Cats

[OneWheelPeel]

We have a long dog thread but I haven’t seen one for cats. I’m in a weird position where I would happily live without any animals but I’ll help or feed whichever ones come my way. So I may look like a cat/dog/insert_species_here guy but I’m more of a ‘oh you poor mofo’ guy.

Anyway besides the ones in my house that I consider my official cats (loooong story there) I feed a bunch in the neighborhood too and if something is bad enough provide medical intervention or take them indoors. The neat crossover with a B body is besides my post in the Dogs thread where I was at the right place right time because I was doing something Coronet specific, is that neighbor of mine who I’ve hardly ever spoken too for 20+ yrs, just waved at most, started talking to me A LOT about the Coronet. He then asked if I could check something in his car so I go down there, see cat food in his driveway and a bunch of strays I’ve never seen, so I thought I was the only one on this street but I’m not. Since he’s kind to animals I tried to help him with his issue the best I could.

This is a worthless start to a thread without a pic, and I could offer a million, but I’ll go with this guy who recently started showing up for food. I call him Mr Po after Master Po from Kung Fu. If you know you know. He’s partially blind and right away reminded me of the character. Other than a small scratch that I’m monitoring and being blind he seems healthy and by his weight has other food options too. But if he shows up he gets a can.

 

[terrywalker]

Cats. My daughter who lives in the house behind us has four. We had one when our daughter moved out about 2010 or so when she said she would come back to get him when she got settled in her apartment. That didn't happen. He stayed with us until the day he died. We no longer allow any of our children to ask us to take in a pet while they take care of..... whatever. We will look in on her animals that stay at her house until she gets back - 4 cats and 3 dogs. She was gone on a trip several years ago and wouldn't you know it, her Mastiff got ill and the vet had to euthanize him and I had to take him in for that. I no longer have any pets.
Terry W.

 

[kiwigtx]

I don't have a very high opinion of cats.

Dogs have owners/friends.....cats have slaves.

I identify as an ALF when it comes to cats, and I'm not Chinese, even though a restaurant in London once thought I was when I made a booking over the phone.

 

[Charles Cook]

There’s something about cat’s that I don’t like. Especially when I don’t own one.

 

[Hey-O]

While I'm a sucker for anything hurt or in need, big time. Cats have that strange aurora around them. Not my favorite in the animal kingdom.

I built a flower box on the rail of my front porch at one of my homes and the guy several doors down and around the corner, would let his cat out to roam. He crapped in that box everyday till I put it in a bag and handed it to him. I told him one more time and I was going to crap on his front porch. The last time I saw either of them. Left a bad taste in my mouth, so to speak.............. but, post away!

 

[HawkRod]

I never liked cats much but my wife does. After our dog died we ended up with a cat - and now we are on our third.

Cats are different creatures than dogs, but I have learned to like them a lot, just like dogs. All three of our cats were/are indoor cats, and my wife taught all of them to stay off the kitchen counters, tables and furniture. All of our cats have been very affectionate and friendly, but they are not pack animals so they don't behave like dogs.

Bottom line is I like all animals, and cats are cool too if you give them a chance.

This was our cat Zoe. She would throw herself down the stairs backwards to play. She was so fast and coordinated it was amazing.

 

[Hey-O]

my wife taught all of them to stay off the kitchen counters, tables.

That's my biggest problem with them, sitting on kitchen counters and tables is a deal breaker.

 

[HawkRod]

That's my biggest problem with them, sitting on kitchen counters and tables is a deal breaker.

An untrained dog can be a pain in the a$$. So can an untrained cat. I would not be happy with cats sitting on the counters or tables. With our first cat, I thought my wife got lucky and managed to train him. But now on our third cat I know it is very possible - it just takes the time to do it - no different than training a dog. You gotta spend the time if you want a good pet that behaves!

 

[f569]

I like all animals but dogs require more time and attention than my schedule permits. As a species I find cats just as affectionate as dogs, yes there are plenty of exceptions. Adjust your expectations and don't try to get a cat to act like a dog. Give them their space, they most certainly will open up to you and not be that needy friend.
Understand why cats like tables and counters (high ground/surveillance) and provide alternatives so they stay off them. They much rather having their own spots to chill anyway then ones they are constantly chased from while exhibiting instinctual behaviors.
That's like trying to get them to stop eating when they are hungry!

3 y/o Astro.
Trust is key, as in most situations.

 

[YY1]

If you have trained a cat to stay off the counter or table, you have achieved a victory.

It CAN be done.

Give them alternative, high vantage point surfaces. Near window is a good idea, too.

Keeping them off furniture.....good luck with that.

Believe it or not, they can be trained to use the toilet. I have done it.

 

[f569]

Believe it or not, they can be trained to use the toilet. I have done it.

That's further than I've tried taking it!

But I do keep two litter boxes for two cats and clean them both twice a day.

 

[YY1]

The general rule of thumb is-

N+1 for litter boxes where N is the number of cats.

Some cats are picky about using a box that certain other cat(s) have used, even if it has been emptied or even washed.

Yes, not enough or dirty boxes can be the cause of going outside the box.

 

[68BabyBlue]

Our three cats are extremely affectionate and well behaved, to a point. They know they are not allowed on tables or counters if food is being served. That doesn't stop Johnnie, who was a feral kitten, from pushing his luck. But once he gets sprayed or physically removed, he knows the game is over. When my daughter and her family visit, the cats wisely become extremely cautious. She smacks them if they jump on anything besides their cat trees. Her cat is handled the same way in their home, and he has excellent manners.

My wife was a dog person growing up, but decided she didn't want that level of commitment in later years. We've had Johnnie for eight years, and Abby and Zoe for seven. They were sisters from the same litter, adopted from the local shelter. They immediately bonded with Johnnie, who is extremely social, despite his wild heritage.

 

[chargervert]

Today like every morning, this guy is waiting for me to get up and when I open the bedroom door and step out into the hallway, he is sitting at attention waiting for his daily pet on the head and morning treat. No matter what time I have to get up,he hears the alarm clock and is on duty every single day!

 

[YY1]

we use a product called "Ssscat" to help train ours to stay off the kitchen surfaces.

It helps a lot.

Cans of their branded "air" are expensive and small which can cause the device to fall over.
I've been using electronics duster cans instead.
Every now and then, we have to set them out again, usually for the same chronic offender.

 

[YY1]

Willow, the chronic counter offender.
The only cat we have that we didn't name.
Rescued 3 years ago from a feral colony that had close to 60 cats.
Adopted out but came back.
She was not the friendliest, but lately has been in the process of turning over a new leaf.
We "TNR'd" 28 cats from that colony and adopted out 28 kittens.
Willow had an eye infection so bad, the eye was swollen to the point of literally ripping the eyelid skin.

 

[Hey-O]

An untrained dog can be a pain in the a$$. So can an untrained cat. I would not be happy with cats sitting on the counters or tables. With our first cat, I thought my wife got lucky and managed to train him. But now on our third cat I know it is very possible - it just takes the time to do it - no different than training a dog. You gotta spend the time if you want a good pet that behaves!

I didn't know that they could be trained not to climb up on things, I just thought it was in there nature. I've been to people's homes and their cats went everywhere, on top of the refrigerator, stove, on the island unit, like a tree monkey. I'm sorry, but that's just nasty. Your wife's good, very good!! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[YY1]

Mr Orange, AKA "little Buddy".
14 years old.
Diabetic. On the exact same insulin I'm on!
Ear mite cartilage damage.
Bad hip (on cosequin, challenging with diabetes).
Early stage CKD (kidney issues)
We've said goodbye a few times.
He's currently having more good days than bad.
He's "The Ambassador". Not a bully. Not a victim.
Usually the first to greet a new arrival.

 

[YY1]

Abra (cadabra)-
From the same colony as Willow.
She's "glorious".
Mesmerizing.
You will notice her.
We think her tail was run over by a car while she was in the colony.
Vet was going to amputate, but before the surgery date, the last 2 inches rotted off.
We got it healed and she got to keep it.

 

[JackR]

Cats. There is a cat, an expensive bengal cat too, that belongs to one of the neighbors. It roams in the evenings. Wife has been feeding it for 2-3 years now. It’s outside so doesn't bug me.