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I have started a thread on The Office Cats here in the Cats' Stories sub-forum, because I began to feel that I was hijacking the Newbies' section with my comments. I should point out at this stage that the office cats are not really office cats, but care home cats as I work in a care home. Before anyone throws their hands up in horror at the thought of me as a carer, I do not work in this difficult role but as part of the admin team in support of the managers. There is an overlap as I have quite a lot of contact with both carers and residents. I joined the home in May 2016 after a couple of other careers, so I have only been there for about nine months.
Recently, the home had new flooring, curtains and paintwork, and in order to make the place more homely, pictures were hung on the walls and sideboards purchased for the units. The crowning glory was a fireplace, in the main area (known as the forum), created by some of the staff, complete with a real surround, fire effect heater and coal scuttle. My feeling is that the cats were bought sixteeen years ago also as part of making the home a real home, and the manager at the time succeeded. In short, the cats are for the benefit of the residents.
Now, the cats do not understand the above theory. If it is comfy, peaceful and where one gets spoilt, the cats head for the office. My immediate predecessors did not encourge them into the office, and I understand that one them complained to the manager to no avail. However, I cannot resist them and my saving grace is the manager, who is a cat lover, and her deputy also tolerates them. The subject of anti-cat staff would make another post and I will come back to it later. Some staff incorrectly believe that I am in charge of feeding the animals, but I do so after the kitties came to the office and pestered me to feed them. After all, they do need feeding and are done so as part of a rota attached to the larder in the staffroom. Care homes are open 24/7 and when I am not at work, others are doing their shift. It is just that the crafty little creatures now expect me to feed them all the time. They probably like me doing it as I also wash the bowls and renew the water, as well as giving them their fishy favourites like Tuna and Salmon - pouches not fresh. Occasionally on Fridays, they do get fish from the kitchen.
The cats do not always spend time in the office, but sometimes sleep on top of the radiators, beneath the windows (often in full sun), in the forum. This way they can see everything that goes on outside, including the neighbours' cats. They will head for the area between the units where comfy upholstered armchairs were bought to help the residents feel at home. Someone helpfully placed covers on the seat cushions so that the cats can sit on a chair next to a resident.
This afternoon I bought some special cat milk in Waitrose, who are surprisingly good for obtaining cat products. I will probably post on this tomorrow when I return to work and can test the milk on Tiggie. While out, I also bought Susan Finden's Casper the Community Cat book in a charity shop, which I have hitherto resisted as I know the ending. James Bowens' Street Cat Called Bob books are compulsive, so I relinquished. Apologies if these jottings ramble on, but I wrote them straight out for quickness. If there is anything missing, it is because I hit the wrong part of the mouse pad and lost the first more considered version. I have learnt my lesson and this was drafted in Notepad++, a plain text editor, and then cut and pasted.
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Thanks for telling us the cats' story. You needn't have worried about hijacking the newbie forum though ;D
It sounds like a lovely care home. I dread ending my days somewhere without cats :(
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THANK YOU, ITS REALLY INTERESTING TO NOT ONLY HEAR ABOUT THE CATS BUT ALSO THE HOME.
MANY HAVE ELDERLY MOTHERS SO RIGHT NOW ITS A BIG TOPIC ON PURRS.
CATS AS YOU KNOW HAVE AN IN BUILT CRAFTYNESS AND KNOW EXACTLY WHICH SIDE THEIR BREAD IS BUTTERED AND SOUNDS LIKE THEY HAVE YOU WELL UNDER THEIR PAWS :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
ALSO SOUNDS LIKE YOU DO A GREAT JOB WITH THEM ;D ;D
ONE THING THOUGH :shify: :shify: :rofl:
:need pics:
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Hey, ramble away, we do it all the time. Lovely to get some background. I had to rehome a couple of budgies a few years ago and they went to a local care home with an indoor aviary in a conservatory for the residents pleasure, animals and elderly people make for good companions. ;D.
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Ooooo we love ramblings on here - it's what we do a lot of! :wow:
It's such a forward thinking move to have cats (or PAT Dogs or budgies) in care homes, and so few would actually consider it, so well done to the place where you work. If I had to go into a Home, and couldn't have a cat of my own, it would be so lovely to know you can still share your life with a cat or cats, and Kizzie and Tiggie fit the bill perfectly. :) [well, if the residents live in the office :evillaugh:]
It's great that they gravitate to you - cats know instinctively who they like and who they don't, and they wouldn't grace you with their presence if they weren't really fond of you.
The public at large often don't get that about cats - they'll say "Oh it's only cupboard love...." but for a cat, it's much more than that. Anyone can open a pouch. But if that pouch is opened with love, dishes are washed with care and special milk is brought - well. :Luv: :hug: :hug: I find that cats are more than capable of voting with their feet if they don't like their lot in life. :evillaugh: They are crafty too - I'll give them that. :rofl:
I can't wait to hear how the milk experiment goes. :)
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SUE SO RIGHT ABOUT CATS VOTING WITH THEIR FEET AND HAD A NUMBER OF VISITORS IN LONDON WHO WANTED TO STAY BUT MY CAT KOCKA HATED OTHER CATS AND AFTER VOTING WITH HER FEET WAS NOT ABOUT TO DO SO AGAIN! S
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^ Thank you for the positive comments.
Our residents are only allowed in the home if they have been diagnosed with advanced dementia. There are a couple of residents, who lived in the home when it was for elderly people and do not have dementia, but who elected to stay with the newer arrangement. A spectrum of behaviours can be displayed, from those who seem pretty good to those who can be very bewildered. A number of residents can remember the names of the cats, and there is one who says she is allergic to cats but cannot resist them (like myself), except that she does resist them. We also have a number who have had a lifetime of living with pets and whose families encourage them to pet the cats, but who, when left to their own devices, do not pay much attention to the cats. The crux of the matter really is that many of those with dementia, despite a lifetime with animals, do not have the memory to relate to them in any depth. What they can do is feel 'homely' because the animals are around as they would have been in their 'own' (previous) homes.
We have a recent lady resident, who astonishingly was a fighter pilot, and still has enough enduring interest in cats to seek out their company. At first, they were a bit wary and Tiggy bit or scratched her, but they are getting used to her now. At one point in the day, today, she was putting her face close to Tiggy and the deputy manager was worried in case she got bitten, although she was okay . . . this time. Both cats will sit on the settee or a comfy chair next to this lady, if not on her lap. Crafty little things that they are, the moggies will follow the visitors who encourage their loved one to pet them.
One of the residents, who does not have dementia, will tap a chair leg with his stick to drive away a cat esconced on his chair, although the same cat will sit with him in the 'quiet room' - a little sitting room, like one in a house. When petting dogs, or visitors' dogs, are brought in he will stroke them. This morning the residents had a coffee morning in the forum and a young cleaner briefly brought in her little three-year-old daughter. Many of the residents were entranced by her presence. So, although they can be indifferent to the home cats, they come alive with dogs and small children!
First thing this morning, there was no sign of the cats as one of the night staff had brought in her dog, a gentle black labrador. Eventually, Tiggie could be spotted behind the settees in the forum and later Kizzie came running into the office, wide eyed and looking over her shoulder, as if being chased. She jumped up onto the worktop and sat between the monitor and keyboard. After a bit of fuss, she settled down in the intray, which is covered in a towel for her comfort. Nevertheless, she kept staring at the doorway as if there was something out there. There was nothing at all and the dog had long since gone home, so whether there was something else or it was a continued reaction I am not sure. With more tickling and stroking she settled and stayed for most of the day. If I left the office, she either slept or followed me. By the time I went home, she was on one of the comfy chairs between the units.
On seeing Tiggy, the real milk lover, first, I gave her a saucer of cat milk, but she could take it or leave it and left some behind. Later I gave some to Kizzie, who can take or leave real milk, and she absolutely loved it, to the extent that she got through three saucer fulls. She continued to lap as if she was going to lick the white off the saucer, but I decided I would give her more later. Another member of staff fed the cats their favourite fish-flavoured Whiskas and Go-Cat biscuits, in the afternoon, so I decided they would not need any more milk. It is in the fridge for tomorrow.
I have photocopied the staff board photos of the cats and will eventually scan them, upload them to a hosting site and post them here. This may take a while, as TincPics, an image hosting site, won't let me back in. It would be quicker if I could upload pictures from my phone with Samsung Keys, but the software has not worked since I switched to a computer with Windows 10. Life is complicated, unless you are a cat.
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I remembered this point and was going to write and post it tomorrow, but changed my mind, which explains the double post (much frowned upon in some forums).
On the subject of Sue P's observation about the number of cats in care homes, a photocopier repair man who called recently was fascinated by Kizzie in the in-tray and told me that, while he visited many care homes, he had never seen any cats in any of the other homes. Some prospective relatives, who were shown around today, asked me, 'Whose cats are they?' I would be fascinated to hear from anyone else here who works in a care home or nursing home with cats. Or, even a different type of workplace with cats. If my memory serves me correctly, it turned out that the repairman had several cats of his own, including one with three legs. In answer to the lady's question, 'They are here for the residents'. I was careful not to tell her that they spend a lot of time in the office with me.
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WE DONT FROWN ON DOUBLE POSTS, INFACT WE ARE TOLLERANT OF MOSTTHINGS EXCEPT RUDE AND ABUSIVE PEOPLE.
PLEASE NOTE I DONT TYPE WELL COS DROPPED COMPLAN ON LAPPY 3 WEEKS AGO! TYPE IN CAPS COS DONT SEE WELL JUST IN CASE YOU WONDERING. :evillaugh:
I LOVE HEARING ABOUT THE RESIDENTS AND THE CATS AND A LADY FIGHTER PILOT WOW.
SURELY SHR CANT BE THAT OLD BECAUSE I WAS IN WRAF IN 60S AND NONE THEN.
IT WILL BE GREAT TO SEE PICS OF THE CATS.
DONT MENTION WIN 10 GRRRRRRRRRRRR, I REFUSE TO HAVE IT AND WISH I HAD WIN 8 RATHER THAN 8.1 WHICH I HATE WITH VENGENCE BUT OLD LAPPY WENT DOWN JUST AFTER DELL HAD STOPPED WIN 8.
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No, she cannot be that old and Spitfires died out after the war with the introduction of jet engines. I need to ask her about this.
You should be able to magnify your pages even with older versions of Windows. For example, there are add-ons for the Firefox browser. Which operating system are you using?
Curses, now I've noticed you are using Windows 8. I'm using 10 which is easy to magnify. It might be worth giving this a try:
https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/windows-7-and-8-magnifying-the-screen/
I would make this font bigger for you, but I can see the setting and it doesn't appear to increase the size.
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When you click reply you will get a load of stuff above the smilies, then font face and a little bar with 8pt and a down arrow, just click on that, I use 18pt, it'll look that you are typing normally between some bracketed words but it will show up on the post large enough for gill to read easily.
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YES AND THAT WHY I TYPE IN CAPS COS ONLY WAY OF READING AS I TYPE LOL.
I HAVE LAPPY SET AT 150 ZOOM LOL BUT OTHER MAGNIFIER SYSTEMS ARE VERY OFF/ON.
SUDDENLY LAPPY DOES WHAT IT WANTS AND GRABS SOMETHING AND ENLRAGES IT OFF SCREEN..............BLOOMIN TECHNOLOGY :rofl: :rofl:
YES I USED TO WORK WITH A BATTLE OF BRITAIN SPITFIRE PILOT BUT WOMEN PILOTS ARE WELL AFTER 60S AND MAYBE AFTER 70/80S. EQUALITY TO SOME DEGREE IN THIS COUNTRY IN AIRFORCE HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME.
I ALSO SAW THE HANDWRITTEN BOOK WITH ALL THE DEATHS DURING BATTLE OF BRITAIN WHICH IS IN ARCHIVES NOW, TRUELY TERRIBLE AND VERY SAD. STRETCHED ACROSS MANY PAGES.
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Ah, dont talk to me about posting photos on phones and windows. :evillaugh: I used to use Tinypics too, and then began to experience regular problems with it. Have tried using a system Rosella suggested, but I have an older phone than hers, and the function isn't there on my phone, not even under "settings" which is a shame.
As Gill says, we don't mind anyone posting twice,thrice or more - we just love chatting away about cats and stuff. ;D
Am so pleased at least Kizzie liked the milk ;D It's really interesting to hear how the cats fit in with the residents (or not!) and how the residents react when children and dogs are around. Anything which enriches their lives, and maybe sparks positive memories of their own has to be a good thing. It's such an awful illness, because of the way it robs the individual and their families of their very essence.
Whether your lady was a WWII spitfire pilot or not (and there were some, though they generally flew aircraft from airfield to airfield) if she is in her mind, and it's a vivid memory, then good on her. ;)
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Women may not have flown fighter planes in combat during the war but they did fly them. ;D http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3072253/It-best-job-war-Female-Spitfire-pilot-92-takes-skies-70-years-flying-iconic-plane-aid-World-War-Two-effort.html
I used to use Tinypic if I wanted to embed pics in the text (rather than adding them all at the end) but started to have problems with it and at one point it seriously messed up my lappy so I don't go anywhere near it now.
I love that the care home has cats and that staff bring their pets to work. ;D When I was looking for somewhere for my mum to go for a couple of weeks respite care I found one with cats but unfortunately the room they had available wasn't suitable for someone in a wheelchair.
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I think we just like chatting full stop! :naughty: We do enough of it. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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More Cat Milk Today
(http://d3l6n8hsebkot8.cloudfront.net/images/products/9/LN_720524_BP_9.jpg)
I do not work for the supermarket, but
this product comes recommended by Kizzie
Chatting is the idea of a forum in my view.
The lady who was a spitfire pilot told me this morning that she flew them for about fifteen years, after the war, in various countries around the world. The jet egines did not really take hold until about 1960.
We had sleet and then snow this morning and Kizzie spent most of the day in the office. I decided to give her one saucer full of cat milk and she loved it. Every time she saw something resembling a saucer, like my dinner plate, she thought it was more cat milk. Tiggie seemed a bit more enthusiastic about this type of milk today. One of the assistant unit managers took her dog into work today, a Staffordshire terrier, which she got from a rescue home only about eighteen months ago. She thinks the dog is about five to six years old and was probably abused. Although they look a bit scary and are not fluffy, she is a sweet little dog and likes lots of fuss. She, the dog, seemed unconcerned about the cats and they appeared unaware of her presence.
Saturday can be quiet and today was no exception, so I could give the cats, and the Staffie, plenty of attention.
The cats started to employ their following and staring technique in order to get an early tea from about 1:30pm. At one point, every time I turned round, there was Tiggie sitting behind me and staring up at me. Everywhere I went, Kizzie followed me. I held my resolve and fed them just before I went home at 4:00pm, which is still too early, but I would rather feed them than not.
During a lull, I fed the guinea pigs their quota of fresh veg. The weather made me feel I would not like to be a guinea pig, but they do have blinds on the hutches which are under a porch in the shelter of the main building.
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Ok, I am about to spit feathers, I love Bull Terriers, although mine was an English, which don't get such bad press, mostly because a) they are ugly, although not in my MHO, and b) because they are too expensive for most idiots to get hold of. I have never met a nasty Staffie, met a few that didn't like other dogs, they were bred to fight after all, but they are fantastic people dogs. The exception is when :censored: idiots goad them into being nasty. There is no such thing as a bad dog. Only bad owners, unfortunately a lot of Ars**oles who should never be allowed near an animal have managed to acquire bull terrier because they think it makes them look hard and intimidating. They should be shot at birth. Scum. OK, I'll get back off my soapbox now and play nice again.
I am glad that the cat mlk is proving a success, even if it is with the wrong cat ;).
Pleased that the squees are comfy too. :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Cats and Dogs
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/db/02/49/db0249fa5e0aedfd81d52cf443f31e54.jpg)
There are bad owners, rather than bad dogs. But, I must admit when I get close to this dog, I am still wary because their problems are also genetic. It is strange how the dog, that was bred for fighting, unsettles the cats far less than the others. It may be because it kept out of their way and is not boisterous. All the same, it is not what I would have expected.
As a side-note, am I attracted to animals because of their cute appearance? If the cats were not soft, warm and fluffy, would they lose their appeal? I am sure there are those on this sight who have furless cats, who could comment. Yorkshire terriers are small and look inoffensive, but they can be aggressive. Although I have never encountered a furless cat, it would probably still have appeal if it was affectionate.
As a rule, dogs are not allowed in the care home, but it is at the manager's discretion. Petting dogs are brought in periodically and some visitors bring in their dogs on the basis that they will behave. I have known visitors swear blind that their dog is calm and gentle, but when they appear they are far from being sensible. Ultimately, the residents are attracted by dogs whatever their temperament, but even this will only go so far.
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Let me introduce you to Thierry.
With assistance from his ma, he used to post regularly but his ma became ill and we have not heard from him for some time. He is a very sensible cat and a much loved member of Purrs. Can't say that the spynx breed ever interested me before Thierry joined us but like many I became smitten :blow kiss:
http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,45053.0.html
Am very much enjoying your posts :)
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FUNNY COS WAS ONLY THINKING ABOUT T aIRYS MEOWMY YESTERDAY AND HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU ROSELLA, NEVER FANCIED A SPYNX BUT T AIRY SUCH A CHARACTER ESPECIALLY WITH HIS HATE OF COATS :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
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GRRRR! I thought I had got away with it when my girl cat Bob walked across the keyboard, but she turned off the wifi so I lost a nice long post! Cats! Who'd have them! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: The gist was.
I never liked sphinxes, but Thierry changed my mind, he is fantastic. :Luv2:
My friend Pat has two lovely PAT dogs, a beautiful gentle Whippet called Faye and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are very well received and looked forward to at several local Care Homes.
My main concern with bull terriers is not aggression to people, they make terrible guard dogs because they love everyone. That is why the police, security companies etc. don't use them, they use shepherd breeds because they are protective. The main problem is that they get over excited and they bounce! It isn't funny when 6+ stone of pure muscle plants their paws on your chest and knocks you over. Saying that I would never leave ANY breed of dog alone with a child or vulnerable adult.
I wonder if they have PAT cats too? Apart from in enlightened homes like yours. I suppose they must.
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I am very fond of Staffies, on the whole they get a bad press. It's always sad to watch the rescue programs and see how many Staffies they have :(
The EBTs are usually quite comical - almost as if they want to make up for the fact that many people don't find them pretty!
I have never been interested in hairless cats but, like many here, made an exception for T Hairy. I miss him and his meowmy :'(
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I don't think English Bull terriers are ugly either. :) I love dogs with roman noses (and horses with roman noses too). I agree - most of the "problems" with breeds like that are down to the owners, and it's best never to leave small children unsupervised with any animal, for both their sakes.
Our local Dog' rescue is full to the gunnels with staffies and staffie cross dogs, and scarcely any other breed. Such a shame.
I'd always viewed Sphynx cats with some degree of reticence, but I've got to admit, Thierry was just the best. :) :) He really helped to change a lot of us towards loving Sphynx cats. :Luv:
I don't think your love of cats is solely because they're fluffy, soft and warm. After all, they come equipped with very efficient blades and teeth, and a whole different set of operating instructions to dogs. :shify:
Trying to think this question through in terms of my own position, and speaking as someone who loves and has shared my life with dogs and cats, often at the same time, I'm attracted to very different things in both of them.
It's a little simplistic to say "dogs are easy and uncomplicated" because not all are, and we've had some traumatised dogs we've rehabilitated who were far from "easy" (although they were an absolute joy). Likewise not all cats are complicated (or so I'm told :evillaugh: ;)).
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Cat-Phobic
(http://www.wordinfo.info/words/images/aelurophobia-1.jpg)
Thank you for the Thierry link, Rosella. I read the thread all the way through and it gave me an uneasy feeling as if something had happened suddenly. It is more than about the one cat, although he is cute.
Yesterday, when I arrived at work and walked through the door to the forum, I could see Kizzie sitting under a table just inside the doorway. She often sits there as it has a table cloth and she thinks she cannot be seen, but I know it is her secret hiding place. From this position she can sit against a radiator and watch all the comings and goings. Little does she know that her little white feet give her position away! Anyway, she soon followed me into the office, while Tiggie remained on a chair in the area.
The same assistant unit manager (AUM for short) was working today and brought her Staffie in again. She said it was not fair to leave Roxie at home on her own all day, so, I am not certain, but I think her husband must normally look after the dog, but has gone on holiday. Both dog and owner followed me in, which slightly surprised the cats, but because Roxie is quiet and gentle, they were not as spooked as is the case with other dogs. At one point, the dog passed Tiggie on her chair and she just sat looking around wide-eyed.
I asked the AUM if she ever took her dog onto the units, but she said she did not as Roxie has a tendency to jump up and her claws could damage the residents' thin skin (Paula's point). it seems a shame as Roxie is a dog version of Kizzie. She has perfected a technique of looking at you as if to say, 'Don't stop stroking me'.
The cats were already fed, but I did give them cat milk when I had my cup of tea. Later in the afternoon, I gave them a bit more which finished the carton. I am glad about this as I am not working today. It shows that you can give two cats a milky treat for three days. Both cats followed their usual pattern: Kizzie tended to remain or follow me about, while Tiggie came in to the office for the occasional tickle.
We had a resident 'fall', mid-morning, and I could hear the AUM say, 'We are ladies and cannot lift you, so you have to try to stand up.' A hoist is a time consuming possibility, but sometimes he appears to sit on the floor, as if having fallen, and is able to stand if he chooses. The AUM told him to follow her (firm) instructions, including turning to put his hands on the chair arms. I helped to pull him up along with a male carer who had arrived, while the ladies pushed him up from behind. He then sat in the chair and evenually fell asleep. In his previous life, he had been a keen hill walker, even completing them for charities and would have been horrified at his own current behaviour. Dementia is a sad set of symptoms in that it can change people's personalities, so that there are just a few old fragments remaining.
Bubble and Squeak, the guinea pigs, needed their cages cleaning today and I prepared a selection of fresh vegetables for them. Sometimes, people walk past and think, 'Why is he making a stew?' Cleaning the hutches involves rolling up the wet newspaper at the bottom and gathering the stale bedding at the same time, and placing it in a black bin liner. They are then replaced with fresh paper and straw, all while the little guinea pigs are running about in the hutches. In the summer, we can put them in runs. The water is replaced, they are given fresh food and bingo they are set-up with clean bedding for about half the week. It is a messy and time-consuming job, but it gives the guinea pigs a new lease of life.
Because we did not have a cleaner yesterday, I went around the units emptying the bins and replacing the sacks, just before midday, and while on one, Kizzie suddenly ran out from behind the residents' chairs and into the kitchenette where she stood as if asking me for food. Crafty little things that they are, they know they can scrounge food when the meals are brought up to the unit. She was too early as the food tends to appear at around 12:45pm and, in any case, she had already eaten. Regardless, both cats continued to badger me for for food, for an hour or two, until they relaxed again. Sometimes, I give them a few Go-cat biscuits as a distraction, although they can get remainders from their own cat bowl. The manager, not working yesterday, buys them expensive little Whiskas biscuits that look the same as Go-cat but are a treat.
Now, the earlier paragraph about the fallen resident has little to do with cats, except that one of the female carers involved is worthy of mention. She is a very elegant agency girl, from somewhere exotic, with a lovely name that sadly I shall have to keep to myself. I have thus far avoided using human names, because I do not want to offend the innocent. In my earliest blog, when I was in a different job, I changed the names, like those of Damon Runyon characters, and I may yet have to do this here. Just before going home, around 4:00pm, I took the food bowls into the staffroom to wash them and fill them, from the larder, with the cats' evening meal. They are then taken out and placed in a little alcove, with a bowl of water, further down the corridor. The cats tend to follow me into the staffrom and back out again. As we approached the entranceway, on the way in, the aformentioned lady was taking her break in the staffrom and became very agitated as I had forgotten she is cat phobic.
On an earlier excursion, she had remained in the corridor until we left, with me initially oblivious. When I asked her what was wrong, she said, 'It is the cats. I was attacked by a cat as child and I am frightened of them.' This time, I shut the door, and the cats out, until the bowls were ready. While it seems funny to me for someone to be afraid of cats, it is difficult to reassure her that they will not bite and scratch. Even lovely Kizzie can do so. She is probably the only cat-phobic person I have ever knowingly met.
I am not working today and will miss the cats, along with my colleagues and the residents, but will be back with them tomorrow. Oh, and by the way, I did actually complete work amongst all this cleaning and feeding. I have perfected a technique of working with my right hand and stroking a cat with the left or vice versa. Not always easy as I am left handed.
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I love this thread. Sadly quite a few of the regulars on here have Mum's with varying degrees of dementia so we know only too well what a horrible disease this is. It is good to hear about a care home where Staff actually care. ;D. I do like your little cartoons too.
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lol my brother is cat phobic!! he hates coming to my house :evillaugh:
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Paula, I love you! :hug: I cannot take any credit for the cartoons, I just do a Google search and then select images. This one by Mike Lynch seemed purr-tinent:
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FWVG9R9S24/WEgfigIn-PI/AAAAAAAAskQ/JhMr2ChmzSsjnVWsYOZp1XlqRFDzymfWQCLcB/s640/Mike%2BLynch%2BMy%2BStudio%2B2016.jpg)
All of the staff do care and the home is not too big (30 rooms), so it has a family feel. The cats and guinea pigs are of course a part of the family. Everyone works hard, but the carers probably have the toughest job, and the kitchen and laundry are especially hard work in the summer. Our residents have mostly devoted families and friends, who visit regularly, and, as part of the front-office team, I get to know them as I do their loved ones.
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Oh I love that cartoon - it reminds me of my home pootering space. :evillaugh:
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lol my brother is cat phobic!! he hates coming to my house :evillaugh:
It is also a truth that if you have two cat lovers and one cat hater on the sofa, the cats will immediately try to sit on the cat haters lap. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :naughty:
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Am loving the self promotion link :evillaugh: :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
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lol my brother is cat phobic!! he hates coming to my house :evillaugh:
It is also a truth that if you have two cat lovers and one cat hater on the sofa, the cats will immediately try to sit on the cat haters lap. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :naughty:
THAT IS SO TRUE AND I WAS A HATE HATER!
WHEN I FIRST MOVED TO LONDON AND MY FIRST BEDSIT THE PERSON WHO RAN THE HOUSE WAS SOMEOME I KNEWW IN THE AIRFORCE AND MANAGED TO GET ME A ROOM.
SHE HAD A CAT CALLED MONKEY! THE FIRST THING I DID WAS OFF TO ISLE WIGHT AND THE MASSIVE FESTIVAL IN 1970 CAME BACK SHATTERED, FELL SLEEP IN GARDEN, WOKE UP WITH MONKEY ON MY LAP!
MAYBE THAT SET MY FATE FOR THE FUTURE :rofl: :rofl:
ALSO LOVE HEARING ABOUT THE CATS AND PATIENTS AND AS WAS SAID STAFF THAT CARE.
SADLY YOU ARE RIGHT T AIRYS THREAD WAS NOT JUST ABOUT HIM AND WE TRIED EVERYTHING WE COULD TO GET HIS MEOWMY BACK ON PURRS AFTER SHE WAS TAKEN ILL BUT SADLY NEVER SUCCCEEDED.
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Given the Cold Shoulder
(http://themetapicture.com/media/funny-cat-commandments-table.jpg)
. . . and that means you!
Sometimes I work on Tuesday, but not as rule, so I was put out when the traffic was diverted and I had to take the long route to the care home. Getting closer to my start time while still driving, I took heart from following one of my colleagues in the car ahead. Arriving with seconds to spare, I heard her talking to the cats as she entered the forum ahead of me. Kizzie was under the table with a tablecloth, sprawled on the carpet in front of the radiator, and Tiggie was in the open area somewhere. Lifting the table cloth, I said, 'Hello, Kizzie, what are you doing there?' She avoid eye contact and ignored me as she sometimes does if I have been away for four days or so. but this time I had only been off for one day. However, the lady ahead of me brings in the cat food, helps feed them, and had their favourite Whiskas fish selection. I left her to it and headed for the office and it was not long before Kizzie leapt onto the work top in one bound, which can be disconcerting as you do not hear her enter. She lay in the in-tray and we had the usual fussing and purring session.
When the food lady appeared later in the office, she told me, 'Kizzie's glad you're here'. Still feeling wounded, I replied the cat had given me the cold shoulder earlier. She just smiled. During the day, the spitfire pilot lady asked me where the cats were and came into the office either to find them out-and-about or there to be stroked. At my interview I was asked about how I would feel about residents coming into the office, but they are rarely a problem. Another later came in to ask me how to fold her walking frame, and left a happy customer, although it was probably safer fully stretched open. A lady called in with a delivery, from the pharmacy or somewhere, and before leaving asked if she could stroke the cat. I answered with, 'Of course,' as Kizzie is always willing to be stroked by anyone, as long as they are quiet.
Sometimes, I feel guilty when the residents want Kizzie to stay with them and instead they follow me, like little dogs, as I walk away. There is a feeling among some staff that I am trying to keep the cats to myself, but it is not a conscious decision on my part. Cats are similar to children in that they like what they know. They may turn their back on you, but they soon return to the familiar.
Also, it is Sod's law that I can be working all morning, but when a manager walks into my office, I am stroking the cats. The cook told me it can be the same for him, when, suffering from the heat all morning, he sits down thinking, 'Phew!' just as one of the managers walks into the kitchen. I take consolation from this and the fact that the manager has walked into my office, picked up the cat, pushed her face into it and given it a kiss. Even I don't kiss the cats, at least not yet.
Mid-morning, Kizzie was ready for cat milk. Not having bought more, I gave her a saucer of milk, but after a few licks, she gave up and returned to the in-tray, as if to say, 'Enough of this rubbish, where's the cat milk?' As compenation I gave her a few Go-cat biscuits, which she crunched up in no time. Tiggie, by now under a small coffee table in front of a radiator, by contrast lapped with gusto, as if to say, 'At last, real milk. This is much better than that horrible cat milk!'
At home time, I did not need to feed the cats, as I think they were surreptitiously given a can of tuna from the kitchen cupboard.
Update on posting photos: having looked at various image hosting sites, as an alternative to TinyPics, which is determined not let me back in, I may upload photos to Google Photos. This depends on me scanning the copies of photos, so last night I had to download a driver which hopefull will allow me to use my old scanner with my new computer. It is a pain not being able to upload from my phone.
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COULDNT SEE THE PIC.
HOWEVER I WOULD FIRMLY ADVISE YOU DOWN LOAD IRFAN VIEW THE 32BIT VERSION. ITS A BRILL PROGRAMME WRIITEN BY A GUY IN UM CROATIA OR CLOSE!
IF YOU HAVE PROBS WITH IT YOU CAN EMAIL HIM, HE IS A BIT TOO TECHNICAL FOR ME BUT WITHING THIS YOU CAN VIEW ALL PICS ON PC/LAPPY, RESIZE FOR PURRS, PUT ON CAPTIONS ETC ETC.
ITS FREE AND HAVE BEEN USING FOR YEARS.
YOU COULD BE ABLE TO DOWNLOAD FROM PHONE BY ATTACHING IT TO LAPPY/PC. USUALLY USB PLUG WITH A MINI PLUG GOING INTO MOBILE.
ANY WAY HERE IS THE LINK AND I CAN RUN YOU THRO HOW TO RESIZE, SAVE ETC IF YOU NEED HELP.
http://www.irfanview.com/
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This is the picture from another source:
(http://data.iwastesomuchtime.com/422013202907422013191855.jpg)
And here is the link: http://iwastesomuchtime.com/70685
I know Irfanview well, Gill. It is an image editor. I still need scanning software and/or software to get the photos off my Samsung Galaxy Y phone. I used Samsung Kies with my old operating system, but I am having problems using it with Windows 10.
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LOVE THAT AND SO RIGHT FROM A CATS POINT OF VIEW ;D ;D ;D
OH RIGHT YOU NEED A SPECIAL SOFTWARE TO GET THE PICS OFF, YOU CANT JUST DOWN LOAD THEM DIRECT.
AFRAID I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MOBILES :-[ :-[
JUST KNOW OFF MY ANDROID STUFF CAN JUST PLUG THEM INTO LAPPY AND DOWNLOAD WITHOUT ANYTHING ELSE AND CAN ALSO TAKE MICRO CARD OUT AND TRANSFER FROM THAT TOO.
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I use Samsung Kies for mobile stuff too but it won't work with my phone, just with hubby's for some reason. One thing I liked about me old Blackberry was just plugging it in to the phone and uploading piccies.
Then again, my phone won't let me download certain Apps either, which my OH can get on his. Identical phones, but there you go! I don't like doing stuff with them other than texting, phoning and taking photos.
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Gill, yes that's right, the phone needs software to connect to the computer which I cannot now get to work! Again, my old computer could read every card under the sun, but this one does not have a reader. It is a pain because I cannot effectively use the camera. I am seriously thinking of printing out that picture and putting it on the wall of the office.
Sue, I do not like mobile phones, especially smart phones with the Android OS, and don't get me started on the zombies who walk into me on pavements while playing with their phones. Grrrr!
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I heard the other day that in Japan, they have traffic lights built into the pavement, so that people who text all the time don't have to look up when crossing the roads. Gordon Bennett!!
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OMG SUE, NOW THAT IS A UMMMMMMMMMMM STEP WAY OVER THE TOP.
OH CLOVEART A PERSON AFTER MY OWN HEART, I JUST HATE MOBILES AND MINE IS ONLY SWITCHED ON WHEN I NEED IT!
BECAUSE I HAVE A HUDL WHICH USES ANDROID , WHEN I WAS FORCED TO BUY A NEW MOBILE AGAIN BECAUSE IT KEPT LOCKING IT AND STEALING MY MONEY I BOUT AN ANDROID ONE BECAUSE IT WORKED SIMLIAR TO THE HUDL. HOWEVER I USE IT SO LITTLE, BARELY REMEMBERING TO CHARGE BATTERY AND GO ON INSTAGRAM TO STOP BEING LOCKED OUT, GOOGLE PUTS SO MANY ADD ONS THERE IS NO ROOM FOR ANYTHING ELSE AND NOTHING SEEMS TO GO IN THE MICROCARD.
THEY A A TOTAL PAIN .
I DONT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ANDROID AS SUCH BUT GOOGLE................I HATE GOOGLE BECAUSE IT ACCESSES ALL INFO, PWS ETC ETC AND YOU CANT STOP IT. ALSO I UNDERSTAND THAT ONE ADD ON AFFECTS ANOTHER SO IF DELETING SOME THAT CAN AFFECT HOW EVERYTHING WORKS,
ALTHOUGH I HAVE FOUND THAT ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DELETE STUFF, MAKE IT INACTIVE YES BUT THATS IT AND YOU GET DIRE WARNINGS TO TRY AND STOP YOU.
I AM BEING FORCED TO USE CHROME TO VIEW BBC PLAYER AND LOOKS LUIKE SINCE LAST NIGHT ALSO PLAY AMAZON STUFF COS I HAVE WIN 8.1 AND FLASH PLAYER IMBEDDED BUT IS NOT RECOGNIZED. DELL COULD FIND OUT WHAT PROBLEM WAS BUT ITS GETTING WORSE ALMOST BY THE DAY. SO CHROM ALSO HAS BLASTED GOOGLE ASSOCIATED AND IT KEEPS CHANGING THE EXTENSIONS WHICH MAKES THINGS NOT WORK.
I PLAY GAMES ONLINE AND POGO WILL NOT WORK IN IE..YES FLASHNPLAYER PROBLEM, SO SWITCHED TO CHROME BUT SOME GAMES WILLNOT WORK IN CHROME AND IT SAYS SWITCH TO IE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRR SO CANT PLAY THEM AT ALL.
SORRY AM RANTING NOW AS MY FURY OVER DOING THINGS I COULD DO LAST YEAR AND NOW I CANT AND I AM ANGRY BIG TIME. >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
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Gill, that's exactly what I found with my phone - I think the guys at 02 disabled some of the Google stuff to stop it munching through shedloads of data which was only being used to back up stuff I'd never elected to back up.
I tried stopping certain Apps which were running, and as you say you get warnings that infer the sky will drop out of your bottom if you try and stop it - they say nowt about it costing you additional top-ups of £10 or more each time because the data crunching is taking place outside your control. :shify: :shify:
And yes, Google seems to access all of your passwords and personal data, and then before you know it, it's being shared with the multiverse, yet you can't even access your own photographs!
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All the computer magazines rate the Hudl highly, Gill. Tesco stopped making them a while ago and there is still no equivalent on the market. If you are having problems, I dread to think what the other tablets are like!
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NO PROBS WITH HUDL EXCEPT CANT MOVE PHOTOS FROM IT ONTO MICRO CARD HAD WAS TOLD WOULD HAVE TO RING HELP NUMBER BUT NEVER GOT ROUND TO IT.
HOWEVER CAN PUT PHOTOS FROM LAPPY ONTO IT AND THEN USE THEM IN INSTAGRAM. ALSO CAN HOOK HUDL TO LAPPY AND TRANSFER STUFF THAT WAY. TRYING TO DELETE ALL PICS OFF IT TO FREE UP SPACE BUT WANT THEM ON LAPPY.
DIDNT KNOW TESCO HAD STOPPED COS I HAVE THE FIRST ONE, BOUGHT ON DAY IT CAME OUT AND STILLMISSED THE ACCOUNT I WANTED TO FOLLOW GRRRRRRRR.
HOWEVER THE SECOND SLIGHTLY LARGER ONE CAME OUT ONLY...WELL SEEMS LIKE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO! BOUGHT ONE OF THE LAST ONES LIKE MINE FOR SIS WITH DOUBLED UP VOUCHERS AND COST ABOUT £10 LOL.
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I've got three kindles - two of which are kindle fire. I love them. Can do everything I want to and never had a pick of bother with them. I've had my oldest one about 5 years now.
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DONT KNOW MUCH ABOUT KINDLES.......CAN YOU DO PICTURE STUFF AND MUSIC ON TTHEM?
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Yes and yes. I tend to listen to most of my music on my Kindle now, and I have managed to get photos on there (don't ask me how - can't remember, but they're there :evillaugh:)
And when you're tryping (as I so often do) you can actually use a speech facility which will type the words for you (though of course, being anti-teccie, I stay away from that and stumble on regardless with fattest finger first :evillaugh:)
And the Kindle Fires come with a "Mayday" button, so if you need help or assistance, you can get real-time help from a proper person. One of mine (the newer version) has a good camera on it. The camera on the older version is not so good.
I love it for watching catch up TV too.
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I AM SURE THERE IS SOME REASON I DISREGRD THE KINDLE AS AN OPTION, COULD BE THESIZE BEING TOO SMALL FOR ME TO SEE BUT SURE IT GOES BACK BEFOR EYE PROBLEMS BUT CANT REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS.
I AM SURE IT CANT DO ALL I CAN DO ON A LAPPY AND CERTAINLY WOULD NOT WANT TO READ BOOKS WHICH I THOUGHT WAS WHAT IT WS DESIGNED FOR.
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The Kindle Fire is much more than an e-reader, Gill.
If you want, you can game on it (though I don't - don't have the time or inclination), download apps, watch catch up TV, stream videos and box sets, read books, browse the net, shop, store photos and downloads, email and gmail, listen to music. The newest models also have expandable memory with SD card slots. They also come in up to 10 inch sizes, so there's one for everyone. I have two different sized ones - one which slots easily into my pocket or handbag, and a slightly larger Fire for use at home. plus I have the old fashioned first generation e-reader Kindle which is great for when I go on holiday and just want an easy to carry solutions for the hundreds of books I like to have to hand. ;D (And yes, I still like a good old fashioned book, but no room to hump half a dozen with me in hand luggage only)
You can change the font on screens to make things easier to read, too. It's better than my laptop was. Much better. I hated the laptop. Big Kindle fan though. :)
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I can imagine that a tablet or backlit kindle would be useful for reading in bed! I would not want to be tied to one providor of reading material.
(http://www.allegromusic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/iStock_000002617156XSmall-618x446-c-top.jpg)
Fanfare of trumpets
I have managed to find a new version of Epson Scan for Windows 10 and it works. I am ready to scale them with Paint or IrfanView. The only thing I need now is an image hosting site, but I'll probably use Google. So, I am hoping to show both kitties soon.
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UMMMMMMMMMMMMM WHY DO YOU NEED AN IMAGE HOSTING SITE, NOT NEEDED FOR PURRS.................SORRY SHOULDNT BE SO NOSY :-[ :-[
I DONT USE THEM AND DONT VISIT OTHERS EITHER COS OFTEN TOO HARD TO SEE A SPECIFIC PICTURE.
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How do you post a picture without a hosting site?
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At the bottom of reply section is ATTACH.You can attach pics as long as they have been resized. I think you mentioned you know Irfan View and can I assume use that to resize? I usually use 800 X 600 and am able to attach 3 pics. Anything larger seems to generate message with max pic size info i.e. 350kb
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YEPPY WHERE IT SAYS BROWSE AND WILL BRING YOU TO YOU PICS ON PC. YOU CAN ADD UP TO 4 ON EACH POST, WANNA PUT MORE JUST DO A NEW REPLY WITH A COUPLE OF WORDS AND ANOTHER 4. YOU HAVE TO CLICK ATTACHMENTS UNDERNEATH FOR THE OTHER 3, EASIER TO DO FIRST I FIND.
I CAN USUALLY GET 4 IN AT 1000 BUT DOES DEPEND ON YOUR CAMERA AND MINE HAS QUITE BIGG PICS.
AS ROSELLA SAYS RESIZE IN IRFAN VIEW, SAVE IN ORIGINAL FOLDER TO GET IT ON PC AND BINGO YOU ARE HOME AND NO NASTY OTHER SITES INVOLVED.
MASTER OF YOUR OWN PICS :rofl: :rofl:
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Here is a scan of a photocopy of a printed digital photo of Kizzie:
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Ditto Tiggie:
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Not forgetting these little fellers, Bubble and Squeak:
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Thank you, Gill and Rosella, what would I do without you?
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRHv50ZKfvD35txwLLdEp0zjOlktuo-3L0FLHer0F8h54STPdulNA)
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Cloveart, I think I am going to send my Mum to live where you work!
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Sometimes, I would like to move in myself!
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CLOVEART HOPE YOU HAVE SEEN THAT THE KITTEN HAS GROWN UP ;D ;D ;D
NOW YOU CAN SEE WHAT WE DO AS MEMBERS :shocked: :shocked: :shocked
BE CAREFUL ITS ADDICTIVE :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
NEW CAPTION COMPETITION SOON STARTS WHEN SOUFFLE SEES SHE HAS WON ;D ;D
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CLOVEART HOPE YOU HAVE SEEN THAT THE KITTEN HAS GROWN UP ;D ;D ;D
NOW YOU CAN SEE WHAT WE DO AS MEMBERS :shocked: :shocked: :shocked
And run away screaming :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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CLOVEART HOPE YOU HAVE SEEN THAT THE KITTEN HAS GROWN UP ;D ;D ;D
NOW YOU CAN SEE WHAT WE DO AS MEMBERS :shocked: :shocked: :shocked
BE CAREFUL ITS ADDICTIVE :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
NEW CAPTION COMPETITION SOON STARTS WHEN SOUFFLE SEES SHE HAS WON ;D ;D
Oh, yes, I am an adult cat now.
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Hi Cloveart. How're you doing, and how're Kizzie and Tiggie?
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Hello, Sue. Sorry I haven't been posting recently, but I've been 'busy' :naughty:. The office cats are fine, thank you, and I will be back with an update soon.
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Really pleased that you are okay, just busy, we will look forward to the update. :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Sorry I did not keep you informed, but will be back soon. :Luv:
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Really pleased that you are okay, just busy, we will look forward to the update. :hug: :hug: :hug:
As Paula said. We enjoy hearing about The Office Cats. ;D
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Cat Attack!
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/a4/60/14/a46014bd487586e9b9605ec4c5abc102.jpg)
Apologies for vanishing without an explanation, but I have been away from the office and my broadband on a couple of occasions. I have also had a couple of medical things, not serious, but time consuming.
Going back a couple of weeks, Kizzie joined me in the office, taking her usual place in the in-tray, and because I had been away for a bit longer than usual seemed to want plenty of strokes and tickles. Late in the morning, I did my usual trick of operating the keyboard with my right hand and stroking the cat with my left, when she suddenly grabbed my hand with both front sets of claws and bit me hard. I tried to pull away, but because the claws are hooked they clung particularly to the skin of my palm. At one point, I heard myself shout, 'That hurts Kizzie, let go!' Eventually, I unhooked my hand and noticed three or four corresponding patches of blood. Kizzie has done a similar thing once before when I stroked her, thinking she was awake when she was not, and appeared to instinctively spring to life and attack. On that occasion, it was not quite so painful, and having said all this, I have seen people wake her without a violent reaction.
When I discussed the 'attack', soon after, with Ella (the lady who brings in the cat food), she suggested it may be a reaction to careless treatment from other staff. She recalled a particular member who has since left, but others may not be very gentle. Discussing it, later, with another member of staff, Beth, she said, 'Perhaps Kizzie isn't feeling well.' For a few days following the 'attack', Kizzie continued to appear in the office and sleep in the in-tray, but I did not stroke her very much, despite her looking at me as if to say, 'I want attention.'
On one of these days, early in the morning, the fire alarm went off and we assembled in the forum. According to the procedure, designated staff set off towards the wings to see if they could identify the location of a fire, but returned to report that there were none. On the units, staff reported back via walkie-talkies that they had not burned the toast and also that they could not see any signs of fire. Having to make a swift decision, the AUM decided to call the fire brigade which duly appeared. The fire engine was parked in the centre of the car park and the firemen came in to search the building (we are not, for example, allowed to enter the roof during a fire alert). They returned to declare nothing was found and that there may be a fault with the alarm system. Dust or insects in the sensors could even be responsible. Amidst the comings-and-goings and constant alarm sound, Kizzie left the office and sat near the entrance, under the table with a table cloth. After a while, staff, including myself, and Kizzie slipped outside the front door.
It is not unknown for cats to have been run over by a departing fire engine. Recalling an aquaintance who believed she had lost her cat on a departing dustbin lorry, I picked up Kizzie, against her will, and held her until the vehicle departed. Whilst doing so, a colleague, spotting the black inside Kizzie's ear said she thought the cat had an ear infection. I had noticed the black earlier and wondered whether it was normal. As I was to be away again, Ella implied that she would take Kizzie to the vet, but on my return the black was still present. A Google search revealed that the black could be removed with olive oil on cotton wool, but I cannot imagine Kizzie remaining still for long enough. I will wait for the next time Ella and I are working on the same day and suggest that, between us, we attempt the cotton wool approach.
Does anyone here have experience of a cat with an ear infection and what did they do to rid the animal of the bacteria?
I found this YT clip and it must be of the most co-operative cat in the world. I would not use a cotton bud though:
https://youtu.be/9gX3ex9ClUY
I arrived at work early today and, because I had been away for another spell, Kizzie appeared immediately. She rarely arrives before I am due to start work, although it can happen. She wanted lots of stroking and jumped up on the worktop where she lay in front of the keyboard, across the phone, in and out of the in-tray, etc. After a while she disappeared and repeated the appearing/disappearing cycle several times. Perhaps she was in the habit of leaving the office, although the towel for her to lay on was still in the in-tray. Even Tiggie wanted more attention than usual. I gave them both some Dreamies and cat milk - this time Sainsbury's, which is yellow and creamy and which they both enjoyed.
(http://protechniq.com/max/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/simons-cat-cat-and-mouse.jpg)
At lunchtime, both kitties terrorised me into giving them food, by their following and staring technique. They had been fed in the morning, but the penny dropped when I remembered it was fish on Friday. I managed to find a piece of unwanted fish and divided it between their bowls. They ate as much as they could and spent the afternoon sleeping it off. They were too full, even for more cat milk. I have never given them fish before, but they do get it from some staff and it has become a bit of an expectation. After all, they can smell it around the building.
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It sounds more like ear mites to me, cat ear wax is dark and the mites stimulate production of such, Advocate spot on takes care of them, fleas, ticks and lice as well as some intestinal worms. Well worth the home investing in for both cats and Milbumax every 3 months to get shot of the worms that the Advocate doesn't sort out. Personally I wouldn't mess around with a cats ears, unless maybe I way fully clothed in my motorcycle gear and leather gauntlets. I value my skin the way it is, :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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THAT CAT ATTACK LOOKS LIKE LUPIN LOL.
SUCH ADVENTURES PEOPLE HAVE AT WORK................I HAD FORGOTTEN ALL THE PRACTICE FIRE ALERTS AND CLEARVTHE BUILDING WHEN A FALSE ALARM, ALARMS GOING OFF AT A DEAFENING LEVEL AND US ALL TROOPING DOWN LOADS OF STAIRS.
SEEMS LIKE THESE KITTIES KEEP YOU ON YOUR TOES :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
IF PAULAS SUGGESTIONS DONT WORK THEN A VET VIST MAYBE NEEDED.
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You can only get Advocate at the vets as far as I am aware, the vet will need to weigh them to determine correct dosage.
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I don't like what they did to that cat in the video Cloveart and would recommend spot on treatment if required. I found this on a reliable website (international cat care)
Parasitic otitis, Otodectes cynotis: This is a very common cause of otitis externs in cats, especially young cats. It is caused by infection with an ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) which can readily be spread from one cat to another. The mite itself is just visible to the naked eye as a dirty white speck, often actively moving. Very large numbers of these mites can be found in ears, even of young kittens. The mites generally spend their whole life in or around the ear canal, but may be able to survive for short periods (up to 2-3 weeks) in the environment. Some cats show few signs of ear mite infection, but in most the mites produce a strong allergic response with intense itching. The skin linking the ear canals can become thickened, the cat will scratch at the ears and shake its head, and there will typically be a discharge from the ear with dark or black waxy material. In some cases there may be secondary bacterial infection as well. Diagnosis and treatment is usually straightforward, but may not necessarily involve using ear drops. Some ‘spot-on’ insecticides such as selamectin are very effective against ear mites and direct application to the ears may not be required. In some cases, careful cleaning of the ear may be needed, but this should be done by your vet, and may require an anaesthetic to be carried out safely.
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I have only just watched the video and had to stop when she got the cotton bud out and deep into that poor cats ear. Horrid. Even wrapped cats can suddenly move, she could have inflicted some real damage.
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That's what I thought Paula :scared: :scared:
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Fussy Cats
(http://www.joy-of-cartoon-pictures.com/images/a-black-and-white-cat.jpg)
Today was an unusual one with the cats, as they seemed very unsettled for much of the day. When I arrived, one of the night staff was leaving with her dog, which may have had an effect on the cats, but I would not have expected it to have been major. Their behaviour continued the repeated appearing/disappearing cycle from yesterday, although this time frequently. They also badgered me for food with the following and staring, especially in the staffroom where the cat food is kept. When I looked in their bowls, they were full, and when I checked the boxes of sachets in the larder in the staffroom, there was a new brand - Tesco's own. No alternatives remained.
As a way of coaxing both kitties to eat, I again plied them with fish Dreamies and Sainsbury's cat milk. It seems Tiggie loves this brand of cat milk, along with real milk, but Kizzie is not quite so keen.
By lunchtime, I decided it was the brand of cat food that was accounting for the cats' strange behaviour, so I asked the agency chef if there were any leftovers, to be told, 'I am paid to feed humans, not cats!' After lunch, the AUM was a different kettle of fish (no pun intended) and suggested a small amount of leftover steak pie in one of the units. The respective carer was obliging and I tried a small amount on saucers for both Kizzie and Tiggie. They loved it and ate two-and-a-half small saucer portions. For the remainder of the afternoon they slept it off in the forum.
Just before I left for home, much to my amazement, I noticed Kizzie eating some of the cat food in her bowl. Consequently, a small amount of steak that I had put in the fridge for teatime, was left for tomorrow (unless someone throws it out). I suppose a harder-hearted person, would not have given them anything else, until they ate what they were given, and it may have worked. Sometimes, the cats gets morsels from the carers on the units, but not today.
If the food was not driving the cats out of the office, I again wondered if they had been shooed out by other staff? An animal psychologist would be baffled by our cats.
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Dog's Breakfast
(http://imgc-cn.artprintimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/60/6064/EKCD100Z/posters/sidney-harris-that-s-where-we-differ-you-d-eat-cat-food-but-i-wouldn-t-touch-dog-foo-new-yorker-cartoon.jpg)
This morning, Kizzie and Tiggie came into the office meowing and beckoning me towards their food bowls, and when I looked, much to my surprise, they were completely empty. My first reaction was that the cats had eventually eaten all the food from midday yesterday and had not been fed since, so I washed out the bowls and refilled them with the own brand salmon flavour. As before, the kitties were lukewarm, even with their favourite fish flavour. Also, as before, I bribed them with Dreamies (more fish flavour) and cat milk, without much success.
Just before the night care assistant again went home with her dog, she cheerfully informed me that the canine had momentarily got away and eaten yesterday's cat food! She was also blase that the cats had never liked own brands anyway and preferred Whiskas.
Kizzie spent most of the morning curled up in the in-basket until about lunchtime and then vanished again. I have a feeling that she is spending the time with one of the cat-friendly residents on one of the big comfy armchairs. This is a good thing in that: (i) she has company when I am away, and (ii) I can get on with my work. I will be off work again for a while and then back without a break, so I am sure Kizzie will eventually return to the office. Tiggie spent more time than usual in the office meowing, staring into space and occasionally tolerating a tickle.
By lunchtime, I decided to give the moggies some beef from yesterday, but they turned up their noses, indicating they clearly prefer their meat hot from the kitchen. My final effort was to ply them with a little fresh leftover pork, which they loved. However, I could not leave the remainder in the bowls, as it is dangerous. Mid-afternoon, I threw it in the bin and, at hometime, replenished the bowls with own brand lamb.
^ Thank you for the advice on cats and mites. They are overdue for mite treatment, so I will have to get some before my next return. Despite the potential infestation or infection, Kizzie does not often scratch her ears.
Side Tracks
I nearly forgot, but this afternoon, Sadie, the lady who works in the laundry, came through the forum with her trolley and riding on top was . . . Kizzie. She had entered the laundry via the window and jumped up onto the trolley. So, to get her out of the laundry, Sadie wheeled out both trolley and cat. As a result, Kizzie got extra attention from various staff and visitors, and continued to be wheeled up onto the units. I hasten to add that Sadie is a cat lover, with a couple of cats of her own, and Kizzie has a way of seeking out cat lovers.
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CATS ARE VERY FUSSY ABOUT FOOD AND CONTRARY TO MANY PEOPLES BELIEFS WILL STARVE THEMSELVES TO THE DETRIMENT OF THEIR HEALTH IF NOT GIVEN THE FOOD THEY LIKE.
SO SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET THE UASUAL WHISKERS AGAIN FOR THEM.
CATS BODIES START TO CLOSE DOWN IF THEY DONT EAT REGULARILY AND THAT WILL KILL THEM, BUT FIRST WILL DAMAGE KIDNEYS WHICH WILL BECOME A LONG TERM PROBLEM AS NOT REVERSABLE..........THIS PROCESS CAN START IN AS LITTLE AS 2 DAYS.
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It seems to me that if a kitten is fed a variety of food after weaning, they will expect a varied diet. How ours were weaned is a mystery, as they came from two separate acquaintances of the then manager. The kitties have also had to endure a turnover of staff and therefore people feeding them. It seems they started with Whiskas and fish, from our fish on Friday tradition. I have read that a little hunger at meal times can be a motivator to encourage a cat to accept new food. So, for example, new food can be introduced amongst the familiar. I had already tried a similar thing with half a sachet of salmon, which they love, with half of say poultry, which they don't! One of the problems with the own brand was that they did not have a significant period of transition, ie. half Whiskas or Felix, with half own brand, and I haphazardly attempted some own brand with a few scraps from meal time. On my return, I will suggest we mix brands or a named fish selection with name brands.
http://www.yourcat.co.uk/kitten-care/why-is-my-kitten-such-a-fussy-eater.html
Random Thoughts Ignore these, I am just thinking out loud and it helps to get them out of my system! Actually, it is the true premise of this thread.
Cat psychology, like that of humans, is a fascinating thing. I have never brought up a kitten, although my parents had cats when we were children. According to my mum, they were not fussy. Thinking about it, I loved those cats, particularly the second one, which was run over when we moved home. Apparently, afterwards, I was so upset that I punched or kicked the brick wall. Maybe this is why I could never own cat, but is the reason I am obsessed with other people's cats.
After coming across the music threads here in the off-topic sub-forum, an extremely random thought that occurred to me is that I came to this forum from the rock music forums (as well as my own failed blogs).
I should add that I am not spamming with all these brand and shop names, it is the only way I can think of to differentiate between them. The blogs and YT clips are not mine either, they just help to show my sources. Most of the pictures and cartoons aren't mine either.
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SADLY ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGISTS/BEHAVIOURISTS ARE OFTEN OUT OF TOUCH WITH REAL LIFE CATS LOL
BUT I THINK EVERYONE ON HERE WILL TELL YOU THAT CAT FEEDING IS A VERY STRESSFUL THING TO GET RIGHT AND HUNGER IS NOT A GOOD THING AND WEANING A KITTEN IS VERY DIFFERENT TO AN ADULT CAT AND MAKES NO DIFFERENCE AT ALL!!
MOST OF US HAVE SUPERMARKETS OF CAT FOOD IN OUR KITCHEN CUPBOARDS OF ONCE LOVED FOOD THAT BECAME THE MOST HATED FOOD EVER AND WE HOPE DESPERATELY THAT ONE DAY OUR CATS WILL EAT IT AGAIN...............BEFORE IT REACHES ITS USE BY DATE >:( >:(
I THINK WE REALIZED THE CARTOONS WERENT YOURS LOL COS WE JUST A BIT FAMILIAR WITH SIMONS CAT AND OTHERS :rofl: :rofl:
DONT THINK WE THINK YOU SPAMMING AT ALL AS FOOD IS AN OFTEN TALKED ABOUT SUBJECT DUE OUR FUSSY EATERS.
SAVE ME FROM MINE RIGHT NOW ESPECIALLY MISA!!
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As Gill says, we all have food that our cats loved, right up until we buy a job lot, then the little sods would rather starve than eat it! Fnny beasts cats, none of them are the same.
I do like the idea of the laundry cart sailing past with a cat atop. ;D
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You are right about the stress Gill. I don't even have a stressful job, but I can feel myself going doolally over cat food. I have a friend who did a comparative survey between tinned cat food and that in sachets. He worked out that the cans were cheapest, but, following the survey, his cats wouldn't eat the tinned food. At least the guinea pigs will eat their food, as long as it is chopped small. They are not really fussy, although they are fed up with carrots. I also feed the wild birds, who are fine with breadcrumbs, but for some reason do not like the ready made product for coating fishcakes, chicken burgers, etc. Nevertheless, we do get blackbirds, robins and wrens.
Kizzie on the trolley was like Her Majesty in Horse Guards Parade, Paula. Our visitors and residents enjoyed the display and Kizzie, of course, liked the attention (lots of tickles).
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Kizzie Isn't Talking To Me
(http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.90868588.3789/mwo,370x410,ipad_2_snap-pad,420x460,f8f8f8.u2.jpg)
On returning to work today, after a couple of weeks of leave, there was a definite chill in the air and not just in the weather. First thing, Kizzie passed me in the corridor while I was talking to a colleague and later, when I fed the cats, she was barely interested. In the afternoon, I saw her in the corridor and she tolerated a little tickle but did not join me in the office. One member of staff said the cat had not been in the office, which was clear because there were no cat hairs in the in-tray. Another member of staff said Kizzie had been in a funny mood for the last couple of weeks. The deputy manager said she thought Kizzie had been spending time with a very frail resident, who rarely leaves her room these days, but who loves the cats. It would be cherlish to complain about Kizzie spending time with an immobile and cat-loving resident, but she is definitely not talking to me. Tiggie was her usual self, staring into space and badgering for something and nothing. Oddly, she has been the friendliest cat.
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTsFRZCoLcnPnnrnkL2GiWr9fTZ-XkSN2n2lg7nM-_qFy3p1jxN)
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Lovely to see you back. :hug:
What do you expect? You butter orf for a couple of weeks, come back and expect all to be forgiven? You have a lot to learn about cats, and a LOT of grovelling to do. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Good luck. :evillaugh:
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Lovely to see you back. :hug:
What do you expect? You butter orf for a couple of weeks, come back and expect all to be forgiven? You have a lot to learn about cats, and a LOT of grovelling to do. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Good luck. :evillaugh:
WELCOME BACK AND PAULA IS SO RIGHT LOL
DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND BEG FORGIVENESS, SPECIAL TREATS IN HANDS BUT BE CAREFUL COS THEY WILL THEN BE EXPECTED FOREVER ON :rofl: :rofl:
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Thank you, Paula and Gill. Kizzie forgot she wasn't talking to me today, and came into the office expecting a lot of stroking, feeding and bribing (Dreamies and semi-moist fish treats, but forgotten the name). I noticed that she was spending a lot of time today on the comfy armchairs between the units. She had one all to herself. Significantly, Kizzie did not spend any time sleeping in the in-tray. It occurred to me that yesterday was probably the only day she did not come into the office since I started working here last May. Tiggie was her usual self. Despite being a bit of a curmudgeon, she rarely sulks.
Both cats like the semi-moist fishy cat treats, especially Kizzie. They may have been Alpha Spirit bought from a garden centre (which I don't visit very often).
http://www.aspiritpetfood.com/products/cat-snacks/
(http://www.aspiritpetfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cat_snacks-fishx01.png)
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I haven't seen those, mind you I have a few packs of Dreamies that I am keeping in reserve for when they who must be obeyed decided that Felix Crispies are no longer the treats de jour. ;) :rofl:
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Where do you get Felix Crispies, Paula? The office cats enjoy the Felix pouches and would certainly like the fish flavoured treats.
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Glad that Kizzie forgot herself and came for bribes. :evillaugh: One of our previous cats, Suki, would sulk terribly when we'd go away, as did Tinks, bless his beautiful heart. Now Tinks was a cat who knew how to give you the cold shoulder :evillaugh: But it never lasted long, because he had the warmest of natures too. :)
The lovely thing is, her behaviour shows just how much she missed you, and that means she cares very much about you in her world. ;D
Not sure where Paula gets hers from but our local Asda sells Felix Crispie Cat Treats, as does our local Pets At Home.
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I get them from tesco, I would imagine that all the big supermarkets sell them.
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Kizzie Returns to the In-Tray
(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAQlXcr8O4qhn0D_clkCQ-CPUO1yti0_pheYarF0PGZc9niVorEA)
Yesterday, Kizzie started sleeping in the in-tray again, although initially if I left the office, albeit briefly, she thought there was no point in staying herself. This gradually changed by the afternoon, but she tended to come-and-go rather than sleep for any length of time. At lunchtime, despite being fed in the morning, both Kizzie and Tiggie badgered me for food. I think this is because they can get scraps from the units, but if they are unlucky, they come to me. I did not feed them, other than a few Dreamies and Alpha Spirits.
I saw Felix Crispies in Tesco this afternoon and added a packet of salmon and trout flavours to my growing collection of kitty bribes. I think the office cats will love them.
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Hurray - they're back in the office and the In-tray! :cheer: :evillaugh:
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Have you tried them on the Crispies yet? If so, do they approve? :Luv:
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That is a good question Paula, but no I haven't tried the Crispies. I have been giving the cats quite a lot of treats recently, as the semi-moist fishy treats have been opened for a while, so I want to use them up, and the cats have been unusually hungry, possibly because of problems (in my absence) with the own brand pouches. I also keep forgetting to take the cat milk early enough, in my shift, to use it up before I finish. Today, I will make a point of trying the crispies and I may attempt to freeze any unused cat milk. Being fussy little monkeys, it remains to be seen whether they will touch frozen and thawed cat milk. For the first time in living memory, Tiggie rejected some fish treats, yesterday, although Kizzie ate them instead.
Both kitties have been in a funny mood since I went on leave for two weeks. Although Kizzie comes into the office occasionally, she does not stay in the way she did before. Tiggie, previously a bit luke warm, appears more often, but never really stays.
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I tried the Felix Crispies (Salmon and Trout flavour) yesterday and Kizzie absolutely loves them! Tiggie liked them a lot too. I hope they are not addictive, as I probably gave them far too many. There was no need to worry about not using the cat milk as the office cats drank the whole carton in two days.
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That's what I call a result then! ;D :evillaugh:
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Indeed it was:
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-liRIndmAZNA/TZ8_lVWl3pI/AAAAAAAAII0/gZg9ROzaTTs/s1600/TOP%2BCAT%2BOPEN.png)
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:evillaugh: ;)
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Last Week in a Nutshell
(http://www.themarketingblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2boys.gif)
My description of last week with the office cats wasn't very 'together' so here is a summary, plus some other random comments:
When I began working at the home, nearly a year ago, there was an anti-cat-in-the office movement. The irony is that, now the anti-cat members have left, the cats do not settle in the office. There are three possible explanations for this: (i) they are sulking; (ii) they have found somewhere else to go; or (iii) they have been driven out recently with particular force. The first is highly probable, the second is hard to identify (despite new residents showing them affection), and the third seems a bit unlikely. With the improvement in the weather, Kizzie likes to spend time outside, especially sunbathing on the dirty path, but as an elderly kitty, she is not outside a huge amount. Tiggie is the same, but likes to sunbathe where the full sun shines through the window onto the carpet, so she can lay in this location and make her fur coat hot enough to fry an egg. Maybe they have got together, in my absence, to conspire to confuse me. On a positive note, I spend less time stroking them, when I should be working. I am beginnning to wonder, though, whether this thread should no longer be called the office cats.
Despite not spending much time in the office, the cats followed me about, staring at me as if to say, 'We want food and we want it now'. At one point, Kizzie would have climbed into my car boot, when I arrrived, and into the safe when I was handling cash. She followed me when I put the guinea pigs into the outside runs. This continued even after they had been fed by me, including washing their bowls. They ate well too, being back on Whiskas. There are three explanations for this: (i) both cats starved rather than eat the own brand food; (ii) they were not getting titbits from the units, because the cat-friendly carers were not on shift; and (iii) they now want a constant supply of treats, like cat milk and Crispies, all day. Note to self: be firm and only feed the cats at their meal time. Some chance!
It is clear that both cats like all types of treats, including the semi-moist snacks, Crispies and cat milk. I was going to say, being human, they have different preferences, but they are not human. They are eating more of them and I read somewhere that treats should only be used to reward good behaviour, but it is not as if the cats are being trained to do anything.
The saying that cats like boxes is absolutely true. We had a big delivery of pads in boxes, which were stacked high in the forum until they could be organised by the care staff. Kizzie immediately found her way to the top, where she was above my eye level. She loved the feeling of looking down on us and slept near the edge, so that if she had rolled a tiny amount backwards she would have fallen off. It was a long drop too, but fortunately she did not roll over. On waking, Kizzie climbed down a little way and jumped onto the laundry assistant's trolley as she passed. Again, she sat like royalty as she was pushed along the corridor.
I have what feels like a slightly strange pastime in that, every now and again, I look up a name from my past on Facebook. I should add that my own page is rubbish and I am not at all an FB person. If I am successful in finding them, I never make contact. Anyway, when I was a child, I had a best friend and we went everywhere together, but in our early twenties we drifted apart. I eventually found his FB page and it is one of the best I have ever seen, being chock full of family videos, photos and all sorts. It warmed the cockles of my heart to see him smiling in every picture and happy with his own family. As children, ourselves, we were both brought up with cats and loved them. I noticed he had photos of what seemed like two big furball cats of his own, and, all these years later, it reassured me that some things, the good things, never change. Call me an old softy, but that evening I went to bed with a small tear in the corner of my eye.
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So much for my plans for cohesion. I've just remembered that the laundry assistant brought in a chewy stick for the office cats, because her moggies did not like them. She suggested breaking it into little bits. I think they were Tesco own brand, but Tiggie ate her half a stick in about two seconds, so there was no doubt that she liked them. Kizzie then ate her half equally quickly and both looked at me as if to say, 'Where is the rest?' Needless to say, I bought a dozen Salmon sticks for later in the week.
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COHESION AND CATS!!.................JUST DOESNT WORK LOL. THEY WILL MAKE SURE OF THAT COS SO UNPREDICTABLE AT TIMES.
NICE YOU FOUND THAT FB PAGE ;D ;D
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:rofl: Yes, you are right, Gill. I found this the other day:
(http://www.lifewithcats.tv/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/0x0J3.jpg)
Abstract Artist is the only one that does not apply to the office cats.
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Don't know about that Cloveart, we got back from our break on Friday to find a large 'abstract art installation' on the bottom stair waiting to welcome us home from one of our five! :rofl:
Don't speak too soon! :naughty: :naughty: :naughty:
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:rofl: Point taken Paula, but I think the office cats are more into performance art!
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Talking of which, I do love the image of Kizzy gliding royally through the corridors on top of the laundry cart. ;D
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Yes, I wish I could post a video of that.
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We're Back!
(in cat language that is the royal 'we')
(http://i.imgur.com/usBB8.png)
I have not posted here for a while because it was difficult to think of anything that does not repeat that which has already been said. There is also less to say. Kizzie, for the most part, has kept out of the office. Occasionally, she suddenly jumps up onto the desk, has a tickle (as if to say, 'Hello') and then leaves as suddenly as she arrived. Tiggie probably spends more time in the office than usual, but still does her usual standing and staring at me. Sometimes, she sleeps under the desk or just in the middle of the carpet, but, being very nervous, any suddence movement or noise makes her run away. However, both cats sleep not far away, just outside the office; Kizzie often under the table and Tiggie behind the settess. If it is bright outside, both cats like to lay behind the glass in the full sun.
Kizzie's behaviour is the most extreme change, as she used to spend nearly all day in the in-basket. Now, she keeps away. She still likes being stroked and rolls on her back like a little dog. I cannot account for this behaviour at all. Tiggie was taken back to the vet and prescribed more medicine for her stiff joints and I understand this will continue as a repeat prescription. It is an anti-inflammant, which is drawn out of the bottle in a needleless syringe, injected onto a saucer and then covered in milk. Tiggie seems a little less hostile these days and it may be because she (a) wants the milk, which she loves, and (b) because she is in less pain.
There are some observations, as usual. For example, one day Kizzie did her 'arrive in the office and disappear quickly' act and on the way out of the office, quarrelled with Tiggie. I have heard of this happening, but only witnessed it on this one occasion. I cannot remember who started the fight, but I think Kizzie invaded Tiggie's space and Tiggie cuffed her one.
Both Kitties are still loving the chewy sticks, first brought in by the laundry lady. I think her husband is now buying them for our cats and I have continued to buy them too. I think the moggies are supposed to chew the sticks, but ours wolf them down as if they have not eaten for months. They also love the Crispies. Tiggie can now recognise the crinkly sound of the packet. Another interesting food-related observation is that they really enjoy the Felix cat food, which they have been having recently. They even like the non-fish flavours, such as (I think it is) beef and kidney, and eat every little bit.
We have more new residents in the care home, who are seemingly very interested in the animals, which can only be a good thing. One lady particularly likes to go outside and see the guinea pigs being fed, cleaned and put in their runs. It is a pity the piggies are not brought inside and taken around the residents more often. I am thinking of suggesting this, even if it has to be done by me. To her eternal credit, the manager does not begrudge the time and money spent on the pets.
(http://)
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My Daughter has just got two piggies, she didn't say what the youngest has named hers but seems really mortified that the eldest GD has named hers Mr Piggles. :evillaugh: :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
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I've never had Guinea pigs since I was a little girl, but we loved ours. One of them even won us a tea set in the School Raffle. :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
There's a great little series of Guinea Pig mickey takes on Youtube of president Donald Trump
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs7T8xHVG3M
Cloveart - don't think you just have to post about the cats (although you know we never get tired of hearing about them - or talking about them :) ). There's a non-cat related section where you can post about anything and everything, and where a lot of us just hang out to waffle on about life and stuff.
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^ Sue, I may waffle a bit more in the non-cat related section.
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More the merrier Cloveart ;D, and she does mean everything within reason. ;)
Not quite sure what is wrong with Mr Piggles. *Shrugs**
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^ That is the problem, Paula. I have been guilty of lacking humility on previous forums.
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And the Judge and Jury were.....? :-: :-: That's outrageous. You certainly don't come across as lacking humility, Cloveart. :hug:
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Not quite sure that most of us know what humility is. We are just a bunch of people getting along with each other. Join in, the worst you will get is an "Oi, that's a bit harsh" What have you got to lose? :hug:
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And the Judge and Jury were.....? :-: :-: That's outrageous. You certainly don't come across as lacking humility, Cloveart. :hug:
Thank you. ;D
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Kizzie is Mad! It's Official
(https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/11880307_f520.jpg)
Both cats appeared in the morning, followed me and stared at me until I gave them their food. Tiggie sunbathed, where the sun comes through the window and shines on the carpet, and rolled/stretched when I walked past as if to say, 'You can stroke me now.' She appeared in the office during the day for the occasional staring session and tickle on the top of her head. I did not see much of Kizzie during the day.
In my last hour, when I was cleaning out the guinea pigs, changing their wood shavings/ straw mixture and feeding them, the cats followed me and gave me their stare. Despite my efforts to keep her out, Kizzie has jumped into one of the hutches - as it was being cleaned - before now. She tried again, but I was ready and gave her a body block.
Later, when I was preparing the guinea pigs' food on the counter of the little 'shop', Kizzie jumped up, slipped and was clinging on with her front claws. I could see the desperate look on her little face above the counter and it was like a clip from one of those 'cats do the funniest things' comedy programmes, but she dug in and made her way to the worktop. She then walked about, feeling quite smug with herself. When I prepared the cat food a few minutes later, Kizzie was no-where to be seen. I discovered she was shut in the shop and could not get out the reverse way. I always feel a bit of a nana going round calling out, 'Kizzie, Kizzie!' Visitors think I've gone loopy.
Unfortunately, some of our animal lover residents could not watch me feed or clean the guinea pigs as the hutches are surrounded by scaffolding. This is due to having solar panels fitted to our roof at the back. It strikes me as a good idea. So far I have counted about twenty-eight of them. I do not think the installers will take long as they do not seem to mess about. I suppose if you are fitting solar panels all day, every day, you get pretty good at doing so.
I found this picture on Amazon and the cat looks exactly like Kizzie, including the facial expression:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71VJM7Z1YsL._SY355_.jpg)
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:evillaugh: :evillaugh: I can picture that perfectly. Cats have such a sense of dignity, don't they?
We were accompanied by F red yesterday, who had popped over for his brekfuss. he was lounging on the coffee table in the sun (we have a memory foam shower mat on the table, as a comfy bed - doesn't everyone?) Anyway, he stretched, rolled too far and promptly fell off. His face was a picture, and we were trying very hard not to laugh, and let him know we'd seen. :shy: :shy: :evillaugh:
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You're exactly right about their sense of dignity, Sue. We expect cats to be agile and nimble, but they can be little lummoxes.
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Alf is big and clumsy. I am so glad that we now live in a flat as my heart was always in my mouth when he cavorted on the banisters! Of course, he will prolly find somewhere/some way to put my heart in my mouth.
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More Weird Scenes Inside the Gold Mine
Both Kitties Have Now Seen the Vet
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6f/62/4f/6f624fff67f2bd3c2a90073d665ea0a4--veterinary-medicine-cat-cartoons.jpg)
Note: the cat looks a bit like Kizzie
Sadie, the lady in the laundry told me she thought there was something wrong with Kizzie. After being away, she noticed the lack of weight and that Kizzie is not riding on the trolley anymore. At last, someone agreed with me that something is wrong with the little cat. Both of us were able to persuade Ella, who took Tiggie to the vet, that Kizzie needs to see him too. Did I mention that Tiggie was taken to the vet because she walks very stiffly with her bad joints? He prescribed anti-inflammants (is there such a word?) which she has mixed in with a saucer of milk. As she loves the milk, there is no problem giving her the drug and they do make a difference. First, she walks better and, second, she is much less irritable and bitey-scratchy.
Anyway, Ella took Kizzie to the vet in a basket, which she hates, and the diagnosis was that she has: (i) either a thyroid or kidney problem, (ii) an irregular heart beat, (iii) weight loss from just over three pounds to just over two, and (iv) something I've forgotten. Kizzie also needs a blood test, which will cost an eye-watering seventy pounds. Already, some staff are complaining about the cost of the vet and saying that the cat is on her way out in any case. It remains to be seen if we (including me because I paid the money) are in trouble. My feeling is that I would rather be sacked/disciplined/blah blah woof woof than see the little cat suffer.
Additionally, Kizzie would walk off, when I called 'Kizzie, Kizzie,' as if she was being hoity-toity. This happened recently, when I was very keen that her food should not just be left in the bowl, but that she should be encouraged to come and eat. I called and called, but she just swanned out in to the garden, so I ran ahead of her and stood in front to tell her that her food was ready. She seemed to acknowledge what I was saying and turned to get her food. This led me to think that she was not being a little madam, but that she could not hear me. Ella thought there was a problem with Kizzie's ears, so I hope she mentioned it to the vet.
Kizzie has been spending a lot of time on the comfy armchairs with a resident who claims to be a cat lover. However, she is rough with the cat and some staff have told her not to be rough with Kizzie. Why Kizzie spends time with this person is a mystery, but I wondered if it is because she can no longer jump up onto the office desk. I am still not sure about this. Sadie thought I should make Kizzie stay in the office, but I have as much chance of this as flapping my arms and flying! Also, the manager told me the cats were for everybody, as if I was hogging them. I was not - they go wherever they want to go!
Tiggie spends much more time in the office, in Kizzie's absence, especially if there is anything going on in the forum or if I forget her saucer of milk (ie. medicine). She hates anything going on!
The vet suggested feeding Kizzie separately from Tiggie. I have tried this before and they are confused if their food bowls are not side-by-side. I tried again and it is very tricky, but I will keep working on little strategies. Another thing I have tried is feeding Kizzie on treats and chewy sticks. She only seems to want Felix Chrispies and the sticks, whereas Tiggie, who does not need feeding-up, will eat anything. Note to self: must stock up on more Chrispies. The other day, Kizzie was drinking water and had about five saucers of milk in one go, which is ominous as drinking a lot would indicate kidney problems. I hope the naysayers are wrong; I don't want Kizzie to die.
Changing the subject dramatically, a couple of days ago, I saw the A Street Cat Named Bob film, which I understood was approved by James Bowen. I wa s disappointed as I did not recognise anything from the book, as so often happens with films, apart from the busker and the cat. The cast were good and the production qualities were high, but it seemed an opportunity lost to me. I do not know how it would have seemed if I had not read the book(s) first. Perhaps it needs its own thread . . .
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Aw Cloveart. :-: :-:
Bless you for worrying and caring about Kizzy and Tiggie. If it's hyperthyroid or kidney problems, either would result inn significant wight loss, and that is very light for even a female cat to weigh. How old are they both? I think you have said previously but I misremember.
£70 is very little compared to what those cats have given people over their lifetime, and it sounds to me like quite an uncaring attitude for people supposedly in the "caring" profession, but sadly nothing new. I hope you can get some support for any medication the ladies need long term (I'm of course referring to your furry ladies, not the rough hooman kind). :hug:
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Carers are a bit stoical, like nurses. I think they do care, but it is a defence mechanism they have built up over the years. It upsets me when a resident dies, but they cannot let it get to them. I have noticed that there are some staff, who like animals but they do not get close to the cats or the guinea pigs. Perhaps their own pets are enough. The other day, a member of staff appeared, when I seemed to be talking to myself, and I said, 'I am not going mad, I'm talking to the cats,' and he said, 'Don't worry about it, I love animals - I was brought up on a farm and I've got four dogs.' He added that he had to have pets for the welcome they give when he gets home.
Some staff don't actively dislike the animals, but they can completely ignore them, which is impossible for me. I have started taking the guinea pigs around to the residents. I began with the obvious animal lovers, but most are interested when I get onto the unit. Some even want to kiss them. One resident , who does not speak much, made a joke about them peeing on my shirt, which is exactly what one of the the little piggies did. It was not easy to wash off either. The problem with this is (a) the mess they can make and (b) the time it takes.
When visitors come in with pets, which is allowed at the manager's discretion, I cannot resist stroking them. I have looked after little dogs, in the office, while the owners visit their loved one. Some people think it is funny that I seem obsessed with animals and yet do not have my own pets, but I know it would not be fair to the animals. Perhaps, one day . . . In the meantime, I am willing Kizzie to live.
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The cats are 17 years old, Sue. A lot of people think Kizzie is a kitten because she is small. When I started working there, I thought they were about four. Tiggie now has a bit of a limp because of her sore joints, which makes her seem a bit older. The poor little things are beginning to struggle. :scared:
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What a nightmare for you Cloveart. :hug: £70 is nothing compared to the pleasure that the cats give to the Residents, are Kizzy and Tiggy being given meds for the conditions?
Poor little old Ladies. :Luv:
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:) That's a very good age, Cloveart, and a lot of that will be thanks to your good care of them both.
Sending snoozles for Kizzy and Tiggy both.
My sister used to have a little cat called Kizzy. She had cerebellar hypoplasia, but she was a game little soul, bless her.
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What a nightmare for you Cloveart. :hug: £70 is nothing compared to the pleasure that the cats give to the Residents, are Kizzy and Tiggy being given meds for the conditions?
Poor little old Ladies. :Luv:
I am not sure what medication Kizzie is to get. We might find out after the blood test. Tiggie has anti-inflammants, which seem to ease the discomfort.
:) That's a very good age, Cloveart, and a lot of that will be thanks to your good care of them both.
Sending snoozles for Kizzy and Tiggy both.
My sister used to have a little cat called Kizzy. She had cerebellar hypoplasia, but she was a game little soul, bless her.
Kizzie/Kizzy is a great name for a cat, I think. I am sure both cats will appreciate the snoozles.
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I am sorry that your little ladies are giving cause for concern and hope that medication will improve things for them both :hug:
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^ Thank you. Nothing was said about the cost yesterday, although there was no one working to tell me about the medication situation. Kizzie doesn't seem herself and is still avoiding the office. She spent much of her time under a coffee table between the comfy chairs. The door was left open for fresh air. About mid-morning there was an almighty meeeooooow! noise and the managers rushed to see what had happened. When I arrived they were chasing Kizzie back down towards the office, while Tiggie was running up to join the kerfuffle. Apparently another cat had been foolish enough to come in through the open door, past where Kizzie was 'sleeping' under the table, behind a chair. It seems Kizzie had pounced on them on their way in, hence all the noise. I saw nothing of the other moggie, just the manager outside clapping her hands to chase it away. Kizzie still wanted to chase it, with her back arched and her hackles up, she was not happy. Even when not well, she hates other cats and goes into attack mode.
I gave Kizzie and Tiggie quite a few treats and chewy sticks, to fatten up the former. Later in the day, Kizzie was sleeping on top of the laundry trolley.
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I am glad that Kizzie was back on the laundry trolley. ;D
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It seems a blood test may not be carried out because the vet thought it could reveal nothing. I keep trying to fatten Kizzie with treats, but I have to track her down as she persistently avoids the office. The disadvantages may be that she's avoiding the food in her bowl, and Tiggie is getting fatter while not being small in the first place. Both cats are drinking lots of milk, which is not supposed to be good for them. I must remember to get cat milk next time I am near the supermarket.
One of the guinea pigs escaped while I was trying to get him back from the run to his hutch. Despite spending most of his life in a hutch, he has a lightning turn of direction. He headed for the fence, but I caught him somehow. It was heart-stopping.
I noticed the little back invader cat in the car park. He is brave if nothing else.
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Maybe you could point out that it may reveal something and it would be far better to know if there was a treatable reason for her weight loss. :hug: :hug: :hug: Good luck.
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(http://orig14.deviantart.net/537b/f/2012/200/d/6/guinea_pig_by_ashleyphotographics-d57swnh.png)
I am sure you are right, Paula. I'll give it a go.
Kizzie avoided the office, although I think she was tempted to enter once or twice. She seemed deterred by Tiggie's presence. The thing is, Tiggie only seems to have made herself at home, in the office, in Kizzie's absence. It is almost as if they have swapped personalities, with Tiggie running to see me and Kizzie heading for the coffee tables. Irrespective of the shenanigans, I gave Kizzie plenty of Crispies and chewy sticks, to make her fat, and the same amount to Tiggie (to avoid arguments).
This afternoon, I took one of the guinea pigs around the units to the residents. Most like to see them. For the first time, I took him around in a cardboard box, lined with a towel (instead of taking him in just a towel). He did not seem to mind and became sleepy when stroked.
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Love the pic. The difference between my Granddaughters. The elder called her piggie Mr Piggles, the four (nearly) year old called hers Ozzie after Ozzie Osbourne.
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It is funny you should mention Ozzie the guinea pig, as, just before I opened the email alert, I was reading an extract from Pete Way's biography on his time with Osbourne's band in the early eighties. They make some of the so-called madmen seem quite sane.
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Yipes! It is August Already!
. . . and I've just noticed I did not post anything in this thread in July!
(http://ic.c4assets.com/brands/old-peoples-home-for-4-year-olds/series-1/episode-1/8d9fd02e-57ef-4cbe-ac6c-fb5db47ab51a.jpg?interpolation=progressive-bicubic&output-quality=90)
Kizzie still sits under the coffee table and has started to recoil from having her face tickled, which would have been unheard of when she was in the office in-tray. Sadie thinks this is due to her being rough handled by the resident to which she seems attracted, Miriam. My reaction was that Kizzie can go anywhere she likes, but perhaps she, at least, likes the consistency of being with someone who is there all the time - even if they are a bully. A recoiling kitty cannot deter a cat-aholic like me, so after a day or so back at work, Kizzie eventually gives in to the stroking, but does not return to the office. Because of Kizzie's lack of weight, Ella was/is feeding her with extra Sheba during the day, so the cat is now disappointed if my hand only delivers tickles instead of food.
Tiggie now spends a lot of time under the desk in the office, as she does not like jumping, due to her stiff joints, and would not attempt to get onto the desk. She also follows me around a bit like a little dog, just as Kizzie used to do in the good old days. Ideally, I would like both of them in the office, but they are from a different litter and avoid each other anyway, or on the units with the more gentle cat-loving residents. These are now my constant frustrations. It was so much easier when Kizzie was in the office and Tiggie roamed free.
Tiggie is much friendlier now and less likely to bite, to the extent that I was even able to brush her the other day, without her viciously attacking the brush. Kizzie always liked being brushed, so she was no trouble anyway.
Milk was a good way of introducing medication, so both cats now expect a daily saucerful. One member of staff complained that the cats had upset stomachs and were making a mess on the carpet, so perhaps they should be given less (or no!?) food. I cleaned up the mess, in less time than it took her to tell me, so why she did not do this herself is a mystery. Later, she told me that she hates cats (it is obvious), because her neighbours' moggies dig up new plants in the garden - which is an over-generalisation to me. Ella thinks the upset is more due to staff putting fresh food into dirty bowls and I am inclined to agree.
Anyway, I have bought cat milk, but left half unused in the fridge. When I return, days later, it has become sour. Sadie may be able to help with this, so I looked for more individual cartons in the supermarket, only to find they now appear to be concentrating on multi-packs. If the worst comes to the worst, I may just have to get a multi-pack. Kizzie is drinking a lot of water due to a combination of not being well and the heat.
I have been continuing to take the guinea pigs around the units and the little creatures are getting a bit more used to being handled. As they never bite, they are ideal for our elderly folk, most of whom love them.
Did anyone watch Old People's Homes for Four-Year-Olds on Channel 4, last night? It is about an experiment to take young children into a retirement village. Animals are involved as the children and residents enjoy seeing ducklings hatch within the complex. Our residents love small children when they are bought into the home by staff or visitors. The programme was quite funny imo, especially when they showed the children sitting on one of the pensioner's lap, with others on the arms of the chair (he was a former headteacher), or when they indignantly corrected an old lady who got their names wrong, because she was hard of hearing. Part 2 of 2 is on tonight at 9:00pm.
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We noticed! :naughty: :naughty: :naughty:
Lovely to get an update though. I am sorry that the Resident is so rough with Kizzie though.
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Saw that Old People prog, Cloveart. I thought the little girl where the lady got her name wrong was lovely. The look on her face was priceless. :) And the question: What Happens to you when you get old?" "You go and live in a bungalow....." :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
Am really sorry that the member of staff was having a moan about the carpet incident. :-: I hope she doesnt behave like that with the residents.
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I wanted to watch it, but OH objected, so I'll watch it on catch up on Sunday when he is down the pub. :evillaugh:
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I expect they auditioned those children, Sue. Living in a bungalow is a sensible answer.
It is surprising, Paula, that some staff appear unable to tolerate the cats. All they have to do is ignore them. These people are perhaps unaware that they are not as popular themselves, as they may think.
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How are Kizzy and Tiggie, Cloveart? And how are you?
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I am fine Sue, thank you for asking. Are you okay? Kizzie and Tiggie are their usual unfathomable selves.
I was finding that when I returned to work, Kizzie was recoiling from being stroked and either heading towards the coffee table or shrinking further back under the coffee table if she was there already. By my last day of the week, she was a bit friendlier, but not much. She also began to see my presence as meaning food, which was not the case originally.
Tiggie tends to be friendlier, because she is now having anti-inflammants, more (newer) staff/residents handle her and Kizzie is no longer around the office. Tiggie's joints seemed particularly stiff today, but perhaps she had not been given medication in the week. It was not particularly warm here today and that might make her joints stiffen. When we have sunshine, she likes to bathe in direct sunlight, maybe to ease her joints.
Today, Kizzie was hiding in the corners behind the comfy chairs which is a bit strange. She went mad for the cat milk this morning, as did Tiggie. I am hoping that if they do not finish the milk, during my shifts, someone else can give it to them. It definitely goes off after about four days. After I gave them the cat milk, another member of staff confessed to giving them ordinary milk earlier. Sometimes, you just cannot win.
When I was in the managers' office at lunchtime today, I noticed Tiggie going to them for treats. I bet she normally goes to them and then me, or vice versa, to get double the quantity. Little monkey!
The cats were a bit unsettled today because we had a visitor who brought in a little bichon frise puppy (which I want to abduct every time I see her) and the residents had music/tea party activities. Tomorrow should be quieter for the kitties.
The person that usually buys the cat food, because of her work pattern, thought she would have to buy more food and bring it in without working. This seemed too much hastle, so I said I would buy it this evening and take it in tomorrow, as I am working. I bought 40 pouches of assorted Felix for £10, in Tesco, which seemed pretty good. The box is sitting in my car now, so I do not forget to take them in the morning.
I had no contact with the guinea pigs today, but probably will later.
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Always nice to get updates on The Office Cats, and of course, yourself, Cloveart. ;D
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Knowing that the staff aren't all as fond of Kizzie and Tiggie as you are, I hope no-one is being mean to them when you're not around. It was really good of you too to offer to get the additional cat food. I can empathise with Tiggie - there are days when my joints feel welded together. Bless her paws. :hug:
All good here, apart from the seemingly relentless influx of "gifts" Barley insists on bringing. This morning it was just the head of a mouse. Dunno where the body was, but I can hazard a guess..... :doh: :doh:
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Cloveart, Cloveart, where for art thou Cloveart.
Slight paraphrasing, but hey. ;)
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Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this? ;)
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:evillaugh: :evillaugh: :evillaugh:Well done!
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Me, I like a bit of Billy Shakespeare. One of my favourite quotes: “The remarkable thing about Shakespeare is that he really is very good, in spite of all the people who say he is very good.” ― Robert Graves
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Finally, Kizzie on the laundry trolley . . .
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Kizzie said she did not like so much attention being given to the trolley, so here she is in close up . . .
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The camera is new to me, so more to come as I get organised. It is an old GE A835 compact (only 8.0 megapixel), but at least it seems to work.
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Oh well done Cloveart. She's beautiful. ;D
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Thank you, Sue. I noticed after taking these that you have to half-press the shutter button and wait for a green box on the viewfinder. Then you fully press the button. I also had it set to portrait, which may not give the right aperture for a picture like this. The other pictures are even more out of focus than these, but I have got some of Tiggie.
I do not know if you can tell from the photo, but Kizzie is wasting away and is all head with a little tiny body. Looking into her face this morning, her eyes do not look right and are possibly a little cloudy. Stroking her now, I can clearly feel her bones through her fur (which still lovely and soft). During the past couple of weeks, staff have been saying that she has been weeing indoors, although I have not seen it myself. A cat-lit tray has been put down for her and she is using it for its intended purpose. Not long after I arrived this morning, a member of staff called me because she had just seen Kizzie leave little pile on the carpet. I picked it up in a tissue and flushed it down the toilet. A squirt of disinfectant cleaner, a dose of odour neutraliser and a spray of air freshener and it was all gone.
One member of staff said that she thought Kizzie was near the time, but not quite there yet. Some think that beside the kidney problem, she may have an infection. I will wait to see what happens in the week. I should add that Kizzie is eating and drinking like a goodun and still sits and waits by the door to be let in and out as usual.
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a change in habit like that can indicate an infection although I know she is a good age and I do think we tend to know when they have had enough. she does look small bless her do you have a regular vet who could give her a look over
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Yes, she may get another veterinary look-over during the week, in my absence, as some feel that she has an infection and will need antibiotics. One of the problems with vets is that their bills are paid from the amenities budget, which covers activities/entertainments and is raised by donation, as well as bric-a-brac sales, raffles, sponsored walks, and all sorts. It pays for visiting entertainers, petting farms, art activities, sherry parties, and the such like, as well as food and bedding for the pets. It is funny, in a way, to think that the pets are amenities, funded by raffles and bric-a-brac sales etc, but the residents do love them. On numerous occasions, they will say that petting an animal has made their day.
(https://www.wallsauce.com/uploads/wallsauce-com/images/products/web/howardrobinson/large/901-petting-farm-selfie.jpg)
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She is very pretty, I think that your assessment of a vet visit is correct, just because she is old doesn't mean that she doesn't deserve the best care, a little like your residents. ;D
We'll look forward to more photos. :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
I do like your animals at the bottom of your last post.
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I have some more photos to post, Paula. They are boring, but in focus! The camera is notorious for eating batteries and it started to warn me as I was experimenting with taking photos of the cats - who never co-operate with the slow shutter speed and fiddly button by the way. On my next shift I am going armed with loads of rechargeable batteries and the charger if necessary. If this does not work, I am getting rid of the camera.
At work we have a Canon IXUS 165 compact camera, which is lovely. I looked on the internet for a cheaper secondhand model for myself, but it is still too new and sells for around £130 or so. It also needs a special charger for the equally special slimline rechargeable battery. A little while ago, I saw a used Canon 20D SLR digital camera, in excellent condition for £79, but while I haggled over a trade-in (which they rejected) and hesitated, they sold it to someone else. I have not seen one since. Curses and double curses!
(http://az61094.vo.msecnd.net/img/01/9d60abc6-2b4c-4c06-9041-8cbeb0d630bd/460)
Some observations, or conclusions, over the last few weeks:
- Several members of staff are now feeding the cats chew sticks, sometimes on the same day. One of the residents, whom I gave a stick to feed to one of the cats, asked if she could have her own supply. This would not only create more of us feeding them, but this resident used it to tease the cat which I did not like at all. Hopefully, the idea will fade away.
- I noticed while in the managers' office recently that the cats, especially Tiggie, go from one member of staff to another in order to get treats - a bit like Six-Dinner Sid. To make matters worse, I caught the little monkeys the other day, having given them cat milk, going to other members of staff for seconds of ordinary milk.
- Care staff, who are used to doing far worse as part of their job, tell me about the cat's mess as if they expect me to clean it up. While they are telling me, they could be cleaning it up themselves. It is as if cats are little foreign, or alien, creatures to them, who cannot be touched. Having said this, I do not complain and would not want to do a carer's job (as much as I love our residents).
- Staff are divided over the use of a cat-lit tray, with some thinking it is just a good idea to limit the mess on the carpet. Others think it is not being used correctly, as the litter is in a polythene bag for ease of disposal, and should be loose in the tray so that it can be controlled with a little shovel and smaller bags. I do not have experience of them, so I do not know. Can anyone suggest the best way of using them?
- With the cats (probably cat singular) making an increasingly unhygienic mess, considering the health of our residents, it was semi-jokingly suggested they would have to go home with me (the cats, not the residents). The only thing is, when I returned to work I would have to take them with me, which would defeat the object. They would also need a large hard wipeable floor which I do not have. Thankfully, the manager is a cat lover, so the status quo should be maintained for the moment.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/511TRG48YQL.jpg) (http://timothycapehart.weebly.com/uploads/2/0/1/4/20144199/7117959.jpg?414)
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Personally I don't like litter tray liners and neither do my cats, I don't think they like the feeling underpaw, I use value nappy sacks to clear the tray and a scoop that cost about £1.99 in the pet shop. I hope that helps. Maybe if you tried something like Dreamies or Felix Crispies rather than sticks the resident would find it harder to tease with them?
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I shall take back the suggestion about nappy sacks. They will have to come up with something pdq, because the mess on top of the litter, while showing the tray is being used, does not look nice to visitors and it would be a waste to ditch the whole tray for a mess on the surface. Apparently, they are using a cheap cat lit, which some have pointed out is a false economy. As I say, I do not really know. What I did think was funny, was that a cleaner had to clean the whole corridor one day, because he could not see the alleged mark on the carpet :evillaugh:. I have noticed myself, that when you turn your back on a stain, they can 'disappear' on our carpets and it does serve to put things in perspective. When all is said and done, they are only cats, . . . or are they?!
I did try to distract the lady with the smaller treats, but she seems to have latched onto the sticks for some reason.
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I use Tesco value lightweight litter, it clumps, so easy to lift into the nappy sack with little waste for wees, and it sticks to solids so they are easy to lift too, £1.55 for 10Litres.
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Morning all.
Cloveart, I think maybe as she's aging, she will be prone to things like Hyperthyroidism, or kidney issues, hence that she loses condition and muscle, bless her. As Paula says, just 'cos she's old, doesn't mean she doesn't deserve the best of care, and in that respect, you certainly do your part. :hug:
I don't use litter tray liners either - as Paula's mentioned, most cats really dislike them. If the litter is kept generously deep, you shouldn't really need to completely clean the tray and letter for around a month, just scooping daily. We use puppy pads under the tray, as one of ours sometimes misses the target, bless her.
Sadly, there are still a lot of people who consider cat excrement as a deadly toxin (not helped by media hype). If proper hygiene is carried out, such as not letting pregnant women clean the trays unless they're wearing protective gloves and practise good hand and implement washing, then it's no more dangerous than any kind of poop - and we all have to deal with that in our lives. :innocent:
That was a shame about the Camera. I hope that you manage to find another similar one within your budget.
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The consensus seems to be do not line the tray, which is what some staff were saying. Our tray was generously filled, so it appears it was unnecessary to line the tray. I will take this information back, if the penny has not already dropped before my return. Thank you for the info, Paula and Sue, what would I do without you? da best
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Having spent much of the day between the back of the comfy chair and the radiator, Kizzie went sunbathing.
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Tiggie preferred to sleep under the desk on my bag, which offers no comfort value at all, then under the coffee table.
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Kizzie considers whether she should have her tea, or go back behind the chair, while Tiggie looks on. She went back behind the chair, but probably ate the tea later. Finally, Kizzie looks at the camera, for the first time in about fifty photos, and I cut her ears off and give her alien green eyes!
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Lovely photos of lovely cats. :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
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Thanks, Paula, the cats are lovely. I know a bad workman blames his tools, but this camera is driving me nuts. I am using about ten percent of photos at the most. I have also been trying to use it for photos of local views for facebook, but progress is very slow. It does not help that I am not really a facebook person.
I should add that I was led to believe that you lose Paint, when Windows 10 updates it to Paint 3D, but this has not been the case. I have been able to edit using both versions of Paint.
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I wrote a lot to go with this photo but lost it twice, so I have given up. Here is the photo anyway.
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:Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
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;D ;D ;D :Luv: Doesnt she look so comfy?
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Beautiful cats :Luv2: :Luv2:
Kizzie's markings are particularly lovely :Luv2: Has she been to the vet yet? Vet will certainly ask about eating and toileting. Its difficult to keep tabs on how much a cat is eating if lots of people are feeding it or like us you have lots of cats :innocent:
Hope the litter tray use is going to plan.
So irritating when we lose posts. It hasn't happened to me in a while but if I do a long post I used to type it in Word and copy it over.
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I agree with your comment on Kizzie's markings. I often think that if I wanted a cat with her pattern I would not find one. She seems to have a combination of ginger and tabby with white trim, and is symmetrical. If Kizzie was a woman she would be Jenna Coleman. A member of staff on Friday said she is disappearing before our eyes, which is horribly true. She added that she hopes one day the little cat will just lie down and die without any suffering. I could not agreed more.
Kizzie has seen a vet, but there is not much that can be done. She eats a huge amount of food and is probably getting at least three meals a day, plus lots of treats. There are about four of us who buy treats, and both cats go from one to the other. They also 'talk' care staff into giving them leftovers from the kitchen (which I noticed includes milk). This weekend, they had mountains of food. She is not absorbing much of them, but she enjoys every mouthful, so she might as well be happy in her twilight. The same is true of Tiggie, as you cannot give to one and not the other. We have a rota, but extras cannot really be added.
The litter tray is working well and Kizzie is using it a lot now. The only problem is that it is hard to tell who is clearing the top of the tray. Another rota might mean death by rotas. I just removed the mess on top and flushed it down the toilet 'next door'. The problem is with the layer of wee. Not much Catsan was missing from the sack, so at the end of this week, I will check the bag again and remove the top layer from the tray (unless the sack is depleted and someone else has already done so). Oh, and another problem is that Kizzie can be a bit moist and it sticks to the edge of the plastic tray. The subsequent mess is difficult to remove as the tray is, of course, full of litter. I was reluctant to use anything on the tray, as I do not want to put off Kizzie from doing what she is doing. Does anyone have suggestions for this?
The last few weeks, Kizzie has been in the office a lot more, and this was the subject of my missing posts (I do not know what happened). One day, she went bowling into the cushion under the desk, and got a punch on the nose from Tiggie, who was already curled up and comfy in the same place. We assume that cats have exemplary vision and hearing, but some of us suspect that both of our kitties do not. Although she does occasionally climb onto chairs, she is now completely reluctant to make her way onto the desktop and the in-tray. Perhaps it is fear of being chased off, directly onto the floor.
One day, after going home covered in bites, I decided to give the moggies the anti-flea stuff. Kizzie was completely compliant, but she moved at the wrong time and I think the liquid went on her fur instead of the skin. Tiggie did not scratch or bite, but she was suspicious of something in my hand and ran away, so I am sure I hit the fur and not the skin. I just hope they absorb the liquid through their fur or that it travels along the fur by capillary attraction. The manufacturers say the liquid is easy to apply, but they should try applying it to Tiggie! In any, I might have got the bugs from the guinea pigs, who are periodically washed with special guinea-pig shampoo. One day, I would like to take a photo of them covered in lather!
Despite seeming a sad little thing, Kizzie still makes her squeaky purring sound, when being stroked. It sounds pathetic, but it upsets me just writing this. Once or twice, I looked back into her eyes and . . . well, you know what I mean. First thing in the mornings, she did not want to be stroked at all and I am not sure what is behind this. Perhaps her skin is sore or something happens in my absence. I cannot figure it out.
PS: Rosella, you are right about feeding more than one cat. Ours have their own bowls, but sometimes eat each other's food for no apparent reason. I thought for some time it was to steal the jelly (they look furrr-tive :rofl:), but noticed recently it is not always the case. Perhaps, like children, they count the amount of chunks. Cats must be able to count.
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Everything you say about Kizzie points to Hyperthyroidism Cloveart. It can be treated. Was her blood tested for thyroid problems?
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Rosella, I only heard secondhand, but was told he said it could be a problem with the kidneys or thyroid. I think she had a blood test. Do you think I should phone or visit him and ask for myself?
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Might be worth a try, Cloveart. I think you are the only one who has any specialist interest in your cat companions' health and well-being, whereas most of your colleagues tend to see them a little like furniture, without sounding too presumptuous. :shy:
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Blood tests would have indicated whether the problem is kidneys or thyroid. Thyroid symptoms are often very different to kidney problems. Whilst kidneys, liver and diabetes frequently part of a general test, thyroid not always done.
I recently had Noni tested. General inhouse bloods cost circa £80 and thyroid sent off and cost another £50. Do you think the funds are available for such tests?
Not sure if vet would speak with anyone other than registered owner.
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Rosella, I do not know about the extent of the finances. I shall have to make several enquiries when I return, in the light of your posts.
Sue, I am not the only person to look after the cats and it is a team effort. The staff do see them as a bit more than furniture. Admittedly, some just do not like cats, while a few others are indifferent. A key element is that the manager is a cat lover. Authority care homes are understaffed and everyone is overworked, so they slip down the list of priorities. The shifts are long, the work is hard and people get very tired. Perhaps the difference between me and the others is that my shifts are shorter, my work is less stressful and, crucially, I cannot resist cats or probably any animals. When visitors bring pets in, I feel compelled to stroke them. It must be a strong instinct from my childhood, having grown up with animals. Do others on this forum feel the same?
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The road I live on is very leafy especially near our house and we have lots of dog walkers. On the now sadly rare occasion that I get time to garden at the front, the dogs and owners don't stand a chance of passing without me stopping them.
We too had animals, mainly cats, growing up. My mom is another animal lover. I certainly feel more comfortable with them than their slaves at times :)
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I stroke other people's dogs when I am out. Most owners don't mind, some give me a funny look and I have been bitten! I feel I can forgive animals for all their foibles, which I struggle to do with some people.
Rosella, I have been reading this morning about hypothyroidism, on the internet, and I can see what you mean. I am going to note all the symptoms in my trusty notebook.
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Have always had an affinity for animals and a desire to pat and stroke dogs/cats etc from being a kid. :evillaugh: I was fortunate in that my family embraced animals and wildlife with great enthusiasm, and we always had guinea pigs, dogs, budgies, pigeons, stick insects, gerbils, rats, tortoises and the like, not to mention fledglings Mum would find and nurse to adulthood. Our dogs, tortoises and budgies accompanied us on camping trips from time to time. I think we were a little like the Durrells. :rofl:
I much prefer animals to people.
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What you see is what you get with any animal. I too prefer animals.[/size]
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Kizzie and Tiggie are Divas
(https://pre00.deviantart.net/f2ac/th/pre/f/2009/326/9/7/request_diva_cat_by_favouritekitten.jpg)
It has been a while since I posted in this thread, and I think I am suffering from some sort of writing-about-the-cats block. I remember an article by a well-known author in a writers' magazine (although I have forgotten her name), who advised readers to keep writing even if it is rubbish. So here we go, onwards and upwards.
A few weeks ago, Kizzie developed the habit of sitting or sleeping just outside the office, but rarely entering, and occasionally, she would peep around the door. She kept doing this for a while, until she came in for tickles, treats and cat milk. Eventually, she took it upon herself to jump up onto the desk, even if she took a short cut by jumping on the chair first - this was something she used to do all the time, but completely stopped, and now she was back. Sadly, she did it a few times, stopped and reverted back to sitting outside the door for a while and gradually faded back to sitting on, or behind, the comfy chairs at the top of the corridor. Now, she has gone. It was all understandable as she is getting old and is not well, but it gave me the glimmer of hope that she would come back to the office.
Sometimes Kizzie sits in the cupboard, on an uncomfortable pile of paper, not on the towel I especially put in there for her. She always comes in to say hello, have some treats or cat milk and that is as far as it goes. I have come to the conclusion that she would rather sit with the newish cat loving residents, that have joined us since I was appointed, because they are there all the time. In a way, she is fulfilling her purpose of being a pet for the residents, but some can be rough and tease her which I do not like.
One day, the other person who works in the office, when I am not working, Mattie, came in to discuss some archiving of documents we had to organise. Yeah, really exciting stuff. Anyway, something had unsettled Kizzie (the hoover, a visiting dog, or noisy people) and she came into the office. Mattie said, 'Hello, Kizzie, you don't come in to the office when I'm here,' which came as a huge relief to me as it confirmed that she was not chasing the cats out when on her own.
In the last couple of weeks, the cats have come to me and sat and stared, while I stroked them and they purred. Then I gave them treats and they promptly vanished, as if to say, 'We only pretended to like the strokes, but it was the food we really wanted and now we have had some we are out of here. See you next time.' Kizzie has developed a fussiness to the extent that she will only eat Felix treats and not the Goodies, even if they are fish flavoured. Tiggie just eats anything.
Tiggie would take things even further and sit at the door as if she wanted to go in or out, and then when the door was opened she would either just sit looking in/out or run away. On one occasion, when she was outside and I had been through the disabling the door alarm process and chasing her about three times in rapid succession, I suddenly pounced, grabbed her and made her go back inside. She swanned off down the corridor as if it was what she had intended anyway, but just wanted to enjoy messing me about.
A visiting chef, who has not worked in our home for awhile, asked where the cat, that is always in the office had gone. I said they are both still here somewhere, but do not come into the office as they used to do. I still talk to them, and the guinea pigs, and still get passers-by saying, 'Pardon?' to which I have to reply, 'It is alright, I was just talking to the cat'. It does not seem much better than saying, 'Actually, I am quite mad and was having a conversation with myself.'
With the lower temperatures outside, Kizzie is almost permanently using the cat tray now, while Tiggie only goes outside when it is essential and not for very long. On reflection, they are both getting on a bit and do not need to go outside much these days.
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I love the picture, all cats are Divas, even the boys, maybe even, especially the boys. :rofl:
Committed a grammatical sin, used even twice in one sentence, I am too :tired: to think of an alternative. :evillaugh:
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Love the update, Cloveart.
Cats will invariably sit in spots which to us are supremely uncomfortable or inappropriate, but to them - they're everything. When they choose to spend time in the same room as us, it's actually quite an honour - they're hanging out with us, much as good friends would. Hell, they are our good friends, are they not? It's why we miss them when they aren't about.
Maybe they sense the new residents need a spot of quiet company. :)
I think that's why Simon Toefield, Author of "SImon's Cat" cartoons is so loved - he captures the caprices and whims of the average cat with their cat slave, and because we all know how much a relationship with a cat is one of equality and respect, we can't fail to laugh. :)
Of course Kizzie and Tiggy are Divas - they're your Divas (and ours by extension ;))
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Thanks for the positive feedback Paula and Sue. Where would I be without you?
Paula, there cannot be many of us who have not used a word more than once or twice in one sentence. English is hard work.
Sue, 'caprice' is a good word for the office cats.
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Simon's Cat does make me laugh. Here he is in the office, from Simon's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/simonscat/videos/10156147041989523/
I do not know the name of this episode. Sue, are you there?
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I am indeed..... :rofl: :rofl: I've not seen that one! Brilliant. And so true. Moray was doing that to me only yesterday. I don't know the name of the episode either, I'm afraid, but thanks for sharing, Cloveart. :)
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That us so true, at least the computer part, I haven't drawn in years.
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Hey Cloveart - how are you, and how are Kizzie and Tiggie? I worry when we don't hear from you. I always enjoy hearing about how things are.
Hoping all is well. :hug:
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Don't worry Sue, I am fine. :hug: The office cats are okay, if not in peak fitness. Kizzie is underweight and Tiggie still has a bit of a limp from her rheumatism. Otherwise, they are alright and are very spoilt by about five or so staff.
I hope you are keeping well. :thanks: :Luv:
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That's good to hear, Cloveart. Glad things are still pottering along nicely for you and the ladies.
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I do a fair bit of pottering these days. The cats definitely potter, but with catty elegance. 8)
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A Kitties Update
(https://images.clipartof.com/small/1418316-Cartoon-Clipart-Of-A-Black-And-White-Lineart-Relaxed-Cat-Resting-On-His-Back-And-Stargazing-Royalty-Free-Vector-Illustration.jpg)
^ A curse upon those who watermark their clipart!
About three weeks ago, I arrived at work and stroked Tiggie as usual. A member of staff who has been there a long time, said she thought I was brave as the cat can be temperamental. she is right, but Tiggie is better now than she was when I started working there. New staff, assuming they were interested in the first place, would probably think nothing of stroking Tiggie now. The manager pushes her face into tiggie's fur, but even I would not go that far.
Later, the manager brought Kizzie to me and dropped her down on the desk, saying she had seen her licking an empty milk saucer. She asked if I had any more cat milk, so I felt duty bound to give kizzie some more, although she did not really need any. Earlier, when I gave the cats a saucer of cat milk, I put Tiggie's on the floor first and Kizzie pushed her out of the way and started lapping, which I have never seen before. You migh think Tiggie was more likely to push Kizzie out of the way. I pulled Kizzie off of Tiggie's saucer and gave her one of her own.
In the afternoon, I noticed Kizzie sleeping in the office and had not seen her arrive.
On another day, Kizzie came out of the office as I arrived in the morning. At one time, I could walk in and expect to find her already in the office, but not so much now. Later, for some reason I looked under the desk and there she was asleep and I had not noticed her arrive. A little while after this, I heard a squeak, looked under the desk and there she was again asleep.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to get an item from the cupboard in the office and felt my foot kick against something, I looked down and . . . . there was Kizzie previously asleep and now looking up at me with indignation. I apologised, gave her a tickle and she went back to sleep.
About a week ago, I arrived without the cat milk, so one of the night staff offered me a jug of evaporated milk, which had accompanied a since-eaten dessert, to give to the cats. I had never given them evaporated milk but had intended to give it a try (I think Paula had suggested it?). They seemed to love it and gulped down three saucerfuls. Sometime afterwards, one of the domestics told me they had no water, which raised two points: (i) I had not noticed because I had not fed them (usually, I wash the bowls, feed them and change the water); and (ii) how long had they been without water?
I resolved to buy another bowl (one each) from a charity shop as you always see them when you do not need one. Sod's law meant I have not seen one, so I may have to buy another form the pet shop.
Around the time of the evaporated milk incident, Kizzie refused a cat stick, which never happens. Instead of chewing them, both cats always wolf them down in about twenty seconds. I gave her another, which she refused, so I put the first in her bowl and gave the second to Tiggie. Eventually, the stick in the bowl disappeared, but whether Kizzie got her appetite back or Tigggie ate it I do not know. Kizzie has not refused a stick since.
Overall, Kizzie has been back in the office for longer spells or even outside the door, completely relaxed. A couple of times she has crouched as if to jump up onto the chair, but I do not think she can now. Tiggie does a similar thing with the settees in the forum, but does not jump up. Apparently, Kizzie has been seen to climb again on the laundry trolly, but it is very unusual now. I feel much happier when the cats are around the office, even if it is just cupboard love, as I know where they are and what they are doing.
Believe it or not, I wrote all of this up to 38 minutes ago and lost the lot. My operating system and the Purrs software are not compatible. I purrsisted as I have not posted here for a while.
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I don't think it was me as I have never given my cats evaporated milk, surely it still contains lactose?, but it is very rich so maybe that is why the treat was refused.
I buy cat dishes from Poundland or the 99p shop, just as good and a fraction of the pet shop price.
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Apologies, Paula. Sue P mentioned (about a year ago) that one of her cats liked evaporated milk, so it had some as a treat. This stayed in my mind for some reason. One of my skills is retaining obscure information, from one year to another, while forgetting really important things from say morning to afternoon.
https://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php?topic=47620.msg870110#msg870110
The internet tells me that 60 percent of water is removed from milk to make the condensed versions. Paradoxically (I think), evaporated milk has no added sugar, while that marketed as condensed milk has some added to give it a sweeter flavour and caramel colour.
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Twas indeed me. As an occasional treat it,was fine. In older cats too I wouldn't hesitate to give them something they love from time to time.
Especially when their appetites start to fail.
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The Seven Ages of Cats
That is how those of us, who spoil the cats, feel, Sue. If they only have a few years left, they can have treats in the meantime - although they probably have too many. I gave them extra cat milk today, to use it up, so they did not get cat sticks (from me at least). If I can work out the menu pattern, as far as it affects evaporated milk, I might seek more for the cats.
Tiggie spent a lot of the morning sleeping on the radiator, in front of the window, in the sun (we had sun and snow at 10:20 this morning). Kizzie often sleeps under tables or behind chairs in front of radiators. How they do not roast alive I do not know. I made sure they had plenty of water today.
This afternoon, I took the guinea pigs to all of the residents. Only two did not stroke them, and one of those was asleep, so it took quite a long time. The residents also had a little tub of New Forest ice cream each, this afternoon, which might seem funny, but it gives them extra liquid and they love it! It was just a bit tricky stroking the guinea pig between eating the icecream. Some have cans of coke, which is bit odd for their generation to me, although one spent a lot of time in America. Her children are grown up and American to all intents and purposes.
I have to admit I love taking the animals around, as the residents seem to get such a lot of pleasure from such a small event. When visitors bring dogs or small children, I wonder if they realise how much they like to see them (especially babies or toddlers).
The Seven Ages of Man from Shakespeare-ish:
(http://churchofchristarticles.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/stages-of-life.jpg)
The Six? Ages of Cats from Pinterest:
(https://icatcare.org/sites/default/files/kcfinder/images/images/life-stage-table.jpg)
The Seven Ages of Man from Sidney Harris:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-H-t-Wz1VNU/THirWtN2h6I/AAAAAAAALcw/fWr4jVSaJYI/s400/Harris_The7AgesOfMan_100.jpg)
The Seven Ages of Women from Someone's Blog:
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvJIxXywamM/Ut_EZCEcc1I/AAAAAAAAFiY/hUoVrG-qkiE/s1600/Women's+age+from+0+to+39+to+death.jpg)
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:evillaugh: :evillaugh: Yes - I like those, Cloveart. ;)
I know - Malt was warming her toes on the radiator yesterday, then pushed her head up against it and snoozed. I couldn't keep my hand there for more than a count of 12!! :Crazy: Cats are asbestos!
I don't think those of us who are not in a care home environment for any length of time appreciate how much the little things matter, and what a difference they can make to the residents. How many of them get to have that level of interaction with pets when they leave their own homes behind them. Those who've had animal companions must miss them greatly, and some who've never known what it's like then get to experience it first hand, and the joy that it can bring. Likewise with children. And children can learn a lot from being around elderly and infirm residents.
I guess one time, our society was pretty inclusive, and many elderly people remained in their community and family environs, even passing away in them. These days, that happens much less often, and so a lot of the social chatter and sense of community is lost.
Am so pleased you were able to spend a fair bit of time with them. :) :hug:
And ice-cream - easier to swallow for those who may have difficulty with ordinary food. :) Am not always a huge fan of ice cream, although I do love the very occasional peanut butter Magnum. And there's an ice cream parlour in Aviemore who sell the most beautiful buttery ice cream, made on their premises. Mmmm! ;D
So, just looking at the (6) ages of cats again, I see we have two juniors and one "in his prime" (I just know Moray will be preening himself over that one :evillaugh: :Luv2:)
And you have two geriatrics. And I reckon they've earned their evaporated milk and their stick treats. ;)
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I've missed your comments, Sue.
Both cats seek out the warmest places, but on this occasion, Tiggie had been put on the radiator (they have fancy covers, and quite nice they are too) by a member of staff to keep her out of the way of the trolleys. Both cats can also completely relax on the busiest part of the carpet, so it was to prevent her from getting run over. Every now and again, they do get trodden on. Sometimes they squeak to mixed levels of sympathy - from not being noticed to being picked up and put in a safer place. Anyway, the same member of staff came to get me to look at Tiggie's cute pose on the radiator, although she had moved by the time I arrived. It seems she was peeping through the curtain, with her paw over her eyes. She was there for sometime, with the sun on her fur and the heat from the radiator, which rarely goes off at this time of year.
I do not know if there is a CQC specified temperature for care homes, although there are those for water for washing and the storage of medication. Our temperatures must be around 70F/21C, but I have never checked them. Care staff complain they are too warm, while some residents can still feel cold in the summer! On the other hand, a common misconception among residents is that it is a lovely day outsde, when it is bright and the central heating makes it seem warm. Most of the time, I feel just right, but I do not have a physical job, and I am sure the cats would say the same if they could speak (in English, instead of squeaky meows). Tiggie and Kizzie only go outside at this time of year to do what they have to do and then come straight back. Kizzie tends to rely more on the Cat San although Tiggie is not averse.
Our home is for those diagnosed with advanced dementia, and usually (although not always) events have come to a head with the family and there has been an incident of some sort, often culminating in a spell in hospital. The elderly person then has been transferred from hospital to our home. In other words, the family could no longer cope (if they have a family). The ones I feel for are those with a surviving husband or wife, who feel depressed, and grown up children, who feel guilty, having struggled valiantly to keep them at home. More often than not, they are soon relieved to see their loved one happier and healthier. This is our aim, to see the residents happy.
It is quite funny to see the residents manipulate the ice cream, because obviously it is quite cold, but they soon enjoy the creamy taste - even those who initially said they did not want one. Not many fail to eat the whole tub in double quick time.
Our cats are definitely geriatric, with failing hearing and incontinence, but they remain sprightly even so. In some lights, Kizzie, who is naturally tortoiseshell, is quite grey especially on her tail. Kizzie is a grey tabbie, so it is harder to see. Like the residents deserve occasional biccies, cakes and ice cream, so the cats enjoy their treats, sticks, milk and fish on Friday.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/24/f5/1c/24f51c44063429fb51d5f39257fca188.jpg)
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its good that such places exist, my mum kept my dad at home until he died but really she couldn't cope and he did get quite difficult, a horrible situation for everyone
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Yes, Dawn, we are proof that good homes exist and we are far from the media image. My mum struggled to keep my dad at home, until he had a stroke.
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You're both so right. We know good care homes exist, it's just they're hard to come across, and as you point out, when looking after a loved one with dementia, it can be frustrating, depressing and wearying.
Anything which can relieve the pressure on everyone concerned has to be a positive, but some Care Homes really go the extra mile. pets, children and singing seem to be the main catalysts for those with dementia, and can often trigger much happier memories in their lives.
That made me laugh about them squeaking - Moray was in a very playful mood yesterday and was chasing the gurlies. When he waltzed up to Barley, all mischievous, and cuffed her experimentally round the ear, she set up such a caterwauling - you'd think he'd mugged her for her sweeties and stolen her dinner money! :-: :-:
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Your cats' names seem a bit Scottish, are you near the borders, Sue?
The office cats are quite squeaky, especially if they get trodden on. They do have a sort of squeaky meow sound, which is not like the normal meow. Usually, it means hurry up with the food, or hurry up with the milk. Kizzie has a squeaky purr, while Tiggie's is fairly quiet.
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Yes indeed - right on the borders, Cloveart. My hubby is Scots, and many of our cats have had Scots themed names, like Ross (ie Ross & Cromarty) and MacBeenz MacSquee and of course Moray.
Mac was so called because of his very high pitched squeaky miaow which took us all by surprise! "Squeeeeweeeweeweesquee!!! :evillaugh: Bless his heart - he used to cry like that whenever his Daddy went off and did something without him. My OH was always having to "reskyoo" him from one scrape or another - ' til the one none of us could fix, of course.
I love that each cat has a different noise they make when interacting with us. :) It's like their purrs - so distinct, and so different, each one.
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The furthest north I've been is to Berwick, for a job interview. On the journey, I had to change at Newcastle station, which was very drafty, and sitting next to me was a Californian, who turned to me and said, 'Where I come from, this would be a blizzard.' I stayed overnight in a hotel and, while I don't recall much, I do remember climbing under the sheets and the leg falling off the bed. It was only me in the bed. It made me wonder what would have happened if they'd had enthusiastic honeymooners, or maybe they had stayed the night before. I didn't get the job.
During my post-interview feedback, one of the panel told me the main reason for my 'lack of success', was because I hesitated when asked if I would take the job, if it was offered to me, and that you must always be positive and answer in the affirmative. This was all quite true. Soon after, I realised that it would not have been the job for me, and the 'successful candidate' may have been the loser, but I always kept this advice in mind for future applications.
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Position? Post? Role? Just teasing Cloveart. :hug: :hug:
I was offered two jobs once, one at the Tax Office down the road, and the one that I took at NTL, the deciding factor was that the staff I saw at NTL were happy, the people I saw going to work at HMRT invariable looked miserable on their way to work. This decision was ratified when I started looking after Gina, she worked there for years, and her friend Carol, who retired from there a few months ago. Carol was literally counting days, she is so much more happy and relaxed now that she has stopped work. ;D ;D They both hated it, but stayed on for the pension. Not sure if it is worth years of misery though.
Far better doing a worthwhile job that you enjoy. ;D
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I tried role and it did not look right, Paula, so I went back to plain old job. When I did a course some years ago, the tutor said he wanted plain English in our essays, including no polysyllabic words. His reasoning being that if their absence was good enough for Shakespeare, it was good enough for us.
I've been for job interviews where everybody looked as miserable as sin, or just numb, so I steered clear. If I have learned anything at all, it is that nothing is worth years of misery. I now work where there are two cats, so what could be better (apart from the money and the hours)?
When I clicked on Firefox, I had yet another nagging message tellling me that the browser was opening too slowly. Another click suggested I reset Firefox, which will keep bookmarks and passwords, but removes extensions. I checked my existing add-ons, extensions and themes, to make a note of them, and came across Tiger Tabby Cat, which looks a lot like Tiggie. I probably installed the theme and then decided against using it because it did not show up properly or obscured something. Now that Firefox has a pretty good transparency on the toolbar (or it may be in Windows 10), it works okay, so I re-enabled the theme. While I was at it, I downloaded another called savage black kitten, so instead of checking themes before removal, I now have even more. I already had Animated Kitty Cat (which does not work properly) and Here Boy (a little dog).
I will eventually go ahead and reset, but I must remember to keep these.
As a recap, for Firefox users, who may be interested, here are the cat themes I have used so far:
- Tiger Tabby Cat (looks like Tiggie)
- savage black kitten (actually a cute little black kitten)
- Animated Kitty Cat (would be good if the animation worked reliably)
- Here Boy (a dog, not a cat, but cute and unobtrusive)
Just typing cat in the search box, in the themes part of add ons, reveals many other cat themes for Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-GB/firefox/addon/tiger-tabby-cat/
I now have what looks like Tiggie as a theme, until I find something else.
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:evillaugh: Newcastle is indeed a very draughty station - the wind that blows through it has a particularly icy edge, summer and winter, that is exacerbated by the metal seats some sadist decided would be a great idea to install for passengers waiting on the various platforms. :hairrasin:
I think sometimes we have a strong gut instinct about jobs which it pays us to pay attention to.
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TYING UP LOOSE ENDS
This is a summary of the cats' behaviour since my last post, based on a combination of some notes and my unreliable memory, and was written to tie up loose ends. I felt I could keep adding to this and never finish, so I decided to post it, albeit incomplete.
Kizzie is a bit aloof in the morning, except for badgering me for food and milk, but tends to come round later in the day for (i) treats, (ii) to sleep just outside the office door, and (iii) to sleep on the carpet in the corner of the office. She rarely stays for very long and disappears to somewhere not too far away. Sometimes she sleeps under a coffee table, beyond the back of a settee which is against the wall, so that she can peep along the back of the settee, across the corridor and through the office door at me. She thinks I cannot see her, but I know where to look for her little face.
Tiggie sometimes hobbles across to me when I arrive for work. She has a limp because of the arthritis and may not have been given medicine while I was away. She is getting more friendly, although I am always wary.
Both cats appear fairly quickly in the morning for food and now expect cat milk as standard. You can set your watch by them at: (i) tea break time (around 10:30am), when they look for treats; (ii) mid-day, when they look for something more substantial; and (iii) near my home time when they get their second official meal. I now have a system where I prepare both meals, but only put out one, if only one cat appears, as they will eat each other's (especially the jelly/gravy).
Quite often a polythene bag is put in the tray to contain the Cat San or the cheaper own brand version. I am not keen on this and would rather put the Cat San directly into the tray. The cats do not find the polythene comfortable and sometimes make a mess on the plastic. A bag makes it easier to dispose of, I suppose, but I don't bother. Staff sometimes complain about the odour from the Cat San, but rarely clean the tray. The good thing is that the cats, one of whom is incontinent, do actually use the Cat San tray, despite never having had one before, and no longer make a mess indoors.
I asked one of the laundry assistants to wash the towel and cushion, which were put in a box under the office desk, for the cats. The improvised bed had been there for a while and was not particularly clean. Shaking the components outside no longer worked as a method of freshening them up. She promptly washed and dried them in our super fast industrial tumble drier, and they were put back in position in a trice, now beautifully fresh and clean. As the cats rarely jump onto the desk or onto anything high, these days, you might expect them to rush to the lovely newly washed bedding. Well, I have not seen them use it once. Next to the bed is a pile of flattened corrugated cardboard boxes, which must be more uncomfortable than the carpet on which they are piled, but the cats (especially Tiggie) love curling up on them.
The cats can be very quiet and almost invisible in the dark under the desk. Sometimes, they come out stretching and yawning, and I did not know they were there in the first place. On other occasions, I can hear Kizzie squeaking, but cannot see her until I look under the desk. She had been there all the time, without me noticing. It is a good thing that I was not talking about her.
Kizzie was taken to the vet, three or four weeks ago. I was not at work at the time and do not know the details. My understanding is that there was a fear she may need putting down, but thankfully she survived. As to why she did not have a blood test is a mystery. Apparently, she also had matted fur around her waist, despite being brushed, which needed careful removal, and it was shaved off making her look very unhealthy. The conversation about how Kizzie looks unwell crops up every now and again, but she really needs the blood test. Her fur is gradually growing back.
Kizzie has developed a habit of going outside and looking through the glass door, at the end of a long corridor, as if to say let me in please. As I come back to the office, I can see her little face in the distance, and so I have to walk the length of the corridor uphill to let her in and then walk back again. The door is also alarmed and has to be isolated, unlocked and the same in reverse. She could come in through the nearby catflap or the other doors which are not so far away, so I am sure she is doing this for mischief. Additionally, after rarely going outside in the winter, she has taken to sleeping on an upholstered dining chair, which is under the porch, in front of the patio. I am not sure why she does this - just for a bit of fresh air I suppose.
The future for Kizzie and Tiggie is uncertain. Today Tiggie let me stroke her like a little dog, which she would never have done two years ago, when I started working in the home. So, anything is possible. Kizzie needs a blood test, but as I am not involved all week, it is difficult to see this ever happening, unless something drastically changes.
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/MeagerDenseCommongonolek-max-1mb.gif)
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I hope that the title and the waving kitten at the end doesn't mean that you are leaving us Martin? :hug: :hug: :hug:
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That was the intention. I am out of inspiration.
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That would make a lot of people very sad. We enjoy your input, not just on this thread. :'(
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I agree with Paula. I'd be very sorry to see you leave us. I like hearing about the office cats, and I love your other contributions too, which often cheer me up on a "down day"
You can post about anything and everything you know. It doesn't have to be about the cats, although I love hearing about Kizzie and Tiggie. It fills me with hope that more care and residential homes will adopt cats and dogs for everyone's benefit.
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You don't need 'inspiration', if that were the case I would never post anything! Please stay around and join in the general conversations :hug:
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I love your other contributions too, which often cheer me up on a "down day"
That is sweet of you to say.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/marriage-relationships-billboard_advertising-advertising-ads-romantic-romantic_gesture-mban2806_low.jpg)
(https://i.chzbgr.com/full/5715934464/hC3D81F17/)
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You don't need 'inspiration', if that were the case I would never post anything! Please stay around and join in the general conversations :hug:
You've re-inspired me.
(https://www.petplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/10110_cats.jpg)
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:evillaugh: :evillaugh: :rofl: See? That's exactly what I mean!
Am glad you're reviewing the situation (I feel a song coming on ..... [a la Ron Moody] )
:yayyy: :narna dance:
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Not this one by Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqPNf_13Kb4
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:evillaugh: No but that one sums up my working day today perfectly! :evillaugh:
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Here's one to pick you up: https://youtu.be/rtoPr76fCac
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;D Much better.
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Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
Kizzie Rests in Peace
A few months ago, there came an inevitable point when I began ask myself, 'Will Kizzie still be here when I return for my next shifts?' But, she kept going somehow. Then there was the stage when I began to worry if I did not see Kizzie for a few hours during the shift (which has always existed among some staff in a longer form). This reached its peak a few weeks ago when Kizzie, unusually, had still not appeared for her food by my 'clocking-off' time. Because of her not being well, I stood and called her name in all the usual places, such as at the bottom of corridors, front of the car park, foot of the garden and so on, but still there was no sign. I walked around the garden, around the car park and down the road. I looked under parked cars, all around the sheltered housing grounds, in most of the rooms, under work tops, and even in the walk-in cupboards. All the while I felt increasingly self-conscious at callling 'Kizzie, Kizzie' and making funny squeaking noises. Still no Kizzie. In the meantime, Tiggie waited at the food bowls with her usual limitless cat patience, giving me the usual bemused look.
There was nothing for it, but to repeat the whole procedure, going around the buildings and gardens, leaving the sheltered housing until last. I saw nooks and crannies, in the latter, I did not know existed, as I looked in each corner and under every shrub. By the time I staggered back into the main room, the forum, feeling completely flummoxed, there was Kizzie sitting next to Tiggie looking at me as if to say, 'What's going on and where have you been?' I was convinced, after two years of working in the home, that I knew all of the cats' hiding places, but still Kizzie had managed to find somewhere undetectable, and I swear she must have been laughering at my going round-and-round the place in circles with increasing frustration. No matter what their condition, I never looked for the cats again if they were not ready by my home time.
There was a discussion in the corridor one day, about what was ailng Kizzie, between ---------- and a manager. Amidst all the speculation, I said, 'She has hypothyroidism and needs a blood test,' to which the replies were, 'She's old', 'It is expensive', 'Blah blah woof, woof', so I had to walk away. Kizzie was taken for yet another consultation with a vet and no prizes for guessing that the problem was the thyroid. Apparently poor Kizzie also had polyps in her throat, hence the loud purring. I eventually noticed, when stroking her, that she deliberately opened her little mouth each time she breathed in, in order to purr, which was heartbreaking. For some time, she could only be stroked very gently, but now it was just possible to tickle the fur. She was eating less, and not wanting treats.
Kizzie often lay between two back-to-back settees in the forum, where she would look out of one end and see the passers-by and eveything that went on, while remaining unnoticed by many. I always stopped to check and she would gaze back with that surprised, yet not really surprised, look (do you know what I mean?). Over time, and with the increasing warmth in the weather, she went outside to sleep on the tiles under the dusty old barbecue, which was next to the glass doors so she could still see inside. I would go out and she would look back. If it was too uncomfortable to be tickled, still she purred.
The last time I saw Kizzie, she was walking in from the barbecue and I attempted to very lightly tickle her fur, but she just walked away. She did not purr. That weekend she was barely eating the jelly on her cat food, but had continued to enjoy a small bowl of cat milk. Early in the week, a member of staff phoned to tell me that Kizzie had been taken to the vet that morning and been put to sleep. My immediate reaction was one of relief that she would not be suffering any longer. They had, quite rightly, not wanted me to find out by returning and wondering where she was, or by hearing a remark. Apparently, she had eaten a bowl of food at the usual time, but had deteriorated soon after.
I am sorry if the above was difficult to read, it was painful to write, but it was also cathartic. By my standard it took a while to get started. My intention is to balance this by writing more about the things that I can see, with hindsight, in the light of Kizzie's illness, and the positive side of my time with Kizzie in the office.
There is also Tiggie . . .
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Oh Cloveart
I am so sorry. Kizzie will leave behind her such a big gaping hole in your life. You had the gift and the ability to see her true self, and to treat her as an equal soul. How lovely that right to the last she still had the ability to outfox everyone, and find herself a little spot no-one else knew about. Bless you and thank you for the love and the kindness that you gave to Kizzie. A Grande Dame of her world (and yours).
Run free at the bridge sweet lady. xx
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I'm so sorry to hear that, although it is good that she was taken to the vet and was allowed to go peacefully :hug:
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Thank you, Sue. My last memory of Kizzie is of her walking away in her hoity-toity manner, so she was her usual self near the end.
Dawn, the vet said that he doubted whether Kizzie would have made it through that night. So, yes, she finally went peacefully.
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Don't quite know what to say.
Play hard on The Bridge Kizzie, free from old age and pain. :Luv:
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Oh Cloveart! :hug:
Thank you for letting us know that little Kizzie has crossed the bridge and continues her journey without you. At times like this, parting is not 'sweet sorrow', it is unmitigated pain! :'( The time will eventually come when you will think of your little mate with only smiles but, until then, please know that we here understand how you are feeling.
RIP sweet Kizzie, run free at the Bridge.
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Thank you, Lyn. I think what may be meant, in the continued use of the phrase, is that the sorrow is tinged with the sweetness of the memories. But, you are right, and Ella Fitzgerald was probably more accurate in singing, 'Every time we say goodbye, I die a little.'
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Beautiful song lyrics, and very fitting. Lyn's right - no matter how much we prepare, it never makes the loss easier to absorb :hug:
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Beautiful song lyrics, and very fitting. Lyn's right - no matter how much we prepare, it never makes the loss easier to absorb :hug:
Same as that and very poignant lyrics.
Take care Sweetie. xxx
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Tiggie Bit Me!
(https://www.petful.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Picture-22-300x271.png)
The first day of my last shift saw the preparations for the summer fair. Tiggie was not a happy bunny and bit me on the arm when I stroked her first thing in the morning. Luckily, with the drop in temperature, I was wearing a long sleeved cardigan, or she we would've inflicted some serious damage with those sharp little teeth of hers. They are quite terrifying when you look at them closely, and must be awful as the last thing a mouse ever sees. If it had been the winter, I would've put her out in the cold as punishment. As it was, I couldn't think of anything. I did not see her for much of the day.
When it came to the summer fair on the next day, I did not see Tiggie all day, between feeding her first thing and her reappearing when it was all over. It is funny how cats know when things like that have finished. She hates any change to the routine or anything going on. Apparently, a lot of money was raised for the residents' amenities (mostly musical entertainment). On the last day, nothing did go on, so she kept appearing in the office for fuss and strokes.
I still miss Kizzie and keep subconsciously looking for her. It is hard to believe she has gone. Tiggie's behaviour may be slightly weird because she does not understand what has happened to her - even if they did not get on together.
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As you say, very scary from a mouse's perspective, I am glad she didn't do you any damage. ;D
No denying that cats are strange animals, there may have been a bond not visible to the human eye.
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Ouch, Cloveart! Am sorry to hear Tiggie was so far out of sorts she munched on y our arm. Very glad it wasn't worse than it was. Am wondering if she's feeling under the weather too, or if she's just grumpy and missing Kizzie like you are. :hug:
That's certainly an impressive set of teeth. :evillaugh: Am glad she disappeared though before any punishment was administered. Cats don't have the same logic as us, so she was just making her feelings plainly felt. Am sorry you had the brunt of it. :-[
Sometimes, when we're removing the little burrs me and OH call "soldier's buttons" from Moray's tail, he hisses like some demonic cat from the bowels of Hell, raising a huge furry paw in a threatening manner (and believe me, I've seen those mitts in action! I wudden wanna be on the receiving end). I fix him with a sideways stare and say "hey - now here! Whadda fusspot!" and usually he looks a bit shamefaced (but also rather smug :evillaugh:).
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CATS HAVE A WAY OF MAKING THEMSELVES NOTICED LOL
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You may be right Paula. If we were in a home with someone else, even if we didn't like them, and they disapeared, we'd be a bit unsettled. The only thing is, we understand illness and the vet, whereas I don't think cats understand the situation.
That isn't Tiggie, Sue. I took the picture from the internet. Her teeth are probably worse and her claws are fearsome too.
I notice Tiggie anyway Misa. The staff that ignore her (and don't feed her), don't get bitten. She should see the error in her logic, but she doesn't. She wanted a lot of fuss today, although I could not give her treats as I've misplaced them somewhere.
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Sorry you got bitened Cloveart :( Alfie can turn and bite in a heartbeat and, given the chance, he will use my hand and arm as a 'kicker' - I still have the scars to show for it!
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YES LUPIN ALSO BITES BUT HE TENDS TO DO A LITTLE NIP FIRST AS A WARNING