New cat

[Jim Gleason]

I couldn't stop myself. A stray cat was living in the alley between my house and the neighbor. It was crying outside my window for three days. I went out and grabbed it.

Wasn't thinking. Short sleeves. But I endured.

He turned out great. Within the first day I could pick her up with no problem.

She is less than a year old. I named her "Kitty Face"

Two major problems,

1 - She enjoys knocking things over just for the fun of doing so.

My big box fan is biggest target. She doesn't seem to figure it out. The other day she climbs up it. It gets top heavy. Both go crashing to the floor. She didn't land on her feet. The fan followed her. Missed by a quarter inch. It scared her and she ran out of the room at high speed. Didn't return for hours. I was hoping she would remember that and stop climbing the fan. Still knocks over the fan. Most the time it's a head butt.

I have caught her climbing a few times. I missed the one when it fell.

I fear if the fan landed on her it could cause damage to the cat.

I can't fasten the fan. I looked on the net and found a homemade cat repellent. Didn't work. Bought one at the store, same outcome.

2 - I'm sitting at my desk. She sneaks in and climbs up my back, clew extended. Quite painful. Then sits on my shoulder for a second then jump on the desk.

I never had a cat that bites. lately she has been waking me up by biting my toes. Drew blood once.

.

[Karen]

Interesting - and congrats on the new challenging family member! Hmm, some cats have a higher learning curve about physics than others.

[Jim Gleason]

I would guess under a year.

It's driving me nuts. It has a one track mind. It wants to do something and no matter how many times I stop her she keeps going back to it over and over until I lock her out of the room.

I went out and bought her all sorts of cat toys. But, only one she likes. The rest just lie there. It's a big carrot. About 12 inches long 21/2 inch at the top down to a point. In the middle of the night I can hear her tumbling around with it for hours. It only lasts 3 or 4 days. The last day it's covered with duct tape. I just buy her a new one.

My biggest problem she doesn't understand the word, "NO"

One day I'm telling her how pretty she is and she bit me. Couldn't handle the compliment. But I have always had that problem.

All black cat.

The landlord doesn't know I have the cat.

[phesina]

Dear Jim, thank you and bless you for rescuing this precious kitty.

She clearly has some adjustment issues to work out. Very likely this is the first indoor home with a human that she has ever experienced. She's probably quite scared.

Can you keep her in a room that will be "her" room for the time being, with her food and water and litterbox and bedding and toys? You come in to take care of the food and water and litter, and sometimes visit with her, speaking to her softly, maybe sitting for a while, just being a gentle presence.

Best wishes, and please keep us posted! Thank you and blessings to you both.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:
Pat and Sparkler

[Jim Gleason]

Right now it's sleeping in the bath tub. Seems to like the bath tub. Dark and quiet.

And boy she can leap with such precision. So far her farthest jump is 7 feet.

I have to admit, she uses the cat box without a problem. I'm the problem. I am sometimes slow at cleaning it out. She reminds me with a load on the floor nearby. I'm now trying to keep on top of that.

Picky eater. Dry food is out. Can food is in but not the solid type. Has to be the ones in gravy.

Another story that doesn't belong here. I charge the drug dealers that hang out on my porch 2 cans of cat food a day. They won't leave no matter what I say or do. So I thought I might as well get something out of it.

My biggest problem is knocking things over. It's gotten to the point I don't pick it up. I just let it lie there. Once it is knocked over she leaves it alone. If I put it back she knocks it over.

Biting is the other problem. I never had a cat that bites. It's not anger biting. It's playful biting.

It's been 20 years or so since I had a cat. I'm more a dog person.

[phesina]

Dear Jim, it sounds like you and she have got the food and water under control. That's an important first step! As for the litter, perhaps you could keep a small bin or wastebasket or such, lined with a plastic bag, close to the box. And then, every time you go by and see something new in the box, scoop it out into the bin. When the bin gets full, take the full bag out to get rid of and replace it with a new one. That way, stuff doesn't build up so much in the box that she doesn't want to use it. That's what I've always done with my cats.

You are doing a great job! Please be patient with Kitty Face and yourself. This is a huge change for you both, which will take time and space and care to work out. Be gentle with her, talk to her, and when you can, approach her and pick her up and pet her and talk to her more.

And again, thank you and bless you so very much for bringing this dear, precious, frightened cat home! And please keep us posted.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love: from Pat and Sparkler

[Jim Gleason]

I'm up now because she bit my foot.

One thing I meant to include in my last post. I tried to edit but it wouldn't allow.

Something I never seen before. When eating she sometimes dips her paw into the food and eats it off her paw.

[Jim Gleason]

You are doing a great job!

I need all the encouragement I can get.

It's 10am and she has bitten me once, Knocked over the fan, knocked over my coffee twice. All on purpose


Someone here suggested a Childs squirt gun. However, I'm worried it would be too frightening. I flicked water off my fingers and she went into a complete panic. But, maybe that's what it will take.

I don't want her afraid of the shooter (me). I want her to be afraid of the shot when she does something.

I was thinking this morning. When she bit my foot. I must wiggle my toes while I sleep. I guess I should be thankful I don't wiggle my nose.

.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh boy! That toe and foot biting sure can be painful, but it does sound as though it's typical kitten behavior...on overload, as well the jumping on your back, Jim. Kittens are famous for the love of the climb...up pant legs, backs, up curtains and blinds. I think the terrific advice in the articles below are applicable toward both behaviors. For now I would suggest wearing shoes in inside the house!:D And as Pat has said, time outs in a closed room with plenty of toys (you'll have to search for that one special one that wins her attention, maybe one she can swat at, something that moves like those battery operated mice), food and water, litter box a good idea. And a scratching post provides energy re-direction as well. Some have toys attached to springs they can swat at and play with so maybe consider getting one of those! Here are a couple of great articles!





Featured snippet from the webKittens Need to Bite Something
The reason kittens bite us is simple: they're natural predators and they want to practice their attack on a moving object. In fact, kittens are biologically wired to attack an object that moves, so it's important to teach them how to play with toys--not fingers or feet--from a young age...
http://www.kittenlady.org/biting#:~:text=Kittens%20Need%20to%20Bite%20Someth ing,%2D%2Dfrom%20a%20young%20age.

From the Humane Society
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/teach-your-kitten-how-play-nice

[Karen]

Definitely go with the squirt gun. We have a few round the house, and the kittens never became afraid of us, but know the noise the squirt gun makes! Kermit has even had success pointing his finger and making the noise whe he couldn't find an actual squirt gun!

[tatsxxx11]

Not a fan of squirt bottles at all, never have been, and the use of them has long been deemed inappropriate. It's not correction. It's punishment. And cats, being the incredibly smart creatures that they are, soon learn how to get around the use of one, if not coming to mistrust the owner.

So what happens when you use a spray bottle, or other method of punishment that comes from you?


Your cat starts to associate the unpleasant experience with you, and not necessarily his actions with the punishment (as you intended).
Your cat will begin to do the undesired “thing” when you’re not around.
Your cat will begin to fear and distrust you.
Your cat’s stress levels may increase, which can result in more of the behavior you are trying to correct, or result in a new undesirable behavior.

https://www.felinebehaviorsolutions.com/stop-spraying-cats-with-water/#:~:text=Spraying%20cats%20with%20water%20from,a%2 0reinforcement%3B%20it's%20a%20punishment.&text=The%20inappropriate%20behavior%20will%20fade, t%20fear%20or%20distrust%20you.

https://catingtonpost.com/jackson-galaxy-says-stop-using-a-squirt-bottle-to-discipline-your-cat/

Audio
https://catbehaviorassociates.com/the-squirt-bottle-controversy/

[Jim Gleason]

She's in the bathtub now.

Going to the store today, squirt gun and bandaids.

As for toys I got around 20 laying around - string balls, mouse on a string, squeaky toys. The one she likes is the carrot. However, the stores are sold out. Only lasts around 4 days.

Different story,

Had a dog named Darth. Great dog.

However, he was a sure dog was a chewer. All wooden legs to a pencil point.

This was when I was working. He was alone for 8 hours. He was bored. I then started dropping him off at my mothers. I have my mother name all my pets. That way I can make her feel guilty, "Mom, you can't say no. After all you named him." The dog started on her furniture. Her home was much bigger and set up differently than mine. We gated him in the kitchen. Nothing to chew when my mother was out. It just happened this way. I am talking to Darth as if he understood me. I'm come home to pick up Darth and he is gated in the kitchen. I say to Darth, "You have to stop chewing everything in site or I will have to bring you back to the shelter.". Then I decided to go to the store. I was gone for 20 minutes. I come back and because he had nothing to chew he decided it would be fun to pull the floor tile off the kitchen floor. I was so damn mad I tossed him in the car and brought him back to the shelter. That was a Friday. I felt so bad over the weekend that Monday morning I went to the shelter and readopted him. Had a sign on his gate reason it was returned: Chews furniture.

The shelter reminded me that they were not a hotel. That I couldn't bring the dog back everytime I get mad.

I had him to the vet and I asked the vet if he had any ideas. He recommended bringing the dog to dog obedience school. I thought I would give it a try. Darth and I went for 5 weeks. Darth did well. He was following the rules (with limits. What I found was Darth didn't need training, I did.

One of my mother's friends suggested a cage (crate). At the time my thinking it was wrong to put a pet in a cage. Never considered it. But, what else could I do. I got an oversize cage. Little did I know. His previous owner must have trained him for a cage. He loved it. I'd say, "Darth go to bed." and off he would go. If he was bored you would find him in the cage. I bought one for my place I never had to shut the door. I'd say, "Go to bed" and I went to bed.

Within a year he grew out of the chewing stage. The cage went away.

People always wondered why my kitchen chairs were at different heights. I would cut the pencil points off.

That was the only problem I had with Darth.

--

I'm not very good at the training part. I get to frustrated quickly.

[phesina]

I agree with Sandra. NO squirt gun. Being squirted will just make her more frightened and hostile and less trustful.

[Karen]

Never had a problem with our cats and squirt gun, honestly, it may vary cat to cat. And we only use it sparingly, combined with voice command. All the older cats (over 6 months being "older" in our house currently, will instantly respond to "Marigold*, get down!" *Insert offender's name of course. And yes, they all know their names.

[phesina]

This is a terrified cat just rescued from the streets and God-only-knows-what history. She's in a totally strange, frightening place she can't escape from. She has likely never been confined in a human home or been a pet before, and she doesn't know Jim or have any reason to trust him. She needs to get used to him first as the source of food and water and clean litter and comfy bedding, and of safety and peace. At this point, being squirted would just be one more scary thing about him and one more reason to fear him and distrust him.

Jim, do you have a room in your home that could be "her" room to be kept in for the time being? That way she won't suddenly surprise you with bites! You go in to take care of the food and water and litter. You talk softly to her, and maybe sometimes visit for a bit, sitting quietly, talking or reading to her.

Thank you again for taking in this precious kitty and giving her shelter and safety! Bless you.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and ~~~~PURRRS~~~~ and :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love: from Pat and Sparkler

[Jim Gleason]

Up again at 4am.

I don't think she is scared. Just destructive. Every thing that can be knocked over is knocked over.

I didn't buy the squirt gun.

I can pick her up and hold her. She likes the belly rub. I thought cats don't like their stomach touched. If I touch her back legs she attempts to bite.

Her biting is a playful bite. Except for the back leg touch. She means business then.

I have no rooms 1 bedroom, very large living room I call the Dance Hall, small kitchen and a bath.

To be honest I have always had dogs since birth. I stopped having pets years ago because I am old and a pet would probably out live me. I have had three heart attacks and 7 heart related surgeries. Last heart attack was 11 years ago. On my second pacemaker/defibrillator.

That's why I enjoy coming to this siye. I enjoy reading the stories of other people pets.

I enjoy the stories children write. They express joy so much better than adults. But, I enjoy them all.

I don't post much. As you can see I ramble on and on.

Back to the cat. I don't see fear in the cat. She's out in the Dance Hall now waiting for me to unlock the door. I booted her because she was eyeballing the fan. She must have the feeling I am talking about her, she just started meowing at the door. I'll let her in.

Not used to a cat. Someone to talk to. Like I said in my other posts. I need training more than the cat.

Tonight I may wear socks to bed. But, afraid she might find something else moving.

Another problem is that my landlord doesn't know I have the cat. He is Arab from Yemen. They don't like indoor pets.

They have (I say they because it's a family affair) been very good to me. They own 7 corner stores and 10 two family homes. I am the only nonArab person they rent to.

If I need money they loan it to me. Any amount. I don't take advantage of that often. If I need a ride someplace they take me.

Oh, my my rent is very low.

Sorry I rambled on. Got up early.

Thank you,

-Jim-

[phesina]

Thanks for your long response, Jim. Your apartment sounds like mine; just a bedroom and a living room. No separate room to be hers. Is the kitchen a separate room? (Mine is just an alcove off the living room.) If it is, maybe that could become "her" room.

It sounds like she is friendly in many ways, letting you pick her up and hold her and rub her tummy. If she mostly play-bites and doesn't hurt you, then calmly move your arm or leg or whatever away from her mouth. For some reason she seems to feel quite vulnerable around her hind legs. You need to be as careful as you can not to touch her there, if doing that gets her to bite you hard, especially while you and she are just getting to know each other.

Sounds like a good idea to wear thick socks to bed if she has bitten your toes while you're sleeping!

Does she let you pet her, maybe along her sides and down her back? Does she let you touch her around her head? Many cats enjoy finger-pets around their heads, gentle skritches under the chin and along the jaw and at the base of the ears. The more "nice" things she comes to associate with you, the better!

What do you think your landlord might do if he finds out about her (and I would guess that will happen, sooner or later, depending on things like if some work needs to be done in your apartment)? Do you think he'd be okay if you offered to pay a "pet rent" surcharge? In my apartment complex there is a rent surcharge of $30 per pet, and up to two per apartment are allowed. And of course, keep things as clean as you can, so if (when?) the landlord discovers her, he'll see that she isn't making his property dirty or smelly.

Again, thank you and bless you for rescuing Kitty Face! Keep up the good work, both of you! We're sending all our loving best wishes and warm energies along that things go well.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and ~~~~PURRRS~~~~ and :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love: from Pat and Sparkler

[Jim Gleason]

Does she let you pet her, maybe along her sides and down her back? Does she let you touch her around her head? Many cats enjoy finger-pets around their heads, gentle skritches under the chin and along the jaw and at the base of the ears. The more "nice" things she comes to associate with you, the better!

I can pet and scratch her all over the place except the back feet. She like between the ears and just behind the tail on her back. And the tummy rub.

Today I'm walking though the dance hall. She comes running high speed from behind and jumps on my lower leg with a bear hug all four legs. Claws extended. I laughed.

Overall she is a great cat. I was considering changing her name to " homewrecker"

I can tell when she wants to knock something over. She stares at it a bit, then head butts it.

There is a warning sign when she going to bite. Everything is going fine and all of a sudden you see the last half of her tail wagging. At that point everything stops. Can't pick her up or anyhing.

[phesina]

Sounds like you both are doing a great job getting acquainted with each other!

[Jim Gleason]

Found the cat sleeping on my dresser in the dance hall. She was sound asleep. I bit her foot.

[phesina]

And what did she think of that? :love::love::love::love::love:

[Jim Gleason]

Actually I bit the leg. Knowing where that foot has been (cat box) I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Had no impact. She attempted to bite me three times.

No pants on and she came running from behind put my leg in a bear hug and bit my calf. I laughed and shook her off.

She has only broke skin once.

[Karen]

Actually I bit the leg. Knowing where that foot has been (cat box) I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Had no impact. She attempted to bite me three times.

No pants on and she came running from behind put my leg in a bear hug and bit my calf. I laughed and shook her off.

She has only broke skin once.

Definitely time for pounce-able toys - I bet she could learn to play fetch!

[Jim Gleason]

Definitely time for pounce-able toys - I bet she could learn to play fetch!

I'm looking at this big fish that flops. Has a motion detector. If the cat walks by it flops.

Problem is that I don't know if she would like it or how long it would last.

She likes the carrot. Only lasts 4 days. All the other toys she ignores. I throw one across the room. She runs to it then walks away. The mouse on the string she likes but only if I am dangling above her. She gets it and drops it and walks away.

The flopping fish I think she would enjoy because it would start flopping when she gets near it.


https://www.flippityfish.com/?mid=11467371&gclid=CjwKCAjw97P5BRBQEiwAGflV6atzm7K8P58vXAuAKf7d n1Fv0d3zOjpI8TdRIVPiDTxA1I9i0CmcSBoCWT0QAvD_BwE

.

[phesina]

The carrots sound like a good idea!

[Jim Gleason]

The carrots sound like a good idea!

She loves the carrot. Stores are sold out. They are 3.50 each. I was buying two a week.

The flopping fish is 20 bucks. When you buy 1 you get 1 free. Which tells me they don't last long.

Plud, I am one that believes, if you can't buy it at Walmarts it's not worth buying.

But, I think I will try it anyways. Have to wait till the beginning of the month.

[Jim Gleason]

I found the carrot. She's out tumbling with it right now.

As soon as she saw it, she went after it.

A carrot is a strange cat toy. Who would have thought of a carrot.

Thank you for all the replies.

-Jim-

[phesina]

What fun! That's wonderful!

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Jim Gleason]

I'm back!!!

The cat has become dangerous.

Had the cat for three months. Overall she has been a fun cat. A little destructive and bites when she wants attention.

However, lately (last three days) she is in attack mode. Can't get near her. I pet her and she seems to like it. Then all of a sudden wham she bites.

Also noticed she is whipping her tail all the time. A show of anger.

Plus she hasn't destroyed the carrot. Usually last 4 days at the most. Almost untouched.

I am wondering if she is sick. She is eating normal and cat box activity seems normal.

.

[Vette]

My dads cat is like that. i learned to pay attention to his body lingo. if he pins his ears back with a few swishes of his tail its time to stop petting him an leave him alone unless you want your arm/hand getting turned into menace meat next.

[phesina]

I'm back!!!

The cat has become dangerous.

Had the cat for three months. Overall she has been a fun cat. A little destructive and bites when she wants attention.

However, lately (last three days) she is in attack mode. Can't get near her. I pet her and she seems to like it. Then all of a sudden wham she bites.

Also noticed she is whipping her tail all the time. A show of anger.

Plus she hasn't destroyed the carrot. Usually last 4 days at the most. Almost untouched.

I am wondering if she is sick. She is eating normal and cat box activity seems normal.

.

Please give the vet a call, as soon as you can. Something is going on with her, whether physically or behaviorally. Has something changed in your household routine?

What with the Labor Day holiday, are the regular vets closed for the long weekend? Do they have an emergency number, or can you leave a message for them about what's going on and maybe someone checks the line who might call you back before Tuesday?

Meanwhile, I'd say give her some space. Keep up your regular routine of feeding and scooping the litter and cleaning things up, as calmly as you can. Don't act scared of her, but let her approach you if she's friendly. And if she's in attack mode, stay out of her way. If you give a stern "NO!" and move away when she starts acting up, will she hold back?

I wish I could wave my magic wand and make things all better! My kitty Sparkler and I are sending along loads of loving good wishes and warm healing energies to you both. Thank you so very much, from the bottoms of our hearts, for bringing this scared girl in, welcoming her Home and working so hard with her and loving her. Blessings to you all.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and ~~~~PURRRS~~~~ and :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love: from Pat and Sparkler

[mon]

I gave Lily's arse a wee scrub today....she took it like a champ!!😻😻 She seems to avoid that area lately. Can't say as I blames her 😬🙈. I'm pretty sure after a couple days off, licking your own arse, pretty unpleasant.

[Jim Gleason]

My cat made his first kill last night.

A SUPERIOR hunter.

Woke up and found a dead mouse proudly displayed.

Going out today and buying two trophies.

1 - Precision Leeper

2 - Superior Hunter

.

[Jim Gleason]

Update

Kitty Face is still biting. But, getting used to. I heal fast.

New problem.

This one is strange.

She likes to play with plastic bags. These are bags you get at the corner stores.

First, when I come back from the store she has to inspect the bag contents.

Then she rolls around with it for a while.

One day she stuck her head though the hand hold. It got stuck. He couldn't get it off. She went into a panic. I rescued her. She is forever grateful. Now if I leave the house I make sure there is no bags laying around. She continues to play with the bags.

Now for the strange problem.

I'm watching TV. In front of me the cat is playing with a bag. Seemed to be having a great time.

Then she started to do something strange. She started flattering the bag with her paws and teeth. It was totally flat on the floor. Then she sits on it. Well, I thought she was sittin. I noticed her butt was off the floor. But almost there. She was peeing on the bag.

This was the first time she did this. Never found a wet bag before.

The cat box was in the same room and clean.

Now she can't play with the bags.

--

BTW - Today's Cat of the day Vincent Price 10/31/2020 is an exact duplicate of Kitty Face.

.

[Karen]

I have heard of cats doing this before - I think it's something about the smell of the plastic used in some bags that screams, "Pee on Me!" to cats! Well, best keep them away from her for now, anyway - safer for everyone concerned.

[phesina]

Definitely keep the plastic bags away from her and out of her reach! They're VERY dangerous for cats to get hold of. Keep them shut away somewhere she can't get into accidentally, in a drawer or somewhere that is ALWAYS kept shut.

You've already seen some of the problems they can cause, which are not unusual with cats and plastic bags. Cats are really drawn to them somehow. And you might not be handy to rescue her the next time.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Jim Gleason]

Definitely keep the plastic bags away from her and out of her reach!

What if I cut the hand holds? She seems enjoys them.

I agree that if I wasn't there could have catastrophic results.

I have around 15 different cat toys and she ignores them. A ball the size of a golf ball. I roll it across the room, she stops it. Then walks away. A few more times she doesn't react to at all. She gave up on the carrot.

I'm looking to get the floppy fish. 2 for 20 bucks. Offering 2 tells me they don't last long.

[phesina]

That's a great idea. By all means, cut the hand-holds of any of those plastic bags you might have where she could get to them. You might cut each bag you bring home, as a matter of course.

As for whether the plastic bags are okay for her to play with (or pee on) after the hand-holds are cut, I suppose so but I don't really know. Maybe check with your vet about that?

Keep other bags with hand-holds you don't want to cut, sturdier ones or fabric bags or such, well out of reach from her.

All the best to kitty and you!

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:
from Tinker and Sparkler and Pat

[Jim Gleason]

I have had this female cat for 5 months.

Today I looked a little closer.

My cat is a boy!!!

[phesina]

Surprise!

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Jim Gleason]

.
Yesterday my neighbor went to the store for me. He got me some cheap aluminum foil. Really cheap.

Here I am trying to wrap something and this foil was not rolling out correctly. It was a mess.

The cat is sitting on the counter watching (he does this often). Here's me picking at the roll trying hopelessly to get it started.

Little pieces of foil brakes off and falls to the counter. Luckily I looked down and the cat starts to eat the foil. He has several pieces in his mouth. He starts to swallow. I grab the cat and force my finger in the mouth and pushed the foil out.

This cat is driving me nuts. I took the whole roll and tossed it in the trash where it belongs.

Just another thing I have to be watchful about.

Who would thought a cat would he aluminum foil.

[Jim Gleason]

.
Yesterday my neighbor went to the store for me. He got me some cheap aluminum foil. Really cheap.

Here I am trying to wrap something and this foil was not rolling out correctly. It was a mess.

The cat is sitting on the counter watching (he does this often). Here's me picking at the roll trying hopelessly to get it started.

Little pieces of foil brakes off and falls to the counter. Luckily I looked down and the cat starts to eat the foil. He has several pieces in his mouth. He starts to swallow. I grab the cat and force my finger in the mouth and pushed the foil out.

This cat is driving me nuts. I took the whole roll and tossed it in the trash where it belongs.

Just another thing I have to be watchful about.

Who would thought a cat would eat aluminum foil.

Fixed spelling. Can you edit on this board?

[phesina]

I like to keep potentially-dangerous things like aluminum foil and saran (clear) wrap and plastic bags in a drawer or cupboard or other closed-off spot where the cat can't get at it but you can get it out when you need some.

Best wishes! And bless you and thank you for taking this sweet kitty in and giving him a home and loving him.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[scilover]

Fear aggression is activated by a cat who sees a danger that he or she cannot elude. Joint pain, dental malady, injury, and diseases are fair a few of the conditions that can cause torment and ensuing hostility when a cat is touched, or considers he or she may be touched, in an agonizing range.

You should bring him to the vet to be checked

[Jim Gleason]

.
Caught the cat eating. I have to use cat food in gravy he won't even look at the cake type.

He is eating and I walk by. Most the time he eats like a normal cat or dog. Sticks his head in the bowl.

This time he is sitting and scooping out of the bowl with his paw and then eating it off the paw.

It was fun to watch but unusual.

[Kay Burton]

Cats sometimes eat with their paws, sometimes they try to dig up the water. They drive with their paws in the water and spray fly in all directions. This is all very individual, but it skips in cats.

[Karen]

Fixed spelling. Can you edit on this board?

Yes, look in the bottom right corner of what you have posted. There's an edit button there, next to the "Reply with Quote" button.

[Jim Gleason]

Yes, look in the bottom right corner of what you have posted. There's an edit button there, next to the "Reply with Quote" button.

Don't see it.

[Karen]

I know you don't see moderation tools, and you will only see "Edit" available on your own posts ...

[Jim Gleason]

I know you don't see moderation tools, and you will only see "Edit" available on your own posts ...

Nothing there.

Only submit and preview on right side

And

Note: This is ONLY to be used to report spam, advertising messages, and problematic (harassment, fighting, or rude) posts.

On the other.

[Karen]

Oh, Edit is only available AFTER you have submitted your post. And you will only see it on your own posts, of course!

[scilover]

Cats sometimes eat with their paws, sometimes they try to dig up the water. They drive with their paws in the water and spray fly in all directions. This is all very individual, but it skips in cats.

but there are cats who drink by their paws. they've put their paws in the water and lick it after. I think it is funny to watch since my cats do that. I don't know why :cool::eek:

[Jim Gleason]

.
I have renamed my cat, from "Kitty Face" to "Mr Destruction"

[phesina]

So how are things going so far, Jim? "Mr Destruction" now?

I've known (in fact, been owned by) cats who might eat wet food by scooping it up with their paws. And bat the water surface with a paw. In fact, my current cat Tinker does that!

Thanks again, Jim, for giving "Mr Destruction", a.k.a. "Kitty Face" a wonderful home. (You and he will work everything out, don't worry!)

Pat and Tinker and Sparkler

[Jim Gleason]

So how are things going so far, Jim? "Mr Destruction" now?

I've known (in fact, been owned by) cats who might eat wet food by scooping it up with their paws. And bat the water surface with a paw. In fact, my current cat Tinker does that!

Thanks again, Jim, for giving "Mr Destruction", a.k.a. "Kitty Face" a wonderful home. (You and he will work everything out, don't worry!)

Pat and Tinker and Sparkler

It's been frustrating. I feel bad that I don't let him in my room where I am most the time.

The other day he's sitting on my desk and he decides to push my full cup of coffee in my lap.

I keep telling him that I would enjoy you coming in to visit. But, every time you come in it's a disaster.

I got a story that may be related.

I have a defibrillator/pacemaker and a heart monitor on my shelf. The cat has pushed it off the shelf and causes it to reboot.

I'm guessing and hoping this is the problem.

The doctor calls me last week. "You must come in tomorrow morning. The monitor is telling us you have a problem. They asked if I felt anything different. I said "no" he was surprised. We talked some more and I told him I already have an appointment January 7th. He finally gave in and made me promise to come in January. I did even if I'm on a stretcher.

I think it was a ploy to get me to come in. I am a postponer. They want to see me every three months. I haven't been there since July 2019. I sweet talk the appointment maker not to hold my prescription hostage. Since covid its been easy to postpone.

My last heart attack was 2009. Had 6 heart related surgeries.

Here's where the cat comes in.

Thursday afternoon I get another call from the doctor. Got to come in got another reading from the monitor. You must come it. We will do a blood test and check your kidneys and discuss your options. Again we agreed to wait till the 7th and points out that I haven't been there since 2019. I told him the cat has been pushing the monitor to the floor and it reboots. Could that be causing the bad readings? He said he didn't know.

On the second call they told me what they are aiming at, Afib.

First call they were surprised I didn't feel it.

I'm thinking, if it was so important they would stress I come in now instead of letting me slide till the 7th.

That it was a ploy to get me in.

That the cat pushing the monitor to the floor shook up the reading.

So here I sit. I have given instructions to Mr Destruction on what to do if I become incapacitated.

[Karen]

So here I sit. I have given instructions to Mr Destruction on what to do if I become incapacitated.

That last line made me smile.

But you - and your heart - will be in our prayers!

[phesina]

Yes, you and your heart, and Mr. Destruction, are in mine, too. Take care!

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Jim Gleason]

.

Today I bought Mr. Destruction his Christmas presents.

I hope he likes them and keeps him busy.

I bought,

Floppy Fish

And a self-propelled plastic ball with a motor. It rolls around and if it hits something it changes direction. I thought this would be fun for him because he likes the balls when I roll them. But once he catches it it no longer rolls. He walks away I figure when he catches it and it rolls again he will chase it again.

I know he will love the floppy fish. It's just a matter how long it lasts.

Please don't tell Mr. Destruction about these gifts. I want to see the look on his face.

I have given him instructions not to bite Santa Claus when he arrives.

.

[Catty1]

Hi Jim.

Have you had Mr. Destruction in for a vet checkup? If money is an issue - as it is for many - would the vet take payments? Any family or friends that might help?

If he's not neutered then that surgery might make him less aggressive. However, he knew what a litterbox was, so maybe he had owners before and they had him neutered.

[phesina]

Those sound like great presents! Please let us know how Mr. Destruction likes them after Santa delivers them.

Good idea from Candace about a vet checkup and finding out whether he's been neutered. If he hasn't been, he should be!

Best wishes to you both!

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Jim Gleason]

Hi Jim.

Have you had Mr. Destruction in for a vet checkup? If money is an issue - as it is for many - would the vet take payments? Any family or friends that might help?

.

I have no idea. Took me 5 months to figure out she was a he. <two minute laugh>

<still laughing> I'm waiting for the stimulus money. Then off to the vet.

My biggest problem is eating. My brother tells me I am watching to closely. So now I'm keeping an eye on the output instead of the input. The output seems good.

I was giving him caned food with gravy. I found he licks the gravy off and leaves the meat behind. However, by next meal 1/2 to 3/4 has been eaten. I switched to dry and he does do a bit better. He won't go near the cake type cat food.

I may have caused the gravy liking. When I am preparing his meal on the counter he jumps up on the counter to watch. I open the can and give him what I call, "The insensitive lick." then I put it in the bowl. Then bring it to his spot. Since I stopped giving him dry food he doesn't jump on the counter. He waits at his spot.

.

[Jim Gleason]

Those sound like great presents! Please let us know how Mr. Destruction likes them after Santa delivers them.


.
I really hope he like them.

I'm playing Christmas songs all day to get him in the mood. I got 54 Christmas songs on my phone. Johnny Mathis is playing now.

.

[Jim Gleason]

[I can't figure out how to edit.

I balled up my last paragraph. It should be,

"I may have caused the gravy licking. When I am preparing his meal on the counter he jumps up on the counter to watch. I open the can and give him what I call, "The insensitive lick." then I put it in the bowl. Then bring it to his spot. Since I stopped giving him wet food he doesn't jump on the counter. He waits at his spot. "

[Jim Gleason]

.
Well, Christmas day started out well.

The Floppy Fish was a big success as I thought would be. However, it lasted 2 hours.

He was having a ball with it. I'm guessing her objective was to stop it from flopping. He rolled completely around both directions. At one point he laid on his back with his legs straight up holding the floppy fish in the air. He also hugged it rolling. Biting it constantly.

The funny one. Why I said his objective was to stop it from floppy. He let it go and it was flopping on the floor. He calmly walks to it and sits on it. He just there sitting on it for a few minutes.

However, he lost interest in by afternoon. Hasn't looked at since. It flops all by itself.

The moving ball he didn't pay attention to it at all.

I have a pretty dull cat.

[Kay Burton]

I have an adult cat, she is almost 5 years old. In the middle months we found a kitten. The kitten already feels great, the problem with digestion has been solved, and is actively growing. But the older cat does not want to accept him. Although the kitten behaves quite defiantly, it pounces on the cat, for which sometimes an adult cat hits him. Well, I think that after some time everything will get better, because we have a lot of places at home and animals do not interfere with each other. It remains to somehow protect the chinchillas, because they get very nervous when the cat is around.