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Cats!

(25 Posts)
Aveline Sat 29-Jul-23 07:37:34

Thanks to Opelessgran15 I ordered the book she recommended. It seems very helpful. I found the index very sad though. So many problems for cats that I'd never even thought of. Obviously, we've been lucky with the many we've had over the years.

Joseann Sat 29-Jul-23 08:00:45

Crikey, that's all a bit negative. Talk about looking for problems! Like you Aveline, I've had 9 or 10 cats and all of them have been fine.
The latest one came with a terrible behavioural report from the RSPCA and we were told we could return him at anytime. Nearly a year on we are still waiting to see what all the fuss was about.

Ladyleftfieldlover Sat 29-Jul-23 08:14:43

We are on our 9th and 10th cats. Apart from the current two they have all been rescue cats. Some took longer to settle than others but once they realised they were safe with humans who loved then, they were absolutely fine!

Aveline Sat 29-Jul-23 08:16:45

It's a very kind book. The authors obviously love and care for cats and have a lot of experience. I could hardly suppress my 'awwwws' when reading about some cats being left 'shattered' after a frightening experience. Poor pusses.

Aveline Sat 29-Jul-23 08:23:01

When we rehomed our two we were told that they'd been rehomed before and it had been a disaster. However, the two old boys just seemed to fit in comfortably from day one. I became aware of being watched. One of them just stared at me, seemed to nod to himself and that was me 'claimed'. I was his person and have remained so. The other one is a delightfully friendly character who loves everybody he meets. Not very discriminating but a joy to have around. Absolutely no trouble with them.

TillyTrotter Sat 29-Jul-23 08:26:11

We took a cat from CPL who had been returned to the rescue centre twice with challenging ‘behaviours’.
Yes, she took a while to trust us and had a lot of stress related issues but with love and care she is the most beautiful and chilled out feline 9 years on.

Joseann Sat 29-Jul-23 08:26:39

Ah, so it's a book specifically about problem cats. What's the title please?

Aveline Sat 29-Jul-23 08:45:06

It's called 'Cures for Crazy Cats' by Grace McHattie and Dr Tim Couzens. Of course it's re problems but many are problems I was so sorry to hear that some poor cats have.

tickingbird Sat 29-Jul-23 08:54:11

Any tips for keeping a cat out of my garden. Next door have a cat and it comes into my garden and does it’s business. When it was warm (when!) the smell of cat s**t was pretty strong. I’ve gone out this morning and there’s soil on the patio around one of my pots and it’s done it in the pot and must have tried (unsuccessfully) to cover it up and displaced quite a bit of the compost. I know the owner can’t control the cat but surely there’s a way to deter it?

Aveline Sat 29-Jul-23 09:23:40

This book is re how cats might feel rather than about how to deter them. Maybe other Grans have suggestions?

tickingbird Sat 29-Jul-23 09:33:54

I’ve just ordered two of those electronic things off Amazon and some granules to sprinkle about. A friend has suggested orange peel too. I’ll give it a try.

Callistemon21 Sat 29-Jul-23 10:06:17

Aveline

This book is re how cats might feel rather than about how to deter them. Maybe other Grans have suggestions?

My cat is terrified of cat shows
🤔🙄
Well, I can think of a solution instantly!!

sassysaysso Sat 29-Jul-23 10:21:39

tickingbird

Any tips for keeping a cat out of my garden. Next door have a cat and it comes into my garden and does it’s business. When it was warm (when!) the smell of cat s**t was pretty strong. I’ve gone out this morning and there’s soil on the patio around one of my pots and it’s done it in the pot and must have tried (unsuccessfully) to cover it up and displaced quite a bit of the compost. I know the owner can’t control the cat but surely there’s a way to deter it?

Water pistol/spray and don't let the voice inside you saying you're being mean and nasty put you off. Also don't the cats owner catch you doing it

tickingbird Sat 29-Jul-23 10:31:42

Water pistol/spray and don't let the voice inside you saying you're being mean and nasty put you off. Also don't the cats owner catch you doing it

It’s always at night as it stays out all night. I see it in my garden in the morning but usually just walking about or sitting on top of the shed. It’s a small garden so the smell can be very strong. I did once ‘accidentally’ catch it with the hosepipe when I was watering the garden. I’m an animal lover so would never hurt any animal but I admit it’s tempting to turn the hose on it.

Aveline Sat 29-Jul-23 11:03:55

Callistemon I cant imagine any cats want to go to cat shows! They must be hell on earth for the poor things

Callistemon21 Sat 29-Jul-23 11:53:33

Aveline

Callistemon I cant imagine any cats want to go to cat shows! They must be hell on earth for the poor things

I liked "My cat will climb trees and is then too scared to come down"
Are there any tips for future reference please?
Although he was so traumatised he may not do it again!

Aveline Sat 29-Jul-23 12:27:32

You'd better get the book. It's full of herbal remedies for fright and stress and awful of psychological issues suffered by cats.
I was once told to get a grip by a fireman, 'You never see a cat dead up a tree do you?' he asked. I hadn't.

Joseann Sat 29-Jul-23 13:23:20

Aveline

Callistemon I cant imagine any cats want to go to cat shows! They must be hell on earth for the poor things

Not even this cat show?

grandtanteJE65 Sat 29-Jul-23 13:27:45

Callistemon21

Aveline

This book is re how cats might feel rather than about how to deter them. Maybe other Grans have suggestions?

My cat is terrified of cat shows
🤔🙄
Well, I can think of a solution instantly!!

Indeed and so can I!

Perhaps the book is worth reading just for laughs?

Aveline Sat 29-Jul-23 13:32:00

Yes it is a bit funny in that respect Grandtante but the stories of troubled cats are very sad. The authors are obviously kind and well meaning. They must have been contacted by people who want to 'show' their cats.

B9exchange Sat 29-Jul-23 13:32:15

Any suggestions for a cat with pica, which causes it to throw up on a regular basis? Have checked its diet with a vet, nothing missing...

Aveline Sat 29-Jul-23 13:36:40

Several pages on that B9exchange. I can't rapidly summarise. Herbal remedies suggested but also getting him a catnip toy as a distraction.

SueDonim Sat 29-Jul-23 13:39:00

Our Russian Blue boys definitely fell into the Slow On The Uptake category. We think they shared a brain cell between them. grin. They were the most adorable, laidback boys, though, and we miss them. 😻😻

Callistemon21 Sat 29-Jul-23 13:39:54

Joseann

Aveline

Callistemon I cant imagine any cats want to go to cat shows! They must be hell on earth for the poor things

Not even this cat show?

😂

Callistemon21 Sat 29-Jul-23 13:41:14

Actually, my idea of hell on earth too!

The music is ok but I cannot even bear to look at a picture of any of the cast in makeup.
It makes me feel squeamish.