Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Sylvia on June 30, 2007, 14:43:38 PM
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We had noticed that we were being visited by a tabby cat since the beginning of April this year. When we caught him in the kitchen, eating out of the cat food bowls, he would run away as fast as he could. We were getting used to seeing glimpses of him running across the room, or just see his tail and back legs disappearing through the cat flap.
Last Tuesday morning, when Jim (my OH) went into the kitchen, he said that Tabs (as he is now known) had been sleeping on the chairs in the breakfast area, and that when he had jumped down, he was only using 3 legs. Unfortunately, Tabs had managed to escape through the cat flap, and when we went to search outside for him, we couldn't find him anywhere. :(
As I am at home all day at the moment, we left the cat flap locked on In Only, all day for the rest of Tuesday and Wednesday, but he didn't come back. :'( We were so worried about him, as we thought he was in pain. :'( Every time the rest of my furry gang wanted to go out, they would let me know (either by coming and meowing pitifully at me to let me know that the cat flap wasn't working properly, or attempting to rip the cat flap out of the back door), so I could provide the personal door opening service for them. Every time I heard someone coming in through the cat flap, I would run to see who it was.
Thursday morning, Tabs was sleeping on a chair in the breakfast area again, and Jim managed to lock the cat flap before he could escape. I rang our vets the minute they were open, and explained about the problem that Tabs was having with his leg, and that it was very swollen, and they were really good and told me to bring him in to them straight away.
The vet checked Tabs out, said that he had an abscess on his left front leg with the puss being under his paw pads, and that was why it was so swollen and he couldn't put any weight on it at all. The vet checked a few other things out for me and told me the following:
He is an unneutered male.
He has no collar and no microchip.
He is approximately 9 - 10 years old.
He has an infection in his right eye, which had a discharge.
He has bites and scratches on his shoulders.
He may also have flu.
The vet agreed to sedate him, and fix his paw, so I had to leave poor Tabs with them on Thursday. I also asked if they could do a blood test to send to Glasgow to test for FIV, after all that we went through with Tatty last year. As Tabs now needs to take antibiotics, anti-inflammatory tablets and have eye ointment applied twice per day, he came back home with us on Thursday evening, and checked into our small spare bedroom. ;D The receptionist and nurse at the vet's thought he was very handsome, and were trying to persuade us to give him a permanent home if his owner can't be found. :Luv:
So all we need to do now is to find out if he has an owner, and get to the end of all the courses of tablets and ointments. :Crazy:
Just in case anyone wants to see what he looks like, here are a couple of pics I took yesterday. I only took 2, because I didn't want to stress him out too much after all that he has been through.
Tabs After Vet Visit
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070629-0002.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070629-0001.jpg)
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Awww pooor tabby cat... :(... He is quite gorgeous. At least he's got someone who cares now :)
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Oh, he is absolutely gorgeous! :Flowers:
I mean, really, really gorgeous!!!
He so totally reminds me of the first cat I had. Exact same story too! The absess, I'm sure the vet told you, is very common is unneutered males. From the look of him, he's been doing the round for years, going from place to place seaking out queens and fighting other toms.
He's a real bruiser looking for a retirement billet. I do so hope things work out for you... :wow:
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Wow what roughy toughy he looks ... definitely a character. He looks just like a Tabby that my mum and dad took in a few years ago ... he was also a bruiser, all beaten up and a bit on the slim side. However after my parents took him in, had him neutered and showed him some TLC he turned into the soppiest lazy lap cat and nearly doubled in size :rofl:
I get the impression that this little lad has already decided he likes your house and I'm sure if you get him "done" he will be forever grateful.
Well done for caring for this handsome chap.
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Re: New Furry LODGER more like ;D
He looks a bit of a bruiser now but there's a cuddle-kitten in there somewhere - he looks beautiful and really tore at my old heartstrings. The top of that head would definitely benefit from a big :blow kiss:!!!
Doesn't he look at home on your window-sill Sylvia? Face it...you've got another cat :rofl: :Luv: :rofl: :Luv:
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Let's face it it's mosty unlikely this cat has an owner and I do hope you will give this dear and most handsome puss the home he clearly deserves for his old age.
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OH initially said that we definitely can't afford another cat, but I think that now we've given him a name, and OH is talking about buying a mat to put in front of his food bowl tray, and a new carrier, the battle might be half won. :evillaugh: :rofl:
I also think that the girls at the vet helped last night, when they said what a great little character he has, because he was purring for them.
I just want to make sure that I have done all that I can, so do any rescue people out there have a list of things that I need to do to find out if he has an owner?
I have written a note that I can deliver to the houses in our street, the some other streets closest to us (up to about 120 of them), and to post them in all the local vets, but will this be enough? I have already spoken to the local CP to get him added to their list of lost and found cats, and added his details to MyMoggy.com. Is there anything else I can do?
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Oh, and thank you Annie, PinkBear, Sam, LilyCat and Bobjay for all your comments. I think he is lovely too :Luv:
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now we've given him a name, and OH is talking about buying a mat to put in front of his food bowl tray, and a new carrier, the battle might be half won.
I think that sounds more like the battle has been won!
Adding to lost and founds at all rescues in your area,notes through doors,posters at all vets, sounds like your making an honest attempt at locating an owner. Not much else you can do that i can i think of!
He's a gorgeous boy :Luv:
Iv got a stray with a leg problem im trying to catch, wish he was as easy as your Tabs!
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Look at it this way Sylvia... he's not microchipped, he's not neutered, no-one bothered about his abcess or his poorly eye. If he does have a home [and I use the term loosely], they obviously don't love him and he'd be better off with you to love him.
I hope his bloods go ok :luck:
:cheer: :cheer: for you!!
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Forgot to ask....what's his name?
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I agree with Lilycat.
If he is owned, there's a strong case for removing him of grounds of neglect. Besides, a Tom with a roving eye for the ladies can travel MILES from where they started. He's probably been round the county 20 times.
Face it... you got another cat. :evillaugh:
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What a handsome cat Tabs is!
Good for you for taking him in and sorting out his abcess and infected eye. Both those things must have been so sore - he will feel so much better already.
Sue at MyMoggy is an excellent source of advice about finding owners, one way and another - I would drop her an email about that, specifically.
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He is gorgeous, the others have given you tips on how to trace an owner, but sadly, without a microchip, it is so hard, and you prob have another cat!!
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I think Tabs is just fab :Luv: :Luv: :Luv: How I adore big male cats and he is certainly one of those ;)
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He's a lovely boy :Luv:
I would say if he does have an owner they don't deserve to have him, they must of known about his medical needs.
Good job you found each other and it now looks like he's going to get the home he deserves. :)
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He is gorgeous and can only echo what the others have said......reckon you just have another cat ;D
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Those pics of 'your' wonderful battered tom reminds me of a few lines of poetry. It's from 'Esther's Tomcat' by Ted Hughes:
Daylong this tomcat lies stretched flat
As an old rough mat, no mouth and no eyes.
Continual wars and wives are what
Have tattered his ears and battered his head.
He's gorgeous. So much character. And he needs love.
Don't put too much info about him in the notes and be very wary if anyone calls claiming to be his owner; they may not be telling the truth. It's a good idea to keep some info back so that they have to tell you something which definitely identifies him as theirs.
On the other hand, if you do find the owner, do they deserve him?
imo he's better off with you and hubby. :catlove:
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How is Tabs doing? Every so often a cat will touch someone's heartstrings and this boy has certainly touched mine. :Luv:
I keep going back to look at his pics, there is something so familiar to me in his face...............I reckon he has reminds me of Lenny.
I hope you can persuade your OH to keep him there with you, if ever there was a deserving case for some love, its this boy x
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I'd like to echo what Linda just said. I think I'm besoted. :yesss:
I dunno whether it's his crimping-sheared ear, or the 'You lookin' at me!?' expression, but if you decided you didn't want him, Sylvia, I think there'd be a queue.... :Luv: :Luv:
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There's just something about a baggy tabby... :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
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Thank you everyone for your comments. :thanks:
Tabs is now putting weight on his left front paw :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
I'm so pleased that he is feeling so much better. :) On the down side, Tabs has told us that he doesn't like the eye ointment being applied :P
He is now trying to push us away with a paw when it gets to that time, but in quite a sweet natured way, so he is obviously feeling a bit friskier now.
He is eating like a small furry horse ;D, and is the only one in our house to completely clear his bowls of cat food at every meal.
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Tabs is a lovely old Bruiser. He's got real character! :)
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Tabs is stunning. He looks settled already!
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Well he certainly does seem to have his paws firmly under the table ;D
Glad to hear he's settling in so easily - it sounds like he's been there forever ;)
Is it safe to assume that Tabs is now officially your cat? Hope so :)
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Is it safe to assume that Tabs is now officially your cat? Hope so :)
I don't think Sylvia's got any say... :shy:
My first ever cat,Tooshey, whom I swear must be related, was the same. He walked in the kitchen door all official looking, gave my livingroom a dust inspection, and after he'd polished off the remains of my Stake and Kidney pie, jumped up onto my chair and went to sleep! As for me, I had to get my coat on, go up the road to buy my first ever tin of cat food and book an appointment to get his weaping sores and wounds seen to. I was on a crash course in cat husbandry and that was that! :-:
Sylvia, Tabs has probably never seen a full bowl of food for years. Please give him an extra sardine for me? :Luv: I'm so glad he's on the mend. :cheer:
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So glad to hear Tabs is feeling a bit better and enjoying some TLC, this boy is adorable :Luv:
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He is eating like a small furry horse ;D, and is the only one in our house to completely clear his bowls of cat food at every meal.
:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Anyone else thinking what I am thinking? :evillaugh: :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
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After Tabs had his supper tonight, I put the back of my hand out, and he head butted it, put his head under it, and walked under it, so that I was stroking him all the way from his head to his tail.
I'm trying to appear calm to Tabs 8) - but I'm so happy :yesss:
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Wonderful wonderful and a stroke to Tabs from me ;D
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I am a stupid, stupid, stupid person.
Tabs has escaped. :'( When I went to see him before going to bed last night, he was hiding behind the door, and as I went into his room looking for him, he slipped out, ran downstairs and out through the cat flap. I couldn't keep up with him.
I should have closed the kitchen door, so he couldn't get to the cat flap. We followed him up the road, but he wouldn't let us near him. :( Now he won't get the rest of his anitbiotics, unless he comes back. I have let him down, and its all my fault. :'(
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He'll be back.... ;)
:hug:
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What Pinkbear said.
One thing you can say about cats is they tend to know [and do] what's good for them...he'll be back when he's hungry. He knows you'll have the welcome mat out for him :)
And don't blame yourself!!!
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Slyvia, you haven't let him down. The escape happened due to Tabs being an extremely intelligent cat!
And, with that in mind, I agree with the other posts. He'll be back when he's hungry! ;D
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Dont blame yourself cos Tabs knows where his home is and if he can get out the flap he can get back in.
I am sure he will remember that he has creature comforts there and its nice and dry with regular food and a human who is kind and gentle to him.....................bet he is back in the morning :hug: :hug:
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The great thing about cats is how they come back to us when we let them out.
I'll be very surprised if he's not 'home' soon.
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After 2 very long days on constant Cat Flap Watch, I am really happy to say that Tabs is back, appears to be walking OK, and has checked into the spare bedroom again. ;D He has eaten a whole bowl of food (topped with his antibiotic), and is settling in for the night. I am sooooo relieved!
:yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy:
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None of us thought he wasn't coming back.... :tired:
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So glad he's back, perhaps he found himself a girlfriend. :Luv:
:Party 3:
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Oh I am so pleased he is back but knew he would be cos he looks like he loves his new home ;D
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It's a real shame that cats don't get to have Christenings or something similar, 'cos I think we all want to be Tab's Godparents.
Party! Party!
:drink: :cheer: :yayyy: :drink: :cheer: :yayyy: :drink: :beer: :yayyy: :cheeky: :bum: :drink: :drink: :Party 3: :garf:
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On this occasion, like everyone except you, Silvia, I was just wondering when Tabs would saunter back, not whether he would.
I can imagine your relief though ;D
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It was just a matter of time...glad he's back though! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
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Tabs, like most cats always know where they are looked after and where they will want to return. He is now a permanenet resident.
Bob
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How is the lovely Tabster today...?
We need updates!
:Luv: :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
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We do we do ;D
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Tabs is doing OK, although I now get the feeling that when we go in to see him, he is looking at us like he doesn't trust us. :scared:
I have been sitting on the floor, and reading to him for a short while each day, but I think that yesterday he just wanted me to go away because I was disturbing his sleep. :-:
He will be going back to see the vet for a check up tomorrow morning, and I am hoping that his blood test results will be back by then. Please keep fingers/paws/anything else you can think of crossed that the news will be good for us. :thanks:
Just in case anyone is interested ;D, this is how Tabs is looking today.
Tabs' Latest Pic
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070705-0002.jpg)
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:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Perhaps he doesn't like what you're reading to him, Sylvia? Perhaps you were reading Dickens, but Tabs perfers The Sun? :rofl: :rofl:
Thank you for the new piccy - I was wearing out the others. :evillaugh:
Oh... I just wanna bury my face in that beautiful tabby belly and blow raspberries all day.... :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
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I suspect he like most other cats is not impressed with vets and meds and stuff and once that is all out of the way, he will be back to being one home loving and slave loving Tabs ;D
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He's gorgeous Sylvia.
Fingers crossed and :hug: all round for tomorrow.
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What a beauty! Doesn't look too impressed by your choice of literature. Give him a Playtom!
Good luck for the vet, hope all goes well. :luck:
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Hope all goes well at the vets today, figers crossed! x
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He's perhaps just settling in Sylvia...he's been used to having to fend for himself so it'll [maybe] take a bit of getting used to...having human slaves, I'm sure he'll soon get used to it though :rofl:
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I suspect he like most other cats is not impressed with vets and meds and stuff and once that is all out of the way, he will be back to being one home loving and slave loving Tabs ;D
I'm with Gill on this one. I'm sure he'll soon settle down.
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Do hope the visit to the vets goes OK and this dear puss can settle down in his new home with you.
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The good news is that Tabs paw has healed nicely, his temperature is now normal, his eye infection has cleared up and he no longer needs the eye ointment.
His blood test results were back, and he has tested negative for FeLV.
The bad news is that he has tested positive for FIV :'(
I can't believe that this has happened to us a second time in 8 months :(
This has now created an enormous problem for us. Tabs is not happy being confined in our spare room. When I was with him last night, he was desperate to get out, and didn't seem to be particularly happy for me to be with him. We still need to get him neutered, and to get his teeth fixed. When the vet was pointing out all the things that were wrong with his teeth and gums, Tabs showed us that one in particular was causing him discomfort.
Have been arguing with OH ever since he got back from work about what we need to do next :(
I think we need to get Tabs neutered and his teeth fixed ASAP. OH thinks it would be cruel to keep him in our spare room for that long, and that we can't afford to get all that done, since I lost my job. He is now back to saying that we should get Tabs rehomed, because he would never get on with Tatty.
I can't stop crying :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
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Oh dear.
Sylvia no one can tell you what to do only you and your OH really know. The positive is that apart from the FIV he's healthy and that means that he can be rehomed, if you choose that route in an indoor only home, maybe as an only cat.
He is a little unsettled and I am sure that contributes to his temperament right now.
:hug: to you hun. There is no right answer here, you clearly want what is best for all of you.
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Sorry to hear Tabs results, you must have a pocket of toms in your area who know where a good place is! You could get a voucher for his neutering, if he calms down why not just let him continue his life as it is. He'll stop fighting and will be unlikely to pass anything on.
I read this last night http://www.catactiontrust.org.uk/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=20&MMN_position=38:38 (http://www.catactiontrust.org.uk/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=20&MMN_position=38:38)
RE-HOMING FIV - POSITIVE CATS
The most recent research (Addie et al) indicates that the chances of FIV being passed from one cat to another in the same household is approx 1-2%. This means that if you have 100 cats (!) in a house with 1 FIV positive cat, only 1 or 2 could be expected to become infected. In another survey (Shelton et al,1989) FIV was not passed from cat to cat in the same household at all. This corresponds with my own observations (see below) Even when FIV was passed on, as in the Glasgow survey , none of the cats actually died of it. There seems no reason, therefore, not to have FIV positive and negative cats in the same household. If two cats in one household fight, they should be kept apart, given behavioural therapy or one re-homed , regardless of their FIV status.
At this point I would like to mention my own FIV positive cat - 'Charlie-boy.' He came to me fourteen years ago, suffering from 'flu and diarrhoea, from a household of eighteen cats living a semi-feral existence as their elderly owner was unable to cope . Several cats who were blood-tested were FIV positive. Charlie ( and all the others) responded well to treatment and over a few months Charlie turned into a very handsome fellow . Despite a very gentle nature he was unused to being handled - in fact it was eighteen months before he volunteered to be stroked. However, he is very sociable to other cats and lived in close contact with nine others - one of whom was a kitten from the same colony. After ten years all the survivors are still negative to FIV tests, though sadly four have died from other causes. Charlie is still in excellent health - his only problems have been dental. Sadly two other FIV positive cats and one negative cat from this colony - while remaining in excellent health - have been killed in road accidents (a far higher risk for cats than FIV)
http://www.celiahammond.org/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=14&MMN_position=21:21 (http://www.celiahammond.org/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=14&MMN_position=21:21)
At CHAT, we have to take a realistic overview of the FIV situation. FIV is widespread in the U.K. and is endemic in large cities with high densities of unneutered male cats. In urban areas or areas with a high rate of infection, it seems pointless to confine an FIV positive cat indoors when a large percentage of cats outdoors already carry the virus. Many owned pet cats are FIV positive and their owners are unaware of this. Cats which are tested and have a negative result could be at risk as soon as their owners let them outside again. Since most FIV positive cats are used to going outdoors, we consider it is detrimental to their quality of life to prevent them from going outdoors if they want to, provided that it is in an area where the virus is already present in significant numbers of cats.
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I would agree with Millymum and had he not been bloodtested you would not have known.
The only problem I see is vet bills as presumably there is no point insuring him cos of this result.........................please someone tell me I am wrong :scared: :scared:
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:thanks: Ruth, Millys Mum and Gill for your replies.
My OH and I were arguing discussing this all evening, and he has finally agreed that we can arrange for Tabs' neutering and dental treatment. :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: I think he just got so fed up of all my tears! He says I can arrange to get this done on Monday. My OH is a lot happier with this decision when I told him about Millys Mum's reply especially, so many many thanks yet again. :)
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I thinks that Tabs is a special man and hope everything goes well for him ;D
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That's fab news !!! Good on you convincing him and that statistic MM is brilliant. I certainly never knew that it was that low. :Luv:
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Sylvia, I am gutted for your about Tabs results. It would have wrecked me. :'(
Every once in a while there's a need for a hero to step forward, and you've done it with Tabs. He's an exceptionally beautiful cat and he's had it so rough. Some places would have taken the easy route.
The difference you'll see in him when he's cleared his system of these hormones will stun you. I'm sure it's the only reason why he's trying to get out.
Keep us posted. I am still head over heals with him and I'd steal him from you like a shot...
:Luv: :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
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:hug: to you for taking Tabs on and persuading OH. Keep us posted on his settling in, op etc!
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Thats great Sylvia, i dont believe that fiv is the threat its made out to be, especially in neutered cats. Most studies have a result of no spread ;D
Does that mean Tabs will be allowed to continue with outdoor activities once neutered and dentalled?
Gill, i would still insure because if he were to be in a RTA, get diabetes or a heart condition he would be covered. Things like eye infections or sneezing they would say its related to his fiv but they are more affordable to an average wallet.
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Just caught up with the news about this gorgeous cat. I'm not very informed about fiv, though know heaps about flv. Even flv isn't a significant threat. I used to have a pair of positive cats, and the only thing I regret was knowing! They were allowed out, but they were sexually inactive females.
I'm guessing that fiv is a bit like hiv. Would you keep a child with hiv in isolation? Of course not. If the virus is passed by direct body fluid contact, the risks of transmission must be very small.
I'm glad you've decided to keep Tabs, he's gorgeous. Your oh must be a big pussycat too! (Don't tell him, or he might change his mind!)
You've got lots of lovely times ahead with this gorgeous cat.
If the insurance is a problem, do something like my method: open a savings account which pays some interest and regularly deposit money in it (about the same you'd hand over to an insurance company). Might be wise to start with a largish sum first, then build it up. This would be your vet slush fund incase anything should ever happen to your furballs. Meantime it should build up with the interest. Depending on how much you start with, you'd get different amounts of interest according to the account type. The ones you put only a couple of thousand in pay the least.
This is useful if you have difficult to insure cats. And it's always there. I think that insurance companies make money because you give them more than they pay out. So why not create your own insurance?
Love to Tabs.
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I think that insurance companies make money because you give them more than they pay out.
Not round here they dont :rofl: i had about about £600 back for 2 policies worth £80 a year each, i had only paid 6 installments for George too.
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Thanks MM, was hoping someone would say I was wrong and you are right those things would be covered by the insurance ;D
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Have now got Tabs booked in for neutering, dental and microchipping on Monday next week. :Crazy: I was offered Friday the 13th at first, and even though I'm not superstitious :shify:, I thought I wouldn't tempt fate. ;D
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Thats great and very wise to not tempt fate ;D
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:cheer: :cheer:
I'm that chuffed, Sylvia. And Tabs will thank you too - after he's got used to having the 'weight off his mind'. :rofl: :rofl:
It's all down hill from here.
Jxxx
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Tabs has now been delivered to the vet for his castration, dental work and microchipping (I thought I would slip it in while he was under the general anaesthetic so he wouldn't notice it being done anyway, but don't tell OH :sneaky:).
I know that it is a fairly routine procedure, but I am now going to be a bag of nerves until the vet rings at approximately lunchtime (couldn't pin them down more precisely that that). :scared:
Please keep everything crossed that it all goes OK for Tabs today. :)
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:hug: and fingers crossed.
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I'm sure everthing will be just fine xx
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He will be absolutely fine - got everything crossed for him though just to be on the safe side :)
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Hope it's all gone smoothly?
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Have just heard from the vets that the neutering and microchipping went OK, and that they had to take out 4 teeth. I get to pick him up at 16:30 - can't wait! :waiting:
Poor Tabs will be sore at both ends. :( I wonder if he'll ever forgive me. :Crazy:
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Glad he got through everything okay.
If my Penguin can forgive me for shipping him over here and then getting 9 teeth removed then I'm sure Tabs will be fine and forgive you shortly.
He may have to be bribed of course ;)
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Aw, give Tabs a healing head rub from me and Max when he gets home :Luv:
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:cheer: :cheer:
Give that beautiful Tabby belly a wobble for me. :Luv:
He'll certainly thank you after a couple of days, when things are back to normal. He'll be able to eat his first meal in years without it hurting... :wow: I'd email him a sardine or two if I could squish them flat enough to fit the CD drive! :evillaugh:
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Thanks for all your support :thanks:
Tabs is now safely back home, and my OH thought that he was looking at me as if I was a horrible, despicable, untrustworthy Meowmy when I let him out of the carrier. :(
When we went to give Tabs his food, he didn't show any interest, and just jumped down to the floor, walked over to me, rolled on his side, purred, and insisted that he have a head stroke. Clare and Max, your healing head rubs have been duly dispensed. :thanks:
I sat with Tabs for about 20 minutes, and he has eaten his antibiotic mixed into a quarter of a tuna Sheba dome. He is now happily tucking into a bowl of unadulterated mashed pussy food. Funnily enough, Jim prepared all the cat food tonight, and it looks like everyone is getting mashed food - he got a bit carried away and forgot that only one needed it mashed into small pieces tonight :rofl:
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Aw, glad he's OK bless him :Luv:
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How is Tabs today?
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Any new piccies? :Luv: :Luv:
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I hope Tabs is feeling better today, we need pics of the handsome lad :Luv:
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Glad to see this dear puss is ok and feeling thoroughly at home.
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Only just read this thread.
Sylvia i think you are doing a fantastic job and well done.
Its a shame that Tabs is FIV+ but dont let that put you off keeping him.
It used to be that everyone said you shouldnt keep an FIV+ cat with a negative cat but points of views are changing.
FIV is past on by Mating and fighting and since Tabs is now Neutered he cant pass it on through mating and he shouldnt want to fight anymore now either.
The stray cat i have taken on was un-neutered. I have had him "done" and he is living with my other 10 cats.
I have not bothered having him tested as it wouldnt make any difference knowing or not !
Good luck and give Tabs a BIG kiss from me X
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After yesterday, Tabs said he was feeling a little tired this afternoon ( :tired:), and was not really in posing mode, so this is the best that I could do
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070717-0003.jpg)
If he is feeling a little perkier after supper I will pass on your BIG kiss Michelle, and I will try for a better pic later. ;D
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What a lovely picture, he looks magnificent :)
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Oh God he is just too handsome for words :Luv:
I love the big face un-neutered toms have.
My Tramp (the stray that now is done and lives with us) has great big cheeks that i hold on to when i kiss him
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He's a very handsome boy :Luv:
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Oh, thanks for the pic, Sylvia! :wow:
He looks so much happier and contented since the first pic. He is definately in the right place with you. And he looks like he knows he's got a big fan club up here. :blow kiss:
Give yourself a huge pat on the back because you saved this beautiful puddy tat's life. :hug: :birth:
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Will you look at that beautiful cat?
;D
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Thank you all for your comments. :thanks: Just in case you would like to see them ( :innocent:), here are a couple more pics of Tabs now that he's a bit more lively. ;D
Tabs telling OH 'Those fingers need to be security checked by me!'
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070717-0006.jpg)
Tabs asking 'You looking at me then?'
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070717-0007.jpg)
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Tabs just has the most wonderful face and if I was up to drawing a tabby , I reckon he would be the one to try ;D
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I was thinking the same thing about the image where Tabs is asleep. He's beautifully composed, and the triangle of his tilted face complements the curves of his cheeks - it's a perfect image for a cat artist. Maybe we could have a competition for the best Tabs pic? :wow:
Trouble is, I paint in A3 and A2; much too big to get into the scanner, and don't have a digital camera. Could borrow one from Nigel, or paint him in A4.
Let's have a Tab painting comp. Maybe Sylvia should choose the winner?
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Aww, he is lovely - and has the same collar as Molly!! Good on you for sorting him out.
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Mine would have to be a pastel but i not very experienced, only done one before :shify: :shify: :shify:
I think you will have to borrrow a camera Hippy cos we need some of your work in the Art gallery ;D ;D
I just taken a copy of Tabs but still think that a tabby would be very hard for me, but I just remembered I have an art workshop at beginning of Aug........6hrs all day, so I reckon my tutor should get me on the right road for a Tabs picture, even time to redo if wrong LOL.
was wondering what I could do so maybe Tabs :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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It's always hard to get the markings exactly right on a tabby. I sometime think it's best to get the main ones, but approximate the others. Catching his gorgeous expression will be fun.
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He really is soooooooo handsome !!
more pics more pics :rofl: :rofl:
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The picture just says: "Me Is Cat"
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Great picture; this dear puss really does look at home.
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Here are a couple of extra pics of Tabs, taken today :)
We are off to the vet tomorrow for a checkup on his dental work, so I am hoping that everything will be OK.
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070723-0001.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070723-0002.jpg)
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Aww!!! :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy:
Thanks for the piccies, Sylvia. I really, really needed something wonderful to cheer me up. :Luv: :Luv: He's a real star, your Tabs. OH has spent all day trying to get me to smile, but Tabs just did it with a picture.
:yesss: :yesss: :birth: :blow kiss: :Flowers:
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I just love Tabs ;D
Will have to add these to my collection of pictures of him ;D
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He is gorgeous, i love tom cats :Luv:
Keep the pics comming or there will be a riot :rofl:
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When the vet checked Tabs' mouth today, he found that where he had had his broken canine tooth removed, it had not closed up and that his gums were still looking a bit sore, so Tabs now has to have another week of antibiotics. Its a shame, but I suppose it won't be so bad, because Tabs is quite good at taking them. Tabs also had his first installment of his vaccinations for flu, enteritis and FeLV today, as Tatty could potentially be a carrier of the flu virus, and we will have to go back to complete them in 3 weeks time.
Tabs was a little star at the vets :Luv:, and was so well behaved, even when being injected. Unfortunately, he has maintained his 100% record of weeing in his carrier on the way to or from the vets. At least this time, he did it when we were on the way home, so we didn't get the full effect of it in the consulting room, and even though it is only a week since he has been neutered, it is a lot less pungent now. ;D
Thanks for all your comments Pinkbear, Gill and Millys Mum. Will keep trying with the pics.
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Hi Sylvia, does Tabs have gingivitis? I heard this can be related to FIV.
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Hi CC,
The vet didn't specifically mention gingivitis, as I believe that the soreness that he was inspecting was specifically as a result of the 4 teeth that Tabs had to have removed. He had quite a few teeth that were already broken or missing on the left hand side of his poor little face. However, I can always ask the vet if it is gingivitis when we go back to complete his vaccinations, as I suppose it is always a possibility that it could be, with him being FIV+. Obviously if it appears to be causing a problem for Tabs before then, then I will get him back to the vets a lot quicker than that.
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Poor Mr Tabs, hope his mouth gets better soon ;D
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The habit of peeing in the carrying cage reminded me of a few days ago when Polly went for her all clear inspection - she pooed in the taxi! - the driver deserved it for driving over all the bumps!
When we arrived at the vets, one of the nurses changed the cage for me. Luckily, a friend met us at the vets, and she drove more carefully! :sick:
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Fingers crossed that his teeth improve soon.
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Tabs is very brave isn't he, considering all he must have been through?
Fingers crossed for his mouth healing up very quickly.
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On cat chat many of the fiv owners used to recommend plaque off and logic gel for improving oral health, may be worth a try.
I dont envy you the wee smell, it lingers for ages :sick:
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On cat chat many of the fiv owners used to recommend plaque off and logic gel for improving oral health, may be worth a try.
I can vouch for both of those, the plaque off seems to have made a difference in the colour of his teeth over the last year since his last check-up, still quite nice and white instead of yellow :)
Logic Gel is good, if you can get the little :censored: to take it. I have to put a blob on Max's paw, but then he flicks it and most of it ends up on the walls/floor/microwave, wherever he is at the time :evillaugh:
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Tabs has been very good at taking his antibiotics, and has been eating very enthusiastically.
Here are a couple of pics taken last night when he was exploring the rest of the upstairs.
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070726-0004.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w300/SylviaM_Photo/20070726-0003.jpg)
Unfortunately, while he was out of his room me met Suki and Tatty. Suki was being her usual self, and sat there looking huge, fluffy and impressive, and she grrrrrrrrrr'ed at him to let him know that she doesn't want any kitties in her house, but from halfway down the stairs. :P Tats was hugely interested in Tabs, and wanted to get up close to investigate, but Tabs arched his back, and all his fur stood up on end, so my OH thought it would be better if I persuaded Tats to go back downstairs, which I did. :(
Oh well, its early days yet, and we need to make sure that Tabs meets the rest of the gang one at a time - they're a lot less scary that way ;D
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:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
I got my fix of Tabs piccies for the weekend!
:yesss: :yesss: :na na naa na: :birth:
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What a difference a week makes,he looks so happy and healthy now,what a lucky boy to have found you.
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Oh I do love him, he is just so handsome ;D
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He's beautiful :blow kiss: and he looks so big.
On the last pic you've posted you can see his back claws. Do they need a bit of a trim?
He's so cuddleable!
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Methinks Tabs has lots and lots and lots of virtual Meowmys. :Luv: :Luv: :Luv: :yayyy: :yayyy:
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Glad to see this darling puss is settling down and has found his forever home; he really looks as if he deserves it.
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:Luv: :Luv: :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
Hows Tatty doing Sylvia? Is he getting on with the other cats yet?
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Hi Millys Mum,
Tatty is doing fine, and is getting along with most of our furry gang OK, apart from with Tommy. It has taken quite a few months, but Tatty appears to respect the girls (Suki and Gizzy), and Gizzy and he both sleep in the living room at the same time, usually in the mornings, although not together. Tatty also gets along OK with Sweepy, and they frequently exchange furry head-butts when they meet. ;D
Unfortunately, Tatty doesn't get along so well with Tommy, and I think that that was our fault. Tatty is very people-orientated kitty, and we were all out in the back garden about 2 - 3 months ago. Tommy came strolling out into the back garden to be with us, and my OH Jim immediately started to pay Tommy all the attention. Tatty just flew at Tommy, and chased him all around the garden, really trying to pin him down and fight with him. We managed to separate them, and currently Tatty is fine with Tommy as long as he is the one getting all the strokes and attention, but every time that Tommy now sees Tatty, he doesn't want to be in the same vicinity as him. :( However, since that time, things do seem to have settled down a little.
Everything is OK in the house during the day, because I am at there, and everyone is free to wander anywhere they like, and they have the space to avoid each other if they want to. 8) At the moment, we feel that Tatty still has to sleep in the dining room at night, when we can't be there to keep an eye on everyone, to ensure Tommy's safety.
We aren't even going to start introducing Tabs to the rest of the family until he has finished has first set of vaccinations, which will be in 2 weeks time. :tired:
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Thats a good improvement from last time ;D