Comments for Cat Advice | Paws and Effect http://www.paws-and-effect.com Advice by cats, for cats and their people Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:13:32 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on My cat has leukemia. What can I do to keep her healthy and strong? by Shane http://www.paws-and-effect.com/2009/03/29/my-cat-has-leukemia-what-can-i-do-to-keep-her-healthy-and-strong/comment-page-1/#comment-7410 Shane Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:13:32 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/?p=371#comment-7410 I just found out today that my 4-5 month old kitten has leukemia. I was so devastated and I am very glad that I found this sight, not that it makes me feel any better :( But it does help me at least get a grasp on the situation and what I can do to help. Thank you. I just found out today that my 4-5 month old kitten has leukemia. I was so devastated and I am very glad that I found this sight, not that it makes me feel any better :( But it does help me at least get a grasp on the situation and what I can do to help. Thank you.

]]> Comment on Why does my cat eat his wet food with his paw? by Katharine http://www.paws-and-effect.com/2007/12/23/why-does-my-cat-eat-his-wet-food-with-his-paw/comment-page-1/#comment-7409 Katharine Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:04:11 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/2007/12/23/why-does-my-cat-eat-his-wet-food-with-his-paw/#comment-7409 My cat sits on the table when we have our meals. He started with scooping things off our plates but now I cut up meat and give it to him on a saucer. His favourite is duck. He eats these delicacies with his paws when he is on the table but eats with his mouth at his feeding bowls on the floor. I do think he is trying to join in human behaviour as has already been suggested by Chris. (I don't think cat cutlery would work that well though!) My cat sits on the table when we have our meals. He started with scooping things off our plates but now I cut up meat and give it to him on a saucer. His favourite is duck. He eats these delicacies with his paws when he is on the table but eats with his mouth at his feeding bowls on the floor. I do think he is trying to join in human behaviour as has already been suggested by Chris. (I don’t think cat cutlery would work that well though!)

]]> Comment on Ask a Question by Kathryn http://www.paws-and-effect.com/ask-a-question/comment-page-5/#comment-7408 Kathryn Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:19:32 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/?page_id=119#comment-7408 Hi kitties! I would like a little kitty perspective on a situation. My sweet pudders, Sasha, is 15 and a very loving kitty. She recently moved with me to NYC when I got married and now lives part time in an apartment in Manhattan (high floor, so no trees, squirrels or birdies to look at outside). I have to work in Miami two weeks a month and in NYC two weeks a month. When I am in NYC I work from home so she gets to see me and play with me whenever she wants. When I am in Miami my husband plays with her when he can and gives her lots of petting and love (he adores her), but he often has to work very long days (6am-10pm) and travels a few days a week, so she is alone a lot for two weeks a month. We take her to our house in the country (2 acres of land filled with birdies and moths and chipmunks to chase and a big house to run around in) every 2-3 weeks for a couple of days, and she gets to go to Miami with me every 6 mos or so and gets to play in her house and yard there. But I really worry about the time she is alone in the aprtment in NYC - I am afraid she is bored and will get depressed being alone so much. Can you kitties recommend something my husband and I can do to make her time alone a little more interesting for her? She's a little too mature for another kitty to join our family (that would make her very unhappy). She has lots of toys but prefers to play with us rather than by herself with them. We even laughed about buying her a bird in a cage to pretend stalk but thought that would be way too cruel to the bird. She has recently been diagnosed with renal insufficiency so we want to keep her as active as possible. Any advice you kitties can offer on how we can keep her entertained and engaged while she is alone would be wonderful and greatly appreciated! Hi kitties! I would like a little kitty perspective on a situation. My sweet pudders, Sasha, is 15 and a very loving kitty. She recently moved with me to NYC when I got married and now lives part time in an apartment in Manhattan (high floor, so no trees, squirrels or birdies to look at outside). I have to work in Miami two weeks a month and in NYC two weeks a month. When I am in NYC I work from home so she gets to see me and play with me whenever she wants. When I am in Miami my husband plays with her when he can and gives her lots of petting and love (he adores her), but he often has to work very long days (6am-10pm) and travels a few days a week, so she is alone a lot for two weeks a month. We take her to our house in the country (2 acres of land filled with birdies and moths and chipmunks to chase and a big house to run around in) every 2-3 weeks for a couple of days, and she gets to go to Miami with me every 6 mos or so and gets to play in her house and yard there. But I really worry about the time she is alone in the aprtment in NYC – I am afraid she is bored and will get depressed being alone so much. Can you kitties recommend something my husband and I can do to make her time alone a little more interesting for her? She’s a little too mature for another kitty to join our family (that would make her very unhappy). She has lots of toys but prefers to play with us rather than by herself with them. We even laughed about buying her a bird in a cage to pretend stalk but thought that would be way too cruel to the bird. She has recently been diagnosed with renal insufficiency so we want to keep her as active as possible. Any advice you kitties can offer on how we can keep her entertained and engaged while she is alone would be wonderful and greatly appreciated!

]]> Comment on Ask a Question by Kelly http://www.paws-and-effect.com/ask-a-question/comment-page-5/#comment-7405 Kelly Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:08:16 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/?page_id=119#comment-7405 I have a 11 month old Seal Point Siamese. He is/was a feral kitten his mother had hime and his 3 siblings on our patio last April. We have had him fixed and his shots a month ago since he has stayed around and we have fed him and allowed him indoors. This morning he could barely stand up after I got home from work I noticed he was no better. He has difficulty walking but does not favor any one of his legs they all seem weak. He will eat if you put the food directly in front of him bue will not walk to it. He lays only on his side and will only sit up for a few seconds before doing so. He does not seem to be running a fever and he does not meow or act like he is in pain. His breathing is not labored. I did have him laying in my lap for a little while trying to check to see if there was sometihng in his paws he did not try to move. Only the tip of his tail wags when he normally would wag the entire tail. We do not think that he was poisened because he has been inside for the past 5 days. His sister that we still have also has been in and out and she seems just fine. We do not have a vet for them since we did not plan to keep them we had them fixed and shots through a neuter program in our county. I have been unemployed so I do not have a lot of funds but I do not want him to suffer or for my girls to see him suffering do you have any suggestions about what could be wrong? Before I try to raise the funds to take him to the vet. Thank you. I have a 11 month old Seal Point Siamese. He is/was a feral kitten his mother had hime and his 3 siblings on our patio last April. We have had him fixed and his shots a month ago since he has stayed around and we have fed him and allowed him indoors. This morning he could barely stand up after I got home from work I noticed he was no better. He has difficulty walking but does not favor any one of his legs they all seem weak. He will eat if you put the food directly in front of him bue will not walk to it. He lays only on his side and will only sit up for a few seconds before doing so. He does not seem to be running a fever and he does not meow or act like he is in pain. His breathing is not labored. I did have him laying in my lap for a little while trying to check to see if there was sometihng in his paws he did not try to move. Only the tip of his tail wags when he normally would wag the entire tail. We do not think that he was poisened because he has been inside for the past 5 days. His sister that we still have also has been in and out and she seems just fine. We do not have a vet for them since we did not plan to keep them we had them fixed and shots through a neuter program in our county. I have been unemployed so I do not have a lot of funds but I do not want him to suffer or for my girls to see him suffering do you have any suggestions about what could be wrong? Before I try to raise the funds to take him to the vet. Thank you.

]]> Comment on My beloved cat died suddenly, and I’m in shock. What happened? by Lisa http://www.paws-and-effect.com/2007/08/12/my-beloved-cat-died-suddenly-and-im-in-shock-what-happened/comment-page-1/#comment-7400 Lisa Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:03:06 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/2007/08/12/my-beloved-cat-died-suddenly-and-im-in-shock-what-happened/#comment-7400 I am just beside myself with sorrow. We lost our five yr old tabby, Charlie, just this morning. How does a young, healthy, indoor cat suddently die of pneumonia? I noticed that his breathing was laboured yesterday; however, my husband kept insisting that he was fine and it was probably just a cold. His condition worsened through the night. His breathing became more and more laboured; he was drooling and limp, his pupils were dilated, and he almost seemed to lose half his body weight in a 24 hour period (most likely due to dehydration). Instead of hiding, like many sick animals do, he mustered up the courage and the will to jump on the bed and sleep nuzzled under my chin, right on my pillow. Unfortunately, we do not have a 24 hour vet in our area; so, we had to wait until morning to bring him in. We have a young baby whom I had to stay home with; so, my husband took Charlie into his arms and made the 45 minute drive to the vet. Initially, they suspected asthma; however, blood tests revealed it was Pneumonia. He died on the exam table, with my husband by his side. I will always remember his sweet disposition. He absolutely adored our daughter. Whenever she saw him, she would shriek in delight, and he would return the favour by laying next to her, allowing her to poke and pet him. I don't know that I'll ever get another cat. In my eyes, he can't be replaced. Miss you terribly my Charlie Bear. I am just beside myself with sorrow. We lost our five yr old tabby, Charlie, just this morning. How does a young, healthy, indoor cat suddently die of pneumonia?

I noticed that his breathing was laboured yesterday; however, my husband kept insisting that he was fine and it was probably just a cold. His condition worsened through the night. His breathing became more and more laboured; he was drooling and limp, his pupils were dilated, and he almost seemed to lose half his body weight in a 24 hour period (most likely due to dehydration). Instead of hiding, like many sick animals do, he mustered up the courage and the will to jump on the bed and sleep nuzzled under my chin, right on my pillow. Unfortunately, we do not have a 24 hour vet in our area; so, we had to wait until morning to bring him in. We have a young baby whom I had to stay home with; so, my husband took Charlie into his arms and made the 45 minute drive to the vet. Initially, they suspected asthma; however, blood tests revealed it was Pneumonia. He died on the exam table, with my husband by his side.

I will always remember his sweet disposition. He absolutely adored our daughter. Whenever she saw him, she would shriek in delight, and he would return the favour by laying next to her, allowing her to poke and pet him. I don’t know that I’ll ever get another cat. In my eyes, he can’t be replaced.

Miss you terribly my Charlie Bear.

]]> Comment on Ask a Question by Claire http://www.paws-and-effect.com/ask-a-question/comment-page-5/#comment-7398 Claire Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:43:30 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/?page_id=119#comment-7398 hi, My 10-year old cat Ginger has a very sweet personality, and simply adores people, but recently she had started to attack our other cat, Jasmine, as often as she can. Ginger seems to be obsessed with attacking Jasmine, and won't let up until Jasmine either escapes or we stop them. Jasmine is very shy, and now she spends all her time hiding from Ginger. When Jasmine sees Ginger, she growls out of fear, and that seams to make Ginger even more violent. Ginger has also started sleeping with her nose pushed into my hair as far as possible, and when I push her away she bites my hand. This is really becoming a problem around our house, please help! hi,
My 10-year old cat Ginger has a very sweet personality, and simply adores people, but recently she had started to attack our other cat, Jasmine, as often as she can.
Ginger seems to be obsessed with attacking Jasmine, and won’t let up until Jasmine either escapes or we stop them.
Jasmine is very shy, and now she spends all her time hiding from Ginger.
When Jasmine sees Ginger, she growls out of fear, and that seams to make Ginger even more violent.
Ginger has also started sleeping with her nose pushed into my hair as far as possible, and when I push her away she bites my hand.
This is really becoming a problem around our house,
please help!

]]> Comment on My vet has recommended birth control pills for my cat because of her heart problem. What do you think? by Tim http://www.paws-and-effect.com/2009/02/22/my-vet-has-recommended-birth-control-pills-for-my-cat-because-of-her-heart-problem-what-do-you-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7397 Tim Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:11:19 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/?p=339#comment-7397 I live in rural Mozambique and don't have easy access to somewhere where i can have my female cat spade. I heard that it is possible to give my cat human birth control pills to prevent her from having more kittens (she has already have 4 or 5 litters). Any ideas on what type to use, frequency of administration, etc.? Or is this is a completely off the wall idea? I live in rural Mozambique and don’t have easy access to somewhere where i can have my female cat spade. I heard that it is possible to give my cat human birth control pills to prevent her from having more kittens (she has already have 4 or 5 litters). Any ideas on what type to use, frequency of administration, etc.? Or is this is a completely off the wall idea?

]]> Comment on Ask a Question by Jenna http://www.paws-and-effect.com/ask-a-question/comment-page-5/#comment-7396 Jenna Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:50:54 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/?page_id=119#comment-7396 Hello, I moved in with my boyfriend in October and I brought my male short haired cat with me and he is dominant but cooperative. My Boyfriend has two long haired male cats. One which is slightly handicapped as his brain functions in weird ways. He digs while he eats spreading food across the floor regularly. Collects objects and makes piles with them. He often freezes when he gets nervous or is told to do something like come inside. He also doesn't clean himself and often has pooh stuck to his hair and smears it across the floor. The other cat is territorial and competitive for the attention of my boyfriend. He also steals food when left unattended and spreads it across the floor (even if he doesn't want to eat it). He breaks into the linen closet/dresser drawers (no matter what I do) and sleeps in clean sheets, towels, undies etc. (which makes it hard to keep anything clean and free of huge clumps of cat hair) So as you can see I have been struggling to keep the peace in my new apartment. I recently discovered that I am pregnant and we are very excited about the baby. I am starting to weigh my options of having pets because of the difficulties I've faced in caring for them and realizing I will not have time to wash the pooh off the floor, clean a ton of litter, chase cat out of baby's things and constantly sweep up cat food. Today I discovered a new trait that my boyfriend's competitive cat is displaying. My cat sometimes smells funny because he needs his glads expressed and I have found that bathing him or washing his rear makes a huge difference. So I was cleaning my cat without difficulty and my boyfriend's cat saw what I was doing and lunged at me leaving a huge 3 inch gash in my wrist which came very close to puncturing the big vein in my wrist. I've been scratched by cats before but this was much different and was dangerous to the point where I had to bandage myself to stop the bleeding. I am worried that these cats need to go before the baby comes and it seems unfair. I feel bad because I grew up in a home with tons of animals and have never encountered aggressive or destructive behavior like this in an animal. I have tried to connect with my boyfriends cats and form positive relationships with them to help them overcome their issues but it seems they originally came from a place that has caused them trauma. Please email me if you have advice. Hello,
I moved in with my boyfriend in October and I brought my male short haired cat with me and he is dominant but cooperative. My Boyfriend has two long haired male cats. One which is slightly handicapped as his brain functions in weird ways. He digs while he eats spreading food across the floor regularly. Collects objects and makes piles with them. He often freezes when he gets nervous or is told to do something like come inside. He also doesn’t clean himself and often has pooh stuck to his hair and smears it across the floor. The other cat is territorial and competitive for the attention of my boyfriend. He also steals food when left unattended and spreads it across the floor (even if he doesn’t want to eat it). He breaks into the linen closet/dresser drawers (no matter what I do) and sleeps in clean sheets, towels, undies etc. (which makes it hard to keep anything clean and free of huge clumps of cat hair) So as you can see I have been struggling to keep the peace in my new apartment. I recently discovered that I am pregnant and we are very excited about the baby. I am starting to weigh my options of having pets because of the difficulties I’ve faced in caring for them and realizing I will not have time to wash the pooh off the floor, clean a ton of litter, chase cat out of baby’s things and constantly sweep up cat food. Today I discovered a new trait that my boyfriend’s competitive cat is displaying. My cat sometimes smells funny because he needs his glads expressed and I have found that bathing him or washing his rear makes a huge difference. So I was cleaning my cat without difficulty and my boyfriend’s cat saw what I was doing and lunged at me leaving a huge 3 inch gash in my wrist which came very close to puncturing the big vein in my wrist. I’ve been scratched by cats before but this was much different and was dangerous to the point where I had to bandage myself to stop the bleeding. I am worried that these cats need to go before the baby comes and it seems unfair. I feel bad because I grew up in a home with tons of animals and have never encountered aggressive or destructive behavior like this in an animal. I have tried to connect with my boyfriends cats and form positive relationships with them to help them overcome their issues but it seems they originally came from a place that has caused them trauma.
Please email me if you have advice.

]]> Comment on What does it mean when a cat winks? by Dalia http://www.paws-and-effect.com/2008/01/13/what-does-it-mean-when-a-cat-winks/comment-page-1/#comment-7388 Dalia Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:04:54 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/2008/01/13/what-does-it-mean-when-a-cat-winks/#comment-7388 Hello, i have had my cat for a while now, 4 years i think!, and i have resently bought a kitten, i was hoping that they would get along. However my eldest cat isnt as friendly anymore and he seems not to want anything to do with my kitten any advice please? ~ LotsOfLove Dalia xx Hello,
i have had my cat for a while now, 4 years i think!, and i have resently bought a kitten, i was hoping that they would get along.
However my eldest cat isnt as friendly anymore and he seems not to want anything to do with my kitten
any advice please?
~ LotsOfLove Dalia xx

]]> Comment on My cat always has poop on his britches. Help! by "The Boys" and Karen http://www.paws-and-effect.com/2010/02/28/my-cat-always-has-poop-on-his-britches-help/comment-page-1/#comment-7387 "The Boys" and Karen Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:28:31 +0000 http://www.paws-and-effect.com/?p=578#comment-7387 We have Persian cats; one of them in particular, often gets "dirty pants." I suppose part of it is because he has short legs and a very round belly. And, our litter boxes have covers. We do try to clean off what we can; sometimes his "business" is a bit difficult to remove, though. In some instances, we will give him a "butt dip" by lowering his back end into a sitz bath tub-type thing. Dip him up and down just so his rear is in the water and then we dry him off. In really bad situations, we take him to the vet for a shave. At times when the stool does not come completely out, it could be because he's not drinking enough water or may be because he's not getting enough exercise. We have Persian cats; one of them in particular, often gets “dirty pants.” I suppose part of it is because he has short legs and a very round belly. And, our litter boxes have covers.

We do try to clean off what we can; sometimes his “business” is a bit difficult to remove, though.

In some instances, we will give him a “butt dip” by lowering his back end into a sitz bath tub-type thing. Dip him up and down just so his rear is in the water and then we dry him off.

In really bad situations, we take him to the vet for a shave.

At times when the stool does not come completely out, it could be because he’s not drinking enough water or may be because he’s not getting enough exercise.

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