Cat Chat Feline Forum

May be worth checking for Cushing's, although I think that is more common in dogs. Or it is just possible that the hyperthyroidism has recurred, although that seems unlikely from the blood tests.

I would actually expect her metabolism to slow after treatment for hyperthyroidism - but I think you have already said her case was atypical. Pippin has put on weight and his coat has thickened back up since his treatment. There may be something else going on - I think if you can I would get her che...

I don't think dry food is generally considered better for the kidneys - on the contrary, wet food is the usual recommendation. Cats have evolved to get most of their fluids from their prey, and may not drink enough to compensate for a dry food, leading to chronic mild dehydration. And the benefits o...

I think they may settle more easily than you think - my cats have spent several weeks in well run catteries and been very happy, despite much less space than you will be offering. I would plan on making everything as familiar as possible - beds, scratching posts, trays etc from home, plus throws fro...

3 weeks, 3 months, 3 years - sounds as if you may definitely be on your way to the next breakthrough!

I am more familiar with the problems with dogs, where fading neonate can be strongly associated with canine herpes. As far as I am aware the issues with kittens are different, but if you have had several litters of fading kittens, things I would consider are: Health and genetic compatibility of both...

I agree with Mollycat - personality and temperament has much more to do with maternal care and early socialising than breed, and all cats with hair shed. The longer the hair the more the shedding, unless it becomes matted into painful and dangerous lumps. I would start building up a relationship wit...

He will probably feel much better for having them gone, but it will be interesting to see whether the mice start thumbing their noses at him!

Pip is on a smallish daily dose of Metacam, and glucosamine - the Metacam in particular makes a big difference. He is very creaky and his hips in particular are sore, but he pootles around and seems to manage to do most things he wants to and enjoy life.

We too have a surplus of rain... Wish there were some way we could help.

Does it look rather like dried blood? There are a number of threads on Black Stuff on Cat's Chin, if you search the forum. Tilly had it, and I think it was car eczema - it cleared up with a couple of applications of Hypercal ointment. But it is always wise to consult your vet if you are concerned - ...

There are alternatives to pilling - surgery was the preferred treatment before the radio-iodine treatment became available, and is still widely used.

I have found that there is usually a slight stiffening, and a movement of the ears before the need to escape overcomes the desire for petting, but it sounds as if you are already watching for those. I would try limiting petting and lap time - just a few seconds then a pause if stroking, just a few m...

Technically, unless he comes from pedigree parents, he is not a breed. Looking at him I would suspect a mix of something like Norwegian Forest or Maine Coon, or other long hair and a domestic short hair.

Mine have never needed sedating to take blood - they just sit there. Tilly does best with very little restraint, as she likes to be in control, Pip freezes when worried - with both blood is taken in just a few minutes. Blood tests seem to worry them less than inoculations. There are four treatment o...

It does sound as if it might be hyperthyroidism. Have you noticed any weight loss, or increased activity, playfulness, or reactivity? All possible signs, although not in all cats. Pippin got very hungry in the night when he was hyperthyroid, so much so that he got hunger pukes in the early morning -...

It sounds as if under the bed is her safe den - she is happy to play and be with you, but likes to snuggle down to sleep in a dark quiet place. Kittens need a lot of sleep - I would give her a comfy blanket there, make sure she has access to tray, food and water, and let her snooze where she is happy.

There are drugs and implants that can delay the onset of heat, but they tend to increase the risk of unpleasant cancers and other diseases. I am with the others - ask around for recommendations and find a vet who will spay your kitten sooner. At 19 weeks she is likely to come into season very soon!

Pippin had his regular check up this morning. His weight has stayed stable for over 12 months, he has regained some of the muscle he lost due to hyperthyroidism two years ago, and his heart is steady and regular. I didn't put him through blood tests, as there have been no troubling symptoms. The vet...

duplicate post

Done - very quick and easy!

I am going to sound a different note. While as Ruth says he is safe, warm and fed living in your flat it also sounds as if he is in a fairly constant state of high anxiety, which must have a significant effect on his quality of life. His days may be fewer and rougher in an outdoor colony, but they m...

I would stop putting yourself into a panic! Pet food is subject to regular recalls, just as is human food - it shows the system of tests and checking is working. Unless you grow and raise all your own food completely organically far away from any possibility of wind drift from commercial growers foo...

Frankly, it sounds as if she is living in the lap of luxury! I have always let mine sleep with me when they want to, but that is my preference. They tend to come and go through the night, which could be disturbing for a light sleeper, and the 3am arrival of a cold wet cat complaining vociferously ab...

Not cruel at all, but 7 weeks is very young for a kitten to leave Mum and siblings and she may need some extra comfort, especially if the room gets cold at night - perhaps a pet safe heat pad, or similar. It sounds as if she has you wrapped around her tiny paw already and is living a lovely life. As...

The very first thing I would do is get him thoroughly checked out by your vet - thyroid issues in particular can cause behaviour changes, but so can many other conditions. If the vet finds nothing I would consult with a qualified cat behaviourist, if you can afford it. If there is still no solution ...

They sound like my two - they always seem to know which neighbour has the key, and which window sills will get the quickest response. Although the kind chap who fed them over Christmas was so lavish I doubt the bowls were ever empty!

My nephew made a special Christmas video - I share it with his permission.

Introducing Mme Millinocket, and her Christmas song!

https://player.vimeo.com/video/380701181

Thyroid would be the first thing I would look at, given how common hyperthyroidism is in older cats - especially as it is also so treatable.

It sounds as if something has happened to convince him that pooing in the tray is dangerous or painful. You have tried most of the usual suggestions, but I have had some success with puppy/incontinence pads and a few sheets of kitchen roll or loo paper in the chosen area - it doesn't solve the probl...