Cat Chat Feline Forum

Oh bless her, how very distinctive! I wouldn't think it's anything to worry about - a white patch shows a lack of pigment in the bump, but why not phone up your vet for reassurance? If he thinks it's worth it, he can take another look and if he's concerned removing a small wart like bump shouldn't b...

I am thinking that something has happened between them and has promoted a very negative dynamic, which is hard to break without separating them for a time. I think the idea of putting the boy Jeffrey in a cattery whilst you are away is a very good one. Let your girl Judy regain her confidence and ke...

So sorry hear this - unfortunately this is one of those times when we have to say goodbye - the only decision is when. Is it possible for the vet to give her some pain medication to make her a little more comfortable so that you can have a little precious time together and give her the love and comf...

Dear ErinRose, I'm so sorry to hear about the trauma that both you and Buttercup are suffering. Thank you for your very detailed account - it will help people to respond I'm sure as knowing as much as possible is better than partial snippets, so don't worry about that. I have no experience with anyt...

Would you consider keeping him indoors whilst you are away? It would be easier for your daughter to keep an eye on him and you wouldn't need to worry about him getting into difficulties. It sounds like Pixie has lost his confidence and needs time before he's ready to free-roam again. I'm sure you ha...

Sorry to hear this - it's what every lover of a free spirit dreads - that they would rather live somewhere else! I think that this might be your key though - obviously she's getting fed somewhere and likes what she's getting, or doesn't like something about her home. I would try a two-pronged approa...

I think you are really wise considering keeping all your cats in at night. Much as they love it, statistics seem to suggest this is when they are most likely to get into trouble. Three of mine have never been out at night, and one got herself into a fright last year and wouldn't come in once it was ...

The most likely solution would be friends and family, but if all else fails, and depending on your pocket, some catteries do special rates for long term residents I believe. You would ideally need to find one where your two had a reasonable amount of space but at least (not one with little boxes) bu...

Would it be cruel to squirt it with a water pistol?

Poor Georgie - I guess part of it is the fear of the unknown, a bit like the hatred some dogs have of the postman, who invades their property but always out of reach...

Hi there - we had something similar with one of ours about a year after we got her. I can only conclude now that she'd taken a dislike to the smell of the litter - I then tried all sorts and came up with Sanicat oxygen power non-clumping, and she loves this. No more problems! Litter often releases a...

Good advice - I have no experience in his area but I think a vet trip, to give you an idea about her age and issues, is really important. Gentle fusses to your lovely girl. X

As he's neutered he's unlikely to start spraying - if you do the introductions carefully (lots of information on this forum) there's no reason to expect your boy would not get on with a newcomer - of course she would have to like the dog too, and the only issue I can see is whether it would upset th...

If she has any sense, Shelly, she will have thought about your reaction and she'll find a way to apologise tomorrow when you're giving her a lift. Of course she may not - but if she has any sensitivity she would have been embarrassed. Try not to dwell on it - you know Dora's gorgeous - we all do - b...

Hi Val - this sounds like good progress. This was what we did successfully last year with our girl who now goes in and out fine. Interestingly she still does not like butting it with her head - she delicately pushes it with a paw to get it going, and then ducks her head underneath! Do keep us up to ...

Aha! Yes, she's worked out that she has to get her claws round the door when depressing the handle ... and she's delicate with it! We have a big fat ex-Tom who within a couple of weeks of being allowed in the house realised that the way to open doors was to depress the handle. He launches his whole ...

The licking is normal, I think. Mr Socks was licking, but I don't think he actually understood what had happened!

So glad your lovely boy is home. He is definitely an unstoppable Comet!! Happy days! xx

Poor little lad! It sounds like he is still confused after all the changes he has suffered - some cats are more resilient to change than others. They are GORGEOUS boys, by the way! Stunners! If I were you I would stop trying to get him to go out for the meantime. The LAST thing you want is for a ner...

Poor little lad! It sounds like he is still confused after all the changes he has suffered - some cats are more resilient to change than others. I would give him time - when he's ready you can instead work on the fusses, active play and lots of nice places to perch for the lad. Do you have a nice cl...

Dear Lily! I have a similar situation to you - a cat 'tunnel' through a wall, as our only exit otherwise is glass patio doors. We installed it last spring and spent all summer trying to get out three girls to use it. Only one managed to get out of her own free will, by prizing it up and contorting h...

One more thought - have you had your electrics checked? This may be a random thought, but the electric smell would be stronger if there was a smouldering fault somewhere. We've all heard of cats alerting their owners to potential problems... Very random, so feel free to ignore... but please keep us ...

Well now, I've been doing some googling on this one - and apparently electricity and electric outlets smell - and this is particularly noticeable to cats!! Plastic also smells. I've read a suggestion (which makes sense to me) that your cat has taken a dislike to the smell and is 'marking' to hide it...

Dear Simon, You poor thing and poor Archie! He'll probably have a bad first day but then he'll be fine. It's the shock of the transition to something new. We took our three to the cattery recently and they've been before, but this time Jessie, the nervous one, cried and screamed and whimpered all th...

Okay - I've got an idea. It sounds to me as if your cat has become insecure, and one of the signs can be inappropriate peeing etc in places where they don't feel vulnerable - so up higher than where a litterbox is normally placed. I've heard of cats peeing on kitchen counters for the same reason - h...

Tylor, I would think that all these symptoms are likely related to post-partum problems and she may have some tearing or infection which is causing these symptoms. A discharge after birth is normal for about 10 days it seems, but this seems too long. At the very least, phone the vet nurse. Ask for a...

Hi Winnipegchick - so glad to hear from you, I was worried that you hadn't come back on... Thanks for the lovely description of your family. I will share my thoughts with you - now please I'm not an expert; I'm a human psychologist, not a cat one, but I'm learning! I think Mama Cali needs fixing. Ev...

Does look like a Burman, especially with the coloured front legs... maybe that's why your Dad got confused with Siamese, they are both oriental names.

Oh poor little Tiger! What a sweetheart! I do hope he settles in quickly - all our cat-chatters who have had visually impaired cats say they adjust very quickly. I expect his housemates are put off a little by the vet smell but this will wear off pretty soon I would think. Please give him a gentle c...

This seems to be a useful site on poop colour (and other things) http://www.fanciers.com/cat-facts/cat-health/21-Litter%20Box%20Issues/61-the-poop-patrol-by-terri-jorgensen.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; BUT poop colour can be a reflection of the food she's eating, and...

Barney will be fine, Julie - a like the idea of the notice by the front door - I think that's a great idea, your FL will be grateful for the reminder. Barney will be in his own home, with your smells around and all his familiar favourite places - he will be so happy when you return to make it comple...

Oh dear, how confusing for you! Sorting out problems between humans is hard enough, and you can ask them what it the matter and reason with them - with cats this is not possible, so you have to consider a number of possible strategies which might be helpful. Sounds like the one you're going with at ...