…… Questions needs for my House Cat Book - please post your Kitty Questions here!

[Melodi]

Hi everyone,
By now most people on the forum know I have written a book on keeping Happy Barn Cats.

That book is doing well enough that Nightwolf and I have been asked to write a book on The Happy Housecat.

Now the first book came about from 45 single-spaced pages of questions asked here on the forum over the course of about five years or so.

This time we have to write the book faster, but I was hoping for input, questions and maybe even photos (if you are willing to give permission for their use) from forum members.

While the book is mostly about housecats, any questions or related comments on domestic cat behavior is most appreciated.

Stories and the like are also appreciated but if those are used again you will probably want to sign a permission slip with my publisher so I'll need a way of contacting you off-forum.

Common sorts of questions we are looking at are things like: litter box problems, introducing a new kitten to an older cat, moving with cats, etc.

Mods please leave this on the main for a day or two and then we can move this to the pet section if you like.

Thanks in advance!

Melodi

PS I really need plans and practical instructions for things like building catios, cat beds etc - anyone willing to provide and share these please contact me (and yes I know there is a lot on-line but I need specific instructions with permission to use them in the book).

Personally I am pretty hopeless when it comes to things like carpentry.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QX95Z85/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

 

[jward]

I have been meaning to ask you about neutering my indoor, but farm, cat. I wondered whether staying entact would provide him any benefits in size or strength etc that I hadn't thought of. Not precisely what you are seeking, but if you can work it into something useful, feel free.

I hoped he might be able to stay unaltered, but of course I love my bobby baby and what matters to me is that I keep him healthy and happy. Still, if it's needed, I can handle the job myself ::

 

[Blacknarwhal]

How about a bit for the first-time cat owner? Probably a few people out there considering getting a cat, but have no idea what they'll need to do so. Might work.

 

[Melodi]

OK I'll add that one to the book it is very important but I will do a quick response here (as well as ask you to PM me with your meat world details so I can get you a permission slip to use your kitty's photo and/or the question if you want your name use).

First, Nightwolf goes over this in the Happy Barn cat book (which you can read free with Kindle Unlimted) and since you have a wonderful Barn Cat Boy you may want to get that book too.

However, there are two things to remember:

1. Neutered is almost always better unless a cat is too elderly or ill to undergo the procedure - they will still protect your property, drive off rival toms, love their females but not get them pregnant or wander as much as 10 miles around looking for rival tom's females to chat with.

2. Please DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS YOURSELF! Nightwolf goes over this (using his medical background and the official training manual for vets). Cats are not like sheep or even dogs and a home neutering can go terribly wrong very easily because cats are a bit "special" in that department.

Sure if the SHTF, it would be better than nothing but in that situation, casualties are more acceptable and you don't want to risk your wonderful boy.

Many places (even rural Ireland) have rescues, charities, and vets who will do subsidized neutering and spaying, sometimes during certain months and others year-round.

Even with good vet care, there is always a small risk both from anesthesia and/or infection, toms can also occasionally have unusual presentations or issues that need special care and treatment - it is rare but it does happen.

Also, the things that "work" on most farm animals (bands, knives, and even teeth - yeah they used to do that in Ireland with bull calves) can kill a kitty.

So please get your special guy "fixed," and keep him indoors afterward (Nightwolf just said banding doesn't work because the cat's testicles are so close to the body).

Lovely kitty!

 

[Cardinal]

How about a bit for the first-time cat owner? Probably a few people out there considering getting a cat, but have no idea what they'll need to do so. Might work.

First they need to learn "baby talk".
Can't talk to your pets otherwise.

Maybe Melodi can include a dictionary of sorts.

 

[Lone_Hawk]

A warning while moving.

When driving a standard cab pickup with a loaded bed pulling a loaded trailer with your very unhappy kitty in a carrier sitting next to you in the passenger seat while driving on I-95 headed south through Washington DC....

DO NOT feel bad about said kitty and release him into the cab!

He jumped up on the dash right in front of me blocking my view and I dang near hit an 18 wheeler trying to get him off the dash!!!

I'm not sure how a survived getting him back in the carrier!

 

[Melodi]

A warning while moving.

When driving a standard cab pickup with a loaded bed pulling a loaded trailer with your very unhappy kitty in a carrier sitting next to you in the passenger seat while driving on I-95 headed south through Washington DC....

DO NOT feel bad about said kitty and release him into the cab!

He jumped up on the dash right in front of me blocking my view and I dang near hit an 18 wheeler trying to get him off the dash!!!

I'm not sure how a survived getting him back in the carrier!

Thank you Lone Hawk, that is important to add to the list! A lot of vets these days will give kitty "meds" just for traveling so the driver doesn't have to do what my Mom did in 1973: drive for five days with seven cats yowling at the top of their lungs and giving the driver a massive (and potentially dangerous) headache.

 

[Melodi]

First they need to learn "baby talk".
Can't talk to your pets otherwise.

Maybe Melodi can include a dictionary of sorts.

I think the "I can haz Cheesburger" site handles that will but what will be in the book is the theory that cats are attractive as pets partly because most of them are about the size of a newborn human infant.

While they don't have as many variations as dogs, over time domestic cats have developed traits to look more "cute" to humans and they almost never meow to each other in the wild/feral colonies but they do meow to communicate with their humans.

 

[FireDance]

Here’s a case for you:

Caught baby kitten and transferred to carrier for vet.

He had a companion at the time and they did well together. Two dogs who were cat dogs (no interference)

Acquired another cat and the stray began to pee on the beds on the couches, clothing etc.

He has always been dd’s baby.

My guess he really needs to be an only cat but he seems to like the company of the other cats most of the time. He’s old now.

Box is clean blah blah. Seems like a no brainer yet the little turd has managed to ruin a lot of things. Is there hope?

 

[duchess47]

I have a feral cat (George) who was born on my ranch 17yrs ago. He was trapped and neutered about age 1 and released again. Miracle of miracles, he survived 17yrs in the country, avoiding coyotes, injuries except cat fights and illness. I fed him daily and talked to him but could never touch him.

Almost two years ago he told me to check the greenhouse which I did and found a female had had a single kitten. I started feeding them and trapped the baby when he was weaned by mom and had him neutered and made a house cat.

In April when we sold the ranch, I tricked George into coming far enough in the door to check out Smokey, above kitten, so I could close the door on him. With difficulty I finally was able to get him in a crate to move to our new home, where he decided he loved the house, loved being a house cat, loved me and was okay with now almost two year old Smokey.

Smokey however, torments and attacks George. How do I stop that? George will live the rest of his life in peace if I can manage, even if it means finding another home for Smokey so really need advice.

Sorry this is so long.

 

[Dennis Olson]

Can I tie one to a pole and wash my car with it?

 

[Texican]

Can I tie one to a pole and wash my car with it?

Dennis,

You can try, but be sure you have lots of alcohol, antibiotic and bandages and be sure to film your encounter....

Live streaming would also help....

Texican....

 

[Dennis Olson]

“How to give a cat a pill”

 

[Martinhouse]

I still have a 4" scar on my forearm from bathing a big Calico over 40 years ago. Of course it's kind of hard to find now, among all the wrinkles.

The last cat I bathed was absolutely impossible to finish rinsing, so I crammed her into a pet carrier and just kept pouring water on her until it ran clear and had no soapy taste.

Dennis, did you know that a cat can climb straight up a flat smooth, 6 foot formica wall?

 

[Dennis Olson]

On an episode of “funniest videos” a few years ago, there was a cat sitting calmly at the side of an inground pool. A kid in a mask and snorkel swam underwater across the pool, and popped up right in its face. The cat leapt EIGHT FEET STRAIGHT UP (it cleared the pool ladder vertically) and disappeared, all without touching the ground.

 

[Satanta]

I rarely bathe a Cat now-not with the Fidtula on myy arm. One good bite or scratch and I'm dead. Back in my Veterinary days I'd bathe anything you could fit thru the door-whether it liked it or not. Still got some scars but they were a Medal of Honor in the day as no one else could match me tenacity and fearlessness dealing with critters.

You know when the kitty is all sniffy-sniffy around your face? It's not being Friendly-it's trying to determine if your eyes and tongue are ready to eat.

Here's yer Question-why does a Cat always present it's Butthole to you when you pet it?

 

[Martinhouse]

Dennis, I never saw that funniest video but I believe it. The cat who gave me the scar on my arm used to regularly jump up onto the top of my full-sized refrigerator without even touching the side of it.

Of course she only resorted to this because I wouldn't let her jump from the kitchen counter which was on the other side of the fridge.

Satanta, I always figured that was the cat's way of showing that it trusts you. Or maybe it just wants you to be able to identify it.. I used to tell my kids that it was a special honor. Of course, with a cat, it could just as well mean "I'd poop on you if I weren't so fastidious."

 

[Seeker22]

I rarely bathe a Cat now-not with the Fidtula on myy arm. One good bite or scratch and I'm dead. Back in my Veterinary days I'd bathe anything you could fit thru the door-whether it liked it or not. Still got some scars but they were a Medal of Honor in the day as no one else could match me tenacity and fearlessness dealing with critters.

You know when the kitty is all sniffy-sniffy around your face? It's not being Friendly-it's trying to determine if your eyes and tongue are ready to eat.

Here's yer Question-why does a Cat always present it's Butthole to you when you pet it?

It's Obama's cat?

 

[BornFree]

Smokey however, torments and attacks George. How do I stop that? George will live the rest of his life in peace if I can manage, even if it means finding another home for Smokey so really need advice.

Sorry this is so long.

You might be surprised at how easy you could get the kitten to stop his attacks. You just need to use your voice, hand jesters, and a bit of force to stop it. Build up to whatever force is necessary to warrant the kittens respect, but don't use anymore force than the minimum amount necessary. Make it clear to the kitten that you actions are about separating it from harassing the other cat. Like a very light smack to the face and a shoving motion away from the other cat. Verbal tones are also important. When the kitten is behaving then reward it with some attention. I have recently seen this procedure work quite well in a situation that is exactly as you describe.

 

[Shooter]

My dog weighs 165 pounds, and is very active, how many cats a day should I feed it?

 

[Sacajawea]

Why do some cats go away and hide to die while others want to be front & center, to be pampered?

 

[Dennis Olson]

My dog weighs 165 pounds, and is very active, how many cats a day should I feed it?

Well, a lot of them are high in fat, so you’d want to limit how many. But free-range cats are healthiest. Just let your dog chase them down.

 

[Melodi]

Well, a lot of them are high in fat, so you’d want to limit how many. But free-range cats are healthiest. Just let your dog chase them down.

Guys, I know this seems really funny to you and you mean well, but considering a jerk just went to jail for being caught on camera egging his dog on to eat someone's pet kitty (and the intense grief and pain that caused) I really don't find this sort of thing funny.

Like photos of actual dead cats (as opposed to cartoons) for "Dead Cat Bounce Threads," I am going to request that on this thread, at last, to please refrain from joking about the actual harming of pets.

We can deal with tough questions, though a housecat book isn't the place for dealing with when it is more humane to shoot a feral cat than let it suffer, but I've dealt with that question in other places.

Too many people in Ireland do use live kittens to be torn to pieces to "train" their fighting dogs.

If you don't like cats or just can't contain yourself, I humbly request you start another thread for this type of "joke."

Thank you

 

[Dennis Olson]

I really don’t care about your “feelz”. Maybe you need to surf over to “fluffypinkbunnies.com”

 

[Melodi]

OK my entire post was just eaten so I guess I'm giving the short version.

1. Litter box questions are complex and will be covered as fully as I can in the book, the solution that works best for healthy cats is to lock them in a kennel cage for a few days with a nice pan, food, water, toys and you close by. This forces the cat to use the litter tray (almost all cats will do this rather than poop in their bedding, even ferals). After three days to a week, let them out into a small room but keep the pan and the cage there for the cat to use. In another week try letting the cat back into the rest of the house.

That isn't everything but it is an emergency start.

2. A kitten who is driving a senior cat crazy, there are two good ways to cope with this and they are not mutually exclusive.

A. Get a second kitten, they will tire each other out, be companions for life (all going well) and the older cat is free to join in or ignore them.

B. Give the older cat his OWN Territory - like a bedroom, bathroom or other location - unless you are in a studio apartment this is usually doable.

The Old Geezer can leave the room if he likes but the kitten(s) don't go in there, that is his "safe space" no snowflakes need to apply.

There are other ways to cope with this but these are the two best ways I know of and we have used them.

3. Bathing a cat is also complicated and is covered in my Free to read on Kindle Barn Cat book the link is already posted above. It will also be repeated and expanded on in the new book

- and yes a 20 pound Norwegian Forest Cat can in fact go four to five feet straight up a tiled bathroom wall when faced with a bathtub full of water!

Great Questions and stories guys please keep them coming!

 

[Melodi]

I really don’t care about your “feelz”. Maybe you need to surf over to “fluffypinkbunnies.com”

No thanks, we only tend to keep meat rabbits but I don't joke about slaughtering them, some things just don't seem very respectful or funny but your mileage may vary.

On the other hand, I'm going to hug my rescue kitten, rescued from the jaws of our neighbor's dog (by our neighbor) she doesn't really think dogs eating cats is very funny either.

 

[Dennis Olson]

No thanks, we only tend to keep meat rabbits but I don't joke about slaughtering them, some things just don't seem very respectful or funny but your mileage may vary.

On the other hand, I'm going to hug my rescue kitten, rescued from the jaws of our neighbor's dog (by our neighbor) she doesn't really think dogs eating cats is very funny either.

Look, if you’re going to go all snowflake, you’re not going to be happy here. Your posts on this are right down there with PETA. I don’t have any respect for them (PETA).

 

[LucyT]

When introducing a new cat to the existing house kitty, I bathe both in a mild baby shampoo mixture so both cats have the same odor. They smell the same. Then they seem to adapt to each other without a lot of stress. Works when adding a new dog to the family as well.

 

[Melodi]

What? I help slaughter chickens, I've washed dead bunnies and I've put up one of the results of Nightwolf's hunts in the freezer labeled "Bucket O Bambie."

I have written a book on Barn Cats, you know those little darling sweeties that tear mice apart with their teeth and rip the wings from birds with their claws.

I have dealt with the aftermath of one of our rescue Wolfdogs (people will keep bringing to Ireland) ripping apart a cat and it is neither pleasant nor fun, it is, however, OUR responsibility as owners to try to prevent this from happening

PETA is a radical organization full of people who pretend to love animals but actually believe that no animals should even be kept as pets and their "shelters" have some of the highest kill rates around, higher than most public shelters.

What I think of their organization is unprintable, instead, I try to work with no-kill/low-kill shelters along with writing books that advocate MANAGED cat populations using spaying neutering, and volunteer-managed colonies.

I am also pretty sure that PETA would not approve publically of my suggesting to Nightwolf that to avoid further suffering he should take his shotgun and use it on a poor feral kitty with a huge tumor covering half the side of her face. Her crying and suffering were terrible to watch, she was totally feral and we tried but could not catch her to take to the vet.

It was probably fortunate that she disappeared (almost certainly died) the night before we were going to perform a final act of mercy.

Even Nightwolf didn't think your "joke" was especially funny in this context, he could see how it might be on a different joke thread which is why I suggested it.

Anyway, I'm going to go back to recording and answering cat care questions here on the tread and/or finding someone who knows the answer when I don't have a clue (and that happens sometimes too).

 

[Melodi]

When introducing a new cat to the existing house kitty, I bathe both in a mild baby shampoo mixture so both cats have the same odor. They smell the same. Then they seem to adapt to each other without a lot of stress. Works when adding a new dog to the family as well.

This is similar to introducing a neonate kitten to a nursing Mother, you rub a towel on her and the baby; you can also take a tiny bit of poo from the Mom cat's box (very small amount, use gloves) and rub it on the baby.

Most of the time this works, the baby smells like Momcat and she will adopt it - you can also rub one of her other kittens onto the new baby (gently of course).

I wouldn't try to bath a new cat personally if they didn't need it - but rubbing the dog with the towel and then rub the cat with it might be worth a try.

edited to read I was distracted and typed too fast and miss read your comments as introducing a cat and a dog - introducing two cats is basically the same; again I wouldn't try bathing them unless they were used to it but rubbing a damp towel over each to combine the sent is certainly worth a try.

 

[duchess47]

You might be surprised at how easy you could get the kitten to stop his attacks. You just need to use your voice, hand jesters, and a bit of force to stop it. Build up to whatever force is necessary to warrant the kittens respect, but don't use anymore force than the minimum amount necessary. Make it clear to the kitten that you actions are about separating it from harassing the other cat. Like a very light smack to the face and a shoving motion away from the other cat. Verbal tones are also important. When the kitten is behaving then reward it with some attention. I have recently seen this procedure work quite well in a situation that is exactly as you describe.

OK my entire post was just eaten so I guess I'm giving the short version.


2. A kitten who is driving a senior cat crazy, there are two good ways to cope with this and they are not mutually exclusive.

A. Get a second kitten, they will tire each other out, be companions for life (all going well) and the older cat is free to join in or ignore them.

B. Give the older cat his OWN Territory - like a bedroom, bathroom or other location - unless you are in a studio apartment this is usually doable.

The Old Geezer can leave the room if he likes but the kitten(s) don't go in there, that is his "safe space" no snowflakes need to apply.

There are other ways to cope with this but these are the two best ways I know of and we have used them.

Thanks both. That kitten is probably 15lbs. I've tried squirting him with a water bottle, yelling at him, swatting him, and he will desist if I am in the room or close by. He will also shred my arm when he feels like it. He's almost two and has been a house cat since 8 weeks old but still acts like a feral at times.

I would be killed if I tried bathing either of them

Thanks for help. I'm off this thread. Dennis, Melodi was asking serious questions and I at least, needed serious advice.

 

[von Koehler]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_MaJDK3VNE

1 minute

 

[Melodi]

I love that commercial thanks for posting!

 

[Martinhouse]

I don't have TV so I never see commercials.

Thanks! That was great! I love the part where the guy was cleaning his jacket with a lint roller.

 

[Old Reliable]

Cats killing billions of animals in the US

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-21236690

By Rebecca Morelle Science reporter, BBC World Service
29 January 2013

Cats are one of the top threats to US wildlife,
killing billions of animals each year, a study suggests.

The authors estimate they are responsible for the deaths of between 1.4 and 3.7 billion birds and 6.9-20.7 billion mammals annually.

Cats: a serious danger to wildlife and our children- UPDATED!
By COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR
- 17th June 2016
https://www.otsnews.co.uk/cats-a-serious-danger-to-wildlife-and-our-children/
In many places today cats have become over-bred and over-fed mini predators, roaming free in our gardens to bring utter carnage to birdlife, mammals, etc. There are however other concerns.
Cats can also be a serious danger to humans and especially families with small children in the house

National Parks Service To “Dismantle” Stray Cat Colony On Plumb Beach, Posts Warnings
Ned Berke|June 11, 2014 @1:29 pm
https://bklyner.com/national-parks-...ny-plumb-beach-posts-warnings-sheepshead-bay/

 

[Shooter]

if you love cats, and im sure some people do, DO NOT take them out in the country to let them loose. we do not want those cats out here.after 1 cat killed 8 chickens, I shot it inside the chicken coop/ then in a weekend we used live traps, bait and a 22, and got rid of 18 wild cats,

 

[Martinhouse]

My cats were always terrified of chickens after stalking babies being led around the yard by a very protective mama. It's comical to see a great big long-haired calico cat being chased across the yard by a rooster running all out. They looked like a huge calico pipe cleaner being chased by the Road Runner going at top speed. After that the cat would struggle off my lap and run if I even brought a tiny chick near it.

Perhaps feral cats are hungrier and more desperate and therefore a good deal braver.

 

[JF&P]

I'm a relatively new cat owner... I've had her now for over three years. She's a Snowshoe... Genetically half American Short Hair and half Siamese.

To me she is the Marilyn Monroe of cats... Just beautiful shape and multiple "points".

I didn't name her she was my son's girlfriend's cat named Sally. We have coyotes in the neighborhood so she is a dedicated house cat.

She talks to me, I can tell by the tone and loudness of her meow what she wants. My problem is that she can be extremely demanding... Which just makes me laugh. About a dozen times a day she requires me to hold, caress and pet her... She loves this, and her purrs just fill the room with her joy.

But, there are times when I am busy and can't service her need... She gets mad which makes me laugh... When I don't respond correctly to her demand that I do my job... Lol

I feel bad when I have to close the door to my room and listen to her whimper outside the door.

How should I handle her when I am in the middle of something that requires I be Cat less for a bit?

She's 7 years old and weighs a little over 9 pounds.

I love her so much, I'd be lost without her.

Another question came to mind...My vet told me that shorthairs don't need to be bathed, especially indoor cats...is this true? She keeps herself spotless.

 

[Martinhouse]

When my sister has been chopping raw onion, her rescue cat refuses to come near her. Even if her hands have been rinsed and dried.

 

[Dozdoats]

Mel,

Congratulations on the success of the barn cat book, and I hope this one is as painless to complete as possible and is also a meowing success