenol (acetaminophen) - these are all poisons to cats. 2. Cats should have some tuna in their diet everyday. ----False. Tuna is very high in mineral content and a daily diet would be harmful. It's okay as an occasional treat only. 3. If your cat can't smell her food, she won't eat it. ----True. Even with 17 million nerve cells in her nose, if your cat can't detect a scent in what she's about to eat, she won't take the risk. 4. Cats cannot taste sweet foods. ----False. Cats are able to taste sweet foods. Some like them, and some don't. 5. An average cat food dinner is equal to about 5 medium sized field mice. ----True. So, the next time you run out of your cat's favorite canned gourmet dinner... go out and hunt... well, never mind - just go to the store for more! Questions... Comments... email us at: mailto:catnip@shagmail.com

Cat Sulking Does your cat seem to sulk after you scold it? You would like to think it understands you are upset and it is showing its remorse by sulking. All you have really done is intimidate the cat into feeling inferior. When you scold, you probably stare at the cat. It is a natural response for the cat to turn away to avoid hostility. This makes the cat less afraid and also keeps it from staring back, which would be a way of provoking an attack in the wild.

Pet Connection - Saturday, May 20, 2000 Gee, and to think I missed "National Hairball Awareness Day"! Despite a pet-food company's efforts to create concern and sell a special diet -- hairballs are not a serious health issue for your cat. Sure, they're nothing you want to step on in bare feet in the middle of the night, but they're just part of living with a cat. You can reduce the number of hairballs by grooming your cat regularly, and by adding a little canned pumpkin to your pet's diet to increase the fiber and help the hair work its way through the system. Commercial preparations are fine, too, but it's really better to keep their use to a minimum. Frequent use of hairball remedies can decrease the absorption of some vitamins.

hairball remedies?

The white cat has been roaming around outside my sliding glass door today. Curious about the sounds coming out of my ham radio. It's just the guys on the 442.15 repeater.

I got an internal server error just now but the information posted anyway.

I've been hitting the reload button before going on - I lost one long post by not having it appear before going on. But, we ARE posting! Your kitty sound nice - is it on of the two which are just allowed in the two rooms? I'm trying to figure out how to get pumpkin into kitty. Mine would not eat anything much veggie.

Yep it's one of those. It's not around right now. I'm setting up a new video server, so you can watch it on the main page for a few hours.

It took two tries that time. Digihost needs to reboot their server.

I see Mike's online, it seems to be working better now.

That time is posted with one submit. So did this one.

I think we're back to normal. It was a Server error and not a Yapp error, I believe.

"The cat could very well be man's best friend but would never stoop to admitting it." -- Doug Larson Not here yet - took me five pokes of reload to get here. I think my last post did not go through here...

You're roght! it is fixed!

Well you might have been "roght" but it was not fixed...*sigh*

Get a Chip on the Shoulder Does your cat wear identity tags? One problem with tags is they can be lost or removed and cats seem to be Houdinis at getting collars off. In an effort to make identifying lost pets easier, animal shelters across the country have begun injecting tiny microchips under the skin of animals in their care. Each chip stores a nine-digit number. The chips are 14 millimeters long--about the size of a grain of rice--and weigh about 0.25 grams. Workers use a hypodermic needle to inject a chip just under the skin of a cat, usually in the animal's shoulder. When a lost or abandoned animal is brought to the shelter, workers use hand-held scanners to emit low-frequency radio waves that can read the number of the chip inside an animal. Shelters use a computer database to match the number with the pet's owners.

Flea Facts Summertime is coming fast and that means flea season. Now is the time to "know thy enemy" and prepare for battle. Here are some flea facts to prepare you for the skirmish. There are 2,400 varieties of fleas, including cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felinus). A flea can jump 150 times its own length. This is equivalent to an adult human leaping over the Statue of Liberty. A jumping flea accelerates 50 times faster than the space shuttle! Want to live without fleas? Consider moving to the mountains. Fleas do not live above 500 feet. Fleas thrive in a warm humid environment, which is about 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and about 70% humidity.

To what degree are you willing to demonstrate your total devotion and commitment to pussycats? If the sky's the limit, then do I have a project for you! I have found a fantastic recipe for a special dessert for kitty you can make if you want something REALLY DIFFERENT to serve your guests. I guarantee that this dish will not only make your next party a totally unforgettable experience, it will clearly demonstrate to all how hooked on cats you truly are. In a recent issue I've told you about a few famous "cat haters" or ailurophobiacs. Today it's time to balance that off with a story about a very famous cat lover. This man lovingly cared for many cats during his lifetime, and today, nearly 40 years after his death, the legacy of his cats lives on. Who could this be? You may not be able to always understand what your cat is saying to you with his various meows, but he can speak to you in a language that's very clear - body language. You can learn, in general, if your cat is friendly, playful, or aggressive by looking at him. ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ A SPECIAL CAT RECIPE - KITTY LITTER CAKE! (Created by Mike and Linda Will) A great recipe. Guaranteed to make your next party remembered. Are you ready to bake? Show the world what a "purr-fect" you are. INGREDIENTS: --1 spice or german chocolate cake mix (include ingredients listed in mix) --1 white cake mix (include ingredients listed in mix.) --1 pkg. white sandwich cookies --1 large pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix (include ingredients listed on mix. --green food coloring --12 small Tootsie Rolls --1 brand new and clean kitty litter box --1 brand new and clean kitty litter box liner --1 brand new and clean kitty litter scoop DIRECTIONS: 1. Prepare cake mixes according to package directions. (Any size cake pans.) 2. Prepare pudding mix according to package directions and chill until ready to use. Crumble white sandwich cookies in small batches in blender. (Scrape often, they tend to stick.) Set aside all but 1/4 cup. To this 1/4 cup cookie crumbs, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix using a fork or by shaking in a jar. 3. When the cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble them into a large bowl. Toss with half of the remaining white cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. You probably won't need all of the pudding. Mix it with the cake and feel it; you don't want it soggy, just moist. Gently combine. 4. Line new, clean kitty litter box. Put mixture into litter box. 5. Put three unwrapped Tootsie Rolls in a microwave safe dish and heat until soft and pliable. Shape ends so they are no longer blunt, curving slightly. Repeat with 3 more Tootsie Rolls and bury these in the mixture. 6. Sprinkle the other half of the cookie crumbs over the top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly over the top. This is supposed to resemble the chlorophyll in the litter. 7. Heart remaining Tootsie Rolls, 3 at a time in the microwave until almost melted. Spread them on top of the cake and sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Or, only spread 5 of the remaining Tootsie Rolls over the top. Take one and heat until pliable, and hang it over the side of the kitty litter box, sprinkling it lightly with cookie crumbs. Place the box on a newspaper and sprinkle a few of the cookie crumbs around. Serve with the new scoop. Enjoy! (Thank you Mike and Linda Will, you are true credits to the cat-loving population.) OK... my dear readers.... Real cat lovers won't get grossed out, right? I thought this was hilarious the first time I read through it. (I know, I'm warped!) This is a real recipe with real food, and is a lot of fun to make and is delicious to eat! But the real fun of it all is watching the reactions of other people as they look at for the first time, and then realize what it is. Their reactions can range from "How GROSS, I can't believe you'd make such a thing!" to "Oh, isn't that CUTE!" And everyone wants to know how you made it, etc., etc. So, go ahead, have a blast, and make this! Then tell me what kind of reactions you got. Did people really "dig" it? Let me know the "scoop." Have fun!

Heartworm Disease Do you give your cat a heartworm preventative? If not, you should because heartworms can be deadly. They are literally worms that live in your cat's heart and lungs! They can cause permanent damage and even death. For many years, only dogs were given heartworm preventatives, but now there are medications for cats. Exposure to heartworms can be a year round concern, but more so in the summer, as the infection is spread by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is 100% preventable and prevention is much easier and less expensive than treatment. If your cat is not on a preventative, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to get her started on one. There are many options available.

Cats and Heartworms Are you trying to figure out the best way to battle parasites in and on your cat? A new medication is available to protect your cat from heartworms and other harmful parasites--Revolution (trademark). This new product is a simple topical medication that protects your cat from harmful parasites, both inside and out. Revolution prevents potentially deadly heartworm disease as well as preventing and controlling flea infestations. It also treats and controls ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and ticks. Contact your vet for more information.

Herbs for Pets Do you take any of the popular herbal supplements on the market today? Maybe you have thought about giving a supplement to your cat. If so, you will find the book "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets" a treasury of information. This book will help you learn about holistic herbalism, natural nutrition, and how to herbally treat diseases, ailments and medical conditions. Beautifully photographed and interesting to read, this book would make a great addition to any cat lover's bookshelf. Visit the link below for more information. Click here for more information on the book http://www.bowtiepress.com/herbspets.asp

HEARTWORMS AREN'T JUST FOR DOGS ANYMORE! Just when you think you've got all your kitty's "normal" vaccinations and immunizations up to date and under control, here comes another potential fatal disease to worry about - feline heartworm infection. Dogs and cats are both at risk for this infection. The prevalence of heartworms has steadily increased and now infects cats in all fifty states. Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart and lungs of infected cats. Just one worm can cause permanent damage and even death. In fact sudden death may be the only sign of the presence of the disease. Unfortunately, indoor cats are not safe from this disease. The infection is transmitted by mosquitoes that can get into your house. Of the cats who tested positive for heartworms, 55% lived "strictly or mostly indoors." Here's how it all happens: --A mosquito bites an infected dog, drawing in a small amount of blood containing immature larvae. --This same mosquito then bites a cat, depositing the larvae on the skin. --Within only 6 months, heartworms reach the heart and lungs, causing the disease. Feline heartworm disease can be difficult to detect and diagnose, and there is no approved treatment for the infection in cats. Some signs of the disease include: --Coughing --Vomiting --Breathing difficulty --Sluggishness --Sudden death However, the good news is that the disease is 100% PREVENTABLE and protection is fairly easy. Ask your vet about available preventative programs (such as Heartguard for cats) that can be administered orally once a month and at a reasonable cost. TRAIN YOUR CAT TO SIT? YES, IT CAN BE DONE! "Here kitty, kitty! Now sit! That's a good girl!" This is not a sentence I have ever said to my cat, nor (until now) did I even think about saying it. But according to a friend of mine, who knows and reads a lot about cats, you can teach any cat to sit if you really want to. The key to success with this lies in repetition, consistency, and little patience on your part. Of course, to the cat it's all about food. Here's the drill: Put your cat on the table or counter top, with her back facing the wall. Have in your hand the "bribe," a favorite food morsel or cat treat (my kitties love Pounce.) When she gets a good whiff of the treat and shows interest, raise the treat in a line from her nose to just between her ears. Speak her name and then give the command "sit." Hopefully, she will sit - maybe with a little help at first. Then you can reward her with the treat as you praise and pet her, and tell her how smart and wonderful she is. If she isn't interested in the treat, there's no use in pursuing it at the moment. She may not be hungry, or maybe you're raising it up too high, or perhaps the goodie just isn't appealing enough for her. If you persist often and regularly, say for 10 minutes a day, your trainable puss will eventually sit for you whenever she's in the mood for a treat, which may be often if you've got the right goodie. Then you can impress your friends by showing them how your trained cat can sit on command. Now that's a great accomplishment. (I'll let you know how I'm progressing.) Don't stop at "sit" - there's "roll over," "play dead," and even "fetch!" INCREDIBLE SURVIVING CATS A FREE-FALLING FELINE: In the 1970's a cat named Andy lived with his owners on the sixteenth floor of an apartment building. You guessed it! One day poor Andy fell out of the window and plummeted down all 16 stories - that equals nearly 200 feet! (two thirds of a football field!) Fortunately Andy survived and still holds the world's record for the longest non-fatal feline fall. EGYPT OR BUST! I WILL SURVIVE! Here is a remarkable story that testifies to the fact that cats are extremely self reliant, adaptable, and just plain "tough." One day a female cat was accidentally enclosed inside a shipping crate full of automotive parts in Detroit, Michigan. SIX WEEKS LATER the crate was finally opened up in Egypt. What did they find inside after all that time? The cat was alive, although pathetically weak - but that's not all they found. This hardy puss had given birth to a litter of four healthy kittens! The little family had endured in total darkness without food or water, but miraculously the mama cat was able to feed her babies and keep them and herself alive during the whole ordeal. Truly amazing. ********* CAT SCRAPS: WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE COULD BE A RICH CAT: A few years ago an alley cat named Charlie Chan became the sole beneficiary of an estate worth over $250,000. It included a three bedroom house, a seven acre pet cemetery, and a collection of valuable antiques. The will also stipulated that when Charlie Chan passed on, all the proceeds from the sale of the estate must be donated to several designated humane societies. Many wealthy, possibly eccentric (?) cat lovers have bequeathed millions to their surviving beloved cats. I wonder what the relatives thought about it, if there were any, especially if they were left out of the will. I will include a few more stories like this one in future issues. Do YOU know any rich cats?

PETS ON THE WEB The Feline Diabetes Web site (www.felinediabetes.com) is an obvious labor of love that is also a unique and thorough resource for anyone who's trying to cope with a cat diag- nosed with this disease. The well-organized site is packed with information on the disease in cats, as well as advice to make the daily treatment of the animals easier. As important as anything else on the site is the sense of community and support -- the folks here are a great bunch! Feline Diabetes is one of the best pet health sites I've visited.

Have you ever thought of having a first aid kit available in case your cat is injured and needs immediate attention? It never really occurred to me until one day (before I started keeping my furry fab four inside) when a dog viciously attacked Tribble, my beautiful tortoiseshell. She is okay now, but it would have been helpful to have had some sort of kit close at hand. I'll share a list of what you'll need to make up a good pet emergency box. How about a little cat poetry today? I've got one about a "high tech" cat I know you'll enjoy (and can identify with.) Does your cat like to sharpen her claws on the sides of the box spring of your bed? Or has she clawed her way through that piece of weird gauze-like material that's supposed to cover the very bottom of the box spring? Well, if this is a problem for you, like it was for me, I'll tell you the simple trick I did to put a end to that nonsense! And finally today - you knew all along that the cat is THE most popular pet in America. I have some figures to back up that claim that you will be delighted to share with all your dog-owning friends, I'm sure!

*sniff* We were turned down by the RSPCA for homing a kitten because of our postcode! We are on a bus route, but it only runs every 1/2 hour, and apart from some 'rat run' traffic during the rush hour, the road is paractically deserted most of the time. I am so mad about it, that I couldn't write this on Saturday when we heard. We have a couple of other possibilities to follow up, but even one of the charities is asking �30 per kitten (and that's without innoculation, spaying and stuff - the RSPCA fee included that). If I am to socialise our kittens before leaving for Africa in October, and H (daughter 2)beginning work in September then I need to find them SOON. Sorry, I'm upset and fed up by the elitist/class attitude we hit because of where we live.

WHAT IS YOUR CAT THINKING? Is the constant cleaning obsessive-compulsive? What's with that purr? Are they cool or cold? Take a little trip inside the feline mind to find out. http://animal.discovery.com/ex/ad/newsletter/cat_guide/cat_guide.html

This glorious bit of writing from Neil (who will do his own posting frome henceforth) I've always been tremendously fond of cats--their lithe grace, and cool, confident aloofness. But two of the cats we've had, among many, were an orange, male tabby named Simon, and a Siamese female named Thea who were genuine characters. Simon was a closet beagle, a dog in cat-drag, full of vim and vigor and endlessly mischievous, but he could be as gentle, relaxed, and lazy as an old bloodhound. Thea, on the other hand was a schemer, always trying to figure clever ways of getting more than her share of food. But the best fun we'd ever have with her was when we'd give her catnip. Whereas many cats get a little squirrely on the stuff, Thea got, well..., stoned. She'd sit in the kitchen, flat on her butt, with her back propped up by the corner cupboards she rested against, her tail beneath her, her rear legs sticking out front with her front paws sitting atop her haunches, her head lolling back into the corner, watching imaginary mice on the ceiling, completely blissed-out. We half expected her to say, "Oh WOW, man!". Instead of a cat, we had a feline Timothy Leary! It was very comical...

Our cat, Petey, hasn't been home for days, and last night we had a horrible ice storm. I'm beginning to suspect Petey went off to the woods to die.

Oh that is so sad! Is Petey old...or ill? Why do you suspect he went off to die?