I've been side-tracked as of late getting things written in my blog. I was sick with a cold.... My grandmother died... I've been given a promotion with more responsibilities at my full-time job... And I've been occupied using my computer for various activities including movie burning to DVD, music and video editing, and other things.
I hope with the new start of the week tomorrow that I can get back on track and regularly make entries into my blog(s).
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
"Pet Tails": handling the new automated litter box
Certainly the biggest problem any cat owner ever has to put up with is the litter box. Between small boxes, large boxes, covered boxes, ones with high backs, and even ones with sifting bottoms for easier removal of waste clumps. Then of course there's a multitude of clumping litters from many different manufacturers, as well as the alternative of non-clumping litter. And if you have more than one cat, you may opt to have more than one litter box established.
When I adopted my first two cats, I just had one litter box set up. Non-clumping litter, and after a few days I'd dump the contents out, wash out the box, clean it out and refill with new clean litter. After the 3rd cat, I still maintained just one box. But when I adopted my 4th cat, I decided it was certainly time to get a 2nd litter box. No need to make 4 cats share the one same box! Plus, it would mean having to clean that one box much more sooner than previously thought. So since my 4th cat came into the household, there's been two litter boxes, non-scoopable litter, cleaned usually more than once a week. However, I was always curious and intrigued by....
The automatic litter box. Apparently this contraption would automatically run a scoop through the litter, pushing out the waste into a recepticle bin for easy removal. No more hav
ing to manually scoop through a litter box once, twice, three or more times in a single day. But how well could something like this really work? Is it worth the price of purchase? How truly effective would this thing be? For one thing keeping me from purchasing one was the price. They appeared to be basically $100 or so in price.
ing to manually scoop through a litter box once, twice, three or more times in a single day. But how well could something like this really work? Is it worth the price of purchase? How truly effective would this thing be? For one thing keeping me from purchasing one was the price. They appeared to be basically $100 or so in price.A week ago I finally splurged and bought my cats an automated litter box. However, buying one was an adventure of itself. Normally most of my shopping is done at my local Super Wal-Mart. Why? Because its basically one of the few options of where to do things in this town. For normal household stuff there's the Wal-Mart, a K-Mart, and a few smaller odds and ends shops. Electronics? Wal-Mart, the K-store again, and a few overly priced local shops. Grocery shopping? Wal-Mart again, as well as a few local grocery stores across town but I have had my own personal issues at shopping at each of them. Anyway, I think that's enough name-dropping of where I shop. The point being, I've seen the litter boxes in at the store where I normally go. But for nearly 2 or 3 days straight when I went in there....there were none of these to be found on the shelf. Almost all the time there'd be at least one or two on the shelf. But none? Are people really buying these things out? Sure, the most expensive item in the pet section of course! (Haha). Finally the last day I checked I couldn't wait. I didn't want to keep going in after this litter box only to find them sold out. Either it was get the box....or get yet another bag of unscoopable litter for their normal boxes. So....I made the decision to lower myself to sub-standard standards and I went to the store that began with the letter K. Normally I do not go shopping at that store for ... a variety of reasons, to say the least. The same as most people in my town do as well. Sure enough, there on the shelf, was an automatic cat litter box. Looked a small bit different than the one I remembered from the shelfs at Wal-Mart in the past, but it was basically the same thing. However the price was a shocker. At Wal-Mart it was about $89.00 while here at "the K" it was priced at $98.00. Nearly a $10 difference? Maybe I could wait till they got more in stock at the other store. But standing there thinking I realized I had no idea when they might get more in. Ask the employees there and they'd say the same thing. "We don't know." So I made the conscious (unconscious?) decision to get the more expensive box at the other store.
Basically this is how the thing operates. Set it up, with litter poured in to a certain level, and the plastic waste recepticles fit into their compartments at one end. Plug the machine into an outlet and turn it on and wait for a cat to use it. Once a cat does their business and leaves the litter box, motion sensors trigger and 10 minutes later it goes into action. A motor causes a rake sorta pieces to slowly begin to glide across the top of the litter surface catching ahold of large clumps of waste. At the other end of the box it scoops them up a slight incline, props open the waste recepticle plastic bins, deposits the waste, and then slowly returns back across the litter nearly smoothing out the surface. The compartment door closes so the waste bin is not exposed. And then it goes back into waiting. For the next kitty to come do its business.
One downfall of the whole thing is the noise that results from the motor causing it to do what it does. Its not pin-drop quiet, but its not really overly loud either. I only hear it occassionally because my apartment is not terribly big, and the bathroom is not far off from my living room. However, it is more audible to my cats because they clearly have better hearing than I do as a human. Much more so at first, but still happening now, is when the litter box does its action that some of my cats sit up and pay attention, looking in the direction of the bathroom and even one of them may walk over to the bathroom door to investigate. Even though Whiskers already knows what the sound is from.
However, the automatic litter box has not always been well-received by all my cats. Prior to the box, Sylvester would be one to always go into the bathroom if I was ever in there for anything. He'd really love to go jump in the bathtub, walk around, lay down and be his silly ol' self. No? He barely will go any further than the door. Yes, he will eventually wander in. But he keeps his eyes on the litter box machine as though it were something waiting to explode. I really don't know how often he's gone in it, and that's been a concern. Without going into detail on anything, I've found a few surprises lately - elsewhere in the apartment...that have been of concern to me. While I do have the 5 cats, and unless I see someone do something in the act of doing so, I can't always blame just one of them. So when one of them gets sassed, normally they all do. If I find chewed up parts of my houseplants on the floor, then they all get looked at with a skeptical eye. While I don't know which one of them has done what they've done lately, I kinda suspect it's Sylvester. Simply for the observation that he does NOT like the new automatic litter box. At all. I can't even pick him up, walk into the bathroom and set him down in the thing without his claws coming out and arms going stiff as he braces himself against me. Which usually has led to some scrapes and cuts. If you have a pet cat, eventually it happens.
So what am I to do? I have a source where I regularly turn to for pet-advice, and he/she gave me some wormer mediciation to give the cats. Since one of them may have a problem, then they all get treated. And since I don't know how much I can rely on Sylvester to use an automatic litter box that seems to scare the crap out of him .... (trust me, that's funnier than you know for me to say that) ... I might have to have a 2nd litter box set up again. This one just being a regular litter box with regular litter in it. If he won't use the automatic one, then I have to have one up for him to actually use.
Overall, it is a product that I would recommend cat owners to get. While it's not "100 percent perfect" it is a good invention, does its job and does it well. Perhaps it would work more efficiently in a single cat (maybe 2) household. With my 5, there's a lot more waste to go around. But it is an investment. Even at my local Wal-Mart it was about $90. Depending on the model you find, it may come with 8-10 or 12 waste recepticles. Depending on the litter you get, that could be another $6-10 for one container of cat litter. There is an option for battery power on the litter box, but if you can plug it into a wall outlet you're clearly better off. Who has money to keep buying D-cell batteries, and like 6 or 8 of them to fit in this box?! Yikes! Cleaning and maintenance on the box is relatively simple. Mine came with a little tiny brush to use to wipe down parts inside the box that may get covered with litter; the rake guide-rail, the rake spokes themselves, etc. For the waste bins, it depends on how many cats you have and how often you need to remove a full box and put in a fresh new one. With my 5? And just having this one box like it? I've been having to change out them on a rate of about one every other day. So the intial set of bins that the machine came with should last me about 2 weeks - for another week, in otherwords. The box itself has two parts - the top frame with the rake and bin-holder, and the underside that actually holds the litter. Meaning, you can unsnap the top from the bottom, so you only have to wash out the bottom tray of the whole thing. Which you should probably clean out like once a week at least. Considering not all liquid waste may remain at the top of the litter pile and may cover the bottom.
I've gotten used to the machine, but my cats are still adjusting. While some of them have no problem going in there to do their business, Sylvester is still adjusting to it. Whether or not he'll ever get used to it, I don't know. I'd hope to someday get a 2nd one of these bad boy machines, but where I find the room for a 2nd one I don't know yet. It is a good machine that does its function. So if you're looking to purchase one of the automated litter boxes....
My cats give it a 4-out-of-5 cat rating.
Porkey Tabby Athena Whiskers Sylvester
(photo credit: http://www.automaticlitterboxes.net/images/littermaid-lm700-automatic-litterbox.jpg)
Friday, June 26, 2009
"Pet Tails": automated kitty litter box
Next Friday, I am investing in the following. I'm very curious to see how they take to this....
Sunday, May 24, 2009
"Pet Tails": a change in vets?
Ever since I moved from down south upstate to where I live now, my cats and other pets have mostly all gone to the same location for veterinary services. With the exception of pet rats that I took to a different vet in an adjacent town, they all (speaking basically of my cats) went to a local vet right in my same town. For different purposes, I do not wish to share the name of this vet but people that personally know me can figure it out.
Over time I've been less than pleased with the service I've gotten. Initially from their first visit, you'd think they'd get updated on any and all shots they should get. As well as any procedures or tests that may be necessary. However, by the 2nd or 3rd visits some of the cats would have they'd be suddenly offering me a shot or a test on something that is recommended. And when I say 2nd and 3rd visits, I'm talking about their yearly examinations - so this would be like the 2nd or 3rd year after we'd have been living back in this area. If my cat needed a shot or test done for something, why not bring it up at that visit?!
I'm not someone who's made out of money. Most people that I know in this area are not either. So when I've gone to my appointments for my cats, either on the phone in advance or upon signing in with the receptionist at the actual visit I have inquired as to how much the whole visit might cost. Ya know, so I would make sure to have enough cash or money in my checking account to cover things. Let's say they would quote me in either case that "it'll be $40." By the time the visit is over with and I am paying for the exam and everything....it often in almost ever case has ended up coming out to like $60 or something. I'm of course using examples of $40 and $60 here, but readers should get the gist of what I'm saying. What I am quoted and what I receive are not ever the same thing.
Things there that any of my cats have needed have also seemed a bit overpriced. At times I've had to get cat toothpaste, medicine, and other assortments of goodies. So not every visit have I even left with the stuff I've either needed or have wanted to purchase.
The attending veterinarian has been hit-and-miss. At times I have gotten a really wonderful man who has seemed attentive and helpful and informative and sincere about the work he's done. At other times I have gotten a woman who seems a bit aloof at times, merely asking questions to pretend to be caring and then glazing over any response I've given. This is not a sexist remark by any means, this is simply the difference in attitude and conduct on behalf of these two associates at the same vet office. The front desk receptionists have also seemed a bit odd at times. More attentive to some customers than to others, more friendly to some people than others. Hello! I'm bringing in my cat(s) to get checked out and to get their shots. I'm no more better or worse than the next person who may have a dog! I'm a customer, all customers are equal, we all love our pets, and whether you know us or not don't treat us like a number. Maybe if I walked in there with a dog I'd get more respect from these people. And yes, that is a judgmental statement.
The last visit was one of the most aggervating. I went in for a 3rd check up on my cat Athena for a mouth issue she's had that has persisted for a while now. I arrived at the vet at just about 9:03am or so for an appointment that was scheduled for 9:00am that morning. Ok, so I was like 3 minutes late. But it was early in the morning, was on a Friday, and there were no other cars in the parking lot or customers waiting in the reception area. So I wasn't holding anything up. No one at the front desk. I could hear voices out back and people were chit chatting about who knows what. So I now people were there working but where were they?! If there was a bell or something to ring, I would have done so. If I had my cell phone with me I would have called right into the vet office I was standing in in hopes of someone either answering the phone or coming out to the front desk so that they would be aware of my presence. I stood there waiting for nearly 10+ minutes before they got done goofing around (?) and someone came out to where I was. No explanation, no "sorry for keeping you waiting", nothing. Not so much as a single word on apologizing. Nothing. I was given the look and attitude of "yes, can I help you?" The same thing when I was in the exam room with Athena and the lady acted as though the world was good. I legitimately brought up my gripe about being kept waiting and all I got in return was some lame excuse that they were doing business stuff out back. Not really because the few bits and pieces that I heard when I was waiting was not of professional conducting business issues. I even think I heard someone talk about cake at one point. Still, I didnt get a sincere apology or anything. That left me feeling like I was just another number, just another person coming into the office to give my money and then leave. I care about my pets and their condition and how they're doing.
I'm not the only one who's felt like this as one day at my full-time job I overheard someone in the break room talking about being displeased with their service and attitude as well.
My new dilemma is this. The man at the office that I referred to earlier who seemed polite and genuine has since left the particular office, and has since started his own vet office here in the same town. I've been thinking of switching all of my cats to go see him. My only concern is how much different would things be. How would his price for service(s) compare.... How easy would it be to simply start taking them to him and not from their current vet.... Is it possible for me to inquire about getting copies of the medical history report (?!) from my current vet on all my cats to take with me to this new vet so that he can be updated on their past history and now what they'd need now, if anything, and what they'd need in the future.
If anyone reading this has gone to either vet in my local area, what do you think? Does anyone have any opinions or suggestions? Comments? Your own experiences on things? I'd like to hear from anyone.
Over time I've been less than pleased with the service I've gotten. Initially from their first visit, you'd think they'd get updated on any and all shots they should get. As well as any procedures or tests that may be necessary. However, by the 2nd or 3rd visits some of the cats would have they'd be suddenly offering me a shot or a test on something that is recommended. And when I say 2nd and 3rd visits, I'm talking about their yearly examinations - so this would be like the 2nd or 3rd year after we'd have been living back in this area. If my cat needed a shot or test done for something, why not bring it up at that visit?!
I'm not someone who's made out of money. Most people that I know in this area are not either. So when I've gone to my appointments for my cats, either on the phone in advance or upon signing in with the receptionist at the actual visit I have inquired as to how much the whole visit might cost. Ya know, so I would make sure to have enough cash or money in my checking account to cover things. Let's say they would quote me in either case that "it'll be $40." By the time the visit is over with and I am paying for the exam and everything....it often in almost ever case has ended up coming out to like $60 or something. I'm of course using examples of $40 and $60 here, but readers should get the gist of what I'm saying. What I am quoted and what I receive are not ever the same thing.
Things there that any of my cats have needed have also seemed a bit overpriced. At times I've had to get cat toothpaste, medicine, and other assortments of goodies. So not every visit have I even left with the stuff I've either needed or have wanted to purchase.
The attending veterinarian has been hit-and-miss. At times I have gotten a really wonderful man who has seemed attentive and helpful and informative and sincere about the work he's done. At other times I have gotten a woman who seems a bit aloof at times, merely asking questions to pretend to be caring and then glazing over any response I've given. This is not a sexist remark by any means, this is simply the difference in attitude and conduct on behalf of these two associates at the same vet office. The front desk receptionists have also seemed a bit odd at times. More attentive to some customers than to others, more friendly to some people than others. Hello! I'm bringing in my cat(s) to get checked out and to get their shots. I'm no more better or worse than the next person who may have a dog! I'm a customer, all customers are equal, we all love our pets, and whether you know us or not don't treat us like a number. Maybe if I walked in there with a dog I'd get more respect from these people. And yes, that is a judgmental statement.
The last visit was one of the most aggervating. I went in for a 3rd check up on my cat Athena for a mouth issue she's had that has persisted for a while now. I arrived at the vet at just about 9:03am or so for an appointment that was scheduled for 9:00am that morning. Ok, so I was like 3 minutes late. But it was early in the morning, was on a Friday, and there were no other cars in the parking lot or customers waiting in the reception area. So I wasn't holding anything up. No one at the front desk. I could hear voices out back and people were chit chatting about who knows what. So I now people were there working but where were they?! If there was a bell or something to ring, I would have done so. If I had my cell phone with me I would have called right into the vet office I was standing in in hopes of someone either answering the phone or coming out to the front desk so that they would be aware of my presence. I stood there waiting for nearly 10+ minutes before they got done goofing around (?) and someone came out to where I was. No explanation, no "sorry for keeping you waiting", nothing. Not so much as a single word on apologizing. Nothing. I was given the look and attitude of "yes, can I help you?" The same thing when I was in the exam room with Athena and the lady acted as though the world was good. I legitimately brought up my gripe about being kept waiting and all I got in return was some lame excuse that they were doing business stuff out back. Not really because the few bits and pieces that I heard when I was waiting was not of professional conducting business issues. I even think I heard someone talk about cake at one point. Still, I didnt get a sincere apology or anything. That left me feeling like I was just another number, just another person coming into the office to give my money and then leave. I care about my pets and their condition and how they're doing.
I'm not the only one who's felt like this as one day at my full-time job I overheard someone in the break room talking about being displeased with their service and attitude as well.
My new dilemma is this. The man at the office that I referred to earlier who seemed polite and genuine has since left the particular office, and has since started his own vet office here in the same town. I've been thinking of switching all of my cats to go see him. My only concern is how much different would things be. How would his price for service(s) compare.... How easy would it be to simply start taking them to him and not from their current vet.... Is it possible for me to inquire about getting copies of the medical history report (?!) from my current vet on all my cats to take with me to this new vet so that he can be updated on their past history and now what they'd need now, if anything, and what they'd need in the future.
If anyone reading this has gone to either vet in my local area, what do you think? Does anyone have any opinions or suggestions? Comments? Your own experiences on things? I'd like to hear from anyone.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
have I been fooled by "the network"?
Last weekend I noticed a mysterious email in my Yahoo! email inbox from something called the DogTime Blog Network. I have never heard of this 'group,' nor was I positive at first that this was anything legit. I did some research online to see if there were any mainstream media articles - or ANY legitimate sourced articles - written about this Network to verify whether or not the email I had received was junk mail. Spam, in other words.
After a day of taking time to think about this, I decided that perhaps it was legit and replied to the email I was sent with the information they were requesting in return. What were they asking for? The URL of my PET BLOG, as well as the RSS feed. Quite honestly? Not positive about this "RSS feed" thing because my blogging knowledge is only what I have learned on my own. I've tried blogging on MySpace before. I have 2 blogs on Blogger.com - one being my PET BLOG. But I'm ALLLLLLLWAYS thinking of how to increase readership of my blogs. I've tried to do a contest recently where the deadline for entries/guesses is next Friday evening and as of this very moment (7pm, 4/25/09) I've only had 3 entries in the contest to win a mystery DVD. The DVD of my favorite all-time movie, actually. When I've done or said something negatively toward someone has been the only time I've known of several people to have read my blog.
Needless to say when I got this email from DogTime Blog Network I was curious what they could do, how it would increase my blog traffic and get my blog out there to attract more people reading it. After all...the purpose of writing a blog - well, one of them anyway - is to attract as many viewers as the writer can get. So what difference has it done for my PET BLOG?
Zero. After responding to the email from DogTime Blog Network I have not heard at all back from them. No response, no messages, nothing. I received their email invitation to join their "network" and I replied with the URL/RSS feed information I thought they were looking for and I have not heard back from them.
What am I to think at this point?
It is curious that I replied to them with the two non-sensitive bits of information and have not heard back from them. Maybe if they read this online they can respond back to me and tell me exactly what's going on. When I'll be joining 'the network'. What exactly joining them is going to do for me and my blog.
Until then I will be left guessing whether or not I've been had....
By the Network.
After a day of taking time to think about this, I decided that perhaps it was legit and replied to the email I was sent with the information they were requesting in return. What were they asking for? The URL of my PET BLOG, as well as the RSS feed. Quite honestly? Not positive about this "RSS feed" thing because my blogging knowledge is only what I have learned on my own. I've tried blogging on MySpace before. I have 2 blogs on Blogger.com - one being my PET BLOG. But I'm ALLLLLLLWAYS thinking of how to increase readership of my blogs. I've tried to do a contest recently where the deadline for entries/guesses is next Friday evening and as of this very moment (7pm, 4/25/09) I've only had 3 entries in the contest to win a mystery DVD. The DVD of my favorite all-time movie, actually. When I've done or said something negatively toward someone has been the only time I've known of several people to have read my blog.
Needless to say when I got this email from DogTime Blog Network I was curious what they could do, how it would increase my blog traffic and get my blog out there to attract more people reading it. After all...the purpose of writing a blog - well, one of them anyway - is to attract as many viewers as the writer can get. So what difference has it done for my PET BLOG?
Zero. After responding to the email from DogTime Blog Network I have not heard at all back from them. No response, no messages, nothing. I received their email invitation to join their "network" and I replied with the URL/RSS feed information I thought they were looking for and I have not heard back from them.
What am I to think at this point?
It is curious that I replied to them with the two non-sensitive bits of information and have not heard back from them. Maybe if they read this online they can respond back to me and tell me exactly what's going on. When I'll be joining 'the network'. What exactly joining them is going to do for me and my blog.
Until then I will be left guessing whether or not I've been had....
By the Network.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
"Pet Tails": five's company
Because I live alone my cats are thus only used to me being around. Rarely do they get the chance to meet new people with the only occurances being the occasional visitor, trips to the vet, and the annual trip to the animal shelter during the holiday season for pet pictures with Santa. For the most part they're semi-familiar with my family. They've never gotten used to the idea of visiting the veterinarian about once a year each as they just get clueless when they're put in the cat carrier and taken out the door to go 'somewhere.'
When my cats meet people, how they deal with company and deal with meeting people is a good barometer. Good way to measure hwo well they are developing in social circumstances (i.e. company over) or allowing them to determine how good or bad a person stopping by is. They haven't really quite gone fully for any of my ex's, with the exception of only Susan that they sorta took to. But even then they had me fooled because Susan turned out to be ... a .... well.....since I try to keep this blog written family-friendly, I can't say what. One of my ex's they really did not like at all, Beth. During the relationship Beth was over a few times, obviously, and one day it really stood to tell everything. Me and the cats were outside on a nice summer afternoon enjoying the outdoors. Beth stopped by to visit and stay a bit of time. At one point I picked up Sylvester and held him while I approached Beth so that he could get familiar with her, allow her to pet him and so they could just get to know each other. There was simply something about Beth that he could sense, that I was unaware of, and he didn't like her. (Smart kitty.) She never really got her hand near him to pat his head before he freaked out in my arms. He didnt want to be held at that moment and he wanted down. Right then and now. For as old of a cat that he was at the time he was very energetic - and still is to this day - and he knew how to put up a fight. Squirmed, kick, fought, and brought out the claws as I held him. Within a few seconds he managed to get out of my grasp but not before lashing out with his claws which partly managed to scratch at my face and even cut inside my mouth. By the time his feet his the ground and he dashed off like lightning my mouth was full of blood.
I say this will all sincerity and love for my cats, but they can be quite often two-faced phonies when it comes to company. As it is when I am home alone with them they act one way but different toward visitors who stop by. Friendly, outgoing, socialable, anti-social, distant, visible, hiding, whatever the case is.... what they act like when other people are here is almost the opposite of what it's like when I am home alone with them. The biggest example has got to be Sylvester. Active, energetic, socialable, curious, boastful, and just really all over the place making his presence known. But that's when its just me here. When visitors are here, you almost wouldn't know that I had him. Hiding off in the other room. Rarely making an appearance. If I ever physically drag him out of the bedroom so that others can see him and show him attention, he's at a discomfort in my arms, and squirms until I let him down so that he can go run off and hide again.
The other weekend on Super Bowl weekend, I had some of the family over. My mom, stepdad, sister, brother-in-law, and two little nieces over for pizza, soda, snacks and watching part of the game if anyone wanted to on my HDTV. It was interesting beforehand to predict their behavior, curious while company was here, and the change back to normal after everyone left. A few of the cats, mainly Whiskers and Porkey made appearances and came out and wandered around everyone's feet. I think in hopes that someone would drop a piece of pizza down to their level. Athena was resting in the bedroom, but understandably so because she was still quite sick and not feeling well. Tabby came out maybe once, but otherwise was prefering to be in the bedroom or bathroom where it was less crowded. Sylvester, was.... well, hiding as only he typically does. As soon as people left, it was quite once again here. Slowly one by one the cats began venturing out into the living room. Looking around. Sniffing around. Taking in all the smells and scents of those who were here.
When its just me here, the cats are all over the apartment. In every room, laying on the couch, on the bed, anywhere they darn well want to be. I think they do so when they know they have me outnumbered and they're in charge. But as soon as someone else is here, or once it gets so that they're at a disadvantage, they're all too willing to go hide where people can't see them.
When my cats meet people, how they deal with company and deal with meeting people is a good barometer. Good way to measure hwo well they are developing in social circumstances (i.e. company over) or allowing them to determine how good or bad a person stopping by is. They haven't really quite gone fully for any of my ex's, with the exception of only Susan that they sorta took to. But even then they had me fooled because Susan turned out to be ... a .... well.....since I try to keep this blog written family-friendly, I can't say what. One of my ex's they really did not like at all, Beth. During the relationship Beth was over a few times, obviously, and one day it really stood to tell everything. Me and the cats were outside on a nice summer afternoon enjoying the outdoors. Beth stopped by to visit and stay a bit of time. At one point I picked up Sylvester and held him while I approached Beth so that he could get familiar with her, allow her to pet him and so they could just get to know each other. There was simply something about Beth that he could sense, that I was unaware of, and he didn't like her. (Smart kitty.) She never really got her hand near him to pat his head before he freaked out in my arms. He didnt want to be held at that moment and he wanted down. Right then and now. For as old of a cat that he was at the time he was very energetic - and still is to this day - and he knew how to put up a fight. Squirmed, kick, fought, and brought out the claws as I held him. Within a few seconds he managed to get out of my grasp but not before lashing out with his claws which partly managed to scratch at my face and even cut inside my mouth. By the time his feet his the ground and he dashed off like lightning my mouth was full of blood.
I say this will all sincerity and love for my cats, but they can be quite often two-faced phonies when it comes to company. As it is when I am home alone with them they act one way but different toward visitors who stop by. Friendly, outgoing, socialable, anti-social, distant, visible, hiding, whatever the case is.... what they act like when other people are here is almost the opposite of what it's like when I am home alone with them. The biggest example has got to be Sylvester. Active, energetic, socialable, curious, boastful, and just really all over the place making his presence known. But that's when its just me here. When visitors are here, you almost wouldn't know that I had him. Hiding off in the other room. Rarely making an appearance. If I ever physically drag him out of the bedroom so that others can see him and show him attention, he's at a discomfort in my arms, and squirms until I let him down so that he can go run off and hide again.
The other weekend on Super Bowl weekend, I had some of the family over. My mom, stepdad, sister, brother-in-law, and two little nieces over for pizza, soda, snacks and watching part of the game if anyone wanted to on my HDTV. It was interesting beforehand to predict their behavior, curious while company was here, and the change back to normal after everyone left. A few of the cats, mainly Whiskers and Porkey made appearances and came out and wandered around everyone's feet. I think in hopes that someone would drop a piece of pizza down to their level. Athena was resting in the bedroom, but understandably so because she was still quite sick and not feeling well. Tabby came out maybe once, but otherwise was prefering to be in the bedroom or bathroom where it was less crowded. Sylvester, was.... well, hiding as only he typically does. As soon as people left, it was quite once again here. Slowly one by one the cats began venturing out into the living room. Looking around. Sniffing around. Taking in all the smells and scents of those who were here.
When its just me here, the cats are all over the apartment. In every room, laying on the couch, on the bed, anywhere they darn well want to be. I think they do so when they know they have me outnumbered and they're in charge. But as soon as someone else is here, or once it gets so that they're at a disadvantage, they're all too willing to go hide where people can't see them.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
a difficult choice
While I was at the vet this past week with my cat Athena, I sat in the waiting area and overheard something that made me start thinking quite a bit.
All I know is what I heard the receptionist say to the person on the phone, so I have no specifics or idea what the exact situation is. ALL I can go on is what I heard the lady in the office said. I am sure there is more to the story, but... I have no idea what it is.
The person calling initially sounded perhaps as though they were needing to bring in one of their pets. No idea whether it was a dog or a cat or some other animal. But when the receptionist asked if that was the case, apparently she was corrected. The caller was apparently interested in having the animal put to sleep. A sad situation, but someting that is not without question as an animal's health can be in jeopardy. Who knows what reason the caller has for needing to bring in their pet. But the part that got my mind racing is the apparent wish by the caller to simply drop off the animal at the vet to be taken care of. No idea if there would be plans to pick up the remains afterward, or simply pay to have it done and allow the vet to dispose (bury) the remains.
Which made me wonder..... being there for a pet if you're having it put to sleep. I've had countless numbers of pet mice and rats that I've had to have put to sleep by someone I know who works at a local animal shelter that I am very good friends with. And each and every time I've had it done - yes, even the mice - I've been there to comfort the critter as it's put under and finally put to an eternal sleep. I will say that EVERY time it's been done has been because of health reasons - 99% of the time it being because of a tumor growth. When I was younger - maybe 3 or 4 - I had a pet cat that apparently got sick and had to be put to sleep. I barely remember this or knowing what was going on. I do know that I missed the cat and it's lead to one of the most amazing occurances ever in my life that one of my cats that I have now, Whiskers, I do believe is the re-incarnation of... well, Whiskers. My old cat was named Whiskers, and one of my current cats is named Whiskers. (The new one - as I like to call him "Whiskers 2.0" sometimes - was named by shelter staff before I actually adopted him.)
At first I wanted to be angry at the caller I was overhearing for simply dropping off their pet and not being there for the pet as it is euthanized. But after some thought as the day went on, I could not jump to that conclusion not knowing the situation. Perhaps they were simply careless and had no interest in 'being there' for a pet that is supposedly a family member. Perhaps it is an animal with no known health issues and they are having it put to sleep because it is no longer wanted. (Not without question that it has happened before that people do this to an otherwise healthy pet but because its not wanted by anyone). Or perhaps the animal is truly sick and they felt that it would be incredibly hard on them while the animal is euthanized. That I would not blame someone on as having a loved one - whether it be a pet or a human (!) - is incredibly hard. Though it would not be a human relative that is put to sleep by euthanization, but I hope people know what I mean when I say that. I mean when a family member is terminally ill and they are basically dying before your eyes. Yes, it has happened to me before and it IS difficult.
If you had a pet (cat, dog, rabbit, etc) that you needed to have put to sleep for whatever reason...would you choose to be there at the vet while it's put to sleep? Or would you go the route of the caller that I overheard who would prefer to have the procedure done while not observing or being present at the time? (Negate the reason for having the animal put to sleep; illness, injury, old age, no health issues but simply unwanted, etc).
All I know is what I heard the receptionist say to the person on the phone, so I have no specifics or idea what the exact situation is. ALL I can go on is what I heard the lady in the office said. I am sure there is more to the story, but... I have no idea what it is.
The person calling initially sounded perhaps as though they were needing to bring in one of their pets. No idea whether it was a dog or a cat or some other animal. But when the receptionist asked if that was the case, apparently she was corrected. The caller was apparently interested in having the animal put to sleep. A sad situation, but someting that is not without question as an animal's health can be in jeopardy. Who knows what reason the caller has for needing to bring in their pet. But the part that got my mind racing is the apparent wish by the caller to simply drop off the animal at the vet to be taken care of. No idea if there would be plans to pick up the remains afterward, or simply pay to have it done and allow the vet to dispose (bury) the remains.
Which made me wonder..... being there for a pet if you're having it put to sleep. I've had countless numbers of pet mice and rats that I've had to have put to sleep by someone I know who works at a local animal shelter that I am very good friends with. And each and every time I've had it done - yes, even the mice - I've been there to comfort the critter as it's put under and finally put to an eternal sleep. I will say that EVERY time it's been done has been because of health reasons - 99% of the time it being because of a tumor growth. When I was younger - maybe 3 or 4 - I had a pet cat that apparently got sick and had to be put to sleep. I barely remember this or knowing what was going on. I do know that I missed the cat and it's lead to one of the most amazing occurances ever in my life that one of my cats that I have now, Whiskers, I do believe is the re-incarnation of... well, Whiskers. My old cat was named Whiskers, and one of my current cats is named Whiskers. (The new one - as I like to call him "Whiskers 2.0" sometimes - was named by shelter staff before I actually adopted him.)
At first I wanted to be angry at the caller I was overhearing for simply dropping off their pet and not being there for the pet as it is euthanized. But after some thought as the day went on, I could not jump to that conclusion not knowing the situation. Perhaps they were simply careless and had no interest in 'being there' for a pet that is supposedly a family member. Perhaps it is an animal with no known health issues and they are having it put to sleep because it is no longer wanted. (Not without question that it has happened before that people do this to an otherwise healthy pet but because its not wanted by anyone). Or perhaps the animal is truly sick and they felt that it would be incredibly hard on them while the animal is euthanized. That I would not blame someone on as having a loved one - whether it be a pet or a human (!) - is incredibly hard. Though it would not be a human relative that is put to sleep by euthanization, but I hope people know what I mean when I say that. I mean when a family member is terminally ill and they are basically dying before your eyes. Yes, it has happened to me before and it IS difficult.
If you had a pet (cat, dog, rabbit, etc) that you needed to have put to sleep for whatever reason...would you choose to be there at the vet while it's put to sleep? Or would you go the route of the caller that I overheard who would prefer to have the procedure done while not observing or being present at the time? (Negate the reason for having the animal put to sleep; illness, injury, old age, no health issues but simply unwanted, etc).
(feel free to also participate in my blog poll back on the main page)
"Pet Tails": twice daily
Back when Whiskers had his minor surgery a few months back, I thought the .... uh, fun.... of giving him his butt baths for a week or so twice daily could not be topped. What could possibly be more fun to do than that? I think I may have found it.
Athena, for a while, has had a situation involving her mouth. Irritiation or something involving her teeth and gums has been giving her problems for well over a year now. I can't recall off the top of my head what her previous weight was, but this past fall her weight according to the vet visit was in at about 8.5 pounds. (I'm guessing that this is down from the past.) She's had visible signs of discomfort, but yet she's still been able to eat well and seems like a happy cat. Last month at her checkup she got put on some prescription for an anti-biotic that I had to pick up at the local pharmacy. (Which was unusual.) For about three weeks I had to give her a small dose of a liquid medicine every other day. All this hoping to avoid having to go the extreme route of getting some of her teeth pulled.
This past Monday was her 1-month re-check after that visit and the initial set of antibiotics. Some improvement, but also yet not enough. Bottom line: she's going back on the antibiotic for another month (with the possibility of another month of refill beyond that). And...further at-home treatment I have to give her. Part of it involving making sure to wash the outside corners of her mouth with slight soap and water to clean off the irritation. Then apply a special bit of ointment that I had to purchase there at the vet's office. That's all and fine. But the kicker? Instruction of brushing her teeth.
Have you ever tried to brush a cat's teeth??? Brushing a dog's teeth wouldn't be too hard as dogs tend to be more easy going to whatever is happening to them. But cats? Cats DO NOT like change or new things. They hate water, and they certainly hate someone trying to make them do something they don't care for. One of those things is teeth brushing. I've only had to do it once before for one of my other cats in the past, but this is always a challenging thing. Let me say that if you ever have to do this, by all means go the route of getting the small rubberized finger brush that you can use by putting on the end of your finger. The fun I've had the past 2 days? Trying to use an unused toothbrush I had to apply the specially-made feline toothpaste - seafood flavored! - and then trying to do a multitude of things at once: hold down Athena with one arm, open up her mouth with that same hand, and use the other hand to operate the brush to try to brush the teeth and gums on either side of her mouth. Can I say.... nearly impossible?! I suppose it could be more difficult. At least it's not Sylvester that's having to have this done. If it was him then I'd REALLY be having enjoyment doing this. (Of course I say that sarcastically.)
I have no idea how long I am to do the brushing, but maybe until her re-check up the first week in February. So at least for the time being, I get to: apply ointment to the corners of her mouth after washing it twice daily.... brush her teeth using seafood-flavored cat toothpaste twice daily.... and then after my next payday tomorrow and I get the prescrip from the pharmacy I get to every other day give her a small dose of medicine.
Fun, fun, fun. I doubt anyone is envious of me for this.
It is obviously costing me money for each vet visit and medicine and product I am needing to give her, but... maybe its a futher sign of what kind of responsible pet owner I am by doing whatever it is I need to do to take care of my cat(s) and make sure that they're well cared for by getting the needed treatment.
Athena, for a while, has had a situation involving her mouth. Irritiation or something involving her teeth and gums has been giving her problems for well over a year now. I can't recall off the top of my head what her previous weight was, but this past fall her weight according to the vet visit was in at about 8.5 pounds. (I'm guessing that this is down from the past.) She's had visible signs of discomfort, but yet she's still been able to eat well and seems like a happy cat. Last month at her checkup she got put on some prescription for an anti-biotic that I had to pick up at the local pharmacy. (Which was unusual.) For about three weeks I had to give her a small dose of a liquid medicine every other day. All this hoping to avoid having to go the extreme route of getting some of her teeth pulled.
This past Monday was her 1-month re-check after that visit and the initial set of antibiotics. Some improvement, but also yet not enough. Bottom line: she's going back on the antibiotic for another month (with the possibility of another month of refill beyond that). And...further at-home treatment I have to give her. Part of it involving making sure to wash the outside corners of her mouth with slight soap and water to clean off the irritation. Then apply a special bit of ointment that I had to purchase there at the vet's office. That's all and fine. But the kicker? Instruction of brushing her teeth.
Have you ever tried to brush a cat's teeth??? Brushing a dog's teeth wouldn't be too hard as dogs tend to be more easy going to whatever is happening to them. But cats? Cats DO NOT like change or new things. They hate water, and they certainly hate someone trying to make them do something they don't care for. One of those things is teeth brushing. I've only had to do it once before for one of my other cats in the past, but this is always a challenging thing. Let me say that if you ever have to do this, by all means go the route of getting the small rubberized finger brush that you can use by putting on the end of your finger. The fun I've had the past 2 days? Trying to use an unused toothbrush I had to apply the specially-made feline toothpaste - seafood flavored! - and then trying to do a multitude of things at once: hold down Athena with one arm, open up her mouth with that same hand, and use the other hand to operate the brush to try to brush the teeth and gums on either side of her mouth. Can I say.... nearly impossible?! I suppose it could be more difficult. At least it's not Sylvester that's having to have this done. If it was him then I'd REALLY be having enjoyment doing this. (Of course I say that sarcastically.)
I have no idea how long I am to do the brushing, but maybe until her re-check up the first week in February. So at least for the time being, I get to: apply ointment to the corners of her mouth after washing it twice daily.... brush her teeth using seafood-flavored cat toothpaste twice daily.... and then after my next payday tomorrow and I get the prescrip from the pharmacy I get to every other day give her a small dose of medicine.
Fun, fun, fun. I doubt anyone is envious of me for this.
It is obviously costing me money for each vet visit and medicine and product I am needing to give her, but... maybe its a futher sign of what kind of responsible pet owner I am by doing whatever it is I need to do to take care of my cat(s) and make sure that they're well cared for by getting the needed treatment.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
"Pet Tails": when the cats visited Santa
A little late posting these, but these were the cats visiting Santa Claus back on December 5th...
Whiskers
Porkey
WhiskersTabby 
PorkeySylvester 
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