Kitty Update

[MiniMouse]

Achi, you''ve really go the right attitude now. You know they''re not going to kill each other, they''ll just hiss a bit and trot off and perhaps make the odd swipe. It''s safe enough to leave them to their devices so they work things out together. It does take time, but you''ve nothing to worry about, they''re getting there slowly but surely and soon you''ll wonder why you ever worried. BB and Smokey are fabulous cats and they''ve definitely gone two steps forward and only the odd step back. Congratulations, you''ve done the right thing letting them get on with their issues themselves. It''s the best way to go. They''ll be fine by Christmas, when they''re both tapping at Christmas baubles and almost sending the tree over!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/28/2005 3:24:10 AM
Author: MiniMouse
They''ll be fine by Christmas, when they''re both tapping at Christmas baubles and almost sending the tree over!

I have that to look forward too with our little stray girl we adopted a while back! She is a little madam and does whatever she wants, also she is an agilist and will never travel on terra firma if she can jump, leap and tightrope walk! I dread to think what will happen to our tree as she is so inquisitive, I''m sure she will be shooting up it and sending it flying on a daily basis!

 

[MiniMouse]

Lorelei, your household of cats sounds very much like mine. I remember coming home one evening (after work) to find my kitten clinging to the Christmas tree as it toppled right over. Haven''t had one up since.... with five cats it''s asking for trouble (being in Saudi, it''s not such a big deal if you don''t put one up). Instead I made a ceramic Christmas tree which plugs into the socket and lights up. Can''t wait until we go back home to the UK and pick up some festive spirit (probably Christmas 2006) but also can''t wait to catch the snow in the US north west.

Hey guys, maybe we need to start a competition.... whose cat destroys the most baubles this year!!! BB and Smokey are sure to whack a few baubles that stand in the way of a good brawl!

Having said that, I''m confident they''ll be quite good friends by then, or at least tolerate each other and leave their maincures and pedicures to the scratch post!

 

[Lorelei]

I'm game Mini - plus I am sure to win!

We bought a huge artificial tree 4 years ago as we got sick of dropping needles. Honestly the cats join in the fun when it goes up, once completed it's hilarious! One chooses a bauble which he keeps well into the new year and plays with it constantly. Another does a tentative tap and walks off, the youngest sits on the table near it and wallops the decs as vigorously as if he is trying to ring in the new year! The deaf kitty stares at it in wonder and it will be our first Christmas with the little girl, but I shudder to think what will happen. I know, nothing surer, she will be up inside it, swinging from it and knocking my poor old fairy off which I have had since I was a child! I think most of my time will be spent repairing it, by Christmas Day I think it will look a bit sad and battered, more so than usual

I have to buy more baubles each year as I lose so many under the piano, clock, fridge, anywhere you can think of - thieves!

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Hello ladies...

I''ve now moved the other food bowl into the same room...so both of them have to eat in the kitchen if they want to eat, but they''re on opposite sides of the kitchen, as I do not want Smokey to feel he cannot eat if BB is eating (this is where it''s gotten the ugliest!). Within the next few days, it''ll be the big test....the litter box!!!!

I need to move it to the laundry room as we want our bathroom back!!!! Both of them have been using the same litter box, so that''s not an issue..just moving it to the "normal" part of the house, it''ll be interesting as to how BB handles this.

As for the Christmas Tree...we''ve also had to buy a fake as Smokey used to go under the tree and drink the water!!!!

We also had to move ALL the good ornaments towards the top of the tree for Smokey will paw at anything else and knock it down...so I think you''ll have some competition in this category!!! LOL

 

[Lorelei]

Excellent!

I think what we ought to do is to post pictures of our Christmas trees at the end of the holidays, to see whose looks the saddest and most pathetic by the time the cats have finished with them!

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Lorelei...We''d lose...as we now only put the good ornaments towards the top so Smokey can''t destroy the tree....the ornaments that he can''t hurt or that he doesn''t care about go onto the cats'' reach of the tree....

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Weekend update:

Well it''s officially over 1 month since we''ve gotten Bunny. As of this week, we put both food bowls in the same room but at opposite sides, which allows the cats to both eat simultaneously without feeling threatened by the other. Today, we dismantled the remainder of Bunny''s "sanctuary," and moved her litter box to where we normally keep the litter boxes. So far, there''s been no repercussion for moving her box.

Tonight, Bunny and Smokey are sleeping near each other in our bedroom. Smokey will chase Bunny around and under the couch, which keeps them both on their toes, but Bunny won''t stay there for long. She''ll come out as soon as she''s able. Once in a while, he''ll still trap her in a corner (what an idiot!) and a fight ensues, but for the most part, the house is peaceful...

 

[Lorelei]

YES YES YES!!!! Congratulations !! Well done to all involved and a big shout out to BB and Smokeyokes

It will be fun to look back and read through this thread and see just how far you have come. It is a challenging process as well as a learning one, the rewards are immense - you have done a wonderful thing in giving BB a home, Smokey is lonely no longer and you both have two cats to love again, I know it isn't quite the same but you will love BB as the unique kitty she is! I hope we can keep this thread going, it might be helpful for anyone else going through it. Looking forward to sharing the Xmas tree horror stories soon

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Thanks Lorelei!!

Soon after I post this, I wake up to a major cat fight!! Smokey seemed to have cornered Bunny at the litter box!!! What a dork!

 

[Lorelei]

Ha! I have had many a battle with that one! Poor cat trying to do his business with another one watching and provoking! Poor BB - you could always try the " modesty curtain" idea - I made one for mine, but it made it easier sometimes for them to sneak under it while another cat was trying to get some privacy! However it might just screen poor BB from view a little bit, failing that you will just have to make her a ladies only powder room

I am sure I can see them smirking when they do stuff like this!

naughty Smokey

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Date: 10/31/2005 10:34:33 AM
Author: Lorelei
Ha! I have had many a battle with that one! Poor cat trying to do his business with another one watching and provoking! Poor BB - you could always try the '' modesty curtain'' idea - I made one for mine, but it made it easier sometimes for them to sneak under it while another cat was trying to get some privacy! However it might just screen poor BB from view a little bit, failing that you will just have to make her a ladies only powder room

I am sure I can see them smirking when they do stuff like this!

naughty Smokey

I don''t think a privacy panel is the issue...they''ve been using the same litter box since we got Bunny, so it''s not like she''s shy. Smokey has been instigating more play time with her and if he sees her, he wants to play...regardless of whether the moment is appropriate or not. Also, where the litter box is located, there''s PLENTY of privacy! It''s in the laundry room. There used to be a closet behind the door, but we took the doors off and made it the litter box location. So it''s behind the door and lots of privacy!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/31/2005 12:40:09 PM
Author: AChiOAlumna

Date: 10/31/2005 10:34:33 AM
Author: Lorelei
Ha! I have had many a battle with that one! Poor cat trying to do his business with another one watching and provoking! Poor BB - you could always try the '' modesty curtain'' idea - I made one for mine, but it made it easier sometimes for them to sneak under it while another cat was trying to get some privacy! However it might just screen poor BB from view a little bit, failing that you will just have to make her a ladies only powder room

I am sure I can see them smirking when they do stuff like this!

naughty Smokey

Also, where the litter box is located, there''s PLENTY of privacy! It''s in the laundry room. There used to be a closet behind the door, but we took the doors off and made it the litter box location. So it''s behind the door and lots of privacy!!

Now THAT has to be the height of kitty loo luxury!! In that case who needs a " privacy panel" - love it!!!!

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Date: 10/31/2005 1:53:31 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/31/2005 12:40:09 PM
Now THAT has to be the height of kitty loo luxury!! In that case who needs a ' privacy panel' - love it!!!!

Yes...I'm sad to say they are spoiled!!! LOL

Shocker of shockers!!!! Today, Bunny walked right up to Smokey, sniffed his tail, and then walked right by him without a hiss, growl or to do...maybe they'll get along after all!!!

 

[Lorelei]

There you go, they are definitely getting there now! A little disinterest is a good thing

 

[AmantdeChat]

AChiAlumni: I have been following your story since the beginning and I just love the progress that has occurred for your little Bunny Butt and Smokey!
Sometimes when one of my cats goes by the other, the one will sniff the other''s tail and then make the most godawful face and run away. Like they just smelled something really bad and just have to get away from it!

I swear sometimes they act like they just met, instead of being housemates for the past 13 years! Cats, I will never figure them out. That''s probably one of the reasons I love them so much!

Congrats with your 2 babies. More pictures are a must!!

 

[AChiOAlumna]

AmantdeChat:

Thanks so much for your feedback!!! It's been a battle at times, but I think we've passed the worst of it!

I need to take Bunny in this week for the last of her vaccinations (they gave her the first 2 sets in the pound). In fact, I need to call and make an appointment! oops! LOL

She's actually taken over my chair as we speak...sleeping...belly up...with Smokey sleeping on the adjoining couch....AHHHHH Peace!!!

I will add pix as I can...widget has been BEGGING me for Bunny butt pix, but she's so particular when I try to photo THAT part of her!!!

 

[AndyRosse]

AChiOAlumna, peace, what a wonderful thing!

Sounds like BB and Smokey are really settling down. Congratulations on a great job!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/1/2005 4:03:09 PM
Author: AmantdeChat

Sometimes when one of my cats goes by the other, the one will sniff the other's tail and then make the most godawful face and run away. Like they just smelled something really bad and just have to get away from it!

Amant, is it like a grimace or a sneer with a dazed look on their face with the mouth slightly open? If so what they are actually doing is known as the " flehmen" gesture. This is when they detect the pheromones in " delicous"

urine and other hormonal smells from the rear end. Inside the nose is the organ of Jacobson which analyzes the odours, if you look closely you may see the tongue flickering at the roof of their mouth to help waft the " fragrance " to the organ for analysis. Acually they may look disgusted but they are entranced and enjoying themselves by all accounts.

I know this is a case of TMI - just thought you guys would find this interesting

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/1/2005 4:35:57 PM
Author: AChiOAlumna
AmantdeChat:

Thanks so much for your feedback!!! It''s been a battle at times, but I think we''ve passed the worst of it!

I need to take Bunny in this week for the last of her vaccinations (they gave her the first 2 sets in the pound). In fact, I need to call and make an appointment! oops! LOL

She''s actually taken over my chair as we speak...sleeping...belly up...with Smokey sleeping on the adjoining couch....AHHHHH Peace!!!

I will add pix as I can...widget has been BEGGING me for Bunny butt pix, but she''s so particular when I try to photo THAT part of her!!!

I will start hassling you too then Achio, I don''t blame her not wanting her butt pictured but we need to see it!

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Lorelei...I''m working on it...I promise!!

I just got back frustrating news today...I was told by the ASPCA that about a month after the adoption, that Bunny would need her 3rd set of vaccinations. So I call my vet today. They told me we''d have to start over the whole process as I waited too long (conversely of what the ASPCA told me) and she''ll need her 1st and 2nd rounds all over again to make sure she''s healthy. GRRRRRRR

So, tonight they have a cash-only 1/2-price shot clinic, which DH is going to have to bring her in as I''m working and we''ll have to start the whole process again! Why do different places have different policies???

 

[Lorelei]

It could depend on the criteria set by the drug company that manufactures the vaccine, here we vaccintate at 8 weeks then the final one at 12 weeks, usually a mixed vaccine to cover the lot. Maybe ECF the vet can chime in here, they could do a blood test to see if the vaccine has been effective thus saving having to go through the whole thing again

Apparently you do have a window of opportunity so my vet tells me with vaccines of about 3 weeks. Maybe get it done to be safe, but ask a few questions first. Is she a housecat? That might make a difference, I know opinions vary as to the vaccination regime but I guess the best advice is to do what your vet says. I know it is so annoying, having to put BB through it again, you did the best you could with the advice given, it is just a shame they are conflicting

 

[AChiOAlumna]

I brought her in to get her vaccinations re-updated again. They offered a FIV/leukemia test...I agreed.

The vet says she's a little overweight (well duh!) and she's gained 4 ounces since getting her!!! My little happy pudgy cat!! LOL The vet says we lucked out and got a healthy cat. The leukemia/FIV tests came back negative (PHEW!)...so she got her booster and pricked all over her poor little body, but handled it like a champ!!!

Now I have to remember to get her 2nd set in 14 to 25 days (no more than 28!!!!!!! ) and she'll be done until next year....

Great news for our new addition!!!!

 

[AndyRosse]

That''s such great news AChiOAlumna!!

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Rascal....yes, it is a *sigh* of relief for me...This is the first time we''ve ever adopted an adult cat and wasn''t sure what the possibility was that she could be carrying something...I feel much better knowing she''s negative!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/3/2005 9:44:13 PM
Author: AChiOAlumna
Rascal....yes, it is a *sigh* of relief for me...This is the first time we''ve ever adopted an adult cat and wasn''t sure what the possibility was that she could be carrying something...I feel much better knowing she''s negative!!

That IS a relief that she is FeLV / FIV neg, you just can''t tell by appearances as I sadly know. That is good baby has gained a little weight

since coming to you!! Job well done Achio, shows what patience and persistance can do

BTW NEED SOME MORE PICS PLEASE!

 

[AChiOAlumna]

It IS a relief...today, though, I cam home after a long day of substitute teaching. When I left, both of them were being their normal selves. I got home and she was sleeping in my bedroom which ISN''T part of her normal routine. I went to pet her and she didn''t have much energy. Maybe I woke her from a deep sleep, so I don''t want to jump the gun, but she just seems off. I''m keeping an eye on her and she''s moved from the bedroom to her normal sleeping space under the couch in the living room.

Could something have happened while I was at the vets? Or am I over-reacting (which I know I''ve been doing since the loss of Sasha)...

 

[AndyRosse]

Definitely keep an eye on her. I''m sure she''s probably sleepy and maybe having a slight reaction to the shots from the vet? You can always call your vet or the emergency vet clinic if this behavior continues, and see if it is possibly a side effect of the shots or something else you should be concerned about.

Let us know how she is doing...

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Rascal...that''s what I''m thinking...she started coming around tonight...not 100%, but she''s come over to me a couple of times tonight for pets and head bonks. I put her on my lap and she even purred a little...I know she''s eaten a little since I''ve gotten home too...she''s also grooming herself, which is always a good sign.

I''ll let you know what happens.

 

[Lorelei]

Keep a close eye on her, it is probably a reaction to the shots. I have known my cats to be a little off for a couple of days and miserable afterwards. If you are at all concerned ring your vet, but this is probably all it is, just be vigilant.