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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / June 2005Sparky the Cat
Hi I adopted Bubba the cat from a local shelter a couple of weeks ago. http://www.sonic.net/~claudel/BubbaTheCat00.jpg 22 Lbs, feet the size of half-dollars and he is extremely friendly. He's a real gentleman, doesn't tear stuff up, doesn't jump up where he shouldn't, knows to use the proper facilities except after I brought him back from the vet and the groomer (bath, demat and belly shave) he left me a "message" in front of the litterbox. Heh. The odd part is that in the low humidity where I live he generates a lot of static when I pet him, sometimes to the point where he gets shocked by it, tosses me a confused look and runs off. At night in the dark it is possible to even see the sparks. When he gets charged up all his fur stands out. Looks kinda funny but I know it bothers him to get shocked. My first thought is to give him a rubdown with a fabric softener sheet for the clothes dryer to rid him of the annoying static cling, but somehow that doesn't seem like that good of an idea because I don't know what's in the thing... I can't think of a way to attach a ground strap. :^) Maybe I should change his name to "Sparky" Claude > Hi > [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > > Claude The only suggestion I have is to ADD humidity to the air. It can be as simple as putting a dish of water with a sponge floating in it near an ac/heat vent (what my Mom does in the winters around here, or you get zapped everytime you touch something, because heaters take the moistures *out* of the air) - or you can acutally *buy* humidifiers.  SignatureThe ONE and ONLY lefthanded-pathetic-paranoid-psychotic-sarcastic-wiseass-ditzy former-blonde in Bloomington! (And proud of it, too)© email me at nalee1964 (at) insightbb (dot) com http://community.webshots.com/user/mgcmdjeep >> Hi >> [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > everytime you touch something, because heaters take the moistures *out* of > the air) - or you can acutally *buy* humidifiers. That's what I'd do too. I have occassionally taken a damp paper towel and "pet" the cat with it, which will also help. BTW. He is GORgeous. A cheap humidifier is a waste of money. If the air is THAT dry you need a good sized wick type. Walmart carries the Holmes humidifiers which work very well. I use one in the winter and in a small basement it normally uses over a gallon of water a day. I think it cost about $60. ---MIKE--- >>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire >> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580') >BTW. He is GORgeous. Yeah. That pic was before his trip to the groomer as well. He looks even better without the mats and the grease. The bare stomach is a bit weird, but the fur will grow back. I can't believe that somebody let a beautiful cat with his great disposition go to the pound, but their loss is my gain. Claude >> Hi >> [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] >everytime you touch something, because heaters take the moistures *out* of >the air) - or you can acutally *buy* humidifiers. I live in the desert, so the humidity is low everywhere, I'll try putting a water dish in front of the AC as you suggest and see if that helps. Thanks Claude > >> Hi > >> [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] > > Claude There is a seriously decent room humidifier at Walmart for about 20.00. It is called RelyOn. I don't usually like to use WM but that is a good deal. You might find it really helps. >> >> Hi >> >> [quoted text clipped - 45 lines] >is called RelyOn. I don't usually like to use WM but that is a good deal. >You might find it really helps. I thought about a dehumidifier, but other than a static-filled kitty I like the low humidity. It hasn't caused me any other problems. Claude > Hi > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > 22 Lbs, feet the size of half-dollars and he is extremely friendly. WOW!!! What a big boy! > He's a real gentleman, doesn't tear stuff up, doesn't jump up where > he shouldn't, knows to use the proper facilities except after I brought [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Maybe I should change his name to "Sparky" Maybe it should be his middle name! ;) >> Hi >> [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > >WOW!!! What a big boy! Yeah. He's a bit overweight. The vet told me to switch him to "light" food for awhile, but he's big anyway. I'm not kidding about the feet. Claude >>> Hi >>> [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >to switch him to "light" food for awhile, but >he's big anyway. I'm not kidding about the feet. You might give Royal Canin a try. They have a Maine Coon version which is designed for larger cats. It has a good amount of glucosamine to help with the joints. And the really nice thing? The kibble is larger, so they have to chew it rather than inhale. I adopted Jay Jay in February. He was turned in because his owner let him loose, and he was showing up at another house to be fed. He got sick from the food change and was down to 12 1/2 pounds at the vet. Then he got up to 17 3/4. We have been free feeding for as long as I can remember, and never had a problem. But this is a cat who didn't know when his next meal would be. So, he chows and attacks food bags. And gains weight. Then I got a sample of the maine coon food which he loves. Even more than the other stuff he was chowing. And he eats slower and more deliberately. And he is down to 17 so far. I've been slowly switching him to keep him from getting sick. This food would probably be a good basic kibble for him - body size and appetite-wise. If he'll eat canned, I would do some of that too. Jay Jay won't so far. And I understand those half dollar feet. Every time I look at Jay Jay's feet, I think he's got some big a.s feet. Big head, thick legs, and BIG feet! And extremely cute. Bubba "Sparky" looks like an awesome cat. It sounds like you are experiencing the same joy that I am having with Jay Jay. I hope to hear more about him. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com >>>> Hi >>>> [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >is designed for larger cats. It has a good amount of glucosamine to >help with the joints. I'll give that a try. It sounds like a good product. I've been feeding him the Science Diet normal that the pond gave me when I got him mixed with the Science Diet light/hairball that the vet recommended and he seems to like it. >And the really nice thing? The kibble is larger, so they have to chew >it rather than inhale. Bubba's not an inhaler. I generally fill up his smallish dish in the morning and he rarely empties it. He nibbles on and off thru the day, but I get the feeling I could leave the bag open on the floor and he wouln't overeat. He's just big. We need to get him away from the "I swallowed a tennis ball" look though. A couple of lost pounds should do it. Goes for me too for that matter. >I adopted Jay Jay in February. He was turned in because his owner let >him loose, and he was showing up at another house to be fed. He got [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >and appetite-wise. If he'll eat canned, I would do some of that too. >Jay Jay won't so far. I'll give the Royal Canin a try next time I need to get cat food. >And I understand those half dollar feet. Every time I look at Jay >Jay's feet, I think he's got some big a.s feet. Big head, thick legs, [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >experiencing the same joy that I am having with Jay Jay. I hope to >hear more about him. I'm gonna try a wipedown on him with a dry sheet to cure the static problem. I just wanted to hear from somebody that it was OK for cats. Thanks for the food tip Claude >-- >Meghan & the Zoo Crew >Equine and Pet Photography >http://www.zoocrewphoto.com >Bubba's not an inhaler. I generally fill up his smallish dish >in the morning and he rarely empties it. He nibbles on and off >thru the day, but I get the feeling I could leave the bag >open on the floor and he wouln't overeat. All of our other cats have been that way. They have kibble available 24/7, multiple flavors, and they are all lean. Then there's chubs (aka cougar, mountain lion, beefy boy, jumbo kitty, and sweetie). Oh, and hsi name is Jay Jay (Jumbo Jet). >He's just big. > >We need to get him away from the "I swallowed a tennis ball" look though. Jay Jay must have swallowed a cantelope. His belly isn't quite so round though now, so it is improving. I think he took to the good life a little too well. He spent the first few days spending hours at the windows and doors, trying to paw a hole through them. But in less than a week, he totally gave up. Indoor life ain't so bad :) >I'm gonna try a wipedown on him with a dry sheet to cure the static >problem. I just wanted to hear from somebody that it was OK for cats. See if you can find some info on the package as to what is contained. I know regular wet wipes are dangerous to cats. And since dryer sheets aren't intended for animals who lick themselves, they may not be very good. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com >>Bubba's not an inhaler. I generally fill up his smallish dish >>in the morning and he rarely empties it. He nibbles on and off [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] >aren't intended for animals who lick themselves, they may not be very >good. That's what I thought too, but one of the other responders said that their vet recommended it for static. Better safe than sorry tho... Claude > >See if you can find some info on the package as to what is contained. > >I know regular wet wipes are dangerous to cats. And since dryer sheets [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Claude Yes, it was me who said my vet recommended it, I use itabout every two weeks (for the past 3 years), but the non deodorized kind, and have never had a problem. It's smart to check it out yourself though, I'd feel like crap if your cat got sick becuase of something I recommended, can you call your vets office and ask their opinion? Thanks Trish >> >See if you can find some info on the package as to what is contained. >> >I know regular wet wipes are dangerous to cats. And since dryer sheets [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >Thanks >Trish Will do. I wet my hands with tap water and shook off the excess and gave him a rub with damp hands and that seemed to relieve the effect a bit for awhile... Maybe that's all it takes. I don't have any of the dryer sheets around anyway. I use a laundromat and there's so much fabric softener in the dryers from other people using them that I never buy 'em. :^) Claude > Hi > [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > > Claude Sparky!! That's a cute name!! BTW, Bubba Sparky is *very* handsome. He looks an awful lot like a Maine Coon, especially if his eyes were rounder. Sherry >> Hi >> [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] >looks an awful lot like a Maine Coon, especially if his eyes were >rounder. I was thinking that too. I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that Maine Coons have too. And the size. I'd bet he's at least part Maine Coon. Claude > >> Hi > >> [quoted text clipped - 40 lines] > > Claude You got a cat every bit as beautiful as a purebred Maine Coon, and probably not many people could tell that he's not a purebred. And a wonderful disposition, too? He's going to be a great buddy. Sherry >> >> Hi >> >> [quoted text clipped - 44 lines] >probably not many people could tell that he's not a purebred. And a >wonderful disposition, too? He's going to be a great buddy. Yeah, he's a real sweetheart. Very friendly and apparently well behaved. Seems to be content to stay indoors, doesn't jump up where he shouldn't, uses the proper facilities. Doesn't seem to care for people food. We're gonna get along great. Claude >I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the >money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that >Maine Coons have too. And the size. > >I'd bet he's at least part Maine Coon. There are some nice cats in the shelters, and I suspect people breeding Maine Coons and part Main Coons. So you could probably find a cat that has the build and the temperment, even if they don't have the full look. Jay Jay doesn't have the color look at all, but he is large, thick, and shows some of the temperment and voice. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com >>I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the >>money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >Jay Jay doesn't have the color look at all, but he is large, thick, >and shows some of the temperment and voice. It's hard to look at things from the perspective of others sometimes, but I can't imagine why anybody would abandon a great cat like Bubba to the shelter, unless he ran off from somewhere. Even then, it wouln't be that hard to check the pound for a runaway. Oh Well. Somebody's loss is my gain. You should put up a few pix of Jay Jay Claude >>> I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the >>> money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > Claude I would like to see the "groomed" version of Bubba as well! >>>> I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the >>>> money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > >I would like to see the "groomed" version of Bubba as well! I put up a page for Bubba at http://www.sonic.net/~claudel/bubba/bubba.html The first three pix are before and the rest from earlier today. Claude > >>>> I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the > >>>> money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > > Claude *GORGEOUS* Thanks for posting the link to the pictures! Hugs, CatNipped >>>>> I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the >>>>> money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > > Claude Boy, he is simply gorgeous. You really did get a wonderful companion. >It's hard to look at things from the perspective of others sometimes, >but I can't imagine why anybody would abandon a great cat like Bubba to >the shelter, unless he ran off from somewhere. Even then, it wouln't >be that hard to check the pound for a runaway. I know what you mean. Jay Jay is awesome. I was told he had an owner, but they let him run loose, and he kept showing up at another house to be fed. That lady got tired of returning him to somebody who didn't care, she took him to the shelter instead. So, not sure if he actually had some kind of home or not. But I can't imagine letting him go. As it is, I was just at a cat show as a vendor, and I couldn't let him go. I was hooked. I can't explain it, but he told me everything I needed to do with his expression. >Oh Well. Somebody's loss is my gain. MIne too :) >You should put up a few pix of Jay Jay I will have some new pics of him on Monday. I had to test out a new camera and portable studio setup, so he was my main star. I also got some of Kira and Chase. Kira is like a mini-me compared to him. She's a Blue point balinese and weighs just over 7lbs. Jay Jay has a couple stray white marks, but is otherwise identical, only thicker, larger, and heavier by 10lbs. I couldn't get them together in the same photo as Kira is a drama queen. But I can put them together after the fact for a good size comparison. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > >I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the > >money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Jay Jay doesn't have the color look at all, but he is large, thick, > and shows some of the temperment and voice. What color is Jay Jay? Do you have a pic of him? MC's, from what I can tell from my limited experience going to cat shows, come in about all coat colors. Orion's mother was calico. I've seen solid white ones at the shows, too. One that won Breed Champion a few years ago was orange. Sherry >> >I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the >> >money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >coat colors. Orion's mother was calico. I've seen solid white ones at >the shows, too. One that won Breed Champion a few years ago was orange. He's a blue point. He actually looks like a Balinese on steroids with a few white markings - a cute tear on his face, and a few white toes. Also, he has a small white stripe on the back of each ear :) http://www.zoocrewphoto.com/jayjay.htm These are some initial pics of him. I will have better ones to post on Monday. And the cat tree is his favorite place. The circles are big enough for him to curl up, and the apartment in the bottom is big enough for him too. I actually won it in a raffle at the same cat show where I adopted him. I was really hoping to win it because it would be ideal for Maynard (good heights and angles for an older cat. I set it up at the foot of my bed so that Maynard could use it to get on the bed, but also sit up high near me, without needing help to get up and down. It did it's job, and now it is Jay Jay's. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com >>> >I always liked Maine Coons, but never wanted to cough up the >>> >money for a purebred. He seems to have the disposition that [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] >also sit up high near me, without needing help to get up and down. It >did it's job, and now it is Jay Jay's. Beautiful Cats. They don't seem too interested in Jay-Jay on the toob. :^) Claude >Beautiful Cats. > >They don't seem too interested in Jay-Jay on the toob. :^) Yes, I thought it was funny when I looked at the pics and realized Jay Leno was on in the background. Three Jays in the photo :) Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > Maybe I should change his name to "Sparky" > > Claude Very Handsome fella! I have a large cat too, he's super friendly and knows the ropes. I had the same problem during the winter months. I'd pet him, then after so many rubs...You could feel the static pops hitting your hand, the cat would always look at me like, what are you doing to me man! My concern was for my computer: One zap from a charged cat, could definitely crash a hard-drive, or ruin a component. I put all my solvents out of cat reach too! (indoor workshop) I thought, he could touch the can, make a spark and whooom! >> Maybe I should change his name to "Sparky" >> [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >hitting your hand, the cat would always look at me like, what are you >doing to me man! Yep, that's about it. >My concern was for my computer: One zap from a charged cat, could >definitely crash a hard-drive, or ruin a component. I put all my >solvents out of cat reach too! (indoor workshop) I thought, he could >touch the can, make a spark and whooom! Now that would really be a disaster. I don't have any flammables around. I'm pretty sure my Powerbook is static-proof or else Apple would go out of business doing warranty repairs. Like I said, sometimes I can even see the sparks in the dark... Claude > Like I said, sometimes I can even see the sparks in the dark... > > Claude LOL I'm too tired to read up top, but if you have carpet, what about that stuff women spray on their skirts for static. Static guard?, I wonder if it is safe for the cat you know heck, spray the cat too ~(:V)>--< >> Like I said, sometimes I can even see the sparks in the dark... >> [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >heck, spray the cat too ~(:V)>--< I got the carpets anti-statted when I last had them cleaned. The only problem I have is with Bubba. I very briefly considered giving him a quick wipe with a dryer fabric softener sheet, but I don't know that it would be safe. Claude > Now that would really be a disaster. I don't have any flammables around. > I'm pretty sure my Powerbook is static-proof or else Apple would go [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Claude I used to have a powerbook. I agree it is safe from Sparky, most of the time, but it is not safe when installing memory, hard dives, Cd ROM drives, etc I used to have a static pad, but for these drones I use now, I touch the nearest appliance, wrought iron rack, or the cat...before I go near them lol... This is when you need a dog, they would make great little static caddy's since they come when you call them. haha >> Now that would really be a disaster. I don't have any flammables around. >> I'm pretty sure my Powerbook is static-proof or else Apple would go [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >This is when you need a dog, they would make great little static >caddy's since they come when you call them. haha I saw a weird looking little dog a couple of days ago with' the same hair color and length as Bubba, but the dog was smaller. That would be too strange to have a matching cat and dog Claude > I saw a weird looking little dog a couple of days ago with' > the same hair color and length as Bubba, but the dog was [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Claude That is funny ~ Oh, noooo! Having a matching dog and cat is the latest fad :) I saw the great pics you put up. Bubba looks real healthy and content. Nice camera too, sharp pics. >> I saw a weird looking little dog a couple of days ago with' >> the same hair color and length as Bubba, but the dog was [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >I saw the great pics you put up. Bubba looks real healthy and content. >Nice camera too, sharp pics. Olympus C-740. I just take a bunch of shots and keep the good ones. I really like IPhoto and the way it exports selected pix as a web page. Very easy... Claude >I saw a weird looking little dog a couple of days ago with' >the same hair color and length as Bubba, but the dog was >smaller. > >That would be too strange to have a matching cat and dog That would be really strange. Another weird thing. My overweight, fluffy dog is larger than Jay Jay. But they weighed the same a couple weeks ago - 17 1/2 lbs. I guess Jenny is fluffier than I thought. And Jay Jay must be pretty dense :) Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com >>I saw a weird looking little dog a couple of days ago with' >>the same hair color and length as Bubba, but the dog was [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >But they weighed the same a couple weeks ago - 17 1/2 lbs. I guess >Jenny is fluffier than I thought. And Jay Jay must be pretty dense :) Hopefully they don't have matching fur. That would be too "Rodeo Drive" Claude >The odd part is that in the low humidity where I live he generates a >lot of static when I pet him, sometimes to the point where he gets >shocked by it, tosses me a confused look and runs off. At night in >the dark it is possible to even see the sparks. When he gets charged >up all his fur stands out. Looks kinda funny but I know it bothers >him to get shocked. I don't have any advice, but I used to have a cat that didn't mind the shocks. I could pet Fiona, then touch her ear, and we'd get a shock. At night with the the lights out and a robe over top, I could get a good light show going. She just sat there and purred. Strange cat. Kira, on the other hand, gets offended and leaves. If I shock her once (accidentally of course), I stop petting her since I can't prevent the shocks. I have no idea what would be safe for cats that would help. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > >The odd part is that in the low humidity where I live he generates a > >lot of static when I pet him, sometimes to the point where he gets > >shocked by it, tosses me a confused look and runs off. At night in > >the dark it is possible to even see the sparks. When he gets charged > >up all his fur stands out. Looks kinda funny but I know it bothers > >him to get shocked. Not sure if this helps but one of my cats tends to create small shocks as well (he's very long haried), my vet recommended rubbing him down occassionally with an unscented bouce (or other brand). This seems to work. Trish >> >The odd part is that in the low humidity where I live he generates a >> >lot of static when I pet him, sometimes to the point where he gets [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > >Trish I was waiting to hear from somebody who knew the story on dryer fabric softener and cats. I'll give that a go. thanks Claude >>The odd part is that in the low humidity where I live he generates a >>lot of static when I pet him, sometimes to the point where he gets [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > >I have no idea what would be safe for cats that would help. Bubba likes being petted enough so that he tolerates the small sparks, but every now and then there's a big one that kinda freaks him out. Claude |
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