Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: Annie0710 on November 06, 2017, 04:01:07 PM
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My nightmare started at 7am this morning when I was getting ready to leave for work. A man camr bombing down our back garden hitting something. I ran out to see s big black dog on our grass and him with an Alsatian cross by the scruff of its neck. They got my cat :-(
He put the dogs (who had not been on a lead) in his car and helped me look for my cat but we couldn't find her. We have just moved to a small town where there's literally us, our neighbour and a House way across the trees in our lane. A place we hoped our 2 dogs and 2 cats would have so much fun with all the fields and trees and wildlife. It's turning into a nightmare. In the 8 weeks we've been here our shih tzu has been attacked by a dog off the lead, thankfully only a bruised ego but nonetheless. Our cat has been at the vet since 9am when I eventually found her in our neighbours garden. She's been transferred to the larger surgery where she's just come out of the operation to fix all the internal damage and bleeding. She's on IVs for ABs and pain relief and has bad muscle damage. Vet is concerned about peritonitis but seems more optimistic than he did when he sedated her earlier to investigate, at that point he told me to expect worse case scenario. I'm so upset, angry, frustrated about these dog walkers not keeping their pets on leads. The owner handed me his driving licence to take his details and wrote his mobile down and said to keep him updated. I could've had my grandchildren in the garden, the scenarios don't bear thinking about.
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Oh Annie that's so awful :'(
Is there a local dog warden you can share your concerns with and who might be able to help educate the locals on safer dog handling?
Keeping everything crossed that your cat recovers well - sounds like she is in good hands.
Let us know how she gets on :bighug:
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:'(
This is a Police matter. It could be seen as a 'dog out of control in a public place' under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The owner could be taken to Court, the dog concerned put to sleep and the owner will pay for any Vet treatment: if they are unable to pay, they will go to Prison. It happened recently when a JR was held to a girl's face and bit her lip, badly. Sued under the DDA. Anywhere becomes a public place under UK Gun Laws and the DDA: your car, house, garden, garage .......
From Hell doesn't begin to cover it. I wonder if the Vet thought to take 'photos.? He/she may well have advice about how to proceed, they probably see a lot more of these types of attacks than previously.
Check on the Council Web-site if there is a Dog Warden and do ask the Police for advice.
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So sorry to hear about this Annie0710 - this is terrible. Your poor cat! . I can't really help re the dogs as I've never had them but have come across people who don't control them including once while camping which led to an unfortunate and in the end, abusive encounter between the two ( female) owners. I was in a camping group and witnessed this. It is so important as you say - just because you live in a rural area doesn't mean that you can let go the usual means of control. I am nervous of dogs and especially big ones so I would also have been worried with large dogs running amok in my garden....I do hope your cat recovers and also that you manage to sort things out with your neighbour - ie that he controls his dogs from now on.
Hurdity x
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Was it his dogs that he put into the car?
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Sad to read your post Annie07010. I hope your poor cat recovers and isn't now going to be frightened to be outside. I get so angry with dog owners not keeping their pets under control. I hate it even more when they say “they won't hurt you it is okay†when they come towards you off their leads. Sorry but it is not okay to someone (like myself) that doesn't own a dog and is nervous around big ones grrrr
He should definitely pay for the vets
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THank you all. He's not a neighbour. He lives in the next town. We are surrounded by fields and trees and a rural museum so is a very popular place to walk dogs. Our cat is a tortoiseshell ball of long fluff as is her black and white son. She loves coming on our dog walks with us and spends her days sitting in our front garden ready to greet us as we get home. This all happened in her safe place, her home. The owner of the dogs gave me all his details and I've been texting him updates (thought it was best to have the conversation in writing), all replies have been that he will settle all the bills which currently stands at £850 without the blood tests . I can't rock the boat with him until he's paid but I've been trying to get through to the Dog Warden with no luck at all.
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:bighug: I am so sorry to hear about your cat. What an awful thing to happen to her, and also to you. I suggest calling the vet and asking them to take photos of her current condition in case you need them. I would also get copies of the vet's notes of the treatment, and ask them to detail the condition she was in when you took her in.
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They know the situation about the dogs owner paying and they said to take his details in to them, so I assume they'd happily give a report
I rang at 6 to check on her, she's as comfortable as can be but not eating. I'll ring again 7am and vets will discuss their days plan with her and let me know . The dogs owner has just text asking if there's any update
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I am so sorry to read about your poor cat,i have cats and they only go in my back garden which is very enclosed, no dog could get in, but did have a cat years ago which was mauled by a visiting alsation, poor thing was never the same, although physically she recovered
I also have a little dog,who is always on a lead outside, but I have 2 neighbours who have dogs never on leads
2 jack Russells and 2 Staffies, I hate taking my dog even out of my gate if they are around,although they do go back to owners when called
I hope your cat recovers, I can imagine what you are going through
Are you going to report this neighbour anyway, I would still report to the dog warden
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I will report it
Our garden is in the process of being enclosed. It's huge and given the fact the move cost us our savings, plus we'd had the wedding and honeymoon booked and hubby works really long hours it's still a work in progress. The irony is I nagged him only the day before about at least getting a gate put on the path, that could well of saved her
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Hi Annie,
I am horrified to hear what has happened to your dear cat and I really hope that she will recover well from this, and that you can both get over the terrible shock. It's just so dreadful. :'(
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The owner is probably shocked too especially if he has offered to pay Bills. It maybe out of character, many owners do not realise how quickly a dog can 'switch' from being the pet on the hearth to a roaring bundle of fury. Cats are prey animals so the chase instinct kicks in. Usually a cat can escape but if dozing or getting older, their reflexes may not be as honed.
It's an awful situation. The noise. The mess .......... how is Puss this morning? Did you sleep?
There may be By-Laws about keeping dogs on leads etc., but they have to be posted by the Local Authority to the areas to which they apply. Is there a Dog Warden in your area?
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HI
I phoned vets last night and they said Bert was calm and ok
I phoned this morning too then went to work. Vet called me at 9.30am to say she has a slightly raised temperature and they're giving her meds for that. She's still not eating and her bloods showed a little concern on her liver function but given all that she's been through, she's remarkable. I asked if I could visit her on my lunch break and buy her some of her special food for when she's poorly, he thought that'd be a good idea so lunchtime I went to buy her food and got to see her! She licked all the soup and licked the chicken and that pleased the vet seeing her showing interest in food. I've left enough food with them to last her. He explained she's high on meds so isn't realising she's still fragile so thinks she can run around. He said she's been on the nurses laps too. She may come home tomorrow, they will assess her again in the morning. Whilst I was there the receptionist mentioned the cost, currently at £1038, and asked if I could start paying today. I explained that the owner of the dogs is paying so I left a message for him to call the vet. Whilst I was talking to the receptionist he phoned and settled the bill and said he's aware there'll be more costs
I took photos of Bert whilst I was there but not sure how I post photos on here
I'll call nurses again soon but I'm a happier Bert Mum today x
Ps we got Bert at 8 weeks and was told he was a boy, hence her name !
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Oh Annie I'm so sorry to read about what happened to Bert, it turned my stomach just reading about it.
I hope she makes a full recovery and is home with you soon.
ps we thought we had a tom cat when we got our cat didn't discover he was a she until the vet informed us so we now have a lovely ginger queen x
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So pleased to hear there are signs of improvement, and also that the dog owner is taking responsibility. I do hope she can come home soon.
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Ginger females aren't as rare as is thought ;-). One needs a tortoiseshell somewhere along the line to get the various colourations.
So pleased to hear that Bert is improving and no doubt she was pleased to see you with the best food a Cat-mum will provide ;-). You were pleased to see her perking up too!
You may need to keep her crated to keep her quiet if she comes home, perhaps the Surgery will lend you one. Also remember that sometimes food slightly warmed is tempting to cats as it encourages the nasal cavity = yummy.
Did U sleep? Hopefully the owner of the dog/s will continue to pay. His dogs need to be kept muzzled when out in public !
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I did manage to sleep, around midnight after taking my tablet for my back. Vets gave me another number for dog warden so I'll try them again tomorrow. We've moved to a Victorian cottage and there's a big old door from the kitchen to the stairs so Bert will stay up there until she's stronger. We have a litter tray and I've just ordered an electric tap/Water cat thing as she prefers drinking from taps so this seems the closest we can get for her to mimic a tap running
X
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I wonder why they drink water that we wouldn't touch ::) ........ stale from puddles or straight from the tap ........
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Annie, I am so sorry to hear about what happened to Bert. I hope you get her home soon and that she will soon recover her health and equilibrium.
CLKD, there's nowt so strange as cats when it comes to drinking water. One of ours would only drink from ponds and puddles, and when he was ill I would have to traipse down to our pond for his water supply. I suppose he didn't like the chlorine in tap water. A colleague's cat would only drink from a proper drinking glass which had to be placed in the bath!
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They have such a strong sense of smell probably ???
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I called vets for our evening update. She hasn't eaten since I saw her. She's back on the drip (they disconnect it for exercise time and when I visited). They may feed her by tube tomorrow as they have been trying to feed by syringe but don't want to start a bad habit. Nurse said they might also give her more appetite stimulant like they did today. They're thinking it's probsbly because her tummy is so swollen and sore too. But until she eats and it passes through I doubt she'll be home
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Oh dear Annie0710 I do hope Bert picks up today. So worrying for you.
I can imagine the dog owner will be keeping his dogs on a lead in future after paying the vets fees. Not one he will wish to repeat
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HI all
Bert started eating the food I left there in the night so they've allowed her home today. I'm upstairs with her now. She's on tablets to help her liver function properly and 2 different antibiotics and pain relief. Back Friday for a check up and back in 2 weeks for stitches out. To be kept in 3 weeks, but I'll be happy if she never leaves the house again
Waiting for Dog Warden to call me back
X
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Oh Annie, I'm so relieved to hear she's back home with you. It's such an horrific story, truly horrendous.
Lots of love and cuddles and she'll be on the road to recovery before you know it.
Lots of love xxx
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PHEW! don't over feed even if she is keen. Vomiting would pull the bruising and cats tend to eat fast and then chuck up ::)
Maybe this dog owner is on the radar of Police or Dog Warden so doesn't want to have them involved? How did he *really* seem during the incident ?
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He's been good. He's paid up again today, another £106
He was/is genuinely concerned. It's been a massive emotional and financial lesson to him I hope.
I have to keep watching Bert for signs of things going wrong. Not just the incision sites (she has 2, long one on the right hand side and a shorter one on her tummy. Her anus and vaginal opening are both shaved as the dogs caught her there too. But it's the liver too, I have to monitor her behaviour. It's a different stress now she's in my care, there was peace of mind whilst she was staying with the vet. All the staff have individually asked the story, so I'm assuming it's not as common as I thought it might be
X
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Caring can be tiring so when you want to cuddle up do so, doze together :cat88:
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Really pleased to hear she's home, however it sounds like she will be returning to the vets for checkups and maybe need pills in the future so ensure that the dog owner realises that bills don't stop just because she's home.
I'm sure she's happier to be home with you, and that will help her recover. Hugs to both of you.
p.s. your dog warden sounds as effective as ours, aka useless!
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They didn't call back x
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Hi Rockhopper
He has shown to be very caring and very sorry. He spent 30+ minutes trawling the hedges around our house looking for her and following fresh trails (it was about 4deg on Monday morning), it was me who suggested he stopped and went home as Bert probably would associate him with her trauma.
I want signs up if it's illegal to have dogs off their leads in our lane, which I think it is. Once they're over the gate I think as long as they're responsible owners they can be off the lead, but until this Dept get back to me I don't know the law
We had a sleepless night. Our shih tzu sleeps with us so my son had Bert with him. We were all awake at 3am trying to get her collar on her as she started licking her wounds. Trying to catch a strong willed cat under beds etc is hard work and in the process her water went everywhere.
She's on 3 pills twice a day and the vet sold me this fantastic meat putty that you pull bits off and put the pill inside. It's fantastic as the pill is swallowed straight away, I also bought a pill pusher if she didn't like the meat putty but I'd say it gives the same reaction as Cat Nip does, she's begging for more straight after so I'll pop into vets today to buy some more x
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So pleased to hear that Bert is finally on the mend. Keep us posted on her progress
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Don't over feed her.
The Dog Warden may well not phone back. She may decide to call to see you. I would ask the Vet. treating Bert what the usual procedure might be and also, get in touch with the Environment Office at your Council regarding the Dog Warden. Planning Dept. may well have advice on the various by-Laws in your area or a Member of your Parish Council?
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They've never called back. Dog warden doesn't exist they said yesterday. Enforcement officer I think it is.
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So they could have told you that previously! :-\ it should show on the Council web-site, ours has all the Officers in the various depts. listed.
How is Bert today?
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I got through to the right dept it's just they haven't called back. I looked on the gate today and it says all dogs to be kept on a lead so that must mean the lane as well as the fields
Bert's depressed when the collar is on, we saw the vet today and he said there's a vest/baby gro we can buy that stops them getting at their stitches. So I'll see how she goes tonight. She's still not poo'd but hasn't really eaten much but vet felt for blockages and couldn't find any so it's just waiting for the food to go through her now. She likes her water fountain. Vet wants to see us Monday morning again
The dog owner text asking how the appointment went. He's offered to do vet appointments if it gets too much / or if my new job starts amid all this. I can just imagine Berts face if she saw him or his dogs again
X
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So Baby-gro it is? Or a T-shirt or jumper cut up ;-)
They HATE those collars. Even if they are opaque. (which was my idea ;) though never got round to putting in for a Patent ::) ).
I expect her body is using every ounce of food in the healing process.
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I've had to take the collar off again. She's so down it's heartbreaking. Not even wanting her treats so I didn't give her her evening meds, I'll try again in a bit. She grew wise to the liver putty, started nibbling around the tablet and leaving the pill
I'll have to go to the vets in the morning and buy the outfit for her to wear
X
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Hi Annie0710
Only just read this so sorry to hear about your poor cat she must be traumatised sending you both big hugs and hope things improve soon.
Love Lanzalover x
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Thanks Lanzalover xx
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Those collars can make them depressed. Did you visit the Vet.? Mine got wise to his tablets, I would find them spat out under the radiators along the skirting boards ::). If you are with her, why bother with the collar.
Any news this evening?
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She didn't have a vet appt today, that's Monday but my son collected her Baywatch vest earlier. She spat her liver function tablet out and went under the bed so missed out on her ABs. I had to go out to my daughters as it's SILs bday and I just felt so stressed. That's day 2 of no painkillers because she's not eating (metacam gets mixed in her chicken soup) and the pill disaster. She's upstairs as she could potentially escape downstairs. I haven't even attempted to get the vest on, that'll be a massive mission itself. I went back up with cheese to coax her from under the bed but she refused so I opened up the bedroom door to give her all upstairs again and she came out so out camr the pill pusher and I got them down her whilst she was growling . It's now time for her evening meds but I'll have to wait a few hours to space them out.
I feel so stressed with it all today x
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Of course you feel stressed. The Vet/Nurses make it look *so* easy when popping pills down. If she is eating Metacam I wouldn't worry too much. It's better for her to rest and heal ....... any tablets down are a bonus. What does she like to eat best, feed that separately from medication as I swear ours could smell anything different even when I popped it into food when they were outdoors ::).
If she requires pain relief, the Vet. can give a long-lasting injection which should ease any symptoms for 2-3 days. They may suggest that you could administer it, if you feel able? I think it's given under the skin on the back of the neck - it might be a better option for you both.
Does she seem better in herself?
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She's still not really eating. Has done 1 poo since last Monday and a few wees. I put the metacam in a bit of her soup but have given her her whiskas dry food in a bowl to nibble on as she (normally) loves them. I don't think she's had her painkiller again(about day 3 now)
I got the tablets down her today, after I found 2 of them spat out. I think she keeps them in her mouth til my backs turned then expels them
I just went up to check on her and she loves me again, following me around up there. So I'm forgiven until later when it all starts again. She bit me last night doing the pills. Felt like a blood test.
I might save her pills tomorrow morning until we're at the vets and he can do it !
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Good idea! How far do you live from the Surgery, is it worth while taking her to have the pills popped down or could 1 of the Nurses visit? OK you'll probably need to pay for a visit but if it saves time and extra stress for your both? If you don't ask ;-).
Mine seemed to grow 8 legs with extra claws on each paw at such times ::)
At least if she is feisty I expect that she is improving! If she were lethargic and taking the pills without fighting back ;)
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She is lethargic, but I guess to an extent that's understandable because of all the trauma she's suffered this past week. One week tomorrow this all happened and her emergency surgery
We live close to the local one but I had to transfer her quickly to the main one with 24/7 care last Monday but I'm really hoping tomorrow is the last pill day
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Oh Annie I am so sorry to read about your poor cat & I do hope she gets better soon - what an awful time you have had. I have been reading about this last week as to how she's getting on.
I hope you don't mind me posting this - it is something I was sent years ago when my poor old cat (called Fanny) needed to be given pills & I had similar problems to you - it is a light hearted story & I hope it makes you smile & you aren't offended in any way :-*:
1) Pick up cat and cradle it in the crock of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of the cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
2) Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.
3) Retrieve cat from bedroom and throw soggy pill away.
4) Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm while holding rear paws tightly with left hand Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.
5) Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Retrieve spouse from outside.
6) Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees. Hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold hear firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.
7) Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.
8) Wrap cat i large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible form below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
9) Check label to make sure pill is not harmful to humans. Drink one beer to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.
10) Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Open another beer. Place cat in cupboard and close door on neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.
11) Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Drink beer. Fetch bottle of scotch. Pour shot of scotch and drink. Apply cold compress to cheek and check record for date of last tetanus shot. Apply whiskey compress to cheek to disinfect. Toss back another shot. Throw shirt away and fetch new on from bedroom.
12) Call fire department to retrieve cat from across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.
13) Tie the little &#^@'s front legs to rear legs with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of steak. Be rough about it. Hold cat's head vertically and pour two pints of water down throat to wash pill down.
14) consume remainder of scotch. Get spouse to drive you to the ER. Sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.
15) Arrange for SPCA to collect mutant cat from hell and call local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.
How To Give Your Dog A Pill
1) Wrap pill in bacon.
2) Toss it in the air.
Cazi xx
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Cazikins I really laughed out loud reading that ! Seriously, I can relate to so much, I hope one day i can look back on this week and chuckle at our pill popping stories
I thought it was serious at first and the first bit I thought I can't cradle her as she has stitches under her tummy and on her right side, it's impossible to pick her up. She was in my sons room earlier on his bed, with a bowl of fresh wet food with metacam in, a bowl of her fav dried food and a few of her beloved Whiskas temptations .... nothing tempted her so it was pill time, after she spat the first one out she went to his window cill, it's low enough as she can't jump at the moment. So I cornered her there and tried the soggy pill again, nope it ended up flicked on his bedside lampshade, even soggier, so I put it back in the pill pusher and held her head up for ages til I saw her swallow, managed the other pills. Went out and came back in to make peace with her and noticed the big blue liver function pill laying on sons bedroom carpet, I could've cried, by then she'd gone to another room to avoid me
It's a nightmare
Food delivery came tonight so I unpacked it all, went to put some toiletries on the stairs to take up later and she was there, at the bottom of stairs waiting for the door to the stairs to open, it shocked me and I dropped one of the new luxury cat food tins on her tail, she bolted to the kitchen so I had to quickly shut the back door, which has access to the cat flap (she won't use it unless it's permanently sellotaped open) but I reckon in desperation she'd go through it right now! Hubby came and together we tried getting her from under the table, nope she weren't having it...long story short she walked around looking at changes in the lounge we've made since she's been upstairs, then tried jumping on dining table and failed miserably, I think that hurt her and so she readily went back upstairs, now we've got to be really careful opening the door to the stairs x
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When ours went to ground I used a feather - moving it slowly to tempt them to notice and not grabbing for ages ;-).
She sounds like she'll be fine. I wouldn't push anything until the morning when she's been for the next appt., it is too stressful for your all! Keep tempting her, have you tried freshly opened tuna or salmon ;-)
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I haven't tried fish as the vet (nearly said dr then) said to feed her gentle things as her stomach is fragile from the injuries/surgery. So I've kept to chicken, which she usually loves. Hubby 'pulled' some of the chicken for her that we had with our roast..... nope not interested! X
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Maybe her sense of smell is impaired, have you tried heating it which can encourage cats to eat. After all, they get warm food in the wild. Or open a tin of fish which is easier to eat then chicken in that it doesn't take as much chewing and pour the juice into a dish? Not too much though 'cos it might a little salty. If she laps it, pour juice over a piece of chicken?
She'll have you running to MacDonalds next ;-)
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THe things we do for her, in her healthy days she's like Lady Muck, as I've said we have to sellotape the cat flap permanent open so she has her freedom, we have to wait for her for dog walks, as she likes to tag along. Her son has to make do with the food SHE likes. My son sits perched on the end of HER sofa if she's there before him. The dogs avoid being near her as she'll swipe them one minute or just ignore them the next. Although since this she's been letting the shih-tzu get closer to her on the bed, I don't think he can believe his luck x
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Sounds about 'right' then :catscratch: :cat88: :cat48: been there etc..
How is she today?
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Vet saw her today, she has s temperature so we have a new plan:
Vets morning and evening for at least the next 3 days where they will give ABs by injection and pain relief by injection and will give her tramadol pill plus her liver pill. They're a bit concerned she has an infection :-(
I took the vest with me but she said she's more concerned on her health/wellbeing than her stitches right now so no vest on x
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That's good that the Vets. are taking responsibility for pain relief, that way you can be 'mum' with the comfort blanket ;-). How are you both this evening?
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Not good news:
Bert was under sons bed all day, so another day of no food. We took her to her vets appt and she didn't give injections but got us to drive her straight to the other vets, we've just dropped her off and signed everything again :-(
They're putting in IV and giving her a general to scan her this evening. They haven't even took her out of her carrier, so she's gone in their holder in her carrier and they'll unzip it
I'm fearing the worst now. I've broke down and cried in both surgeries this evening ..... x
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Oh Annie0710. I have been following your thread and worrying about you and Bert. I hope she has a peaceful night even although I doubt you will. She is in the right place for help though. Everything crossed for you xx
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Thank you Herdwick
Hubby and me (and my son) are heartbroken
Vets have called, scan went ok and they're running bloods now. Peritonitis is still a possibility. They'll ring me in the morning. We are just sitting here stunned at how all this has gone xxx
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Thank you
We should get the blood results back by 10am
Xx
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Annie you and Bert were on my mind all night. I know how stressful it can be when your fur baby is really poorly.
I really hope she starts to pick up very soon. It sounds like you've got a very caring/understanding vet which can be half the battle.
I'm sending you lots of love and I've got every thing crossed for you all.
Lots of love xxx
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Thank you claireylou xx
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As long as she gets ABs IV she should pull through. They are tougher than they look? .........
I'll be out of wifi ....... :-\
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Same here xxx :tulips:
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You're all so sweet, thank you!
We haven't told hardly anyone in real life about this as so many don't like cats
Berts home again.....!
This time we're doing it differently, she's downstairs amongst the other pets in the hope that spurs her on to get back to normality. Vet said try ‘anything, literally anything' to get her spirits and wellbeing back to normal. So hubby will have cereal later in the hope she joins him like she used to x
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Oh Annie, thanks so much for the update.
Keeping her downstairs with the other pets is a great idea, it may well spur her on.
When mine have been poorly I've gone out and bought tinned salmon or tuna and even cream to tempt them. Really hope she enjoys her cereal :)
Lots of love xxx
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Thank you
Well she gagged over the milk, so we've left her some salmon soup (cats version)
She's all over the scratch pad, cuddling it
This is (so far) the best we've seen her but each time the back door is opened she's running to get out so we've got to be soooooo careful x
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Aw Hasty, your story is so encouraging, thank you
They told us she must stay in for at least 3 weeks, but given that the first week can't be counted, 3 weeks will start from now. She's wandering around so much, her son has just polished off her food but maybe she'll eat better if we leave her with none she might fancy it more at regular mealtimes x
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Hand feed her so that you can judge how much she is/not eating. The end of a finger covered in cream or condensed milk? Our 2 gingers would kill for condensed milk, ;D if they knew it - or cheese - was in the fridge they would sit by the shut door for hours. Small pieces of ham. Tuna. Salmon. Anything that is stinky. In small amounts, regularly. If she appears not to be drinking a pipette into the side of the mouth will help.
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She has her new water fountain that she quite likes. I've left a saucer of some dried food higher up on the desk so the shih tzu doesn't get it (she loves the computer chair so we've pulled that out for her to lay on), she's just had some Temptation treats , only about 5 but better than nothing. She just seems more upbeat :-) x
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That's brilliant news Annie! Great that she's had something to eat and lovely to hear that she seems more upbeat! Wonderful news xxx
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Hopefully this is the proper start of her recovery... fingers x'd x
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Got everything crossed for you xxx
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Glad to hear Bert is back home.
Keeping everything crossed for a full recovery. And just for you :bighug:
Lanzalover x
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Hi Annie,
Sorry things haven't been too good, but I'm pleased to hear Bert seems to be much better now. What a relief for you!
I hope it will be plain sailing for you all now. xxxx
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Thanks ladies
We're (Bert and me) are awake and waiting for the last person to leave the house then she'll be downstairs where she prefers and where I'm on tenterhooks in case the doorbell goes and she bolts ! X
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Hi Annie0710
I've been following this thread - what a traumatic experience you and Bert have had. I'm so glad things seem to be improving.
As a fellow cat slave, I did have to chuckle about you saying that you had to tape the cat flap open. This reminded me of one memorable winter where we had to do the same. One of our 3 cats is definitely intellectually challenged - no other cat we've ever had has had a problem with the flap but, as a youngster, this one just couldn't get it. Oh, that cold whistling draught which seemed to make your feet cold in the downstairs part of the house, no matter where you were .... We got there in the end, after my husband just lost patience, got firm and said he couldn't stand it any more.
Hopefully you have the medicine administration sorted now, but for the future, I recommend Webbox Lick-e-Lix which is a creamy-consistency treat. We find the liver flavoured one goes down very well (it smells disgusting!) and is good for hiding meds.
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HI Evie
I think when the time comes for her to be able to go out we will NOT be sellotaping the cat flap either, if she's desperate I'm sure she'll pluck up the courage to use it (I'll report back on this one, what's the betting we get the tape and scissors out again when we panic she hasn't come back in ?)
Bugger still isn't eating so her food with the painkiller drizzled on is currently in the microwave so no other pet gets relief that they don't need. She's got only one pill left to take and I'll do that later
It's the eating that worries me. So, I'm going to starve her today and will take ALL offers away in the hope she'll at least eat this meat with the metacam on x
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Hi Annie
It's such a worry, I know. Cats can be contrary creatures about eating at the best of times, but when they're ill and you know they should be having metacam but won't eat anything it can drive you to distraction. We have an arthritic cat who periodically needs metacam but won't touch any food with it in. We have to syringe it into his mouth (he just loves that, as you can imagine) although we know he'll eat afterwards so it's OK.
I hope Bert gets her appetite back soon. x
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Evie I asked the vet if I can syringe the metacam down her throat and they no, it HAS to go on food..... doesn't make sense to me x
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Annie that's weird. Whenever I've had to give my cats metacam, our vet says always give with food. He says it's easiest to syringe down the throat very closely followed by some food. As long as it's not given on a completely empty tum. How is she this evening xxx ?
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Maybe they're telling me no because she's not eating? It's a vicious circle, she won't take the food with the metacam in or even if it's not on there....so not eating and NOT getting the pain relief x
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Annie would she eat some treats like dreamiest or temptations xxx?
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Don't starve her. If she then eats too fast and vomits it will stretch her bruises :-\. A small piece of raw liver? Small piece of lightly steamed fish ........ and then decide what she might eat ;). Cheese?
Metacam is given in small squirts dependant on the animals' weight so dropping onto food makes sure that the pet doesn't get an overdose.
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I just put the bowl of food with metacam on in her face and she's licked all the juice with it on .... Halle- blimming - loolah!!!
She had a handful of biscuits earlier too.. this is the most she's earen since the trauma x
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This is fantastic news Annie!!
So happy for you xxx :)
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YIPPEE - remind her now where the litter tray is ? :cat48:
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Oh she has everything within her reach, plus she has access to the office, her 2nd fav room after the bathroom. I've certainly got a strange cat
The shih tzu chases her earlier and she can run, then stopped and started punching him so definitely coming out of this dark hole
She normally loves Temptations but hasn't been that interested in them during this, maybe one or two at the most x
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One or two is better than none at all ;)
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Also - our little cat would'd use the cat flap because she had trapped her tail in it :o .......... whereas the Siamese would go in and out for the fun of it :D.
If you are worried about her doing a runner through the door, shout through "I have to shut up the animals, do hang on a moment" or go to a window where she isn't i.e. upstairs so that she doesn't run up and over your shoulders and launch herself :o to talk to the caller? [done that too]!
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Someone called earlier and I managed it, I shut kitchen door to talk to the man x
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:medal:
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I'm so thrilled with today's update:
Bert was really affectionate in bed last night, she slept between us for ages and kept her paw touching hubby's arm
Caught her looking out at sons bedroom window this morning
Brought her downstairs for the day/evening. She's licked the fish soup with her metacam in. Took her last AB. I had sprinkled some cat nip on her beloved scratch post and she's been playing on that and swiping the balls hanging from it, our shih-tzu tried to interrupt her fun and she's punched him and he's retreated back to his cushion, she's now gawping out the lounge window
I'm a happy Bert mum :-)
X
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Great news ,so happy for you all ! :)
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Great news Annie. If she's back to punching the dog she's well on the mend xxx ;D
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I'm so happy for you all, Annie - that's wonderful news. :cat88: :-*
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Thank you ladies xx
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Sounds like Bert has finally turned the corner so pleased for you both.
Lanzalover x
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She really has, and so suddenly. She's now got us leaving access to upstairs open (we've always kept it animal-free) so she can lay on our bed. Talk about Lady Muck lol x
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Hi Annie0710 - I've been following your and Bert's story since the first day and so pleased to hear he is on the mend after such a traumatic time. You must be feeling in top of the world with relief - and let's hope this is really it now for good :) :cat48:
Hurdity x
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I'm another following your posts, what a relief that she's getting better.
:cat88:
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Yes, Bert is a ‘she'
Hubby brought her home at 8 weeks, she's a long haired moggy, and beautiful. When she walks ahead of us she wiggles her bum and because of her long fur she has a look that she's wearing fluffed out pantilooms!
Anyhow, we were sold her as a boy and I waited for her testicles to drop ready to book her in for the snip, and they well, didn't drop so I googled and realised tri colour cats are nearly always girls ! So her name remained Bert, and Bertie Girl
It always causes a laugh at the vets, and during this horrible time she was known as Bert the girl cat
Another good mark of recovery, she's back to pinching my sons seat on the sofa, and he's back to being perched on the end
Our Bert is well and truly back with us x
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So so pleased for you Annie. She has been on my mind constantly.
Really chuffed xxx :)
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I really do appreciate all your lovely thoughts and good wishes
Hubby and I are suckers for animals
Bert is a one off, she loves going on dog walks and about 3 years ago she followed us on an extra long walk and even sat at the kerb as we waited to cross the road. Without warning and we couldn't understand why, she darted in front of a people carrier. She got hit by the back wheel and it happened so fast all we saw was tufts of her gorgeous fur flying up in the air. She'd ran off straight away. We went to look for her but couldn't find her. About 2 hrs later she came walking down the garden, I whisked her off to the vet and they couldn't find any injuries, but that's when she developed her quirky ways, we think she suffered mild brain damage as she'd refuse to use the cat flap to come in, she'd go out of it ok but would knock on the front door to come in. We lost her for 4 days another time, I was frantic and was speaking to a neighbour who remembered her garage was open the day I said she'd vanished. Sure enough Bert was in a box in her garage. She's now 6 1/2 and has given me more sleepless nights than the other lot put together x
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Brilliant news Annie 0710
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we've just got back from her follow up . She's been quite down today, she's not eaten the food that had the metacam on, just her biscuits. Vet is very happy with her though and said her sadness and irritability is because she still has pain, so...... I'm goung to syringe 2mg of metacam into her throat twice a day and encourage her to eat her biscuits. She's just had 2mg, I have another tooth piercing in my index finger but who cares? She's had some pain relief x
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Good news. Pity that the Vet didn't give a long-lasting pain relieve injection! What's her temptation to be this evening: warmed through steamed trout?
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Oh god no! She's literally gagging at things other than her dried food. I opened a tin of mackerels this morning for her and one sniff and she gagged x
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Her partner in crime is doing well then ;D
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Hope everything is ok with Bert.
Lanzalover x
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HI Ya, yes thanks she's doing ok. Vet was happy yesterday but said she really does need her pain meds. The muscles that were ripped (3 layers they said) and her surgery still has internal swelling and bruising. They've decided to take her stitches out next Wednesday on day 17 x
She now wants to drink from the kitchen tap again but can't jump so we leave a chair there for her to climb on x
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Only while she's drinking or we notice she wants a drink . We don't go out leaving it running. We bought her a pet water fountain which she has been using but has remembered she likes the tap ! X
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It's really good, a work colleague sent me the link on amazon, I didn't know they existed, Bert does love her fresh running water x
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Hello Annie0710,
I'm newbie, was following your thread with a lump in my throat and now I'm so glad she's ok. I also am a cat's Mum, he's a sweet boy who also likes to drink from the tap when I'm home and from the water fountain when I'm not (most of the time, unfortunately). I know he does because his head is always wet 😂
I wish your Bert a speedy recovery! 😽
Conolly x
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Hi Conolly
Lovely to meet you. I'm glad Berts not the only tap drinker, actually I had a tom, Harry who did as well, but that was years ago x
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As an aside my Great Dane would turn on the tap for a drink but never turn it off ::) - he would bark when he had finished. It was a long handle tap rather than 2 turn ons and if the water was too hot he would woof.
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Lol Bert can turn taps on sometimes but hasn't mastered switching off after she's finished x
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I had a giggle with this one, thank you CLKD ;D
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You are welcome.
How R U both this morning Annie?
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Yes going good thanks CLKD
I'm back to work tomorrow so Bert will stay upstairs with everything she needs til I'm Home @ 5.45, because we have the groomer coming to pick the shih tzu up for his spa day and dropping him back off. I've text her saying Bert is recovering upstairs
Bert had a good amount of her dried food at breakfast so down went that 4mg of metacam. She's preferring to sleep on the rug next to my side of the bed a lot lately x
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Onwards and upwards? Don't forget a large litter tray tomorrow ;)
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Yeah she's been using the lidded litter tray but without the lid so it's a nice large tray for her
She's asleep now next to my son on their sofa x
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AHHHA. :-*
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So pleased to read that Bert's starting to recover.
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Thank you getting_old, yes she's doing really good, a way to go but definitely heading in the right direction at long last x
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Bert had her stitches out tonight and has been discharged. She's still not jumping above chair level but is now pain med-free. So a few more weeks of staying in, and forever if she's too nervous to leave the house again (we'd rather she chose the latter) x
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Oh Annie that's fantastic news! I've been thinking about her, it's so lovely to hear she's doing alright xxx :)
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Oh well done you! {{{ BERT }}}
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THank you
I forgot to say, she'd pulled most of the stitches out herself lol x
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Oh Annie0710 that's great news.
Lanzalover x
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When they lick their saliva heals ;-)
How is she this morning?
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Great news that she's doing so well.
On the subject of her going out - my cat was in indoor cat from the age of 5 and she was fine (in fact, when we got the dog I'll swear the cat used to laugh at the dog having to go outside in the cold for toilet!). My cat was a couple of months off 18 years old when she succumbed to renal failure, so staying indoors for the best part of 13 years did her no harm at all.
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We live on a road with 36,000 vehicles across it daily :o so 2 of our 3 lived inside all the while. As long as they had access to clean! litter trays and plenty of toys they were fine. The other cat would run under the wheels of our car ::) fortunately we knew so I would hop out and shoo him out of the way. If I wanted him in at night he would lay under a bush, slightly out of arm's length, purring :D
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This should be idyllic for our pets. Country lane, 3 houses with huge open fields. But it's the dog walkers who think their lovely calm dogs are ok off the lead. I hope she loves staying in so much she won't ever want to go out again but we can't carry on like this forever. Her son can't get into our home unless we hear him cry. He has access to the back porch where food and water is but not our home as we're having to keep the back door shut. It just isn't fair on him short term let alone alone long term
2 firsts for Bert today and I've only been in from work 15 mins.....she jumped on the bath edge hoping I'd run sink tap then following me downstairs and jumped into the worktop, before she's sat near the chair to get us to move it near the sink...so really good progress xx
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Could you treat yourselves to a camera that clicks onto your TV when puss approaches the porch? or as it's almost C.mas, teach him to sing ;-). Of a child alarm so that you hear him purring as he eats so that you can let him in [clear as mud?]
I don't like cats with collars - there are flaps that react to magnets but I suspect that Boy and his Mum would put heads together and he would hold open the cat flap for her to go out ::)
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LOL CLKD !
He came home briefly tonight then cried to go back out. We think someone is feeding him, they're both beautiful cats with long fluffy fur so wouldn't surprise me if someone's glad he's sharing us.
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Pleased to hear that she's continuing to improve, but sad to hear about the problems you're facing because of other people.
I always walk my dog on a lead but we meet so many people with dogs off the lead, despite laws saying it's not allowed >:( and they all seem to think their dogs are little angels! There's one guy who claims his dog is friendly and I've met at least 3 people who say his dog has attacked theirs - after getting attacked the first time my dog met it, mine decided to deliver the first blow and got praised by me for doing so. The guy and dog have given us a wide berth since :-X
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It really bugs me in a big way. Not only the attacking side of things (which is the worst) but these dogs run into gardens etc x
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Dog out of Control in a Public Place springs to mind.
My dog retaliated years ago. There were two farm collies which would run half into the road, regardless, as we walked by, both barking loudly. One afternoon she was off lead in a field, I could see the collies across the field: she took off, stood in front of the one that barked the most, gave a really loud set of woofs/barks, then ran back to me. I was so cross as I hadn't been able to stop her :'( but she had obviously had enough of being barked at. Wonder what had been 'said' in the previous 7 years as we walked by the collies :P
We feed the neighbours' two ......... they then go home to keep their owner happy ::)
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So pleased to hear all is well Annie 07010