story
Changing the facts
Mystery of the cat-like ‘beast’ that attacked Londoners
The Beast of Sydenham is infamouswww.mylondon.news
Your daily cat and kitten news
- Thread starter Mation
- Start date
Epona
Sonic: 1 Nov 2006 - 8 Jan 2022
Poor thing!
Radar had terrible trouble with skin allergies and a couple of times had to have a steroid injection which helped calm it down a bit.
Even one bite from a flea or other bitey bug would set him off itching cos it would cause an allergic reaction. And he couldn't have a plastic food or water bowl as it would set off acne and ulcers around his chin and mouth!
Hope the vet has some answers for you, it's horrible seeing them in such discomfort.
Puddy_Tat
naturally fluffy
one of the mogs i used to live with got a bit threadbare after getting a bit behind with flea treatment (with two of them, i had to try and catch them when the other one wasn't around)
vet said that cats that have been neutered can need a bit of help (like a steroid injection) with growing fur back after something like that
story
Changing the facts
seeformiles I once knew a cat who was allergic to newsprint. Everyone including the vet assumed it was fleas or a reaction to the fleas or the meds or some other standard normal thing but in then end, it was the newspapers being used to line the box he preferred to sit in.
The gf of the lad in the house felt sorry for the cat being given fresh newspapers rather than a blanket, and almost as soon as she put an old blanket in the box, the problem cleared up. They didn’t realise it was the newsprint til it recurred when they were washing the blanket, lined the box with newspapers and didn’t get round to replacing the blanket for a few weeks. After that they noticed occasional balding itchy patches on the cat’s haunches and elbows from sitting on newspaper when humans were trying to read it.
Of course lining the cat’s box with newspapers wasn’t neglect at all, it was indulging the cat’s love for newspapers. Keeping the cat away from newspapers thereafter was interpreted as cruel by the cat but was, of course, once again, the very opposite.
whatchagunnado 
I‘m out of my sick bed and Cat has still not left my side. I’ve put a sheepskin down on the floor because he’s insisting on being at my feet even though it’s a draughty wooden floor. He’s sat there with his arms outstretched, paws crossed before him, like a dog does.
The gf of the lad in the house felt sorry for the cat being given fresh newspapers rather than a blanket, and almost as soon as she put an old blanket in the box, the problem cleared up. They didn’t realise it was the newsprint til it recurred when they were washing the blanket, lined the box with newspapers and didn’t get round to replacing the blanket for a few weeks. After that they noticed occasional balding itchy patches on the cat’s haunches and elbows from sitting on newspaper when humans were trying to read it.
Of course lining the cat’s box with newspapers wasn’t neglect at all, it was indulging the cat’s love for newspapers. Keeping the cat away from newspapers thereafter was interpreted as cruel by the cat but was, of course, once again, the very opposite.
whatchagunnado I‘m out of my sick bed and Cat has still not left my side. I’ve put a sheepskin down on the floor because he’s insisting on being at my feet even though it’s a draughty wooden floor. He’s sat there with his arms outstretched, paws crossed before him, like a dog does.
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seeformiles
Lost in the wood
Lil’ Bob is the same - a proper Greyfriars Bobby when one of us is illseeformiles I once knew a cat who was allergic to newsprint. Everyone including the vet assumed it was fleas or a reaction to the fleas or the meds or some other standard normal thing but in then end, it was the newspapers being used to line the box he preferred to sit in.
The gf of the lad in the house felt sorry for the cat being given fresh newspapers rather than a blanket, and almost as soon as she put an old blanket in the box, the problem cleared up. They didn’t realise it was the newsprint til it recurred when they were washing the blanket, lined the box with newspapers and didn’t get round to replacing the blanket for a few weeks. After that they noticed occasional balding itchy patches on the cat’s haunches and elbows from sitting on newspaper when humans were trying to read it.
Of course lining the cat’s box with newspapers wasn’t neglect at all, it was indulging the cat’s love for newspapers. Keeping the cat away from newspapers thereafter was interpreted as cruel by the cat but was, of course, once again, the very opposite.
I‘m out of my sick bed and Cat has still not left my side. I’ve put a sheepskin down on the floor because he’s insisting on being at my feet even though it’s a draughty wooden floor. He’s sat there with his arms outstretched, paws crossed before him, like a dog does.
View attachment 397638
story
Changing the facts
It’s lovely. I like it.
But it’s new behaviour so I’m wondering if it comes from him being that bit older (he’s three this month), or an artefact of Suki being here for several months and and then suddenly not being here.
Either way, I hope it’s not a passing phase. He’s not even needing or wanting anything from me, just to be close.
Although as I’ve said, he’s a private chap and prefers a less-is-more approach to affection.
seeformiles
Lost in the wood
Lil’ Bob is devoted to Mrs SFM but, when she went away for 3 days, he attached himself to me like he’d never done in the past (& abandoned me just as quickly when she got back). I know now that I’m “2nd best choice” - but that will come as no surprise to most of you on this thread. I’m quite happy to be the runner up though
LeytonCatLady
Well-Known Member
Lilith wants to read my new book before me.
seeformiles
Lost in the wood
Called the vet this morning and luckily they had a cancellation for a 9.15 appointment so got Lil’ Bob down there quick smart. He was resigned to his treatment (suppose he was at the end of his rope with the itching) and stoically took his injection without complaint. When we got home and I let him out of his box, he actually came up and nuzzled me instead of the usual “Fuck off, I hate you” so he must have felt some benefit. The injection should calm his itching and relieve his dermatitis over the next 3-4 weeks so. Hopefully he’ll get a bit of proper rest now - even if Mrs SFM is making a right old fuss of him at time of writing. Households are much better with happy cats 
LeytonCatLady
Well-Known Member
Hope it's helped him.Called the vet this morning and luckily they had a cancellation for a 9.15 appointment so got Lil’ Bob down there quick smart. He was resigned to his treatment (suppose he was at the end of his rope with the itching) and stoically took his injection without complaint. When we got home and I let him out of his box, he actually came up and nuzzled me instead of the usual “Fuck off, I hate you” so he must have felt some benefit. The injection should calm his itching and relieve his dermatitis over the next 3-4 weeks so. Hopefully he’ll get a bit of proper rest now - even if Mrs SFM is making a right old fuss of him at time of writing. Households are much better with happy cats
LeytonCatLady
Well-Known Member
Cat tackles Underground's ridiculously long staircase and demands to be carried
The cat has a big following on TikTok and gets led about on a leash around London
High Voltage
In the top 97% of Urban's most interesting posters
Yesterday (Sunday) where Casper was meant to go to the vet we were actually a no show due to him being a bit feisty and we'd most likely have done an injury to him
So we stayed home and tried tempting him with... well, anything really
He did eat a tiny amount of chicken in gravy, which stayed down
Then come eventime some more water was syringed into his mouth
Mrs Voltz got him to eat a bit more chicken around 11:00pm which also stayed down
I tried both of them this morning with more tinned food which they both ate. Clive then made a beeline for any left over chicken, which we didn't spot. That went and then came back again, but that's a normal for Clive. He wolfs down food too quickly
A couple of hours later I fed both of them, a tea spoon full of food each. Again seemed to be staying put. That'll be my day sorted, feeding both of them a little at two hourly intervals
We've also had a PM from Epona letting us know about the collection. We're both truly touched by the generosity of random weirdos off the Internet. Thank you one and all
We're going to use some to put towards the bill. Some for some new beds for the boys. And any left over will be donated to the local PDSA to help people without any Internet friends
So we stayed home and tried tempting him with... well, anything really
He did eat a tiny amount of chicken in gravy, which stayed down
Then come eventime some more water was syringed into his mouth
Mrs Voltz got him to eat a bit more chicken around 11:00pm which also stayed down
I tried both of them this morning with more tinned food which they both ate. Clive then made a beeline for any left over chicken, which we didn't spot. That went and then came back again, but that's a normal for Clive. He wolfs down food too quickly
A couple of hours later I fed both of them, a tea spoon full of food each. Again seemed to be staying put. That'll be my day sorted, feeding both of them a little at two hourly intervals
We've also had a PM from Epona letting us know about the collection. We're both truly touched by the generosity of random weirdos off the Internet. Thank you one and all
We're going to use some to put towards the bill. Some for some new beds for the boys. And any left over will be donated to the local PDSA to help people without any Internet friends
Puddy_Tat
naturally fluffy
Cat tackles Underground's ridiculously long staircase and demands to be carried
The cat has a big following on TikTok and gets led about on a leash around London
are you allowed to carry a cat on an escalator on the underground?
the signs say that dogs must be carried, although they rarely enforce the rule with people who have failed to bring a dog with them...
LeytonCatLady
Well-Known Member
Or small children!
High Voltage
In the top 97% of Urban's most interesting posters
Fuck sake!
Casper's just honked up this mornings breakfast after getting on for seven hours of keeping it down
And as for the litter tray? not really showing much improvement
He's not as subdued as Clive was but it seems to be hanging on at least 24hrs longer
Casper's just honked up this mornings breakfast after getting on for seven hours of keeping it down
And as for the litter tray? not really showing much improvement
He's not as subdued as Clive was but it seems to be hanging on at least 24hrs longer
oryx
Sitting on the bok of the day
I'm not sure about that. The cat doesn't look terribly happy and it appears to be a frightening environment for her.Cat tackles Underground's ridiculously long staircase and demands to be carried
The cat has a big following on TikTok and gets led about on a leash around London
Just seen your latest news High Voltage
. May that be the last Ulp.
High Voltage
In the top 97% of Urban's most interesting posters
I've been going back over my posts on this thread and tbh given a far better chronology than my memory can manage had been very useful in plotting where each cat was
Best guess is Casper "should" be starting to improve if he follows a similar trajectory to Clive. But I've been hoping for this and each time its a knock back
The other thing to know is FiFi was Izz's cat and Casper and Clive are mine. They were all rehomed at the same time with FiFi settling in quickly but the two boys took nearly 18 months before I could even touch them, they're had no socialisation at all. I've got a lot of emotional attachment to both of them, I've worked really hard and that's paid off in spades with how they are with me
Best guess is Casper "should" be starting to improve if he follows a similar trajectory to Clive. But I've been hoping for this and each time its a knock back
The other thing to know is FiFi was Izz's cat and Casper and Clive are mine. They were all rehomed at the same time with FiFi settling in quickly but the two boys took nearly 18 months before I could even touch them, they're had no socialisation at all. I've got a lot of emotional attachment to both of them, I've worked really hard and that's paid off in spades with how they are with me
Attachments
Epona
Sonic: 1 Nov 2006 - 8 Jan 2022
Cloo
Banana for scale
Vastra tends to wake up cleaning herself, never thought about the before. I guess we often clean ourselves before we're fully awake as well!
seeformiles
Lost in the wood
Lil’ Bob is definitely feeling better. He crept into the bedroom last night, curled up next to me and slept like a log. Reckon he’s forgiven me. The vet’s bill* was nearly half a week’s wages but worth it to get him back to normal.
* veterinary medicine seems to operate on a US price gouging model but that’s a debate for a different thread.
* veterinary medicine seems to operate on a US price gouging model but that’s a debate for a different thread.
High Voltage
In the top 97% of Urban's most interesting posters
Casper and Clive update
Last night, around 10:30ish Casper appeared on the bed. This is not unusual, even whilst he's been ill he's hopped up onto the foot of the bed. This time he walked up the bed, up me, over the head board and into the windowsill, again not unusual when he's well, but the first time since he's been under the weather.
He came back onto the bed and snuggled up on the pillow between me and Mrs Voltz. He stayed there for a good half an hour
This morning saw both of them on the bed and once again they started their daily sparring. Normally this is a source of annoyance but this morning, and this morning only, a source of optimism. Then the running up and down the landing recommenced, a sign that they both need feeding. Both ate and more importantly Casper finally started drinking water
So for the first time in far too long we're both feeling genuinely hopeful.
Worrying about these two has taken some, but not all, of the sting of losing FiFi, that will now resurface no doubt
Once again we'd all like to thank you so much for your generosity
Last night, around 10:30ish Casper appeared on the bed. This is not unusual, even whilst he's been ill he's hopped up onto the foot of the bed. This time he walked up the bed, up me, over the head board and into the windowsill, again not unusual when he's well, but the first time since he's been under the weather.
He came back onto the bed and snuggled up on the pillow between me and Mrs Voltz. He stayed there for a good half an hour
This morning saw both of them on the bed and once again they started their daily sparring. Normally this is a source of annoyance but this morning, and this morning only, a source of optimism. Then the running up and down the landing recommenced, a sign that they both need feeding. Both ate and more importantly Casper finally started drinking water
So for the first time in far too long we're both feeling genuinely hopeful.
Worrying about these two has taken some, but not all, of the sting of losing FiFi, that will now resurface no doubt
Once again we'd all like to thank you so much for your generosity
Cloo
Banana for scale
Hope things continue onward and upwards High Voltage
High Voltage
In the top 97% of Urban's most interesting posters
As mentioned previously, I've taken to asking for, and getting, itemised statements. Obviously that lists what the meds are and how much. As a sweeping generalisation, in our case, meds and med applicators (syringes, sharp box) seem to have a 300% mark up. So, as a one off, you have to weigh up the benefit of starting treatment immediately against a 2-3 day delay, but for any long term treatment or non critical treatment the savings are very real. Don't get me wrong, our vets are great but looking at the cost of meds and the vet I'm convinced that the assumption is that now everyone has pet insurance and just like motor insurance the bills are being met, initially by insurance companies but in actuality by everyone through increased premiums
Edit: prescription cost from our vet £15 / prescription which is valid for upto 6 months of med (FiFi's insulin actually lasted 7-8 months / prescription)
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LeytonCatLady
Well-Known Member
I was relieved today when renewing Lilith's health club membership. As with the previous two years, I expected to have to pay £200 upfront but now my vet has reinstated the option of monthly direct debit payments! It covers most of the things the insurance doesn't, including vaccines and flea and worming treatment. She's due in on Monday for her annual check up and booster, so this makes it that little bit easier cost-wise.
That being said though, if there was a NHS for pets I'd happily pay higher tax for that!
That being said though, if there was a NHS for pets I'd happily pay higher tax for that!
LeytonCatLady
Well-Known Member
Storm Ciarán is heading to London: here’s the exact date it will strike the capital
Honey, you’ve got a big storm coming.
For any cat people in London, I'd keep your fur babies in between 6pm tomorrow and for the whole of Thursday.
Epona
Sonic: 1 Nov 2006 - 8 Jan 2022
Well that sounds like much more normal cat behaviour, so here's hoping he's starting to feel more like his usual self and is over the worst of it.
