Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => Our cats stories => Topic started by: sheilarose on January 04, 2012, 08:54:15 AM
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Just so I don't lose any of my observations, I'm opening this thread by way of a diary for Kitty, so this bit is copied from the A Team listing yesterday.
Quote from: sheilarose on Yesterday at 20:35:33
Kitty is here. OH not impressed. She's currently behind the TV. All other furbs have been expelled from the room to enable proper introductions, if appropriate, later on (like next week later).
Apparently she's fine with other cats.
However, need to establish if she's going to like me (and him), as her history has been a little, erhem, violent towards women and kids. Hmm. She's very pretty, and very feisty!
Must go now, scrabbling sounds...
She's come out now OH has gone to bed. She has a huge pink tongue: she licks her nose when she catches me looking at her. Quite a little cat - my smallest by far - probably no more than 3.5 kg at a rough guess. White rear paws, white "fingernails" on her front paws and the tiniest white fleck on her chest, otherwise black as night.
Man from CH was so chuffed I agreed to try her out, she's been taken off their adoption site since the previous owner reported she had been attacking the wife and kids, as she needs to have a psych assessment which CH are just too busy to get underway. The tale goes that she was always Hubby's favourite, but Hubby went away for a few days and when he returned Kitty had gone Postal: ambushing the kids and attacking the Mum - Kitty never recovered her previous good temper. I suspect abuse, or at best a bad reaction to her pining for Hubby.
Her first reaction to me was positive, very positive in fact, but once CH man had gone she went into recluse mode and had a bit of a stab at me when I attempted to move her upstairs to the spare room I've designated for her. So I'm allowing her one night of luxury downstairs she will be amongst the strongest scents of all the family but be least able to damage anything or injure herself if she does go off (and she shouldn't wake OH by scrabbling around in the bedroom next to ours all night).
She's dug a valerian knottie out from under the couch (a bit hairy but never mind) and has discovered catnip Good Girl drops in my slippers. Thought she'd like to get to know me through my clothing first. Let's see if she's wee'd in them by morning.
She's been playing footsie under the door for the last five minutes - think it's Sly on the other side - but it's now preventing me from going to bed - so apologies for the length of this post (and my camera is on the other side too dammit)! Gill, who knows what the others will make of her? That's why I've asked for three weeks with her before making a decision, there's a lot to get over in a short time, but at least she's got half a chance of getting half a psych assessment with us.
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So, this morning I find OH has not had a good night's sleep. No, he's been downstairs half the night with Kitty.
Kitty has shown she has an affectionate side, been curled up on his feet while he tapped away on his computer, played with her valerian knotties and was generally sweet as pie for him. Still won't eat, though. OH reports she performs jumping headbutts, same as our other female Pursley, but he is of the opinion she's not much older than a kitten (I think she may be older - much older, maybe even 6 or seven, although she's reported by CH to be around two - still awaiting confirmation from them of her card details).
This morning she's pee'd in the litter tray (Worlds Best multicat litter) and shown how she loves to dig - and dig, and dig. Still won't eat. Has now turned her nose up at:
Whiskas complete (apparently her food of choice from before)
Whiskas Oh so smelly fish
Whiskas chunks in jelly
Applaws dry chicken
Tinned tuna
Cooked fresh chicken
Whiskas milk
Fresh water
WEbbox stick (pink)
Dreamies :shocked:
Kitty is constantly focused on getting out of the room into the rest of the house, and she's quick - very quick, so we've employed the services of evil blanket to fan her away from the door when we need to pass through.
Alone with me she's been non-aggressive this morning, but when OH was stroking her back she turned and took a little run at him, didn't make contact but the warning was there. OH reacted correctly by withdrawing hand and ignoring her. This was closely followed by a half hearted lunge at me, but she was successfully distracted by Goldfish onna stick - good toy and valuable training aid. So as far as handling is concerned, little and often seems to be the way forward for now.
She's adopted a vantage point on top of the corner cupboard and seems to be settling for the day. I'll bring her a Felix pouch later (again, another old staple) and see if she'll take some of that, leaving her whiskas complete dry and whiskas oh-so-smelly down so she can eat later if she gets the urge.
Not allowing contact with the gang at all, other than playing footsie under the door, for now. Let her get their scents first, then we can start swapping her blankets and toys with theirs. I'm aiming for introductions later, albeit she's officially here on foster terms, but if the psych evaluation is to hold any water I need to see her reaction to other cats as well, so I intend to do this by the book.
Hope this diary isn't too dull, but it's the best way I have of capturing her behaviour contemporaneously.
Feel free to chip in with advice and observations. :)
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so strange that she isnt eating at all but that should change very soon hopefully.
maybe its just the big upheaval in her little life.
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You should know better Sheila, new cat and no pics :what:
:need pics: :naughty:
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hope she settles down soon :hug:
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OMG... I see... I was wondering where YOU are/what is going on..... I see... I see.....
(got a spare room for when your OH tries to put his foot down to any more cats,.. for you not for him - just so we clear LOL)
Photo of Kitty??????
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Very much hope Kitty eats a little soon Sheila. Terrible worry if they won't eat.
Just a thought but, if she likes other cats, you may find she will seek human attention if she can see the others enjoying strokes etc which is what our Billy is still like after 5 years.
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Hello Anka and all, yes I've been busy. Here's the culprit....
I decided to try her out with some cat company, if she's happy with other cats it occurred to me she might be missing furry company, guess what... (Yes Rosella, spot on!)
She's had a small snack tonight, having watched Beau (everybodies friend) pinch a bit of her dinner. Then she found a warm spot (as you can see) and settled down quite nicely.
Sly popped in to say Hello when she was under the cupboard last night and was very good :shocked: , he stopped by to have a shuftie tonight and sat quietly on the other side of the room, ate his dreamies then popped off to bed. Kitty's happy to move about the room with both OH and I in, and has headbumped both of us.
We've had no violence at all today, so much so she's allowed me to fit a collar and address tag on her tonight without any fuss at all (she's chipped but not registered to me as she's officially one of Celia's rescues). I don't usually do collars but just in case she gets out. This is unlikely with care, but these things happen even in careful households.
No poop yet, just relieved she's had two wees and eaten a tiny bit, so slowly does it.
Progress - yes, very pleased :shy:
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She is very pretty and am sure the Sly will love her ;D
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Oh Sheila. What a lovely girl :Luv: :Luv: :Luv: So glad she has eaten. All sounds extremely encouraging :)
Your OH sounds a wee bit like mine. All gripey grumps at initial suggestion of another puddintat but soft as putty as soon as new set of paws set foot in the house :)
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She is gorgeous shiela! :Luv2:
It must be stressful, but seems like its going a lot better now - at least 2 cats got new homes in the end! ;D
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Kitty is gorgeous. :Luv2: Sounds like you're making excellent progress Sheila.
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What a beautiful girl, I love her nail varnish! :Luv:
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:Luv2: :Luv2: what a pretty little thing!! :Luv2: :Luv2: (give her a white mustache and she'd look like Peanut!)
I m glad she is slowly settling in and showing some signs of affection :hug:
Perhaps like you said, her "handing in" story to CP was not realllly wholllyyyy the truth, do you think? :scared: bless her x
either way, she sounds like she's coming on in leaps and bounds with you all ;D cant wait to hear how she's doing ;D ;D
:hug:
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ha ha - lovely little madam with french manicure.....
the look on Kitty's face - "I will get you ALL wrapper around my paw in no time at all and show you who is the BOSS here"
LOL
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Oh she's a beauty, Sheila. :Luv: Laughing at your OH though. :evillaugh: (Clever girl, Kitty)
was going to suggest the Felix oddly enough, as it often works to get the eating started, even if it subsequently falls by the wayside..... ;)
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She's gorgeous Sheila :Luv: :Luv: Hope by now you've managed to get her to eat.
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OK, feeling a bit better now - that poor dead cat I found yesterday hit me quite hard. My first thought was that it was Tufty - same markings on the body, and she was within his "patch" but she was much smaller and very young. RIP. :(
Anyway, Kitty (aka Puss) has had a good 24 hours since I last posted on here. :)
Her appetite is back, but only for Felix pouches, must be mashed up and served in mouse sized portions in a red bowl.
Think I'll start calling her Diva. :innocent:
She's peeing plenty and yesterday WE GOT NUGGETS so all is well at that end. ;D
Kitty came to me in the night for headbutts (I was down here on the computer for a while, still upset about the cat from earlier) and she seems to have got over her need to lunge and display aggression, as long as its on her own terms. Sly came in for a while and they've started taking notice of one another. At first not making eye contact, then Sly moved around and she followed him, growling softly, then he pinched a bit of her dinner and she growled a little louder until he stopped eating (I think at her insistence) when she relented. A short game of hide and seek followed which was all very "teenagerish" so I think Sly's charms are working. He does just love those Gurl cats.
Sly let me cuddle him nicely and Kitty was fascinated, so hopefully she's taking notes. I need Sly to know he's still my baby so I'm letting OH be Kittys best Hooman slave :sneaky:
Think OH is quite enthusiastic now, although he still refuses to call her anything but Puss (he doesn't like the name Kitty either - too impersonal he says :shify: ) he wants her to have a little more freedom in the house, and is talking about introductions to the rest of the gang. He was upset by the dead cat too, he got us a Chinese take-away so I didn't have to cook :Luv:
He claims Kitty's been on his knee but I want to see the proof! zx\ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssa67ytu87uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuJ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~89
Thank you for that, Kitty. I think she might be trying to tell me something, maybe that her name is Su, not Diva or Puss. Anyone got ideas about computer based Cat messages? :)
Just received a call from Celia's man, gave him the good news so far. He can't find Kittys card details at present so is going to have another person dig them out for me, now were talking about long term adoption. I need to know her jab dates etc. I'm sure everything is in order but I like to keep these things in check for everyone's sake.
Tata for now.
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Sounds like Kitty/Puss/Diva/Su is doing very well ;D ;D
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Blimey Sheila. I thought you were an experienced cat slave :-:
Can't believe you didn't know she'd insist on a red bowl :evillaugh:
Glad to hear of the nuggets arrival. It's always an excellent sign :)
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Rosella - always more to learn ;) I'm better with boycats than gurlcats - the boys usually don't give a monkeys where the fud comes from as long as it arrives! Can't be doing with high maintenance females :rofl:
Kitty/Puss/Diva/Sue (OH doesn't like Sue, or Suzie or any derivatives thereof, so still no name) has been credited for revealing a new side of Sylvester da Sly - Mr Territorial :scared:
Last night Sly jumped up onto her perch on the hi-fi cupboard and chin marked everything then lifted his tail to squirt! I grabbed him just in time (I managed to step in the litter tray - ugh) but this suggests he is NOT APPI and is expressing his disapproval of the intruder.
Beau also expressed his disgust by peeing on a cushion directly in front of me. This is quite likely to be his disgust at the catflap being locked (sitting room door was open as OH wanted her to have more freedom, remember? So, I'm back in charge of class :innocent: ) but whatever the reason, the furry equilibrium is shot to pieces so I'm taking these early negative signs on board and re-thinking.
Therefore, we're back to isolation for a while then will begin the introductions again from scratch - :sigh: Kitty is much more relaxed when its just us humans in the room, although she didn't seem to be bothered by the antics yesterday - just a guarded alertness, so well done Kitty. At least this initial round of encounters has given me this much
Kitty is pretty bomb proof and happy to stand her ground.
Beau is non-agressive towards her (he's usually Uncle Beau, let's see if he's as good with gurl cats as he is with other boys)
Theo is ambivalent.
Sam wants to chase her up a tree (he chases all gurlcats up trees - it's his only hobby).
Pursley is interested but keeping a demur distance.
Tufty doesn't even notice her.
Chubby may never meet her, he's very remote.
Sly needs careful handling and constant attention - I feel trouble ahead if we don't manage Sly correctly here - I have had reports from my neighbour that he bullies their gurlcat, so much so they had a microchip catflap installed (he's since learned to tailgate her :doh: :innocent: )
I've opened up the spare bedroom for the residents to spread themselves out while Kitty's monopolising the sitting room. Seems to be a popular move as Chubby and Beau have set up home in there and Sly has taken the power position on the landing carpet over the heating pipes (much disputed piece of ground, this as whomever controls the landing, controls the house!).
Comments, hints and advice always welcome ;D
Stay tuned for the next exciting episode... :)
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Oh dear this does not sound good and thought Sly was starting to like her................have to say I find boy cats easier than girl cats :innocent:
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Have to agree with Gill. Boy cats? Pah; eazy peazy ;D but :omg: watch out for the gurlees :scared:
Poor Sly and Beau :( Locked cat flaps aren't appreciated here either :(
You'd think, having 8 here, I'd be of some use in offering advice but they've all been so different. You wouldn't have known Bobby lived anywhere else after a few days and Boris took about a week to wrap everyone around his paws. He just took no notice when they bashed him on the head; he just mooched up a bit closer :innocent: The girl twins however are still spraying at the least minor incident 3 years after they arrived (including the recently well documented FIL's 2 night stay over Christmas)
Spose I'm just saying, tiz early days yet :hug: :crossed:
BTW, if Sly tailgates it into neighbours cat flap, does he get trapped in there? :scared:
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Am also one who finds boy cats "easier" than gurl cats. I think all girl cats have a bit of Diva in them somewhere, whereas I think Sheila hits the nail firmly on the head when she says boy cats are happy if the fud turns up and they've somewhere comfy to snooze away the days. :evillaugh: We wimmin are a tricksy lot. ;)
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BTW, if Sly tailgates it into neighbours cat flap, does he get trapped in there? :scared:
No, these catflaps work on the basis of keeping the foreigner out (Huh - except for bright, cheeky tailgaters) but allowing free exit unless you deliberately put the lock on which is the same turny wheel physical lock as seen on catmate flaps. So unless Jo next door has hers set to lock, he can get out (once he's checked the place out, obviously!)
Thankfully we have lovely neighbours who appreciate our rescue efforts (the ones they know about anyway) :phew:
Our microchip catflap has worked well to keep the neighbours' cats and strays out, and our inappropriate spraying has all but stopped as the boys felt much more secure knowing "Big Spike" can't get in. This was also enhanced when I fox-proofed the back garden. But then we haven't (until now) had a softee gurlie cat to test out the tailgating possibilities (Pursley's a toughie and won't have anyone THAT near her hind quarters :evillaugh: )
Sly was crying to get in here with Kitty this morning so I've relented, given him a good ten minutes runaround with the laser toy, and a handful of Dreamies and he seems quite happy to sit quietly with me now. Kitty has had her breakfast with him looking on and is currently sitting on the floor looking for something to play with. An improvement on yesterday already and its not even 9 O'clock yet.
She doesn't get the laser toy at all. Just stares at it. She likes Dreamies one at a time, but her favourite thing is Valerian. We have tools with which to pull this together, then. :)
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Tan knew what she was doing when she popped an extra Valerian toy in with my Auction winnings. :shify:
Just reading through FunkieChicken's thread for Peanut, and it dawned on me that I've got a Feliway diffuser in the back of the cupboard, so I've dug it out. I must admit it did nothing for my previous introductions, which is why there's still some fluid left in the bottle, but maybe it will help this time. :-:
Now, do I plug it in the kitchen with the boys or in here where the encounters are likely to occur.
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As nobody has gone through my chip reading flaps I dont know how good Lupin would be at tailgating...............too good I reckon!
I think maybe where the boys are for the diffuser but could be trial and error.
Sly sounds like he is being a good boy today :evillaugh:
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Aww i'm glad Sly da Sly has given in and started to be good again - Peenew Da Tash says he has to be good to the newbie! ;) :evillaugh:
I too have only had boys....My nana had many girlies and...well yeah, they were Diva's!! I'm sure she'll have Sly tending to her every whim in no time :evillaugh:
I hope the Feliway Works!! Nuggie is changed cat, no longer my dependant baby!! :-[....based on this and for my own needy selfish reasons I might have to switch it off!!!! :shify: :shify:
:rofl:
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Houston, we have a problem
Uncle Beau is not turning out to be the big softy he's shown himself to be previously with the new boys.
In fact he's decidedly unpleasant.
It's not Kitty he's targetting, it's me :shocked: yes, ME, his beloved Meowmi is getting the gamut of Beau's displeasure.
Last night he stamped on my head as I lay sleeping, then sat on my face with his bumhole (yes, his actual bumhole - I think he may have been squatting to pee but he thought better of it when I moved), this morning he's ripped up the Valerian Tree that Kitty was playing with earlier, spraying valerian all over the floor and just now he pee'd on the coffee table right in front of me.
I've picked him up and calmly placed him outside because I'm furious, not with him, but with myself for allowing him to have so much contact with Kitty so soon.
Beau's history with gurlcats is chequered to say the least. His soul mate, Cassie was run over when they were both just six months old. He pined for weeks, so much so I brought home another gurlcat - Cora from Cats Protection - for him to love. Biggest mistake of our lives.
He hated Cora from day one. She wasn't properly socialised. She bullied and attacked him, pee'd everywhere, stole his place on my bed and he ended up isolating himself in the airing cupboard. She was beautiful but terrible. After persevering for a whole year Cora was the one and only adoption I've ever had to return, but not before she'd ruined our lives, our home and Beau's faith in the gentler sex. I felt terribly guilty for both Cora and Beau.
Now we're away from that cat, that house, that environment, he should (after 11 years) have got over the trauma (you'd think) but the behaviour he's displaying now is exactly the same as all those years ago. The only gurlcat he really interacts with here is our old girl Pursley, she keeps a wary distance from Beau because he does chase her off the bed when I'm in it, but as she was here before I moved in with Beau 8 years ago he's never gone any further than just that. No marking or spraying, or bad behaviour towards me. Just a grudging acceptance.
I know Kitty hasn't done any of the awful things that Cora used to do to him, as she's been under human supervision every minute the residents have had access to the sitting room, but Beau's obviously expecting terrible things from her and is making his feelings very plain indeed.
I've ordered a fresh refill for my feliway in here and another one to plug in the kitchen to see if I can stop this. Bearing in mind Kitty will be one week into her three week trial tomorrow, this is not the progress I wanted to report.
Kitty on the other hand is behaving nicely. She doesn't want to leave the sitting room now. Has her dinner noisily and enthusiastically and has been making blinkey eyes at Sylvester (who is clueless what to do in return), albeit with the occasional low growl. Tease, so she is.
Here's the poor dead tree :doh:
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oh no :(
Sounds like Beau is jealous of his only "gurl-cat" - his meowmi! of which this intruder has taken, without permission and he is showing this with a 'no uncertain terms' top cat stance :scared:
He doesnt seem to want to share at the moment, flexed his muscles by showing how easily he can kill the tree and wee'd for good measure.... :shy:
It might make you feel better to know that Nuggie too has "punished" me for this violation of his feline rights - although I have escaped his bumhole in my face. He wanted little/no contact from me and his usual loving self was replaced by a whiny displeased cries and as long as he got fed his contact was done.
This has improved over the short weeks - but additionally Nuggie hasnt had to deal with a traumatic past involving another cat.....
I'm not experienced enough to know what to really suggest :( - hopefully someone might have some suggestions?
What you will ultimately gain, is clearing Kitty's name of being this un-rehomeable problem cat. I just hope that with the gang dealing with their heirarchy issues and slowly Kitty getting Sly as friendly allie, things may settle down?
May be a room rotation so they get the Kitty Scent Filled living room to themselves, with a view of re-opening the cat flap (whilst Kitty is safe in another room) so the Gang get rid of some pent up energy and frustration??? again, just an inexperienced guess??
Trial & Error I think? :Luv:
:hug: :hug:
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:-: Ah. Sounds like he really is hacked off with you. :hug: :hug:
Some good suggestions from funkie there. :hug:
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May be a room rotation so they get the Kitty Scent Filled living room to themselves, with a view of re-opening the cat flap (whilst Kitty is safe in another room) so the Gang get rid of some pent up energy and frustration
Very good idea indeed, thank you Funkie. I have the spare room ready (Felicity-Sue was set to go in there, but when I was pipped at the post for adopting her and Kitty's behavioural monitoring became a priority, I ditched the idea of isolation in favour of human contact) but she can go in there now I know she's not going to make a bolt for the catflap whenever I open the door.
Think I'll leave it until my second Feliway diffuser arrives though - Animed are usually so quick its frightening, so it should be here tomorrow.
I did re-open the catflap after the first round of inappropriate behaviour from Beau and Sly earlier in the week, so I know it's not that that Beau is upset about, its definitely her :( . He was better behaved last night, though (no bumholes and he did allow me to sleep without stamping on me - I wonder if its the Feliway influence :-: ) . Meanwhile Beau follows me around the house and beds down wherever I sit - feel like I'm under surveillance and could be up on bumhole report if I put a foot wrong :doh:
Kitty allows OH to pick her up now, so I'll make it his job to move her around the house. He's talking about her in supportive and affectionate terms now, and looked quite hurt when I told him Kitty couldn't stay if we couldn't resolves Beau's issues with her. Poor man, I feel such a heel now. As you say, Funkie, we've got a good grasp of what Kitty likes and needs now, and she should warm to an adult household with other cats quite well, even if it's not necessarily ours.
Two weeks to go - keep that advice coming in :thanks:
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I feel for your OH. :hug:
Mine said to me the other day "I wish we didn't get so attached to them........" and I knew what he meant. We worry so much whilst Mac's out and about, and he's very much OH's Big Baby Boy in a way none of the others have been. We do get attached to them, and in most cases it doesn't take long. What is it about cats? :evillaugh:
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They are cute, cuddley, norty, attention seeking babies all their life and depend on us for everything and with their big eyes, velvet paws and ears they snuggle their way into our lives, even when they are not of the snuggle persuation, they still beguile us with their beauty :Luv2: :Luv2:
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Sheila, I really hope that the issue with Beau can be resolved.
Gill, how true :Luv:
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Yesterday was a better day, no fights, bumholes or inappropriate pee-ing so we allowed the sitting room door to be opened and the boys swarmed in.
Lazer light play was a hoot - Kitty has almost "got" it now - she will stamp on it when its near her but got a little phased when Sly went charging around the room like a miniature Bull :scared:
However, she's very sure of herself, and seems to quite like Sly. Sly is being respectful having got a bop on the head for pinching her grub.
This morning has been interesting. I was woken by swish-swish-swish - Beau had pee'd on the sideboard in the bedroom, precisely targetting a pair of my clean socks I'd put out for today. >:( He got picked up and slung out, as we have a litter tray in the bedroom just for this exact reason (he's a bit of a menace for pee-ing in the bedroom but then it is HIS room - and he's seemed content with the tray up to now) so no excuses - just bloody-minded.
Downstairs, Kitty was happy cuddling up to her Dad (OH) earlier until I came down when she swiped him and demanded food from me :-: Then later while OH was showering and I was sitting quietly typing, she snook up behind me on the back of the couch and bopped ME soundly on the head! Claws out! Ouch! :doh:
We've had a game of fishy-onna-stick and dug over the litter tray twice (she doesn't like how I arrange the grains so after I've scooped, she goes in and re-shuffles the litter into a pile). Then I went outside to tidy the pots on the front while she sat watching from the windowsill, howling at me. Meanwhile Sly and Tufty came outside with me to play and Sly fair battered Tuffs on the pavement. Sheesh. :tired:
Since then she's been very energetic and poking into everything so I've locked the catflap and allowed her access to the kitchen, the boys all seem to be either out or sleeping upstairs so hopefully she'll be alone for a bit.
Any behaviourists watching - I'd love a go-figure on that lot.
I've got two days working from home so this is my chance to get her used to my presence in "her" sitting room again.
Think I'll try her on some chick-chick. Wish me luck :shy:
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I'm pleased to hear that the Bumhole on Face Invasion is being put on hold for now :shocked:
and although not perfect, things are getting a little better?? maybe?? :shify: (apart from Beau's insistance on peeing on everything - especially if its yours!)
It definitely seems to me that Beau is making clear that you're his and he is following you and making his presence known just incase you forget about him lol (Nuggie did the same to me, but wasnt friendly about it :rofl: )
Its good that she is sure of herself and shows she will hold her own within the group. She has a friend in Sly and that will give her some social standing/his dweemies :evillaugh: - but if nothing else she at least company, should the others just reach the "acceptance - but not i'm not really fussed on you" point :shify:
Sounds like they might be all bickering for their "place" and Sly is making poor Tuffs know that if it all kicks off, he's higher up in chain than she is - Tuffs might seeks revenge yet lol
Either way Kitty's got her Dad wrapped round her paw and I think he's going to want her - afterall he isnt suffering the Pee Socks or a face full of Bumhole :sneaky:
So it could be that time will be the deciding factor - albeit slower than normal intros. Letting them all meet and mingle, play is good and then taking her out the equation, even for a short time, so the residents get their house back for a bit seems to have worked :) :)
It is not a sea of Peace & Tranquility here, although lots of little things & advice have helped alot amensley - but its only been just over a month and the main thing is its going in the right direction - and i think, if its going in the right direction (although not perfect) then she's going to be a stayer :)
I hope once Beau gets the living room back, especially if thats where he'd be with you the majority of time during the day, his peeing might stop?? I hope!! :shify:
She is funny lil girl! She doesnt give love & affection in return for a Slave. She makes her demands and if they're met swiftly & correctly, she will love you later! haha :evillaugh: You are the feeder and thats what you will do...or a clawed bop on the head is what you'll get :rofl: Your OH is the affection giver, that must stop immediately once Feeder arrives, as his work is done until thy belly be filled :rofl: she's a Diva!
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Just love all this analysis ;D ;D
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Just love all this analysis ;D ;D
So do I - funkie's nailed it hasn't she?
She is funny lil girl! She doesnt give love & affection in return for a Slave. She makes her demands and if they're met swiftly & correctly, she will love you later! haha :evillaugh: You are the feeder and thats what you will do...or a clawed bop on the head is what you'll get :rofl: Your OH is the affection giver, that must stop immediately once Feeder arrives, as his work is done until thy belly be filled :rofl: she's a Diva!
I think sums it up beautifully ;)
The feliway has just arrived, Kitty nearly got out while I was signing for the parcel - :scared: how ironic would that have been :-[
Will let you know how we get on with the Felifriend hand scent - never tried it before so lets see if she responds - that's if I can purrsuade her out of the box it just all came in ;D
Kitty :catluv:
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Yes Funkie has nailed it ;D
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Sly ate Kitty's Zylkene, then Beau ate Tufty's, Kitty won't touch hers, or anybody elses.
She's intent on doing somebody harm today - my slippers are getting a battering and poor Sly is so confused :tired:
At leest we av a noo bokks to play wiv :clap:
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Poor Sly, bad Kitty :rofl:
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So Dadz got home from work at 7.30. Kitty's been really tense with me all day, despite my attempts to laugh off her attacks I felt it appropriate to warn him :scared:
Kitty is now ON HIS KNEE being CUTE and FABULOUS. >:(
I told him I'm actually quite jealous and he looked at me like this :sneaky:
Bustard !
(its a bird apparantly, with B*stard tendencies)
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Wot a little devil!
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I've just spotted something I need advice on :-:
Kitty was snuggled up with her new Dad, the light on her flank showed up a patch of fur that is clearly a recent spay operation.
I did see something that was ringing bells earlier in the week - the view of her waistline from above was uneven - the fur considerably shorter on one side than the other, but I didn't make the connection (occupational hazard with 8 cats, missing the fine detail... where the devil is).
To be honest I'm a bit peeved about this - not that she's been spayed of course but that CH never mentioned she was a recent spay (and therefore will still stink of female sexual hormones). God, now I'm wondering if she's had a litter very young :(
OF COURSE my boys are upset and fighting!
Jeez. This really does explain quite a lot.
Anyone got experience of recent spays and behaviour on integrating?
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Maybe CH didnt notice like you?
Have to think if her fur has nearly grown the spey would be nearly two months ago so her hormones have died down now but dont know how long it takes for this to happen tbh.
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Sheila Kitty wont be smelling Of female hormones even if she was only done a couple of weeks ago :hug: My guess is it could be 2-3 months ago, the fur grows much slower in cold weather.If she did have a litter at a tender age the important thing is that she not only survived but has managed to endear herself to you and is now safe and well cared for.
Your boys are upset and fighting because you have brought another cat home, I mean how would you feel if your OH brought another woman home :rofl:
I think you are doing a wonderful job of integrating,just remember its 2 steps forward and 1 step backward so slowly does it :hug: :hug:
Zyklene is wonderful unless poor Kitty had a bad mum,we tried Kalm Aid on vets advice and found it brilliant.
Now as for Beau`s naughty habits,young Winston has a big collapsible pen in my living room but is allowed out to play in the living room,well little swine decided to piddle on my carpet yesterday because he was determined he was not going back in his Pen and knew that the second he did I would shut him in, goes to show that cats will try all sorts to get their own way :rofl: Beau will get there in the end :hug: :hug:
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Aha! I knew someone would have the answer - Teresa of course it had to be you!
So if it's not her stinky womaness that's making the boys noughty, (even taking into account Beau's previous bad experience with women of the female variety (cr. Eric Morecambe RIP) then it's likely to be excessive Spring Fever (yes this has emerged along with the premature daffy bulbs this year) and not related to Kitty at all?
This makes me feel better (and that Sly has continued to play nicely with Kitty) and so we re-think...hmmm...
Think1
I heard that one of CHs fosterers has been taken very ill and her (17!) charges are in need of immediate foster homes, very sad for all concerned.
Think2
Because of OH's increasing affection for Kitty (Puss) and CHs limited foster resources - its highly unlikely I'm going to return Kitty to CH.
Think3
Because Kitty has attached herself inextricably to OH, and looks like she hads always been on his lap :Luv:
Think4
OH is thinking of naming her Pawley (after Pauley Perrett, who plays the Goth lab rat Abby on NCIS)
So I've made my mind up. KittyPuss is staying here.
Now - how to convince the catsitter....
:dance narna:
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I had a feeling this girl would stay....mwahahaha :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
I'm so pleased :hug: :hug:
I saw this and thought it might help with the introductions?? Go to 6 minutes 6 seconds of the video
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=jackson+cat+whisperer&qpvt=jackson+cat+whisperer&mid=C6F49117E0DC1E19297CC6F49117E0DC1E19297C&FORM=LKVR7#
Desparately trying to find a clip of a "Cat From Hell" where a cat called Ruby, was a Daddy's Girl and agressive towards Mammy - but Animal Planet only do short intro clips and as this man has suddenly taken the world by storm there's not much in the way of "stolen" ( :innocent: ) episodes on You Tube either :shy: His 2nd series has just started in US so i'm waiting for it to air in the UK, but the 2 episodes i caught of series 1, were really good and it impressed......anyhooo I digress :shify: but worth looking out for?
Only thing I managed to find by him that might be food for thought was about misbehaving cats, who wake slaves up all hours by general naughtiness to aggression and then we dutifully (and sleepily) drag our bodies out of bed and feed them, pander to them etc (my OH is a victim of this about 5am every morning :evillaugh: they know better with me as even running over my head fails to wake me :rofl: ). Well, as with kids I suppose he says dont get up/give them what they want by rewarding aggressive/naughty behaviour with food etc.... (and as I clean the Litter Trays/sick/any other smelly things I may forget to mention this cure for our naughty twilight kittens :rofl:)
So as "Food Giver" I would maybe look to not giving Kitty what she wants (this may take alot of patience, an asbestos suit and an ipod to drown out any noise :sneaky: ) and once she's given up and is calm, then feed her? it may reverse the behaviour shes learnt??? :scared: OR why not let Daddy feed her in reward to cuddles she gives him?
Personally I think her previous Lady Owner has not been kind (whatsoever) to little Kitty, this nastiness has then turned to fear, as Kitty has claws and spits but the previous Lady still was the supplier of food - it goes alot deeper than jealousy, me thinks?
On the bright side Sly is her friend, so she's doing something right :Luv2: :Luv2:
I think this little girl will bring you big rewards :) ...she may bring scars along the way :evillaugh: but she'll end up the most affectionate now she has a great home :Luv:
I just hope Beau has ceased his Bumhole Behaviour! it may smell an interesting story to fellow felines but having his "pencil sharpner" forced upon you isnt the same friendly gesture in the Human World :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
goes to show that cats will try all sorts to get their own way :rofl:
:rofl: :rofl: dont they just!! :evillaugh:
:hug: :hug:
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I love Pawley as a name and think that Abby is a great character ;D
Think if Sly is really becoming her freind then this may help the others calm down.............can always hope :sneaky:
Think your OH should take full responsibilty for her as he is obviously the current flavour :evillaugh:
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Catsitter is not only wonderful with our cats but also very understanding. Totally cool about the new addition. ;D
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Sheila, I've got no constructive advice to add to this thread but just wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying reading it :hug:
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Today we've had a bit of a setback as Theo has now displayed his feelings by pee-ing up the video cabinet where Kitty secures herself when the boys are in the sitting room. :-[ Theo's a strange boy, I'm hoping this is a one-off, as he's has done the same thing for each of the newbies, quickly followed by acceptance (albeit grudging) but as this is our first girl to come in since Theo arrived 4 years ago, who knows what's going on in that massive head?
However, Sly really does seem to be taking Kitty's side - much to her surprise and not necessarily to her pleasure, Sly is persevering with his uncharacteristically good behaviour and is actively seeking close contact with her.
In return, Kitty hisses, flattens her ears and flashes the mean look at him, but has so far failed to attack.
The bokks (sorry box) has been a great addition - with a hole cut in one end and a flap cut in the other, Kitty and Sly play footsie for ages.
Oh, Kitty did swipe OH last night - poor man looked like his heart was breaking as he sucked his bleeding finger. Then she went for a big poo. Clearly this had been making her grumpy cos she went and sooked right up to him again afterwards. :naughty: :naughty: Kitty :rofl:
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Yes I think they get upset when they want to use the tray but for some reason leave it until the last minute!
Lupin will be grumpy then use the tray and start bouncing around.
Is that Sly and Kitty? Lovely picture ;D
Sounds like Sly likes Kitty a lot and she is playing hard to get :evillaugh:
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Love the pic Sheila :Luv: Hope Theo's protest was a one off.
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Thanks, all.
Funky - that Cat Whisperer knows his stuff - just wish I had the time to "do" set mealtimes so they can be trained to their dinner bowl.
Sadly my job means I get variable and weird shifts, and OH seriously can't be trusted to get it right (OK, I'm a bit particular, but he DOES shortcut - filling up the wrong biscuits and putting fresh wet food in used bowls etc :-[ ) so they only get fixed mealtimes when we're on holiday and Aunty Kathy looks after them :shy:
Gill, yes this is Sly and Kitty, Sly has shown exemplary patience and dedication to the cause - he's fascinated (and I trust him to be alone with her) but may be growing a little tired of her constant rejection. Today he took her breakfast growl in good humour but then asked to go outside, please (catflap locked this morning as she's exploring the house) and hasn't been back since.
Beau has been behaving better - this has been a wake up call for me - Beau has made it perfectly clear that he still needs his cuddles and special time (bedtime is Beau time) and so long as he gets this, the peeing shall cease. Theo, I feel, has reached some kind of plateau, but I don't trust him to be alone with Kitty yet. Pursley and Kitty do hiss and spit at one another (Pursley is a lifelong Alpha female and asserts this with the other female cats in the neighbourhood) Kitty does back off in venerance of Pursley's position.
Yesterday was a backwards-step day - I tried to get her chip to register with the catflap - but she totally freaked when I carried her outside the back door and attempted to feed her back through it. I'm a mass of scratches as a result and may have lost a little of her confidence. Obviously too early :(
We had a lovely night, though - I was up around 3.30 so came in to the sitting room and had a half hour cuddle with Kitty. She sat on my knee and purred so loud I thought she's wake her Dad ;D
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I understand exactly where you're coming from. Unfortunately I dont have feeding time routine and although i work during the day, i am on Flexi-Hours and have a sleep disorder meaning I get up at different times and arrive home at different times, trying to get my 8hrs work done and weekends - well. Its when ever i drag my lazy self up :rofl: So although not as vast a difference as yourself it is hard to get set routines and live a hectic lifestyle! I dont overly trust the OH to do the job successfully either :evillaugh: dumping fresh onto old or feeding them the flavours they dont like :shy:
Also Nuggie doesnt go downstairs with OH - food or not and is like a faithful hound sleeping at my feet patiently waiting for his mammy to get her lazy ass up LOL
I think the only thing i do keep the same is the order in how i feed the cats. Usually begins with cleaning bowls whilst Nuggie cries and gets loads of loves. More loves before dishing up and Peanut arrives from his place on the bottom stair.
i'm still having set backs and feeding is one of them. Nuggie see's Peanut as stealing his pre-meal mammy love and jumping head-butts and Peanut gets a punch if he attempts to come in the kitchen before Nuggie face is securely attached to his meal :shy: its a strange little thing they have going on. They can be inches apart and the next thing Nuggie is not allowing Peanut to come in the living room - but then it'll switch on its head and Peanut becomes the bossy one (mainly when he is owning the top of the stairs :evillaugh: )
I think Nuggies reaction is fear on the biggest part and he finds it hard to let his guard down :shy:
But it seems nothing compared to the ups and downs of your introduction!!
I hope the marking was a one off!! and i'm so pleased Beau has settled down in exchange for his mammy time ;D
Love the Kitty & Sly photo ;D ;D
me thinks Sly has found his self a little girlfriend ;) and although she isnt playing, i admire his persistance in making her his friend....on the other hand he may see her naughty side and see her as a potential recruite :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
but its so nice that she has a friend and that she's finally giving you big purrs :dance:
I think it all sorts it self out in the end ;D .....it just feels like eternity :grrrrrr:
:hug: :hug:
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Kitty is now "Pip". :shy:
OH has taken to calling her Pip (squeak) and she seems to respond, so Pip it is.
She's quietly getting on with exploring the house and making her presence felt with the residents. The funniest one so far has been Chubby, our FIV ex-feral-cum-friendly cuddlebum who is enchanted with her and started following her about the house :Luv2:
I spoke to the man from CH yesterday - he's having trouble getting her vaccination card etc (methinks it's lost) so he's going to get me a copy of the computer record, and hopefully, her microchip references.
He also seems to have come up with some extra info that she may in fact be five years old, which is actually nearer what I suspected from the beginning. It's all a bit vague, though. :shify:
He did reassure me of one thing - the recent shaved patch was actually their investigation shave - they found a spay scar so didn't need to go in ;D
I know CH are absolutely bombed out just now, but I'd like to get this adoption formalised so her chip can be switched to me and I can relax a bit. It's also time she was allowed to roam the house at night with the others as she's getting anxious about being locked away in the sitting room on her own every night. :-:
However, she's been good as gold. I'm happy for her as she seems to be comfortable with all the residents and loves her Daddy time in the mornings. Bonding with me will come later, I'm sure, but for now this has the makings of a successful introduction. :phew:
Here's Kitty Pip and Sly playing nicely.
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:cheer: Welcoming Newly Named Pip :cheer:
Sounds like everything is settling in nicely!! ;D and Kitty Pip ( ;) lol) has calmed her aggression down amazingly ;D
Well done! I bet you feel like you can breathe again (I know, i've been on edge myself willing for tranquility :rofl:)
You must be proud you've given her the chance many would have turned away from :Luv: :Luv:
and Sly is definitely in love me thinks :evillaugh: (and Chubby may be falling too lol)
I'm really pleased - lets just hope CP find all the details to make it official soon!!
:hug:
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I'm so pleased this is all working out and hope youget the formal papers sooner rather than later. :hug:
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Oh my two suitors for ummmmmmm Pip ;D
So pleased its going so well ;D
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Also really chuffed this is going so well. :)
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The worst possible news. :(
There was a cat fight in the house last night - Tufty is injured and can't put his back foot down. He was out first thing and wouldn't come near the house, hisses and spits when I tried to pick him up in the street. We were debating who he might have been fighting with, and getting him to the vet over breakfast which we were happily sharing with Pip, then OH went for his shower while I started the washing up.
Next minute, Pip went postal. She attacked me then savaged OH. The attack was totally unprovoked and sustained - we threw coats on her in the end and managed to force her back into the sitting room on her own where she continued to hurl herself against the door for 15 minutes. I've never seen such a reaction in anything other than a wild animal. Positively the scariest thing I've ever witnessed.
Pip's not injured, trapped, threatened or hungry. There were no other cats present (thank God) when she went off, so this is inexplicable. She'd shared a little of OHs breakfast bacon just minutes earlier and was nice as pie. It's left us both in such a state of shock I couldn't think of anything but to phone the CH man.
My description of the attack apparently exactly echoed the previous owners :(
So she's gone, back to Celia's. I donned my motorbike helmet, jacket, boots and gloves and got her into a cage, OH drove me to Canning Town where Celia herself was waiting. I'm afraid I crumbled a little trying to describe what had happened as Pip had completely calmed down by the time we got there, but I'm still in shock as I write this and was very shaky taking her in. Neither Celia nor I believe there's anywhere for her to go now, I guess there's only one option.
We knew she was a risk, but I thought we could heal her damaged mind. I was wrong and I'm just thankful it's only us that have been injured, not a child who could have easily been disfigured in such a frenzied attack. Poor Tufty may well have been on the receiving end of a similar attack in the night, because since Pip has gone he's allowed OH to scoop him up, had some food and Metacam and has settled down in the sitting room where he now is grounded until I can get a proper look at his leg.
My foot is sliced up, but OH's feet and legs are a real mess - one rip has gone sideways across the top of his foot and nicked a couple of blood vessels that bled like mad, and he has slashes from his toes up to his thigh (yes he didn't have a stitch on when this all happened but came running all the same - he's VERY lucky Pip's so short).
Thankfully I'm a first aider so we have plenty of antiseptic cream, pads and tape, and I've patched him up. I'm concerned that his Tetanus is out of date so he's going to see the nurse tomorrow.
Now I'm a mess, OH is being very supportive and stoic but she had really got to him, I expect he'll need a drink or three later. My thoughts now are for poor Pip whose days are surely numbered, and for poor Tufty who didn't ask for any of this. :'(
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sheila I am so sorry
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sheila as for the tetanus, my doctor says as long as you have had 2 in your life you are covered :hug:
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Thanks, Dawn - OH has had at least two tetanus jabs previously (he was literally re-built after a car crash in his 20s) so hopefully this won't be a problem.
I'm watching one of the cuts which went across the back of his knee, very close to the artery, and a "flap" she opened on his calf which is showing sub-dural bruising, but I'm happy the blood loss has stopped and there's limited immediate swelling. :Luv2:
Bless, he looks like he's done a couple of rounds with Zorro.
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Don't know what to say Shiela. Just so very sorry for all concerned. Cannot imagine what on earth is wrong with Pip. So very sad :hug: :hug: :hug:
It's a good job you and OH are as brave as you are as she needed to be caught to avoid causing further serious injury to either of you or the other cats. Very much hope the two of you and poor Tufty heal quickly with no infections.
As for poor Pip.... :( :( :(
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Pip sounds so like our Gigi Skye from Sunny Harbour our forever foster she is a shredder and means it she hates my OH with a passion and he won't approach her or deal with her which is very strange considering some of the nastier ferals we have here
She does however adore me with a zelous passion and gets upset when the others come to close so she now has a resident spot on the couch behind my head and the others avoid her and give her a wide berth she is apart from her unpredicatbility a happy soul but not for the feint hearted
I think Pip needs a home with no other cats and one owner who will give her a wide berth
You tried but when others are being hurt and shredded it does put a different perspective on things and she is now back in the best place for her until a home can be found
You have't failed she just isn't for you :hug:
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Thanks, Liz. I know Celia thinks like you do and will move Heavan and Earth to keep her alive. She's a sweetie with a horrendous twist, and not a cat you would ever trust to, say, a much loved and appreciated cat-sitter. So yes, she's not for us.
You'll be relieved to know that she has not been PTS to my knowledge - Celia will, I know, try every avenue before this happens, but at least CH now has her psych assessment (Crikey, that all seems so long ago) so she can decide if poor Kitty (yes, Pip was only her name here) has a future, somewhere.
My heart is in pieces, but mostly for OH and Tuffs, neither of whom deserved this. Is this just my vanity/ego causing such trauma? You cry, I cry :'(
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No, no- you're beating yourself up.
You did all you could and no one could have predicted that she would flip like that. You made the right decision when you took her on and again when you handed her back. She may find the perfect home yet, even if she is clearly damaged in some way.
None of this is your fault :Luv2:
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I am so, so sorry Sheila :hug:
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Oh Sheila how awful. :hug: :hug: I can well understand how shocked you must be after such a sudden and violent attack. I'm feeling a bit shocked myself and I'm only reading about it. You have done the right thing, the only thing you could possibly do, in taking her back to CH and by the sounds of things you handled the situation extremely well. :hug:
Of course your heart is in pieces. :hug: You wanted to help, you saw her blossoming under your care, your OH was smitten, and you quite reasonably thought her future was secure. But something is clearly going on in her brain, either as a result of past trauma or maybe physical illness that causes her to have these outbursts. The fact that she can be docile and loving for weeks or months on end and then turn so dramatically in a split second without any provacation makes her all the more dangerous I'm afraid, and heartbreaking though it is, I think the conclusion that both you and Celia came to this morning may well be unavoidable. If she did attack Tufty, and it seems probable that she did, then as Liz says she needs a home as an only cat with an owner who will give her a wide berth. I hope with all my heart that she finds that person but I'm not holding my breath. :(
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Oh Sheila such a shock when it seemed things were going so well :hug: :hug:
Poor Kitty, something is definately going on with her and do hope that Celia can find a suitable home for her, maybe she has something going on in her head and if not she has been seriously traumatised at some point in her little life.
Please watch out for infections of humans or Tufty, I am just so sad for all of you and Kitty :(
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Thanks, everyone. :hug:
I'm still in shock and prone to outbursts of tears.
OH is holding up well but I can't stop crying. My rudimentary medical training tells me I'm in shock, and he's trying (so nicely) to snap me out of it, but I need to go walk it off, I think.
Off to make an authentic paella, should occupy me for a while. :-:
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This is a loss and you will feel the same as for any other loss and it will take time to come to terms with, take your time :hug: :hug:
How is Tufty doing ?
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Sheila, am so sorry, treasure. can imagine how much of a shock this has been for you and your OH. Am hoping Tufty's leg isn't too bad, and that your own and OH's wounds are clean.
Poor Pip. Lord alone knows what's gone in her life to damage her so. Am also quietly speculating whether she may have a tumour or brain disorder.
I think you've done what you had to do, and no-one can say you didn't try. :hug:
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Good grief - what a horrible experience for all of you. You did everything right by Kitty/Pip and should try to focus on that rather than the horrible finale. I hope something can be done for her, and obviously hope you, your OH and Tufts recover quickly and thoroughly. :hug: :hug:
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Very sorry to hear this Sheila, things seemed to be going so well :( Big hugs :hug: :hug: :hug:
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How is Tufty doing ?
Better thanks Gill. The metacam worked a treat - knocked him out for a whole night. Although he's favouring his back leg little, he can put his weight on it now and he seems bright and happy again this morning.
Thanks everyone. I was in shock yesterday, but feel much more positive now.
OH has now put his foot down about any more cats. No more fosters either. For, now I absolutely agree. :doh:
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Sheila, I'm absolutely devastated for you, OH and Pip. :( :( :( Sending lots of hugs :hug: :hug: :hug:
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What a shock when things were going pretty well :(
It will take time, but hope everyone is ok :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Just saw this Shiela :hug:
what a shock! I think it may be possible Pip has some underlying problem such as a brain trauma or something as it does sound like she truly lost the plot. you did the best you could hun so dont beat yourself up over this, I think no one is going to be able to help pip stop doing this but hopefully celia may find a way to help understand what exactly is going on :hug: :hug:
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oh sheila, i'm so sorry thats things have turned out like they have and for it to have been such a shocking and unprovoked attack - no wonder the whole experience has left you so shaken :'( :'(
It certainly wasnt what i was expecting to see when i opened the thread, especially after how well everything was going and hitting some great milestones :'(
I can only echo what everyone else has said and say that you did the very best for her and it has been far from a failure and hope the assessment will get her the home and care she needs x :hug:
I too wonder, Like Sue P, whether there are unknown neurological problems?? For such a vicious unprovoked attack out of no where, in a loving home where she was settled. Either it is or something terrible must of happened to her in the past that has deeply effected her beyond getting the love and attention she needs :(
I hope that she is able to be given an only cat home or something that suits her x
I hope Tufty's leg is getting better and it does seem possible he has been on the receiving end, bless him x
I also hope that you and your OH wounds are healing too and that you do not beat yourself up over how things turn out - i know thats easy to say and that you are and will for a while to come - i'm just so sorry how things have turned out :hug: :hug:
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Thanks, everyone. Your kind words are really helping me get my head straight.
Me and OH are still in a sort of whirl - it feels so strange here without Kitty, and although the shock has now passed, the sadness is taking a little longer.
We talk and talk and can no more find an answer now than we could yesterday when it happened.
One of OHs wounds was still very sore tonight so I had a look, there's a slice of skin sitting over a deep puncture but its right on his calf muscle. Cleaned it out again and dabbed a bit more antibiotic ointment, it looks better. All the other wounds are starting to heal.
Not seen Tuffs walk tonight as he's been asleep since I came in from work, but he looks comfy so I'll leave him to tell me in his own time if he's still suffering.
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Sending some more :hug: :hug: :hug: for you both and also for Tufty, and Sly who must be missing his little friend
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Sending some more :hug: :hug: :hug: for you both and also for Tufty, and Sly who must be missing his little friend
Adding my thoughts to Gill's too. :hug: :hug:
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Tufty's still lame - he can't put any weight on his back left leg again this morning so I'm waiting for 9am when the vet opens and see if Neil's available. :(
No breakfast for Tufty.
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Well in that case, am sending a very gentle snoozle for Tufty, and hoping that all goes well at the vet. Mac sends a little "squeeewhee!" for Tufty too. :hug: :hug:
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Sheila, I'm sending a snoozle for Tufty too :hug: :hug: And get well vibes for OH's leg.
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Snoozles and hugs greatly appreciated. :thanks:
Neil (vet - fab) found a problem with Tufty's foot - there's a scrape on one of his claws and any pressure on the area has Tufty jumping, and although there's no obvious displacement, Neil suspects either a dislocation that has popped back in, or a minor fracture further up the leg.
Tufty also has a temperature, hence why he's been off his food and crying, so he's had an AB shot and admitted for x-rays this PM. Difficult to say if there's any puncture would cos he's just so hairy. Neil will have a good look when Tufty's knocked out this afternoon.
Thank goodness for insurance - and he's had the good grace to wait until payday. Loves ya Tuffs :(
Back with more news after 3pm...
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Poor Mr Tuffs. :( Waiting to hear more later. :hug:
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I am so sorry that Tuffty is more injured and hope that there is nothing too serious with his leg and paw :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Aaw poor lamb. Hope Neil is able to find and cure the problem quickly :hug: :hug: :hug:
Hope OH's leg starts to heal quickly too. Sounds very sore :care:
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Sending big hugs and snoozles for Tufty. :hug: Hope its nothing too serious.
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Tufty has a fractured bone in his foot. :(
Neil couldn't find a puncture wound on his foot, so the bone damage is likely to be from a collision, fall or crush rather than a bite. My aunt did a similar thing to her foot at her Zumba class and it's a common footballers injury, but this injury on the foot of a cat is all the more sensitive as they walk on their toes so any pressure on this bone is going to be very painful.
The x-rays showed damage to the bone above the joint which is good news, as any nearer the joint would have worried Neil, whereas he's confident the bone will heal in time.
However, there is a prominent gland showing on the x-ray at the top of his left leg that re-affirms the existence of infection in this area so there is a source of infection hereabouts. But without shaving his fluffy little body it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. So he's had the covenia jab and will be on metacam for the rest of the week, under close observation by us and back to Neil next Tuesday for a check-up.
So, Kitty inflicted or not? We'll never know, I guess.
Meantime he's grounded - he wasn't given the general anaesthetic but a sedative so he's a bit wide eyed, drowsy and spooked tonight and definitely not happy the catflap is locked. :tired:
The main thing is, he's on the road to recovery. The vet bill without his insurance would have been over £400 so far :shocked:
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Aaw poor little man :care: :care: :care: Metacam is however a fabulous painkiller and so pleased Neil thinks he'll be back to normal in time. Hope the ABs knock that abscess out quickly too :(
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OMG Sheila just read this what an awful thing to happen. To be honest Pip sounds like my much missed and loved ragdoll Beau. He could be the most loving boy one minute and next minute trying to scratch your eyes out. Being a raggie he was a big boy and god he could be scary in his wildness. I lost times the number of times he inflicted nasty injuries on myself and OH. My vet eventually persauded me to put him up for adoption as an only cat. To be honest I thought no one would want him [he was also a herpes carrier, and would spray around the house, and pee on the bed up to 3 times a night - normally on me!!!] but the progressive ragdoll society bless them found him a home within days. He was only a young cat and the thought of 10 or more years with him like this was dreadful. I worried about what he would do to the others all the time. He is now a much loved only cat and his issues are a thing of the past. He is now a typical laid back raggie.
Sending lots of :hug: to you all. Hoping that handsome Mr Tufty is back to his normal self soon
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Reading back through this thread (and Sly's thread - noo pley mayte) I think I was painting a slightly rosier glow of Kitty's affectionate side all along.
She was more often attacking us than she was loving up, but we simply laughed of these mini attacks because of her diminutive size and consistency (like every single time she got p*ssed off at either of she she gave us a proper wopping) but it was always aimed at clothed feet and legs, so never really had any impact.
Even her affectionate moments were uneasy, as she would last no more than a few moments of strokes before snapping or growling.
I think we're ready to move on now, Tuffs is unhappy about being grounded tonight. Poor baby. Things will be better tomorrow. :tired:
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Xrays are so expensive cos about this time last year Ducha broke a bone in his wrist on the side where he has lost his leg,,,,,,,,,,,,,he needed 6 weeks cage rest and had 8 in the end.
He hurt it by landing badly and then couldnt take the weight on that side,,,,,,,,,it was touch and go whether it would heal which was bad for Ducha but he adapted to cage rest well being 17yrs old at the time so very different to Tufty.
He is now hoping around as before and up and down stairs.
I do hope Tufty heals quickly :hug: :hug:
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Sheila, if you did paint a rosier picture, then it was only because you wanted to see the best in a cat who is either essentially traumatised by her life so far, or who has a deeper underlying neurological issue. I do hope that Kitty can find somewhere she can be happy and at peace with her world.
Meanwhile, am sorry to hear that Tufty's injury is more serious with regard to being a fracture, but also hoping it will heal without further intervention and that his abces will clear up now he's had it identified and treated. A traumatic few weeks for you all, but with Sly's new house :wow: there's much to look forward to :hug: :)
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Sheila, you did your best for Kitty :hug: :hug: Sending get well vibes to Tufty :hug:
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Sheila, if you did paint a rosier picture, then it was only because you wanted to see the best in a cat who is either essentially traumatised by her life so far, or who has a deeper underlying neurological issue. I do hope that Kitty can find somewhere she can be happy and at peace with her world.
Meanwhile, am sorry to hear that Tufty's injury is more serious with regard to being a fracture, but also hoping it will heal without further intervention and that his abces will clear up now he's had it identified and treated. A traumatic few weeks for you all, but with Sly's new house :wow: there's much to look forward to :hug: :)
I second that :hug: :hug:
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Hey Tufty lad......... these are for you sweetheart :care: :care: :care:
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Thanks, everyone :hug:
Tufty does respond well to Metacam (even though I have to scruff him to get him to take it) so he's almost back to normal so long as he's dosed up. He spent last night outside :shocked: as he refused to come in when we called him at bedtime.
He still hasn't figured out how to use the catflap inwards - only outwards :doh:
Like I say, not the brightest :doh: but very snugglewuggly :Luv:
Still we have the kennel out there and now Sly's little mansion either of which Tufty can use until he works it out, but he prefers to hole up in someone's garage down the road which is where he used to hide out when he was still a stray.
Theo's started coming into the sitting room again. Funny, he's very territorial usually and stops dead at the sitting room door but since Kitty was isolated in here he's got over this psychological barrier and comes in quite frequently for a nose around. He has a quick play with the valerian toys then wanders off to feed (he walks like John Wayne because of his dicky leg but stops my breath he's so handsome).
So I think Kitty has left us a positive legacy. The boys are getting on much better with one another. I wonder how long it will last :innocent:
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Sorry to hear about Tufty's fractured leg and infection :shocked: I hope he gets better soon and i guess you'll never know what really happened :shy:
I think its normal to want to see the very best in your cat, especially when you're willing everything to go well and your heart just hopes for the best :shy: x x
I just hope your wounds heal quickly (inside and out) and it doesnt put you off following your heart in the future :hug: :hug:
and the boys are showing how close they really were all along...lets hope it lasts!! :naughty: