OT December Chit Chat

[agate]

I've usually had only one cat at a time but every now and then there was a visiting cat who stayed on weekends or even for a whole week. The two didn't like each other much, and that never changed over the year or two when this was happening.

I set them up with one cat occupying the living room-kitchen-bathroom area, and the other in the bedroom. Separate dishes, separate litter boxes, and a firmly shut bedroom door--it was the only way to keep them from getting all bent out of shape.

But I've seen households where several cats lived together in a very friendly way. Guess it depends on the cat's personality and age--and probably how the humans handle the situation.

[Howie]

Sam loves to snuggle up against me, or Seven.

I don't remember, but does the guy with the 300 cats get any local government money? If not, he should. He is doing a service for the whole community.

That area they show in the picture looks very clean, and has scratching LOGS for the cats, and even has carpet on them to make a nice spot to stretch out.

[Jeanie Z]

:) I got a call this morning from Ron's sister and he passed away yesterday afternoon. I am sad but I know he is no longer in pain and miserable. The last 2 or 3 years have been very hard for him. There will be no service.

My Andy is at the Dolphin game and so far they are winning. Andy has tomorrow off and plans to mow my grass. It is in the 70's here.

I slept good last night, so feel better today. Stay warm everyone. Jeanie :)

[stillstANNding]

It's very odd to hear you say, Keep warm, Jeanie!

Sorry that Ron has passed.

ANN

[Jeanie Z]

:) Because most of you live in colder places than I do. Jeanie

[SuzE-Q]

I've usually had only one cat at a time but every now and then there was a visiting cat who stayed on weekends or even for a whole week. The two didn't like each other much, and that never changed over the year or two when this was happening.

I set them up with one cat occupying the living room-kitchen-bathroom area, and the other in the bedroom. Separate dishes, separate litter boxes, and a firmly shut bedroom door--it was the only way to keep them from getting all bent out of shape.

But I've seen households where several cats lived together in a very friendly way. Guess it depends on the cat's personality and age--and probably how the humans handle the situation.

Agate, I've read that cats actually prefer solitude, they would rather be the only cat in the household, even though many people don't believe this (or know it) and get another cat to keep the one company.

Jeanie, so sorry to hear about Ron. My condolences.

[Cat Dancer]

Cats are as individual as people. Some cats like the company of other cats (or other animals), some don't. And getting cats comfortable in a multi-cat situation can be a challenge. We have had good success, but we haven't just thrown two cats together, either. Every time we've taken in a new cat with one (or more) already established, we've gone through the process of locking up the new sibling in a room, but letting the others smell us, smell the new ones litter, smell clothes that we've left in the room and them removed the next day. And in this house, the "isolation room" has a large enough gap under the door that the cats can slide their paw under it and touch each other.

Of the four (now three) that we currently have, two were a mother/daughter pair (the mother has since died). They got along OK, of course, with the occasional squabble. When we introduced Tuffy, a male, we got him neutered right away, then isolated him. Cassie, the daughter, was really happy to hang out on the other side of the door, talking to him, sticking her paw under the door to touch him. When he had been locked away for a week, we let him out, under strict supervision. Momma cat was NOT happy -- lots of yelling and hissing and threatening behavior. We just stood by, ready to grab one or both...but after several displays of dominance on the part of the mother, they settled down. After some time, they never became best friends, but didn't fight with each other, either. Cassie and Tuffy, however, would sleep together, cuddle with each other, share food with each other.

Then came TabbyGrey, another Tom. Again, neutered before letting in, a period of isolation, then letting out. Momma again displayed dominance, Tuffy boxed his ears once, Cassie cuddled up. After awhile, all became friends with him, and we'd find any combination of cats sleeping with him, and with us.

Tuffy is the only one that, had he had a choice in the matter, would have loved to be "only" cat, but he tolerates the others well...and spends a lot of time in my lap... :)

[SuzE-Q]

That's exactly how you're supposed to introduce a new cat into a furfamily, Cat!

[Jeanie Z]

:) Andy had a great time at the Dolphin game. They went down at 9 AM and tailgate cooked and ate and drank beer. He said the stadium is impressive and sent me a photo in a text message. He said all the seats are protected from the rain but the teams are in the rain.

Over 60,000 people leaving at the same time. Traffic was awful. They heard there was a wreck on the Turnpike so they took I-95 and there were 2 wrecks on that and it is usually a one hour drive. The game ended about 4:30 and he did not get home until after 8 PM. The ticket was $100. His friend goes all the time so he knew all the ins and outs.

Andys 4 cats are used to eating at 6 and 6 daily, and he said they were all meowing when he started up the walkway. Then they all came in the house with him for a bit. They are all feral fixed cats about 13 years old. I was glad he was not in the rain.

I told both sons about Ron as they were close to him too. There won't be a service but I am going to send his sister flowers. Jeanie :)

[Howie]

I just made my store run, and got to use the Food Lion gift card my sister sent me for my birthday. Among other things, I got TWO bags of shredded cheese for the cats.

Tomorrow, I have a fairly early Dr. appointment. I've written down everything I need for him to change. The dose on my pain med mostly, I'm tired of hurting all the time.

Everyone have a great evening!

[agate]

Two bags of shredded cheese for the cats! One for each cat? While you're at the doctor's maybe you should make sure the bags are in the refrigerator where the cats can't get at it.

I have yet to see a cat open a refrigerator door but then I don't know Sam. I once had a kitten who loved to crawl into the refrigerator. I was always fishing her out from way back on the lowest shelf. But she couldn't open the door. She waited for me to open it.

[Howie]

I always refrigerate the cheese. I give them cheese first thing in the morning, but ALL day, if I open the fridge, one or both are right there. Cheese fiends!

I decided to just make coffee and stay up all night. I see the doctor at 10:30, and after TRYING to sleep, I gave up and started the coffee.

[stillstANNding]

Don't be surprised if your blood pressure is elevated, Howie.

ANN

[Howie]

Cool hand Howie's BP was normal. Everything went fine, got all my prescriptions renewed. I had a really nice talk with him. Soon, I'm going to take a nap, I am very sleepy. I haven't eaten yet because I know that soon after, it would knock me out.

[Jeanie Z]

:) Howie did the doctor give you new pain meds? Jeanie :)