Wow, thank you for everyone's responses to my post! I sincerely appreciate your advice and support. Thought I'd give you some news... We moved to the new flat last Thursday. When the truck had come and gone and I was done with the fourth run to empty the last of the old flat, I finally asked Snowy to get into his transport box and brought him to the new flat. In typical Snowy fashion, he made a few rounds, sniffed about, and found an empty laundry box for his nap. (Note to Maria and Whovian... Yes, I am raving mad and talk to my cat, so had explained the move verbally to him before and during). It's now six days into the new flat and we have not seen the erratic behavior we so expected - only one sneaky exit to the building's stairway, but found him, confused, on the third floor, obviously he couldn't recognise our front door, and was happy to come home (I wonder if we can mark our front door for him somehow - all the doors in the building look alike - but aren't cats supposed to leave their own markers??) He's not even interested in spending much time on the balcony. I suspect it's too cold, and I wonder what will happen when the weather warms up and he wants to go hunting again, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. No crazy door scratching yet (I bought him a scratch board but he doesn't understand the concept). In the meantime we're naïvely trying to instill good habits right away - no sitting/sleeping on the dining table, beds, and sofa, shutting access to the living room at night and during the day when we're at work (he has 4 other bedrooms and plenty of other space). And yes, the Feliway has been plugged in since the morning of the move.
So we're all happy to have one less transitional difficulty to deal with!
Secretly, I'll tell you that I'm contemplating getting a kitten to keep Snowy company when we're at work all day... That's a long way from a cat-free flat... But will wait for the RIGHT moment to diplomatically introduce my partner to this idea. I wonder whether Snowy would be less clingy and more, well, BALANCED, if he had a playmate. Also wonder how he'd accept the newcomer, at his old age of 8. Perhaps one of you experienced cat carers would have some advice?
At any rate I'm SO relieved to be able to keep Snowy, at least for now. Wish us luck when spring comes :-)
Apologies if I got anybody's hopes up with my initial post... and thanks again for your replies.
Gosh, glad to have something less important than world peace or the economy to focus on for a moment!
Michal
Global Forums > General > News of the world's most cuddly cat!
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News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Jan 13, 2009 @ 11:43
The text you are quoting:
Wow, thank you for everyone's responses to my post! I sincerely appreciate your advice and support. Thought I'd give you some news... We moved to the new flat last Thursday. When the truck had come and gone and I was done with the fourth run to empty the last of the old flat, I finally asked Snowy to get into his transport box and brought him to the new flat. In typical Snowy fashion, he made a few rounds, sniffed about, and found an empty laundry box for his nap. (Note to Maria and Whovian... Yes, I am raving mad and talk to my cat, so had explained the move verbally to him before and during). It's now six days into the new flat and we have not seen the erratic behavior we so expected - only one sneaky exit to the building's stairway, but found him, confused, on the third floor, obviously he couldn't recognise our front door, and was happy to come home (I wonder if we can mark our front door for him somehow - all the doors in the building look alike - but aren't cats supposed to leave their own markers??) He's not even interested in spending much time on the balcony. I suspect it's too cold, and I wonder what will happen when the weather warms up and he wants to go hunting again, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. No crazy door scratching yet (I bought him a scratch board but he doesn't understand the concept). In the meantime we're naïvely trying to instill good habits right away - no sitting/sleeping on the dining table, beds, and sofa, shutting access to the living room at night and during the day when we're at work (he has 4 other bedrooms and plenty of other space). And yes, the Feliway has been plugged in since the morning of the move.
So we're all happy to have one less transitional difficulty to deal with!
Secretly, I'll tell you that I'm contemplating getting a kitten to keep Snowy company when we're at work all day... That's a long way from a cat-free flat... But will wait for the RIGHT moment to diplomatically introduce my partner to this idea. I wonder whether Snowy would be less clingy and more, well, BALANCED, if he had a playmate. Also wonder how he'd accept the newcomer, at his old age of 8. Perhaps one of you experienced cat carers would have some advice?
At any rate I'm SO relieved to be able to keep Snowy, at least for now. Wish us luck when spring comes :-)
Apologies if I got anybody's hopes up with my initial post... and thanks again for your replies.
Gosh, glad to have something less important than world peace or the economy to focus on for a moment!
Michal
sela_michalJan 13, 2009 @ 11:43
So we're all happy to have one less transitional difficulty to deal with!
Secretly, I'll tell you that I'm contemplating getting a kitten to keep Snowy company when we're at work all day... That's a long way from a cat-free flat... But will wait for the RIGHT moment to diplomatically introduce my partner to this idea. I wonder whether Snowy would be less clingy and more, well, BALANCED, if he had a playmate. Also wonder how he'd accept the newcomer, at his old age of 8. Perhaps one of you experienced cat carers would have some advice?
At any rate I'm SO relieved to be able to keep Snowy, at least for now. Wish us luck when spring comes :-)
Apologies if I got anybody's hopes up with my initial post... and thanks again for your replies.
Gosh, glad to have something less important than world peace or the economy to focus on for a moment!
Michal
sela_michalJan 13, 2009 @ 11:43
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Re: News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Post 1
Jan 13, 2009 @ 12:03
Good!!! Im so glad you were able to keep him. At least you are not wondering if someone else takes good care of him :)
The text you are quoting:
Good!!! Im so glad you were able to keep him. At least you are not wondering if someone else takes good care of him :)
Maria_, Jan 13, 2009 @ 12:03
Maria_, Jan 13, 2009 @ 12:03
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Re: News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Post 2
Jan 13, 2009 @ 17:20
Hi I am so pleased to hear this. It may take him a good 6 months to settle and adapt to his new indoor environment and perhaps a cat proof fence on the balcony maybe helpful for him.
Re Feliway often you need more than one diffuser because it goes on square metre coverage. You may also want to consider changing his diet to that of an indoor cat so he gets the nutrients he needs but don’t change this yet as he has too much to adjust to. Some people suggest kitty grass and cat nip to aid digestion and most cats go berserk with cat nip plants they love it. Also because he is not scratching his claws much outside make sure you get the vet to clip them a bit every so often.
Regarding kitten, he is 8 years old and he has always been happy on his own with you lot so if it aint broke why fix it. Also you may do more harm as he may feel threatened. I have had a lot of experience with introducing kittens to my older cats and whilst some are ok the majority at this age just want to be left alone and not be terrorized and don’t like having their routine and sleeping and patrolling areas disturbed.
Also be warned about tilt and turn windows, cats are curious by nature and want to climb up to smell the air but as they climb up these windows squish them and break their backs. It is surprising how may people don’t realise this. So always ensure you have a wedge in the bottom corners of the window so it can’t close back on the cat.
But of course this is just my experience only. Maybe caring for an indoor cat search on Google will help you more
So glad he is staying and please can you post a picture of him thanks
The text you are quoting:
Hi I am so pleased to hear this. It may take him a good 6 months to settle and adapt to his new indoor environment and perhaps a cat proof fence on the balcony maybe helpful for him.
Re Feliway often you need more than one diffuser because it goes on square metre coverage. You may also want to consider changing his diet to that of an indoor cat so he gets the nutrients he needs but don’t change this yet as he has too much to adjust to. Some people suggest kitty grass and cat nip to aid digestion and most cats go berserk with cat nip plants they love it. Also because he is not scratching his claws much outside make sure you get the vet to clip them a bit every so often.
Regarding kitten, he is 8 years old and he has always been happy on his own with you lot so if it aint broke why fix it. Also you may do more harm as he may feel threatened. I have had a lot of experience with introducing kittens to my older cats and whilst some are ok the majority at this age just want to be left alone and not be terrorized and don’t like having their routine and sleeping and patrolling areas disturbed.
Also be warned about tilt and turn windows, cats are curious by nature and want to climb up to smell the air but as they climb up these windows squish them and break their backs. It is surprising how may people don’t realise this. So always ensure you have a wedge in the bottom corners of the window so it can’t close back on the cat.
But of course this is just my experience only. Maybe caring for an indoor cat search on Google will help you more
So glad he is staying and please can you post a picture of him thanks
dora2505, Jan 13, 2009 @ 17:20
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Re: News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Post 3
Jan 14, 2009 @ 10:19
Hi Dora,
How do you post a picture on a forum message? I can send you one to your e-mail address if you care to share it.
Thanks for the advice re kitten! That's reassuring. I assumed Snowy would get lonely since he's on his own in the flat 4 days per week from 7:30 to 17:30, but if there's a chance he'll be just as happy on his own, we'll be happy too with just the one. How can you tell a cat's lonely??
Our flat is on the first floor. I'm aware of the danger of him falling - apparently at such short distance they don't always have enough time to turn around to land on their feet. But there's a large window sill type thing that he can sit on comfortably, so unless he lunges for a bird or something (unlikely - he prowls first), it's highly unlikely he'll fall. Jumping for freedom might be another problem! No tilt windows - only traditional windows that open wide. But good point I'd never thought of that - though with 2 small children we're always cautious about windows, and being on the 1st floor we'll never leave them open unattended.
Re diet, because of his long angora type fur and delicate stomach (I shouldn't reveal this in case we ever need to explore adoption again :-)), he's been on one strictly limited to dry Science Plan Hairball Control, and that out of a special Pipolino dispenser that is particularly recommended for indoor cats that get little exercise. If you don't know what it is - it has holes of varying sizes to make it more or less difficult to get the food out (owner chooses setting depending on cat's skill), it's a tube shape that the cat has to roll around a bit to get the food to fall out, forcing the cat to make an effort at obtaining food - kind of imitating nature's way and preventing obesity from food being too readily available. Can mail order from vet in Lausanne, about CHF 70 (thru a French web site). Ideal if you have several cats who eat the same food, and can hold enough for several days depending on number of users. It's had a good calming effect on Snowy who tends to suffer from boredom (dare I say spleen) as he's more a "saloon cat" than a tomboy! Choice of diet was at vet's recommendation and is working well. No health problems, no hairballs, no diarrhea that happens automatically whenever he eats paté type soft food (really fun to care for with 10 cm long white hairs everywhere). We'll stick with it.
Gosh imagine what would happen if I had to write something about my children :-)
Thanks for sharing your rich experience!
Michal
How do you post a picture on a forum message? I can send you one to your e-mail address if you care to share it.
Thanks for the advice re kitten! That's reassuring. I assumed Snowy would get lonely since he's on his own in the flat 4 days per week from 7:30 to 17:30, but if there's a chance he'll be just as happy on his own, we'll be happy too with just the one. How can you tell a cat's lonely??
Our flat is on the first floor. I'm aware of the danger of him falling - apparently at such short distance they don't always have enough time to turn around to land on their feet. But there's a large window sill type thing that he can sit on comfortably, so unless he lunges for a bird or something (unlikely - he prowls first), it's highly unlikely he'll fall. Jumping for freedom might be another problem! No tilt windows - only traditional windows that open wide. But good point I'd never thought of that - though with 2 small children we're always cautious about windows, and being on the 1st floor we'll never leave them open unattended.
Re diet, because of his long angora type fur and delicate stomach (I shouldn't reveal this in case we ever need to explore adoption again :-)), he's been on one strictly limited to dry Science Plan Hairball Control, and that out of a special Pipolino dispenser that is particularly recommended for indoor cats that get little exercise. If you don't know what it is - it has holes of varying sizes to make it more or less difficult to get the food out (owner chooses setting depending on cat's skill), it's a tube shape that the cat has to roll around a bit to get the food to fall out, forcing the cat to make an effort at obtaining food - kind of imitating nature's way and preventing obesity from food being too readily available. Can mail order from vet in Lausanne, about CHF 70 (thru a French web site). Ideal if you have several cats who eat the same food, and can hold enough for several days depending on number of users. It's had a good calming effect on Snowy who tends to suffer from boredom (dare I say spleen) as he's more a "saloon cat" than a tomboy! Choice of diet was at vet's recommendation and is working well. No health problems, no hairballs, no diarrhea that happens automatically whenever he eats paté type soft food (really fun to care for with 10 cm long white hairs everywhere). We'll stick with it.
Gosh imagine what would happen if I had to write something about my children :-)
Thanks for sharing your rich experience!
Michal
The text you are quoting:
Hi Dora,
How do you post a picture on a forum message? I can send you one to your e-mail address if you care to share it.
Thanks for the advice re kitten! That's reassuring. I assumed Snowy would get lonely since he's on his own in the flat 4 days per week from 7:30 to 17:30, but if there's a chance he'll be just as happy on his own, we'll be happy too with just the one. How can you tell a cat's lonely??
Our flat is on the first floor. I'm aware of the danger of him falling - apparently at such short distance they don't always have enough time to turn around to land on their feet. But there's a large window sill type thing that he can sit on comfortably, so unless he lunges for a bird or something (unlikely - he prowls first), it's highly unlikely he'll fall. Jumping for freedom might be another problem! No tilt windows - only traditional windows that open wide. But good point I'd never thought of that - though with 2 small children we're always cautious about windows, and being on the 1st floor we'll never leave them open unattended.
Re diet, because of his long angora type fur and delicate stomach (I shouldn't reveal this in case we ever need to explore adoption again :-)), he's been on one strictly limited to dry Science Plan Hairball Control, and that out of a special Pipolino dispenser that is particularly recommended for indoor cats that get little exercise. If you don't know what it is - it has holes of varying sizes to make it more or less difficult to get the food out (owner chooses setting depending on cat's skill), it's a tube shape that the cat has to roll around a bit to get the food to fall out, forcing the cat to make an effort at obtaining food - kind of imitating nature's way and preventing obesity from food being too readily available. Can mail order from vet in Lausanne, about CHF 70 (thru a French web site). Ideal if you have several cats who eat the same food, and can hold enough for several days depending on number of users. It's had a good calming effect on Snowy who tends to suffer from boredom (dare I say spleen) as he's more a "saloon cat" than a tomboy! Choice of diet was at vet's recommendation and is working well. No health problems, no hairballs, no diarrhea that happens automatically whenever he eats paté type soft food (really fun to care for with 10 cm long white hairs everywhere). We'll stick with it.
Gosh imagine what would happen if I had to write something about my children :-)
Thanks for sharing your rich experience!
Michal
sela_michal, Jan 14, 2009 @ 10:19
How do you post a picture on a forum message? I can send you one to your e-mail address if you care to share it.
Thanks for the advice re kitten! That's reassuring. I assumed Snowy would get lonely since he's on his own in the flat 4 days per week from 7:30 to 17:30, but if there's a chance he'll be just as happy on his own, we'll be happy too with just the one. How can you tell a cat's lonely??
Our flat is on the first floor. I'm aware of the danger of him falling - apparently at such short distance they don't always have enough time to turn around to land on their feet. But there's a large window sill type thing that he can sit on comfortably, so unless he lunges for a bird or something (unlikely - he prowls first), it's highly unlikely he'll fall. Jumping for freedom might be another problem! No tilt windows - only traditional windows that open wide. But good point I'd never thought of that - though with 2 small children we're always cautious about windows, and being on the 1st floor we'll never leave them open unattended.
Re diet, because of his long angora type fur and delicate stomach (I shouldn't reveal this in case we ever need to explore adoption again :-)), he's been on one strictly limited to dry Science Plan Hairball Control, and that out of a special Pipolino dispenser that is particularly recommended for indoor cats that get little exercise. If you don't know what it is - it has holes of varying sizes to make it more or less difficult to get the food out (owner chooses setting depending on cat's skill), it's a tube shape that the cat has to roll around a bit to get the food to fall out, forcing the cat to make an effort at obtaining food - kind of imitating nature's way and preventing obesity from food being too readily available. Can mail order from vet in Lausanne, about CHF 70 (thru a French web site). Ideal if you have several cats who eat the same food, and can hold enough for several days depending on number of users. It's had a good calming effect on Snowy who tends to suffer from boredom (dare I say spleen) as he's more a "saloon cat" than a tomboy! Choice of diet was at vet's recommendation and is working well. No health problems, no hairballs, no diarrhea that happens automatically whenever he eats paté type soft food (really fun to care for with 10 cm long white hairs everywhere). We'll stick with it.
Gosh imagine what would happen if I had to write something about my children :-)
Thanks for sharing your rich experience!
Michal
sela_michal, Jan 14, 2009 @ 10:19
Your Reply:
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Re: News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Post 4
Jan 14, 2009 @ 12:36
your dispenser sounds perfect for me with controlling over eating with 6 cats who have the science plan urinary diet. So my turn to thank you and ask for a link to buy this please
The text you are quoting:
your dispenser sounds perfect for me with controlling over eating with 6 cats who have the science plan urinary diet. So my turn to thank you and ask for a link to buy this please
dora2505, Jan 14, 2009 @ 12:36
dora2505, Jan 14, 2009 @ 12:36
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Re: News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Post 5
Jan 14, 2009 @ 16:24
http://www.pipolino.eu/accueil.php
I bought it from this French web site (credit card payment), the delivery arrived from the vet in Lausanne.
Good luck! Tell me how it goes.
Michal
I bought it from this French web site (credit card payment), the delivery arrived from the vet in Lausanne.
Good luck! Tell me how it goes.
Michal
The text you are quoting:
http://www.pipolino.eu/accueil.php
I bought it from this French web site (credit card payment), the delivery arrived from the vet in Lausanne.
Good luck! Tell me how it goes.
Michal
sela_michal, Jan 14, 2009 @ 16:24
I bought it from this French web site (credit card payment), the delivery arrived from the vet in Lausanne.
Good luck! Tell me how it goes.
Michal
sela_michal, Jan 14, 2009 @ 16:24
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Re: News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Post 6
Jan 14, 2009 @ 17:19
:)thanks think this wont work with 6 of them but good fun esp for an indoor cat as he still gets to hunt !!
The text you are quoting:
:)thanks think this wont work with 6 of them but good fun esp for an indoor cat as he still gets to hunt !!
dora2505, Jan 14, 2009 @ 17:19
dora2505, Jan 14, 2009 @ 17:19
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Re: News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Post 7
Jan 15, 2009 @ 09:57
Huh - the write-up on the web site specifically says it's good for multiple cats (maybe 2 dispensers for 6 cats?) Too bad if it doesn't work for you. Snowy would much rather have his food appear conveniently in a bowl, but yes it's good for him!
The text you are quoting:
Huh - the write-up on the web site specifically says it's good for multiple cats (maybe 2 dispensers for 6 cats?) Too bad if it doesn't work for you. Snowy would much rather have his food appear conveniently in a bowl, but yes it's good for him!
sela_michal, Jan 15, 2009 @ 09:57
sela_michal, Jan 15, 2009 @ 09:57
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Re: News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Post 8
Jan 15, 2009 @ 14:38
Agh ha I see!! I dont speak French so could not understand it !! I think its brilliant I really do, just thinking about my cats fighting over them but will watch the video :)
The text you are quoting:
Agh ha I see!! I dont speak French so could not understand it !! I think its brilliant I really do, just thinking about my cats fighting over them but will watch the video :)
dora2505, Jan 15, 2009 @ 14:38
dora2505, Jan 15, 2009 @ 14:38
Your Reply:
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Re: News of the world's most cuddly cat!
Post 9
Jan 15, 2009 @ 15:19
This web site has info in English:
www.pipolino.ch
You can open an Acrobat Reader pdf file with instructions in English. It says this about use with multiple cats (referring to sections in the user instructions document):
3°/ THERE ARE SEVERAL CATS
Use the first chapter in the first use but regulate in position 8 only when all the cats can use Pipolino (when all the
cats have understood the use).
If one or several cats are in weight excess reduce the distribution for them and you can give a specific contribution
to the others; until all your cats are in correct weight and then regulate the Pipolino in position 2.
There are also several films on You Tube showing cats using it.
Good luck...
Michal
www.pipolino.ch
You can open an Acrobat Reader pdf file with instructions in English. It says this about use with multiple cats (referring to sections in the user instructions document):
3°/ THERE ARE SEVERAL CATS
Use the first chapter in the first use but regulate in position 8 only when all the cats can use Pipolino (when all the
cats have understood the use).
If one or several cats are in weight excess reduce the distribution for them and you can give a specific contribution
to the others; until all your cats are in correct weight and then regulate the Pipolino in position 2.
There are also several films on You Tube showing cats using it.
Good luck...
Michal
The text you are quoting:
This web site has info in English:
www.pipolino.ch
You can open an Acrobat Reader pdf file with instructions in English. It says this about use with multiple cats (referring to sections in the user instructions document):
3°/ THERE ARE SEVERAL CATS
Use the first chapter in the first use but regulate in position 8 only when all the cats can use Pipolino (when all the
cats have understood the use).
If one or several cats are in weight excess reduce the distribution for them and you can give a specific contribution
to the others; until all your cats are in correct weight and then regulate the Pipolino in position 2.
There are also several films on You Tube showing cats using it.
Good luck...
Michal
sela_michal, Jan 15, 2009 @ 15:19
www.pipolino.ch
You can open an Acrobat Reader pdf file with instructions in English. It says this about use with multiple cats (referring to sections in the user instructions document):
3°/ THERE ARE SEVERAL CATS
Use the first chapter in the first use but regulate in position 8 only when all the cats can use Pipolino (when all the
cats have understood the use).
If one or several cats are in weight excess reduce the distribution for them and you can give a specific contribution
to the others; until all your cats are in correct weight and then regulate the Pipolino in position 2.
There are also several films on You Tube showing cats using it.
Good luck...
Michal
sela_michal, Jan 15, 2009 @ 15:19
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