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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / August 2004Relocating with an Old Cat
Here I am again. I've posted on this group about a gazillion times the past nine months about my anxiety (make that terror) about being unable to get my cat into a collapsible, hard-sided carrier, because I have to relocate to another town. She lets me pet her, sleeps with me, sometimes climbs on my lap, but WILL NOT LET ME PICK HER UP FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. People have recommended Relief Remedy, which I bought and tested on myself, and found no relief from whatsoever. I've tried catnip on her old "smelly cat" pillow, which I lined the carrier with. She sticks her head in, eats the catnip, then vamooses. The SPCA advised throwing a towel over her, but this will only terrify her; and she *does* have long powerful claws. She's at least 13, but probably older, and the thing that alarms me the most is that we'll be moving from a wooded environment in which she has had her freedom to roam (as well as to be in the house) to a rental apartment on a Main Street. The Main Street is in a relatively small town, and ironically the small town is in one of the most remote parts of our state. But it's still Main Street, and I'm so afraid that if I actually get her transported, she'll run into the street and die. Are my terrors unusual for an owner of a former feral? Is there ANYTHING I can do to make sure that, on moving day, she'll get into the carrier? Should I try to grab her in that towel the SPCA-guy recommended, then "drop" her into the top-loading carrier? Oh, I'm heartsick with worrying. MacCandace, if you're here, I'd particularly love to hear from you. You were so reassuring a few months ago, when I thought I'd be moving then. If there are any safe cat tranquilizers (I mean REALLY safe), could someone tell me please where to get them? I'm so sick worrying about this move, and losing her, I think it'll kill *me*! > Here I am again. I've posted on this group about a gazillion times > the past nine months about my anxiety (make that terror) about being > unable to get my cat into a collapsible, hard-sided carrier, because I > have to relocate to another town. She lets me pet her, sleeps with > me, sometimes climbs on my lap, but WILL NOT LET ME PICK HER UP FOR > ANY LENGTH OF TIME. Then the operative word is "quickly", re: getting her into the carrier. Actually, even for cats who don't mind being held for a while, that's usually imperative. ;-) > People have recommended Relief Remedy, which I bought and tested on > myself, and found no relief from whatsoever. I've tried catnip on her > old "smelly cat" pillow, which I lined the carrier with. She sticks > her head in, eats the catnip, then vamooses. Maybe a smallish item of clothing that you've worn in there, along w/ something she's been sleeping on would help a little? > The SPCA advised throwing a towel over her, but this will only terrify > her; and she *does* have long powerful claws. She's at least 13, but [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > still Main Street, and I'm so afraid that if I actually get her > transported, she'll run into the street and die. If you'll be on Main Street, personally I'd keep her inside once you move. I grew up in a smallish village (maybe 1,000 people), but there was plenty of traffic on Main Street - not only cars but trucks, even in the 50's & 60's - definitely enough to be dangerous for a pet. > Are my terrors unusual for an owner of a former feral? Is there > ANYTHING I can do to make sure that, on moving day, she'll get into > the carrier? Should I try to grab her in that towel the SPCA-guy > recommended, then "drop" her into the top-loading carrier? My idea: on moving day I think I'd put the carrier in the bathroom - smallest room, w/ no real place to hide & she would still be reachable no matter what. And not let her see you putting the carrier in there & leave the top hatch open, making sure the front door is securely latched. Then, if you could lure her into the bathroom, or else wait till she's *just* outside the bathroom door, scoop her up quick, quick, & drop her into the carrier. Unless you need to confine her during the move because of people going in & out and the door(s) opening & shutting constantly - then more along the lines of the next paragraph. Or move her first, securing her in the bathroom of the new place, then going back to move everything from the present place to the new one. Or sort of a combo of any of the three that would work for you & her, depending upon you own situation... When I moved, my first - & at that time, only - cat was 14. I had her in the bathroom of the old place when my friends were helping me to move everything out - with a large note on the bath door saying not to open the door & why. After everything'd been delivered here, I went back & got her - my move was only a matter of a mile or less. I don't remember putting her into the carrier, but I bet it was the usual ordeal - she always fought it like crazy. I bet I had the carrier all ready & snuck it into the bathroom quick, quick, then struggled a bit getting her in there - she was also all claws & stretched out legs whenever I had to get her into a carrier - & I didn't have a top-loading one back then! Anyway, in general she did fine, & was so interested in the new house - examining it methodically room-by-room, when I opened the carrier here, that she honestly didn't seem the least bit traumatized once I got her over here. > Oh, I'm heartsick with worrying. MacCandace, if you're here, I'd > particularly love to hear from you. You were so reassuring a few [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > someone tell me please where to get them? I'm so sick worrying about > this move, and losing her, I think it'll kill *me*! If you work out the logistics of the whole deal first, I think it'll go okay. Or maybe even well. :-) Good luck. Cathy Cowa Bungie <cowabungie@yahoo.com> wrote in rec.pets.cats.health+behav: > If there are any safe cat tranquilizers (I mean REALLY safe), could > someone tell me please where to get them? I'm so sick worrying about > this move, and losing her, I think it'll kill *me*! I moved my 15 years over two days in the car. She HATES the carrier, but actually decided she liked it given the alternative. I wanted to tranquilize her, but the vet said it's much more dangerous to do that than let her be upset. That's where my suggestion comes in: Let it get upset. I know we want to protect our babies from every little thing and make sure they are always warm, safe, and happy, but they really are much more resilient than we give them credit, and we run their lives,, not the other way around. I go with what the SPCA guy said. Towel, drop, shut. The cat won't like it, but it is neither painful nor injurious. For you, try some Kava Kava. ;)  SignatureBrandy??Alexandre? http://www.swydm.com/?refer=BrandyAlx Well, would you? << Oh, I'm heartsick with worrying. MacCandace, if you're here, I'd particularly love to hear from you. You were so reassuring a few months ago, when I thought I'd be moving then. >> I'm here. First, I agree with what the others said. You had better make her an indoor only cat at your new place. She's older so it may not bother her and, even if it does bother her, they usually get over it after a few weeks. Just make sure she has some window perches and give her a lot of attention when you're around. She won't let you pick her up for any length of time? 2 of my cats are like that. But you can pick her up, right? All you need is a few seconds. Have the carrier in the bathroom, like Cathy said, and pick her up while covering her eyes, get the bathroom door shut so she can't bolt, and get her in the carrier as fast as possible. If it isn't the top loading kind (mine aren't), set it up on it's back so the door is on top and open. Then, while petting her and covering her eyes, push her in, hind feet first, stuff her in there, and get the door closed quick. (I just went back and read that it is the top loading kind of carrier.) Or use the towel method. Once she's in there, keep the carrier covered while in the car and put your radio on with nice, soothing music, and try to drown out the howling, if she does that. Mine do and it is very disconcerting but you need to keep your eyes and mind on the road, not her. She'll be okay in there and, if you're lucky and the trip is very long, she will quiet down after awhile. Spray some Feliway in the carrier, liberally, to calm her. Maybe spray some on the towel and on a towel in the carrier, too. I agree with you, I have never found Rescue Remedy in the least bit helpful...altho other have. I think the only place you could get tranquilizers would be from a vet and, if I recall correctly, you don't want to take her to one because of her skittishness. I understand your fear as I have a former feral, too. I can, however, get him in a carrier. It's just that he freaks once in it and I worry about taking him to the vet as there have been major incidents at the vet in the past with him. Refresh our memory...how far will the trip be? I hope not so far that you have to take her out of the carrier at any time. If it's just a few hours, leave her in there, no matter what. You don't want her getting loose in the car on the road and being able to bolt out of your car somewhere in fear. When are you moving? Just keep her in the carrier and when you get to your new place, don't let her out anymore. My former feral never goes out. He is so skittish he would freak out. Can you get her into the carrier while she's sleeping even if it means she might have to be in there a little longer? That's what I would try to do...get her when she least expects it. I feel for you. I have vowed to never leave the city I live in, partly for that reason, but I understand you have to relocate. Candace (take the litter out before replying by e-mail) See my cats: http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace "One does not meet oneself until one catches the reflection from an eye other than human." (Loren Eisely) > Spray some Feliway in the carrier, liberally, to calm her. Maybe spray some > on the towel and on a towel in the carrier, too. I agree with you, I have > never found Rescue Remedy in the least bit helpful...altho other have. Rescue Remedy is labelled as a 5X homeopathic preparation. This means one ounce of the herb in 100,000 ounces of water -- more than 780 gallons, or - about 15 1/2 old-fashioned clawfoot bathtubs full. And then they apparently only fill 3/4 of your bottle with this, and fill the rest with alcohol. Homeopaths claim that the higher the number the *more* potent it is. I've seen several other homeopathic remedies labelled as 12X, which would be one ounce of herb in 1,000,000,000,000 ounces of water (more than 7.8 billion gallons). Sound more potent to you? The "most" potent homeopathic remedies I've seen for sale are labelled 30C. This dilution would be one ounce herb in 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 (1 with 60 zeroes, if it were 30X it would be 1 with 30 zeroes) ounces of water. Doesn't it sound potent? According to homeopaths, what makes their mixtures potent, instead of being just absurdly weak dilutions, is banging the bottle of mixture against your palm or a felt pad 100 times. Signaturejamie (jamiemck@newsguy.com) "There's a seeker born every minute." >From: jamie@spam-me-silly.net (jamie) >Rescue Remedy is labelled as a 5X homeopathic preparation. This is not true. Rescue Remedy is not a homeopathic. It is flower essences. http://www.petsynergy.com/flower.html#C1 >Homeopaths claim that the higher the number the *more* potent it is. >I've seen several other homeopathic remedies labelled as 12X, which >would be one ounce of herb in 1,000,000,000,000 ounces of water >(more than 7.8 billion gallons). Sound more potent to you? It's not about the amount, but rather how many times it's been succussed (shaken). >The "most" potent homeopathic remedies I've seen for sale are >labelled 30C. There are stronger ones. They end in an "M" I highly recommend reading up on homeopathy. Here are some sites: http://www.homeopathic.org/ http://www.homeovet.net/index.html Personally, I've not had any success with animals as yet, but I have had great success with my own allergies using homeopathy. Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm >>From: jamie@spam-me-silly.net (jamie) > >>Rescue Remedy is labelled as a 5X homeopathic preparation. > > This is not true. Rescue Remedy is not a homeopathic. It is flower essences. It's a homeopathic dilution of flower "essences," specifically a 5X dilution. >>Homeopaths claim that the higher the number the *more* potent it is. >>I've seen several other homeopathic remedies labelled as 12X, which [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > It's not about the amount, but rather how many times it's been succussed > (shaken). Homeopathic theory is equivalent to saying that the less sugar you put in your coffee, the sweeter it will become, provided you shake it enough. If you wish to believe that shaking a bottle of water with a few molecules of substance in it makes it powerful, you go right ahead. You're perfectly free to do so. Just don't expect everyone else to believe that shaking a bottle of water turns it into medicine, or that the more you dilute something, the more powerful it is. I just wanted to give people an idea of what they were paying good money for: shaken water, or shaken water with alcohol. In many homeopathic products, the tolerances for parts-per-million of impurities in the water they're made with are higher than the remaining "active" homeopathic ingredient. One has to wonder why the impurities aren't made potent by the shaking instead of the homeopathic ingredient. At homeopathic dilutions of 12C or 24X, it can be proven mathematically that there is only a 50/50 chance that even *one* molecule of the ingredient remains in the water. At higher "potencies" there is very little chance of even one molecule being in the bottle. > Personally, I've not had any success with animals as yet, but I have had great > success with my own allergies using homeopathy. Some percent of people in the placebo group in most any medical study will report symptom relief from taking placebo. You may have missed the coverage of the Belgian skeptics mass "suicide" attempt by each drinking a goblet full of very "potent" over the counter 30C homeopathic remedies, such as arsenic, snake poison, nightshade, etc. http://www.csicop.org/si/2004-05/belgium.html http://www.homeowatch.org/articles/jaroff.html http://www.randi.org/jr/060404mass.html Now, I'm not against herbal medicine, when there are actual herbs involved, and they are known to have a beneficial effect, and not a bottle of water that might maybe have microscopic traces of an herbel in it. Signaturejamie (jamiemck@newsguy.com) "There's a seeker born every minute." >From: jamie@spam-me-silly.net (jamie) >> Personally, I've not had any success with animals as yet, but I have had >great >> success with my own allergies using homeopathy. > >Some percent of people in the placebo group in most any medical study >will report symptom relief from taking placebo. Whatever. I don't care if it's a placebo effect or real. All I know is every summer I had horrible allergies and had to take medications that made me drowzy, cranky and tired. Then I started taking a remedy made by BioAllers for pollen allergies. Every year, the beginning of the season, I take it for a week, and then for the rest of the season my allergies are gone. I feel great and no side effects. So again, I don't care how it works, but it works. As to homeopathy, I used to be like you, a big disbeliever. But I've spoken to too many people whose animals have been helped by it. Now you know animals can't comprehend a placebo effect, so there has to be something to it. For every article against homeopathy, you can find one for it. I have no vested interested in homeopathy, just saying it's worked great for my allergies, and that I think people need to keep an open mind, especially when they don't truly understand the subject. Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm > Here I am again. I've posted on this group about a gazillion times > the past nine months about my anxiety (make that terror) about being [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > roam (as well as to be in the house) to a rental apartment on a Main > Street. I have a semi-feral cat, and the couple times I've been able to pick him up are when he's eating. I wore heavy-duty work gloves and "burritoed" him in a towel. > The Main Street is in a relatively small town, and ironically the > small town is in one of the most remote parts of our state. But it's > still Main Street, and I'm so afraid that if I actually get her > transported, she'll run into the street and die. I wouldn't let her out at the new house. > Are my terrors unusual for an owner of a former feral? Is there > ANYTHING I can do to make sure that, on moving day, she'll get into > the carrier? Should I try to grab her in that towel the SPCA-guy > recommended, then "drop" her into the top-loading carrier? Your fear is not unusual. I have six cats, all with their own little quirks, and I dread the day we move. The only way to guarnatee that you get her in the carrier is to put her in there. I second the advice to attempt this in the bathroom. Also, do it before all the moving commotion starts. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com Dear Cathy, Candace, and Kelly: Thank you SO much for the suggestions, advice, and cautions. Would you believe no one ever suggested the bathroom "manoeuver?" I never thought of it, and I most likely will be able to lure her there because whenever I wave one of her grooming brushes, she comes. (It's better than catnip.) Also, the only one I share the home with and who'll be there during moving is a rather cruel old person who has told me to "take that cat," so she won't interfere. I'm going to be doing all the moving by myself, which is in itself frightening. I'm 47 and, maybe because of the anxiety of this upcoming move, feeling 97. Anyway, I'm unemployed, have no choice about the move (the domestic abuse is getting out of hand), and will be travelling @3 hours to a lovely Victorian small town in order to get my teacher certification. Thanks again so so much, and God bless. Please keep Dorrie and me in your thoughts. I love this cat so much, words cannot possibly say. We're both fit "old ladies" but with a big big gut from being "spayed!" No men in our lives--we both are afraid of 'em. So it's just D. and me, and I'm so afraid I'll lose my little reason for living. Please pray that doesn't happen, guys. God Bless You. >From: cowabungie@yahoo.com (Cowa Bungie) >Anyway, I'm unemployed, have no choice about the move (the domestic >abuse is getting out of hand), and will be travelling @3 hours to a >lovely Victorian small town in order to get my teacher certification. Best of luck to you. It sounds like you're doing the right thing and I give you credit for getting on with your life and making these changes. I moved last year with my 2 cats. It was not fun, but I knew once settled in, they would love their new house (and they do). I'm sure your kitty will be just fine, (and you will be too) but I completely understand your angst. Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm << So it's just D. and me, and I'm so afraid I'll lose my little reason for living. Please pray that doesn't happen, guys. God Bless You. >> I certainly don't think that will happen...as long as you keep her inside when you get to your new place. Three hours isn't too bad. Hopefully, if she howls at all, she won't howl the whole time. But, even if she does, don't open the carrier. Just keep it covered with a towel, have music on, and get there safely. When is your move? We can send positive thoughts and prayers to you. Candace (take the litter out before replying by e-mail) See my cats: http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace "One does not meet oneself until one catches the reflection from an eye other than human." (Loren Eisely) maccandace@aol.comlitter (MacCandace) wrote in message > I certainly don't think that will happen...as long as you keep her inside when > you get to your new place. Three hours isn't too bad. Hopefully, if she howls > at all, she won't howl the whole time. But, even if she does, don't open the > carrier. Just keep it covered with a towel, have music on, and get there > safely. When is your move? We can send positive thoughts and prayers to you. You guys are just wonderful. You stick with this newsgroup where there's often such a depth of sorrow; and I pray God sees what a responsibility you take on for free. I returned from my new place last night so depressed, I wrote a long rambling post about whether people who are too pet-dependent may actually be nuts. I didn't post it, because I thought, Hey, we're animals, too, and give the group regulars a break. I know it sounds crazy, but apart from Dorrie, I really don't have too much interest in living. (Of course that sounds crazy!) But I tell myself that if God didn't want me to go on living, he'd never have brought Dorrie into my life to begin with. So I'm trying to think positively. I'm telling myself that Dorrie will be able to adjust to the efficiency, and that if she isn't, and if something bad happens, she'll be in Heaven where someday I'll be with her. There is ironically a lush green yard lined with arbor vitas at the back of the home I'm moving into, and I know she would enjoy munching the grass so much if I could trust she wouldn't run to the front of the house. Oh, I'm so sorry for writing such depressing words. You really do have more than you can handle on this group (which is why I don't routinely read posts; it's too sad). After all, my cat's no more important or needy or precious than any of yours. And like I said, I'm an "animal" too, and if I suffer much more abuse by remaining in my present circumstances, I'll crack, and then where will Dorrie be? (Rant)! It's so easy to make fun of "old ladies with their cats." First of all, I'm happy being an "old maid." I learned as a young woman how rotten and wicked this world is to young "old maids" as well as to old ones, and to homeless animals, and to children. Poverty is a great isolator, and a little cat (or dog, or bird) in the life of a poor person can mean the difference between a day in Hell or a day in Heaven's Waiting Room. I don't have the money to care for Dorrie with veterinary care, but since I'm a vegetarian who shuns medical intervention herself, and who has only suffered *worse* after various surgeries, I tell myself Dorrie may suffer from neglect in some ways, but in other ways, a vet-free life may have contributed to her longevity. Well, ladies, T-H-A-N-K you for letting me pour my heart out. If Dorrie lasts through being cooped up in a small apartment, then when I get the teaching certification and am employed, maybe we'll be back in the woods again, and she can roam. I guess I just want to know-- Do any of you love your cats so much it actually scares you? maccandace@aol.comlitter (MacCandace) wrote in message > I certainly don't think that will happen...as long as you keep her inside when > you get to your new place. Three hours isn't too bad. Hopefully, if she howls > at all, she won't howl the whole time. But, even if she does, don't open the > carrier. Just keep it covered with a towel, have music on, and get there > safely. When is your move? We can send positive thoughts and prayers to you. You guys are just wonderful. You stick with this newsgroup where there's often such a depth of sorrow; and I pray God sees what a responsibility you take on for free. I returned from my new place last night so depressed, I wrote a long rambling post about whether people who are too pet-dependent may actually be nuts. I didn't post it, because I thought, Hey, we're animals, too, and give the group regulars a break. I know it sounds crazy, but apart from Dorrie, I really don't have too much interest in living. (Of course that sounds crazy!) But I tell myself that if God didn't want me to go on living, he'd never have brought Dorrie into my life to begin with. So I'm trying to think positively. I'm telling myself that Dorrie will be able to adjust to the efficiency, and that if she isn't, and if something bad happens, she'll be in Heaven where someday I'll be with her. There is ironically a lush green yard lined with arbor vitas at the back of the home I'm moving into, and I know she would enjoy munching the grass so much if I could trust she wouldn't run to the front of the house. Oh, I'm so sorry for writing such depressing words. You really do have more than you can handle on this group (which is why I don't routinely read posts; it's too sad). After all, my cat's no more important or needy or precious than any of yours. And like I said, I'm an "animal" too, and if I suffer much more abuse by remaining in my present circumstances, I'll crack, and then where will Dorrie be? (Rant)! It's so easy to make fun of "old ladies with their cats." First of all, I'm happy being an "old maid." I learned as a young woman how rotten and wicked this world is to young "old maids" as well as to old ones, and to homeless animals, and to children. Poverty is a great isolator, and a little cat (or dog, or bird) in the life of a poor person can mean the difference between a day in Hell or a day in Heaven's Waiting Room. I don't have the money to care for Dorrie with veterinary care, but since I'm a vegetarian who shuns medical intervention herself, and who has only suffered *worse* after various surgeries, I tell myself Dorrie may suffer from neglect in some ways, but in other ways, a vet-free life may have contributed to her longevity. Well, ladies, T-H-A-N-K you for letting me pour my heart out. If Dorrie lasts through being cooped up in a small apartment, then when I get the teaching certification and am employed, maybe we'll be back in the woods again, and she can roam. I guess I just want to know-- Do any of you love your cats so much it actually scares you? > maccandace@aol.comlitter (MacCandace) wrote in message > >> I returned from my new place last night so depressed, I wrote a long > rambling post about whether people who are too pet-dependent may > actually be nuts. I didn't post it, because I thought, Hey, we're > animals, too, and give the group regulars a break. Post what you like. Lots of people unload here. As far as being pet-dependent, hell, would you say you were "love-dependent?" <G> It's okay. Strong feelings oftem make us feel vulnerable, but the fact is, you should feel great that you have them and are not one of the many zombies walking around who feel nothing. They are the real problem. [...] > (Rant)! > It's so easy to make fun of "old ladies with their cats." First of [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > person can mean the difference between a day in Hell or a day in > Heaven's Waiting Room. Never mind the morons of the world. Those who seek to elevate themselves by denigrating others are not worthy of your attention. That is all "making fun" of others is about. >I don't have the money to care for Dorrie with > veterinary care, but since I'm a vegetarian who shuns medical > intervention herself, and who has only suffered *worse* after various > surgeries, I tell myself Dorrie may suffer from neglect in some ways, > but in other ways, a vet-free life may have contributed to her > longevity. I understand what you're saying here, but there are times when a cat NEEDS a vet. If you are saying that you are making it a policy or part of your philosophy NOT to get your sweet girl veterinary attention, that, for me, is the first crazy thing you have said. All of us have things we would rather do with our money, but given how much you say you love this cat, I would expect you to be willing to forgo a few groceries or let a bill be paid late in order to help her. I hate going to the doctor and do not generally trust doctors. However, when my wonderful tuxedo girl began having weird fits, I sure did get her in the carrier and to the vet. It's a good thing I did too. She might have had a heart attack from her rapid heartbeat, or developed diabetes or heart disease or a host of other problems from her severe hyperthyroid. I bought a stethoscope yesterdah because I am not paying the vet just to take her heart rate. Between the thyroid drug and the heart drug, her heart rate is down from 300+ to 170-180. So I hope you will take kitty to the vet if she has a problem. "Mary" <rosefan@email.com> wrote in message news:<%brUc.175101$ > I hate going to the doctor and do not generally trust doctors. > However, when my wonderful tuxedo girl began having weird > fits, I sure did get her in the carrier and to the vet. It's a good > thing I did too. Lord, I gave the impression Dorrie has *never* been to a vet! Not true. When she was rescued from a store cellar by someone who used to live where I now live, she got her shots and was spayed. I'm unemployed now and will absolutely be taking her to be inspected as soon as I'm able. As someone who is missing all most every tooth on the right side of her mouth (thank heavens where it can't be seen), I appreciate very much the need for maintaining health. > "Mary" <rosefan@email.com> wrote in message news:<%brUc.175101$ > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Lord, I gave the impression Dorrie has *never* been to a vet! Not > true. Well good. :-) And I'm glad to hear that she went into the carrier for you. Tell me, why do you post via google with a Yahoo mail account? I have seen several people do this, and it seems like a lot of trouble to go through rather than post via your own ISP's news server with your mail email. Is there some benefit I don't know about? Just curious. << There is ironically a lush green yard lined with arbor vitas at the back of the home I'm moving into, and I know she would enjoy munching the grass so much if I could trust she wouldn't run to the front of the house. >> Maybe there's some way you could make a safe enclosure for her out there. I guess you're renting so it may not be a viable option but, who knows? Maybe your landlord will allow it. First, I would just try to keep her inside and get her adjusted to that. Later on, if you feel you can trust her, maybe there is a way for her to go out...either in an enclosure or on a harness. Some cats don't mind them...no cat I've ever had...but some people have cats who take to them. You would have to get her acclimated to it in the house, though, so you would be sure she wouldn't try to bolt and get out of it. I guess "walking jackets" are the safest thing. But do one step at a time...get moved, get her used to being inside, and then later, explore ways she could safely spend some time outside if she seems to want to. She may be perfetly happy just staying inside and looking out. Lots of cats live that way, mine do. Let us know how your move goes, post on here when you get settled in. I know I'll be thinking of you and Dorrie. Oh, and you can buy grass at places like Petsmart or Wild Oats or you can buy the seed and grow your own so she can still munch grass and watch birds out the window and all kinds of fun things. << I guess I just want to know-- Do any of you love your cats so much it actually scares you? >> There were many times when I thought that I loved my late cat, Cory, more than anyone in the world, more than any human. He lived to be 18 and I did wonder how I could ever deal with his death. He died in March, though, and it hasn't been nearly as bad as I feared. Of course, I have other cats so that helps although he was particularly "special." I feel him around me, sometimes very strongly, so it's not like he's totally gone. Candace (take the litter out before replying by e-mail) See my cats: http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace "One does not meet oneself until one catches the reflection from an eye other than human." (Loren Eisely) maccandace@aol.comlitter (MacCandace) wrote in message > There were many times when I thought that I loved my late cat, Cory, more than > anyone in the world, more than any human. He lived to be 18 and I did wonder > how I could ever deal with his death. He died in March, though, and it hasn't > been nearly as bad as I feared. Of course, I have other cats so that helps > although he was particularly "special." I feel him around me, sometimes very > strongly, so it's not like he's totally gone. First, some very good news to report (as always, thank you, Candace--and also Jeannie, Jamie, and Mary). Yesterday, I set up Dorrie's carrier with the smelly-cat pillow and catnip inside as usual, but then put pure tuna fish on a little plate WITH BOTH THE TOP LOADER AND FRONT GATE OPEN. Dorrie went in the carrier like something from a very beautiful dream, and I could have locked her up in two seconds flat. A little while later, I put fresh catnip on the same plate, with a little more tuna. This time I shut the top loader. SHE WENT IN!!! T-W-I-C-E!!! What I'm going to do is allow any time in the next two weeks, when the sun is shining and she hasn't had tuna for awhile, for springing into action. No matter what time of the day or evening it is, I'll just shut the door and immediately drive to my new home with her. But please keep us in your thoughts. I don't know if it was a nightmare or reality (I'm afraid it was reality), but about 4AM this morning, I was awakened by this horrible hiss outside my window, louder and deeper than Dorrie could possibly make. Needless to say, this real or imagined sound got me on my feet. I ran down to the garage door, which I leave cracked open with paint cans so she can come and go at night, and she came in. But she's limping and, as opposed to her usual routine--jumping into bed with me and immediately snoring--she's lying out in the living room. When I tried her pet brush to calm her down, she kept flinching, so I just stroked her. This seemed to help. I love you all--Candace, you particularly. You're so committed but somehow so realistic at the same time, which (for me) is the ideal. And you always respond. Thank you. I'm thinking of Cory today and all the other cats lucky enough to be looked after by this group's regulars. << What I'm going to do is allow any time in the next two weeks, when the sun is shining and she hasn't had tuna for awhile, for springing into action. No matter what time of the day or evening it is, I'll just shut the door and immediately drive to my new home with her. >> Sounds good. Might be a lot smoother than you thought. << But she's limping and, as opposed to her usual routine--jumping into bed with me and immediately snoring--she's lying out in the living room. >> Hope she's okay. Maybe you better keep her in now. If she's limping, she shouldn't be out where she could get hurt. And who knows what that hissing critter was. Candace (take the litter out before replying by e-mail) See my cats: http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace "One does not meet oneself until one catches the reflection from an eye other than human." (Loren Eisely) > Here I am again. I've posted on this group about a gazillion times > the past nine months about my anxiety (make that terror) about being [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > the carrier? Should I try to grab her in that towel the SPCA-guy > recommended, then "drop" her into the top-loading carrier? You need another person to help you put the cat in the carrier. One person to pick up the cat (the towel is probably a very good idea as my cat scratches the hell out of me everytime she has to go into the evil carrier) and other person to close the lid of the carrier. You must put the cat in *quickly* and then shut the lid. I have found with my cat that the best way is to put her in sort of on her back and by the time she's found her feet the lid is shut. She then meows until I let her out at the other end of the journey but she is ultimately fine. HTH Jeannie > Here I am again. I've posted on this group about a gazillion times > the past nine months about my anxiety (make that terror) about being > unable to get my cat into a collapsible, hard-sided carrier, because I > have to relocate to another town. She lets me pet her, sleeps with > me, sometimes climbs on my lap, but WILL NOT LET ME PICK HER UP FOR > ANY LENGTH OF TIME. Come on. Ski gloves and a jacket. Grab the cat and throw it in. One hand in front of the paws and the other under the belly. The cat will go. > People have recommended Relief Remedy, which I bought and tested on > myself, and found no relief from whatsoever. You tried what on yourself now? Cat tranquilizer? I've tried catnip on her > old "smelly cat" pillow, which I lined the carrier with. She sticks > her head in, eats the catnip, then vamooses. When she sticks her head in, push her a.s in along with it. > The SPCA advised throwing a towel over her, but this will only terrify > her; and she *does* have long powerful claws. Clip them or weat gloves. She's at least 13, but > probably older, and the thing that alarms me the most is that we'll be > moving from a wooded environment in which she has had her freedom to > roam (as well as to be in the house) to a rental apartment on a Main > Street. Indoor cats live longer. > Are my terrors unusual for an owner of a former feral? Is there > ANYTHING I can do to make sure that, on moving day, she'll get into > the carrier? Should I try to grab her in that towel the SPCA-guy > recommended, then "drop" her into the top-loading carrier? You need to grow some balls. It is a 12 pound cat. It isn't going to break if you grab it and toss it in a carrier. It takes 10 seconds. > Oh, I'm heartsick with worrying. MacCandace, if you're here, I'd > particularly love to hear from you. You were so reassuring a few [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > someone tell me please where to get them? I'm so sick worrying about > this move, and losing her, I think it'll kill *me*! I know I am not reasuring, but don't tranquilize the cat because of your own fears. I never had any cat that wanted to go in a carrier - but they all go, none the worse for weat afterward. Bluesman > Come on. Ski gloves and a jacket. Grab the cat and throw it in. One > hand in front of the paws and the other under the belly. The cat will > go. Well not necessarily true, A few years back my cat broke his front leg, so I rush him to vet emerg and the idiot vet bends the paw back and forth saya, yup its broke. I was pissed off, the cat was livid. I'm screaming at the vet and the cat is giving it to him verbally as well. Ok - first off, small town not a choice in vets. My cat has to stay over night for 2 nights and the vets decides to protect himself with lead gloves and a lead vest. All goes fine for the next two days, I'm camped out in the office to be sure. Well cats have memories as we all know. And forget the saying let sleeping dogs lie, it should be move to another country is you piss off a cat. So the cat is ready to go home, brought to the front in his carrier. The smug arrogant vet comes out to give me the prescription and directions. HAHAHA the cat eyes him and breaks the door of the carrier, lunges the vet, lets just say a few stitches and band aids later and the vet get his medications and directions also. LOL, did I say yet just how much I love this cat. The gloves only protected for an instant, he forgot that cats lie in wait, just determining the perfect time to attack their prey. >From: "Trish" trish_d@sympatico.ca >Well not necessarily true, A few years back my cat broke his front leg, so I >rush him to vet emerg and the idiot vet bends the paw back and forth saya, [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] >for an instant, he forgot that cats lie in wait, just determining the >perfect time to attack their prey. ROFL!!! :) ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm |
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