Pet(s): Photos & Discussion

[Scarlett45]

17 minutes ago, isalicat said:

Advice needed! My geriatic tom cat, Louis, had developed some big fur mats on his back because he was no longer able to reach there to clean himself. I tried brushing with various cat brushes to no good result, and finally bought a gadget that was specifically designed to remove fur mats without harming the cat's (or dog's) skin. It works on little mats but in the process of using it I discovered that Louis would let me cut off the mats, working carefully with some very sharp nail scissors so now they are gone. The skin and remaining fur look healthy (no infection or anything else I can see) but I do want to keep that area clean and mat free for him now. Any suggestions on what I should use? Plain warm water and a washcloth or something else? Thanks in advance! (by the way, he is 19 now and completely freaked out by anything related to cat carriers/vet visits so I was definitely avoiding the take him to the vet and having him sedated while they shaved him solution....and I did! YAY)

Now that the mats have been cut, can you shave him? If his hind parts are shaved 2-3x a year- that should make things easier for him to keep clean. 
 

I had to take groom my long haired boy Charlie to the groomer to be shaved 2-3 times a year for the last 3 years of his life (thankfully for me, he didn’t mind the carrier and he didn’t need sedation). 

[isalicat]

33 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Now that the mats have been cut, can you shave him? If his hind parts are shaved 2-3x a year- that should make things easier for him to keep clean. 
 

The mats were not on his hind parts (he is still keeping himself quite clean in back and underneath) but in the middle center of his back. He is not a long haired cat so at this point I think if I keep him clean and brushed on his back he should be okay without shaving. I don't know anything about his history (he picked me from the shelter 6 years ago) except that he was abandoned in a field and apparently has a very fraught relationship with cat carriers so I don't want to put him in one unless it is an emergency.

[Scarlett45]

14 minutes ago, isalicat said:

The mats were not on his hind parts (he is still keeping himself quite clean in back and underneath) but in the middle center of his back. He is not a long haired cat so at this point I think if I keep him clean and brushed on his back he should be okay without shaving. I don't know anything about his history (he picked me from the shelter 6 years ago) except that he was abandoned in a field and apparently has a very fraught relationship with cat carriers so I don't want to put him in one unless it is an emergency.

Oh okay I see. That does sound like a good plan. 

[Bastet]

55 minutes ago, isalicat said:

at this point I think if I keep him clean and brushed on his back he should be okay without shaving.

Yeah, now that you've removed the mats and are starting fresh, regular brushing ought to be adequate going forward.  I wouldn't worry about washing that area he can't reach to groom, just brush it.

[Gramto6]

9 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

They got bigger!

 

Every single day!! 🥰

Hope you feel better soon!

Edited June 19, 2021 by Gramto6

[Scarlett45]

Cosmo is terrified to go outside again. He left a jerky treat IN THE GRASS to get back in the house around 7pm. 
 

That’s deep. I don’t want to terrify him poor guy. I guess I’ll try again right before bed. I know he can get UTIs from holding it too long. Ugh…..

 

Edited to add- he refused to go anywhere after that, and held it from 1pm Sunday-6:30am Monday. Here are some photos of him, at 9pm he was hiding under my desk, around 9:30pm I think he knew I wasn't going to force him out, and he came and laid near my bed. PETRIFIED. I care more about him not getting a UTI than cleaning up after him. 

 

He seems okay now, he had two walks so far, and its a bit cooler so he was happy. I have noticed his squeak toys are FILTHY, I should wash those.

[Scarlett45]

Monday night was a similar repeat to Sunday. I don't know whats going on outside in the evenings with him lately, but I dont want to stress him out. He was happy this morning, and enjoyed his walks, so I wont push it. I will try to push back is afternoon walk to 3 or 4 pm so that if he wont go out at night, he wont have to hold it in so long. 

[MargeGunderson]

Oh, poor Cosmo, and poor you for being so worried about him. I hope that he gets back to his former ways. 

[Scarlett45]

12 minutes ago, MargeGunderson said:

Oh, poor Cosmo, and poor you for being so worried about him. I hope that he gets back to his former ways. 

I just dont want him to get a UTI from holding it in!

 

He seems happy enough until the evening comes.

[Mindthinkr]

@Scarlett45 As someone who has added an older dog into their life, I think you are doing well. You seem to be using your patience and trying to understand him and his needs. Poor guy has also been through a lot of adjustments. He is lucky to have you. 
   I hope you can figure out what is scaring him at night. I’m also wondering if it may be due to loss of vision or that he can smell some predators around and know he does not have the ability to defend himself. You might want to get some of those puppy training pads and put one by the door so he feels he has a safe place to relieve himself. I use them under the litter box as accidents do happen with older pets and it makes clean up a snap. Best wishes and a hug for you. 

[Scarlett45]

Just now, Mindthinkr said:

@Scarlett45 As someone who has added an older dog into their life, I think you are doing well. You seem to be using your patience and trying to understand him and his needs. Poor guy has also been through a lot of adjustments. He is lucky to have you. 
   I hope you can figure out what is scaring him at night. I’m also wondering if it may be due to loss of vision or that he can smell some predators around and know he does not have the ability to defend himself. You might want to get some of those puppy training pads and put one by the door so he feels he has a safe place to relieve himself. I use them under the litter box as accidents do happen with older pets and it makes clean up a snap. Best wishes and a hug for you. 

Thank you so much for the suggestion! I come from a cat family, and have been a cat lady so this is pretty new to me. I think its the blasted firecrackers now that its summer time- if I can hear a "pop pop", I can only imagine what he can hear. He also does NOT like the heat, it has been cooler the last two mornings so he has been much more enthusiastic for his morning walks. 

I was kind of looking forward to us having long walks when it got hot (I love the heat) and hes like "ummm no, potty and back in the house". But his mood is still good as evidenced below.

[Mondrianyone]

@Scarlett45, I went for a long time not posting, but I have followed your story of caring for Cosmo and then giving him a permanent home when his person died, despite your not being a dog lady. And I watched the look on his face go from one of fear and insecurity and loss to a look of love and belonging. All along I've thought what a wonderful person you are to do this. It sounds as if you rearranged a lot of your life for this sweet boy--something not many people would do.

It's upsetting to see him so stressed out again. I don't know what part of the country you live in, but it could very well be the heat. This might be some help: https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/family/pets/cooling-pet-products-for-summer. (The shoes are pretty hilarious-looking, but I know from walking dogs in NYC that pavement can get really scorching.) When we still had dogs, we never tried one of those cooling vests, but it might be worth a shot if it's the heat that's getting to him.

One thing we did try was the Thundershirt--we still have it, in case I can talk my husband into another dog. It helped sometimes, other times not. Another thing worth trying if fireworks or thunderstorms are scaring him. But it looks to me as if you're the best security blanket for Cosmo.🐕

[Scarlett45]

1 hour ago, Mondrianyone said:

@Scarlett45, I went for a long time not posting, but I have followed your story of caring for Cosmo and then giving him a permanent home when his person died, despite your not being a dog lady. And I watched the look on his face go from one of fear and insecurity and loss to a look of love and belonging. All along I've thought what a wonderful person you are to do this. It sounds as if you rearranged a lot of your life for this sweet boy--something not many people would do.

It's upsetting to see him so stressed out again. I don't know what part of the country you live in, but it could very well be the heat. This might be some help: https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/family/pets/cooling-pet-products-for-summer. (The shoes are pretty hilarious-looking, but I know from walking dogs in NYC that pavement can get really scorching.) When we still had dogs, we never tried one of those cooling vests, but it might be worth a shot if it's the heat that's getting to him.

One thing we did try was the Thundershirt--we still have it, in case I can talk my husband into another dog. It helped sometimes, other times not. Another thing worth trying if fireworks or thunderstorms are scaring him. But it looks to me as if you're the best security blanket for Cosmo.🐕

Awww you are so kind.

 

I have always liked dogs, and used to dog sit for my godmother (Cosmo's old Mom) on the regular, the fact that she trusted me to care for him means more to me than any "little rearrangement" having a dog now has brought. I get so much more exercise now! I do admit it was good I went through this change while I was still WFH 100%, has made it much easier for me learning about walks and feeding times etc. Dogs are not like cats.....the eating odd things all the time, I dont know if I will ever get used to that.

I am in Chicago- the actual city proper. It does get very hot and humid here in the summer (we get the freezing cold, AND the hot weather- its not just not for very long). Also, damn firecrackers have scared the baby man and now he HATES the park (wont go in) and I think thats what it is. I asked my godmother about the thunder shirt, she said it didnt do anything to help him. He was rescued from that horrid tornado in OK in 2013- thats how he ended up in Chicago to be adopted by my god mother.

That cooling bandana looks pretty cool. Despite being part golden retriever this boy hates swimming. HATES IT- may be related to the tornado experience. 

I now wonder why people dont want to adopt older dogs. I love having a middle aged dog! He is excited for walks, and eating, but most of the day he just sleeps and chills out. I love this. While I am working he is just under my desk or on his bed watching me.

[Mondrianyone]

8 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Also, damn firecrackers have scared the baby man and now he HATES the park (wont go in) and I think thats what it is. I asked my godmother about the thunder shirt, she said it didnt do anything to help him. He was rescued from that horrid tornado in OK in 2013- thats how he ended up in Chicago to be adopted by my god mother.

Boy, he's been through some stuff, hasn't he? He's already lost his people at least twice. My guess would be that the fear of loud noises probably goes back to the tornado. Can't really blame him. I remember the video of the aftermath, and it was horrific.

We have friends, a couple, who only adopt senior dogs. They go to the shelter and ask who's been there the longest, or they take pairs who've had their owner die. At first I didn't understand how they dealt with all that loss, but I think I get it better now. I've already decided that my next dog will be a senior. The thought of a dog spending his/her last days in a cage seems a lot worse than whatever sadness I'd feel when the dog passes. (I can't speak for Mr. Mo, though. He keeps saying he can't do it again. We'll see. He apparently doesn't realize our cat is going to die someday, too.)

I hope you find something that helps Cosmo.

[Scarlett45]

5 minutes ago, Mondrianyone said:

We have friends, a couple, who only adopt senior dogs. They go to the shelter and ask who's been there the longest, or they take pairs who've had their owner die. At first I didn't understand how they dealt with all that loss, but I think I get it better now. I've already decided that my next dog will be a senior. The thought of a dog spending his/her last days in a cage seems a lot worse than whatever sadness I'd feel when the dog passes. (I can't speak for Mr. Mo, though. He keeps saying he can't do it again. We'll see. He apparently doesn't realize our cat is going to die someday, too.)

I hope you find something that helps Cosmo.

Thank you.

Whenever Cosmo is no longer with me, I could see myself getting another large older dog who just needs a few years of love, walks, and jerky treats.

My godmother loved dogs (as a species) and liked cats. I am the opposite, I LOVE cats (I cant see myself not having a cat) and like dogs. Of course I love Cosmo as an individual, but on a species level cats are more "me".

My godmother loved LARGE dogs. When she went to adopt Cosmo, she had been without dogs for a year, the litter mate Goldens she had died of old age in 2012, and that was a rough time, those dogs had been with her through a divorce, her kids moving out, her mom dying and they lived to be 15yrs old. When she proclaimed she was "ready" she went to the adoption event, and they kept showing her these tiny dogs (I think a stereotype of older ladies liking tiny dogs)- "Show me all the dogs 50lbs or bigger", Cosmo was there at 8 months (we arent exactly sure, he still had his puppy teeth but was big). I now know exactly what she meant regarding this large dog life.

[Anela]

I think I shared this one before.  The one on the right, has had problems walking, for a few months. Similar to what one of my dogs went through, before he died in 2018. I can’t always help him up, because I’m not as strong as I’d like to be, and he also snaps (not a usual thing for him).  So I have to watch him do it himself.  I hate feeling helpless, and don’t like the thought of him feeling that way. 

This is Ell, the one we lost in 2018. 
 

https://imgur.com/a/PJE8F
 

Three  pictures from when we adopted him, in 2015. He was underweight, and I don’t know how long he was on the streets.  

[TattleTeeny]

Can anyone recommend a cat carrier? I am looking for the most secure one ever, preferably the soft kind, with zero chance of mesh being torn or zippers breaking or any possibility of a breach at all (which kind of makes me think that the hard style is probably more appropriate). 

(Also, these "demands" are based not on my cats' previous behavior in carriers, but on my own neuroses!)

[theredhead77]

30 minutes ago, TattleTeeny said:

Can anyone recommend a cat carrier? I am looking for the most secure one ever, preferably the soft kind, with zero chance of mesh being torn or zippers breaking or any possibility of a breach at all (which kind of makes me think that the hard style is probably more appropriate). 

(Also, these "demands" are based not on my cats' previous behavior in carriers, but on my own neuroses!)

What will you be using it for? Travel, vet visits, a move?

[TattleTeeny]

Just the basic vet visits and "let's get outta here" situations (we had on last night; not fun).

[theredhead77]

I used this to move across the country (via plane) and use it now for vet trips. It's really sturdy. One kitty managed to chew a small hole through the mesh while on the plane (due to anxiety the kitty cat Xanax didn't conquer I'm sure) but due to the design I wasn't concerned about him escaping. The mesh isn't cloth and it doesn't catch or snag at all. Zippers are secure and there is a loop inside if you harness them. I used a double leash adapter and clipped one part to the harness and one part to the carrier for extra security. When I finally get to move home I'll use the same carrier on the plane.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000633ZOY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edited June 25, 2021 by theredhead77

[TattleTeeny]

Oh, thank you! I was legit looking at $180 ones and not knowing if I could trust the reviews. 

[theredhead77]

5 hours ago, TattleTeeny said:

Oh, thank you! I was legit looking at $180 ones and not knowing if I could trust the reviews. 

You can always return it if it doesn't feel secure enough. I haven't had any issues taking them to and from the vet and I don't harness them in for that period of time. 

[TattleTeeny]

Thank you. To be honest, I’m starting to wonder if I am the thing that’s actually not secure enough (mentally), haha! I get a bit crazy about pet safety!

[theredhead77]

1 hour ago, TattleTeeny said:

Thank you. To be honest, I’m starting to wonder if I am the thing that’s actually not secure enough (mentally), haha! I get a bit crazy about pet safety!

I get it. I rarely use my front door because I'm concerned they might slip out. Instead I use my garage and treat it as an airlock. The pet sitter has a key to the front door for an emergency but they have strict instructions to use the garage to enter / close the garage door / enter the house and reverse when they leave. 

When I moved, LAX had a private room at security that you could wait in with a TSA agent and your pet. My friend and I were escorted to the room them I took one cat out of the carrier, my friend went through the scanner, the carrier and her carry on went through the scanner, came back to the room where I got the pissed off cat back into the carrier, then TSA took the other carrier through the scanner while we both waited. Finally, when both cats were securely in their respective carriers I went through with my carry on while my friend waited in the room with both secure cats.

I just found out ATL has no such room and since I'm hoping to move back sooner rather than later it's causing me a great source of stress. I can't hold a cat while the carrier goes through the scanner and there's no way I'd put my friend in that position. I'd end up with two very bloody arms and no cats. The airport would have found itself two new residents. 

[AgentRXS]

I don't even know how to process this. My job has a colony of outdoor cats that we all take care of and feed. Frankie aka Pants was my absolute favorite cat. Before I had my son, he was a huge part of my world along with my personal cats. I would work the night shift and he would help me decompress and be very theraputic during my anxiety attacks.

A few nights ago, he got attacked by a coyote and he died today from a punctured lung. I am devastated. It was my last day of work before my vacation and I can't even imagine that I won't see him there when I get back. I always wanted to take him home but I knew he would not get along with my cats and he didn't like being indoors. He was so sweet and so smart. RIP Frankie. I hope he knew how much I loved him.

[ABay]

I'm so sorry about Frankie, @AgentRXS. Of course he knew and returned your love or he wouldn't have always been there for you.

Uncreepy virtual hugs to you from me and the Girl Cat.

[SuprSuprElevated]

1 hour ago, AgentRXS said:

I don't even know how to process this. My job has a colony of outdoor cats that we all take care of and feed. Frankie aka Pants was my absolute favorite cat. Before I had my son, he was a huge part of my world along with my personal cats. I would work the night shift and he would help me decompress and be very theraputic during my anxiety attacks.

A few nights ago, he got attacked by a coyote and he died today from a punctured lung. I am devastated. It was my last day of work before my vacation and I can't even imagine that I won't see him there when I get back. I always wanted to take him home but I knew he would not get along with my cats and he didn't like being indoors. He was so sweet and so smart. RIP Frankie. I hope he knew how much I loved him.

Really, so sorry.  

And yes, he knew~

[Bastet]

Oh, damn.  I hate just hearing about that, so to think about how your heart, having known and loved him, is breaking -- my condolences on your loss.  But, if it helps any, yes, he knew.  In fact, maybe community cats who learn to trust in a human's love know it better than anyone.  That's why he returned the sentiment so faithfully.

Poor Frankie Pants.  And poor @AgentRXS; I hope your vacation provides some pleasant distraction, at least.

[AgentRXS]

Thanks @Bastet! I didn't get a proper goodbye as he looked okay this AM and took a turn for the worse during my shift and died before I got back.  I have been through so much this year and this is just one more thing. I wish I could have been there with him.

[Scarlett45]

@AgentRXS awww I am so sorry for your loss. You did a wonderful thing caring for Frankie Pants.  Of course you’re upset. Anyone would be in that situation. I hope he didn’t suffer too long. 
 

@TattleTeeny I recommend this carrier for your cat. 

[SuprSuprElevated]

Truth bomb

[TattleTeeny]

Thank you guys! That’s 2 recs for the same one! 

@AgentRXS, I am so sorry.

Edited June 27, 2021 by TattleTeeny

[Quof]

Update on the blanket saga, after washing it 6 times with different detergents, no detergent, extra rinse cycles, running through the dryer, hanging it on the clothes line... Her Highness likes it again.  

Edited June 27, 2021 by Quof

[bilgistic]

@AgentRXS, I'm so sorry about Frankie. What a sweet little buddy. Of course he knew you loved him as he loved you. We send gentle headbonks.

[MargeGunderson]

@AgentRXS, I’m so sorry for your loss. Frankie sounds like a sweetheart, and he clearly felt about you the way you felt about him. 

[Mindthinkr]

@AgentRXS The Mindthinkr house is sending you our condolences and purrs. Very sorry to hear about Frankie. 😿

[Gramto6]

@AGENTRXS, so sorry for you loss of Frankie. He most assuredly loved you as much as you loved him.

I have several cats and 4 kittens living under my deck. At some point they will become a "colony". I love them all and they all make me smile. Some are friendlier than others, Mama has bolted into the house a couple of times when I was feeding them. I lost my Baby Boo (indoor cat) a few years ago and I am still not ready to take one in. I know how you felt about your buddy Frankie and I hope you find peace and maybe find a new buddy among the colony.

[SuprSuprElevated]

[bosawks]

Harper giving getting dry his all.

[theredhead77]

2 hours ago, Gramto6 said:

@AGENTRXS, so sorry for you loss of Frankie. He most assuredly loved you as much as you loved him.

I have several cats and 4 kittens living under my deck. At some point they will become a "colony". I love them all and they all make me smile. Some are friendlier than others, Mama has bolted into the house a couple of times when I was feeding them. I lost my Baby Boo (indoor cat) a few years ago and I am still not ready to take one in. I know how you felt about your buddy Frankie and I hope you find peace and maybe find a new buddy among the colony.

Have you been in touch with your local feral community to get them fixed and vaccinated since the neighbors daughter isn't going to take them? There is a very short window a kitten can be adopted out of this situation.

Edited June 28, 2021 by theredhead77

[EighteenTwelve]

Lily is 15 today, which means she's officially Ancient and Venerable.  But she doesn't know that.  All she knows is it's just a bit hot out today.

[bilgistic]

I need to get a consensus (catsensus, heh) on which cat tree to buy. My girls have clawed their current tree down to the wood on the top edge on one side, so I think it's time for a new one. Plus, it's Little Mama's birthday next week, not that I need an excuse to spoil my girls.

This is the one they currently have and is I can replace direct from the manufacturer. Both girls lay in the top "bed" at times, but mostly Little Girls lays there alone. They sometimes play with one in the top bed and another on the second tier and bat at each other. They also chase each other to the top and back down, and Little Mama loves to swing around on the tree using just her claws and brute upper body strength.

I've been very pleased with the quality, stability and durability of the tree. It's lasted 3.5 years with two very rambunctious cats. If I was an industrious sort, I suppose I could get a carpet remnant and somehow tack in into the side/corner of the tree, but I don't know how to do that and the thought makes me kind of tired right now.

The tree below is the other one I'm contemplating. It's five inches shorter than the first tree, but will still clear the window by several inches so they can see out. I think on one hand it'll give them another semi-enclosed bed to lay in/on, but on the other, they don't lay on the other tiers of the cat tree they have now. My gut says to go with the same model they have now and douse it with pheromone spray and dump a truckload of treats on it and hope for the best.

[supposebly]

My vote goes to the first one. Cats like what they know. And I think taller is always better. I'm sure they have enough beds.

[bilgistic]

3 minutes ago, supposebly said:

My vote goes to the first one. Cats like what they know. And I think taller is always better. I'm sure they have enough beds.

They have a window seat in the bedroom, our bed, two laps on two couches, an ottoman they lay on, a janky "flat" (his word) that my boyfriend made them out of storage tubs and a bathmat (I hate it, so of course they love it), and an actual cat bed they will not deign to use, so yeah, more than enough beds!

[theredhead77]

My vote is for the first one. Or, if you want another option this is what I have for my two house lions. I bought it in 2016 and it survived a cross country move and still going strong.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005R4I7WM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

 

Edited June 28, 2021 by theredhead77

[ABay]

I had that one! All my cats loved it and I only got rid of it when it started falling apart after many, many years.

Oh, except instead of one of the platforms it had a nest/basket.

Edited June 28, 2021 by ABay

[SuprSuprElevated]

Of the two pictured, I would prefer the 2nd one, as it looks like it would be easier to ascend on a fast run, which is how mine usually mount theirs, lol.  I looked for one like ours, and this is the closest I could find.

New-Cat-Condos

Ours has the cylinder at the bottom then four of the curved perches staggered up from there.  The curved perches sort of hug them, which cats love.  Ours played for hours in the bottom cylinder, and we would toss toys through the top opening.

I agree that taller is better.

(Also make sure that the perches are large enough for an adult cat.  So many of these photos show kittens, young cats on them, distorting how large they really are.)

Edited June 28, 2021 by SuprSuprElevated

[bilgistic]

Thanks, y'all! I think I'm going to get the same one. We have very little space and are packed to the gills with two people and two cats in a two-bedroom 800-square-foot apartment with two couches in the living room. Here's Little Girl on the existing cat tree. Yes, we need to vacuum the tree and the floor.

[supposebly]

10 minutes ago, bilgistic said:

Thanks, y'all! I think I'm going to get the same one. We have very little space and are packed to the gills with two people and two cats in a two-bedroom 800-square-foot apartment with two couches in the living room. Here's Little Girl on the existing cat tree. Yes, we need to vacuum the tree and the floor.

A good space saving measure are shelves if that's something you could do in your apartment. Not as expensive as trees and can add to the upper-level space for them.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cat+shelves&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

I can't get over how similar your cat looks like one of mine.

Fox, looking like a teenager at 5 1/2 years old.

 

[SoMuchTV]

1 hour ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

(Also make sure that the perches are large enough for an adult cat.  So many of these photos show kittens, young cats on them, distorting how large they really are.)

Oh I think they'll manage...