The Cat Thread

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Since we adopted two females, we wanted two famous female names--my wife thought of Lucy and Ethel from the "I Love Lucy" show.

Until about 2 days ago, Ethel has been grieving in her own way. She constantly walked around the house for over a week looking for Lucy, sometimes making an odd huffing/coughing sound, then she'd vomit. We took her to the vet a few days ago and everything seemed to be fine. The vet said it was most likely extreme stress since litter mates bond so closely. As if my own grief weren't bad enough (and hasn't diminished one iota yet), it was doubly heartbreaking to watch her. She quit doing both disturbing activities by Thursday night.

Yes, it must have been confusing and upsetting to her to no longer see her sibling around and not being able to comprehend they why.  I'm glad to hear that she is doing better. 

Perhaps at some point in time, you might consider getting another kitty?  Might be a good thing for both of you?

Best wishes,

PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Thank you. We've talked about it, but I don't think Ethel would tolerate a new kitty. A neighbor found a litter of kittens a few years ago, so we "borrowed" one to see how our cats would react: not well! Both hissed like crazy and raised a paw to swat it, but they didn't follow through.

Sorry to hear that.  For what it's worth though (to be fair), it can take a while for animals to get to know one another and to adjust to a new "resident".  And remember, cats are very territorial.  Most of the articles and shows that I've read/seen talk about slowly getting them used to each other (one show--*Jackson Galaxy) from what I recall had the owners put up a baby gate between two cats (one of whom was picking on the other) and also using "tricks" like distracting them by getting them involved in play together (like using a wand with a toy on the end and getting them focused on chasing after and attempting to catch "the prey").  You might want to talk to your vet (or someone at their office) either via phone/email/or next time that you need to bring Ethel in.

*He also has a bunch of videos on youtube in which he talks about different subjects/issues/problems with cats and ways to try and resolve them.

In any event, please give Ethel some chin and behind the ear scratches from me. 

PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

PD

[drogulus]

    Kitty creates world peace with meows.

[Scion7]

Kitty creates world peace with meows.

Doubt Putin will be persuaded ...

[drogulus]

    Sadistic cat torments a perfectly acceptable husky.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Sadistic cat torments a perfectly acceptable husky.

I suspect that it was more of a case of a young cat wanting to play with an older dog who just wanted to take a nap.  Or maybe a case of new housemates learning the boundaries?  No expert here.  Good on the dog for not showing a lot of hostility towards the annoying cat though...very patient, well-trained and kind nature.  Thoughts of siblings (one being much younger) also crossed my brain.



PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

This video brought tears to my eyes: 

PD

[drogulus]

    Kona is beyond anything. OrangeCatness isn't even half of it.

[vandermolen]

I liked this one:

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I liked this one:

I can think of all of the nights that I didn't move (This was back when I had my two girls.).  One cat liked to sleep on top of the blanket curled up between my legs; the other one liked to be under the blankets stretched out along my side with my arm around her--I'd scratch her under her chin and stroke her tummy with my free hand.

PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

PD

[Scion7]

 

[vandermolen]

I can think of all of the nights that I didn't move (This was back when I had my two girls.).  One cat liked to sleep on top of the blanket curled up between my legs; the other one liked to be under the blankets stretched out along my side with my arm around her--I'd scratch her under her chin and stroke her tummy with my free hand.

PD

Very sweet!

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Very sweet!

I miss those kitties.  They were wonderful.  Wish so much that they had lived longer.  The BSH was also a very good mouser.  I remember one time when the Wegie sat in front of my speakers while I was listening to Vaughan Williams--maybe it was my vibe at the time or (as I like to think of it), she had great taste. 

PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

PD

There's a product in the US called Kwik Stop Styptic Powder which (alas!) I've had to use in the past.  Basically, it stops the bleeding when you accidentally cut the quick.  Important to have nearby (just in case) when you're trimming their claws.

Edit:  I should add that it also (from what I understand) helps to stop the pain (been quite a while since I've used it).

PD

[vandermolen]

I miss those kitties.  They were wonderful.  Wish so much that they had lived longer.  The BSH was also a very good mouser.  I remember one time when the Wegie sat in front of my speakers while I was listening to Vaughan Williams--maybe it was my vibe at the time or (as I like to think of it), she had great taste. 

PD

She definitely had great taste PD 

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Watched this video the other day.  What a cat and what an inspiration!  And love the kindness, love, and diligence of the owner.  😍

PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Anyone else here know the feeling? 
PD

[vandermolen]

Anyone else here know the feeling? 
PD

Yes, I have a good understanding of cat language.