The official CAT thread

[astrochex]

We just got the news our son had to get Shaya put down. We are gutted for him and bummed that we can’t be there to support him. He still has another cat that he got at the same time as Shaya.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by astrochex

We just got the news our son had to get Shaya put down. We are gutted for him and bummed that we can’t be there to support him. He still has another cat that he got at the same time as Shaya.

RIP Shaya...do tell your son that many of us know the pain. In time, it will hurt less.
Such a beautiful cat...gone too soon.

[pwd72s]

As I posted earlier, because of our ages, Cindy & I decided no more cats...the fear that a pet would outlive us. Pretty common thing with us oldsters.

Anyway...a cat started hanging around here. Being a rural area, they seem to get dumped here...a sad thing. This one very friendly, a short hair ginger, the ginger so light she was almost gray. Very pretty, vocal...Made Cindy think she was starving, so she bought some food. The cat then made the usual "love you" moves...leg rubs, loved being petted, etc.

So, since all our cat supplies were given away after our last cats died...off to Wal-Mart last night, about $65 worth of food & supplies. Nothing like a free cat, right?

Still, we posted notes on neighbor doors. This morning, the phone rang. Her name is Rascal...yes, she's very friendly, and she's chipped & neutered... Whew! Relief! We really didn't want another cat, but being softies we wouldn't let her starve.

So, two good things....we'll be able to pet her when she visits. Also, we're sure the local no kill shelter can find a use for the food and supplies we bought. Just a little addition to our usual donations.

I guess "Rascal" knew she'd found people who like cats.

[Bill Douglas]

Good on you Paul!

[svandamme]

Paul, old age and pets , is a problem, but In my opinion it should not mean no pets.

Ive been taking care of my 84 year old alzheimer aunt ; she lost her dog 3 years ago because dog to big, rescue animal, to strong for frail aunt who is unstable and dogs need a walk and lots of consistency.

her son was adement, no more pets, well the lonelyness became a huge sad thing to see.
Nothing worse then an old person living alone, with deminishing mobility, and abilities.

I couldn't override her son on it, not my place
But had it been up to me I would have gone to the local cattery, and make them a proposal:

They have old cats nobody wants
Offer them to take an old cat off their hand on the agreement that they will check up on her from time to time.. and if it becomes to difficult they will either help out , or take the cat back

Everybody wins
Old person has a cat
the cat is out of the cage
the cattery has one cat less to worry and feed

There is no risk, and there is no animal brought in the world that might end up alone : its already in a cage, so thats no argument not to take one in.

Especially when the partner passes , the last one standing will be very alone.
Thats when that old cat will be needed the most.

There are plenty of old , unwanted animals
or those who due to Feline HIV can't be placed in homes with other pets.

they are very gratefull for a warm place and somebody to give em some attention
The catteries really need to think outside the box, and set up programs like this.

[Steve F]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Racerbvd]

[dafischer]

[pwd72s]

Dave..proof that cats are smarter than dogs. You call a cat, and he'll come to you if he wants to, and won't if he doesn't.

[mocha07]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Dave..proof that cats are smarter than dogs. You call a cat, and he'll come to you if he wants to, and won't if he doesn't.

No matter where she is in our home,just flip the lid on a can,presto she appears.

[Bill Douglas]

Yeah, my cats are like that too.

Me "Cuddle", "kiss", "sit here". Cat is very much "Sorry, don't speak English"

Then me "Dinner time" Vrooom. .5 of a second cat wants and is ready for his dinner.

[Racerbvd]

This is Cayman in the morning

[astrochex]

Those are great pics Byron. She appears quite affectionate.

[svandamme]

Shrapnel likes to sleep right next to me
This here farmcat landed well:





he's a sadistical swine though, he tortures mice with more tanacity then my previous mouser, who really was in it for the kill
Shrapnel is really in for the long play..

[oldE]

Our first cat was a stray we took in. He would come to a whistle.
Later we had a tabby male who loved to play fetch with a crumpled piece of paper.

Recently we have taken in a cat who started 14 years ago with our daughter, moved in with the MIL six years ago and is adjusting to her forever home.

Life goes on.
Les

[Racerbvd]

[Rtrorkt]

The cat in the box is named Ferdinand Porsche, Ferdie for short

[jhynesrockmtn]

Winter is here. The cats and dog seem to want even more snuggle time!

[ted]

[svandamme]

When my hoomin friend's cat and my BFF Billie, passed on after a long life,
I helped look for a new pair of kittens for my bud.

In Belgium you cannot get kittens before 4 months after socializing in another family, stupid law so connections with farms are key if you want kittens ater younger age, which is better for bonding and socializing in your own family.
Farm kitties are also of good genes, tough as farm life is hard, they are typically not as pampered as house cats.. food ok, but mostly farmers expect cats to hunt vermin on the farm..

My other bud from Pondfarm where I got my Shrapnel from, had kittens, but this year was a bad run , and no survivers (mother cat getting old). He asked around other farms, and so managed to get my bud 2 kittens via other bud.

Long story short
These here 2 farm cats landed well, Charlie and Pebble.. my 2 new BFF's...






Charlie is the happy go lucky playfull dude, Pebble the black mini panther is a bit quieter.. both are beautiful an great fun..

Really happy for my bud and for the kitties.
Its important that my buds have cats or dogs, I generally dislike houses without pets, I visit the pets really, no pets, I just feel uncomfortable in another house.. I wasn't socialized properly at young age myself