Cat Chat Feline Forum

“Winter is actually one of the best times for pruning, I've just done my pear tree, Acer, and Cotinus the other day, the plant is sleeping, the sap isn't rising and there is less chance of invection getting in the fresh cuts, but i would advise doing it during the day not at night.” Thanks for the g...

That made me smile! Little sod! Glad you got him though. Hope the garden recovers!

To be honest, if she’s already integrated with your lot, and given what horrors you’ve already been through with her, I’d say you’re coping really well, and perhaps on that basis it wouldn’t be a huge leap to make her a permanent part of your household. All of the other options look tougher than sim...

Agree with the others re dried food and kidneys, although I had a cat with chronic kidney disease who did well for a few years on “renal” dried food, (she wouldn't touch the wet version) but she drank water like a fish to make up for it. I’ve always free fed my cats, and none have ended up obese. Bu...

I agree, rather than just blaming what he’s eating, it might be worth finding out if there’s a medical reason why he’s suddenly not tolerating food that he’s thrived on for years. My two have a diet of RoyalCanin dried and Felix AGAIL, and I haven’t noticed any dodgy tums lately, or at all, on this ...

I have never, ever, gone home with the type of cat I had in mind. Just go to the rescue centre with an open mind, and you won’t regret it. Very often the cat chose me. They are surprisingly perceptive, trust in that. I’ve had cats older than I’d wanted (but they outlived all the young ones), younger...

I agree that docility can be a sign of fear. Certainly what you describe when you put her down (ie going “floppy”) is very much a fear reaction. We had a Siamese when I was young who was terrified of thunder, and she would go like a limp rag, incapable of much movement, till it was over

I agree that 5 weeks is VERY early days for a feral cat to adjust, even such a young one. She has probably had little or no experience of humans and has a lot to learn. She only feels relaxed enough to play when you’ve all gone to bed. Is there any reason you don’t let her have free run of the house...

Several things spring to mind. Cats often lick their lips when they’re about to be sick, but excessive salivating can also suggest she’s eaten something toxic. It may also suggest difficulty swallowing, possibly due to an obstruction. If I were you I’d give your vet a call and be prepared to take he...

I agree with Ruth, I chose the black cat as I love black cats, butI was strongly tempted by the other cats simply because their body language was better. Perhaps you could find a nicer pic of a black cat to even the odds? Otherwise this will artificially skew your results

Survey done. Good luck processing the varied responses you’re going to get!

JoDe, this is a cat lovers website. Please take your spam elsewhere

Edit - I note the offending spam post re dog toys has now been removed by the Mods. Unrelated to the survey!

Lily wasn’t really showing much symptoms, I can’t honestly remember why I took her in, it was a while ago now. No cats like going to the vet, but sometimes you really do need to just tough it out, reminding yourself that you’re doing this because you love them, and they will ultimately benefit from ...

My best guess is that given his age it’s possible he is hyperthyroid, which can result in the cat calling more than usual. Blood tests at the vet will confirm whether or not this is the case, and it can be treated either with surgery and/or drugs. My old girl Lily had it for years, and we managed it...

I’m so sorry to hear about your girl’s diagnosis. I don’t have any experience of this distressing condition, and can only suggest you take your vets guidance on treatment, even if it's just palliative care. Do speak to your vet, they will have seen how this condition progresses and may be able to of...

I agree with fjm. She’s just found somewhere quiet that she likes to use as her sleeping den. If you’re a “new” cat owner, do read Vicky Hall’s Cat Confidential, a really good intro into cat psychology.

Please don’t give up. I know of people who have had totally feral cats who eventually became cuddle bums, but it takes a lot of time and patience, and for a cat this scared you have a long way to go yet. Do you play with him at all? Interactive toys like feathers on sticks or wand toys (ie stick and...

Good suggestions from Ruth, so I don’t have a lot to add. But yes,do let your resident cat mainly have free access to the rest of the house, but feeding them near each other at the same time will be helpful. You may find the suggestions in this link helpful too. https://www.catchat.org/index.php/new...

You need to look at the world through your cat’s eyes. You say she won’t go out - this suggests to me that by nature she is a timid cat. As a kitten she was around lively toddlers, who can behave unpredictably, and loudly (!) which could spook even a docile cat, so it’s given your cat some negative ...

she’s a cat! Human rules don't apply in her world

I agree with Mollycat, time to get a second opinion from a more experienced and qualified vet. Hyperthyroidism is very rare (ie pretty much unheard of) in cats less than 10years old, so I’m surprised your vet even tested for this. Please don't just turn to the Internet, it’s not a place where qualif...

Good advice from rum and Mollycat. I had a similar problem with our blind boy Mitz, who suddenly started pooping outside their trays, and never quite stopped. I suspect he inadvertently stood in a wet patch and didn’t want to repeat the experience, although he did always use the tray to pee (well, m...

I would also work on resolving her nervousness, but that’s difficult while she’s in the ceiling. Try to engineer some time where you can interact with her. Cats feel a lot safer if they’re above their humans, (hence the ceiling and high perches) so get down to her level. Lying on the floor with them...

Oh yes, my garlic loving puss also like sultana cake. She couldn’t read the health warnings. I used to have to practically fight her for the crime caramel pudding! I never ate a meal alone when this dear girl lived with me

I had a cat who loved garlic mushrooms (in the days before social media spread the health alerts). She was fine, but keep an eye on her and do check with your vet.

It’s a brave and foolish person who tries this in our house!

Hi Life do some very nice treats too, my lot love them

Webbox always go down well with my lot. I used to use them for hiding pills as well. They just thought they were getting treats twice a day!

Cats often find intense emotion of any type directed towards them difficult to handle, so may shy away if you’re overdoing it. Although strangely I’ve seen my cats respond with great compassion towards my own grief at times. These are creatures of great wisdom, whatever their outward appearance may ...

So sorry to hear of your loss, it’s just devastating when they have to leave us. I agree with Mollycat, cats definitely do grieve, and just like us, their personality does change in the following months, both as they work through it and readjust, and as their place in the hierarchy changes. Our Elsi...