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Groups > American Senior Cats > Discussions > Topic: "Hello!" and General Topics I
Topic: "Hello!" and General Topics I

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Kathy W.	June 17, 2009 4:21 PM Wondering what's been happening with Dave O? Have I missed something? Hoping all is well. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Susan L.	Biting October 15, 2008 2:30 PM I have tried your advice and my kitty is biting less. It seems to be working. She is letting me pet her more and I think we are both are enjoying it more and enjoying each other more. Thank you for your help. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Dave O.	Re: Will or written instructions for cats or dogs September 29, 2008 7:36 PM Yes, providing for the futures of our animal companions is very important. Sometimes adopters say, "Why do I have to pay $120 or $160 to adopt a cat from a no-kill rescue?" No-kill adoption contracts vary from animal to animal, but one reason (in addition to veterinary soundness and spay or neuter) is that the no-kill organization frequently agrees to accept the animal back in the event of crisis or emergency. Without such an agreement, almost all no-kill shelters refuse to accept homeless animals from the general public. (Their animals are rescued from animal shelters.) Dave O'Connell Montgomery Village, Maryland [ send green star]
Susan L.	September 29, 2008 7:30 PM I agree about leaving a will or written instructions for your cats and also your dogs. As an EMT, we frequently take elderly people to the hospital. Perhaps because my animals have been like my kids, I always if there is someone I can call for them to care for their animal. I find it makes them relax more and have less anxiety about going to the hospital in an ambulance. As a matter of fact, I'm going to write out my wishes for Mae-Li, my kitty, as soon as I get off line. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Dave O.	Re: Biting Cats September 29, 2008 2:22 AM If a cat that has not been biting before begins biting and attacking, it does need extra love and attention. Veterinarians will sometimes even prescribe small doses of sedatives to stressed cats. Some cats, however, will always become angry if they are confronted with their pet peeves. I've known some cats who don't like to be stroked along their back, some cats who never want to sit or lie on a lap, and many cats who don't like to be picked up and held. Most cats don't mind getting their chin or neck scratched — but the catch is, it's awfully close to the mouth, and the cat may be tempted to bite just because. Many cats regard belly rubs in particular as an invitation to combat. Adult wild cat species don't snuggle with each other in their natural habitats, although some, like lion pride members or cheetah squad mates, may rub chins or wrestle. (Chipazuwa, a lioness, was shown on Animal Planet's "Lions of Crocodile River" flirting and dancing around her mate, Mfumu, to persuade him to give her a gazelle that he had killed — at which she succeeded. See http://tinyurl.com/OffTheFence452.) Domestic cats show a lot of body language, and a cat whose tail is whipping around, whose ears are folded back, or who is rumbling or moaning deep down in its throat, may be ready to clobber somebody. (Don't forget — not every group member receives Individual group emails or Digests of group emails. If you want to be sure another member receives your messages or replies, you may want to paste the message text into a Personal Message sent at the member's profile page.) Dave O'Connell Montgomery Village, Maryland [ send green star]
Gillian M.	Katz! September 28, 2008 10:36 PM I adopted a 6 month old kitten from the RSPCA together with a 8 month old one that they had hand raised and hadn't been expected to survive. The younger one had been given to the shelter as the family had a child and it kep pulling the kitten around by its tail. The 2 immediately bonded with each other and us, you would not have known that we hadn't had them for months. The younger one we called Soo as she was black & white and loved laps. After a couple of days she started biting before jumping off my lap and it got more & more severe. I tried no, hissing, tapping the nose with my finger (which is very abusive according to the RSPCA) and just ignoring her. After a week, the RSPCA rang to see how the kittens were settling in (I had to pry them off me to answer the phone). I explained what was happening and asked if they had a behaviourist to suggest anything other than these methods. I was concerned as my nephew was a small baby just learning to crawl and wondered if Soo might scratch him. The RSPCA told me that there was nothing that I could do and told me to take her back and I was extremely upset at the idea & refused. I had to change my mind when Soo bit me so hard that it drew blood but was sure that there was something that could be done but the RSPCA assured me that there wasn't. They also wanted their vet to check the older kitten as a routine because of the upbringing (something they had advised me of) to ensure full development (she was a very tiny cat). When I arrived at the cattery the RSPCA turned on me and told me that the problem was my fault as I had abused Soo, there was no sign of such behaviour whilst Soo was in the cattery (she was allowed out of a small wire cage for 10 mins a day while they cleaned it). They black listed me and left me feeling like a criminal. I then contacted the Cat Protection League (something I should have done earlier) and told them exactly what had happened. This area was run by a wonderful Spanish woman, Angie, who specialised in feral cats. She explained that the RSPCA shelter saw so much suffering that they would not accept that any behavioural problem was from the previous home. The cat had been illtreated and was lashing out to protect herself. Patience and time would help the problem to eventually go. Just put the cat on the floor by the scruff of the neck (support the back legs) and hiss. Reward good behaviour and hiss and spit like Mum for bad. We adopted another 6 month old kitten, Sheba, from Angie who refused to let us take her until she was sure that not only could I look after the kitten but hubby & kids could too. The RSPCA did not do that. Sheba bit too but more gently. I used to say no to her and she would look guilty and lick me. Eventually, she stopped biting altogether but it took several months. Sheba loved all of us but had been badly treated by a man. It took her over a year to sleep on my hubby although she would walk all over him for fussing. It took her over 2 years to roll on her back to have her tummy rubbed. Sheba was a much loved bad-tempered grumpy but special cat. Unfortunately it took about 3 years before the disturbed behaviour totally disappeared. Cats are not dogs, dogs are pack animals that need to accept that the human part of their pack are the pack leaders. Dogs must be disciplined and withdrawing from the room confuses them. Any discipline must be immediate & clear. You wouldn't treat a toddler that way! Cats, however, are not pack animals and need different methods. As long as you feed your cat you are the mother & patience and feline language is the key here. Try some toys that can be bitten and scratched and play with your kitty with these. Eventually, the behaviour will transfer. Enjoy your pussy and love her lots, that helps too. [ send green star] [ accepted]
AvengingAngel W.	September 28, 2008 10:32 PM Re Lisa's mail about making a will regarding your animals, I think this is of most importance. I too have left instructions with someone I can trust about what to do with my animals, this worries me a lot. It may seem morbid as I am only 42 but you never know what happens and a death is something you cannot explain to your animals. Please I advise everyone to do the same, to protect their animals welfare, make a will or give written instructions to someone you can trust. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Susan F.	Thank you September 28, 2008 10:37 PM Thank you Dave for the invitation to this group. I have two adoped senior cats that easily adapted to their new home with my other cats. They just need a little extra love and attention and they return it to me 100 times over. I'm very pleased to be a member of this group. Hello to everyone. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Dave O.	Re: my biting cat September 27, 2008 9:54 PM I'm sure your kitty will be okay. It's fun to play rough with a cat, but we really aren't supposed to ever touch a cat roughly. The cats invariably conclude that it's okay to scratch and bite. Instead, they can play rough with stuffed toys, balls, wands, and cat teasers, so they won't think human hands and feet are cat toys. Most cats also like the open rings that have a ball that rolls around in circles inside. Dave O'Connell Montgomery Village, Maryland [ send green star]
Susan L.	Re: my biting cat September 27, 2008 9:49 PM My kitty was rescued when her mother was killed. She and her siblings were taken in by a very kind lady. Mine wasn't playing well with her sibs and 3 kitties was too much for her apartment. After training dogs for obedience titles, I will win out. I will be patient. The biting has increased since I got back from vacation-I guess she's letting me know how upset she was with me. I will be firm, patient, and keep re-enforcing that I don't approve of that behavior. She is only one year old. She does love my son and he plays rough with her. I try not to be rough with her. Thanks for the ideas and help. I've never had a kitten before. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Colleen K.	Hello September 27, 2008 9:48 PM But the cat/cats make us pay the bills, lol. [ send green star] [ accepted]
AvengingAngel W.	September 27, 2008 7:04 AM Thank you Dave for the invite to this wonderful group, so happy to be here [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joyce W.	September 27, 2008 7:04 AM When you own a dog, he does what you tell him to do, when you own a cat he tells you how it will be. A cat will let you live in their home... LOL, LOL, [ send green star] [ accepted]
Colleen K.	Hello September 27, 2008 2:15 AM Thanks for inviting me Dave, I'm glad to be a part of your cat group, cats rock I have a ton of them myself, lol Colleen [ send green star] [ accepted]
Dave O.	Re: Biting Cats September 26, 2008 8:24 PM Yes, on Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog" (although this is a show about a different species), dog trainer Victoria points out that the owners sometimes tend to try to comfort the dog after it has misbehaved (for example, when the dog has torn up the house from separation anxiety). When a dog was jumping up on visitors, Victoria advised the entire family to get up and calmly leave the room, closing the door behind them, so the dog was left alone, without reinforcement for its misbehavior. The dog is left alone for a good little while, so the communication is unmistakable. It's sort of like telling the pet that it has aggravated its peer group (the family or household). If kittens could be kept together with their mothers (assuming that the mother is a properly socialized cat) till 14 or 16 weeks, instead of yanking them when they are only 8 weeks old, they would hopefully be better instructed in communication and manners. As to cats specifically, though, some patience is required, as cats try their best to get their own way in all things (like wild cat species, which must dominate their territories and seldom compromise). Dave O'Connell Montgomery Village, Maryland [ send green star]
	hello September 26, 2008 8:25 PM Oh, I'm so happy to be here. Thanks Dave! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Matsi Y.	September 26, 2008 8:11 PM Thanks for the invite Dave. I don't have any cats myself, but I do love them very much. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Natasha S.	Biting Cats September 26, 2008 8:11 PM Hi Susan, Often when kittens are separated from mom and siblings too soon, they don't learn standard etiquette, like "biting hurts!" You didn't mention whether she bites right away, or if it's after a few minutes of petting. Sometimes female cats in particular can get over-stimulated by too much petting, especially around their hind end, and can react in this manner. They key is to watch body language, twitching tail or skin "crawling," ears flicking back, head turning to the side to watch your hand. If you notice she might be getting aggravated, just stop and give her a break. There are several things you can try, and the most important thing is consistency. The easiest thing is to verbally react when it happens: say "Oww!" or "Ouch!" loudly (but don't yell, just enough to get her attention and let her know you mean business.) "Oww!" in particular kind of sounds like an angry "MEOW!" that she might get from another cat if she were to do the same thing to them. You can accompany this verbal action with a physical action. Stop petting immediately, but don't draw your hand back quickly. If you move quickly, instincts might click in, and she might pursue the fleeing hand with claws. At this point, you can either blow in her face, simulating a hiss, or grab her neck scruff, which simulates what mamma cat would do to teach her manners. You can repeat "OWW!" or "OUCH" at this point for emphasis. Then, put her on the floor or move away from her, so she gets the message that biting means she doesn't get to interact with you anymore. It's tough love, but it's an important lesson for her to learn! Some other things you can try is getting some bitter apple spray from the petstore, and putting it on your hand before you start petting her. She'll learn that biting your hand will leave a bad taste in her mouth. Also, you can try to keep a spray bottle of water nearby, so you can give her a little squirt to emphasize your point. I would do this only if the verbal and physical options above aren't getting your point across. The most important thing is that she learns her behavior provokes negative consequences for her. She gets yelled at, rebuked, and then she doesn't get to interact with you anymore. With time, patience, and consistency, she'll get the message! She's still young, so I bet it won't take long. Good luck! If you have any questions, feel free to post again or send me a private email. Natasha natasha@chromablue.net [ send green star] [ accepted]
Susan L.	Hello! September 26, 2008 3:54 PM I am new to this group. I have had 2 kitties live to be almost 20. My last one even had intravenous fluids twice a day for awhile before the end. I wouldn't have done anything different for her. I still miss her. I now have a year old kitty that I adopted and I'm having trouble with her biting me. When I pet her, she likes to bite. *HELP!!!!!!* It hurts quite a bit and my hands are scratched from the teeth. What do I do to break this awful habit? Neither of my other 3 cat ever did this so I've never had to deal with this and they were rescues, too. One was also a long haired cat like this one. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Shirley H.	Hello September 15, 2008 4:53 AM Our cats (2) are getting on in years, and I know our Children would take care of them if anything should happen to my Spouse or myself. That's what families do - we take care of each other. Shirley H. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Sherri O.	September 13, 2008 11:23 AM Mairead...... Unlike people, animals don't judge us. Animals make the best friends. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Lori M.	Just saying hello!! September 12, 2008 11:01 PM Thanks for the invite! I have 10 cats, love them all dearly! My "Willie Boy" is diabetic, 2 shots a day but he handles it very well. I have a Bengal, "Jade" who is sooooo cool! Very vocal and loving. And there's Sarah, Little Guy, Calypso, Raven, Mama Kitty, Midnight, Simba and Starr. 4 of them are seniors so this group is definately up my alley! Hello to all. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Lisa Y.	September 12, 2008 11:01 PM I know this may sound alittle strange but I have talked to my family and friends about who would take care of my animals if something were to happen to me. Once I made the desicion I included it in my will. It states very plainly who and what I want done with my animal companions. I want to make sure that they are take care of properly. They take care of me,it is only fair I do the same! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Natasha S.	September 12, 2008 3:33 AM For your own cats, I think it's a matter of making those plans in advance. I know that my husband would continue to care for my cats, and if for some reason he wasn't able, my mother would. For those senior cats out there already without homes, there's an organization here in Washington that has a program called Seniors Helping Seniors. It works on placing senior cats with senior citizens. I think it's a great option for seniors worried about leaving a young friend behind. Natasha [ send green star] [ accepted]
Dave O.	Re: safeguarding senior cats September 11, 2008 10:50 PM Hi, I think the first step would be to have some discussions with immediate family and the veterinarian. A lot of pets surrendered after a death in the family are delivered to shelters by family members, who sometimes seem not to have had much guidance to prepare them. While many no-kill shelters do not offer assistance to senior cats, you never know if the ones in your own neighborhood might join in an agreement to care for a surviving cat, if a substantial donation (perhaps some hundreds of dollars, possibly in installments) were made. This is a difficult issue and is suitable for further examination. Dave O'Connell Montgomery Village, Maryland [ send green star]
Elizabeth N.	September 11, 2008 10:44 PM I realize that this topic is hello, but I'm wondering what we can do to help these senior cats get adopted other than posting them here so that we can see them. Can we do something as a group to help the adoption process? My own cat is 15 years old, and if something were to happen to me, I would want to know that my baby could be taken care of... Elizabeth N [ send green star] [ accepted]
Donna B.	Re: [American Senior Cats] hello September 09, 2008 4:38 PM That's not sad at all. Cats make wonderful friends. Donna "Every man dies, not every man really lives." --- [ send green star] [ accepted]
Mairead M.	Hi All September 08, 2008 1:48 PM Thanks for the invitation, Dave. I have 2 cats right now that I rescued as kittens from the ASPCA. They are my best friends (is that sad)? Mairead [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joyce W.	September 08, 2008 1:48 PM Thank you Dave, for inviting me. Joyce [ send green star] [ accepted]
Maria M.	Hi September 07, 2008 1:41 AM Hi everybody !!!! And thanks for the invitation too. Lot of kisses from Gati and me. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Donna B.	Hello to All September 06, 2008 9:32 AM And thanks for the invite. Donna [ send green star] [ accepted]
Sunil S.	September 05, 2008 7:43 PM thanks for inviting Dave , hi all [ send green star] [ accepted]
	Hello September 05, 2008 7:41 PM Thanks for the invite Dave, and hello to you all from Ron in UK. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Kathy W.	September 03, 2008 4:18 AM Hi all. Thanks for the invite! [ send green star] [ accepted]
	August 30, 2008 9:07 AM *Hey, all...Thanks, Dave...Hiya, Mick* [ send green star] [ accepted]
Jean A.	Hi Dave August 29, 2008 6:26 PM Thanks for the invite. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Sanne W.	August 29, 2008 6:26 PM Good Morning Dave. Thank you for inviting me to join the group! Have a nice weekend Sanne W. [ send green star] [ accepted]
	August 29, 2008 6:26 PM Thank you ,Dave,much appreciated. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Debbie C.	August 28, 2008 6:41 PM Hello Dave. Thank you for the invitation to join! DebbieC. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Mary N.	"Hello!" and General Topics I August 27, 2008 5:39 PM hello Dave and thanks so much for the invite I really appreciate it good morning to you blessed be Mary [ send green star] [ accepted]