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Cat Forum / General Topics / March 2004Buggy Cat
Hi, I hope this is the right group, or somebody can point me in the right direction... I have several cats, the one I have a query about is a 10 mo. old male unneutered. I've noticed in the last 2 weeks that he has occasional pimples appearing on his skin. The first one that I noticed behind his ear I marked down to acne (well, he is a teenage cat, just grew himself a pair, etc.) After that one popped (like an acne pimple and a similar discharge) another larger one grew on his shoulder over a period of a few days.. after that one popped a quarter sized one on the leg. A large amount of pus oozed out of that one (apologies for graphics). All along I've been removing from his fur small tufts of hair with a white, hard grain at the end (to which the hairs are attached); usually of no particular shape (sort of like "sleep" from your eyes first thing in the morning) but some are shaped like very small grains of rice. After the one on his leg broke, another one (characterized by a small patch of hair missing and a red dot (broken skin)) has appeared on his back. The one that worries me, I'm not sure is an infestation; it could just be a result of constant carousing[1]; a red patch has just appeared on his eyebrow. Though his manner does not seem seriously affected, nor is he scratching or shaking his head, I think he is a little put out, and his coat is dull and slightly greasy (as compared to a twin sibling). Unless this disappears miraculously, he's going to the vet some time this week, but I'd like to know if anybody has had the same problem, what it is, treatments, etc. Thankyou very much Pat [1] less than a year old and he already has the classic notched ear, a scar on his nose, a chunk taken out of a pad, and he came in a couple weeks ago and bled all over the house: typical cat; not a word of explanation or apology. > Unless this disappears miraculously, he's going to the vet some time > this week, but I'd like to know if anybody has had the same problem, > what it is, treatments, etc. At the risk of sounding harsh, you've noticed something "wrong" with your cat, take him to the vet. >>Unless this disappears miraculously, he's going to the vet some time >>this week, but I'd like to know if anybody has had the same problem, >>what it is, treatments, etc. > > At the risk of sounding harsh, you've noticed something "wrong" with your > cat, take him to the vet. I didn't "notice something wrong", I spent a good 3-4 paragraphs detailing symptoms that hopefully somebody with more than half a wit might be able to put claim to, maybe with a simpler remedy/treatment than the insecticide the vet may prescribe, or sharing a personal experience so I know what to expect. And not only did I already state he's going to the vet, I gave a timeframe. > >>Unless this disappears miraculously, he's going to the vet some time > >>this week, but I'd like to know if anybody has had the same problem, [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > And not only did I already state he's going to the vet, I gave a timeframe. My cat gets acne too, but apparently not as badly as yours does. She did have one huge cyst-like bulge in her face that when squeezed (okay, this is gross!) omitted a white, toothpaste-like substance. It was very painful for her, but I diligently used hot compresses and squeezed out the *gunk*. She lost all of her fur in that spot on her cheek and everyone was commenting on how awful she looked. Well, I didn't have the money to take her to a vet and I knew it was just a clogged pore. Eventually, after I squeezed enough *gunk* out and let the surrounding skin harden, I was able to pull out the entire hardened part which included the head of the thing. She yelped when I pulled it out (it was about a quarter-inch long and rock hard - weirdest friggin' thing) but the sore quickly healed afterwards. The whole ordeal took about 9 months. Her hair has since completely grown back and there is absolutely no sign of the HUGE blocked pore she had on her face. And I mean it was HUGE. There were so many times I wanted to take her to the vet, but I was unemployed at that time and, really, what could the vet do short of surgery to relieve a blocked pore? Yes, it took a long time to fix, but she's fine now; happy, healthy AND she's in a much better mood. <g> kilikini > My cat gets acne too, but apparently not as badly as yours does. She did > have one huge cyst-like bulge in her face that when squeezed (okay, this is [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > kilikini Acne does NOT take 9 months to clear up, and is not a quarter inch long.. it sounds like you had an abscess.. Which the vet could have prescribed antibiotics to help clear up. Im glad there wasn't a secondary infection, and that everything is ok now.. > >>Unless this disappears miraculously, he's going to the vet some time > >>this week, but I'd like to know if anybody has had the same problem, [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > And not only did I already state he's going to the vet, I gave a timeframe. What you're doing is "hoping" that it clears up without having to go to the vets whilst all the while running the risk that it gets worse. Do you have children? Would you wait a week before taking them to the doctors? You don't deserve a cat with your attitude. > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Pat I do think your best option is to take the cat to a vet, as you already mentioned. The fact that the cat has had a series of these pimples is cause for some concern, and it would be best to have a definitive diagnosis. I suggest that you also clip one of the tufts of hair with a white, hard grain at the end that you described. Place it in a clean jar or baggy. The vet may want to examine it under a microscope. Also, please make an appointment at that time to have the cat neutered. Your description objects shaped like grains of rice would lead me to think of tape worms, (easily and inexpensively treated, but *do not* use over-the-counter medications) especially if they were close to the tail. However, I have never heard of tape worms attached to tufts of hair in the way you described. This leads me to think that you may have more than one problem. MaryL | Unless this disappears miraculously, he's going to the vet some time | this week, but I'd like to know if anybody has had the same problem, [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] | weeks ago and bled all over the house: typical cat; not a word of | explanation or apology. Sorry, but this *is* a case for the vet - and I hope not, but it might even be serious. (If it was a rabbit it would be deadly.) Good luck and don't forget to keep us updated, we can always learn. Carola sounds like your cat is getting into fights, and is getting abscesses. They can be fatal if not cleaned and treated. Your going to the vet, so that clears that up, but in the mean time keep them clean with warm water and a gentle soap. Also sounds like he might have a reaction to something as well.. skin dermatitis if you will.. probably an allergy to fleas. Get some frontline or advantage and make sure he's free of fleas to start.. deworming isn't a bad idea either if he's a free roaming cat. Sounds like you have another intact male in the area.. Do your cat a favor and get him neutered.. > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] > weeks ago and bled all over the house: typical cat; not a word of > explanation or apology. > sounds like your cat is getting into fights, and is getting abscesses. They > can be fatal if not cleaned and treated. Your going to the vet, so that [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Sounds like you have another intact male in the area.. There are several; two of them are mine. Do your cat a favor > and get him neutered.. Please don't type that; he's the one cat who likes to sit in my lap while I'm on the net; fortunately he isn't reading this now. > Do your cat a favor > > and get him neutered.. > > > Please don't type that; he's the one cat who likes to sit in my lap > while I'm on the net; fortunately he isn't reading this now. I'll type it, I'll say it, I'll shout it. An intact cat is not a happy contented cat.. the hormones make him want to roam and defend his territory, and mate.. this will cause him to get in to all sorts of trouble, which will also lead to lots of medical issues.. abscesses, ripped ears, fight wounds, being exposed to Felv, Fiv, Fip and a host of other diseases.. not to mention what he can come in contact with when he is way from the house.. Also, the longer they stay intact, the more likely he is to develop cancer. Then there is the overpopulation that you are contributing to.. 3500 cats are born every hour.. http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/reports/early-neuter.html http://www.hsus.org/ace/11879 http://www.sniksnak.com/stop_s-n.html > An intact cat is not a happy > contented cat.. Personally I'm thinking you'd be better off and happier without fingers; you wouldn't feel obligated to post off-topic trolls all the time. Feel free to start a separate thread, though. My current concern is for the *immediate* well-being of my kitten; do you have any non-trollish advice on that or are you a "one trick poniard"? Pat "Cat-ku"...... Adolescent cat Marking territ'ry "mine!!" "mine!!" Stop peeing on me > > An intact cat is not a happy > > contented cat.. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Pat Unfortunately she' right and it is possible that your cat could have picked up whatever he's got from his tomcat activities. If you get him fixed he's less likely to pick diseases up and less likely to wander making him a much healthier cat. Connie is not and never has been a troll. > and it is possible that your cat could have picked > up whatever he's got from his tomcat activities. no offence, but "duh", though the other tom-kitten is fine and the "girls" spend even more time outdoors. [1] > Connie is not and never has been a troll. Her original post was helpful; My sincere apologies for neglecting to thank her for that, the follow-up on the other hand read as a little too "bright-eyed" fanatical for my perusing tastes. A knee-jerk reaction to women who yell "neuter", loudly. Pat [1] and as much as I would love to spend the next few days arguing and/or discussing the benefits of spaying/neutering felines vis-a-vis their relationship with "owner" (pet/working/companion/occasional guest) , accomodation (apartment/house/farm), environment (eg: climate, urban/ rural), I'm not currently inclined to, as I have mentioned several times. I agree with rangitotogirl, Connie is not a troll and is always giving out great advice to this group. > > > An intact cat is not a happy > > > contented cat.. [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > less likely to pick diseases up and less likely to wander making him a much > healthier cat. Connie is not and never has been a troll. > sounds like your cat is getting into fights, and is getting abscesses. They > can be fatal if not cleaned and treated. Your going to the vet, so that [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > frontline or advantage and make sure he's free of fleas to start.. deworming > isn't a bad idea either if he's a free roaming cat. Connie, thank you for this advice; having had over 30 cats pass through my care (almost all of whom have found loving homes), I know the basics; even so the idea of using detergent (as a tongue repellent(?)) hadn't occurred to me. Fleas I don't believe are the issue; my initial ramblings have been cleaned up somewhat, to my mind it reads "parasite". Pat Hi all (again), I am almost positive it is an insect infestation of some kind. Symptoms are a hard white blob attached to hair roots 1/8" long, easily pulled out (along with the hairs). I beleive these are either egg sacs or bugshit, either way I brush him out twice a day (and for the last couple days I've found none of those). Also sequential appearance of "pimples" characterized by: baldness 1/4" diameter around a red dot; after a couple days area swells up; a whitish discharge after which the area calms down (still bald but it's only been a week) Then another one starts up. The last two were very large (size of a quarter... err shilling(?)), which is why a red area which has formed above his eye is a concern to me (but it could be his normal getting banged up). Pat Please don't treat me to your opinion on neutering or the inside/outside cat flame war. > Hi all (again), > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > or bugshit, either way I brush him out twice a day (and for the last > couple days I've found none of those). With this information, please let me repeat some advice I gave earlier. That is, be sure to take samples to the vet for a positive identification and treatment. MaryL >>Hi all (again), >> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > MaryL Well I was planning to take the entire cat <g> but thanks, I'll try to remember to isolate one of those hair tufts if I can find one. Pat > >>Hi all (again), > >> [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Pat Well, I really wasn't very communicative ...I suggested the sample because you described frequent brushing, and I was afraid you would arrive at the vet's but without as much "evidence" as you might provide. MaryL >>>>Hi all (again), >>>> [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > MaryL Thankyou for giving me the opportunity for levity, as well as some good advice. Pat Just curious, and want to ask rpl why he chooses not to have this cat neutered. Not trying to start anything, I'm just curious. I know in the past, when I was sluggish about having my male cats neutered, I was eventually "reminded" by them spraying my inside furniture. EWWW! Hope you get to the bottom of what it is that is causing this unusual skin condition! > >>>>Hi all (again), > >>>> [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > > Pat > Just curious, and want to ask rpl why he chooses not to have this cat > neutered. Not trying to start anything, I'm just curious. I know in the > past, when I was sluggish about having my male cats neutered, I was > eventually "reminded" by them spraying my inside furniture. EWWW! Growling or otherwise distracting the cat as soon as he starts the characteristic tail-twitch aborts that. > Hope you get to the bottom of what it is that is causing this unusual skin > condition! I haven't actually made that decision one way or the other yet, the cat in question is 9-10 months old and variables such as who is to pay for it enter in also, /rant and I am incredibly f.cking sick of being the only one in the house who takes care of the cats. My a.shole brother and his "darling" children won't even feed their cats, much less change the litter (I changed it every day for 3 years before saying "enough"): there's literally a pile of sh.t in the laundry room. I finally change it only after the cats start peeing in other places in the house. (The cats put more effort into it than bro & kids, when the smell gets too much even for them, one pees into the recycle bin, several in the bathroom (one in the bathtub even) and one in the flood drain in the laundry room. Oh and did I mention when we got a couple of the girls spayed, the one he took to the vet, he couldn't be arsed to take her back to get her stitches removed, that was about a year or so ago I think) /endrant I have no such compunctions against dragging any cat to the vet for an immediate problem as I have in the past on (thankfully few) occasions. My objection apart from a knee-jerk reaction to any female screaming "Neuter!!!!", was to the second posting being non-sequitur to my/the cat's immediate problem and posted in an opportunistic fashion, based as it was on my levity "don't type that where the cat can see it". Like when you get a phone call from somebody who says "OMG, we're in a car crash, there's blood everywhere, bones are sticking out of Phil's arm... what do I do?" and you answer "Take driving lessons". Clear? and thankyou for your kind words. Pat "rpl" <plinnane3NO@SPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message news:nAA0c.53301 > My objection apart from a knee-jerk reaction to any female screaming > "Neuter!!!!", I know MANY men who would "scream" the exact same thing at you.. > I know MANY men who would "scream" the exact same thing at you.. I certainly do!  SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com >> I know MANY men who would "scream" the exact same thing at you.. > > I certainly do! Gee, thanks so much for playing; should I decide to get the kitten neutered [1], rest assured your screaming will definitely be given the consideration it deserves. [1] I don't recall broaching the subject, but that's the beauty of the Internet isn't it, causing people to scream at you an opinion you may already have. rpl at plinnane3NO@SPAMyahoo.com wrote on3/1/04 1:57 PM: > Gee, thanks so much for playing; should I decide to get the kitten > neutered [1], rest assured your screaming will definitely be given the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Internet isn't it, causing people to scream at you an opinion you may > already have. Well, I have read this thread with concern because of your cat's problems, which I trust will be cleared up following his visit to the vet. And I don't really want in on the contentious part of the thread. That said, I hafta point out, for the benefit of other readers of the NG as well as perhaps yours, that coming on here and making it known that your cat has not been neutered will get you a certain amount of (probably well deserved) flack. I'm not questioning that you have your reasons, be they your brother, your cat's age, the money, whatever. And you obviously care about your cat. But do realize that you brought up the topic in a forum where it was bound to bring commentary, then you stepped in it further by implying that there was some sort of a women's bias toward castration driving the advice you were given. That was just plain silly of you. People on here are actually pretty tolerant, and none of the regulars are going to get bent out of shape over your defensiveness, but next time be smarter and don't set yourself up. SignatureDiana > Well, I have read this thread with concern because of your cat's problems, > which I trust will be cleared up following his visit to the vet. I hope so too, again thankyou to the people who had a chance to respond with helpful advice before the thread got "Hitler"ed. > And I > don't really want in on the contentious part of the thread. That said, I > hafta point out, <semi-polite cough> >for the benefit of other readers of the NG as well as > perhaps yours, that coming on here and making it known that your cat has not > been neutered Do cats get juvenile acne? Are "men" cats more susceptible to parasites/skin diseases for hormonal reasons than "boy" cats? Are there any treatment variations? Etc. Sorry if I have to point out that that was the reason I mentioned it. I would have mentioned the cat's fur/eye color if I thought it might have a bearing. And I *am* sorry I have to point that out, btw. >will get you a certain amount of (probably well deserved) > flack. I'm not questioning that you have your reasons, > And you obviously care about > your cat. But do realize that you brought up the topic in a forum where it > was bound to bring commentary, read my above paragraphs again if necessary. >then you stepped in it further by implying > that there was some sort of a women's bias toward castration driving the > advice you were given. I know plenty of women who attempt (and succeed) to make a man feel uncomfortable when the subject is neutering, just for fun; so do you. But Victor?, if you ever "scream "Neuter!!!!!!" (or anything else for that matter) in my face, in real life, as you implied you would, I will knock your nose out the back side of your head. Are we clear on this ? >That was just plain silly of you. People on here > are actually pretty tolerant, and none of the regulars are going to get bent > out of shape over your defensiveness, but next time be smarter and don't set > yourself up. I haven't noticed much in the way of tolerance so far, though I'll grant that my other 500+ posts to Usenet so far this year were mostly as advisor not advisee. Are you seriously implying that my comment (which apparently trashed the thread): "Don't type that where my 10 month old kitten can read it", was read as being serious? Did it deserve the half-crazed litany series that followed? Come on, most cats can't do more than pick out their own name in a sentence til they're at least 2-3 years old. Pat I'm starting 2 new threads... one concerning my cat in alt.cats (as the subject matter isn't restricted to pets).... actually, screw that, cat's going to the vets in a day or two anyways, and I don't need the hassle. the other in alt.pets.cats (as the subject matter is restricted to pets) rpl at plinnane3NO@SPAMyahoo.com wrote on3/1/04 9:36 PM: > I know plenty of women who attempt (and succeed) to make a man feel > uncomfortable when the subject is neutering, just for fun; so do you. I know of women who I think would do that. Bet they have their own ng ;) -- haven't seen 'em here; neither have you. > But Victor?, if you ever "scream "Neuter!!!!!!" (or anything else for > that matter) in my face, in real life, as you implied you would, I will > knock your nose out the back side of your head. Are we clear on this ? (sigh) rpl, the context of "screaming" was introduced by you. Victor stayed with your choice of words to emphasize that the neuter-your-cat-folks were NOT just some "screaming" women. You know this... > Are you seriously implying that my comment (which apparently trashed the > thread): [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > was read as being serious? > Did it deserve the half-crazed litany series that followed? ?? I seriously doubt that that comment had anything to do with people's responses to you. ("Half-crazed litany?" Oh, come on, get real!) You do notice that when you post minus the rude remarks, people respond in kind. It works both ways. > Come on, most cats can't do more than pick out their own name in a > sentence til they're at least 2-3 years old. :) > Pat > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > the other in alt.pets.cats (as the subject matter is restricted to pets) Well, good luck to you. 'Bye. (Of course, a lot of the same people post on both groups -- even more so when threads are cross-posted.) All the same, I'd like to hear how your cat gets along, and what his diagnosis is. SignatureDiana > rpl at plinnane3NO@SPAMyahoo.com wrote on3/1/04 9:36 PM: > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I know of women who I think would do that. Bet they have their own ng ;) -- > haven't seen 'em here; neither have you. doesn't bother me, actually, if it's a friend poking(no pun intended) fun. <snip> > (sigh) rpl, the context of "screaming" was introduced by you. Victor stayed > with your choice of words to emphasize that the neuter-your-cat-folks were > NOT just some "screaming" women. You know this... hey, you're right (sortof) Connie: "shout" (another subthread) me: "scream" (not to be confused with SHOUT in ng parlance) Connie: ""scream"" Victor: what she said me: threat/promise to do bodily injury to a male screaming in my face >>Are you seriously implying that my comment (which apparently trashed the >>thread): [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > ?? I seriously doubt that that comment had anything to do with people's > responses to you. response, singular, actually; the rest seem to have evolved from that. "I will type it, I will say it, I will shout it ..." yup, sounds rational - thanks, Connie for checking to see if neutering was a current option, btw. And your response *was* inappropriately opportunistic. I do apologize for my extremely bad habit of rarely specifying whether I actually mean a comment or am being facetious/dry/sarcastic; most of the time I'm sure it's pretty obvious. <snip> >>I'm starting 2 new threads... <snip> >>the other in alt.pets.cats (as the subject matter is restricted to pets) > > Well, good luck to you. 'Bye. (Of course, a lot of the same people post on > both groups -- even more so when threads are cross-posted.) ? not trying to avoid people (quite the opposite), just defining subject boundaries. > All the same, > I'd like to hear how your cat gets along, and what his diagnosis is. dropping by the (new) vets to check the place out/make an appt in a couple minutes. Pat > But Victor?, if you ever "scream "Neuter!!!!!!" (or anything else for > that matter) in my face, in real life, as you implied you would, I will > knock your nose out the back side of your head. Are we clear on this ? It's obvious to me you are incapable of behaving like a grown-up. I make it a point not to argue with imbeciles like yourself. *plonk* SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com >> But Victor?, if you ever "scream "Neuter!!!!!!" (or anything else for >> that matter) in my face, in real life, as you implied you would, I [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > *plonk* And here I actually thought we were having a productive pleasant conversation. Maybe Vickie, you should spend more time lurking in alt.monstertrucks'n'beerguts, rather than in a female-dominated/male-neutering newsgroup[1]. --- [1] anybody masochistic/bored enough to have been following this particularly odious subthread this far is welcome to choose whether I'm being serious, humourous or simply trolling[2]. [2] trolling - the practise (practice?) of posting to a newsgroup in an abusive manner... Obvious trolls of course are swear-words and personal, unsubstantiated insults: they are designed to cause the target(s) to respond in kind and look rash and perhaps feel foolish, afterwards. Not-so-obvious trolls include - writing contrary to generally-accepted newsgroup-centric "truths"; a generalized "attack" which usually causes ng regulars to "pull together" - playing stupid, causing the victim to repeat his/herself, or alternatively, explain a simple concept in several different manners - A common subvariant, not technically a troll, consists in using a person/group as your own personal "google" frivolously, or to do your homework sort of thing. Mostly trolling is just an exercise in ab usive manipulation, a petty tyranny, or downright laziness; favorite targets are the self-righteous and the emotionally weakened; favorite result - impotent rage or shame at rising to the bait. Experienced trolls skate on the edge of "benefit of doubt": in some cases it is extremely difficult to differentiate between a purposeful troll and an honest post. Sorry that your family is this way. It is too bad that when family members are irresponsible and lazy like you mention, that the animals will be the ones to "pay the price", by either getting dumped at the local shelter or dumped somewhere else, because the peeing and bad "litterbox habits" become intolerable to these jerks. Sorry that you have to bear the brunt of their laziness. If the cars didn't have you living there, it sounds like their situation would be totally hopeless. > > Just curious, and want to ask rpl why he chooses not to have this cat > > neutered. Not trying to start anything, I'm just curious. I know in the [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] > > Pat <stuff> I was sortof hoping my rant would go unnoticed, but thx. You did misread part though; the cats have very good habits given a chance. I'm just tired. 3 cats took 2 trips to the vet. "Buggy" has some antibiotics and is hobbling around (good timing on the vet, he started limping this morning, now he's almost ok). The vet's assured me that all the blisters were bite infections, and all the others flea-bites are scratches (those things I was wondering about are little scabs on all those tufts of hair). Skwirly has her stitches out and despite my worries that she was going to show the vet why I call her "The Slasher", was well-behaved (really scared though; took us a few minutes to decant her from the carrier then she did the Velcro imitation on me). Is it common practice for the vet to trim nails for an examination? He wanted to clip all the cats' nails (none are especially long 'cept Skwirl's [1]). Pat [1] *enormous* fluffy tail that curls over, thinking of calling her Maxine cuz everybody gives me a strange look when I say "Squirrel" for some reason. rpl <plinnane3NO@SPAMyahoo.com> wrote in news:HxU1c.83758$sl.22248 @news01.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com: > Is it common practice for the vet to trim nails for an examination? He > wanted to clip all the cats' nails (none are especially long 'cept [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Maxine cuz everybody gives me a strange look when I say "Squirrel" for > some reason. Did he charge for the clipping? Mine did the first time, not since. I trim their front nails about once every three weeks. SignatureStocksRus? StocksRus® wrote: <snips>> > Did he charge for the clipping? Mine did the first time, not since. I trim > their front nails about once every three weeks. Not that I could tell in the itemized bill; he did clip the first "victim"s front nails-took 10 seconds. Maxine might actually need it soon since her's are almost at what looks like the limit for curvature (before they start to curl inwards). Mind you they're outdoors cats and have 2 scratching posts (which saves the furniture and legs). Pat rpl at plinnane3NO@SPAMyahoo.com wrote on3/5/04 12:49 AM: > 3 cats took 2 trips to the vet. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > others flea-bites are scratches (those things I was wondering about are > little scabs on all those tufts of hair). Glad things are under control for the poor guy! Don't know what your vet recommends to prevent fleas, but my cats and and I like Program (I because it isn't applied to their skin, they because they get it mixed with their favorite extra-tasty canned food.) SignatureDiana Portal To My Pages http://bellsouthpwp.net/d/r/drdrive/ > rpl at plinnane3NO@SPAMyahoo.com wrote on3/5/04 12:49 AM: > Glad things are under control for the poor guy! Don't know what your vet > recommends to prevent fleas, but my cats and and I like Program (I because > it isn't applied to their skin, they because they get it mixed with their > favorite extra-tasty canned food.) He mentioned "Avantage"(?), something which dissolves into the cats' blood-stream and kills fleas who bite. I'm not really comfortable with that idea yet, though I've been assured it's non-toxic for the cat. Sounds easier than combing them out though. heheh, I spent a small fortune in kitty-treats to balance out the vet visits. Pat First - Advantage is WONDERFUL. I've got 10 animals (yes I'm nuts), and it got my flea problem under control within days. It's easy to apply and is not toxic (however if you happen to apply in an area the cat can reach, they may drool or foam at the mouth, this goes away though). It can get expensive. You can probably find on-line cheaper than what the vet wants. I've found the "real deal" on ebay for a lot less than most online pet places. (sellers name was Best_cents I believe). Make sure you get the right size for your cat. Second - the nail trim - it depends on the vet, some trim them some don't, and if he just started to do it chances are it's a "value-added" service they do to make you feel like you are getting your money's worth. I wish mine did it, my dogs will not let me trim their nails at all, and some of the cats can be a challenge. > > rpl at plinnane3NO@SPAMyahoo.com wrote on3/5/04 12:49 AM: > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Pat <snip> > Second - the nail trim - it depends on the vet, some trim them some don't, > and if he just started to do it chances are it's a "value-added" service > they do to make you feel like you are getting your money's worth. I wish > mine did it, my dogs will not let me trim their nails at all, and some of > the cats can be a challenge. never tried to trim my cats' nails yet (they never seemed to need it), but the boys have been out fighting and they have a couple broken ones (the vet did them) and the one girl I brought in, hers were in perfect shape (and incredibly wicked looking). pat | <snip> | > Second - the nail trim - it depends on the vet, some trim them some [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] | | pat The other day Minka came in with her harness on and the lead got caught. She held on to the carpet in horror for a few seconds until I had freed her. Then I found <shock> three or four nails on the carpet. When I examined her all her claws were there. They were only sort of old died off 'covers'. I had never seen that before that the claws renew themselves. But if they do then there's really no need for trimming, is there? Carola > The other day Minka came in with her harness on and the lead got caught. She > held on to the carpet in horror for a few seconds until I had freed her. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Carola I've never seen that... maybe they just broke off at a certain point instead of getting yanked out. Regardless, though, I think a cat with broken or overgrown nails should have them clipped (my cats sometimes have problems getting disentangled even when their claws do what they should) How's that work with the harness thing ? I tried it once with no luck whatsoever, and I wouldn't try walking a cat in a suburban area without one. pat | > The other day Minka came in with her harness on and the lead got caught. She | > held on to the carpet in horror for a few seconds until I had freed her. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] | | pat I just put it on - lift them up, set them down outside - go for a walk. The cats may want to fight it first, but then all the attractions take their mind off the harness quickly. But at the beginning avoid bushes and trees, the cat could get caught. And if they run, don't run too, otherwise the whole operation turns into a race. Good luck! Carola > First - Advantage is WONDERFUL. I've got 10 animals (yes I'm nuts), and it > got my flea problem under control within days. It's easy to apply and is [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > places. (sellers name was Best_cents I believe). Make sure you get the > right size for your cat. Yes advantage is WONDERFUL. I've tried cat frontline with much less success than advantage. The only thing is that my cats absolutely HATE the application of the product; I think it's the medicinal smell that they can't stand. They see the tube and go a-runnin'. But, when I can get them in my grip and apply the stuff, it works within an hour or so. kili |
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